Server, distribution system and program

Abstract

To provide a server, delivery system, and program, which offer high convenience.SOLUTION: A server 6 comprises a server control unit 69 configured to: acquire a current location of a first delivery unit and a user-specified delivery point of the packages, the first delivery unit comprising a first wagon accommodating one or more packages deposited by a user and a first drive unit couplable with the first wagon and capable of autonomously traveling while pulling the first wagon; and make the first drive unit pull the first wagon to the delivery point according to the current location and the delivery point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a delivery system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for a stationary parcel receiving box that can store multiple parcels one after the other in a rational, safe and secure manner and prevents unauthorized removal and tampering. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-94153 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, when a user deposits a parcel in a parcel receiving box, the user must return to the location where the parcel receiving box is installed to receive the parcel again. For this reason, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration what to do if the user is unable to return to the location where the parcel receiving box is installed, resulting in a problem of lack of convenience.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a server, a delivery system, and a program that can provide high convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server according to the present disclosure includes a processor configured to acquire a current position of a first delivery unit including a first cart carrying one or more pieces of luggage deposited by a user and a first drive unit that can be freely connected to the first cart and can travel autonomously by towing the first cart, and a pickup location for the pieces of luggage specified by the user, and to cause the first drive unit to tow the first cart to move to the pickup location based on the current position and the pickup location.

[0007] In addition, the delivery system of the present disclosure includes a first delivery unit having a first cart containing one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user, and a first drive unit that can be freely connected to the first cart and can travel autonomously by towing the first cart, and a server having a processor configured to control the destination of the first delivery unit, wherein the processor obtains a current position of the first delivery unit and a pick-up location for the luggage specified by the user, and causes the first drive unit to tow the first cart to move to the pick-up location based on the current position and the pick-up location.

[0008] In addition, the program of the present disclosure causes a processor to acquire a current position of a first delivery unit including a first cart carrying one or more pieces of luggage deposited by a user and a first drive unit that can be freely connected to the first cart and can travel autonomously by towing the first cart, and a pickup location for the pieces of luggage specified by the user, and to cause the first drive unit to tow the first cart to move to the pickup location based on the current position and the pickup location. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce unnecessary deliveries. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a delivery unit according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the drive unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the cart according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process executed by a server according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a drive unit, a cart, a delivery unit, a delivery system, a program, and a delivery method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] [Outline of the delivery system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to an embodiment. The delivery system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of autonomously traveling drive units 21 to 2 n (n=an integer of 3 or more) (hereinafter, a plurality of drive units 21 to 2 n When referring to either one of the above, it is simply written as "drive unit 2" and a plurality of carriages 31 to 33 that can be moved by being pulled by the drive unit 2. m (m = an integer of 3 or more) (hereinafter, multiple carts 31 to 3 m When referring to any one of the above, it is simply written as "cart 3"), and a plurality of delivery units 41 to 4 each having a drive unit 2 and a cart 3. i(i=an integer equal to or greater than 3) (hereinafter, multiple delivery units 41 to 4 i The delivery system 1 includes a driving unit 2, a cart 3, a communication terminal 5 held by a user, and a server 6 that manages each part of the delivery system 1. The driving unit 2, the cart 3, the communication terminal 5, and the server 6 all have communication functions and are configured to be able to communicate with each other through a network NW. This network NW is configured, for example, from an Internet network, a mobile phone network, etc.

[0013] [Outline of delivery unit configuration] First, a description will be given of a schematic configuration of the delivery unit 4. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the delivery unit 4. The delivery unit 4 includes a drive unit 2 and a dolly 3.

[0014] In the following, when explaining the arrangement of each component of the delivery unit 4, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are used. The front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The left-right direction is the lateral direction of the trolley 3 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The up-down direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the trolley 3, and coincides with the height direction of the trolley 3. When the delivery unit 4 is placed horizontally, the front-rear direction and left-right direction are horizontal directions, and the up-down direction is vertical directions.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, the drive unit 2 is substantially cylindrical, and drive wheels 20 are driven by driving force supplied from a drive mechanism such as a motor. The drive unit 2 also travels autonomously based on the detection results of various sensors described below. The drive unit 2 is also freely connectable to a dolly 3, and connects to the dolly 3 to move by towing the dolly 3. The drive unit 2 connects to the dolly 3 specified by the server 6 according to instruction information and a travel route input from the server 6, and tows and moves the connected dolly 3 to a receiving location specified by the server 6.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the cart 3 includes a main body 30 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a sorting mechanism 31. The main body 30 of the cart 3 can be connected to a drive unit 2, and is moved by being towed by the drive unit 2. The main body 30 has a space D1 capable of accommodating luggage 100, and a rack 41 or a chest accommodating a plurality of luggage 100 is accommodated in the space D1. The sorting mechanism 31 also has a delivery port 311 having an openable / closable shutter 311a. The sorting mechanism 31 accepts luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility such as a micro-palette through the delivery port 311. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the cargo 100 received at the delivery port 311 in three axial directions (front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-down) relative to the surface on which the main body 30 is placed, and transports it to a designated location within space D1 or to a position within a designated rack 41.

[0017] In the delivery unit 4 configured in this manner, the drive unit 2 connects to the dolly 3 designated by the server 6, and tows and moves the connected dolly 3 to the designated receiving location. After that, when the server 6 inputs instruction information to the drive unit 2 to tow another dolly 3 after the delivery unit 4 arrives at the receiving location, the drive unit 2 disconnects from the dolly 3 and moves to the location designated by the server 6.

[0018] [Functional configuration of the drive unit] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. The drive unit 2 shown in Fig. 3 includes a drive section 21, a sensor group 22, an illumination section 23, a battery 24, a connection section 25, a communication section 26, a storage section 27, a display section 28, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 29.

[0019] The drive section 21 is configured using a motor, gears, etc. Under the control of the ECU 29, the drive section 21 supplies driving force to the drive wheels 20 (see FIG. 2) of the drive unit 2 based on the power supplied from the battery 24.

[0020] The sensor group 22 is configured using a sensor for realizing automatic driving, an imaging device for imaging the surroundings including the traveling direction of the drive unit 2, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor for detecting the position information of the drive unit 2, and a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the battery 24. Specifically, the sensor group 22 is configured using a 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is configured using an imaging device including an optical system for imaging the surroundings of the drive unit 2, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that generates image data by receiving a subject image formed by the optical system. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is configured using a tester and a temperature sensor that detect the remaining amount (SOC), temperature, SOH (State of Health), voltage value, and current value of the battery 24. The sensor group 22 outputs various detection results to the ECU 29.

[0021] The illumination unit 23 is provided in an annular shape so as to follow the shape of the left and right drive wheels 20 of the drive unit 2 (see FIG. 2, for example). The illumination unit 23 emits light in a predetermined wavelength band under the control of the ECU 29. The illumination unit 23 is configured using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source. The illumination unit 23 functions as one or more of a lighting fixture, a turn signal, and a hazard lamp by emitting light in a predetermined wavelength band, for example, any one of red, blue, green, and orange, under the control of the ECU 29. Furthermore, the illumination unit 23 can emit light of different wavelengths for each predetermined region along the shape of the drive wheels 20 under the control of the ECU 29.

[0022] Battery 24 is configured using a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Battery 24 stores high-voltage DC power for driving drive unit 21. Battery 24 can be electrically connected to a charging device (not shown) via a charging port (not shown), and is charged with external power supplied from the charging device.

[0023] The coupling unit 25 is connected to the bogie 3 under the control of the ECU 29. Specifically, the coupling unit 25 is coupled to the bogie 3 by connecting to a connection unit provided on the bogie 3, which will be described later. The coupling unit 25 is configured using, for example, a single-axis coupler or a dual-axis coupler. Note that the coupling unit 25 may be configured using, for example, an electromagnet, etc., as long as it can be connected to the bogie 3.

[0024] Under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 transmits various data and the like to the server 6 through the network NW, and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 obtains instruction information including towing information for towing the specified dolly 3 from the server 6, the stopping position of the dolly 3, and towing destination information of the dolly 3, and outputs the obtained instruction information to the ECU 29. The communication unit 26 is configured using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0025] The storage unit 27 stores various information related to the drive unit 2. The storage unit 27 stores CAN data of the drive unit 2 input from the ECU 29, various programs executed by the ECU 29, and the like. The storage unit 27 is configured using a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and the like. The storage unit 27 also has a program storage unit 271 executed by the drive unit 2, and a drive unit information storage unit 272 that stores drive unit information for identifying the drive unit 2. Here, the drive unit information includes identification information (e.g., a unit ID) for identifying the drive unit 2, the vehicle model of the drive unit 2, the remaining battery power, the towing load capacity, and the like.

[0026] The display unit 28 displays images, videos, and text information under the control of the ECU 29. The display unit 28 is configured using a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0027] The ECU 29 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 29 controls each part of the drive unit 2. For example, the ECU 29 uses the detection results of the sensor group 22 and the like to control the drive unit 21 to autonomously drive the drive unit 2 toward a receiving location according to instruction information input from the server 6. The ECU 29 also determines whether the cart 3 meets a predetermined condition based on the state information of the cart 3, and if the cart 3 meets the predetermined condition, moves to the installation location where the cart 3 is installed, connects with the cart 3, and then tows and moves the cart 3. In one embodiment, the ECU 29 functions as a processor.

[0028] [Functional configuration of the trolley] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the dolly 3. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the dolly 3. Note that, in the following, the functional configuration will be described in the case where a dolly is used as the dolly 3.

[0029] The cart 3 shown in FIG. 4 includes a sorting mechanism 31, an acquisition unit 32, a connection unit 33, a communication unit 34, a sensor group 35, a battery 36, a memory unit 37, a temperature adjustment mechanism 38, and an ECU 39.

[0030] The sorting mechanism 31 is movable in three axial directions relative to the loading surface on which the main body 30 is loaded, and receives the luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility vehicle through a delivery port 311 under the control of the ECU 39. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the received luggage 100 to a rack 41 (described later) or the like housed in the space D1 of the main body 30. The detailed configurations of the sorting mechanism 31 and the rack 41 will be described later.

[0031] The acquisition unit 32 acquires the package information attached to the package 100, and outputs the acquired package information to the ECU 39. Here, the package information is a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR Code (registered trademark)), or an IC tag that stores information such as the sender, the delivery address, and the recipient. The acquisition unit 32 is configured using a reader capable of reading the one-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code, or the IC tag, such as an imaging device or an IC tag reader.

[0032] The connection portion 33 is connectable to the coupling portion 25 of the drive unit 2 , and is connected to the coupling portion 25 of the drive unit 2 under the control of the ECU 39 .

[0033] The communication unit 34, under the control of the ECU 39, transmits various data, such as baggage information and location information, to the server 6 through the network NW, and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 39, the communication unit 34 acquires baggage information of the baggage 100 input from the server 6, and outputs the acquired baggage information to the ECU 39. The communication unit 34 is configured using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0034] The sensor group 35 is configured using various sensors for realizing traveling when towed by the drive unit 2, an imaging device for imaging the surroundings including the traveling direction of the dolly 3, a GPS sensor for detecting position information of the dolly 3, and a sensor for detecting the remaining charge of the battery 36. Specifically, the sensor group 35 is configured using a 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like.

[0035] The battery 36 is configured using a fuel cell and a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The battery 36 outputs power for driving the cart 3. For example, the battery 36 generates power using hydrogen supplied from an FC tank (not shown).

[0036] The storage unit 37 stores various information related to the dolly 3. The storage unit 37 stores CAN data of the dolly 3 input from the ECU 39, various programs executed by the ECU 39, and the like. The storage unit 37 is configured using a DRAM, a ROM, a Flash memory, a HDD, an SSD, and the like. The storage unit 37 also has a program storage unit 371 executed by the dolly 3, and a dolly storage unit 372 that stores dolly information. Here, the dolly information includes identification information (e.g., dolly ID) for identifying the dolly 3, the type of the dolly 3 (e.g., dolly, trash can, vending machine, wheelchair, container, trailer, and camper), the weight of the dolly 3, the load capacity that the dolly 3 can carry, the shape of the dolly 3, and the use of the dolly 3 (e.g., delivery or store), and the like.

[0037] The temperature adjustment mechanism 38 adjusts the temperature of the luggage 100 under the control of the ECU 39. The temperature adjustment mechanism 38 is configured using, for example, a heat pipe or a Peltier element.

[0038] The ECU 39 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU, etc. The ECU 39 controls each part constituting the bogie 3.

[0039] [Functional configuration of communication terminal] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the communication terminal 5. FIG 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication terminal 5.

[0040] The communication terminal 5 shown in Figure 5 includes a first communication unit 51, a second communication unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, a position acquisition unit 55, an imaging unit 56, a third communication unit 57, a memory unit 58, and a terminal control unit 59.

[0041] The first communication unit 51 receives various information from the cart 3 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received various information to the terminal control unit 59. The first communication unit 51 is configured using a communication module capable of performing, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like.

[0042] The second communication unit 52 receives various information from the cart 3 or the server 6 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received various information to the terminal control unit 59. The second communication unit 52 is configured using a communication module capable of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

[0043] The display unit 53 displays various information under the control of the terminal control unit 59. The display unit 53 is configured using a display panel such as a liquid crystal or organic EL panel.

[0044] The input unit 54 receives input of various operations by the user, and outputs signals corresponding to the received various operations to the terminal control unit 59. The input unit 54 is configured using a touch panel, switches, buttons, and the like.

[0045] The position acquisition unit 55 acquires the position of the communication terminal 5, and outputs the acquired position to the terminal control unit 59. The position acquisition unit 55 is realized by using a GPS sensor or the like.

[0046] The imaging unit 56 generates image data by capturing an image of a subject under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the image data to the terminal control unit 59. The imaging unit 56 is realized using one or more optical systems and a CCD or CMOS image sensor that captures an image of a subject formed by the optical system to generate image data.

[0047] The third communication unit 57 communicates with the server 6 via the network NW under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs package information regarding the package 100 set by the user via the input unit 54 to the server 6. The third communication unit 57 is configured using a communication module capable of implementing communication standards via mobile phone lines, such as the 4th Generation Mobile Communication System (4G) and the 5th Generation Mobile Communication System (5G).

[0048] The storage unit 58 stores various information related to the communication terminal 5 and various programs executed by the communication terminal 5. The storage unit 58 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a Flash memory, an SSD, a memory card, or the like.

[0049] The terminal control unit 59 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU, etc. The terminal control unit 59 controls each unit of the communication terminal 5.

[0050] [Server Functional Configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the server 6 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 6. The server 6 shown in Fig. 6 includes a communication unit 61, an input unit 62, a display unit 63, a storage unit 64, a delivery unit information database 65 (hereinafter referred to as "delivery unit information DB65"), a fee information database 66 (hereinafter referred to as "fee information DB66"), a parcel information database 67 (hereinafter referred to as "parcel information DB67"), a user information database 68 (hereinafter referred to as "user information DB68"), and a server control unit 69.

[0051] The communication unit 61 communicates with the drive unit 2, the cart 3, and the communication terminal 5 via the network NW under the control of the server control unit 69. The communication unit 61 is configured using a communication module and the like.

[0052] The input unit 62 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 62 receives an input of an operation by an operator, and outputs to the server control unit 69 operation information corresponding to the received operation.

[0053] The display unit 63 is configured using an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, etc. Under the control of the server control unit 69, the display unit 63 displays various information.

[0054] The storage unit 64 stores various information related to the server 6. The storage unit 64 also has a program storage unit 641 that stores various programs executed by the server 6. The storage unit 64 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a Flash memory, an SSD, an HDD, a memory card, or the like.

[0055] The delivery unit information DB 65 stores delivery unit information that associates identification information, position information, battery information, and drive unit status information for each of the multiple drive units 2 and multiple carts 3. Here, the delivery unit status information is the presence or absence of a current task, for example, whether or not the drive unit 2 is towing the cart 3, the destination of the drive unit 2, whether or not it is moving toward a receiving location, whether or not it is lit as a light, etc. The delivery unit information DB 65 is configured using an HDD, an SSD, etc.

[0056] The fee information DB 66 stores fee information based on the travel distance of the delivery unit 4, the time when the package 100 was deposited, the type of package 100, the weight of the package 100, and the size of the package 100. The fee information DB 66 is configured using an HDD, an SSD, etc.

[0057] The luggage information DB 67 stores luggage information that associates information indicating whether or not the luggage 100 is permitted to be shared, the type (e.g., frozen food, fresh vegetables, fragile items), weight, size, user name information, and user contact information. The luggage information DB 67 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

[0058] The user information DB 68 stores user information that associates the user's name information, the user's contact information, package information of the package 100 that the user has left with the delivery unit 4, and the user's schedule information. The schedule information includes the date and time of the user's visit, the date and time of the user's accommodation, the address, working hours at the workplace, etc. The user information DB 68 is configured using an HDD, SSD, etc.

[0059] The server control unit 69 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The server control unit 69 controls each unit that configures the server 6. The server control unit 69 also acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the parcel 100 has been deposited by the user and the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user, and causes the driving unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 to pull the dolly 3 to move it to the receiving location based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user. In one embodiment, the server control unit 69 functions as a processor.

[0060] [Server processing] Next, a process executed by the server 6 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process executed by the server 6. In the following, the delivery unit 4 where the user deposits the package 100 will be referred to as a delivery unit 41 (first delivery unit), and the delivery unit 4 that shares the package 100 (described later) will be referred to as a delivery unit 42 (second delivery unit).

[0061] 7, the server control unit 69 judges whether the cart 31 of the delivery unit 41 has received the parcel 100 from the user (step S101). If the server control unit 69 judges that the cart 31 of the delivery unit 41 has received the parcel 100 from the user (step S101: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S102, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 judges that the cart 31 of the delivery unit 41 has not received the parcel 100 from the user (step S101: No), the server 6 ends this process.

[0062] In step S102, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location of the delivery unit 41 where the user has deposited the parcel 100, the parcel information on the parcel 100, the receiving location designated by the user to receive the parcel 100, the scheduled receiving time of the parcel 100 at the receiving location, and the destination of the other delivery unit 42. Specifically, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location detected by the sensor group 35 of the delivery unit 41 where the user has deposited the parcel 100, and the parcel information on the parcel 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 32, via the communication unit 61. Furthermore, the server control unit 69 acquires the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user and the scheduled receiving time of the parcel 100 at the receiving location, which are input to the input unit 54 of the communication terminal 5, via the communication unit 61. Furthermore, the server control unit 69 acquires the destination of the other delivery unit 42 located within a predetermined area (for example, within 1 km x 1 km) from the current location of the delivery unit 41, via the communication unit 61. The server control unit 69 may obtain, from the delivery unit information DB 65, the destinations of other delivery units 42 located within a predetermined area (for example, within 1 km x 1 km) from the current location of the delivery unit 41.

[0063] Next, the server control unit 69 judges whether the luggage 100 that the user has left in the delivery unit 41 can be shared with the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42 based on the receiving location designated by the user, the luggage information of the luggage 100, and the destination of the delivery unit 42 (step S103). Specifically, the server control unit 69 judges whether the luggage information includes permission information that allows the luggage 100 to be shared with the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42, and if the permission information that allows the luggage 100 to be shared with the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42 is included, the server control unit 69 judges whether the receiving location designated by the user and the destination of the delivery unit 42 are the same when the server control unit 69 judges that the luggage information of the luggage 100 includes permission information that allows the luggage 100 to be shared with the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42. If the server control unit 69 determines that the luggage 100 that the user has left at the delivery unit 41 can be shared with the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42 (step S103: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S104, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 determines that the luggage 100 that the user has left at the delivery unit 41 cannot be shared with the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42 (step S103: No), the server 6 proceeds to step S105, which will be described later.

[0064] In step S104, the server control unit 69 controls the sorting mechanism 31 (first sorting mechanism) of the delivery unit 41 or the sorting mechanism 31 (second sorting mechanism) of the delivery unit 42 via the communication unit 61 to transport the parcel 100 that the user has deposited in the delivery unit 41 to the delivery unit 42. As a result, the parcel 100 that the user has deposited in the delivery unit 41 is delivered to the receiving location designated by the user together with other parcels 100 in the delivery unit 42. After step S104, the server 6 proceeds to step S105, which will be described later.

[0065] Next, the server control unit 69 moves the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 via the communication unit 61 toward the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user (step S105). In this case, the server control unit 69 outputs instruction information to the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 to move toward the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user. In this case, the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 moves toward the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user according to the instruction information input from the server 6. Furthermore, the server control unit 69 outputs instruction information to the dolly 31 of the delivery unit 41 or the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42 to adjust the temperature of the parcel 100 based on the parcel information of the parcel 100 deposited by the user. For example, when the parcel 100 is fresh vegetables or frozen food, the server control unit 69 outputs instruction information to the dolly 31 of the delivery unit 41 or the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42 to cool the parcel 100 based on the parcel information of the parcel 100 deposited by the user. In this case, the ECU 39 of each of the delivery units 41 and 42 controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 38 in accordance with the instruction information input from the server 6, thereby cooling the luggage 100.

[0066] Thereafter, the server control unit 69 judges whether or not change information for changing the pickup location or scheduled pickup time of the package 100 has been input from the user's communication terminal 5 via the communication unit 61. If the server control unit 69 judges that change information for changing the pickup location of the package 100 has been input from the user's communication terminal 5 (step S106: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S107, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 judges that change information for changing the pickup location of the package 100 has not been input from the user's communication terminal 5 (step S106: No), the server 6 proceeds to step S109, which will be described later.

[0067] In step S107, the server control unit 69 changes the destination and scheduled receipt time of the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 41 based on the change information. Specifically, the server control unit 69 outputs destination change information, which changes the receipt location or scheduled receipt time changed by the user, to the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 41 via the communication unit 61.

[0068] Next, the server control unit 69 determines whether the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 has arrived at the receiving location designated by the user based on the location information detected by the sensor group 22 of the delivery unit 41 or the sensor group 22 of the delivery unit 41 (step S108). If the server control unit 69 determines that the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 has arrived at the receiving location designated by the user (step S108: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S109, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 determines that the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 has not arrived at the receiving location designated by the user (step S108: No), the server 6 returns to step S106.

[0069] In step S109, the server control unit 69 determines whether or not the user has received the parcel 100 from the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 at the receiving location via the communication unit 61. If the server control unit 69 determines that the user has received the parcel 100 from the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 at the receiving location (step S109: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S113, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 determines that the user has not received the parcel 100 from the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 at the receiving location (step S109: No), the server 6 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

[0070] In step S110, the server control unit 69 judges whether a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the scheduled pickup time of the package 100 after the delivery unit 41 or 42 arrives at the user's pickup location. If the server control unit 69 judges that the predetermined time has passed since the scheduled pickup time of the package 100 (step S110: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S111, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 judges that the predetermined time has not passed since the scheduled pickup time of the package 100 (step S110: No), the server 6 returns to step S109.

[0071] In step S 111 , the server control unit 69 acquires the schedule information of the user from the user information DB 68 .

[0072] Next, the server control unit 69, via the communication unit 61, causes the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 to move to the user's destination and deliver the luggage 100 (step S112). Specifically, the server control unit 69 moves the delivery unit 41 or the delivery unit 42 to the user's destination, such as a hotel or tourist spot, based on the user's schedule information, and delivers the luggage 100 left by the user by getting there in advance. This makes it possible to prevent the user from forgetting to pick up the luggage 100 and to improve convenience. After step S112, the server 6 proceeds to step S113.

[0073] In step S113, the server control unit 69 calculates the fee to be charged to the user. Specifically, the server control unit 69 calculates the fee to be charged to the user based on the fee information stored in the fee information DB 66, the distance based on the location where the user deposited the baggage 100 and the pick-up location, and the time from the deposit time of the baggage 100 to the pick-up time of the baggage 100. In this case, if multiplier is applied to the baggage 100, the server control unit 69 calculates an amount obtained by multiplying the calculated fee by a coefficient corresponding to the multiplier as the fee to be finally charged to the user.

[0074] Next, the server control unit 69 outputs the fee calculated in step S111 to the user's communication terminal 5 via the communication unit 61 (step S114). After step S114, the server 6 ends this process.

[0075] According to the embodiment described above, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the package 100 has been deposited by the user and the location for receiving the package 100 designated by the user, and causes the drive unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 to pull the cart 3 to move it to the location based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the location for receiving the package 100 designated by the user. This provides high convenience to the user.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires the scheduled receipt time of the package 100 at the user's receiving location, and moves the package 100 to the drive unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 so that the package 100 arrives at the scheduled receipt time. This allows the user to receive the package 100 that was left with the delivery unit 4 at the receiving location at the scheduled receipt time.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires the destination of the delivery unit 42 and baggage information including at least permission for sharing the baggage 100 left by the user, and if sharing of the baggage 100 left by the user is permitted and the receiving location is the same as the destination of the delivery unit 42, the sorting mechanism 31 is controlled to transport the baggage 100 left by the user from the dolly 31 of the delivery unit 41 to the dolly 32 of the delivery unit 42, and the drive unit 22 of the delivery unit 42 is caused to pull the dolly 32 to move it to the receiving location. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary deliveries.

[0078] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, when the server control unit 69 acquires change information from a user to change the receiving location, the drive unit 21 of the delivery unit 41 or the drive unit 22 of the delivery unit 42 is moved to the new receiving location based on the change information. This allows the user to receive the package 100 at the new location even if the receiving location is changed for various reasons.

[0079] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 calculates a fee to be charged to the user based on the location where the user deposited the package 100 on the cart 3 of the delivery unit 4, the pickup location, the deposit time when the user deposited the package 100 on the cart 3, and the pickup time when the user received the package 100 at the pickup location, and outputs this fee to the communication terminal 5 owned by the user. In this way, the fee can be charged to the user.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires package information on the package 100 deposited by the user, and adjusts the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism 38 based on the package information. This allows the package 100 to be deposited in the delivery unit 4 regardless of the type of package 100.

[0081] According to one embodiment, if the parcel 100 is not received within a predetermined time after the delivery unit 4 arrives at the receiving location, the server control unit 69 acquires the user's schedule information and moves the delivery unit 4 to the destination that the user is to visit based on the schedule information. This ensures that the parcel 100 is delivered even if the user forgets to receive the parcel 100.

[0082] In one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the parcel 100 has been deposited by the user and the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user, and causes the drive unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 to tow the dolly 3 to move to the receiving location based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user, but is not limited to this, and may be performed by, for example, the ECU 29 of the drive unit 2. In this case, the ECU 29 of the drive unit 2 acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the parcel 100 has been deposited by the user and the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user via the server 6, and tows the dolly 3 to move to the receiving location based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user. As a result, the user can obtain high convenience.

[0083] (Other embodiments) In addition, in one embodiment, the above-mentioned "unit" can be read as a "circuit" etc. For example, a control unit can be read as a control circuit.

[0084] In addition, the program to be executed by the delivery system of one embodiment is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a USB medium, or a flash memory.

[0085] Furthermore, the program executed by the delivery system according to one embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.

[0086] In the description of the flowcharts in this specification, the order of processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue," but the order of processing required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed as long as there is no contradiction.

[0087] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Delivery System 2 Drive unit 3 Cart 4 Delivery Units 5. Communication terminals 6 Server 61 Communications Department 62 Input section 63 Display section 64 Storage section 65 Delivery unit information DB 66 Fee information DB 67 Baggage Information DB 68 User information DB 69 Server control section NW Network

Claims

1. Acquire a current location of a first delivery unit including a first cart containing one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and a first drive unit that is connectable to the first cart and capable of autonomously traveling by towing the first cart, and a receiving location of the pieces of luggage designated by the user; a processor configured to cause the first drive unit to tow the first dolly to the receiving location based on the current location and the receiving location; The first carriage includes: A first sorting mechanism capable of sorting luggage is provided, The processor, Acquire the destination of a second delivery unit including a second cart that stores luggage different from the luggage deposited by the user and has a second sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage, and a second drive unit that is freely connectable to the second cart and can tow the second cart to travel autonomously, and luggage information including at least whether or not the luggage deposited by the user is permitted to be shared; When sharing of the baggage deposited by the user is permitted and the receiving location is the same as the destination, control the first sorting mechanism and the second sorting mechanism to transport the baggage deposited by the user from the first cart to the second cart; causing the second drive unit to pull the second cart to move to the receiving location; server.

2. 2. The server of claim 1, The processor, when change information for changing the receiving location is acquired from the user, the first driving unit is moved to the changed receiving location based on the change information; server.

3. 3. The server according to claim 1, The processor, Calculate a fee to be charged to the user based on a location where the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, the pick-up location, a deposit time when the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, and a pick-up time when the user received the baggage at the pick-up location; outputting the fee to a communication terminal owned by the user; server.

4. A server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The first carriage includes: The baggage storage device further includes a temperature adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature of the baggage stored therein; The processor, Acquire baggage information regarding baggage entrusted by the user; adjusting the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism based on the luggage information; server.

5. A server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The processor, If the parcel is not received within a predetermined time after the first delivery unit arrives at the receiving location, schedule information of the user is acquired; moving the first drive unit to a destination to be visited by the user based on the schedule information; server.

6. A first delivery unit including: a first cart that stores one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and has a first sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage; and a first drive unit that is connectable to the first cart and can autonomously travel by towing the first cart; A second delivery unit including: a second cart having a second sorting mechanism capable of storing luggage different from the luggage deposited by the user and sorting the luggage; and a second drive unit that is freely connectable to the second cart and capable of autonomously traveling by pulling the second cart; A server having a processor configured to acquire a current location of the first delivery unit and a receiving location of the package designated by the user, and to cause the first drive unit to pull the first dolly and move it to the receiving location based on the current location and the receiving location; Equipped with The processor, Obtaining a destination of the second delivery unit and baggage information including at least whether or not the baggage entrusted by the user is permitted to be shared; When sharing of the baggage deposited by the user is permitted and the receiving location is the same as the destination, control the first sorting mechanism and the second sorting mechanism to transport the baggage deposited by the user from the first cart to the second cart; causing the second drive unit to pull the second cart to move to the receiving location; Delivery system.

7. 7. The delivery system of claim 6, The processor, when change information for changing the receiving location is acquired from the user, the first driving unit is moved to the changed receiving location based on the change information; Delivery system.

8. A delivery system according to claim 6 or 7, The processor, Calculate a fee to be charged to the user based on a location where the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, the pick-up location, a deposit time when the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, and a pick-up time when the user received the baggage at the pick-up location; outputting the fee to a communication terminal owned by the user; Delivery system.

9. A delivery system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The first carriage includes: The baggage storage device further includes a temperature adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature of the baggage stored therein; The processor, Acquire baggage information regarding baggage entrusted by the user; adjusting the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism based on the luggage information; Delivery system.

10. A delivery system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, The processor, If the parcel is not received within a predetermined time after the first delivery unit arrives at the receiving location, schedule information of the user is acquired; moving the first drive unit to a destination to be visited by the user based on the schedule information; Delivery system.

11. The processor: Acquire a current location of a first delivery unit including a first cart that accommodates one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and has a first sorting mechanism capable of sorting the pieces of luggage, and a first drive unit that is connectable to the first cart and can tow the first cart to travel autonomously, and a receiving location of the pieces of luggage designated by the user; causing the first drive unit to pull the first cart to move it to the receiving location based on the current location and the receiving location; Acquire the destination of a second delivery unit including a second cart that stores luggage different from the luggage deposited by the user and has a second sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage, and a second drive unit that is freely connectable to the second cart and can tow the second cart to travel autonomously, and luggage information including at least whether or not the luggage deposited by the user is permitted to be shared; When sharing of the baggage deposited by the user is permitted and the receiving location is the same as the destination, control the first sorting mechanism and the second sorting mechanism to transport the baggage deposited by the user from the first cart to the second cart; causing the second drive unit to pull the second cart to move to the receiving location; A program to make that happen.

12. The program according to claim 11, The processor, when change information for changing the receiving location is acquired from the user, the first driving unit is moved to the changed receiving location based on the change information; A program to make that happen.

13. The program according to claim 11 or 12, The processor, Calculate a fee to be charged to the user based on a location where the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, the pick-up location, a deposit time when the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, and a pick-up time when the user received the baggage at the pick-up location; outputting the fee to a communication terminal owned by the user; A program to make that happen.

14. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, The first carriage includes: The baggage storage device further includes a temperature adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature of the baggage stored therein; The processor, Acquire baggage information regarding baggage entrusted by the user; adjusting the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism based on the luggage information; A program to make that happen.

15. A program according to any one of claims 11 to 14, The processor, If the parcel is not received within a predetermined time after the first delivery unit arrives at the receiving location, schedule information of the user is acquired; moving the first drive unit to a destination to be visited by the user based on the schedule information; A program to make that happen.

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