Delivery management device, delivery management system, and delivery management method

Abstract

The present invention provides a delivery management device, a delivery management system, and a delivery management method that can efficiently determine the most suitable delivery vehicle for a given shipment from among multiple delivery vehicles. [Solution] A delivery management device for managing the delivery of packages from a delivery base to a delivery destination is characterized by comprising: a reception unit that receives package information; a storage unit that stores mobile function information relating to the functions of multiple mobile bodies and mobile state information relating to the states of multiple mobile bodies; a determination unit that determines one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies capable of delivering packages to the delivery destination from among multiple mobile bodies based on the package information and mobile function information, and determines a delivery mobile body to deliver packages to the delivery destination from among the candidate delivery mobile body based on the mobile state information; and an output unit that outputs information relating to the delivery mobile body determined by the determination unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery management device, a delivery management system, and a delivery management method for managing deliveries using a plurality of moving bodies.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, delivery systems have been proposed that use unmanned flying bodies such as drones and UAVs to deliver packages to delivery destinations. In such delivery systems, it is necessary to appropriately use many types of drones according to the type of delivery item. In addition, it is necessary to select a drone according to the charging status of the drone and the environment in which the drone delivers.

[0003] As a technique for selecting a moving body such as a drone for delivering a package, for example, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes, "The CPU 101 of the control device 100 according to this modification executes a transportation control process as shown in FIG. 23 for causing any one of the unmanned movers 901 to 903 to transport an article. Thereby, the CPU 101 functions as an unmanned aircraft determination unit 125 as shown in FIG. 24 for determining the mover that transports the article from the unmanned movers 901 to 903 based on the characteristics of the article to be transported."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a moving body such as a drone delivers a package, it is necessary to determine whether various item conditions are satisfied. However, it is a large processing burden and inefficient to check all at once whether various item conditions are satisfied. Patent Document 1 does not consider the above viewpoints.

[0006] The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is to provide a delivery management device, a delivery management system, and a delivery management method that can efficiently determine a delivery aircraft suitable for delivering cargo from among a plurality of delivery aircraft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a delivery management device for managing the delivery of packages from a delivery base to a delivery destination, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving package information of the packages; a storage unit for storing mobile function information relating to the functions of a plurality of mobile bodies and mobile state information relating to the states of the plurality of mobile bodies; a determination unit for determining one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies capable of delivering the packages to the delivery destination from among the plurality of mobile bodies based on the package information and the mobile function information, and for determining a delivery mobile body to deliver the packages to the delivery destination from among the one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies based on the mobile state information; and an output unit for outputting information relating to the delivery mobile body determined by the determination unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a delivery management system comprising the delivery management device and the plurality of mobile bodies.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a delivery management method for managing the delivery of packages using mobile devices, comprising: a first step of receiving package information using one or more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a keyboard, and a touch panel; a second step of using a server to determine one or more candidate delivery mobile devices capable of delivering the package from among the multiple mobile devices based on the package information and mobile device function information relating to the functions of the multiple mobile devices stored in memory; a third step of using the server to determine a delivery mobile device to deliver the package from among the candidate delivery mobile devices based on mobile device state information relating to the states of the multiple mobile devices stored in memory; and a fourth step of using the server to output information relating to the determined delivery mobile device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by determining the delivery aircraft to deliver the cargo in a step-by-step manner, it becomes possible to efficiently select a delivery aircraft suitable for cargo delivery from among multiple aircraft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of distribution centers and distribution areas. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the delivery management system. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of package information. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of customer request information. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of mobile device function information. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of delivery location identification information. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of mobile object status information. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of delivery environment information. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of an output screen sent to a delivery company. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the delivery management system. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the delivery management system. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the process from when a package is brought to a distribution center until the delivery vehicle responsible for transporting that package is determined. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, devices or elements having the same action or function are denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the delivery base 101 and the delivery destinations 12A to 12C in the present embodiment. The delivery base 101 is under the jurisdiction of the delivery company 102. The delivery base 101 is located within the delivery area 112 delimited by the delivery boundary 111 and is responsible for delivering the goods to the delivery destinations 12A to 12C located within the same delivery area 112. The delivery base 101 has a plurality of mobile bodies 13A to 13C configured by drones as delivery mobile bodies available for delivery. That is, the mobile bodies 13A to 13C do not include the delivery mobile bodies used by other delivery bases for delivery. Note that the mobile bodies 13A to 13C are not necessarily of the same type of drone. For example, unlike the other mobile bodies 13A and 13B, the mobile body 13C includes a fixed wing 141 in addition to the rotor 140. Further, the mobile bodies 13A to 13B are not limited to drones and may be configured by automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or the like. The delivery base 101 delivers the goods 21A to 21C requested for delivery by the customers 20A to 20C to the designated delivery destinations (any of the delivery destinations 12A to 12B) using the mobile bodies 13A to 13C. Further, the mobile body is not limited to a drone and includes those that travel on the ground such as an EV vehicle, a gasoline vehicle, or a robot that delivers goods. In the present embodiment, a drone will be described as an example.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the delivery management system 100. The delivery base 101 includes a reception unit 220, an extraction unit 230, an evaluation unit 240, a first storage unit 24A, a second storage unit 24B, a first determination unit 25A, a second determination unit 25B, and an output unit 250. Note that the first storage unit 24A and the second storage unit 24B may be regarded as one storage unit. Also, the first determination unit 25A and the second determination unit 25B may be regarded as one determination unit.

[0015] The reception unit 220 may include an acquisition unit 221 and a specification unit 222. The acquisition unit 221 acquires package information 301, which is information about packages 21A to 21C brought in by customers 20A to 20C, and customer request information 401, which is information that customers 20A to 20C request for the delivery of packages 21A to 21C. Package information is entered into the acquisition unit 221 through methods such as input from the customer or interviews. If there is any obvious missing information, it is supplemented here. For example, if the dimensions or weight of the package are unknown, measurements are taken and the new information is entered into the acquisition unit 221. The specification unit 222 confirms that the package information 301 acquired by the acquisition unit 221 contains the necessary information and labels the package information 301 and the customer request information 401.

[0016] Figure 3 shows an example of package information 301. Package information 301 is information attached to packages 21A to 21C. Package information 301 includes items such as reception number 311, origin 312, receiving location 313, delivery destination 314, package weight 315, and package dimensions 316. Reception number 311 is the number assigned to packages 21A to 21C when they are received. Origin 312 is information about the origin of packages 21A to 21C. Origin 312 may include, for example, the customer's address. Receiving location 313 indicates the place where packages 21A to 21C were received. Receiving location 313 may include, for example, the address of a distribution center or a number assigned to each distribution center. Delivery destination 314 indicates the delivery destination of packages 21A to 21C. Delivery destination 314 may include, for example, one of delivery locations 12A to 12C. The luggage weight 315 indicates the weight of luggage 21A to 21C. The luggage dimensions 316 indicate the dimensions of luggage 21A to 21C.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of customer request information 401. The customer request information 401 is request information of customers 20A to 20C regarding the delivery of packages 21A to 21C. The customer request information 401 includes items such as a time specification 411, an urgency specification 412, a cost to be incurred 413, and a matter of importance 414. The time specification 411 indicates the presence or absence of a delivery time specification. The urgency specification 412 indicates the presence or absence of a specification for urgent delivery. The cost to be incurred 413 indicates the cost that customers 20A to 20C incur for delivery. The matter of importance 414 indicates matters that customers value regarding delivery. It is preferable to associate it with the number of the corresponding package or the like so that it is possible to know which package the customer request is for. By doing so, it becomes easier to organize the customer request information for each package.

[0018] The evaluation unit 240 evaluates the moving body state information and the delivery location environment information.

[0019] The first storage unit 24A stores moving body function information 501 regarding the functions of moving bodies 13A to 13C. It may also store delivery location specifying information 601 which is information for specifying delivery locations 12A to 12C.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of moving body function information 501. The moving body function information 501 is function information of moving bodies 13A to 13C. The moving body function information 501 includes items such as a moving body number 511, a body weight 512, a body dimension 513, the presence or absence of a fixed wing 514, a conveyance method 515, a conveyable dimension 516, a conveyable weight 517, a flight endurance distance 518, a cruising speed 519, a power consumption efficiency 520, a matching between the conveyance method and the wind condition 521, and a wireless performance 522. The moving body number 511 is a number for identifying moving bodies 13A to 13C. From the viewpoint of whether a package can be transported, it is desirable that the moving body function information 501 includes at least the conveyable dimension 516 and the conveyable weight 517.

[0021] Examples of transport methods 515 include main unit storage, where the cargo is stored and transported in the internal space of the mobile unit 13A; integrated transport, where the cargo is attached to the mobile unit 13B so as to be integrated with the aircraft; and a suspension method, where the cargo is suspended from below the aircraft of the mobile unit 13C by a string. Depending on the type of mobile unit 13A to 13C, multiple transport methods are possible. In this case, the transportable dimensions 516 and transportable weight 517 are determined for each transport method. Furthermore, the transportable dimensions 516, transportable weight 517, range 518, and cruising speed 519 are values ​​under optimal flight conditions. Optimal flight conditions include, for example, no wind, standard temperature, and standard altitude. Mobile unit function information 501 rarely changes significantly over time compared to mobile unit status information 701, which will be described later. The mobile device function information 501 may be updated when information is obtained from the mobile device or when update information for updating the mobile device function information 501 is obtained from servicers or maintenance operators.

[0022] Figure 6 shows an example of delivery location identification information 601. Delivery location identification information 601 is information about delivery locations 12A to 12C. Delivery location identification information 601 includes items such as delivery location number 611, delivery route number 612, and delivery location address 613. Delivery location number 611 is a number used to identify delivery locations 12A to 12C. Delivery route number 612 is a number used to identify one or more delivery routes that delivery mobile bodies 13A to 13C take to reach delivery locations 12A to 12C. Delivery location address 613 is the address of delivery locations 12A to 12C. Similar to mobile body function information 501, delivery location identification information 601 rarely changes significantly over time compared to mobile body status information 701, which will be described later. Update information for delivery location identification information 601 may be obtained from servicers, customers, etc.

[0023] The second storage unit 24B stores mobile body state information 701 relating to the state of mobile bodies 13A to 13C. The second storage unit 24B may also store delivery environment information 801 indicating the delivery environment, which is the environment when a mobile body is delivered from the delivery base 101 to the delivery locations 12A to 12C. Since the environment for the reverse route, from delivery locations 12A to 12C to the delivery base 101, is almost the same, the delivery environment information 801 may also include the delivery environment from delivery locations 12A to 12C to the delivery base 101.

[0024] Figure 7 shows an example of mobile status information 701. Compared to mobile function information 501, mobile status information 701 is updated more frequently per unit of time. Compared to mobile function information 501, mobile status information 701 contains a lot of dynamic information that changes moment by moment. Therefore, it is desirable to update it constantly. One method of constant updating is to communicate with the mobile body, receive the battery level of the mobile body, and update the mobile status information 701 in the second storage unit 24B. The mobile status information 701 may also be sent wirelessly from the mobile bodies 13A to 13C to the distribution center 101 and stored in the second storage unit 24B. This makes it possible to obtain the latest mobile status information. The mobile status information 701 includes items such as mobile body number 711, current location 712, battery level 713, next parking location 714, available transport capacity 715, battery charging speed 716, and usage cost per unit time 717. From the perspective of determining the optimal delivery mobile unit, it is desirable that the mobile unit status information 701 includes at least the current location 712. Furthermore, it is even better if the mobile unit status information 701 also includes the battery level 713. The mobile unit number 711 is a number for identifying mobile units 13A to 13C. The numbers in parentheses for each item from the current location 712 onward are evaluation values, with 100 representing a state where mobile units 13A to 13C are immediately usable. These evaluation values ​​are set so that the second determination unit 25B can quantitatively handle each item of the mobile unit status information 701.

[0025] Current position 712 indicates the current positions of mobile units 13A to 13C. Mobile unit 13A's current position is the parking area of ​​distribution center 101. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. Mobile unit 13B's current position is a short distance from the parking area. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. Mobile unit 13C's current position is a long distance away. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0026] The battery level 713 indicates the battery levels of mobile units 13A to 13C. Mobile unit 13A has a battery level of 100%. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. Mobile unit 13B has a battery level of 75%. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. Mobile unit 13C has a battery level of 50%. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0027] The next parking spot 714 indicates the next parking spot for mobile units 13A to 13C. There is no next parking spot for mobile unit 13A. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. The next parking spot for mobile unit 13B is a short-distance location. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. The next parking spot for mobile unit 13C is a medium-distance location. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0028] The transport capacity margin of 715 indicates how much margin there is in the transport capacity of the mobile units 13A to 13C. For example, in the case of mobile unit 13A, which is used for storage and transport, it corresponds to the amount of available space inside mobile unit 13A. Mobile unit 13A has a large transport capacity margin. Therefore, the evaluation value evaluated by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. Mobile unit 13B has a moderate transport capacity margin. Therefore, the evaluation value evaluated by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. Mobile unit 13C has a small transport capacity margin. Therefore, the evaluation value evaluated by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0029] The battery charging speed 716 indicates the charging speed of the batteries installed in mobile units 13A to 13C. The battery charging speed 716 is highest for unused batteries and decreases as the usage time increases. Mobile unit 13A has a high battery charging speed. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. Mobile unit 13B has a moderate battery charging speed. Therefore, the evaluation value is 75. Mobile unit 13C has a low battery charging speed. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0030] The usage cost per unit time, 717, is set according to the reliability of the mobile units 13A to 13C. The reliability of mobile units 13A to 13C decreases, for example, as the usage time increases. Mobile unit 13A has a high usage cost per unit time. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. Mobile unit 13B has a moderate usage cost per unit time. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. Mobile unit 13C has a low usage cost per unit time. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0031] The mobile unit status information 701 may also include items such as the remaining flight distance and the time of arrival at the delivery destination. Here, mobile units 13A to 13C are lifted by rotors 140, and rotors 140 are powered by batteries. Also, when flying a delivery route with poor wind conditions, the rotation speed of rotors 140 must be adjusted many times, resulting in high battery consumption. Therefore, the flight distance to date is obtained by dividing the battery consumption by the battery consumption per unit distance, taking into account the effect of wind conditions. Battery consumption is obtained by subtracting the current battery level from the battery level when fully charged. The remaining flight distance is obtained by subtracting the flight distance to date from the total length of the delivery route. The time of arrival at the delivery destination is obtained by adding the remaining flight time and the time required for a full charge when returning to the delivery base 101 to the current time. The remaining flight time is obtained by dividing the remaining flight distance by the cruising speed, taking into account the effect of wind conditions. The time required for a full charge is calculated based on the battery charging speed 716 of the mobile device status information 701.

[0032] Figure 8 shows an example of delivery environment information 801. Delivery environment information 801 includes information that changes moment by moment. Therefore, it is desirable to update it constantly. One method of constantly updating is to communicate with a ground sensor device that detects the delivery environment, receive wind speed and other information along the delivery route, and update the delivery environment information 801 in the second storage unit 24B. Compared to mobile function information, delivery environment information 801 is updated more frequently per unit of time. Delivery environment information 801 may also be sent wirelessly from delivery locations 12A to 12C to the delivery base 101 and stored in the second storage unit 24B. This makes it possible to obtain the latest environmental information from the delivery base to the delivery location. Delivery environment information 801 includes items such as delivery location number 811, delivery route number 912, delivery route wind speed 813, delivery route wind direction 814, delivery location wind conditions 815, delivery route weather 816, wireless conditions 817, and transport distance 818. The numerical values ​​in parentheses for each item from delivery route wind speed 813 onwards are evaluation values ​​assessed by the evaluation unit 240, with 100 representing a delivery route that is safe and ready for immediate use. These evaluation values ​​are set so that the second determination unit 25B can quantitatively process each item of the delivery environment information 801.

[0033] The delivery route wind speed 813 represents the average wind speed obtained at regular intervals along the delivery route between delivery locations 12A and 12C. The delivery route wind speed 813 at delivery location 12A is low. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. The delivery route wind speed 813 at delivery location 12B is moderate. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. The delivery route wind speed 813 at delivery location 12C is high. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0034] The delivery route wind direction 814 represents the average wind direction obtained at regular intervals along the delivery route between delivery locations 12A and 12C. The delivery route wind direction 814 at delivery location 12A is a tailwind. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. The delivery route wind direction 814 at delivery location 12B is a headwind. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. The delivery route wind direction 814 at delivery location 12C is turbulent. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0035] The delivery area wind conditions 815 indicate the wind conditions, including wind speed and direction, at delivery areas 12A to 12C. Mobile units 13A to 13C are affected by wind conditions when taking off and landing at delivery areas 12A to 12C. In particular, fixed-wing type mobile units 13C can fly efficiently using the lift generated by the fixed wings 141 if the wind conditions are stable during cruising. However, fixed-wing type mobile units 13C are negatively affected by the wind resistance generated by the fixed wings 141 at the takeoff and landing sites. Therefore, if the wind conditions at delivery areas 12A to 12C are poor, the overall result may be unfavorable. The delivery area wind conditions 815 at delivery area 12A are stable. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. The delivery area wind conditions 815 at delivery area 12B are moderately stable. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. The delivery area wind conditions 815 at delivery area 12C are unfavorable. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 25.

[0036] Delivery route weather 816 shows the weather along the delivery route to delivery locations 12A to 12C. The delivery route weather at delivery location 12A is sunny. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. The delivery route weather at delivery location 12B is rainy. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. The delivery route weather at delivery location 12C is snowy. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0037] The delivery route wind speed (813), delivery route wind direction (814), delivery area wind conditions (815), and delivery route weather (816) can be obtained from general weather information. In addition, the delivery route wind speed (813), delivery route wind direction (814), and delivery area wind conditions (815) can also be obtained from anemometers and wind vane meters installed by delivery companies (102) and local governments.

[0038] The wireless conditions 817 indicate the wireless conditions along the delivery routes for delivery locations 12A to 12C. The wireless conditions 817 can be obtained from mobile phone companies, etc. The wireless conditions along the delivery route for delivery location 12A are good. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. The wireless conditions along the delivery route for delivery location 12B are moderate. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. The wireless conditions along the delivery route for delivery location 12C are poor. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50. Wireless conditions change depending on weather, the presence or absence of obstacles, and the usage status of surrounding wireless devices.

[0039] The transport distance 818 indicates the transport distance along the delivery route between delivery points 12A and 12C. The transport distance along the delivery route varies from day to day. For example, if a safety section is set on the delivery route, the mobile units 13A and 13C are forced to take a detour, thus increasing the transport distance. The transport distance along the delivery route to delivery point 12A is short. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 100. The transport distance along the delivery route to delivery point 12B is moderate. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 75. The transport distance along the delivery route to delivery point 12C is long. Therefore, the evaluation value assessed by the evaluation unit 240 is 50.

[0040] The extraction unit 230 extracts the mobile function information 501 of the mobile body belonging to the delivery base 101 from the first storage unit 24A based on the package information 301. For example, if the first storage unit 24A stores the mobile function information 501 of the mobile body separately for each delivery base, the extraction unit 230 identifies the delivery base 101 closest to the origin included in the package information 301. The extraction unit 230 then extracts the mobile function information 501 of the storage location associated with the identified delivery base 101. The extracted mobile function information 501 and package information 301 are then handed over to the first determination unit 25A. The extraction unit 230 also extracts the mobile status information 701 of the delivery aircraft available at the delivery base 101 from the second storage unit 24B based on the package information 301. This can be extracted in the same manner as the extraction method for the mobile function information 501. The extracted mobile status information 701 and customer request information 401 are handed over to the second decision unit 25B.

[0041] Returning to Figure 2, the first decision unit 25A, based on the package information 301, the mobile function information 501, and the delivery destination identification information 601, determines from among the mobile bodies 13A to 13C the candidate delivery mobile bodies that are capable of delivering packages 21A to 21C to the respective designated delivery destinations. The decision result of the first decision unit 25A may be stored in the second storage unit 24B.

[0042] The second decision unit 25B determines the most suitable delivery vehicle for each package from the delivery vehicle candidates based on the customer request information 401, the vehicle status information 701, the delivery destination identification information 601, and the delivery vehicle candidates. If the customer request information 401 includes a time specification 411, the second decision unit 25B excludes vehicles whose estimated arrival time is later than the specified time from the delivery vehicle candidates. However, if, as a result of notifying the customer of the estimated arrival time, the time specification in the customer request information 401 is canceled or the specified time is changed to a later time than the estimated arrival time, the vehicle is included as a delivery vehicle candidate. In addition, vehicles whose delivery cost exceeds the cost 413 that can be applied in the customer request information 401 are also excluded from the delivery vehicle candidates. The delivery cost is obtained by multiplying the delivery time by the unit usage cost 717 of the vehicle function information.

[0043] The output unit 250 outputs the delivery mobile body determined by the second decision unit 25B to a display owned by the delivery company 102. This allows the delivery company 102 to determine whether the delivery by the delivery mobile body determined by the second decision unit 25B is acceptable. The output unit 250 may also output both the delivery mobile body candidate determined by the first decision unit 25A and the delivery mobile body determined by the second decision unit 25B to the display. This allows the delivery company 102 to understand the process by which the delivery mobile body was determined, making it easier to understand the factors behind the decision. The output unit 250 may also output control commands such as delivery instructions to the delivery mobile body determined by the second decision unit 25B. The output unit 250 may also output the delivery mobile body that will deliver the package to an electronic device such as a smartphone owned by the customer. This allows the customer to know which delivery mobile body will deliver the package.

[0044] Figure 9 shows an example of an output screen sent to the delivery company 102. This is the output screen when the second decision unit 25B has decided that the mobile body 13A will be the mobile body for the delivery of the package 21A. The mobile body 13B is also shown on the output screen as a candidate for the mobile body determined by the first decision unit 25A. The output screen includes the mobile body function information 501 and mobile body status information 701 of the determined mobile body, and the package information 301 and customer request information 401 of the package 21A that the determined mobile body 13A will deliver. This allows the delivery company 102 to make a final decision on whether the determined mobile body 13A is capable of delivering the package 21A. In addition, by displaying the mobile body 13B, which was a candidate for the mobile body, on the output screen, the delivery company 102 can make a final decision that also takes the mobile body 13B into consideration. It is desirable to display the candidate for the mobile body on the output screen when the delivery company 102 is making its final decision, but it is also acceptable to display only the mobile body 13A.

[0045] Figure 10 shows the hardware configuration of the delivery management system 100. One or more of the desktop PC 901, notebook PC 902, keyboard 903, and touch panel 904 constitute the acquisition unit 221. Information received by any of the desktop PC 901, notebook PC 902, keyboard 903, and touch panel 904 is stored in the server 913.

[0046] Server 913 comprises a specific unit 222, an extraction unit 230, a first storage unit 24A, a second storage unit 24B, a first decision unit 25A, and a second decision unit 25B. Server 913 consists of a central processing unit, memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk, storage, etc. Note that there may be more than one server 913; multiple servers may be provided to distribute the load.

[0047] Server 913 exchanges information with delivery mobile units 13A-13C via radio 912. Basic information about delivery locations 12A-12C (delivery location identification information 601) is pre-stored in server 913, but weather conditions and radio conditions along the delivery route (delivery environment information 801) are observed by sensor 922 and sent to server 913 at all times. It is desirable that sensor 922 has radio functionality. In addition, information equipment 911 such as mobile phone companies and weather information companies constantly sends communication conditions and weather information along the delivery route (delivery environment information 801) to server 913 at all times.

[0048] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the processing of the delivery management system 100. Each step is explained below.

[0049] The delivery management device 200 hands over the mobile function information 501 stored in the first storage unit 24A to the first decision unit 25A (step S1001). Alternatively, the delivery destination identification information 601 stored in the first storage unit 24A may be handed over to the first decision unit 25A.

[0050] The delivery management device 200 hands over the mobile status information 701 stored in the second storage unit 24B to the second decision unit 25B (step S1002). Alternatively, the delivery environment information 801 stored in the second storage unit 24B may be handed over to the second decision unit 25B.

[0051] The reception unit 220 obtains package information 301 and customer request information 401 for packages 21A to 21C brought to the delivery base 101 (step S1003).

[0052] The identification unit 222 labels the package information 301 and the customer request information 401 (step S1004).

[0053] The extraction unit 230 hands over the package information 301 and customer request information 401 to the first decision unit 25A (step S1005). The extraction unit 230 may also hand over the customer request information 401 to the second decision unit 25B. Considering the processing time for determining the delivery vehicle using the vehicle status information 701 and delivery environment information 801, which have a high rate of change, it is more efficient to hand over the customer request information 401 to the first decision unit 25A. When handing over the customer request information 401 to the second decision unit 25B, the extraction unit 230 may perform the process of handing over the package information 301 to the first decision unit 25A and the process of handing over the customer request information 401 to the second decision unit 25B simultaneously. Alternatively, the extraction unit 230 may perform the process of handing over the package information 301 to the first decision unit 25A before the process of handing over the customer request information 401 to the second decision unit 25B. Furthermore, the extraction unit 230 may perform the process of transferring customer request information 401 to the second decision unit 25B before the process of transferring package information 301 to the first decision unit 25A. Since the decision of the first decision unit 25A is made before that of the second decision unit 25B, it is preferable for the extraction unit 230 to perform the process of transferring package information 301 to the first decision unit 25A first.

[0054] The first decision unit 25A determines a candidate delivery mobile body based on the mobile body function information 501 and the cargo information 301 (S1006). The determination here may use only a part of the cargo information 301 and the mobile body function information 501, or it may use all of the information. For example, if the cargo dimensions in the cargo information 301 are "large", the first decision unit 25A excludes the mobile bodies 13A and 13B whose transportable dimensions are "small" and "medium" according to the mobile body function information 501, and selects the mobile body 13C, whose transportable dimensions are "large", as the candidate delivery mobile body. Alternatively, if the delivery destination in the cargo information 301 is a distant delivery location, the first decision unit 25A excludes the mobile bodies 13A and 13B whose cruising range is "short" and "medium" according to the mobile body function information 501, and selects the mobile body 13C, whose cruising range is "long", as the candidate delivery mobile body.

[0055] The first decision unit 25A determines whether or not a candidate delivery vehicle exists for each of the packages 21A to 21C (step S1007).

[0056] If the determination result of the first decision unit 25A is NO, the first decision unit 25A determines that the package cannot be delivered (step S1008).

[0057] If the determination result of the first determination unit 25A is YES, the second determination unit 25B uses the mobile body status information 701 and customer request information to determine the most suitable mobile body for delivering the package from among the candidate mobile bodies for delivery of the package (step S1009).

[0058] The output unit 250 outputs step S1009 or the result of the decision in step S1009 (step S1010), and terminates the flow.

[0059] Figure 12 shows the process from when package 21A is brought to distribution center 101 until the delivery vehicle that will deliver package 21A is determined.

[0060] First, when package 21A is brought to the distribution center 101, the reception unit 220 receives package information 301A and customer request information 401A. The destination of package 21A is the delivery location 12A.

[0061] Next, the first decision unit 25A determines the candidate delivery mobile body for package 21A based on package information 301A, customer request information 401A, and mobile body function information 501. In this case, since the package dimensions of package 21A are "small", mobile bodies 13A and 13B become the candidate delivery mobile bodies.

[0062] Next, the second decision unit 25B determines whether or not delivery to delivery destination 12A is possible based on the delivery environment information 801A of delivery destination 12A, which is the destination of the package 21A. A specific example of the determination method is described below.

[0063] First, the second determination unit 25B calculates the overall evaluation value of delivery location 12A by multiplying the evaluation values ​​of each item in the delivery environment information 801A of delivery location 12A by values ​​that have been scaled (normalized) to between 0 and 1. As a result, the overall evaluation value of delivery location 12A is: 1.0 × 0.75 × 1.0 × 0.75 × 0.75 = 0.43 This can be obtained.

[0064] Next, the second determination unit 25B determines that delivery is possible if the overall evaluation value is above a predetermined threshold, and that delivery is not possible if it is below the threshold. In this embodiment, for example, the threshold is set to 0.2. If a value close to the threshold is obtained as the overall evaluation value, evaluation values ​​such as the matching of the transport method and wind conditions 521 and the wireless performance 522 in the mobile function information 501 are also used in calculating the overall evaluation value. This improves the accuracy of the determination of the overall evaluation value.

[0065] Next, the second decision unit 25B determines which delivery mobile body will deliver the package 21A based on the mobile body status information 701A, 701B of the candidate delivery mobile bodies 13A, 13B and the customer request information 401A of the customer 20A. A specific example of the decision method will be explained below.

[0066] First, the second decision unit 25B calculates an overall evaluation value for mobile units 13A and 13B by multiplying the evaluation values ​​of each item in the mobile unit status information 701A and 701B of mobile units 13A and 13B by the normalized values ​​(scaled to 0 to 1). At that time, in order to reflect the customer request information 401A in the judgment result, the evaluation values ​​of "battery level" and "usage cost per unit time," which are items related to the customer request information 401A among the items in the mobile unit status information 701A and 701B, are multiplied by a priority coefficient (in this case, 2). As a result, the overall evaluation value for delivery mobile unit 13A is, 1.0 × (2 × 1.0) × 0.75 × 0.75 × 1.0 × (2 × 1.0) =2.3 The result obtained was, as the overall evaluation value of the delivery mobile unit 13B, 0.75 × (2 × 0.75) × 1.0 × 1.0 × 0.75 × (2 × 0.75) =1.7 This can be obtained.

[0067] Based on the above results, the second decision unit 25B determines that the mobile body 13A with the highest overall evaluation score will be the delivery mobile body to deliver the package 21A. This makes it possible for the delivery base 101 to select the mobile body 13A that is most suitable for delivering the package 21A to the delivery destination 12A from among the available mobile bodies 13A to 13C.

[0068] (summary) In this embodiment, the delivery management device 200 manages the delivery of packages 21A to 21C from a delivery base 101 to delivery locations 12A to 12C, and includes a reception unit 220 that receives package information for packages 21A to 21C, a storage unit that stores mobile body function information 501 relating to the functions of multiple mobile bodies and mobile body state information 701 relating to the states of multiple mobile bodies, a first determination unit 25A that uses the package information and mobile body function information to determine one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies capable of delivering packages 21A to 21C from among the multiple mobile bodies, a second determination unit B that uses the mobile body state information to determine the delivery mobile body that will deliver packages 21A to 21C from among the candidate delivery mobile bodies, and an output unit that outputs information relating to the delivery mobile body determined by the second determination unit B. The first determination unit 25A may also use customer request information 401 to determine candidate delivery mobile bodies. The second determination unit 25B may also use delivery environment information 801 to determine the delivery mobile body. Alternatively, the first decision unit 25A and the second decision unit 25B may be treated as a single decision unit.

[0069] Furthermore, the delivery management system 100 in this embodiment comprises a delivery management device 200 and a plurality of mobile bodies 13A to 13C.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a delivery management method for managing the delivery of packages 21A to 21C from a delivery base 101 to delivery locations 12A to 12C includes: a first step of receiving package information for packages 21A to 21C using one of a desktop PC 901, a notebook PC 902, a keyboard 903, and a touch panel 904; a second step of using a server 913 to determine one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies capable of delivering packages 21A to 21C to delivery locations 12A to 12C from among a plurality of mobile bodies 13A to 13C based on the received package information and mobile body function information 501 stored in memory; a third step of using a server 913 to determine one delivery mobile body from among the one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies to deliver packages 21A to 21C to delivery locations 12A to 12C based on mobile body status information 701 stored in memory; and a fourth step of displaying information regarding the determined delivery mobile body on either the desktop PC 901 or the notebook PC 902.

[0071] By using the mobile object function information 501, mobile object status information 701, and delivery environment information 801 in a stepwise manner, the mobile object to be delivered can be determined efficiently. Specifically, the mobile object function information 501, which changes at a smaller rate per unit of time compared to the mobile object status information 701 and delivery environment information 801, is used to narrow down the candidates for the mobile object to be delivered. In other words, the information related to the determination of the mobile object to be delivered is narrowed down, making it possible to determine the mobile object to be delivered among the narrowed-down mobile object status information 701 and delivery environment information 801, which are updated more frequently per unit of time than the mobile object function information 501. This makes it possible to determine the mobile object to be delivered more efficiently than determining the mobile object to be delivered using multiple pieces of information at once from the beginning. Furthermore, if it takes a long time to determine the mobile object to be delivered, the mobile object status information 701 and delivery environment information 801 may change, and there is a possibility of re-determining the mobile object to be delivered after the initial determination. However, in the delivery management device of this embodiment, since the mobile object to be delivered can be determined efficiently as described above, the effect of suppressing re-determination is obtained. In addition, by suppressing re-determination, the processing time is shortened and the processing burden is reduced. Furthermore, aircraft such as drones have limited power supply locations, and drones have limited energy storage capacity. In addition, aircraft are affected by environmental influences. For this reason, it is desirable to determine the delivery aircraft using the latest mobile aircraft status information and delivery environment information. In summary, according to this embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to efficiently determine the delivery aircraft most suitable for delivering packages 21A to 21C from among multiple mobile aircraft 13A to 13C.

[0072] In this embodiment, the package information 301 includes weight information and dimensional information of packages 21A to 21C. The customer request information 401 includes information requested by the customer regarding the delivery of packages 21A to 21C. The first decision unit 25A determines one or more delivery mobile body candidates from among the multiple mobile bodies 13A to 13C based on the package information 301, customer request information 401, and mobile body function information 501. The second decision unit 25B determines one delivery mobile body from among the one or more delivery mobile body candidates based on the customer request information 401 and mobile body status information 701. This makes it possible to preferentially use a delivery mobile body that matches the customer request information 401 for the delivery of packages 21A to 21C.

[0073] Furthermore, the mobile body status information 701 in this embodiment includes the current location information of multiple mobile bodies 13A to 13C. This makes it possible to prioritize the use of mobile bodies closest to the delivery base 101 for the delivery of packages 21A to 21C.

[0074] Furthermore, the mobile unit status information 701 in this embodiment includes battery level information for multiple mobile units 13A to 13C. This makes it possible to prioritize the use of mobile units with high battery levels for the delivery of packages 21A to 21C.

[0075] Furthermore, the determination unit can calculate the battery consumption of each mobile body to its delivery destination based on the current location information of the mobile bodies 13A to 13C and the delivery destination information included in the package information 301. The determination unit can also refer to the battery consumption and remaining battery level of the mobile bodies determined as delivery mobile body candidates to determine whether the remaining battery level exceeds the battery consumption, and determine the delivery mobile body candidates whose remaining battery level exceeds the battery consumption as delivery mobile bodies. In this case, the determination unit may calculate the battery consumption only for the mobile bodies that are delivery mobile body candidates.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second storage unit 24B stores delivery environment information 801, including weather information for delivery locations 12A to 12C, and the first decision unit 25A determines whether packages 21A to 21C can be delivered to delivery locations 12A to 12C based on the delivery environment information 801. This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether packages 21A to 21C can be delivered.

[0077] Furthermore, the extraction unit 230 can also be configured to identify the delivery base responsible for delivering the package from among multiple delivery bases based on the package information, and to extract the mobile function information and mobile status information of the mobile body that the delivery base possesses.

[0078] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described examples are described in detail for the purpose of explaining the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 12A~12C…Delivery location, 13A~13C…Mobile unit, 20A~20C…Customer, 21A~21C…Cargo, 24A…First memory unit, 24B…Second memory unit, 25A…First decision unit, 25B…Second decision unit, 100…Delivery management system, 101…Delivery base, 102…Delivery company, 111…Delivery boundary, 112…Delivery area, 140…Rotor, 141…Fixed blade, 200…Delivery management device, 220…Reception unit, 221…Acquisition unit, 22 2...Specification section, 230...Extraction section, 240...Evaluation section, 301, 301A...Package information, 312...Place of origin, 313...Place of receipt, 314...Delivery destination, 315...Package weight, 316...Package dimensions, 401, 401A...Customer request information, 411...Time specification, 412...Urgent specification, 413...Cost to be incurred, 501...Mobile device function information, 512...Aircraft weight, 513...Aircraft dimensions, 514...Presence or absence of fixed wings, 515...Transportation method, 516...Transportation Possible dimensions, 517… Carryable weight, 518… Range, 519… Cruising speed, 520… Power efficiency, 521… Matching of transport method and wind conditions, 522… Wireless performance, 601… Delivery location identification information, 611… Delivery location number, 612… Delivery route, 613… Delivery location address, 701, 701A, 701B… Mobile status information, 712… Current location, 713… Battery level, 714… Planned parking location, 715… Reserve transport capacity, 71 6...Battery charging speed, 717...Usage cost per unit time, 801, 801A...Delivery environment information, 813...Wind speed along delivery route, 814...Wind direction along delivery route, 815...Wind conditions at delivery location, 816...Weather conditions along delivery route, 817...Wireless status, 818...Transportation distance, 901...Desktop computer, 902...Notebook computer, 903...Keyboard, 904...Touch panel, 912...Wireless device, 913...Server, 922...Sensor.

Claims

1. In a delivery management system that manages the delivery of goods from a distribution center to a delivery destination, A reception desk that receives information about the aforementioned packages, A storage unit that stores mobile function information relating to the functions of multiple mobile bodies and mobile state information relating to the states of the multiple mobile bodies, Based on the aforementioned cargo information and the aforementioned mobile body function information, one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies capable of delivering the cargo to the delivery destination are selected from among the plurality of mobile bodies. A determination unit that, based on the mobile body status information, determines from among the one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies which delivery mobile body will deliver the package to the delivery destination, The output unit outputs information about the delivery mobile body determined by the determination unit. A delivery management device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. In the delivery management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned mobile body function information includes information regarding the transportable dimensions and transportable weight of each mobile body, The mobile body state information includes the position information of the plurality of mobile bodies. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

3. In the delivery management device according to claim 2, The aforementioned mobile body status information further includes information on the remaining battery levels of the plurality of mobile bodies. The aforementioned package information includes information regarding the delivery location, The determination unit calculates the battery consumption of the candidate delivery vehicle to the delivery destination based on the location information and the information regarding the delivery destination, and determines the candidate delivery vehicle having a remaining battery capacity that exceeds the calculated battery consumption as the delivery vehicle. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

4. In the delivery management device according to claim 1, The reception unit further acquires customer request information regarding the customer's request for the delivery of the package. The decision unit determines the delivery vehicle from among the one or more delivery vehicle candidates based on the customer request information and the vehicle status information. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

5. In the delivery management device according to claim 4, The mobile body state information includes the position information of the plurality of mobile bodies, The aforementioned customer request information includes information indicating whether the package is for urgent delivery or not. If the decision unit determines that the customer request information includes information that the package is for urgent delivery, it determines, based on the location information, that the delivery vehicle closest to the delivery base is one of the one or more delivery vehicle candidates. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

6. In the delivery management device according to claim 1, The reception unit further acquires customer request information regarding the customer's request for the delivery of the package. Based on the customer request information and the mobile function information, the decision unit determines one or more delivery mobile vehicle candidates from among the plurality of mobile vehicles. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

7. In the delivery management device according to claim 1, The storage unit stores delivery environment information indicating the delivery environment from the delivery base to the delivery destination. The determination unit determines, based on the delivery environment information, whether the candidate delivery vehicle can deliver the package to the delivery location, and determines the candidate delivery vehicle that is determined to be capable of delivery as the delivery vehicle. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

8. In the delivery management device according to claim 7, The aforementioned delivery environment information includes weather information from the delivery base to the delivery destination. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

9. In the delivery management device according to claim 1, The memory unit includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the information stored in the memory unit, The mobile body state information includes the position information of the plurality of mobile bodies, The evaluation unit evaluates each delivery mobile body candidate based on the distance between the location of the delivery mobile body candidate and the delivery base, based on the location information. The determination unit determines the delivery vehicle based on the evaluation results from the evaluation unit. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

10. In the delivery management device according to claim 1, Based on the aforementioned package information, the system includes an extraction unit that identifies the distribution center responsible for delivering the package from among multiple distribution centers, and extracts the function information and state information of the multiple mobile bodies owned by the distribution center from the storage unit. The delivery management device is characterized in that the determination unit determines one or more delivery mobile body candidates from among the plurality of mobile bodies using the cargo information and the mobile body function information extracted by the extraction unit, and determines the delivery mobile body from among the one or more delivery mobile body candidates using the mobile body state information extracted by the extraction unit.

11. In the delivery management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned moving object is an aircraft. A delivery management device characterized by the following features.

12. In a delivery management system that includes a delivery management device for managing the delivery of goods from a delivery base to a delivery destination and multiple mobile units, The aforementioned delivery management device is A reception desk that receives information about the aforementioned packages, A storage unit that stores mobile function information relating to the functions of the plurality of mobile bodies and mobile state information relating to the states of the plurality of mobile bodies, Based on the aforementioned cargo information and the aforementioned mobile body function information, one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies capable of delivering the cargo to the delivery destination are selected from among the plurality of mobile bodies. A determination unit that, based on the mobile body status information, determines from among the one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies which delivery mobile body will deliver the package to the delivery destination, The system includes an output unit that outputs a control command to deliver the package to the delivery vehicle determined by the determination unit, The delivery vehicle delivers the package based on the control command. A delivery management system characterized by the following features.

13. In a delivery management method that manages the delivery of goods from a distribution center to a delivery destination, A first step involves receiving the package information of the package using one or more of the following: a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a keyboard, and a touch panel. A second step involves using a server to determine one or more candidate delivery mobile bodies capable of delivering the package to the delivery destination, based on the package information and mobile body function information relating to the functions of multiple mobile bodies stored in memory. A third step involves using the server to determine, based on the mobile body status information relating to the status of the multiple mobile bodies stored in memory, which mobile body will deliver the package to the delivery destination from among the one or more candidate mobile delivery bodies. A delivery management method comprising a fourth step of outputting information regarding the determined delivery vehicle using the server.

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