Management device, management system, and management method

Abstract

To provide a management device, a management system, a management method and a movable body which reduce an influence of wet or dirt of the movable body.SOLUTION: A management device 10 includes a control part 12 for managing a movable body 40 for delivering a delivery article 50. The control part 12 restricts or prohibits entering of the movable body 40 into a predetermined area, when an amount of wet or dirt in at least a part of the movable body 40 is equal to or more than a determination threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a mobile object. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A delivery system capable of successfully delivering a package to a delivery destination is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-152519 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When making deliveries in rainy weather, the mobile object delivering the package may itself get wet or dirty, which may affect the area into which the mobile object enters or the user handling the mobile object.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the effects of wetting or dirt on a moving body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a management device includes a control unit that manages a moving object that delivers a delivery item, and the control unit restricts or prohibits the moving object from entering a predetermined area when an amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving object is equal to or greater than a determination threshold.

[0007] A management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the management device and a mobile object that delivers delivery items.

[0008] A management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for managing a moving object that delivers a delivery item, the management method including restricting or prohibiting the moving object from entering a predetermined area when an amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving object is equal to or greater than a determination threshold.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a moving object delivers a delivery item, and the moving object includes a control unit that limits or prohibits the moving object from entering a predetermined area when an amount of wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the moving object is equal to or greater than a determination threshold. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the mobile object management device, management system, management method, and mobile object according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the effects of wetting or dirt on the mobile object, etc., can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a moving body. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a management method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a management method according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (Example of management system 1 configuration) As shown in Fig. 1, a management system 1 according to an embodiment includes a management device 10 and a mobile object 40. The mobile object 40 stores a delivery item 50 (see Fig. 2) and travels from a delivery origin of the delivery item 50 to a delivery destination. The management device 10 manages a travel route or a travel schedule for the mobile object 40 to store the delivery item 50 at the delivery origin and deliver it to the delivery destination.

[0013] If the condition of the moving object 40 deteriorates, this may affect the delivery item 50. For example, the moving object 40 may become wet or dirty, which may cause the delivery item 50 to become wet or dirty. The management device 10 acquires the condition of the moving object 40 and manages the moving object 40 based on the condition of the moving object 40. The management device 10 acquires the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the moving object 40 as the condition of the moving object 40. The management device 10 manages the condition of the moving object 40 by performing maintenance work such as drying or cleaning the moving object 40 based on the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the moving object 40.

[0014] A specific configuration example of the management system 1 will be described below.

[0015] <Management device 10> The management device 10 includes a control unit 12 and an interface 14. The interface 14 is also referred to as an I / F14.

[0016] The control unit 12 controls at least one component of the management device 10. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more processors. In this embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, etc., but is not limited to these. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit may include, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 12 may be configured to include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit together with a processor.

[0017] The management device 10 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may be, for example, but is not limited to, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory. The storage unit may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage unit may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage unit stores any information used in the operation of the management device 10. For example, the storage unit may store a system program, an application program, or the like. The storage unit may be included in the control unit 12.

[0018] The I / F 14 outputs information or data from the control unit 12 and inputs information or data to the control unit 12. The I / F 14 may include a communication module configured to be able to communicate with other devices such as a mobile object 40 or a terminal device 20 via a network 30. The communication module may be compatible with a mobile communication standard such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may be compatible with a communication standard such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module may be compatible with a wired or wireless communication standard. The communication module is not limited to these and may be compatible with various communication standards. The I / F 14 may be configured to be connectable to the communication module.

[0019] The I / F 14 may be configured to include an input device that accepts input of information or data from a user. The input device may be configured to include, for example, a touch panel or a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device may be configured to include physical keys. The input device may be configured to include a voice input device such as a microphone.

[0020] The I / F 14 may be configured to include an output device that outputs information or data to a user. The output device may include, for example, a display device that outputs visual information such as an image, character, or figure. The display device may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or an inorganic EL display, or a Plasma Display Panel (PDP). The display device is not limited to these displays and may include displays of various other types. The display device may include a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emission Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The display device may include various other devices. The output device may include, for example, an audio output device such as a speaker that outputs audio information such as sound. The output device is not limited to these examples and may include various other devices.

[0021] The management device 10 may include one or more server devices capable of communicating with each other.

[0022] <Mobile unit 40> As shown in FIG. 2, the moving body 40 includes a main body portion 42 having a storage space for storing the delivery item 50, and a drive portion 44 for moving the moving body 40.

[0023] The storage space of the main body 42 may be configured to be capable of storing the delivery item 50 packed in a delivery box or the like, or may be configured to be capable of storing the delivery item 50 in a state where it is not packed in a delivery box or the like. The main body 42 may be provided with a locking mechanism for locking the delivery item 50 stored in the storage space. The main body 42 may have an opening for inserting and removing the delivery item 50 into and from the storage space. The main body 42 may have an entrance including a door, shutter, or the like that opens when inserting and removing the delivery item 50 into and from the storage space.

[0024] The drive unit 44 may include, for example, wheels or caterpillars as a mechanism for traveling on a road surface. The drive unit 44 may further include a drive mechanism such as a motor or an engine that drives the wheels or caterpillars. The drive unit 44 may further include gears that transmit power from the drive mechanism to the wheels or caterpillars. The drive unit 44 may further include a battery that supplies power to the drive mechanism or a tank that supplies fuel.

[0025] The mobile body 40 further includes a mobile body control unit 46, although this is not essential. The mobile body control unit 46 controls at least one component of the mobile body 40, such as the main body unit 42 or the drive unit 44 of the mobile body 40. The mobile body control unit 46 may obtain destination information specifying a destination from the management device 10, and control the drive unit 44 to run autonomously based on the destination information. The mobile body 40 may obtain control information instructing the timing of starting or stopping running, or the running speed, from the management device 10, and control the drive unit 44 based on the control information to run. When the delivery item 50 is stored in the main body unit 42, the mobile body control unit 46 may output information identifying the stored delivery item 50 to the management device 10. When the delivery item 50 is removed from the main body unit 42, the mobile body control unit 46 may output information identifying the removed delivery item 50 to the management device 10.

[0026] The mobile object control unit 46 may be configured to include one or more processors. The mobile object control unit 46 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit together with a processor. The mobile object 40 may be configured to include a memory unit. The memory unit of the mobile object 40 may be configured in the same manner as or similar to the memory unit of the management device 10. The mobile object 40 may be configured to include an I / F or a communication module. The I / F or communication module of the mobile object 40 may be configured in the same manner as or similar to the I / F or communication module of the management device 10.

[0027] The main body 42 may be configured to allow a cover 52 that protects at least a part of the moving body 40 to be detachable. The cover 52 may be attached to protect an opening or entrance through which the delivery item 50 is inserted or removed from the storage space, as shown by a two-dot chain imaginary line in FIG. 2. The cover 52 may be attached to protect at least a part of the opening or entrance. In other words, the cover 52 may be attached to protect a place that may affect the delivery item 50 by getting wet or dirty. The cover 52 may be attached to prevent rain, etc., from falling from above the moving body 40. The cover 52 may be attached to prevent soil, mud, etc., splashed up from the ground on which the moving body 40 travels. The cover 52 may be attached to cover the entire main body 42.

[0028] 1, the movable body 40 further includes a detachment unit 47, although this is not essential. The detachment unit 47 attaches the cover 52 to the main body unit 42 and detaches the cover 52 from the main body unit 42. The detachment unit 47 may be configured to be able to store the cover 52 in a state where it is not attached to the main body unit 42 in the movable body 40. The detachment unit 47 may attach the cover 52 stored in a cover storage location or the like to the main body unit 42, and return the removed cover 52 to the cover storage location or the like.

[0029] The moving object 40 further includes a detection unit 48, although this is not essential. The detection unit 48 detects a state in which at least a part of the moving object 40 is wet or dirty as a state of the moving object 40. The part (at least a part of the moving object 40) for which the detection unit 48 detects wetness or dirt may include a part that may affect the delivery item 50, such as wetness or dirt. The detection unit 48 may output a detection result of wetness or dirt in at least a part of the moving object 40 to the moving object control unit 46 or may output the same to the management device 10. The detection unit 48 may measure the amount of wetness or dirt in at least a part of the moving object 40. The detection unit 48 may output a measurement result of the amount of wetness or dirt in at least a part of the moving object 40 to the moving object control unit 46 or may output the same to the management device 10.

[0030] The detection unit 48 may include a sensor that detects moisture attached to at least a part of the moving body 40. The detection unit 48 may detect whether at least a part of the moving body 40 is wet or measure the amount of wetness of at least a part of the moving body 40 based on the detection result of moisture on at least a part of the moving body 40. The detection unit 48 may include a camera that captures an image of a surface of at least a part of the moving body 40. The detection unit 48 may detect wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 based on an image captured by the camera, or measure the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40. The detection unit 48 may include a sensor that detects a change in mass due to moisture, dirt, or the like adhering to at least a part of the moving body 40. The detection unit 48 may measure the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 based on a change in mass of at least a part of the moving body 40.

[0031] The moving body 40 further includes a maintenance unit 49, although this is not essential. The maintenance unit 49 performs maintenance work on the moving body 40. The maintenance work includes drying the moving body 40 when the moving body 40 is wet. The maintenance work may include drying only those areas of the moving body 40 that may affect the delivery item 50. The maintenance work includes cleaning the moving body 40 when the moving body 40 is dirty. The maintenance work may include cleaning only those areas of the moving body 40 that may affect the delivery item 50. The maintenance unit 49 may be configured to include a nozzle that sprays detergent, water, etc. to wash away dirt from the moving body 40. The maintenance unit 49 may be configured to include a blower that blows off moisture, dirt, etc. from the moving body 40 by spraying gas such as air. The maintenance unit 49 may be configured to include a cloth, sponge, etc. to wipe off moisture, dirt, etc. from the moving body 40. The maintenance unit 49 may perform maintenance work on the moving body 40 in which the maintenance unit 49 is provided, or may perform maintenance work on other moving bodies 40.

[0032] The mobile object 40 may be configured to include a location information detection unit that acquires location information of the mobile object 40 itself. The mobile object 40 may output location information of the mobile object 40 itself to the management device 10. The location information detection unit may be configured to include a receiver compatible with a satellite positioning system. The receiver compatible with the satellite positioning system may include, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0033] The number of moving objects 40 managed by the management system 1 may be two or more. The moving object 40 is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be configured in various other forms capable of storing and moving the delivery item 50.

[0034] <Detection device 60> The management system 1 further includes a detection device 60, although this is not essential. The detection device 60 detects a state in which at least a part of the mobile object 40 is wet or dirty as a state of the mobile object 40. The part (at least a part of the mobile object 40) for which the detection device 60 detects wetness or dirt may include a part that may affect the delivery item 50 by being wet or dirty. The detection device 60 may output a detection result of wetness or dirt in at least a part of the mobile object 40 to the management device 10, or may output the result to the mobile object control unit 46 of the mobile object 40 in which the wetness or dirt in at least a part of the mobile object 40 is detected. The detection device 60 may measure the amount of wetness or dirt in at least a part of the mobile object 40. The detection device 60 may output a measurement result of the amount of wetness or dirt in at least a part of the mobile object 40 to the management device 10, or may output the result to the mobile object control unit 46 of the mobile object 40 in which the amount of wetness or dirt in at least a part of the mobile object 40 is measured.

[0035] The detection device 60 may include a camera that captures an image of the surface of the moving body 40. The detection device 60 may detect wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 or measure the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 based on an image captured by the camera. The detection device 60 may be configured to emit electromagnetic waves to the moving body 40 and detect the electromagnetic waves reflected and returned from the moving body 40. The detection device 60 may detect wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 or measure the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 based on the intensity, phase, or the like of the electromagnetic waves reflected and returned from the moving body 40.

[0036] The detection device 60 may be installed on or near the route along which the moving object 40 travels, and may detect wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving object 40 while the moving object 40 travels. The detection device 60 may be installed at the entrance of a predetermined area including a delivery source or delivery destination, and may detect wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving object 40 before the moving object 40 enters the predetermined area. The detection device 60 may be installed at the delivery source of the delivery item 50, and may detect wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving object 40 before the delivery item 50 is received by the moving object 40. The detection device 60 may be installed at the delivery destination of the delivery item 50, and may detect wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving object 40 before the delivery item 50 is taken out of the moving object 40, or before the moving object 40 dispenses the delivery item 50.

[0037] <Maintenance device 70> The management system 1 further includes a maintenance device 70, although this is not essential. The maintenance device 70 performs maintenance work on the moving body 40. The maintenance work includes a task of drying the moving body 40 when the moving body 40 is wet. The maintenance work may include a task of drying only the areas of the moving body 40 that may affect the delivery item 50. The maintenance work includes a task of cleaning the moving body 40 when the moving body 40 is dirty. The maintenance work may include a task of cleaning only the areas of the moving body 40 that may affect the delivery item 50. The maintenance device 70 may be configured to include a nozzle that sprays detergent, water, etc. to wash away dirt from the moving body 40. The maintenance device 70 may be configured to include a blower that blows off moisture, dirt, etc. from the moving body 40 by spraying gas such as air. The maintenance device 70 may be configured to include a cloth, sponge, etc. to wipe off moisture, dirt, etc. from the moving body 40.

[0038] The maintenance device 70 may be installed on a route along which the moving body 40 travels, and perform maintenance work on the moving body 40 while the moving body 40 is traveling. The maintenance device 70 may be installed at an entrance to a predetermined area including a delivery source or a delivery destination, and perform maintenance work on the moving body 40 before the moving body 40 enters the predetermined area. The maintenance device 70 may be installed at the delivery source of the delivery item 50, and perform maintenance work on the moving body 40 before the delivery item 50 is stored in the moving body 40. The maintenance device 70 may be installed at the delivery destination of the delivery item 50, and perform maintenance work on the moving body 40 before the delivery item 50 is taken out of the moving body 40, or before the moving body 40 dispenses the delivery item 50.

[0039] <Terminal Device 20> The management system 1 further includes a terminal device 20, although this is not essential. The terminal device 20 may receive input of information specifying the location or time to send the delivery item 50 from a user who sends the delivery item 50, and output the input information to the management device 10. The terminal device 20 may receive input of information specifying the location or time to receive the delivery item 50 from a user who receives the delivery item 50, and output the input information to the management device 10. The terminal device 20 may obtain information related to the delivery status of the delivery item 50 from the management device 10, and notify the user who sent the delivery item 50 or the user who receives the delivery item 50 of the delivery status of the delivery item 50.

[0040] The terminal device 20 may be configured to include one or more processors or one or more dedicated circuits. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of the terminal device 20 may be configured identically or similarly to the storage unit of the management device 10. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an I / F or a communication module. The I / F or communication module of the terminal device 20 may be configured identically or similarly to the I / F or communication module of the management device 10.

[0041] The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an input device that accepts input of information, data, etc. from a user. The input device may be configured to include various devices described as the I / F 14. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an output device that outputs information, data, etc. to the user. The output device may be configured to include various devices described as the I / F 14.

[0042] The number of terminal devices 20 included in the management system 1 is not limited to one, and may be two or more. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC. The terminal device 20 is not limited to these examples, and may be configured to include various devices.

[0043] (Example of operation of management system 1) In the management system 1 according to the present embodiment, the management device 10 manages the mobile object 40. When the management system 1 includes a plurality of mobile objects 40, the management device 10 manages each of the plurality of mobile objects 40. The management device 10 generates a travel route or a travel schedule for the mobile object 40 so that the mobile object 40 collects the delivery item 50 at the delivery origin and delivers the delivery item 50 to the delivery destination. When the mobile object 40 does not collect the delivery item 50 or has the capacity to collect the delivery item 50, the management device 10 designates the delivery origin of the delivery item 50 as the moving destination of the mobile object 40 so that the mobile object 40 collects the delivery item 50. When the mobile object 40 collects the delivery item 50, the management device 10 designates the moving destination of the delivery item 50 as the moving destination of the mobile object 40 so that the collected delivery item 50 is delivered.

[0044] The delivery origin includes a location from which the delivery item 50 is sent. The delivery item 50 may be sent from a user such as a corporation or individual, or may be sent from a logistics center or the like that collects the delivery item 50. The delivery destination includes a location from which the delivery item 50 is received. The delivery item 50 may be received by a user such as a corporation or individual, or may be received at a logistics center or the like that collects the delivery item 50. The delivery origin or delivery destination is not limited to these examples and may include various locations.

[0045] <Management based on wetness or dirt of the moving object 40> The management device 10 manages the mobile object 40 based on the wetness or dirtiness of at least a part of the mobile object 40. Specifically, the management device 10 controls the travel of the mobile object 40 and manages the timing of performing maintenance work on the mobile object 40 based on the wetness or dirtiness of at least a part of the mobile object 40. An example of the operation of the management device 10 managing the mobile object 40 based on the wetness or dirtiness of at least a part of the mobile object 40 will be described below.

[0046] The control unit 12 of the management device 10 acquires information regarding wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the mobile object 40. The control unit 12 may acquire a result of detecting whether at least a portion of the mobile object 40 is wet or dirty as the information regarding wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the mobile object 40. The control unit 12 may acquire a result of measuring the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the mobile object 40 as the information regarding wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the mobile object 40. The control unit 12 may acquire the information regarding wetness or dirt from the detection device 60 or from the detection unit 48 of the mobile object 40.

[0047] When the control unit 12 drives the mobile body 40 to deliver the delivery item 50, the control unit 12 controls the driving of the mobile body 40 based on the wetness or dirtiness of at least a part of the mobile body 40. The control unit 12 may control the driving of the mobile body 40 based on the amount of wetness or dirtiness of at least a part of the mobile body 40. In controlling the mobile body 40 that delivers the delivery item 50, the control unit 12 may set a part that may affect the delivery item 50 by wetness or dirtiness, such as an opening or entrance provided in the main body 42, as a part (at least a part of the mobile body 40) to be determined for the wetness or dirtiness of the mobile body 40. The control unit 12 may set other parts of the mobile body 40 as the part (at least a part of the mobile body 40) to be determined for the wetness or dirtiness of the mobile body 40 without being limited to the above examples.

[0048] The route along which the moving object 40 travels includes an area that is managed so as not to get wet or dirty. The area that is managed so as not to get wet or dirty is also referred to as a predetermined area. If the moving object 40 that enters the predetermined area is wet or dirty, the predetermined area may get wet or dirty.

[0049] The control unit 12 may restrict or prohibit the moving body 40 from entering a predetermined area when it is determined that the moving body 40 is wet or dirty. In other words, the control unit 12 may restrict or prohibit the moving body 40 from entering a predetermined area when the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold. Conversely, the control unit 12 may permit the moving body 40 to enter a predetermined area when the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 is less than the judgment threshold. The judgment threshold may be determined according to the amount of wetness or dirt permitted in the predetermined area. By restricting or prohibiting the moving body 40 from entering the predetermined area when the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold, wetness or dirt is less likely to be brought into the predetermined area.

[0050] The moving body control unit 46 of the moving body 40 may acquire information on wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 itself. The moving body control unit 46 may acquire the information on wetness or dirt from the detection unit 48 of the moving body 40 itself, or from the detection device 60. The moving body control unit 46 may also acquire information on wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 itself from the detection unit 48 of another moving body 40. The moving body 40 whose wetness or dirt is detected is also referred to as a first moving body. The moving body 40 having a detection unit 48 that detects wetness or dirt is also referred to as a second moving body. That is, the moving body 40 may include a first moving body and a second moving body different from the first moving body. The control unit 12 may acquire the amount of wetness or dirt on the first moving body from the detection unit 48 of the second moving body. The moving body control unit 46 of the first moving body may acquire the amount of wetness or dirt on the first moving body itself from the detection unit 48 of the second moving body. The names “first moving body” and “second moving body” used here are merely meant to distinguish the moving bodies 40 and do not refer to a specific moving body 40 .

[0051] When it is determined that the moving body 40 itself is wet or dirty, the moving body control unit 46 may control the traveling of the moving body 40 so that the moving body 40 does not enter a predetermined area. In other words, when the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 itself is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, the moving body control unit 46 may control the traveling of the moving body 40 so that the moving body 40 does not enter a predetermined area. In other words, when the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 itself is less than the determination threshold, the moving body control unit 46 may control the traveling of the moving body 40 so that the moving body 40 enters a predetermined area. When the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, the traveling of the moving body 40 is controlled so that the moving body 40 does not enter the predetermined area, thereby making it difficult for wetness or dirt to be brought into the predetermined area.

[0052] By making it difficult for wetness or dirt to be brought in, the predetermined area is less likely to become wet or dirty. In other words, the amount of wetness or dirt in the predetermined area can be reduced. As a result, the effect of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 can be reduced.

[0053] In controlling the moving body 40 entering a predetermined area, the control unit 12 or the moving body control unit 46 may set a part of the moving body 40 that may wet or soil the floor or wall of the predetermined area as a part (at least a part of the moving body 40) to be determined as to whether the moving body 40 is wet or soiled. Specifically, the control unit 12 or the moving body control unit 46 may set a part of the driving unit 44 that may come into contact with the floor or wall as a part (at least a part of the moving body 40) to be determined as to whether the moving body 40 is wet or soiled. The control unit 12 or the moving body control unit 46 may set a part of the main body 42 that may affect the delivery item 50 by wetting or soiling it, such as an opening or entrance, as a part (at least a part of the moving body 40) to be determined as to whether the moving body 40 is wet or soiled. The control unit 12 or the moving body control unit 46 may set other parts of the moving body 40 as a part (at least a part of the moving body 40) to be determined as to whether the moving body 40 is wet or soiled, without being limited to the above examples.

[0054] The predetermined area may be set as an area including the delivery origin or destination of the delivery item 50. In this case, the judgment threshold may be set so that the delivery item 50 is not affected by wetness or dirt. The judgment threshold may be set so that the amount of wetness or dirt on the delivery item 50 is less than the allowable amount of the delivery item 50.

[0055] When the amount of wetness or dirt is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold, the mobile body 40 is restricted or prohibited from entering a predetermined area including the delivery origin or delivery destination of the delivery item 50, so that the delivery origin or delivery destination of the delivery item 50 is less likely to be wetted or soiled by the mobile body 40. As a result, the delivery item 50 is less likely to be wetted or soiled when the delivery item 50 is stored in the mobile body 40 at the delivery origin of the delivery item 50 or when the delivery item 50 is taken out of the mobile body 40 at the delivery destination. In other words, the effect of wetness or dirt of the mobile body 40 on the delivery item 50 can be reduced.

[0056] The specified area may be set as an internal area of ​​an apartment building, a commercial facility, an office building, or the like.

[0057] <Protection of moving object 40> By attaching the cover 52 to the moving body 40, at least a portion of the moving body 40 can be protected from getting wet or dirty by the cover 52. Furthermore, when the cover 52 gets wet or dirty, the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the moving body 40 is reduced by removing the cover 52.

[0058] The control unit 12 may manage the attachment and detachment of the cover 52 based on the wetness or dirtiness of at least a part of the moving body 40. For example, the control unit 12 may acquire the amount of wetness or dirtiness of the cover 52 in a state in which the cover 52 is attached to the moving body 40. When the amount of wetness or dirtiness of the cover 52 is equal to or greater than a determination threshold, the control unit 12 may output an instruction to the moving body 40 to remove the cover 52. When the moving body 40 acquires the instruction to remove the cover 52, the moving body 40 may remove the cover 52 by the attachment / detachment unit 47, or may have a nearby person or another moving body 40 remove the cover 52.

[0059] The mobile object control unit 46 of the mobile object 40 may manage the attachment and detachment of the cover 52 based on the wetness or dirtiness of at least a part of the mobile object 40 itself. For example, the mobile object control unit 46 may acquire the amount of wetness or dirtiness of the cover 52 attached to the mobile object 40 itself. When the amount of wetness or dirtiness of the cover 52 is equal to or greater than a determination threshold, the mobile object control unit 46 may remove the cover 52 by the attachment / detachment unit 47, or may have a nearby person or another mobile object 40, etc., remove the cover 52.

[0060] The control unit 12 may permit the moving body 40 to enter the predetermined area when the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 is less than the determination threshold in a state in which the cover 52 is removed from the moving body 40. Furthermore, the moving body control unit 46 may control the travel of the moving body 40 itself so that the moving body 40 itself enters the predetermined area in a state in which the amount of wetness or dirt on at least a part of the moving body 40 itself is less than the determination threshold in a state in which the cover 52 is removed from the moving body 40.

[0061] If the cover 52 is wet or dirty, the wetness or dirt may splash around when the cover 52 is removed. The cover 52 may be removed at a predetermined position before the moving body 40 enters the predetermined area. The predetermined position may be an entrance to the predetermined area. The control unit 12 or the moving body control unit 46 may determine whether the cover 52 needs to be removed at a predetermined position before the moving body 40 enters the predetermined area. When the control unit 12 or the moving body control unit 46 determines that the cover 52 needs to be removed, it may output an instruction to the moving body 40 to remove the cover 52. When the predetermined area is set as an internal area of ​​an apartment building, a commercial facility, an office building, or the like, the predetermined position may be an entrance to the apartment building, the commercial facility, the office building, or the like.

[0062] A moving body 40 may be protected by another moving body 40. For example, a moving body 40 may travel so as to cover at least a part of the other moving body 40. Also, two moving bodies 40 may travel so as to cover a part of each other's moving body 40. In this way, at least a part of the moving body 40 may be protected from getting wet or dirty. A moving body 40 having at least a part protected is also called a first moving body. A moving body 40 that protects at least a part of another moving body 40 is also called a second moving body. In other words, a second moving body different from the first moving body may be configured to protect at least a part of the first moving body. The names "first moving body" and "second moving body" used here are simply meant to distinguish the moving bodies 40, and do not refer to a specific moving body 40. Furthermore, the designations "first moving body" and "second moving body" used here do not have to coincide with the meanings of "first moving body" (detected moving body 40) and "second moving body" (detecting moving body 40) used in the description of the configuration for detecting wetness or dirt on the moving body 40.

[0063] The control unit 12 may restrict or prohibit the first moving body from entering the predetermined area when the amount of wetness or dirt on the first moving body in a state where the second moving body is separated from the first moving body is equal to or greater than the determination threshold. Conversely, the control unit 12 may permit the first moving body to enter the predetermined area when the amount of wetness or dirt on the first moving body in a state where the second moving body is separated from the first moving body is less than the determination threshold.

[0064] The moving body 40 can be protected from getting wet or dirty by being protected by the cover 52 or another moving body 40. In this way, the influence of getting wet or dirty on the moving body 40 can be reduced. As a result, the degree of freedom of travel of the moving body 40 can be improved.

[0065] <Maintenance of Mobile Unit 40> When the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, maintenance work may be performed on the moving object 40. The maintenance work is performed so that the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 becomes less than the determination threshold.

[0066] When the amount of wetness or dirt on the mobile object 40 is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, the control unit 12 may output an instruction to maintain the mobile object 40. Specifically, the control unit 12 may instruct the mobile object 40 to travel to the maintenance device 70 to have the maintenance device 70 perform maintenance work. The control unit 12 may instruct the mobile object 40 to perform maintenance work by a maintenance unit 49 included in the mobile object 40 itself.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 12 may instruct the moving body 40 to travel to another moving body 40 in order to have the other moving body 40 perform maintenance work. The control unit 12 may instruct the other moving body 40 to travel to the moving body 40 requiring maintenance work and perform the maintenance work. The moving body 40 on which maintenance work is performed is also referred to as a first moving body. The moving body 40 performing maintenance work on the other moving body 40 is also referred to as a second moving body. In other words, a second moving body different from the first moving body may perform maintenance work on the first moving body. The names "first moving body" and "second moving body" used here are simply meant to distinguish the moving bodies 40, and do not refer to a specific moving body 40. Furthermore, the terms "first moving body" and "second moving body" used here do not have to coincide with the meanings of "first moving body" (moving body 40 to be detected or protected) and "second moving body" (moving body 40 that detects or protects) used in the description of the configuration for detecting wetness or dirt on a moving body 40, or the configuration for protecting other moving bodies 40.

[0068] <Example of management procedure> As described above, the management device 10 according to this embodiment manages the wetness or dirtiness of the mobile object 40. The control unit 12 of the management device 10 may execute a management method including, for example, the steps of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 3 in order to manage the wetness or dirtiness of the mobile object 40. The management method may be realized as a management program executed by the control unit 12.

[0069] The control unit 12 acquires information about the moving object 40 (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 12 acquires information about the wetness or dirt of the moving object 40 as the information about the moving object 40. The control unit 12 may acquire a travel route or a travel schedule of the moving object 40. The control unit 12 may acquire position information about the moving object 40.

[0070] The control unit 12 determines whether the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 is less than the judgment threshold (step S2). If the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 is less than the judgment threshold (step S2: YES), the control unit 12 permits the moving object 40 to enter the predetermined area (step S3). After executing the procedure of step S3, the control unit 12 ends execution of the procedure of the flowchart in Fig. 3. After executing the procedure of step S3, the control unit 12 may return to the procedure of step S1.

[0071] If the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 is not less than the judgment threshold (step S2: NO), that is, if the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold, the control unit 12 determines whether to remove the cover 52 (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 12 may determine to remove the cover 52 if the cover 52 is attached. The control unit 12 may determine to remove the cover 52 if the amount of wetness or dirt on the cover 52 is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold. If the amount of wetness or dirt on a place other than the cover 52 is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold, removing the cover 52 does not cause the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 to become less than the judgment threshold. In this case, the control unit 12 may determine not to remove the cover 52.

[0072] When the control unit 12 determines that the cover 52 is to be removed (step S4: YES), it instructs the moving body 40 to remove the cover 52 (step S5). When the control unit 12 determines that the cover 52 is not to be removed (step S4: NO), it instructs the moving body 40 to perform maintenance work (step S6). The control unit 12 may instruct the moving body 40 itself to perform the maintenance work on the moving body 40, or may instruct another moving body 40 or the maintenance device 70. After executing the procedure of step S5 or S6, the control unit 12 returns to the procedure of acquiring information about the moving body 40 in step S1, and redoes the determination of the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40.

[0073] The management method described above may be executed by the mobile object control unit 46 of the mobile object 40. When the mobile object control unit 46 executes the management method, the mobile object control unit 46 may control the travel of the mobile object 40 so that the mobile object 40 enters a predetermined area in the procedure of step S3. In addition, the mobile object control unit 46 may control the travel of the mobile object 40 so that the mobile object 40 moves to the maintenance device 70 in the procedure of step S6, or may control the maintenance unit 49 so that the mobile object 40 performs maintenance work by the maintenance unit 49 of the mobile object 40 itself.

[0074] <Summary> As described above, according to the management system 1, management device 10, and management method of this embodiment, the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 is managed. Furthermore, based on the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40, entry of the moving body 40 into a specified area is managed. In this way, wetness or dirt is less likely to be brought into the specified area. By making it difficult for wetness or dirt to be brought in, the specified area is less likely to become wet or dirty. In other words, the amount of wetness or dirt on the specified area can be reduced. As a result, the impact of wetness or dirt on the moving body 40 can be reduced.

[0075] (Other embodiments) When the delivery item 50 is delivered, conditions may be specified by the user who requests the delivery. For example, the user may request that the delivery item 50 be delivered without being wet or dirty. Alternatively, the user may tolerate some wetness or dirt on the delivery item 50, but request that the delivery be made so that the amount of wetness or dirt is less than the allowable value. A user's request regarding delivery is also referred to as a delivery request.

[0076] The control unit 12 of the management device 10 may assign the mobile body 40 that stores and delivers the delivery item 50 in accordance with the delivery request for the delivery item 50. For example, when the delivery item 50 is requested to be delivered so that the wetness or dirt of the delivery item 50 is less than an allowable value, the control unit 12 may assign the mobile body 40 having a storage space configured to reduce the wetness or dirt of the delivery item 50 to the delivery of the delivery item 50. The mobile body 40 having a storage space configured to reduce the wetness or dirt of the delivery item 50 is also called a dedicated mobile body. The dedicated mobile body may be configured, for example, so that the storage space is highly sealed, or so that the storage space is covered with multiple covers 52. When the control unit 12 receives a delivery request specifying a dedicated mobile body from a user, the control unit 12 may assign the dedicated mobile body as the mobile body 40.

[0077] The control unit 12 may determine the travel route of the mobile body 40 that stores and delivers the delivery item 50 in accordance with the delivery request of the delivery item 50. For example, when it is requested that the delivery item 50 be delivered so that the wetness or dirtiness of the delivery item 50 is less than an allowable value, the control unit 12 may determine a route along which the mobile body 40 that stores and travels the delivery item 50 is less likely to get wet or dirty as the travel route. A route along which the mobile body 40 is less likely to get wet or dirty is also referred to as a dedicated delivery route. The dedicated delivery route may include, for example, a covered passage such as an arcade to protect the mobile body from rain, or an underground passage such as a tunnel. The dedicated delivery route may include a dedicated passage that is not passed by humans, vehicles, or other mobile bodies 40. The control unit 12 may assign a dedicated mobile body as the mobile body 40 that delivers the delivery item 50, and further determine the travel route of the dedicated mobile body as the dedicated delivery route. In other words, the control unit 12 may cause the dedicated mobile body to travel along the dedicated delivery route. When the control unit 12 receives a delivery request from a user specifying that delivery should be made through a dedicated delivery route, the control unit 12 may determine the dedicated delivery route as the travel route for the mobile object 40.

[0078] The control unit 12 may determine the travel route of the mobile body 40 that accommodates the delivery item 50 based on the tolerance of the amount of wetness or dirt on the delivery item 50. For example, when the tolerance of the amount of wetness or dirt on the delivery item 50 is large, the control unit 12 may determine a travel route that includes an outdoor passage that is likely to be exposed to rain, or may determine a travel route that includes a passage where many people, vehicles, or other mobile bodies 40 pass. When the tolerance of the amount of wetness or dirt on the delivery item 50 is large, the control unit 12 may determine a travel route that can deliver the delivery item 50 in the fastest time or via the shortest route, regardless of the likelihood that the mobile body 40 will get wet or dirty.

[0079] The control unit 12 may execute a management method including the steps of a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, to allocate the moving objects 40 and determine their travel routes.

[0080] The control unit 12 acquires information about the moving object 40 (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 12 acquires information about wetness or dirt on the moving object 40 as the information about the moving object 40. The control unit 12 also acquires information about a configuration for reducing wetness or dirt on the moving object 40. The control unit 12 may acquire a travel route or a travel schedule of the moving object 40. The control unit 12 may acquire position information of the moving object 40.

[0081] The control unit 12 acquires a delivery request from a user (step S12). The control unit 12 determines whether the delivery request includes a request regarding wetness or dirt (step S13). If a request regarding wetness or dirt is included (step S13: YES), the control unit 12 extracts mobile objects 40 that satisfy the request regarding wetness or dirt from among the mobile objects 40 whose information was acquired in step S11 (step S14). If there is no request regarding wetness or dirt (step S13: NO), the control unit 12 proceeds to the procedure of step S15.

[0082] The control unit 12 assigns a mobile unit 40 to deliver the delivery item 50 based on the delivery request from the user (step S15). If the control unit 12 extracts a mobile unit 40 in the procedure of step S14, the control unit 12 assigns a mobile unit 40 from among the extracted mobile units 40. If the control unit 12 skips the procedure of step S14, the control unit 12 assigns a mobile unit 40 from among the mobile units 40 whose information was obtained in step S11.

[0083] The control unit 12 determines a travel route for the mobile object 40 based on the delivery request from the user (step S16). After executing the procedure of step S16, the control unit 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG.

[0084] As described above, the control unit 12 can assign the mobile object 40 and determine the travel route of the mobile object 40 based on a delivery request from a user. In this way, it is possible to realize both a reduction in the effect of the mobile object 40 being wet or dirty and an efficient use of the mobile object 40.

[0085] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means or steps can be combined or divided into one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 Management System 10 Management device (12: control unit, 14: I / F) 20 Terminal Equipment 30 Network 40 Mobile body (42: main body part, 44: drive part, 46: mobile body control part, 47: detachment part, 48: detection part, 49: maintenance part) 50 Delivery goods 52 Cover 60 Detection Device 70 Maintenance equipment

Claims

1. A control unit that manages a moving object that delivers a delivery item, The control unit is restricting or prohibiting the moving object from entering a predetermined area when an amount of wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the moving object is equal to or greater than a determination threshold; A management device that allocates a dedicated mobile unit configured to reduce wetting and soiling of the delivery item to the delivery of the delivery item when the delivery item is required to be delivered so that its wetness or soiling is below an acceptable value.

2. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the dedicated vehicle to travel along a dedicated delivery route on which the dedicated vehicle is less likely to get wet or dirty.

3. The moving body includes a cover configured to be removable so as to protect at least a portion of the moving body, The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit allows the moving object to enter a specified area when the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object when the cover is removed from the moving object is less than the judgment threshold.

4. The management device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit outputs an instruction to remove the cover from the moving object when the amount of wetness or dirt on the cover at a predetermined position before the moving object enters the predetermined area is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold.

5. The moving body includes a detection unit that detects an amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body, The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit acquires an amount of wetness or dirt on the moving object from a detection unit of the moving object.

6. The moving body includes a first moving body and a second moving body, The management device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit acquires an amount of wetness or dirtiness of the first moving object from a detection unit of the second moving object.

7. The control unit of the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body is equal to or greater than the judgment threshold, outputs an instruction to maintain the moving body so that the amount of wetness or dirt on the moving body becomes less than the judgment threshold.

8. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines a travel route of the mobile body that contains the delivery item based on an allowable value for the amount of wetness or dirt on the delivery item.

9. A management system comprising: the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a mobile object that delivers a delivery item.

10. A method for managing a mobile object that delivers a delivery item, comprising: restricting or prohibiting the moving object from entering a predetermined area when an amount of wetness or dirt on at least a portion of the moving object is equal to or greater than a determination threshold; When it is required to deliver the delivery item such that the wetness or dirt of the delivery item is less than an allowable value, allocating a dedicated vehicle configured to reduce the wetness and dirt of the delivery item to the delivery of the delivery item; (c) a method of administration;

11. The management method according to claim 10 , further comprising: outputting an instruction to remove a cover protecting at least a part of the moving object when an amount of wetness or dirt on the cover is equal to or greater than the determination threshold.

12. The management method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising determining a travel route of the mobile object that accommodates the delivery item based on an allowable value for an amount of wetness or dirt on the delivery item.

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