Information processor

Abstract

To facilitate resolving delivery delays.SOLUTION: An information processor 20 includes: communication means 23 for communicating with terminal devices 40 respectively corresponding to alternative delivery means 13 included in a plurality of alternative delivery means 13; control means 21 including: position-acquisition means for acquiring position data indicating the location of delivery vehicle 12; calculation means for calculating, on the basis of the acquired position data, the remaining distance from the location of delivery vehicle 12 to the delivery destination and the predicted arrival time of delivery vehicle 12 at the delivery destination; selection means for selecting one alternative delivery means 13 from among the plurality of alternative delivery means 13 when the remaining distance calculated by calculation means is less than the predetermined distance and the predicted arrival time calculated by calculation means is later than a designated delivery time by at least a predetermined amount of time; and transmission means for transmitting, via communication means 23, request data for requesting the selected alternative delivery means 13 to perform delivery in place of delivery vehicle 12 for at least a part of the remaining distance to terminal device 40 corresponding to the selected alternative delivery means 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for delivering an article to a specified delivery destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-174292 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With conventional systems, it is difficult to eliminate delivery delays caused by unforeseen factors such as unexpected traffic congestion.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to make it easier to eliminate delivery delays. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes: a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device corresponding to each of the alternative delivery means included in the plurality of alternative delivery means; obtaining location data indicating the location of the delivery vehicle; Calculating a remaining distance from the position of the delivery vehicle to the delivery destination and a predicted arrival time of the delivery vehicle at the delivery destination based on the acquired position data; When the calculated remaining distance is less than a certain distance and the calculated predicted arrival time is later than the specified delivery time to the delivery destination by a certain time or more, the device refers to the means data related to the plurality of alternative delivery means, selects one alternative delivery means from the plurality of alternative delivery means, and transmits request data via the communication unit to a terminal device corresponding to the one selected alternative delivery means, requesting that the alternative delivery means perform delivery in place of the delivery vehicle for at least a part of the remaining distance. Control unit and Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, delivery delays can be easily eliminated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] The configuration of a system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0012] The system 10 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 20, a terminal device 30 of a user 11, and a terminal device 40 corresponding to each of a plurality of alternative delivery means 13 that can replace a delivery vehicle 12 such as a truck. The information processing device 20 is capable of communicating with the terminal device 30 of the user 11 and the terminal devices 40 corresponding to each of the alternative delivery means 13 via a network 50.

[0013] The information processing device 20 is a computer such as a server that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system and is installed in a facility such as a data center. The information processing device 20 is operated by a delivery company or other company.

[0014] The terminal device 30 is a mobile device used by the user 11, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0015] The terminal device 40 varies depending on the corresponding alternative delivery means 13. For example, the terminal device 40 corresponding to the bicycle 14 is a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet used by the delivery person 15. The terminal device 40 corresponding to the drone 16 is a computer mounted on the drone 16. The multiple alternative delivery means 13 may include not only bicycles 14 and drones 16, but also motorcycles, AGVs or delivery robots for transporting luggage, or mobility for pedestrian areas such as electric kick scooters or electric scooters. "AGV" is an abbreviation for automated guided vehicle. The multiple alternative delivery means 13 do not necessarily have to include bicycles 14 or drones 16. It is desirable that the multiple alternative delivery means 13 include delivery means that can travel on roads other than roadways.

[0016] The delivery vehicle 12 may be any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The delivery vehicle 12 may be automated at any level. The level of automation may be, for example, any of levels 1 to 5 in the SAE classification. "SAE" is an abbreviation for Society of Automotive Engineers. The delivery vehicle 12 may be a dedicated MaaS vehicle. "MaaS" is an abbreviation for Mobility as a Service.

[0017] Network 50 may include the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 50 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0018] An overview of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0019] The information processing device 20 acquires location data indicating the location of the delivery vehicle 12. Based on the acquired location data, the information processing device 20 calculates the remaining distance from the location of the delivery vehicle 12 to the delivery destination and the predicted time of arrival of the delivery vehicle 12 at the delivery destination. If the calculated remaining distance is less than a certain distance and the calculated predicted arrival time is later than the specified delivery time at the delivery destination by a certain amount or more, the information processing device 20 references the means data related to the multiple alternative delivery means 13 and selects one alternative delivery means 13 from the multiple alternative delivery means 13. When the information processing device 20 selects the alternative delivery means 13, it transmits request data to the terminal device 40 corresponding to the selected alternative delivery means 13, requesting that delivery be made on behalf of the delivery vehicle 12 for at least a portion of the remaining distance.

[0020] According to this embodiment, when a delivery delay is likely to occur due to unexpected factors such as unexpected traffic congestion, the delivery delay can be easily resolved by switching from truck delivery to another means, and delivery efficiency can also be improved.

[0021] The configuration of an information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0022] The information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0023] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing device 20 while controlling each unit of the information processing device 20.

[0024] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the information processing device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0025] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module that supports a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the terminal device 30 of the user 11 and the terminal devices 40 corresponding to each alternative delivery means 13. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 20.

[0026] The functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the information processing device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 20. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 20 by executing the operations of the information processing device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0027] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0028] A computer temporarily stores a program stored on a portable medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device using a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may also be executed through a so-called ASP-type service that achieves its functions by issuing execution instructions and obtaining results without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer and includes something equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has properties that specify computer processing falls under the category of "something equivalent to a program."

[0029] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0030] The operation of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The operation described below corresponds to the method according to this embodiment. That is, the method according to this embodiment includes steps S1 to S6 shown in Fig. 2.

[0031] In S1, the control unit 21 acquires location data indicating the location of the delivery vehicle 12. Specifically, the control unit 21 receives the result of positioning by the GNSS receiver as location data via the communication unit 23 from an on-board device installed in the delivery vehicle 12 or a mobile device of a delivery staff member riding in the delivery vehicle 12. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for global navigation satellite system. Examples of GNSS include GPS, QZSS, BDS, GLONASS, and Galileo. "GPS" is an abbreviation for Global Positioning System. "QZSS" is an abbreviation for Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. QZSS satellites are called quasi-zenith satellites. "BDS" is an abbreviation for BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "GLONASS" is an abbreviation for Global Navigation Satellite System.

[0032] In S2, the control unit 21 calculates the remaining distance from the location of the delivery vehicle 12 to the delivery destination and the estimated time of arrival of the delivery vehicle 12 at the delivery destination based on the location data acquired in S1. Specifically, the control unit 21 searches a database built in the memory unit 22 in which delivery destination addresses are registered in association with the delivery vehicle 12 or delivery staff, to identify the delivery destination address. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may search a similar database built externally via the communication unit 23 to identify the delivery destination address. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may be notified of the delivery destination address via the communication unit 23 from an on-board device installed in the delivery vehicle 12 or a mobile device of the delivery staff. The control unit 21 calculates the remaining distance as the distance between the location indicated by the location data received in S1 and the identified or notified address. The control unit 21 further calculates the required time from the location indicated by the location data received in S1 to the identified or notified address. The control unit 21 calculates the estimated arrival time by adding the calculated required time to the current time.

[0033] In S3, the control unit 21 determines whether the remaining distance calculated in S2 is less than a certain distance and whether the estimated arrival time calculated in S2 is later than the specified delivery time to the delivery destination by at least a certain amount of time. The control unit 21 may specify or be notified of the specified delivery time in the same manner as the delivery destination address. If it is determined that the remaining distance is not less than a certain distance, the estimated arrival time is not later than the specified delivery time, or the estimated arrival time is not delayed by at least a certain amount of time relative to the specified delivery time, step S1 is executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining distance is less than a certain distance and the estimated arrival time is later than the specified delivery time by at least a certain amount of time, step S4 is executed.

[0034] In S4, the control unit 21 acquires means data related to the multiple alternative delivery means 13. Specifically, the control unit 21 receives data indicating the position of each alternative delivery means 13, such as the results of positioning by a GNSS receiver, as at least part of the means data from the terminal device 40 corresponding to each alternative delivery means 13 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 may also receive data indicating a status, such as remaining energy, as part of the means data from the terminal device 40 corresponding to each alternative delivery means 13 via the communication unit 23. For example, the control unit 21 receives data indicating the position of the bicycle 14 and the fatigue level of the delivery person 15 as means data from the terminal device 40 corresponding to the bicycle 14 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 receives data indicating the position and remaining battery power of the drone 16 as means data from the terminal device 40 corresponding to the drone 16 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 may also receive data indicating the position and remaining fuel of the motorcycle as means data from the terminal device 40 corresponding to the motorcycle via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 may receive data indicating the position and remaining battery level of the AGV, delivery robot, or mobility for walking areas as means data from a terminal device 40 corresponding to the AGV, delivery robot, or mobility for walking areas via the communication unit 23.

[0035] In S5, the control unit 21 refers to the means data acquired in S4 and selects one alternative delivery means 13 from among the multiple alternative delivery means 13. Specifically, the control unit 21 selects, from among the multiple alternative delivery means 13, the optimal alternative delivery means 13 to perform delivery in place of the delivery vehicle 12 within the remaining distance calculated in S2, depending on the location indicated in the means data received in S4 and the status indicated in the means data, if any. For example, the control unit 21 selects, as the optimal alternative delivery means 13, either the bicycle 14 or the drone 16, whichever can first pick up the package from the delivery vehicle 12 and deliver it to the destination.

[0036] In S6, the control unit 21 transmits request data to the terminal device 40 corresponding to the alternative delivery means 13 selected in S5 via the communication unit 23, requesting that the alternative delivery means 13 make a delivery in place of the delivery vehicle 12 for the remaining distance calculated in S2. When the terminal device 30 receives the request data transmitted from the information processing device 20, it presents the received request data to prompt the driver of the corresponding alternative delivery means 13 to make a delivery in place of the delivery vehicle 12 for the remaining distance, or controls the corresponding alternative delivery means 13 to make a delivery in place of the delivery vehicle 12 for the remaining distance in accordance with the received request data. For example, when the terminal device 30 corresponding to the bicycle 14 receives the request data, it displays the received request data on a display or outputs it as audio from a speaker to prompt the delivery person 15 to pick up the package from the delivery vehicle 12 and deliver it to the destination. When the terminal device 30 corresponding to the drone 16 receives the request data, it controls the drone 16 to pick up the package from the delivery vehicle 12 and deliver it to the destination in accordance with the received request data.

[0037] According to this embodiment, when traffic congestion is severe and delivery delays are likely to occur, delivery delays can be minimized by handing over from the delivery vehicle 12 to another means such as a bicycle 14 or a drone 16.

[0038] In S5, another alternative delivery means 13 may be further selected. For example, a drone 16 may be selected as the alternative delivery means 13 that picks up the package from the delivery vehicle 12 and delivers it in place of the delivery vehicle 12 for part of the remaining distance, and a bicycle 14 may be selected as the alternative delivery means 13 that receives the package from the drone 16 and delivers it to the destination.

[0039] After S5, the control unit 21 may transmit data requesting consent to switch delivery means to the terminal device 30 of the user 11 via the communication unit 23. Then, step S6 may be executed only if consent is obtained from the user 11. For example, when consent to switch delivery means is requested, the user 11 may be notified of a comparison result of the delay time between delivery by truck and another means such as delivery by motorcycle, along with the delivery delay.

[0040] After S6, a decision may be made to add a delivery fee when delivery is completed by the alternative delivery means 13. For example, a person who does not want delivery to be delayed or who wants delivery to be expedited may be able to use a service to switch delivery means by paying an additional fee.

[0041] After S5, the control unit 21 may send data to the terminal device 30 of the user 11 via the communication unit 23 suggesting an option for the user 11 to pick up the package directly instead of switching the delivery means. If the user 11 agrees to the suggestion, step S6 may not be executed. For example, a meeting point where the user 11 will pick up the package from the delivery vehicle 12 may be suggested to both the user 11 and the delivery staff aboard the delivery vehicle 12. When the direct delivery of the package to the user 11 is actually completed, a discount on the delivery fee may be determined.

[0042] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Two or more steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of being executed in chronological order as described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 10 Systems 11 users 12 Delivery vehicles 13 Alternative Shipping Methods 14 Bicycle 15 Delivery Person 16. Drone 20 Information processing equipment 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30,40 Terminal equipment 50 Network

Claims

[Claim 1] a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device corresponding to each of the alternative delivery means included in the plurality of alternative delivery means; obtaining location data indicating the location of the delivery vehicle; Calculating a remaining distance from the position of the delivery vehicle to the delivery destination and a predicted arrival time of the delivery vehicle at the delivery destination based on the acquired position data; When the calculated remaining distance is less than a certain distance and the calculated predicted arrival time is later than the specified delivery time to the delivery destination by a certain time or more, one alternative delivery means is selected from the plurality of alternative delivery means by referring to means data related to the plurality of alternative delivery means, and request data requesting that the alternative delivery means make delivery in place of the delivery vehicle for at least a part of the remaining distance is transmitted to a terminal device corresponding to the one selected alternative delivery means via the communication unit. Control unit and An information processing device comprising:

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