Resource management system, resource management method, and resource management program

Abstract

This supports the improvement of resource utilization efficiency by autonomous mobile vehicles. [Solution] The resource management system comprises an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the use of resources by autonomous mobile units, and a setting unit that determines the resource usage time for each autonomous mobile unit based on the information regarding the use of resources by the autonomous mobile units, and sets an expiration date for the use of the resources by the autonomous mobile units according to the usage time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a resource management system, a resource management method, and a resource management program .

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for managing buildings as resources and granting usage permissions to autonomous mobiles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional techniques such as Patent Document 1, the resource usage time is not determined for each autonomous mobile, which may reduce the resource usage efficiency.

[0005] The present disclosure is made to solve the above problems. An objective of the present disclosure is to support improvement of the usage efficiency of resources by autonomous mobiles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A resource management system according to the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information related to usage of a resource by an autonomous mobile; and a setting unit configured to determine a usage time of the resource for each of the autonomous mobiles based on the information related to the usage of the resource by the autonomous mobile, and set a usage deadline of the resource by the autonomous mobile in accordance with the usage time. The resource management method relating to this disclosure involves a computer or computer system acquiring information regarding the use of resources by autonomous mobile units, determining the usage time of the resources for each autonomous mobile unit based on the acquired information regarding resource use, and setting an expiration date for the use of the resources by the autonomous mobile units according to the usage time. The resource management program relating to this disclosure causes a computer or computer system to perform the following actions: acquire information on resource utilization by autonomous mobile units; determine the resource utilization time for each autonomous mobile unit based on the acquired resource utilization information; and set an expiration date for resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit according to the utilization time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to support the improvement of resource utilization efficiency by autonomous mobile devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the resource management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the resource management server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the main part of the resource management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an example of the operation of a resource management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of extending the expiration date in the resource management system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of how to configure settings so that the usage periods of multiple autonomous mobile units do not overlap for the same resource. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of how to configure settings so that the usage periods for multiple resources do not overlap for the same autonomous mobile unit. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of setting expiration dates in the resource management system according to Embodiment 1, in order to prevent duplication. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this disclosure, redundant explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and their modifications shown below. Any components described in the embodiments and their modifications below can be freely combined, modified, or omitted without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a resource management system according to Embodiment 1. The resource management system according to this embodiment is a system for managing the utilization status of various resources available to the autonomous mobile unit 5. In this disclosure, "resource" means various facilities available to the autonomous mobile unit 5, such as elevators or security doors installed in a building, corridors within a building, mediation areas installed within a building, and corridors connecting multiple buildings. A mediation area means a narrow road where two autonomous mobile units 5 cannot pass each other, or an area such as a crossroads where there is a risk of collision or stalemate between autonomous mobile units 5. In this disclosure, "resource" means a facility where it is desired to limit and manage the number of autonomous mobile units 5 that can use it.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the resource management system of this embodiment includes a resource management server 1. The resource management server 1 manages each resource to be managed. For example, the resource management server 1 holds and manages resource information for each resource. Resource information includes, for example, information such as maximum usage time, default usage time, usage schedule, and the number of simultaneous users. Resource information also includes the usage status and state of the resource. Managing a resource means managing the usage status of the resource, etc. For example, the resource management server 1 monitors the usage status of the resource by the autonomous mobile device 5 and adjusts the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile device 5. More specifically, the resource management server 1 stores and updates the usage status of the resource by the autonomous mobile device 5 and determines whether the resource can be used by the autonomous mobile device 5 based on this. The resource management server 1 also manages whether the state of each resource to be managed is normal, abnormal, or under maintenance, etc.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the resource management server 1 is configured to communicate with autonomous mobile units 5 that utilize the resources to be managed. The resource management server 1 may also be configured to communicate with an autonomous mobile unit management terminal 2 that manages multiple autonomous mobile units 5. The resource management server 1 may communicate directly with the autonomous mobile units 5, or it may communicate indirectly through the autonomous mobile unit management terminal 2, etc. The resource management system according to this disclosure may be configured to include an autonomous mobile unit management terminal 2 that manages the autonomous mobile units 5, in addition to the resource management server 1. Managing the autonomous mobile units 5 means, for example, managing the movement of the autonomous mobile units 5.

[0013] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the resource management server 1 according to Embodiment 1. The resource management server 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a setting unit 12, a management unit 13, and a notification unit 14. The acquisition unit 11 acquires information regarding resource usage by the autonomous mobile 5. For example, information regarding resource usage by the autonomous mobile 5 includes information regarding usage time. The setting unit 12 determines the resource usage time for each autonomous mobile 5 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 11, and sets the resource usage deadline for the autonomous mobile 5 according to the usage time. The setting unit 12 can determine different resource usage times for each autonomous mobile 5 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The management unit 13 manages the usage deadline information set by the setting unit 12 by associating it with the resource. The notification unit 14 can notify the autonomous mobile 5 of the usage deadline setting results by the setting unit 12.

[0014] At least part of the functions of the resource management server 1 may be located within the building where the resources to be managed are located, or outside the building. At least part of the functions of the resource management server 1 may be implemented by processing or storage resources on a cloud service, etc. The acquisition unit 11, setting unit 12, management unit 13, and notification unit 14 that constitute the resource management system according to this disclosure may be implemented by a single resource management server 1, or they may be composed of multiple server devices, computers, or computer systems, etc.

[0015] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the main part of the resource management system according to Embodiment 1. The functions of each part constituting the resource management system can be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit comprises at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. The processing circuit may also include at least one dedicated hardware 200 together with the processor 100a and memory 100b, or as a substitute for them. The processing circuit is mounted, for example, on equipment or devices that constitute the resource management system.

[0016] When the processing circuitry includes the processor 100a and the memory 100b, each function of the resource management system is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and the firmware is described as a program. The program is stored in the memory 100b. The processor 100a implements each function of the resource management system by reading out and executing the program stored in the memory 100b. The program for implementing each function of the resource management system may be a software package or the like including a plurality of pieces of software respectively applied to a plurality of computers or the like.

[0017] The processor 100a is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory 100b is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0018] When the processing circuitry includes dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuitry is implemented by, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0019] Each function of the resource management system can be implemented by the processing circuitry respectively. Alternatively, the respective functions of the resource management system can also be collectively implemented by the processing circuitry. Regarding each function of the resource management system, a part may be implemented by the dedicated hardware 200, and the other part may be implemented by software or firmware. In this manner, the processing circuitry implements each function of the resource management system using the dedicated hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a resource management system according to Embodiment 1. The resource management server 1 acquires information regarding resource usage by the autonomous mobile body 5 using the acquisition unit 11. In the example in Figure 4, the resource management server 1 acquires information regarding resource usage from the first autonomous mobile body 5a, including a request for the use of the resource that the first autonomous mobile body 5a wishes to use, and information regarding the usage time of that resource.

[0021] The resource management server 1, using the setting unit 12, determines the resource usage time for each autonomous mobile unit 5 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 11, and sets the resource usage deadline for the autonomous mobile unit 5 according to the usage time. In the example in Figure 4, the resource management server 1 checks the resource usage status, determines the resource usage time for the first autonomous mobile unit 5a based on the usage time information acquired from the first autonomous mobile unit 5a, and sets the resource usage deadline for the first autonomous mobile unit 5a according to the usage time. The usage deadline is set, for example, as the time elapsed from the current time when the usage request was received by the usage time notified by the autonomous mobile unit 5.

[0022] For example, the first autonomous mobile unit 5a may send only a usage request to the resource management server 1 without sending information about the resource usage time. The resource management server 1, having received only a usage request as information about resource usage, may, for example, determine a pre-registered default usage time as the resource usage time by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a, and set an expiration date for the resource usage by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a according to that usage time. The default usage time is set for each autonomous mobile unit 5. For example, different default usage times may be set for each autonomous mobile unit 5. For example, a default usage time of 20 minutes may be set as the first default usage time for a particular autonomous mobile unit 5, and a default usage time of 30 minutes may be set as the second default usage time for another autonomous mobile unit 5. A table corresponding to each autonomous mobile unit 5 and its default usage time may be pre-registered in the resource management server 1 or an external storage database.

[0023] The default usage time is set according to the attributes of the autonomous mobile unit 5, for example. For example, the default usage time may be set longer for autonomous mobile units 5 with slow movement speeds and shorter for autonomous mobile units 5 with fast movement speeds. Also, for example, the default usage time may be set longer for autonomous mobile units 5 that stop and work on resources such as cleaning robots, and shorter for autonomous mobile units 5 such as robots that only pass through resources.

[0024] As shown in the example above, by obtaining usage requests as information regarding resource usage, it is possible to set a usage period that corresponds to the actual usage status at the time when the autonomous mobile device 5 actually uses the resource. Furthermore, if only usage requests are obtained as information regarding resource usage, the amount of communication can be reduced. If usage time information is obtained from the autonomous mobile device 5 along with the usage request as information regarding resource usage, the autonomous mobile device 5 can determine the resource usage time and send the usage time information determined by the autonomous mobile device 5 to the resource management server 1. In other words, the autonomous mobile device 5 can change the resource usage time as appropriate.

[0025] For example, the first autonomous mobile unit 5a may transmit information about the start time of use as information regarding resource usage to the resource management server 1. The resource management server 1, upon receiving the information about the start time of use as information regarding resource usage, may determine the resource usage time by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a based on this information and set an expiration date for resource usage by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a according to the usage time. When the acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the start time of use as information regarding resource usage, the setting unit 12 may determine the default usage time as the resource usage time by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a. A future value may be set as the start time of use to enable resource usage reservations. This allows the first autonomous mobile unit 5a to use the resource even if there is a delay in notification of a usage request. Also, for example, by reserving the use of a resource, the user can quickly use the resource as soon as they reach the resource they want to use. Furthermore, it is possible to know in advance whether the resource is available before reaching the resource they want to use. For example, if the first autonomous mobile unit 5a determines that a resource is unavailable at the transmitted start time, it can perform a different task that does not involve using that resource, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0026] For example, the first autonomous mobile unit 5a may transmit information about the desired expiration date as information regarding resource usage to the resource management server 1. The resource management server 1, upon receiving the information about the desired expiration date as information regarding resource usage, may determine the resource usage time by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a based on that information and set the resource usage expiration date by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a according to that usage time. If the acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the desired expiration date as information regarding resource usage, the setting unit 12 may determine the default usage time as the resource usage time by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a.

[0027] Furthermore, the resource management server 1 may obtain information regarding resource usage by having a user, such as an administrator, register a resource usage schedule by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a. Based on the information registered by the user, the resource management server 1 may determine the resource usage time by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a and set an expiration date for resource usage by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a according to that usage time.

[0028] Furthermore, the resource management server 1 may acquire information regarding resource usage, such as speed information and location information of the first autonomous mobile body 5a. The resource management server 1 may determine the usage time by calculating it based on the acquired speed information, location information, and resource size information. For example, the setting unit 12 may calculate the distance from the current position of the first autonomous mobile body 5a to the position where the first autonomous mobile body 5a completes resource usage, based on the location information of the autonomous mobile body 5 and resource size information, and then calculate the resource usage time by the first autonomous mobile body 5a by dividing this distance by the movement speed of the autonomous mobile body 5. Then, a usage deadline may be set according to the determined usage time.

[0029] The resource management server 1 manages resources by associating the expiration date information set by the setting unit 12 with the resources via the management unit 13. For example, the management unit 13 stores the expiration date information in a recording medium or storage device, associating it with the resources. The notification unit 14 also notifies the first autonomous mobile device 5a of the results of the expiration date setting by the setting unit 12. For example, the notification unit 14 notifies the first autonomous mobile device 5a of the expiration date information set by the setting unit 12.

[0030] For example, if the resource's usage period is set according to the desired usage time or expiration date of the first autonomous mobile unit 5a, the notification unit 14 does not necessarily have to notify the first autonomous mobile unit 5a. In this case, if the first autonomous mobile unit 5a does not receive a notification for a certain period of time and communication times out, it will assume that the resource's usage period has been set according to the desired usage time or expiration date and will begin using the resource.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, communication between the first autonomous mobile unit 5a and the resource management server 1 may be interrupted for some reason. In this case, even though the resource's expiration date has not actually been set according to the usage time or expiration date desired by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a, the first autonomous mobile unit 5a may mistakenly determine that the resource's expiration date has been set according to the usage time or expiration date desired by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a. For this reason, it is preferable that the notification unit 14 notifies the first autonomous mobile unit 5a even when the resource's expiration date has been set according to the usage time or expiration date desired by the first autonomous mobile unit 5a.

[0032] In conventional technology, the usage time of a resource by an autonomous mobile unit 5 may be determined regardless of information regarding resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5. In other words, regardless of the attributes of the autonomous mobile unit 5, the usage time pre-registered for the resource may be determined as the resource usage time by the autonomous mobile unit 5. In contrast, the resource management system of this embodiment is configured to acquire information regarding resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5, determine the resource usage time for each autonomous mobile unit 5 based on the acquired information, and set an expiration date for resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5 according to the usage time. The acquisition unit 11, which constitutes the resource management system, acquires, for example, information regarding resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5. The setting unit 12 determines the resource usage time for each autonomous mobile unit 5 based on the information regarding resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5, and sets an expiration date for resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5 according to the usage time. According to this embodiment, since the usage time can be determined for each autonomous mobile unit 5 and an expiration date for resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5 can be set based on the usage time, it is possible to support the improvement of resource utilization efficiency by the autonomous mobile unit 5. Furthermore, the setting unit 12 may determine different resource usage times for each autonomous mobile unit 5 based on information regarding resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5, and set an expiration date for resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5 according to said usage time. Different resource usage times for each autonomous mobile unit 5 means that the resource usage time of at least one of the multiple autonomous mobile units 5 differs from the resource usage time of the other autonomous mobile units 5. Since different resource usage times can be determined for each autonomous mobile unit 5 based on the attributes of the autonomous mobile unit 5, and an expiration date for resource utilization by the autonomous mobile unit 5 can be set based on said usage time, it is possible to support the improvement of resource utilization efficiency by the autonomous mobile unit 5.

[0033] Furthermore, the setting unit 12 may set a maximum usage period. The maximum usage period means the latest time at which the resource's usage period can be extended. The management unit 13 may manage this maximum usage period information in association with the resource. For example, the management unit 13 stores the maximum usage period information in a recording medium or storage device, associating it with the resource. The notification unit 14 may notify the autonomous mobile device 5 of the maximum usage period information. The maximum usage period is set, for example, as the time elapsed from the current time when the usage request was received, by the maximum usage time pre-registered for the resource. In this example, the autonomous mobile device 5 can change and extend the usage period according to the actual operating status. For example, if the autonomous mobile device 5 determines that the use of the resource will not be completed within the current usage period, it can extend the usage period by registering for use again. By extending the usage period according to the actual operating status, unnecessary timeouts and repeated use requests can be reduced, improving the efficiency of resource utilization. Furthermore, for example, by having the management unit 13 manage the maximum usage period of the first autonomous mobile unit 5a, it is possible to prevent the use of resources by another autonomous mobile unit 5, the second autonomous mobile unit 5b, from being hindered.

[0034] The autonomous mobile unit 5 determines whether or not an extension is necessary, and if an extension is required, it sends a request for extension of the usage period. For example, the autonomous mobile unit 5 may send a request for extension of the usage period when the remaining time from the current time to the currently set usage period falls below a predetermined time. The setting unit 12 may also extend the usage period of a resource up to the maximum usage period before the resource's usage period is reached. For example, by sending a request for extension of the usage period from the first autonomous mobile unit 5a in advance and performing the extension process before the usage period is reached, it is possible to avoid the second autonomous mobile unit 5b registering to use the resource while the first autonomous mobile unit 5a is using the resource, and the first autonomous mobile unit 5a's use of the resource is not hindered.

[0035] Furthermore, the maximum usage time may differ for each autonomous mobile unit 5, similar to the default usage time. For example, the maximum usage time may be set longer for autonomous mobile units 5 with slow movement speeds and shorter for autonomous mobile units 5 with fast movement speeds. Also, for example, the maximum usage time may be set longer for autonomous mobile units 5 that stop and work on resources such as cleaning robots, and shorter for autonomous mobile units 5 such as robots that only pass through resources.

[0036] If the resource usage period of the first autonomous mobile unit 5a expires and a timeout occurs, or if the maximum usage period expires and a timeout occurs, the first autonomous mobile unit 5a will check its status with the resource management server 1, and the server will respond that a timeout has occurred.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 4, when the first autonomous mobile unit 5a times out, the second autonomous mobile unit 5b checks its status with the resource management server 1, and the server responds that the first autonomous mobile unit 5a has timed out and the second autonomous mobile unit 5b is available. In this example, by setting the first autonomous mobile unit 5a to time out and making it unavailable, and allowing the second autonomous mobile unit 5b to register for use, it is possible to prevent the first autonomous mobile unit 5a from monopolizing the resources.

[0038] Furthermore, if the first autonomous mobile unit 5a has timed out, and the second autonomous mobile unit 5b has checked its status with the resource management server 1, the registration of use by the second autonomous mobile unit 5b may be denied. In this example, for instance, if the first autonomous mobile unit 5a is stuck and unable to move within the resource, a collision between the second autonomous mobile unit 5b and the first autonomous mobile unit 5a can be avoided.

[0039] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of extending the usage period in the resource management system according to Embodiment 1. When the resource management server 1 receives a request to use a resource from the autonomous mobile device 5 (step S101), it determines whether the autonomous mobile device 5 is currently using the resource (step S102). If the autonomous mobile device 5 is not currently using the resource, the server sets the usage period and the maximum usage period as described above (step S103).

[0040] As described above, if the autonomous mobile unit 5 needs to extend the usage period, it sends a request for extension. In step S102, if the autonomous mobile unit 5 is using the resource in question, it determines whether the currently set usage period is within the maximum usage period (step S104). If the currently set usage period exceeds the maximum usage period, the usage period is not updated (step S105), and the autonomous mobile unit 5 is notified of the usage period as is in response to the request (step S106).

[0041] In step S104, if the currently set usage period is within the maximum usage period, a new usage period is calculated (step S107). The new usage period is calculated based on information obtained from the autonomous mobile unit 5, such as the movement speed of the autonomous mobile unit 5, the current position of the autonomous mobile unit 5, or the extension time transmitted from the autonomous mobile unit 5. For example, the setting unit 12 may calculate the new usage period by adding the extension time transmitted from the autonomous mobile unit 5 to the currently set usage period. Alternatively, for example, the setting unit 12 may calculate the distance that the autonomous mobile unit 5 will travel until it completes the use of the resource, based on information such as the current position of the autonomous mobile unit 5 and the size of the resource, calculate the extension time by dividing the distance by the movement speed of the autonomous mobile unit 5, and calculate the new usage period by adding the extension time to the currently set usage period. Alternatively, the new usage period may be calculated based on a pre-set extension time. This pre-set extension time may be uniform regardless of the autonomous mobile unit 5, or it may differ for each autonomous mobile unit 5, like the default usage time. For example, the setting unit 12 may calculate a new usage period by adding a pre-set extension time to the currently set usage period. If the calculated usage period exceeds the maximum usage period (step S108), the new usage period is changed to the maximum usage period (step S109). Then, the current usage period is updated to the usage period set as the maximum usage period (step S110), and the result is notified to the autonomous mobile unit 5 (step S106). If the calculated usage period is within the maximum usage period (step S108), the current usage period is updated to the calculated usage period (step S110), and the result is notified to the autonomous mobile unit 5 (step S106). In other words, when extending the usage period, the process is designed to only allow extensions up to the maximum usage period.

[0042] The setting unit 12 preferably sets usage periods or maximum usage periods for the same resource so that the usage periods of multiple autonomous mobile units 5 do not overlap. Furthermore, the setting unit 12 preferably sets usage periods or maximum usage periods for the same autonomous mobile unit 5 so that the usage periods for multiple resources do not overlap. This supports efficient resource utilization.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of setting up the system so that the usage periods of multiple autonomous mobile units 5 do not overlap for the same resource. For example, suppose that mobile unit A has already registered to use a certain resource from 15:00 to 16:00. In this case, if the usage period or maximum usage period of mobile unit B calculated by the setting unit 12 is after 15:00, the usage period or maximum usage period of mobile unit B will be set to 15:00. In the example in Figure 6, the usage period of mobile unit B will be from 14:30 to 15:00.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example of setting up the same autonomous mobile unit 5 so that the usage periods for multiple resources do not overlap. For example, suppose mobile unit B has already registered to use resource A for a period from 15:00 to 16:00. In this case, if the maximum usage period for resource B calculated by the setting unit 12 for mobile unit B is after 15:00, the usage period or maximum usage period for mobile unit B will be set to 15:00. In the example in Figure 6, the usage period for resource B by mobile unit B will be from 14:30 to 15:00.

[0045] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting expiration dates in the resource management system according to Embodiment 1, in order to prevent duplication. When the resource management server 1 receives a resource usage request from the autonomous mobile unit 5 (step S201), it sets the expiration date and the maximum expiration date (step S202).

[0046] After processing in step S202, it is determined whether another autonomous mobile unit 5 is using the resource within the maximum usage period (step S203). If another autonomous mobile unit 5 is not using the resource within the maximum usage period, it is determined whether the mobile unit in question plans to use another resource within the maximum usage period (step S204). If the mobile unit in question does not plan to use another resource within the maximum usage period, the usage period and maximum usage period are set as set in step S202 (step S205). Then, as a result of the usage request, the autonomous mobile unit 5 is notified of the usage period and maximum usage period (step S206).

[0047] In step S203, if another autonomous mobile unit 5 is using the resource in question within the maximum usage period, the usage period and maximum usage period are calculated so that the usage period of the resource by this other autonomous mobile unit 5 does not overlap with the usage period of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit 5 that sent the usage request in step S201. Alternatively, in step S204, if the mobile unit in question is scheduled to use another resource within the maximum usage period, the usage period and maximum usage period are calculated so that the usage period of this other resource does not overlap with the usage period of the resource in question (step S207). If, as a result of this calculation, there is no available time that does not overlap (step S208), the autonomous mobile unit 5 is notified that it is not possible to set a usage period as a result of the usage request (step S209). If, as a result of the calculation, there is available time that does not overlap, the calculated usage period and maximum usage period are set (step S205). Then, the autonomous mobile unit 5 is notified of the usage period and maximum usage period as a result of the usage request (step S206).

[0048] For example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire usage information so that multiple autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to the same group, for example, the first autonomous mobile unit 5a and the second autonomous mobile unit 5b, use the same resource in succession. In such a case, the setting unit 12 may set the maximum usage period for the resource by the autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to the group so that the maximum usage time of the resource by the autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to the group is shorter than the maximum usage time of the resource by the autonomous mobile units 5 not belonging to the group. A "group" is defined by some identical characteristic, such as the same manufacturer, the same model, the same owner, etc. In this example, it is possible to avoid the exclusive use of a particular resource by multiple autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to the same group and to improve the efficiency of resource utilization. For example, when an autonomous mobile unit 5 transmits information about resource usage to the resource management server 1, it can also transmit information about the group to which it belongs, allowing the resource management server 1 to determine whether multiple autonomous mobile units 5 belong to the same group. Alternatively, the resource management server 1 may maintain information about the group to which each of the multiple autonomous mobile units 5 under management belongs.

[0049] This section describes an example of a method for setting the maximum expiration date for a resource used by an autonomous mobile 5 belonging to a group, in a case where a pre-registered maximum usage time for a resource is set for an autonomous mobile 5 that does not belong to a group. For example, one method is to calculate the maximum expiration date by bringing forward a predetermined time from the maximum expiration date set based on the pre-registered maximum usage time for the resource. Alternatively, a predetermined time may be subtracted from the pre-set maximum usage time for the resource, and the maximum expiration date may be calculated based on the subtracted maximum usage time. In either method, the maximum usage time for a resource used by an autonomous mobile 5 belonging to a group will be shorter than the maximum usage time for a resource used by an autonomous mobile 5 that does not belong to a group.

[0050] Furthermore, in order to prevent a particular resource from being monopolized by multiple autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to the same group, the configuration unit 12 may, for example, determine the resource usage time for each group to which the multiple autonomous mobile units 5 belong, and set a resource usage deadline for that group according to that usage time. The resource usage time for each group determined by the configuration unit 12 may be different. For example, the configuration unit 12 may determine a pre-registered default usage time as the resource usage time for the group to which the multiple autonomous mobile units 5 belong. The default usage time is set for each group to which the autonomous mobile units 5 belong. For example, different default usage times may be set for each group. For example, the default usage time may be set to 60 minutes for the 5 autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to group A, and to 30 minutes for the 3 autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to group B, and so on, with different usage times set for each group. The resource usage time for a group can be arbitrarily set according to, for example, the group's attributes, the number of autonomous mobile units 5 belonging to the group, etc. A table corresponding to the group of autonomous mobile units 5 and the default usage time may be pre-registered in the resource management server 1 or an external storage database. Furthermore, the setting unit 12 may set a maximum resource usage period for a group to which multiple autonomous mobile units 5 belong.

[0051] For example, if Group A's resource usage period expires and a timeout occurs, or if the maximum usage period expires and a timeout occurs, when the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group A checks its status with the resource management server 1, it will be responded to as having timed out. When the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group A has timed out, when the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group B checks its status with the resource management server 1, it will be responded to as having timed out and that the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group B is available. In this example, by making the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group A unavailable due to a timeout, and allowing the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group B to register for use, it is possible to prevent the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group A from monopolizing the resource. Note that when the resource usage period expires and Group A has timed out, if the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group B checks its status with the resource management server 1, it may be possible to prevent the autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to Group B from registering for use. In this example, for instance, if autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to group A becomes stuck and unable to move within the resources, it is possible to avoid a collision between autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to group A and autonomous mobile unit 5 belonging to group B.

[0052] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0053] (Note 1) An acquisition unit that acquires information on resource utilization by autonomous mobile units, A setting unit determines the resource usage time for each autonomous mobile unit based on information regarding the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit, and sets an expiration date for the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit according to the usage time. A resource management system equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The resource management system described in Appendix 1, wherein the setting unit determines a different usage time for each autonomous mobile unit based on information regarding the use of the resources by the autonomous mobile unit, and sets an expiration date for the use of the resources by the autonomous mobile unit according to the usage time. (Note 3) The resource management system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the setting unit sets the latest possible time for extending the resource's usage period, which is the maximum usage period, and extends the resource's usage period up to the maximum usage period. (Note 4) The setting unit is a resource management system according to Appendix 3 that extends the expiration date of the resource before the expiration date of the resource is reached. (Note 5) A resource management system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, comprising a notification unit capable of notifying an autonomous mobile body of information regarding the results of setting the expiration date by the setting unit. (Note 6) A resource management system according to any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, comprising a management unit that manages information on the expiration date of the resource in association with the resource. (Note 7) The resource management system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a usage request as information relating to the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile body. (Note 8) The resource management system described in Appendix 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information on the usage time as information related to the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile body. (Note 9) The resource management system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the start time of use as information regarding the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile body. (Note 10) The setting unit sets the usage period for the same resource by multiple autonomous mobile units so that the usage periods of multiple autonomous mobile units for the same resource do not overlap, as described in any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 9. (Note 11) The setting unit sets the expiration dates for the use of multiple resources by the same autonomous mobile unit so that the usage periods of multiple resources by the same autonomous mobile unit do not overlap, as described in any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 10. (Note 12) When the acquisition unit acquires information that multiple autonomous mobile entities belonging to the same group will sequentially use the same resource, The resource management system according to Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, characterized in that the setting unit sets the maximum usage period for the resource by the autonomous mobile unit belonging to the group such that the maximum usage time of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit belonging to the group is shorter than the maximum usage time of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit not belonging to the group. (Note 13) The resource management system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, characterized in that the setting unit sets an expiration date for the use of resources by a group to which multiple autonomous mobile units belong. (Note 14) The resource management system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, characterized in that it includes the autonomous mobile body that communicates directly or indirectly with the acquisition unit and the setting unit. (Note 15) A resource management system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 14, characterized by comprising an autonomous mobile device management terminal for managing the aforementioned autonomous mobile device. (Note 16) A computer or computer system To obtain information on resource utilization by autonomous mobile units, Based on the acquired information regarding the use of the resource, the usage time of the resource is determined for each autonomous mobile unit, and a deadline for the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit is set according to the usage time. A resource management method that executes this. (Note 17) In a computer or computer system, To obtain information on resource utilization by autonomous mobile units, Based on the acquired information regarding the use of the resource, the usage time of the resource is determined for each autonomous mobile unit, and a deadline for the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit is set according to the usage time. A resource management program that executes [the necessary commands / actions]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1 Resource management server, 2 Autonomous mobile device management terminal, 11 Acquisition unit, 12 Setting unit, 13 Management unit, 14 Notification unit, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Dedicated hardware

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires information on resource utilization by autonomous mobile units, A setting unit determines the resource usage time for each autonomous mobile unit based on information regarding the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit, and sets an expiration date for the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit according to the usage time. A resource management system equipped with the following features.

2. The resource management system according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit determines a different usage time for each autonomous mobile unit based on information regarding the use of the resources by the autonomous mobile unit, and sets an expiration date for the use of the resources by the autonomous mobile unit according to the usage time.

3. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting unit sets the latest possible time for extending the resource's usage period, which is the maximum usage period, and extends the resource's usage period up to the said maximum usage period.

4. The resource management system according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit extends the expiration date of the resource before the expiration date of the resource is reached.

5. The resource management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a notification unit capable of notifying the autonomous mobile body of information regarding the result of setting the expiration date by the setting unit.

6. The resource management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a management unit that manages information regarding the expiration date of the resource in association with the resource.

7. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a usage request as information relating to the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile body.

8. The resource management system according to claim 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information on the usage time as information relating to the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile body.

9. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the start time of use as information regarding the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile body.

10. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting unit sets the usage period for the same resource by the multiple autonomous mobile units so that the usage periods of the same resource by the multiple autonomous mobile units do not overlap.

11. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting unit sets the expiration dates for the use of multiple resources by the same autonomous mobile unit so that the usage periods of multiple resources by the same autonomous mobile unit do not overlap.

12. When the acquisition unit acquires information that multiple autonomous mobile entities belonging to the same group will sequentially use the same resource, The resource management system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the setting unit sets the maximum usage period for the resource by the autonomous mobile unit belonging to the group such that the maximum usage time of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit belonging to the group is shorter than the maximum usage time of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit not belonging to the group.

13. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the setting unit sets an expiration date for the use of resources by a group to which a plurality of autonomous mobile units belong.

14. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes the autonomous mobile body that communicates directly or indirectly with the acquisition unit and the setting unit.

15. The resource management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising an autonomous mobile device management terminal for managing the autonomous mobile device.

16. A computer or computer system To obtain information on resource utilization by autonomous mobile units, Based on the acquired information regarding the use of the resource, the usage time of the resource is determined for each autonomous mobile unit, and a deadline for the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit is set according to the usage time. A resource management method that executes this.

17. In a computer or computer system, To obtain information on resource utilization by autonomous mobile units, Based on the acquired information regarding the use of the resource, the usage time of the resource is determined for each autonomous mobile unit, and a deadline for the use of the resource by the autonomous mobile unit is set according to the usage time. A resource management program that executes [the necessary commands / actions].

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