Information processing system, server, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, a management server, an information processing method, and a program for standardizing and managing deliveries (for example, loads such as baggage) by using storage container type identification information, thereby facilitating comprehensive grasp of the amount of the deliveries and efficiently storing the deliveries in various storage spaces.SOLUTION: In an information processing system, a control unit 10 of a management server comprises: a storage space capacity information generation unit 151 that, based on storage container type information indicating the type for every capacity of a storage container storing a storage material in a storage space linked to a user, and storage space capacity state information indicating at least the capacity of the storage space, generates storage capacity state information indicating a state related to the capacity in the storage space; and a notification unit 154 that creates a notification related to the storage space according to a determination as to if the capacity of the space indicated by the storage capacity state information is under a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a server, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an information processing system that installs delivery boxes in individual homes and apartment complexes (co-residential buildings), and when the recipient is absent, stores the package in the delivery box, completing the delivery, and notifies the recipient's terminal of the completion of the delivery. Patent Document 1 discloses a delivery system that can store the package in a substitute storage space when delivery is not possible, in order to deal with the situation where the package cannot be delivered if it has already been stored in the delivery box and the package must be redelivered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-109558 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, for example, if a package is already stored in a home delivery box, it is stored in a proxy storage space. However, if the package already stored is a small package such as stationery or daily necessities, even if the next delivered package is small enough to fit in the remaining space (so-called free space) of the home delivery box, it will be stored in the proxy storage space, and users will often have to pick up packages from multiple locations. If this happens to every household, the proxy storage space located in the common area of ​​the apartment building will be filled up, and redelivery will eventually be necessary. In addition, when deliveries are stored in a specified storage space, not limited to home delivery boxes, the availability of the storage space cannot be grasped and is not taken into consideration in delivery.

[0005] On the other hand, even if the size of the parcels in the delivery box and the parcels to be delivered can be known in advance, there is actually variation in the shape of each parcel. Therefore, even if parcels are stored in the delivery box, dead space is created, making it difficult to store them efficiently. In addition, even if multiple parcels are stored in the delivery box, if the user does not collect the delivered parcels, there will be no remaining space. As a result, it cannot be said that excessive use of the proxy storage space can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0006] In recent years, autonomously controlled mobile objects such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have begun to be used in industry. In this context, experimental operation of a parcel delivery system that delivers parcels, such as goods ordered on EC (Electronic Commerce) sites, using mobile objects has begun. In such parcel delivery systems, although it is assumed that multiple mobile objects are the targets of delivery control, since this is an experimental operation, virtual delivery parcels (e.g., daily necessities and food) are set within the range that can be loaded onto one mobile object. However, in reality, users do not place orders while being conscious of the load capacity of one mobile object, and it is normal to order the desired amount of the desired item at the desired time, so there is no predictability as to whether the items will fit into one mobile object.

[0007] On the other hand, high delivery efficiency reduces delivery costs (and therefore delivery fees), so loading a large amount of luggage onto a single mobile vehicle is desirable for both service providers and users. However, as mentioned above, considering the variation in luggage size, it is difficult to determine how much remaining space is available within the mobile vehicle's loading section, so operation with high loading efficiency is desirable.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of this background, and makes it possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easy to grasp the overall volume of stored items and enable efficient storage in a variety of storage spaces by standardizing and managing stored items (e.g., deliveries) using storage container type identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problem is an information processing system comprising: a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores items in a storage space linked to a user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space; and a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space depending on whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under specified conditions. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, by standardizing and managing stored items (e.g., deliveries) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall quantity of stored items and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the management server of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal and an operator terminal shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the management server of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the storage in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 4 is an example illustrating generation of storage volume status information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a storage space information storage unit in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 2 is an example of a storage space according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described below. An information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating a type for each volume of a storage container that stores an object in a storage space associated with a user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] The containment vessel type information is made identifiable based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment vessel volume as a reference containment vessel volume by a predetermined number. 2. The information processing system according to item 1, [Item 3] The storage volume status information is remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space, the condition being that the volume of the remaining space indicated by the remaining space information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value; 3. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, [Item 4] The storage volume status information is stored space information indicating a stored space within the storage space, The condition is that the volume of the stored space indicated by the stored space information is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. 3. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, [Item 5] The condition is that the storage period of any stored object in the storage space has elapsed a predetermined period of time. 5. The information processing system according to item 3 or 4. [Item 6] The determination is performed by reflecting a volume corresponding to the purchased product information associated with the user in a volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information. 6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, [Item 7] The determination is performed by reflecting a volume corresponding to a product previously purchased by the user in a volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information. 6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, [Item 8] The notification includes a notification including a status regarding a volume within the storage space. 8. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7. [Item 9] The notification includes a notification prompting receipt of the stored item in the storage space. 9. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Item 10] The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. 10. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 9. [Item 11] The notification includes a notification confirming availability of additional storage space. 11. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 10. [Item 12] The notification includes a notification regarding additional processing of additional storage space. 12. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 11. [Item 13] The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user. 13. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 12. [Item 14] The notification is transmitted to a worker terminal owned by a worker performing work related to the storage space. 14. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 13. [Item 15] a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating a type for each volume of a storage container that stores an object in a storage space associated with a user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space; and a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition. A server comprising: [Item 16] A step of generating storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores objects in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space by a storage volume status information generating unit; generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Including, 23. An information processing method comprising: [Item 17] A step of generating storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores objects in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space by a storage volume status information generating unit; and generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition. A program characterized by:

[0013] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, an information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference symbols and names, and duplicated descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. Furthermore, the features shown in this embodiment are applicable to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0014] <Configuration> 1, the information processing system in this embodiment includes a management server 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more user terminals 2. The management server 1, the user terminals 2, and the worker terminals 3 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0015] <Administration Server 1> 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the management server 1. Note that the illustrated configuration is just an example, and the management server 1 may have other configurations.

[0016] As shown in the figure, a management server 1 is connected to one or more user terminals 2 and one or more worker terminals 3, and constitutes a part of the present system. The management server 1 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be logically realized by cloud computing.

[0017] The management server 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, an input / output unit 14, etc., which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 15.

[0018] The control unit 10 is a computing device that controls the operation of the entire management server 1, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing required for application execution and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 12 and deployed in the memory 11 to perform each information processing.

[0019] The memory 11 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), etc. The memory 11 is used as a work area for the processor 10, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the management server 1 is started, various setting information, and the like.

[0020] The storage 12 stores various programs such as application programs. A database that stores data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 12.

[0021] The transmission / reception unit 13 connects the management server 1 to the network and the blockchain network. The transmission / reception unit 13 may include a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0022] The input / output unit 14 includes information input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output devices such as a display.

[0023] A bus 15 is commonly connected to each of the above elements, and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0024] <User terminal 2, worker terminal 3> The user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, PDA, etc., owned by a user, and the user terminal 2 also includes a control unit 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a transmission / reception unit 23, an input / output unit 24, etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 25. Since the main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the above-mentioned management server 1, detailed explanations of each element will be omitted. In addition, the worker terminal 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, PDA, etc., owned by a worker who manages deliveries at a collection point, etc., and since the main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the above-mentioned user terminal 2, detailed explanations of each element will be omitted.

[0025] <Management server functions> Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented in the control unit 10 of the management server 1, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating information stored in the storage 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 of the management server 1 has an information transmission / reception unit 100, a data management unit 120, and a storage management unit 150 as functional units. The storage management unit 150 includes a storage space volume status information generation unit 151 and a notification unit 154. The storage space volume status information generation unit 151 includes a remaining space calculation unit 152 and a stored space calculation unit 153. In addition, the storage 12 includes various databases of a user information storage unit 121 and a storage space information storage unit 122.

[0026] The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may be, for example, basic information of the user (user's name, user name, email address, address, telephone number, etc.), user identification information, external application account information, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, when electronic commerce is carried out on this information processing system or on an external system which transmits or receives related information and cooperates with this information processing system, the user information may include payment information (credit card information, etc.), purchased product information (including information on products to be purchased such as a shopping cart), purchase history information, regular purchase product information (for example, product identification information, product size (depth, width, height), conversion container type information, scheduled regular delivery delivery date information (for example, what day of each month regular delivery, etc.), etc.).

[0027] The storage space information stored in the storage space information memory unit 122 may include, for example, storage space identification information, user identification information, stored object information, remaining space information (particularly storage vessel type information converted into remaining space), stored space information (particularly storage vessel type information converted into stored space), load-bearing capacity information, manageable temperature range information, etc., and stored object information may include storage vessel type information, weight information, managed temperature range information, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0028] The information transmission / reception unit 100 transmits various information (including requests) to external devices (e.g., a user terminal 2, a worker terminal 3, etc.) that are directly or indirectly connected to the management server 1 at least via a network, and receives various information (including requests) from the external devices.

[0029] The screen information generating unit 110 generates screen information to be displayed via the user interface of the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. The screen information may be user interface screen information generated by arranging various images and text based on a predetermined layout rule using image and text data stored in the storage 12 as material. The screen information generating unit 110 may be a functional unit executed by the control unit 20 by an application (including a web browser) stored in each user terminal 2 or the like. That is, information required for generating a user interface screen such as image data may be transmitted from the management server 1, and a user interface screen may be generated based on the required information based on a predetermined layout rule by an application of the user terminal 2 or the like, and displayed on the user terminal 2. The processing related to the screen information generating unit 110 may also be executed by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0030] The data management unit 120 executes data management such as transmitting various information received by the information transmission / reception unit 100 to various functional units and acquiring various information from various functional units. The predetermined processing in the data management unit 120 includes, but is not limited to, various processing such as a storage volume status information generation processing for generating storage volume status information (remaining space information and / or stored space information) indicating a status regarding the volume in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of each volume of the storage container that stores the stored object in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space, a notification processing for generating a notification regarding the storage space and transmitting it to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3 in response to the volume indicated by the storage volume status information falling under a predetermined condition, and a storage space information update processing for updating the stored object information, remaining space information, and stored space information included in the storage space information.

[0031] The shape of the storage container is, for example, a three-dimensional container with a geometric shape, and is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped (including a cube) in consideration of storage in the storage space, stacking, etc. The material of the storage container may be any material, such as paper, plastic, metal, etc., and in particular, cardboard made of paper or cardboard made of plastic is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of production and weight. Here, in the present invention, storage container type information is set so that the type of storage container can be identified for stored items such as deliveries. The containment vessel type may be, for example, a plurality of containment vessel volume types set to be identifiable from one another based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment space volume as a reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) (for example, it may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types set to be identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) and multiplying the result by a number equal to or less than the predetermined number (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1, etc.), or it may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types set to be identifiable for each containment vessel volume divided by a predetermined number (for example, which may be an integer, and in particular may be the nth power of 2 (n is an integer and may include 0)) (e.g., 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, etc.), but is not limited to these). Furthermore, more specifically, with regard to the volume of the storage vessel, for example, when the standard storage space volume is divided by 4 (i.e., 1 / 4), the storage vessel may have a volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 4, or the storage vessel may have a volume obtained by dividing two of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 2.

[0032] In addition, the reference storage space volume does not have to be the same volume as the specified storage space volume, but may be substantially the same (approximately the same) volume, and may be a volume minus the amount of excess space (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) required in particular in consideration of the storage work of the container in the storage space, or, if a partition is installed in the storage container, may be a volume minus the amount of the partition (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) (or the storage space may have substantially the same volume as the reference storage space volume, but be larger by the amount of the partition).

[0033] The storage space for storing the user's stored items and / or the storage space that is the target of the reference storage space volume may be any space having a predetermined volume, but is preferably a storage space for receiving stored items. More specifically, for example, it may be an installation used by a user, such as a storage space for a user, a delivery box with a smart lock installed in a private home or a delivery box installed in a common area for a condominium (the position of the space may be determined in advance by linking it to information related to the user, or it may be a position where the package is stored by a delivery person by linking it to information related to the user), or a storage space such as a shelf, locker, private mailbox, or cooler box that does not involve electrical locking and unlocking control. In addition, the storage space for delivery may be the basis, or it may be a delivery item storage section of a moving body for delivering packages (such as a moving body such as a UAV or UGV, especially an autonomously controlled moving body), a loading platform used by a delivery person for delivery (for example, a truck loading platform, a rear box of a motorcycle, a box cart, a basket cart, etc.), or a movable object such as a delivery bag. Furthermore, the space having a predetermined volume may be a space whose depth, width, and height lengths are fixed as described above, but it may also be a space whose volume is set with a virtual height length for an area whose depth and width lengths are fixed, such as a pallet, that is, a space whose volume is set with a virtual length for a portion of the depth, width, and height lengths. Note that this is not limited to these. The storage space to be stored and the reference storage space may be the same, or the storage space to be stored may be the size of the reference storage space multiplied by a predetermined number (especially an integer).

[0034] The storage management unit 150 performs information registration such as adding stored object identification information in the stored object information memory unit 123 and storage space identification information in the storage space information memory unit 124 and associating with user identification information, in response to stored object acceptance processing such as reading identification codes (e.g., reading two-dimensional barcodes, RFID tags, NFC, etc.) attached to stored objects such as deliveries using a reader (e.g., a reader operated by a worker, a stationary reader, or a reader equipped on a work robot (particularly an autonomously controlled work robot)) and inputting stored object information related to the stored object by a worker, etc.

[0035] The storage volume status information generating unit 151 generates storage volume status information indicating a status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores objects in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space, and updates the storage volume status information in the storage space information storage unit 122. The storage volume status information may be, for example, remaining space information indicating the remaining space within the storage space and / or stored space information indicating stored space within the storage space.

[0036] The remaining space calculation unit 152 calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space (so-called free space) in the storage space based on storage vessel type information indicating the type of storage vessel for each volume that stores the stored object in the storage space linked to the user and storage space volume status information indicating at least the volume of the storage space. The remaining space is calculated by a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a specified object in a space of a specified volume. Here, the calculation result of the remaining space is a volume value that is easy to convert the remaining space to the storage vessel type, particularly in a case where the storage vessel type is specified for each specified volume with respect to the reference storage space volume according to a specified rule as described above, and it may be easy to obtain the remaining converted storage vessel type information by converting the remaining space to the storage vessel type. In particular, when the storage space includes a plurality of types of storage vessel volumes identifiable for each storage vessel volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number and multiplying it by a number smaller than the predetermined number as described above, or when the storage space includes a plurality of types of storage vessel volumes identifiable for each storage vessel volume divided by a predetermined number, calculation of the remaining space in the storage space becomes easier. Also, when the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to any one of the storage vessel types, the storage space information storage unit 124 stores divided area identification information identifiable for each area divided by partitions or the like in the storage space to be targeted and corresponding storage vessel type information corresponding to the divided area identification information, linked to the storage space identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 152 may use the storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

[0037] The stored space calculation unit 153 calculates stored space information indicating the stored space in the storage space based on the storage container type information indicating the type of the storage container for each volume that stores the stored object in the storage space linked to the user and the storage state information indicating the storage state of the storage space. The method of calculating the stored space is to calculate the stored space by a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume. Here, particularly in the case where the storage container is specified for each predetermined volume with respect to the reference storage space volume according to a predetermined rule as described above, the stored space information also becomes a volume value that is easy to convert to the storage container type, and it may be easy to obtain the stored converted storage container type information in which the stored space is converted to the storage container type. In particular, in the case where the storage space includes a plurality of types of storage container volumes that are identifiable for each storage container volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, and height of the storage space by a predetermined number and multiplying it by a number smaller than the predetermined number as described above, the calculation of the stored space in the storage space becomes easier. In addition, when the inside of the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage vessel types, the storage space information storage unit 124 stores divided area identification information that is identifiably assigned to each area divided by partitions or the like within the target storage space, and corresponding storage vessel type information that corresponds to the divided area identification information, linked to the storage space identification information, and the stored space calculation unit 153 may treat the storable divided area identification information as stored space information.

[0038] Here, a calculation example of the remaining space and / or stored space in the case where the type of containment vessel is specified for each predetermined volume with respect to the reference containment space volume will be explained in a simplified manner using Fig. 6. The containment vessel is exemplified for a plurality of types of containment vessel volumes (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1) set identifiably for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the height with respect to the reference containment space volume by 3 and multiplying the result by a number equal to or less than 3.

[0039] First, the storage space identification information "0001" is linked to the user information "U0001". When a stored object (stored object information "N0001") stored in a container (containment vessel type "S033") that is one-third of the reference storage space volume is stored here, the stored object is stored in a storage space that has not yet been stored, so the remaining space information is updated to "2 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1, the remaining equivalent storage vessel type information is updated to information indicating two "S033s" and / or one "S066 (containment vessel type indicating a container that is two-thirds of the reference storage space volume)", the stored space information is updated to "1 / 3" by adding 1 / 3 to 0, and the stored equivalent storage vessel type information is updated to information indicating one "S033".

[0040] Similarly, if stored object (stored object information "N0010") stored in a container (containment vessel type "S033") that is one-third of the reference containment space volume is to be further stored, since the stored object (N0001) is to be further stored in the storage space that already contains stored object, the residual space information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, the residual equivalent containment vessel type information is updated to indicate one "S033", the stored space information is updated to "2 / 3" by adding 1 / 3 to 1 / 3, and the stored equivalent containment vessel type information is updated to indicate two "S033s".

[0041] In this way, the remaining space and / or the stored space can be calculated more easily, particularly when the depth, width, or height of the storage space is divided by a predetermined number as shown in the example. Note that, as described above, a more advanced remaining space and / or stored space can be calculated using a known packing calculation algorithm, and in this case, the storage positions of the stored objects may also be reorganized.

[0042] Furthermore, in the case where the storage space is not stored in a common area within the storage space as in the above example, but the storage space is divided into divided areas by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage vessel types, the residual space information may be divided area identification information with no stored object associated therewith, and the residual equivalent storage vessel type information may be corresponding storage vessel type information corresponding to the divided area identification information with no stored object associated therewith, or the stored space information may be divided area identification information with which the stored object is associated, and the stored equivalent storage vessel type information may be corresponding storage vessel type information corresponding to the divided area identification information with which the stored object is associated. Note that the position of the partition may be movable, and the corresponding storage vessel type information may be changeable (for example, changing from two "S033"s to "S066", or vice versa), and instead of or in addition to one corresponding storage vessel type information (for example, "S066") corresponding to each divided area identification information, multiple corresponding storage vessel type information (two "S033"s) may be associated with each divided area identification information.

[0043] Next, examples of information (particularly residual space information and / or stored space information) and storage spaces (for example, storage space groups such as shelves assigned to each individual) stored in the storage space information storage unit 122 are shown with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. First, in the storage space identification information "0001", the linked user information is "U0001", the stored object information is "N0001", and one "S025" indicating a container type that is one-quarter of the reference storage space volume is stored as the storage container type information corresponding to the stored object. Therefore, the residual space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the residual converted storage container type information is "S075" indicating a container type that is three-quarters of the reference storage space volume), and the stored space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the stored converted storage container type information is "S025" indicating a container type that is one-quarter of the reference storage space volume).

[0044] Next, in the storage space identification information "0002," the linked user information is "U0011," the stored object information is "N0002," and it is indicated that one "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume, is stored as the storage vessel type information corresponding to the stored object. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the remaining converted storage vessel type information is "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume), and the stored space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the stored converted storage vessel type information is "S050").

[0045] Next, in the storage space identification information "0003," the linked user information is "U0005," the stored object information is "N0003," and it is indicated that one "S100," which indicates a container type that is approximately the same as the reference storage space volume, is stored as the storage vessel type information corresponding to the stored object, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" (i.e., no free space) and the stored space information is calculated as "1" (stored converted storage vessel type information is "S100").

[0046] Next, in the storage space identification information "0004," the linked user information is "U0003," the stored object information is "N0004," and "N0005," and it is indicated that one of the above-mentioned "S025" (for example, the upper and lower loading possibility information indicates that upper loading is strictly prohibited) and one "S050" are stored as the storage vessel type information corresponding to the stored object, so the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the remaining converted storage vessel type information is "S025," which indicates a vessel type that is one-quarter of the standard storage space volume), and the stored space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the stored converted storage vessel type information is "S025," "S050," or "S075").

[0047] Finally, for the storage space identification information "0005" and "0006", the linked user information is "U0009" (i.e., two storage spaces are used), the stored object information is "N0006" and "N0007", and it is shown that one "S100" and one "S050" are stored as the storage vessel type information corresponding to the stored object, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" and "1 / 2", and the stored space information is calculated as "1" and "1 / 2" (stored converted storage vessel type information is "S100", "S050"). In this case, it can be said that the effective remaining space of the storage space for the user of user information "U0009" is "1 / 2" (the remaining converted storage vessel type information is "S050" indicating a vessel type that is half the standard storage space volume).

[0048] In this way, the storage volume status information generating unit 151 can generate storage volume status information (remaining space information and / or stored space information) indicating the status regarding the volume in the storage space based on the storage container type information indicating the type of each volume of the storage container that stores the stored object in the storage space linked to the user and the storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space. In particular, by setting identification information as the storage container type information so that it can be identified for each storage container volume obtained by dividing a predetermined number by a predetermined storage space volume as a reference storage space volume, it becomes possible to efficiently store stored objects in the storage space like a puzzle, and it becomes possible to clarify the remaining space volume and / or the stored space volume as the remaining converted storage container type information. By utilizing this, it becomes possible to generate a notification regarding the storage space in response to the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falling under a predetermined condition, and to transmit the notification to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. The generation of the notification will be described in detail below.

[0049] The notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information being under a predetermined condition, and transmits the notification to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. When the storage volume status information is residual space information, the notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space linked to the user in response to the volume of the residual space indicated by the residual space information being under a predetermined condition (when based on residual converted storage vessel type information, the residual converted storage vessel type information becomes storage vessel type information under a predetermined condition), and transmits the notification to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. When the storage volume status information is stored space information, the notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space linked to the user in response to the volume of the stored space indicated by the stored space information being under a predetermined condition (when based on stored converted storage vessel type information, the stored converted storage vessel type information becomes storage vessel type information under a predetermined condition), and transmits the notification to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3.

[0050] The notification unit 154 may determine, for example, at the time the stored object is registered, whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a specified condition, or may make the determination based on the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information calculated as a result of the stored object being registered.

[0051] The notification unit 154 may determine whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, for example, according to the volume indicated by the storage volume status information when the purchased product is virtually stored in the storage space, in accordance with the setting of storage container type information corresponding to purchased product information linked to electronic commerce performed on the information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information and cooperates with the information processing system. The setting of the storage container type information corresponding to the purchased product information may be set, for example, by reading size information (depth, width, height) corresponding to each purchased product and virtually storing the purchased product in a container of each storage container type using a known boxing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume, or product-corresponding storage container type information may be set in advance for each purchased product.

[0052] The notification unit 154 may determine whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, for example, based on the volume indicated by the storage volume status information when a product to be purchased, which is predicted based on repurchase time information of a product purchased in the past or regular delivery time information (for example, scheduled delivery date information of regular delivery) associated with a regular purchase product, is virtually stored in the storage space. The repurchase time information may be set by a known method, for example, based on a date when a predetermined remaining amount calculated assuming that a predetermined number of products purchased in the past are consumed at a predetermined period, or when the product has been purchased multiple times, based on a past repurchase period, for example, by taking an average value. The storage container type information corresponding to the product to be purchased may be set by, for example, reading out size information (depth, width, height) corresponding to the product to be purchased and virtually storing the product to be purchased in a container of each storage container type using a known boxing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume, or product-corresponding storage container type information may be set in advance for each product to be purchased.

[0053] The specified condition means that, when the storage volume status information is residual space information, the volume of the residual space indicated by the residual space information is equal to or less than a specified volume (including falling below the specified volume), and in particular, when based on residual equivalent storage vessel type information, the residual equivalent storage vessel type information may be storage vessel type information indicating a volume equal to or less than a specified volume.

[0054] The specified condition means that, when the storage volume status information is stored space information, the volume of the stored space indicated by the stored space information is equal to or greater than a specified volume (including exceeding the specified volume), and in particular, when based on stored equivalent storage vessel type information, the stored equivalent storage vessel type information may be storage vessel type information indicating a volume equal to or greater than a specified volume.

[0055] Furthermore, in addition to the above conditions, a condition may be that the storage period of any stored object in the storage space has passed a predetermined period (e.g., several days, one week, several weeks, etc.). This makes it possible to prevent a notification from being generated and sent to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3 every time the volume exceeds a predetermined volume value.

[0056] The storage period is calculated, for example, based on the period that has elapsed since the date of registration. When it is determined that the user has received the item, the stored object information corresponding to the received stored object is deleted from the storage space information storage unit 122. The determination of the user's receipt may be, for example, a receipt operation performed on an application of the user terminal 2, and may be authentication performed by reading an identification code when receiving the item from the storage space, or authentication for unlocking the storage space in the case of a storage space that can be electrically locked and unlocked. Alternatively, the determination of the user's receipt may be, for example, a determination that the item has been removed from the storage space based on image recognition by a photographing device provided for the storage space or mutual communication with a tag portion attached to the storage container.

[0057] The reference values ​​for the above conditions (such as the value of the predetermined volume and the predetermined period) may be determined in advance for all users on the system, or may be set for each user. If the reference values ​​are set for each user, the user may set them by himself or may be set based on the type of storage container that is frequently purchased according to the user's purchase history information.

[0058] The notification regarding the storage space may include, for example, a notification including a status regarding the volume of the storage space, or a notification encouraging the user to pick up the items stored in the storage space. More specifically, if the predetermined value of the above condition is set to "1 / 3 (S033)", the user terminal 2 may be notified that "the remaining space is 1 / 3 or less, so please pick up the items stored in the storage space."

[0059] The notification regarding the storage space may include, for example, a notification to confirm the use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space, and may further include a notification including a status regarding the volume of the other storage space. The other user identification information may be, for example, a cohabiting user identification information set as a family member or partner, or a proxy request user identification information in which the user is set as a proxy receiving user, or in which the user is set as a proxy receiving user. In this example, for the association, for example, a registration process of the other user's identification information may be executed on the application on the user side, and / or a process of selecting whether or not to permit association with the user's identification information may be executed on the application on the other user side. More specifically, the user terminal 2 may be notified that "The remaining space is 1 / 3 or less, but the remaining space of your wife's storage space is 1. Would you like to store it in this storage space?"

[0060] The notification regarding the storage space may include, for example, a notification to confirm the use of the additional storage space, and may further include a notification regarding the additional processing of the additional storage space (for example, the cost of the additional processing, a link for the additional processing, etc.). More specifically, the user terminal 2 may be notified, "The remaining space is 1 / 3 or less. Would you like to use the additional storage space? If you do, you will be charged an additional XX yen. To proceed to the additional processing, please select the reservation link below." After that, when the additional processing is executed on the user's application, etc., the new storage space identification information and the user identification information are linked and stored in the storage space information storage unit 122, and the corresponding user may be charged.

[0061] When a proxy receiving user is set, the above-mentioned various notifications may be sent only to the proxy receiving user or to the proxy receiving user as well.

[0062] Furthermore, notifications including the status regarding the volume within the storage space may be sent to a worker terminal 3 owned by a worker who performs tasks related to the storage space, such as storage work and management of stored objects, at a location having the storage space, instead of or in addition to the user terminal 2. As a result, the worker terminal 3 may be operated to send other notifications (such as a notification confirming the use of other storage spaces, a notification confirming the addition of storage spaces, or a notification confirming the use of temporary spaces) to the user terminal 2, or the worker may contact the user directly.

[0063] <Processing flow> A process flow of an information processing method executed by the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the process of the information processing system of Fig. 1.

[0064] Here, the user or worker provided by this information processing system accesses the management server 1 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and when using the service for the first time, may log in by performing a usage registration process, or when an account has already been obtained, the service may be made available by logging in after undergoing a predetermined authentication such as inputting an ID and password. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the user terminal 2 or worker terminal 3 may be used as user identification information (ID) to make the service available. After this login authentication, use of the service begins via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

[0065] First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the storage management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new stored object identification information and storage space identification information in response to a stored object acceptance process such as reading an identification code attached to a stored object by a reader, and executes registration by linking the stored object information and storage space information to a user (S101). Here, if the storage space is already linked to a user, only the stored object information may be registered.

[0066] Next, the storage volume status information generating unit 151 generates storage volume status information indicating the status regarding the volume within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores items in the storage space linked to the user, and storage space volume status information indicating the volume of the storage space, and updates the storage volume status information in the storage space information memory unit 122 (S102).

[0067] Then, in step S102, if it is determined that the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information does not meet the predetermined condition, this flow ends. After that, if the stored object has already been stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is, and if it has not been stored yet, it is stored in a storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the size information of the stored object, and then stored in the storage space.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the predetermined condition is met, the notification unit 154 generates a notification regarding the storage space and transmits it to the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3 (S104).

[0069] Thereafter, if the stored object is already stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored as is in the storage space; if it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of a storage container type calculated by data management unit 120 based on size information of the stored object, etc., and then stored in the storage space.

[0070] As described above, by standardizing and managing stored items (e.g., deliveries) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall volume of stored items and enable efficient storage in a variety of storage spaces.

[0071] The above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 Management Server 2. User terminal

Claims

1. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Equipped with The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. An information processing system comprising:

2. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Equipped with The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user. An information processing system comprising:

3. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. A server comprising:

4. a storage volume status information generating unit that generates storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with a user; a notification unit that generates a notification regarding the storage space in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls under a predetermined condition, The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user. A server comprising:

5. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Including, The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space.

23. An information processing method comprising:

6. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; Including, The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user.

23. An information processing method comprising:

7. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; and generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; The notification includes a notification confirming use of another storage space linked to another user identification information associated with the user identification information linked to the storage space. A program characterized by:

8. generating storage volume status information indicating a status related to a volume in a storage space associated with the user by a storage volume status information generating unit; and generating a notification regarding the storage space by a notification unit in response to a determination as to whether the volume of the space indicated by the storage volume status information falls within a predetermined condition; The notification is sent to a user terminal of a substitute receiving user who has set the user as a substitute receiving user or who has been set as a substitute receiving user by the user. A program characterized by:

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