Information processing device, system, and information processing method

Abstract

To improve a technique related to delivery by a physical distribution robot.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus 10 manages the delivery of a package. The information processing apparatus 10 includes a control section 11 that previously notifies a terminal device 40 of a user of a delivery destination that the package is delivered by a physical distribution robot 30 and instructs the physical distribution robot 30 to deliver the package only to a house of the user who has made an approval notification from the terminal device 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a system, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technology related to delivery by logistics robots (small robot vehicles) has been researched. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for delivering parcels in two stages. A first vehicle is designed for operation on a public road system and delivers the parcel to a transfer point based on address information from a delivery company. The parcel is then transferred to a second vehicle for delivery to a final delivery point. The second vehicle is autonomous and suitable for use in locations away from public roads or in narrow spaces. One or more second vehicles complete delivery of the parcel to the final delivery point based on detailed information of the delivery segment provided by an area location controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0379468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional technologies for delivery by logistics robots left room for improvement; for example, if a logistics robot delivers a package when the user (the recipient of the package) is not at home, the burden of redelivery is incurred and delivery efficiency decreases.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve technology relating to delivery by logistics robots. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An information processing device for managing package delivery, A terminal device of a user at a delivery destination is notified in advance that the package will be delivered by a logistics robot; The logistics robot is provided with a control unit that instructs the robot to deliver packages only to the homes of users who have given approval notices from the terminal device.

[0007] In addition, the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An information processing device that manages the delivery of packages; A vehicle that delivers packages to an intermediate delivery point; and a logistics robot that delivers the package from the intermediate delivery point to the door of the user who has given the approval notice.

[0008] In addition, an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An information processing method for managing package delivery, comprising: notifying a terminal device of a user at a delivery destination in advance that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot; The method further includes a step of instructing the logistics robot to deliver packages only to the homes of users who have given approval notices from their terminal devices. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, technology relating to delivery by logistics robots is improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle and a logistics robot. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of parcel delivery by a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram for explaining an embodiment of package delivery. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the information processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of parcel delivery by a system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] (Overview of the embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 1 includes an information processing device 10, a vehicle 20, a logistics robot 30, and a terminal device 40. The information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, the logistics robot 30, and the terminal device 40 are communicatively connected to a network 50 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0013] 1, for ease of explanation, one each of the information processing device 10, vehicle 20, logistics robot 30, and terminal device 40 included in the system 1 is illustrated, but the number is not limited to this. The system 1 may include two or more information processing devices 10. The number of vehicles 20, logistics robots 30, and terminal devices 40 included in the system 1 may each be two or more, and may be determined arbitrarily.

[0014] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. For example, the information processing device 10 is a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. Note that the information processing device 10 is not limited to these, and may be any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or may be another electronic device dedicated to the system 1. The information processing device 10 is capable of communicating with a vehicle 20, a logistics robot 30, and a terminal device 40 via a network 50. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 manages the delivery of packages.

[0015] The vehicle 20 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited thereto and may be any vehicle. The automobile may be, for example, a gasoline automobile, an electric automobile (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid automobile (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid automobile (PHEV; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell automobile (FCEV; Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), but is not limited thereto. The vehicle 20 may be a manned vehicle or any autonomous vehicle that runs unmanned.

[0016] In this embodiment, the vehicle 20 has a function of traveling on public roads, delivering packages to be delivered to intermediate delivery points, and handing over the packages to the logistics robot 30. Here, the intermediate delivery point is a location where the package is handed over from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30, and specifically, is a waiting area for the logistics robot in an apartment building, or an intermediate collection and delivery point for delivery.

[0017] The logistics robot 30 is a robot that delivers packages autonomously without any human driver. The logistics robot 30 may include, for example, any delivery vehicle that moves between points by autonomous driving, and may be positioned as a second vehicle to the vehicle 20. The logistics robot 30 may be an in-house logistics robot that is permanently installed in a destination housing complex (such as an apartment or condominium) and specializes in delivering packages to each unit (each house) in the housing complex. The logistics robot 30 may also be transported by the vehicle 20 to an intermediate delivery point. Furthermore, the logistics robot 30 is not limited to a vehicle, and may be a humanoid robot or any autonomously flying object (drone).

[0018] The logistics robot 30 autonomously delivers a package to at least one delivery destination. When the logistics robot 30 arrives at the delivery destination, it hands over the package addressed to a user who is a recipient at the delivery destination to the user. When the logistics robot 30 cannot directly hand over the package to the user at the delivery destination because the user is absent or for other reasons, it can carry the package to a specified location or perform other operations as necessary.

[0019] The terminal device 40 is any electronic device used by a user who receives a package. For example, a general-purpose electronic device such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, or a dedicated electronic device can be used as the terminal device 40.

[0020] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be described later. The information processing device 10 notifies the terminal device 40 of the user at the delivery destination in advance that a package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. If the user is available to receive the package, the terminal device 40 issues an approval notification. The information processing device 10 sends instructions on the delivery destination to the logistics robot 30, and the logistics robot 30 delivers the package only to the house (residence) of the user who issued the approval notification.

[0021] In this way, according to this embodiment, the logistics robot delivers packages only to the homes of users who have given approval in response to the advance delivery notification, and does not deliver to users who have not given approval, eliminating deliveries to users who are not at home, and improving the accuracy of package delivery. Therefore, the technology related to delivery by logistics robots is improved in that the take-back and redelivery of packages from users who are not at home is eliminated and package delivery efficiency is improved.

[0022] Next, each component of the system 1 will be described in detail.

[0023] (Configuration of information processing device) As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0024] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 11 executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 10 while controlling each unit of the information processing device 10.

[0025] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used in the operation of the information processing device 10, and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10. The information stored in the storage unit 12 may be updatable with information acquired from the network 50 via the communication unit 13, for example.

[0026] The communication unit 13 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface may be either a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation), or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 13 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 10, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10 to the outside (for example, the logistics robot 30, the terminal device 40).

[0027] 2 of the present embodiment does not include an input unit and an output unit, the information processing device 10 may further include an input unit and an output unit. That is, in addition to receiving (input) and transmitting (output) information via the communication unit 13, the information processing device 10 may input and output information using the input unit and output unit.

[0028] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by executing a program relating to the information processing method of this embodiment in a processor corresponding to the control unit 11. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 10, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 in accordance with the program.

[0029] In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program is distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) on which the program is recorded. The program may also be distributed by storing the program in the storage of an external server and transmitting the program from the external server to another computer. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0030] (Vehicle configuration) 3, vehicle 20 includes control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, positioning unit 24, drive unit 25, input unit 26, and output unit 27. Since vehicle 20 and logistics robot 30 have a common configuration, the same drawings will be used to explain both of them.

[0031] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the vehicle 20 while controlling each part of the vehicle 20.

[0032] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. The memories are, for example, but not limited to, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the vehicle 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store a system program, an application program, embedded software, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updatable with information acquired from the network 50 via the communication unit 23, for example.

[0033] The communication unit 23 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), but is not limited to these. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the vehicle 20, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20 to the outside (for example, the information processing device 10).

[0034] The positioning unit 24 includes one or more devices that acquire position information of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the positioning unit 24 includes, for example, a receiver compatible with the Global Positioning System (GPS), but is not limited thereto, and may include a receiver compatible with any satellite positioning system. The positioning unit 24 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 20 constantly, or periodically or non-periodically.

[0035] The driving unit 25 includes a driving mechanism related to the movement and running of the vehicle 20. The driving unit 25 also includes any driving mechanism that enables loading of luggage onto the vehicle 20, delivery of the luggage loaded onto the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30, and unloading of the luggage loaded onto the vehicle 20 at a designated location. For example, the driving unit 25 includes at least one of an arm mechanism driven by a motor and a slide mechanism that can linearly slide the luggage.

[0036] The input unit 26 includes a means for inputting information to the vehicle 20. For example, the input unit 26 includes any imaging module capable of capturing images of the surroundings of the vehicle 20. The imaging module includes one or more cameras, and each camera is disposed at an appropriate position on the vehicle 20 so as to capture images of the surroundings of the vehicle 20. The input unit 26 may also include a voice recognition function together with an input means for voice information. Without being limited thereto, the input unit 26 may include any means for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle 20.

[0037] The output unit 27 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information as a video, or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. The display is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) display. The output unit 27 displays and outputs data received from the information processing device 10, data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20, etc.

[0038] (Configuration of logistics robots) 3, the logistics robot 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a positioning unit 34, a drive unit 35, an input unit 36, and an output unit 37. Note that since the configuration of the logistics robot 30 is basically the same as that of the vehicle 20, the same drawings will be used for the explanation, and the explanation of the overlapping configuration will be simplified.

[0039] The control unit 31 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 31 executes processes related to the operation of the logistics robot 30 while controlling each part of the logistics robot 30.

[0040] The storage unit 32 includes one or more memories. The memories are, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 32 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores any information used in the operation of the logistics robot 30. For example, the storage unit 32 may store a system program, an application program, embedded software, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 32 may be updatable with information acquired from the network 50 via the communication unit 33, for example.

[0041] The communication unit 33 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), but is not limited to these. The communication unit 33 receives data used in the operation of the logistics robot 30, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the logistics robot 30 to the outside (for example, the information processing device 10).

[0042] The positioning unit 34 includes one or more devices that acquire position information of the logistics robot 30. Specifically, the positioning unit 34 includes, for example, a receiver compatible with GPS, but is not limited to this. The positioning unit 34 may acquire the position information of the logistics robot 30 constantly, or may acquire the information periodically or non-periodically.

[0043] The driving unit 35 includes a driving mechanism related to the movement and running of the logistics robot 30. The driving unit 35 also includes any driving mechanism that enables loading of luggage onto the logistics robot 30, delivery of luggage loaded on the logistics robot 30 to a user, and unloading of luggage loaded on the logistics robot 30 to a designated location. For example, the driving unit 35 includes at least one of an arm mechanism driven by a motor and a slide mechanism that can linearly slide luggage.

[0044] The input unit 36 ​​includes a means for inputting information to the logistics robot 30. For example, the input unit 36 ​​includes any imaging module capable of capturing images of the surroundings of the logistics robot 30. The imaging module includes one or more cameras, and each camera is disposed at an appropriate position of the logistics robot 30 so as to capture images of the surroundings of the logistics robot 30. Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging module has a function of reading the delivery destination indication attached to the package. The input unit 36 ​​may also include a voice recognition function together with a means for inputting voice information. Without being limited thereto, the input unit 36 ​​may include any means for acquiring information about the surroundings of the logistics robot 30.

[0045] The output unit 37 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information as a video, or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 37 displays or outputs as sound to, for example, a user, data received from the information processing device 10, data stored in the logistics robot 30, or data obtained by the operation of the logistics robot 30.

[0046] (Terminal Device Configuration) As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, and an output unit 45.

[0047] The control unit 41 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 41 executes processes related to the operation of the terminal device 40 while controlling each part of the terminal device 40.

[0048] The storage unit 42 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. The storage unit 42 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 42 stores programs and data used in the operation of the terminal device 40, and data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 40. The information stored in the storage unit 42 may be updatable, for example, with information acquired from the network 50 via the communication unit 43.

[0049] The communication unit 43 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface may be either an interface for wired communication or wireless communication. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface or a USB. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 43 receives data used in the operation of the terminal device 40, and transmits data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 40 to the outside (for example, the information processing device 10).

[0050] The input unit 44 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key such as a keyboard, a capacitive key, a pointing device, or a touch screen integrally provided with a display. The input interface may also be, for example, a microphone that accepts voice input, or a camera that accepts gesture input. The input unit 44 accepts an operation to input data used for the operation of the terminal device 40. The input unit 44 may be connected to the terminal device 40 as an external input device instead of being provided in the terminal device 40.

[0051] The output unit 45 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information as a video, or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 45 displays and outputs data received from the information processing device 10, or data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 40. The output unit 45 may be connected to the terminal device 40 as an external output device instead of being provided in the terminal device 40.

[0052] (Embodiment of delivery to apartment buildings) Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram of parcel delivery by a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which a parcel is delivered to a house (residence) in a collective housing complex (apartment, condominium, etc.) by the system 1 of Fig. 1. The basic procedure for delivering a parcel to a user of a residence 121 in the collective housing complex 100 will be described below.

[0053] 5, an apartment building 100 has multiple residences 111-132. Furthermore, within the facilities of the apartment building 100, a logistics robot (in-house logistics robot) 30 that delivers luggage to each residence is permanently installed. The apartment building 100 is equipped with a waiting space 101 where the logistics robot 30 waits, an elevator 102 for the logistics robot 30 to move between floors, and a temporary storage space 103 where luggage is temporarily stored.

[0054] Based on a command from the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20 loads parcels to be delivered to the apartment complex 100 (parcels to be delivered to the user of the residence 121 and parcels to be delivered to other residences in the apartment complex 100) and moves to the apartment complex 100. In addition to the parcels to be delivered to the apartment complex 100, the vehicle 20 may also load parcels to nearby residences for which delivery is to be made collectively. The vehicle 20 may be a manned vehicle or any autonomous vehicle that runs unmanned. The vehicle 20 can communicate information with the information processing device 10.

[0055] The information processing device 10 notifies the terminal device 40 of the user at each home (e.g., the house 121) of the delivery destination in advance that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. The advance notification may include the scheduled delivery time of the package. If the user is able to receive the package, the user issues an approval notification to the information processing device 10 from the terminal device 40. If the user is unable to receive the package, the user issues a non-approval notification to the information processing device 10.

[0056] Based on receiving an approval notification from the user of the house 121, the information processing device 10 may transmit to the vehicle 20 information indicating whether or not the user of the house 121 is available for receipt. The vehicle 20 arrives at the waiting space 101 of the apartment house 100 and delivers the parcel to be delivered within the apartment house 100 to the logistics robot (in-house logistics robot) 30 waiting in the waiting space 101. In this embodiment, the waiting space 101 where the logistics robot 30 waits serves as an intermediate delivery point (a place where the vehicle 20 delivers the parcel to the logistics robot 30). The delivery of the parcel may be performed unmanned by the driving unit 25 of the vehicle 20 and the driving unit 35 of the logistics robot 30, or a worker who has boarded the vehicle 20 may move the parcel. After delivering the parcel to the logistics robot 30, the vehicle 20 can move to the next delivery location (intermediate delivery point).

[0057] Next, the information processing device 10 transmits detailed delivery information of the parcel to the logistics robot (in-house logistics robot) 30, and instructs the robot to deliver the parcel to the door of the user who issued the approval notice. The detailed delivery information may include, for example, delivery information (delivery destination address, etc.) of each parcel, information on whether each parcel can be received, and information on the delivery route. If the logistics robot 30 can read the delivery destination from the display of the parcel, the transmission of the delivery destination address may be omitted. The delivery route is preferably a route that allows the logistics robot 30 to perform efficient delivery, and includes, for example, instructions on the delivery order and driving route for transporting parcels on the same floor or nearby delivery destinations together. The detailed delivery information may also include instructions on how to handle parcels for which approval notice was not obtained from the user (for example, temporary storage, etc.) (for which a non-approval notice was received or no response was made to the delivery advance notice).

[0058] The logistics robot 30 moves in a self-propelled manner within the apartment complex 100 and delivers the parcels received from the vehicle 20 to their respective delivery destinations (for example, the house 121). The logistics robot 30 delivers parcels only to the door of the user who has issued the approval notice from the terminal device 40. The delivery method may be a so-called drop-off method in which the parcel is placed in front of the delivery destination house, but if the logistics robot 30 is equipped with the output unit 37, it is preferable to notify the user of the arrival by voice or the like and hand the parcel directly to the user. In addition, in this embodiment, the logistics robot 30 transports parcels for which the approval notice has not been received, for example, to a temporary storage space 103 within the apartment complex 100 and temporarily stores them. The parcels stored in the temporary storage space 103 are delivered to the user's house by the logistics robot 30 when the user is able to receive them. The temporary storage is not limited to the use of the temporary storage space 103, and may be performed in any form (for example, the logistics robot 30 holds the parcel, etc.).

[0059] After receiving the package from the logistics robot 30, the user transmits a receipt notification from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 receives the receipt notification from the user and completes the delivery operation. The outline of the delivery procedure for the package to the residence in the apartment building 100 is as described above.

[0060] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining an embodiment of package delivery executed by the system 1 of Fig. 1. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 6 shows the flow of basic processing executed by each device of the system 1.

[0061] Step S101: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits a package delivery command to the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 13. This delivery command includes delivery information for multiple packages to be delivered in one delivery batch, a driving route on public roads to the delivery midpoint, the departure time of the vehicle 20, and the like. Packages to be delivered in one delivery batch are selected based on a delivery area and delivery date and time designation that are close. Here, the delivery information is information necessary for package delivery and includes, for example, the address of the delivery destination, the name of the user as the package recipient, the telephone number and email address of the user, the name of the package to be delivered, and the like.

[0062] Step S102: The vehicle 20 loads the package to be delivered based on the delivery command received from the information processing device 10. The loading operation may be performed manually, or the vehicle 20 may load the package autonomously using the drive unit 25. The loading operation may be performed at a package collection and distribution center, or the package may be individually received from the delivery requester. After loading is completed, the vehicle 20 departs and travels to the intermediate delivery point based on the instructed driving route.

[0063] Step S103: The control unit 21 of the vehicle 20 transmits the traveling information including the position information measured by the positioning unit 24, the speed of the vehicle 20, and the like, to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 23. It is desirable to transmit the traveling information constantly or periodically.

[0064] Step S104: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 predicts the delivery time when the package will arrive at the delivery destination house based on the driving information received from the vehicle 20, the planned driving route, etc. Note that the prediction of the delivery time does not necessarily have to be based on the driving information, and may be performed before the departure of the vehicle 20 based on the driving route and road conditions (congestion information, etc.).

[0065] Step S105: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 notifies the user's terminal device 40 in advance, via the communication unit 13, that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. This advance notification desirably includes the scheduled delivery time of the package (the delivery time predicted in step S104).

[0066] Step S106: The user checks the advance notification on the output unit 45 of the terminal device 40, and if the user is able to receive the package, inputs information indicating approval into the input unit 44 of the terminal device 40 and transmits an approval notification to the information processing device 10. If the user is unable to receive the package, the user transmits a non-approval notification from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10. The non-approval notification may include information about the available time at which the user can receive the package.

[0067] 6, the delivery advance notice in step S105 and the approval notice / non-approval notice in step S106 are sent and received after the departure of the vehicle 20, but these steps may be performed before loading the luggage in step S102. In this case, it is possible not to load the luggage of the user who has issued the non-approval notice into the vehicle 20, which improves the efficiency of the delivery operation.

[0068] Step S107: The information processing device 10 transmits receipt availability information to the vehicle 20. The receipt availability information includes information on whether or not the user at the delivery destination is able to receive the package (whether or not an approval notice has been received from the user). Although receipt availability information is not essential for the vehicle 20, the handover of the package to the logistics robot 30 described below can be controlled based on this information.

[0069] Step S108: The vehicle 20 arrives at the intermediate delivery point. In the example of FIG. 5, the intermediate delivery point is a waiting space 101 for the logistics robot 30 in the apartment building 100.

[0070] Step S109: The vehicle 20 hands over the package to the logistics robot 30 at the intermediate delivery point. The package handover operation can be performed unmanned between the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 using the drive unit 25 of the vehicle 20 and the drive unit 35 of the logistics robot 30. Note that packages to users for whom an approval notice has not been obtained based on the receipt availability information may not be handed over to the logistics robot 30.

[0071] Step S110: The information processing device 10 transmits delivery details information to the logistics robot 30. The delivery details information includes, for example, delivery information for each package (such as the delivery address), information on whether each package can be received (such as information on the user who issued the approval notice), and information on an efficient delivery route. In other words, the delivery details information corresponds to an instruction to deliver packages only to the door of the user who issued the approval notice, and includes information necessary for this purpose. The delivery details information may also include instructions for handling packages for which an approval notice has not been obtained from the user.

[0072] Step S111: Based on the delivery details information, the logistics robot 30 delivers the parcel from the intermediate delivery point to the door (house) of the user who issued the approval notice. The logistics robot 30 may also transport the parcel for which the approval notice has not been obtained to the temporary storage space 103 in the apartment building 100 based on instructions in the delivery details information. Furthermore, when a user for whom the approval notice has not been obtained notifies the logistics robot 30 of the available time for receipt, the logistics robot 30 may deliver the parcel for the user from the temporary storage space 103 in the apartment building to the user's door at the available time for receipt. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may again issue a pre-delivery notice to the user for whom the approval notice has not been obtained.

[0073] Step S112: The logistics robot 30 delivers the package to the user (recipient). It is preferable that the logistics robot 30 notifies the user of the arrival of the package by voice output from the output unit 37, and delivers the package directly to the user.

[0074] Step S113: After the logistics robot 30 has completed delivery of the package, it transmits a delivery completion report to the information processing device 10. The delivery completion report is not essential, but by associating it with a later receipt notification from the user, the reliability of the delivery is improved.

[0075] Step S114: The user transmits a receipt notification of the package from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10. The user may voluntarily transmit the receipt notification from the terminal device 40. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may transmit an inquiry notification to the terminal device 40 to confirm receipt of the package, and the user may transmit the receipt notification from the terminal device 40 in the form of a reply to this inquiry notification.

[0076] (Operation flow of information processing device) 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 10. The operation of the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0077] Step S201: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits, via the communication unit 13, a delivery command to the vehicle 20 for N pieces of luggage (baggage to be delivered in one batch).

[0078] Step S202: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 acquires driving information from the vehicle 20. The driving information includes the position information and driving speed of the vehicle 20.

[0079] Step S203: The control unit 11 predicts the delivery time when the package will be delivered to the user (delivery destination) based on the driving information of the vehicle 20 acquired in step S202 and the like.

[0080] Specifically, the control unit 11 estimates the time it will take for the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 to arrive at the user's house based on the driving information (location information and driving speed) received from the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 13, the planned driving route to the user's house to which the delivery is made, and, if necessary, information indicating the congestion status of each road, and predicts the delivery time when the package will be delivered to the user's house.

[0081] Step S204: The control unit 11 sets n=1 and focuses on the first package.

[0082] Step S205: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits, via the communication unit 13, to the terminal device 40 of the user of the delivery destination of the first package, an advance notification that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. This advance notification preferably includes the delivery time (scheduled delivery time) of the package predicted in step S203.

[0083] Step S206: The control unit 11 receives a reply (approval notice or non-approval notice) to the advance notice from the terminal device 40 of the user at the delivery destination via the communication unit 13. If there is no reply, it may be treated as if it were a non-approval notice.

[0084] Step S207: The control unit 11 checks whether advance notice has been sent to each user who is the delivery destination of the N packages to be delivered. If there are users to whom advance notice should be sent (n=N is No), the process proceeds to step S208. If advance notices have been sent to all users (n=N is Yes), the process proceeds to step S209.

[0085] Step S208: The control unit 11 sets n=n+1 and focuses on the package at the next delivery destination. Then, the process proceeds to step S205, where a prior notice is sent to the user at the next delivery destination.

[0086] Step S209: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits receipt availability information to the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 13. This receipt availability information includes, for each package, information on whether the user at the delivery destination is able to receive the package (whether or not an approval notice has been received).

[0087] Step S210: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits the delivery detail information to the logistics robot 30.

[0088] Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits delivery details information to the logistics robot 30 via the communication unit 13 at the timing when the delivery of the package from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30 is completed. This delivery details information is information about the user who issued the approval notice, delivery information about the package (such as the delivery address), and may also include information about a delivery route that the logistics robot 30 will use to visit the delivery destinations in an efficient order. Alternatively, the delivery details information may only include information about the user who issued the approval notice, and the logistics robot 30 may read the delivery destination of the package and determine the most efficient delivery route to the home of the user who issued the approval notice to deliver the package. Furthermore, the delivery details information may include instructions for handling packages for which approval notice was not obtained from the user.

[0089] Step S211: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 receives a delivery completion report from the logistics robot 30 via the communication unit 13.

[0090] Step S212: The information processing device 10 waits for a receipt notification from the user of the package. If it is determined that a receipt notification has not been received even after a certain time has passed since the delivery completion report was received (step S212: No), the process proceeds to step S212. Note that in this flowchart, it is assumed that the logistics robot 30 reports the delivery completion. However, if the logistics robot 30 does not report the delivery completion, the information processing device 10 considers the delivery completion to be a predetermined time after sending the delivery details information to the logistics robot 30, and waits for a receipt notification from the user of the package. If a receipt notification from the user is received (step S212: Yes), the process ends.

[0091] Step S213: If the receipt notification is not received, the control unit 11 transmits a receipt confirmation request notification to the user's terminal device 40 via the communication unit 13 to confirm whether the package has been received. After that, the process proceeds to step S211, where the information processing device 10 waits for a receipt notification from the user.

[0092] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment notifies the terminal device 40 of the user at the delivery destination in advance that a package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. If the user is available to receive the package, the terminal device 40 issues an approval notification. The information processing device 10 sends instructions on the delivery destination to the logistics robot 30, and the logistics robot 30 delivers the package only to the homes of users who have issued an approval notification.

[0093] According to this configuration, the logistics robot delivers packages only to the homes of users who have given approval in response to the advance delivery notification, and does not deliver to users who have not given approval. This eliminates deliveries to users who are not at home, and improves the accuracy of package delivery. This eliminates the need for packages to be taken back and redelivered from users who are not at home, improving the efficiency of package delivery, and thus improving the technology related to delivery by logistics robots.

[0094] (Embodiment of delivery to a detached house) Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram of parcel delivery by a system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which parcels are delivered to detached houses by the system 1 of Fig. 1. Below, a basic procedure for delivering parcels to users of detached houses 202 and 203 will be described. Note that the explanation of parts that overlap with the contents of Fig. 5 will be simplified.

[0095] Based on a command from the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20 loads the package to be delivered to the houses 202, 203 and moves to the intermediate delivery point 201. In this embodiment, the intermediate delivery point 201 may be a predetermined space close to the houses 202, 203, or may be any space where the package can be handed over from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30. In this embodiment, the vehicle 20 transports the logistics robot 30 to the intermediate delivery point 201. At the intermediate delivery point 201, the vehicle 20 drops the logistics robot 30 off on the road and hands over the package to be delivered to the user of the house 202, 203 to the logistics robot 30.

[0096] The information processing device 10 notifies the terminal device 40 of the user at each delivery destination (e.g., the houses 202, 203) in advance that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. The advance notification may include the scheduled delivery time of the package. Note that, regarding the scheduled delivery time, when the distance from the intermediate delivery point 201 to the houses 202, 203 is long or when the traveling speed of the logistics robot 30 is slow, the delivery time may be predicted from the traveling information (position information and traveling speed) of the logistics robot 30.

[0097] When the user is able to receive the package, the user sends an approval notice from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10. When the user is unable to receive the package, the user sends a non-approval notice to the information processing device 10. Here, it is assumed that both the user at the house 202 and the user at the house 203 have sent approval notices.

[0098] The information processing device 10 creates detailed delivery information for the parcel based on the approval / disapproval notification from the user, and transmits it to the logistics robot 30. The detailed delivery information can include delivery information for each parcel (such as the delivery destination residence), information on whether each parcel can be received, and information on the delivery route. For example, if the desired delivery time specified by the user of the residence 202 is early, a delivery route can be set to deliver the parcel to the residence 202 first, and then to the residence 203.

[0099] The logistics robot 30 moves on the road in a self-propelled manner based on the delivery detail information, and delivers the package received from the vehicle 20 in the order of house 202 and house 203. The delivery method may be a so-called drop-off method in which the package is left in front of the delivery destination house, but if the logistics robot 30 is equipped with an output unit 37, it is preferable to notify the user of the arrival by voice or the like and hand the package over directly to the user. In this embodiment, one logistics robot 30 delivers packages to two houses in order, but two logistics robots 30 may be used, with one logistics robot 30 delivering to house 202 and the other logistics robot 30 delivering to house 203.

[0100] After receiving the package from the logistics robot 30, the user transmits a receipt notification from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 receives the receipt notification from the user and completes the delivery operation. The outline of the delivery procedure for the package to the detached houses 202, 203 has been described above. The present disclosure is particularly effective for delivery to an apartment building, but can also be applied to delivery to a detached house.

[0101] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may 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 component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0102] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration and operation of the information processing device 10 may be distributed among a plurality of computers that can communicate with each other. Also, for example, an embodiment in which some of the functions of the information processing device 10 are provided in the vehicle 20 or the logistics robot 30 may be possible.

[0103] Also, for example, an embodiment is possible in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function of the information processing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores the program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 System 10. Information processing device 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13. Communications Department 20 Vehicles 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Positioning unit 25 Drive unit 26 Input section 27 Output section 30 Logistics Robot 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 34 Positioning unit 35 Drive unit 36 Input section 37 Output section 40 Terminal Equipment 41 Control section 42 Storage section 43 Communications Department 44 Input section 45 Output section 50 Network 100 apartment complex 101 Waiting Space 102 Elevator 103 Temporary Storage Space 111~132 units (houses) 201 Intermediate Delivery Point 202,203 Housing

Claims

1. An information processing device for managing package delivery, A terminal device of a user at a delivery destination is notified in advance of the fact that the package will be delivered by a logistics robot together with a predicted scheduled delivery time; a control unit that instructs the logistics robot to deliver packages only to the homes of users who have issued approval notifications from the terminal device; the control unit transmits to the vehicle a delivery command including delivery information of a plurality of packages, a driving route to an intermediate delivery point, and a departure time of the vehicle, and instructs the vehicle to deliver the packages to the intermediate delivery point and to hand over the packages to the logistics robot at the intermediate delivery point; the control unit transmits to the logistics robot delivery information of the package, information on whether the package can be received, information on a delivery route, and delivery detail information including an instruction to transport the package for which an approval notice has not been obtained to a temporary storage space, and instructs the logistics robot to deliver the package to the door of the user who has issued the approval notice; Furthermore, when a user for whom an approval notice has not been received notifies the control unit of a time when the user can receive the package, the control unit instructs the logistics robot to deliver the package for the user for whom an approval notice has not been received from the temporary storage space to the user's house at the time when the package can be received. Information processing device.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, The control unit is an information processing device that predicts a delivery time of the package based on driving information received from the vehicle or driving information received from the logistics robot.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, The information processing device, wherein the logistics robot is an in-building logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment building.

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, The logistics robot is transported to an intermediate delivery point by a vehicle.

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, The control unit is an information processing device that receives a delivery completion report from the logistics robot.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 1, The control unit is an information processing device that receives a package receipt notification from a user's terminal device.

7. 7. The information processing device according to claim 1, The information processing device, wherein the control unit, if no receipt notification is received from the user after the logistics robot has completed delivery, sends a receipt confirmation request notification to the user's terminal device.

8. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A vehicle that delivers packages to an intermediate delivery point; a logistics robot that delivers the package from the intermediate delivery point to the door of the user who has issued the approval notice; A system comprising:

9. 9. The system of claim 8, The logistics robot is an in-building logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment building, The intermediate delivery point is a waiting space where the in-house logistics robot waits. system.

10. An information processing method for managing package delivery, comprising: a step of notifying a terminal device of a user at a delivery destination in advance of the fact that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot together with a predicted scheduled delivery time by a control unit of the information processing device; a step of the control unit transmitting a delivery command to a vehicle, the delivery command including delivery information of a plurality of packages, a driving route to an intermediate delivery point, and a departure time of the vehicle, and instructing the vehicle to deliver the packages to the intermediate delivery point and to hand over the packages to the logistics robot at the intermediate delivery point; a step of the control unit transmitting to the logistics robot delivery information of the package, information on whether the package can be received, information on a delivery route, and delivery detail information including an instruction to transport the package for which an approval notice has not been obtained to a temporary storage space, and instructing the logistics robot to deliver the package to the door of the user who has issued the approval notice; Furthermore, when the control unit receives a notification of a time when the user for whom an approval notice has not been received informs the logistics robot of the time when the user can receive the package, the control unit instructs the logistics robot to deliver the package for the user for whom an approval notice has not been received from the temporary storage space to the user's house at the time when the package can be received; An information processing method comprising:

11. 11. The information processing method according to claim 10, The information processing method includes a step of the control unit predicting a delivery time of the package based on driving information received from the vehicle or driving information received from the logistics robot.

12. 12. The information processing method according to claim 10, further comprising: The information processing method, wherein the logistics robot is an in-building logistics robot permanently installed in an apartment building.

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