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

The information processing system addresses the inefficiencies in managing deliverables by using containment vessel type information and residual space calculations, resulting in improved storage efficiency and reduced shipping costs.

JP7659779B2Active Publication Date: 2025-04-10AERONEXT INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021212588
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-27
Publication Date
2025-04-10
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing delivery systems face challenges in efficiently managing and standardizing deliverables across various storage spaces, particularly due to the lack of foresight into the load capacity of mobile units and the resulting inefficiencies in storage and shipping costs.

Method used

An information processing system that utilizes containment vessel type information, reference storage space volume information, and residual space calculation units to standardize and manage deliverables, enabling efficient storage and understanding of overall deliverable amounts.

Benefits of technology

The system facilitates efficient storage and reduces shipping costs by providing a clear understanding of the overall amount of deliverables and optimizing storage in various spaces, thereby enhancing delivery efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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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 remaining space calculation unit 151 that, based on storage container type information indicating the type for every capacity of a storage container storing a delivery to a user, and reference storage space capacity information indicating the capacity of a storage space storing one or more storage containers, calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space; and a mixed loading object extraction unit 152 that extracts mixed loading object information indicating mixed loading objects that can be stored in a remaining space in a target storage space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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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] In recent years, autonomously controllable mobile objects, such as flying objects such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and running objects such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), have begun to be used in industry. Patent Document 1 discloses the delivery of goods by flying objects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-160887 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a delivery system, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that multiple moving objects will be subject to delivery control, but in the demonstration experiment, virtual delivery cargo (e.g., daily necessities, food, etc.) is set up within the range that can be loaded onto a single moving object, and test delivery flights are made at times when the predetermined route can be flown.

[0005] However, in reality, users do not place orders while considering the loading capacity of one mobile object, but rather usually order the desired amount of desired items at the desired timing, and therefore there is no predictability as to how much will fit into one mobile object (in other words, how much remaining storage space is available in the mobile object's mounting section, etc.). On the other hand, it is known that high delivery efficiency reduces delivery costs (and thus delivery fees), so loading many packages onto one mobile object is desirable for both service providers and users. These issues are not limited to mobile objects, but are the same for conventional delivery methods.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above background, and aims to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that makes it easier to grasp the overall volume of deliveries and enables efficient storage in various storage spaces by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) using storage container type identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problem is an information processing system comprising a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores deliveries to users and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers, and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) 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 deliveries and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [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] 13 is an example illustrating calculation of a remaining space according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a delivery information storage unit in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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 remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing delivery items to a user by volume and reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers; and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space. 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 mixed loading object information includes advertising item information, 3. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, [Item 4] The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase history information of the user. 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase information of the user. 5. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 4. [Item 6] The mixed object extraction unit further refers to at least one of purchase history information and purchase request information of other users associated with the user. 6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, [Item 7] The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. 7. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 6, [Item 8] The mixed loading target information includes information on desired items indicating items provided by other users. 8. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7. [Item 9] a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating a residual space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container that stores delivery items to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating a type of storage container for each volume of one or more storage containers; and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space. A server comprising: [Item 10] A step of calculating residual space information indicating a residual space in the storage space by a residual space calculation unit based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing delivery items to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating a type of storage container for storing one or more storage containers by volume; and extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space. 23. An information processing method comprising: [Item 11] A step of calculating residual space information indicating a residual space in the storage space by a residual space calculation unit based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing deliveries to users by volume and reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space for storing one or more storage containers; extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space; A program characterized by:

[0011] <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.

[0012] <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.

[0013] <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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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).

[0020] The input / output unit 14 includes information input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and output devices such as a display.

[0021] A bus 15 is commonly connected to each of the above elements, and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0022] <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.

[0023] <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, as functional units, an information transmission / reception unit 100, a screen information generation unit 110, a data management unit 120, and a delivery management unit 150. The delivery management unit 150 includes a remaining space calculation unit 151 and a mixed loading target extraction unit 152. In addition, the storage 12 includes various databases, such as a user information storage unit 121, a delivery item information storage unit 122, a delivery information storage unit 123, and a mixed loading target information storage unit 124.

[0024] The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may be, for example, basic information of the user (user's name, username, 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 purchase cost information), purchase history information, desired product information (so-called favorite registration product information, wish list product information, etc.), regular purchase product information (described later), etc.

[0025] The delivery information stored in the delivery information memory unit 122 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, top / bottom loading availability information (top loading availability information or bottom loading availability information), scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, and the like, but is not limited to these.

[0026] The delivery information stored in the delivery information memory unit 123 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, delivery item identification information, remaining space information, mixed load item information, and the like, and may also include storage container type information, weight information, controlled temperature range information, scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, and the like linked to the delivery item identification information, but is not limited to these.

[0027] The mixed item information stored in the mixed item information storage unit 124 may vary depending on the mixed item being registered, but may include, for example, mixed item identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, top / bottom loading availability information (top loading availability information or bottom loading availability 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 remaining space calculation processing for calculating the remaining space in the storage space based on user delivery information including storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores delivery items to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers, a mixed object extraction processing for extracting mixed objects corresponding to the remaining space in the storage space, and a delivery information update processing for updating (including adding) delivery mixed object information included in the delivery 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 delivery management unit 150 performs information registration such as adding delivery identification information in the delivery information storage unit 123 and associating user identification information in response to delivery acceptance processing such as reading identification codes attached to delivery items (e.g., reading two-dimensional bar codes, RFID tags, NFC, etc.) using a reader (e.g., a reader operated by a worker, a stationary reader, or a reader attached to a work robot (particularly an autonomously controlled work robot)), inputting stored item information about the stored items by a worker, etc., purchasing processing by a user in an e-commerce transaction, and processing for specifying a scheduled delivery time.

[0035] The remaining space calculation unit 151 calculates the remaining space (so-called free space) in the target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space storing one or more storage containers and storage container type information acquired according to delivery information (i.e., including storage container type information as delivery item information linked to delivery information). 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 container type, particularly when the storage container 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 container type information by converting the remaining space to the storage container type. In particular, when the storage space includes a plurality of storage vessel volume types 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 storage vessel volume types 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 delivery information storage unit 123 stores divided area identification information identifiable for each area divided by partitions or the like in the target storage space 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 151 may use the storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

[0036] Here, a simplified explanation will be given of an example of calculating the remaining space in the case where the containment vessel type is defined for each predetermined volume with respect to the reference containment space volume, with reference to Fig. 6. The containment vessel is exemplified for a plurality of containment vessel volume types (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1) that are set identifiable 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.

[0037] First, in the storage space linked to the delivery identification information "0001", the user information "U0001" is linked. When a delivery (delivery information "N0001") stored in a container (container type "S033") that is one-third of the standard storage space volume is stored here, the delivery is stored in a storage space that is not yet stored, so the remaining information is updated to "2 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1, and the remaining storage container type information is updated to indicate two "S033"s and / or one "S066 (container type indicating a container that is two-thirds of the standard storage space volume)".

[0038] Similarly, when a delivery item (delivery item information "N0010") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that is one-third of the standard storage space volume is further stored, since the delivery item (N0001) is further stored in the storage space that already contains the storage item, the residual information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, and the residual equivalent storage container type information is updated to indicate one "S033".

[0039] The calculation of the remaining space in this manner can be carried out more easily, particularly when the depth, width, or height of the storage space is divided by a predetermined number, as in the example shown. Note that, as described above, a more advanced calculation of the remaining space is possible using a known packing calculation algorithm, and in this case, the storage positions of the deliveries that have already been stored may also be rearranged.

[0040] Furthermore, in the case where the storage space is divided into divided areas by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage container types, rather than storage in a common area within the storage space corresponding to the delivery as in the above example, the residual space information may be divided area identification information to which no stored object is associated, and the residual converted storage container type information may be corresponding storage container type information corresponding to the divided area identification information to which no stored object is associated. Note that the position of the partition may be movable, and the corresponding storage container 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 container type information corresponding to each divided area identification information (for example, "S066"), multiple corresponding storage container type information (two "S033") may be associated.

[0041] 7, an example of information (particularly remaining space information) stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 is shown. First, in the delivery identification information "0001," the linked delivery item information is "N0001," the user information is "U0001," and one storage container type information "S025" indicating a container type that is one-quarter of the reference storage space volume is stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S075" indicating a container type that is three-quarters of the reference storage space volume).

[0042] Next, in the delivery identification information "0002," the linked delivery information is "N0002," the user information is "U0011," and it is indicated that one storage container type information, "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume, is stored; therefore, the residual space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the residual converted storage container type information is "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume).

[0043] Next, in the delivery identification information "0003," the linked delivery item information is "N0003," the user information is "U0005," and one storage container type information, "S100," which indicates a container type that is approximately the same as the standard storage space volume, is stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" (i.e., no free space).

[0044] Next, in the delivery identification information "0004," the linked delivery information is "N0004," the user information is "U0003," and the storage container type information indicates that one of the above-mentioned "S025" (for example, the top and bottom loading possibility information indicates that top loading is strictly prohibited) and one "S050" is stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S025," which indicates a container type that is one-quarter of the standard storage space volume).

[0045] Finally, for the delivery identification information "0005" and "0006", the linked delivery information is "N0005" and "N0006", the user information is "U0009", and it is shown that one "S100" and one "S050" are stored as the storage container type information, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" and "1 / 2". In this case, it can be said that the actual remaining space for the current delivery to the user with user information "U0009" is "1 / 2" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S050", which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume).

[0046] In this way, the residual space calculation unit 151 can calculate the residual space in the target storage space based on the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers and the storage container type information indicating the type of storage container that stores the delivery to the user. In particular, as the storage container type information, by setting identification information that can be identified for each storage container volume obtained by dividing a predetermined number by a predetermined storage space volume as the reference storage space volume, it becomes possible to efficiently store the delivery in the storage space like a puzzle, and it becomes possible to clarify the residual space volume as the residual conversion storage container type information. By using this, it becomes possible to extract the mixed loading target to be mixed in the remaining space. This will be described in detail below.

[0047] The mixed load target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed load target information indicating mixed load targets that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. More specifically, the mixed load target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed load target information indicating mixed load targets that can be stored, for example, based on remaining space information (particularly, remaining equivalent storage vessel type information) corresponding to the remaining space of the target storage space. That is, compared with the storage vessel type corresponding to the remaining space, mixed load target information corresponding to a storage vessel type with a volume equal to or smaller than that indicated by the storage vessel type is extracted. A plurality of types of containment vessel corresponding to the remaining space may be selectable. For example, the remaining space calculation unit 151 may calculate combination information of the containment vessel types corresponding to the remaining space, and extract mixed object information of the containment vessel type corresponding to the combination information (for example, a combination in which two mixed objects of containment vessel type 1 / 4 can be stored in a remaining space 1 / 2, a combination in which one mixed object of containment vessel type 1 / 4 and two mixed objects of containment vessel type 1 / 8 can be stored, a combination in which four mixed objects of containment vessel type 1 / 8 can be stored, etc.). The mixed object information may be presented (particularly, list information) via an application on the user terminal 2, for example, or may be presented (particularly, list information) via an application on the worker terminal 3. When the worker selects the mixed object information, the selected mixed object information may be transmitted from the data management unit 120 to the user terminal 2, and a permission confirmation process for the mixed object information may be executed on the user's application, and when the data management unit 120 receives information indicating permission, the information may be confirmed as the mixed object information for delivery. Furthermore, for example, when two or more mixed objects can be selected using combination information, if a storage container type that cannot be stored is determined according to the storage container type of the selected product (for example, a volume larger than the storage container type 1 / 8 cannot be selected because three mixed objects of the storage container type 1 / 8 are selected with respect to the remaining space 1 / 2, or a volume larger than the storage container type 1 / 6 cannot be selected because a mixed object of the storage container type 1 / 3 is selected), a process of making the mixed object information corresponding to the storage container type that cannot be stored unselectable (for example, graying out to restrict the selection operation, not displaying in the list information, etc.) may be executed.The mixed objects may be various objects, and examples are given below.

[0048] <Example 1 of mixed cargo> The mixed loading target information may include advertising item information linked to the user's own user identification information or the other user identification information, which indicates advertising items provided to the user (also referred to as the "own user" when distinguishing from the "other user") or the other user. That is, the mixed loading target extraction unit 152 extracts advertising item information indicating advertising items that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed loading target information based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the advertising item information and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The advertising item information may include, for example, advertising item identification information, advertising item size information (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, vertical loading availability information, advertising type (samples, paper advertisements (flyers, leaflets, etc.), etc.), advertising item category information (food, beverages, alcoholic beverages, sweets, household goods, cosmetics, etc.), converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from the advertising item size information and stored when extracting the mixed loading target information), advertiser information, etc.

[0049] Here, the other user is a user corresponding to the other user identification information associated with the user's own user identification information. The other user identification information may be, for example, a cohabiting user identification information set as a family member or partner, or a proxy user identification information set by the user 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's own 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's side.

[0050] In this example, the mixed loading target extraction unit 152 may randomly extract the advertising item information to be mixed from the advertising item information including the converted storage container type information that can be stored in the remaining space as the mixed loading target information, or the user or the operator may select and set the advertising item category information and advertiser information to be extracted on the application. In addition, when the purchase history information linked to the user's own information or the other user information can be referred to, the purchase history information may be referred to at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of the product purchased in the past, and one or more pieces of advertising item information including the corresponding advertising item category information and advertiser information may be extracted as the mixed loading target.

[0051] In addition, when the mixed loading target extraction unit 152 is able to refer to purchase desired product information linked to the user information of the user itself or another user instead of the purchase history information, the mixed loading target extraction unit 152 may refer to at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of the purchase desired product information.

[0052] In this way, by extracting advertising item information while taking into consideration the remaining space left over in the storage space at the time of delivery, it becomes possible to select advertising items taking into consideration the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined depending on whether the item fits within the standard storage space volume). Also, by referring to the purchase history information of the user himself or other users, it becomes possible to obtain more accurate advertising effects.

[0053] <Example 2 of mixed cargo> The mixed loading target information may include regular purchase product information linked to the user's own identification information or other user identification information, which indicates regular purchase products that the user's own user or other user's user has registered in advance in association with each identification information. That is, the mixed loading target extraction unit 152 extracts regular purchase product information indicating regular purchase products that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed loading target information based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the regular purchase product information linked to the user's own identification information or other user identification information and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The regular purchase product information may include, for example, product identification information, product size (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, vertical loading availability information, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from product size and stored when extracting the mixed loading target information), scheduled regular delivery delivery date information (for example, what day of each month regular delivery, etc.).

[0054] In this example, the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152, for example, refers to scheduled regular delivery date information, and extracts as mixed-loading target information regular purchased products whose scheduled regular delivery date is within a predetermined period of the scheduled delivery date of the user's delivery item (for example, arriving at the nearest collection point within one week of the scheduled delivery date). The user or worker selects one or more regular purchased products to be delivered together in this delivery from the list of regular purchased product information presented on the application, taking into consideration the remaining space. The selected regular purchased products are made to wait for delivery at a collection point or the like, and are stored in a storage space together with the delivery of the purchased product and delivered together. The period for which the regular purchased product is to be delivered (i.e., the predetermined period of time relative to the scheduled delivery date of the purchased product) may be set by a user linked to the target regular purchased product information.

[0055] In this way, by extracting regular purchase product information while taking into account the remaining space remaining in the storage space at the time of delivery, it is possible to deliver regular purchase products at a timing that takes into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether or not the product will fit within the standard storage space volume).

[0056] <Example 3 of mixed cargo> The mixed object information may include information on goods to be donated linked to other user identification information, which indicates goods that other users wish to donate to a designated user or a desired user. That is, the mixed object extraction unit 152 extracts, as mixed object information, information on goods to be donated indicating goods that can be stored in the remaining space, based on converted storage container type information corresponding to the goods to be donated linked to other user identification information and remaining space information (particularly, remaining converted storage container type information). The information on goods to be donated may include, for example, goods to be donated identification information, goods to be donated size, weight information, management temperature zone information, information on whether or not it is possible to load items up and down, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance, or may be converted from the goods to be donated size and stored when the mixed object information is extracted), and donated goods registration date information, and may be registered as mixed object information by other users. The goods to be donated may be, for example, a gift (present) for a specified recipient, or may be a donation or a share item for which no recipient is specified.

[0057] In this example, the mixed load target extraction unit 152 presents, as a list or the like, the requested product information (associated with the user identification information and / or open information not associated with specific identification information) indicating the converted storage container type information that can be stored in the remaining space to the user terminal or the worker terminal. The user or worker selects one or more requested product information to be delivered together in this delivery from the requested product information list presented on the application, taking into consideration the remaining space.

[0058] In this way, by extracting information on items requested by other users while taking into account the remaining space remaining in the storage space at the time of delivery, it is possible to deliver items requested by other users at a timing that takes into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether the items will fit within the standard storage space volume).

[0059] The mixed loading target extraction unit 152 may extract at least one of the mixed loading targets in the above examples, for example. Alternatively, the types of targets that can be mixed may be preset in the system, or the user may be able to display and select the targets that he or she wishes to mix. Alternatively, the user may preset information about the targets he or she wishes to mix as user information, and the targets may be automatically extracted based on the settings. Alternatively, as exemplified in FIG. 8, when viewing the mixed loading target list information, the objects to be viewed may be selected by sorting or rearranging.

[0060] <Processing flow> The flow of processing of the information processing method executed by the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of processing of the information processing system of Fig. 1.

[0061] 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.

[0062] First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new delivery item identification information and delivery identification information in response to delivery item acceptance processing, such as reading an identification code attached to a delivery item by a reader, and registers the delivery item information and delivery information (S101).

[0063] Next, the residual space calculation unit 151 calculates residual space information in the target storage space based on the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers and the storage container type information acquired according to the delivery information (i.e., including the storage container type information as the delivery item information linked to the delivery information), and executes updating of the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, if the residual space information is residual converted storage container type information obtained by converting the residual space into the storage container type, it will be easier to make a comparison described later.

[0064] Then, if it is determined in step S102 that there is insufficient remaining space (for example, there is no remaining space to accommodate a storage container of the smallest storage container type (particularly, the smallest converted storage container type for the objects that can be extracted as mixed load objects in step S104)), this flow is terminated. Thereafter, if the delivery item 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 a storage container type calculated by data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item, etc., and then stored in the storage space, and delivered to the user.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is at least remaining space that can accommodate a storage container of the smallest storage container type), the mixed load target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed load target information indicating mixed load targets that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space (S104). More specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 9, for example, mixed load target display areas 1010, 1011, etc. of the mixed load target information are displayed in a list on the application of the user or worker, and mixed load target information is determined according to a mixed load target selection operation via the mixed load target display area 1010, etc. of the mixed load target list information, and the determined mixed load target information is transmitted to the management server 1, and the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) updates (including adding) the delivery mixed load target information included in the delivery information. Alternatively, instead of presenting it as a list of mixed load objects, a predetermined number of mixed load objects extracted by the mixed load object extraction unit 152 may be presented as options on a user's or worker's application by referring to user information such as the user's purchase history information, or by referring to information on desired mixed load objects previously set by the user, and the mixed load objects may be determined by having the user or worker select the mixed load objects, or a predetermined number of mixed load objects extracted by the mixed load object extraction unit 152 may be presented as a mixed load confirmation notice on a user's or worker's application by having the user or worker select whether or not to mix the mixed load objects, or the mixed load objects to be mixed in the user's delivery may be determined by the system from among the storable mixed load objects extracted by the mixed load object extraction unit 152, without any user or worker operation, and depending on the determination, the determined mixed load object information is sent to the management server 1, as described above, and the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) updates (including adds) the delivery mixed load object information included in the delivery information. In addition, even when the mixed loading target information is selected on the worker's application, the mixed loading confirmation notice may be presented to the user to select whether or not to mix and determine the delivery mixed loading target. In addition, when the delivery mixed loading target is determined on the user's application or on this system, the delivery mixed loading target information may be displayed on the worker's terminal 3 so that the worker can check it during storage work.Furthermore, based on the delivery mixed item information, storage equipment for storing delivery items (storage robots, storage arms, movable storage platforms, etc.) may be autonomously controlled to remove the delivery mixed items from the delivery item management space (e.g., shelves, etc.) and store them in the storage space.

[0066] Furthermore, the product list display of the mixed object may be appropriately set by the user using a mixed object display information setting unit such as a display target specification unit 1040 (e.g., a check box or pull-down format) for selecting which type of mixed object to display and a display order specification unit 1050 for selecting which type of mixed object to display preferentially. Here, "display with priority" means, for example, that the display order is set early, and more specifically, in the case of vertical scrolling, it may be displayed at the top of the display area, or in the case of advancing the provided product information displayed in order by swiping, etc., it may be displayed at the beginning. In addition, the selection operation on the mixed object display area 1010, etc. of the mixed object list information may be the mixed object selection operation, or the mixed object selection operation may be possible in the mixed object detailed information screen displayed after selecting the mixed object display area 1010, etc., or it is not limited to these.

[0067] In particular, when performing a settlement process for the delivery fee after step S104, if the mixed object information is advertising item information, in consideration of the nature of the advertisement, at least a part or all of the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be reduced and the settlement process may proceed, and / or a predetermined benefit (for example, a refund process or a point grant process) may be given to the user. The system may execute a billing process to the advertiser for the amount of the reduction or the amount of the benefit given. In addition, if the mixed object information is information on a product (particularly a gift) desired by another user who has designated the user, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (for example, divided into two) to the other user at a predetermined ratio, and the delivery fee information after the apportionment may be linked to each other and stored, and each user may perform the settlement process, or the delivery fee information for one delivery linked to the user may be linked to the other user and stored, and the other user may perform the settlement process.

[0068] Thereafter, if the delivery item has already been stored in a storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is; if it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of a storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item, etc., and then stored in the storage space; further, the selected mixed items are stored in the remaining space of the storage space, and the delivery item is delivered to the user.

[0069] As described above, by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) 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 deliveries and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces.

[0070] 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]

[0071] 1 Management Server 2. User terminal

Claims

1. a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store deliveries to users; a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space, The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. An information processing system comprising:

2. The mixed loading object information includes advertising item information, 2. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase history information of the user.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

4. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase information of the user.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

5. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to at least one of purchase history information and purchase request information of other users associated with the user.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system.

6. The mixed loading target information includes information on desired items indicating items provided by other users.

6. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein:

7. a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store deliveries to users; a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space, The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. A server comprising:

8. A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space for storing one or more storage containers for storing deliveries to users; extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space; The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.

23. An information processing method comprising:

9. A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space for storing one or more storage containers for storing deliveries to users; extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space; The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. A program characterized by:

Citation Information

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