Information processing device, control method, and control program

Abstract

An information processing device (100) comprises: an acquisition unit (120) that acquires delivery position information indicating a departure point and a delivery destination point, map information, speed information indicating the speed of a first mobile body and the speed of a second mobile body, and transfer position information; a calculation unit (130) that calculates a direct delivery time on the basis of the delivery position information, the map information, and the speed of the first mobile body and that calculates a transfer delivery time on the basis of the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the first mobile body, the speed of the second mobile body, and the transfer position information; and a control unit (150) that, in a case where the direct delivery time is shorter than the transfer delivery time, performs control so that the first mobile body delivers a shipment from the departure point to the delivery destination point and that, in a case where the transfer delivery time is shorter than the direct delivery time, performs control so that the first mobile body moves to a transfer position and, after the shipment is transferred to the second mobile body, the second mobile body moves to the delivery destination point.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, automatic delivery of packages by robots has become a hot topic. For example, technology related to automatic delivery has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). The information processing device in Patent Document 1 selects either a first delivery procedure in which the package is transported from the collection point to the destination point by the same moving object, or a second delivery procedure in which the package is transported from the collection point to the destination point by transferring the package between multiple moving objects, and instructs the package to be delivered according to the selected delivery procedure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-139264 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above technique, direct delivery or transshipment delivery by a mobile object with the same performance is selected. However, the method selected in the above technique may not be able to deliver the goods in the shortest time.

[0005] The objective of this disclosure is to achieve the fastest delivery time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires delivery location information indicating a starting point and a delivery destination point where a first moving body is present, map information, speed information indicating a speed of the first moving body and a speed of a second moving body having performance different from that of the first moving body, and transshipment location information indicating a first transshipment location, and calculates a delivery time as a direct delivery time based on the delivery location information, the map information, and the speed of the first moving body, and calculates a pre-delivery time based on the delivery location information, the map information, the speed of the first moving body, the speed of the second moving body, and the transshipment location information. The system includes a calculation unit that calculates a transshipment and delivery time, which is the time it takes for the luggage held by the first moving body to be transshipped and delivered, and a control unit that controls the first moving body to deliver the luggage from the departure point to the delivery destination point when the direct delivery time is shorter than the transshipment and delivery time, and controls the first moving body to move to the first transshipment position, and after the luggage is transshipped to the second moving body, the second moving body moves to the delivery destination point when the transshipment and delivery time is shorter than the direct delivery time. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, delivery can be achieved in the shortest possible time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a delivery system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of a road condition in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating hardware included in an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing functions of an information processing device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of moving object information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a road condition in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of processing executed by the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process executed by the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of processing executed by an information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process executed by the information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of processing executed by an information processing device according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process executed by the information processing device according to the modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of a process executed by an information processing device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process executed by the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram showing a delivery system according to the embodiment 1. The delivery system includes an information processing device 100, a mobile object 200, and a mobile object 300. The information processing device 100, the mobile object 200, and the mobile object 300 communicate with each other via a network. The information processing device 100 is a device that executes the control method. The mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300 deliver packages. The performance of the mobile body 200 and the performance of the mobile body 300 are different. For example, the speeds at which the mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300 can output are different. The mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300 may periodically transmit current location information to the information processing device 100. Here, the mobile body 200 is also referred to as a first mobile body. The mobile body 300 is also referred to as a second mobile body.

[0011] Although two mobile objects are shown in Fig. 1, the number of mobile objects may be three or more. Next, an image of the road conditions for delivery is shown.

[0012] Fig. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of road conditions in the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a departure point 11 and a delivery destination point 12. A moving body 200 is loaded with luggage. The moving body 200 is located at the departure point 11. Fig. 2 shows transfer positions 13a to 13e. The moving body 200 can deliver the luggage from the departure point 11 to the delivery destination point 12. The luggage delivered by the moving body 200 may be transferred to a moving body 300 at the transfer position.

[0013] Next, the hardware of the information processing device 100 will be described. 3 is a diagram showing hardware included in the information processing device of embodiment 1. The information processing device 100 is a computer. The information processing device 100 includes a processor 101, a volatile storage device 102, and a non-volatile storage device 103.

[0014] The processor 101 controls the entire information processing device 100. For example, the processor 101 is a central processing unit (CPU) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The information processing device 100 may also include a processing circuit.

[0015] The volatile storage device 102 is a main storage device of the information processing device 100. For example, the volatile storage device 102 is a random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile storage device 103 is an auxiliary storage device of the information processing device 100. For example, the non-volatile storage device 103 is a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0016] Next, functions of the information processing device 100 will be described. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of the information processing device of embodiment 1. The information processing device 100 includes a storage unit 110, an acquisition unit 120, a calculation unit 130, a determination unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0017] The storage unit 110 may be realized as a storage area secured in the volatile storage device 102 or the non-volatile storage device 103 . A part or all of the acquiring unit 120, the calculating unit 130, the determining unit 140, and the control unit 150 may be realized by a processing circuit. Also, a part or all of the acquiring unit 120, the calculating unit 130, the determining unit 140, and the control unit 150 may be realized as a module of a program executed by the processor 101. For example, the program executed by the processor 101 is also called a control program. For example, the control program is recorded on a recording medium.

[0018] The storage unit 110 stores various information. The functions of the acquisition unit 120, the calculation unit 130, the determination unit 140, and the control unit 150 will be described in detail later.

[0019] Next, the process executed by the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. (Step S11) The acquisition unit 120 acquires delivery position information indicating the departure point and the delivery destination point, map information, speed information indicating the speed of the mobile body 200 and the speed of the mobile body 300, and transshipment position information indicating the transshipment position. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the delivery position information, map information, speed information, and transshipment position information from the storage unit 110. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the delivery position information, map information, speed information, and transshipment position information from an external device. For example, the external device is a cloud server. Note that illustration of the external device is omitted.

[0020] (Step S12) The calculation unit 130 calculates a delivery time based on the delivery position information, map information, and the speed of the mobile object 200. For example, the calculation unit 130 calculates a route from the starting point to the delivery destination point using the delivery position information and map information. The calculation unit 130 calculates the delivery time using the route and the speed of the mobile object 200. The delivery time is referred to as a direct delivery time.

[0021] (Step S13) The calculation unit 130 calculates a transshipment delivery time, which is the time when the luggage held by the mobile body 200 is transshipped and delivered, based on the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the mobile body 200, the speed of the mobile body 300, and the transshipment position information. For example, the number of transshipment positions is one. The transshipment position may be called a first transshipment position. The calculation unit 130 calculates a pre-transshipment delivery time based on the distance of the route from the departure point to the transshipment position and the speed of the mobile body 200. The calculation unit 130 calculates a post-transshipment delivery time based on the distance of the route from the transshipment position to the delivery destination point and the speed of the mobile body 300. The calculation unit 130 calculates the transshipment delivery time by adding the pre-transshipment delivery time and the post-transshipment delivery time. The calculation unit 130 may also add a transshipment work time to the transshipment delivery time. By adding the transshipment work time, the information processing device 100 can obtain a more accurate transshipment delivery time.

[0022] (Step S14) The determination unit 140 determines whether or not to transship the cargo based on the direct delivery time and the transshipment delivery time. If the direct delivery time is shorter than the transshipment delivery time, the determination unit 140 determines that transshipment will not be performed. If the transshipment delivery time is shorter than the direct delivery time, the determination unit 140 determines that transshipment will be performed. If the direct delivery time and the transshipment delivery time are the same, the determination unit 140 may determine that transshipment will be performed, or may determine that transshipment will not be performed. If transshipment is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S15. If transshipment is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0023] (Step S15) The control unit 150 controls the mobile object 200 to deliver the package from the departure point to the delivery destination point. Specifically, the control unit 150 generates route information indicating the route from the departure point to the delivery destination point based on the delivery position information and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the route information and a delivery instruction to the mobile object 200. As a result, the mobile object 200 performs delivery based on the route information.

[0024] (Step S16) The control unit 150 controls the moving body 200 to move to the transfer position, and after the luggage is transferred to the moving body 300, the moving body 300 moves to the delivery destination point. Specifically, the control unit 150 generates pre-transfer route information indicating the route from the departure point to the transfer position based on the departure point, the transfer position, and the map information. The control unit 150 transmits the pre-transfer route information and a movement instruction to the moving body 200.

[0025] The control unit 150 generates post-transshipment route information indicating a route from the transshipment position to the delivery destination point based on the transshipment position, the delivery destination point, and the map information. The control unit 150 transmits the post-transshipment route information and a movement instruction to the mobile object 300. In addition, when the mobile object 300 is not present at the transshipment position, the control unit 150 transmits a movement instruction to the mobile object 300 to move to the transshipment position.

[0026] As a result, the mobile object 200 moves to the transfer position based on the pre-transfer route information. The cargo is transferred to the mobile object 300 at the transfer position. After the cargo is transferred, the mobile object 300 moves to the delivery destination based on the post-transfer route information.

[0027] The transshipment work may be performed by a person or a machine. When the transshipment is performed by a machine, the control unit 150 transmits a transshipment instruction to the moving body 200 or the moving body 300.

[0028] Next, the process executed in the delivery system will be described using a concrete example. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the first embodiment. In this specific example, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that there is one transshipment position. Furthermore, it is assumed that the speed of the moving body 200 is 4 km / h. It is assumed that the speed of the moving body 300 is 10 km / h. Hereinafter, the moving body 200 may be referred to as moving body A. The moving body 300 may be referred to as moving body B.

[0029] The information processing device 100 calculates a direct delivery time T1 based on the delivery position information, the map information, and the speed of the moving body 200. The information processing device 100 calculates the transshipment and delivery time T2, which is the time it takes for the cargo to be transshipped at the transshipment location 13 and delivered, based on the delivery location information, map information, the speed of the mobile body 200, the speed of the mobile body 300, and the transshipment location information.

[0030] The transshipment delivery time T2 is shorter than the direct delivery time T1. The information processing device 100 controls the mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300 so as to transship the cargo of the mobile body 200 to the mobile body 300 at the transshipment position 13. The information processing device 100 also controls the mobile body 300 so as to deliver the cargo to the delivery destination point 12.

[0031] According to the first embodiment, the information processing device 100 determines the means for shortest delivery time by taking into consideration moving objects with different capabilities. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can realize the shortest delivery time.

[0032] In the above, the case where there is one transshipment position has been described. As shown in FIG. 2, there may be two or more transshipment positions. When there are multiple transshipment positions, the transshipment position information indicates the multiple transshipment positions. Then, in step S13, the calculation unit 130 calculates multiple transshipment delivery times, which are the times when the luggage is transshipped at each of the multiple transshipment positions, based on the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the mobile body 200, the speed of the mobile body 300, and the transshipment position information. The determination unit 140 determines whether or not to transship the luggage based on the direct delivery time and the multiple transshipment delivery times. Specifically, when there is a time shorter than the direct delivery time among the multiple transshipment delivery times, the determination unit 140 determines that the luggage is transshipped. The control unit 150 performs control so that the luggage is transshipped at the transshipment position used when calculating the shortest transshipment delivery time among the multiple transshipment delivery times. Specifically, the control unit 150 detects the shortest transshipment delivery time among the multiple transshipment delivery times. The control unit 150 generates pre-transshipment route information indicating a route from the departure point to the transshipment position used in calculating the shortest transshipment delivery time, based on the departure point and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the pre-transshipment route information and a movement instruction to the mobile unit 200. The control unit 150 generates post-transshipment route information indicating a route from the transshipment position to the delivery destination point, based on the transshipment position, the delivery destination point and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the post-transshipment route information and a movement instruction to the mobile unit 300. As a result, delivery is performed in the shortest time in the delivery system. The transshipment position may be called a first transshipment position.

[0033] Furthermore, when calculating the direct delivery time or the transshipment delivery time, the information processing device 100 may use congestion information to calculate the direct delivery time or the transshipment delivery time. The calculation process will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 120 acquires congestion information from the storage unit 110 or an external device. The congestion information is information indicating a correspondence relationship between a congestion area and a passing time, which is a time required to pass through the congestion area. When a part of a route used in calculating the direct delivery time is included in a congestion area, the calculation unit 130 uses the passing time for the time corresponding to the part of the route. Note that the route is a route from the departure point to the delivery destination point. When a part of a route used in calculating the transshipment delivery time is included in a congestion area, the calculation unit 130 uses the passing time for the time corresponding to the part of the route. Note that the route is a route from the departure point to the transshipment position and a route from the transshipment position to the delivery destination point. In this way, the information processing device 100 can obtain a more accurate delivery time by using the passing time.

[0034] Furthermore, when the calculation unit 130 calculates the transshipment delivery time and a waiting time occurs for the mobile body 200 or the mobile body 300, the calculation unit 130 may add the waiting time to the transshipment delivery time. The calculation process will be described in detail. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the current position information of the mobile body 200 and the current position information of the mobile body 300 from the storage unit 110 or an external device. Based on the current position information of the mobile body 200, the current position information of the mobile body 300, the speeds of the mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300, the transshipment position information, and the map information, if there is a difference between the time when the mobile body 200 arrives at the transshipment position and the time when the mobile body 300 arrives at the transshipment position, the calculation unit 130 adds the difference to the transshipment delivery time as a waiting time. In this way, the information processing device 100 can obtain a more accurate transshipment delivery time by adding the waiting time.

[0035] Embodiment 2 Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. In embodiment 2, descriptions of matters common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0036] In the second embodiment, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the moving object information from the storage unit 110 or an external device. An example of the moving object information is shown below.

[0037] 7 is a diagram showing an example of mobile object information according to the embodiment 2. For example, mobile object information 111 is stored in the storage unit 110. The mobile body information 111 includes at least one of the following: the width of the road that the mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300 can pass through, information indicating whether the mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300 can travel on sloped areas, and information indicating whether the mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300 can travel on unpaved roads.

[0038] For example, the mobile object information 111 has items of name, size, speed, road width, gradient, and unpaved. Note that the mobile object information 111 does not have to have the speed item. The name item indicates the name of the mobile object. The size item indicates the size of the mobile object. The speed item registers the maximum speed of the mobile object. The road width item registers the road width that the mobile object can pass through. The road width item may register a value indicating the road width. The gradient item registers information indicating whether the mobile object can travel on a gradient. The unpaved item registers information indicating whether the mobile object can travel on an unpaved road.

[0039] In this way, moving bodies have various constraints. Also, as shown in the moving body information 111 in Fig. 7, the performance of moving body A (i.e., moving body 200) and the performance of moving body B (i.e., moving body 300) are different.

[0040] The following is an example of road conditions. Fig. 8 is an image diagram showing an example of road conditions in the embodiment 2. Fig. 8 shows a starting point 11 and a delivery destination point 12. Fig. 8 shows transfer positions 14a to 14d. Fig. 8 shows that there are two types of road width. There may be three or more types of road width. Fig. 8 also shows that there are sloped areas. Since a moving object has various constraints, there are cases where direct delivery cannot be performed in road conditions such as those shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the delivery system realizes delivery based on the constraints of the moving object and the road conditions. The information processing device 100 performs processing for realizing delivery. The processing of the information processing device 100 will be described below.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of the process executed by the information processing device of the second embodiment. The process in Fig. 9 differs from the process in Fig. 5 in that steps S11a and 11b are executed. Therefore, steps S11a and 11b will be described in Fig. 9. Descriptions of the process other than steps S11a and 11b will be omitted.

[0042] (Step S11a) The acquisition unit 120 acquires delivery location information indicating a starting point and a delivery destination point, map information, mobile object information 111, and transfer location information indicating a transfer location from the storage unit 110 or an external device. The map information includes information on at least one of road width, gradient, and unpaved road.

[0043] (Step S11b) The determination unit 140 determines whether or not the mobile object 200 can deliver the package from the departure point to the delivery destination point, based on the delivery position information, map information, and mobile object information 111. In other words, the determination unit 140 determines whether or not the mobile object 200 can perform direct delivery, based on the constraints of the mobile object 200 and the road conditions indicated by the map information.

[0044] If the mobile unit 200 can perform direct delivery, the process proceeds to step S12. If the mobile unit 200 cannot perform direct delivery, the control unit 150 controls the mobile unit 200 and the mobile unit 300 to perform transshipment and delivery of the package. An example of transshipment and delivery will be described below. The process proceeds to step S21.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example (part 2) of the process executed by the information processing device according to the second embodiment. (Step S21) The calculation unit 130 calculates a plurality of transshipment delivery times, which are the times when transshipment of luggage is performed, based on the delivery position information, map information, the speed of the mobile body 200, the speed of the mobile body 300, the mobile body information 111, and the transshipment position information. The transshipment position information indicates a plurality of transshipment positions. When calculating the transshipment delivery time, the calculation unit 130 calculates the transshipment delivery time based on a route that is always possible for delivery by the mobile body 200 and the mobile body 300. In other words, the calculation unit 130 calculates the transshipment delivery time taking into account the constraints of the mobile body indicated by the mobile body information 111.

[0046] (Step S22) The control unit 150 performs control so that the cargo is transshipped at the transshipment position used when calculating the shortest transshipment-delivery time among the multiple transshipment-delivery times. Specifically, the control unit 150 generates pre-transshipment route information indicating the route from the departure point to the transshipment position based on the transshipment position, the departure point, and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the pre-transshipment route information and a movement instruction to the mobile body 200. The control unit 150 generates post-transshipment route information indicating the route from the transshipment position to the delivery destination point based on the transshipment position, the delivery destination point, and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the post-transshipment route information and a movement instruction to the mobile body 300. The transshipment position may be called a first transshipment position.

[0047] Next, the process executed in the delivery system will be described using a concrete example. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the second embodiment. The information processing device 100 determines whether the mobile object 200 can deliver a package from the departure point to the delivery destination point based on the delivery position information, map information, and mobile object information 111. When the mobile object 200 delivers a package from the departure point 11 to the delivery destination point 12, the mobile object 200 needs to pass through a slope. However, the mobile object 200 cannot travel on a slope. Therefore, the information processing device 100 determines that the mobile object 200 cannot perform direct delivery.

[0048] The information processing device 100 calculates the transshipment delivery time. Here, since the road width is narrow around the transshipment position 14b, the mobile body 300 cannot move to the transshipment position 14b. Therefore, the transshipment position 14b is excluded from the transshipment positions. In addition, the mobile body 200 cannot move to the transshipment position 14d. Therefore, the transshipment position 14d is excluded from the transshipment positions. Therefore, the information processing device 100 calculates the transshipment delivery time when the luggage is transshipped at the transshipment position 14a and the transshipment delivery time when the luggage is transshipped at the transshipment position 14c. It is assumed that the transshipment delivery time when the luggage is transshipped at the transshipment position 14c is shorter than the transshipment delivery time when the luggage is transshipped at the transshipment position 14a.

[0049] The information processing device 100 generates pre-transfer route information indicating a route from the departure point 11 to the transfer position 14c based on the departure point 11, the transfer position 14c, and map information. The information processing device 100 transmits the pre-transfer route information and a movement instruction to the mobile body 200. The information processing device 100 generates post-transfer route information indicating a route from the transfer position 14c to the delivery destination point 12 based on the transfer position 14c, the delivery destination point, and map information. The information processing device 100 transmits the post-transfer route information and a movement instruction to the mobile body 300.

[0050] According to the second embodiment, the information processing device 100 can reliably realize the delivery of packages even when a moving object has restrictions.

[0051] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may perform the following process in determining direct delivery. The acquisition unit 120 acquires the load of the luggage from the storage unit 110 or an external device. If there is a slope between the starting point and the delivery destination point, the mobile body can travel on the slope, and the load is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 140 determines that the mobile body cannot deliver the luggage from the starting point to the delivery destination point. This allows the information processing device 100 to prevent the mobile body from rolling backwards at a slope.

[0052] Embodiment 3 Next, a description will be given of embodiment 3. In embodiment 3, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described. In embodiment 3, descriptions of matters common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0053] The processing performed in the third embodiment will be briefly described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of processing executed in the delivery system of the third embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the information processing device 100 determines that the luggage of the moving body 200 is to be transferred to the moving body 300 at the transfer position 15a. As a result, the luggage of the moving body 200 is scheduled to be transferred to the moving body 300 at the transfer position 15a (for example, the first transfer position). Here, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 has determined that the luggage of the moving body 400 is to be transferred to the moving body 300 at the transfer position 15b. If the moving body 200 can arrive at the transfer position 15b before the moving body 400 arrives at the transfer position 15b, the information processing device 100 changes the transfer position to the transfer position 15b. As a result, the two luggage are transferred at the transfer position 15b. Therefore, the efficiency of the work is improved.

[0054] Next, the process executed by the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of the process executed by the information processing device of the third embodiment. The process in Fig. 13 differs from the process in Fig. 5 in that step S15a is executed. Therefore, step S15a will be described in Fig. 13. Descriptions of the processes other than step S15a will be omitted.

[0055] (Step S15a) The determination unit 140 determines whether or not the cargo of a third moving body (e.g., moving body 400) will be transferred to the moving body 300 at a second transfer position (e.g., transfer position 15b). For example, when the memory unit 110 stores information indicating that the cargo of the third moving body will be transferred to the moving body 300 at the second transfer position, the determination unit 140 determines that the cargo of the third moving body will be transferred to the moving body 300 at the second transfer position. If the cargo is to be transshipped at the second transshipment position, the process proceeds to step S31. If the cargo is not to be transshipped at the second transshipment position, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example (part 2) of the process executed by the information processing device according to the third embodiment. (Step S31) The acquisition unit 120 acquires an arrival time when the third moving body arrives at the second transfer position. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the arrival time from the storage unit 110 or an external device. The acquisition unit 120 also acquires information on the second transfer position from the storage unit 110 or an external device.

[0057] (Step S32) The calculation unit 130 calculates the arrival time when the mobile body 200 arrives at the second transfer position based on the current position of the mobile body 200, which is the departure point, the second transfer position, map information, and the speed of the mobile body 200. The acquisition unit 120 may acquire current position information of the mobile body 200. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the current position information of the mobile body 200 from the storage unit 110 or the mobile body 200.

[0058] (Step S33) The determination unit 140 determines whether or not the moving body 200 can arrive at the second transfer position before the third moving body arrives at the second transfer position based on the arrival time acquired in step S31 and the arrival time calculated in step S32. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S34. If the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0059] (Step S34) The control unit 150 changes the first transfer position to the second transfer position.

[0060] (Step S35) The control unit 150 performs control so that the luggage of the mobile body 200 is transferred to the mobile body 300 at the second transfer position. Specifically, the control unit 150 generates pre-transfer route information indicating a route from the departure point to the second transfer position based on the departure point, the second transfer position, and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the pre-transfer route information and a movement instruction to the mobile body 200. The control unit 150 generates route information based on the delivery destination point of the package of the moving body 200, the delivery destination point of the package of the third moving body, and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the route information and a movement instruction to the moving body 300.

[0061] According to the third embodiment, the information processing device 100 can improve the efficiency of operations.

[0062] A variation of the third embodiment. The third embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment. A flowchart when the second embodiment and the third embodiment are combined is shown.

[0063] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of a process executed by an information processing device according to a modified example of embodiment 3. The process in Fig. 15 is a combination of the processes in Fig. 5, Fig. 9, and Fig. 13. Therefore, a description of the process in Fig. 15 will be omitted.

[0064] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example (part 2) of the process executed by the information processing device of the modified example of the embodiment 3. The process in Fig. 16 differs from the process in Fig. 10 in that step S21a is executed. Therefore, step S21a will be described in Fig. 16. Descriptions of the processes other than step S21a will be omitted.

[0065] (Step S21a) The determination unit 140 determines whether or not the cargo of the third moving body is to be transferred to the moving body 300 at the second transfer position. If the cargo is to be transshipped at the second transshipment position, the process proceeds to step S31. If the cargo is not to be transshipped at the second transshipment position, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0066] If the result is Yes in step S15a and No in step S33, the process proceeds to step S16. If the result is Yes in step S21a and No in step S33, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0067] According to the modification of the third embodiment, the information processing device 100 can achieve improved work efficiency.

[0068] Embodiment 4 Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, descriptions of the same matters as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0069] The processing performed in the fourth embodiment will be briefly described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a specific example of the process executed in the delivery system of the fourth embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the information processing device 100 determines that the moving body 200 will perform direct delivery. The delivery destination is the delivery destination 16a. Here, it is assumed that the moving body 500 has been determined to perform direct delivery. The delivery destination is the delivery destination 16b. When the distance between the moving body 200 and the delivery destination 16b is shorter than the distance between the moving body 200 and the delivery destination 16a, the information processing device 100 determines the parcel exchange position 16c. The information processing device 100 controls the moving body 200 and the moving body 500 to exchange parcels at the exchange position 16c. As a result, the parcel of the moving body 200 and the parcel of the moving body 500 are exchanged at the exchange position 16c. In this way, the information processing device 100 can shorten the travel distance of the moving body 200.

[0070] Next, the process executed by the information processing device 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example (part 1) of the process executed by the information processing device of the fourth embodiment. The process in Fig. 18 differs from the process in Fig. 5 in that step S14a is executed. Therefore, step S14a will be described in Fig. 18. Descriptions of the processes other than step S14a will be omitted.

[0071] (Step S14a) The determination unit 140 determines whether or not a moving object that performs direct delivery (hereinafter, a fourth moving object) exists. For example, when the storage unit 110 stores information indicating that a fourth moving object performs direct delivery, the determination unit 140 determines that a fourth moving object that performs direct delivery exists. If there is a fourth moving object that performs direct delivery, the process proceeds to step S41. If there is no fourth moving object that performs direct delivery, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0072] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example (part 2) of the process executed by the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment. (Step S41) The acquisition unit 120 acquires location information of a delivery destination point (hereinafter, second delivery destination) of a package owned by a fourth moving object from the storage unit 110 or an external device.

[0073] (Step S42) The calculation unit 130 calculates the distance between the mobile body 200 and the first delivery destination (hereinafter, the first distance) based on the current position of the mobile body 200, which is the starting point, and the delivery destination point (e.g., referred to as the first delivery destination) indicated by the delivery location information. The calculation unit 130 calculates the distance between the mobile body 200 and the second delivery destination (hereinafter, the second distance) based on the current position of the mobile body 200 and the location information of the second delivery destination. The acquisition unit 120 may acquire the current location information of the mobile body 200. For example, the acquisition unit 120 acquires the current location information of the mobile body 200 from the storage unit 110 or the mobile body 200.

[0074] (Step S43) The determination unit 140 determines whether or not the second distance is shorter than the first distance. If the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S44. If the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0075] (Step S44) The calculation unit 130 calculates the luggage exchange position using the map information. For example, the calculation unit 130 calculates the luggage exchange position based on the map information and the position information of the second delivery destination. The luggage exchange position may also be calculated as follows. The acquisition unit 120 acquires current position information of the fourth moving object from the storage unit 110 or the fourth moving object. The calculation unit 130 calculates the intermediate position between the moving object 200 and the fourth moving object as the luggage exchange position using the map information, the current position information of the moving object 200, and the current position information of the fourth moving object.

[0076] (Step S45) The control unit 150 controls the moving object 200 to move to the exchange position, and after the package is exchanged, the moving object 200 moves to the second delivery destination. Specifically, the control unit 150 generates route information based on the starting point, the package exchange position, the second delivery destination, and map information. The control unit 150 transmits the route information and a delivery instruction to the moving object 200.

[0077] In addition, the control unit 150 generates route information based on the current location information of the fourth moving body, the exchange location of the package, the first delivery destination, and the map information. The control unit 150 transmits the route information and a movement instruction to the fourth moving body.

[0078] As a result, the moving body 200 moves from the departure point to the luggage exchange position. The fourth moving body moves to the luggage exchange position based on the current location information of the fourth moving body. After the luggage exchange is performed, the moving body 200 moves to the second delivery destination. Also, after the luggage exchange is performed, the fourth moving body moves to the first delivery destination. Note that the luggage exchange may be performed by a person or by a machine. When the luggage exchange is performed by a machine, the control unit 150 transmits a luggage exchange instruction to the moving body 200 and the fourth moving body.

[0079] According to the fourth embodiment, the information processing device 100 can reduce the travel distance of the moving object 200.

[0080] Embodiment 5. Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the fifth embodiment, descriptions of the same matters as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0081] The process performed in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a specific example of the process executed in the delivery system of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 20 shows a moving object 300. In the fifth embodiment, the moving object 300 is a bus. Fig. 20 also shows transfer positions 17a to 17d. The transfer positions 17a to 17d are bus stops.

[0082] As in the first embodiment, the information processing device 100 determines that transshipment of luggage is to be performed (Yes in step S14).

[0083] The acquisition unit 120 acquires information indicating the bus stop at which the user boards or alights from the storage unit 110 or an external device. Here, for example, when a user on the mobile object 300 presses a get-off button, the mobile object 300 transmits information indicating the next bus stop at which the mobile object 300 stops (i.e., information indicating the bus stop at which the user alights) to the information processing device 100 or an external device. Also, for example, when a communication device installed at a bus stop detects a user from an image generated by a camera connected to the communication device, the communication device transmits information indicating the bus stop at which the user boards to the information processing device 100 or an external device. In this way, the information indicating the bus stop at which the user boards or alights is stored in the storage unit 110 or the external device by being transmitted to the information processing device 100 or the external device.

[0084] The control unit 150 determines the bus stop as a transfer position based on information indicating the bus stop where the user gets on or off. For example, if the bus stop is the transfer position 17c, the control unit 150 determines the transfer position 17c as the transfer position. The determined transfer position is also referred to as a first transfer position.

[0085] The control unit 150 generates pre-transfer route information indicating a route from the departure point to the transfer position based on the departure point, the transfer position, and the map information. The control unit 150 transmits the pre-transfer route information and a delivery instruction to the mobile object 200. The control unit 150 transmits information indicating the delivery destination point to the mobile object 300. The delivery destination point is a bus stop.

[0086] According to the fifth embodiment, the information processing device 100 can realize efficient bus operation and parcel delivery.

[0087] The features of each of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 11 departure point, 12 delivery destination point, 13, 13a to 13e transfer locations, 14a to 14d transfer locations, 15a, 15b transfer locations, 16a, 16b delivery destination, 16c exchange location, 17a to 17d transfer locations, 100 information processing device, 101 processor, 102 volatile storage device, 103 non-volatile storage device, 110 storage unit, 111 mobile object information, 120 acquisition unit, 130 calculation unit, 140 determination unit, 150 control unit, 200 mobile object, 300 mobile object, 400 mobile object, 500 mobile object.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires delivery location information indicating a departure point and a delivery destination point where a first moving body is present, map information, speed information indicating a speed of the first moving body and a speed of a second moving body having performance different from that of the first moving body, and transfer location information indicating a first transfer location; a calculation unit that calculates a delivery time as a direct delivery time based on the delivery position information, the map information, and the speed of the first moving body, and calculates a transshipment delivery time, which is the time it takes for the cargo held by the first moving body to be transshipped and delivered, based on the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the first moving body, the speed of the second moving body, and the transshipment position information; a control unit that controls the first moving body to deliver the package from the departure point to the delivery destination point when the direct delivery time is shorter than the transshipment delivery time, and controls the first moving body to move to the first transshipment position, and after the package is transshipped to the second moving body, the second moving body to move to the delivery destination point when the transshipment delivery time is shorter than the direct delivery time; An information processing device having the above configuration.

2. The transfer position information indicates a plurality of transfer positions, The calculation unit calculates a plurality of transshipment delivery times, which are times when the cargo is transshipped at each of the plurality of transshipment positions, based on the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the first moving body, the speed of the second moving body, and the transshipment position information; When a time shorter than the direct delivery time exists among the plurality of transshipment-delivery times, the control unit performs control so that the transshipment of the cargo is performed at a transshipment position used when calculating the shortest transshipment-delivery time among the plurality of transshipment-delivery times. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. Further comprising a determination unit, the acquisition unit acquires moving body information including at least one of a road width that the first moving body and the second moving body can pass through, information indicating whether the first moving body and the second moving body can travel on a slope, and information indicating whether the first moving body and the second moving body can travel on an unpaved road; The map information includes information regarding at least one of a road width, a slope, and an unpaved road; The determination unit determines whether or not the first moving object can deliver the package from the departure point to the delivery destination point based on the delivery location information, the map information, and the moving object information; The control unit performs control such that, when the first moving body cannot deliver the package from the departure point to the delivery destination point, the first moving body and the second moving body perform transshipment and delivery of the package. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The transfer position information indicates a plurality of transfer positions, the calculation unit calculates a plurality of transshipment and delivery times, which are times when the transshipment of the luggage is performed, based on the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the first mobile body, the speed of the second mobile body, the mobile body information, and the transshipment position information, when the first mobile body cannot deliver the luggage from the departure point to the delivery destination point; The control unit performs control so that the transshipment of the cargo is performed at the transshipment position used when calculating the shortest transshipment-delivery time among the plurality of transshipment-delivery times. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The acquisition unit acquires the load of the luggage, the determination unit determines that the first moving body cannot deliver the package from the starting point to the destination point when a slope exists between the starting point and the destination point, the first moving body is capable of traveling through the slope, and the load amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

6. When the calculation unit calculates the transshipment-delivery time and a waiting time occurs for the first moving body or the second moving body, the calculation unit adds the waiting time to the transshipment-delivery time.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the acquisition unit acquires an arrival time at which the third moving body arrives at the second transshipment position when the luggage of the first moving body is scheduled to be transshipped to the second moving body at the first transshipment position and the luggage of a third moving body is scheduled to be transshipped to the second moving body at the second transshipment position; the calculation unit calculates an arrival time at which the first moving body will arrive at the second transfer position based on a current position of the first moving body which is the departure point, the second transfer position, the map information, and a speed of the first moving body; the control unit performs control so that, when the first moving body can arrive at the second transfer position before the third moving body arrives at the second transfer position based on the acquired arrival time and the calculated arrival time, the luggage of the first moving body is transferred to the second moving body at the second transfer position.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The acquisition unit acquires location information of a second delivery destination, which is a delivery destination point of a package owned by the fourth moving body, when the first moving body performs direct delivery and when there is a fourth moving body performing direct delivery, and the calculation unit calculates a first distance, which is a distance between the first moving body and the first delivery destination, based on a current position of the first moving body which is the departure point and a first delivery destination which is the delivery destination point indicated by the delivery position information, calculates a second distance, which is a distance between the first moving body and the second delivery destination, based on the current position of the first moving body and position information of the second delivery destination, and calculates a parcel exchange position using the map information if the second distance is shorter than the first distance; The control unit performs control so that the first moving body moves to the exchange position, and after the package is exchanged, the first moving body moves to the second delivery destination. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The acquisition unit acquires congestion information that is information indicating a correspondence relationship between a congestion area and a passing time that is a time required to pass through the congestion area, When a part of a route used for calculating the direct delivery time or the transshipment delivery time is included in the congestion area, the calculation unit uses the passing time as the time corresponding to the part of the route.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the second moving object is a bus; The acquisition unit acquires information indicating a bus stop where a user gets on or off when the luggage is to be transferred, The control unit determines the bus stop as the first transfer position based on the information indicating a bus stop where a user gets on or off. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The calculation unit adds a transshipment operation time to the transshipment delivery time.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. Information processing device Acquire delivery location information indicating a departure point and a delivery destination point where a first moving body is present, map information, speed information indicating a speed of the first moving body and a speed of a second moving body having performance different from that of the first moving body, and transfer location information indicating a first transfer location; Calculate a delivery time as a direct delivery time based on the delivery position information, the map information, and the speed of the first moving body, and calculate a transshipment delivery time, which is the time it takes for the luggage held by the first moving body to be transshipped and delivered, based on the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the first moving body, the speed of the second moving body, and the transshipment position information; When the direct delivery time is shorter than the transshipment delivery time, the first moving body is controlled to deliver the package from the departure point to the delivery destination point, and when the transshipment delivery time is shorter than the direct delivery time, the first moving body is controlled to move to the first transshipment position, and after the package is transshipped to the second moving body, the second moving body is controlled to move to the delivery destination point. Control methods.

13. On the computer, Acquire delivery location information indicating a departure point and a delivery destination point where a first moving body is present, map information, speed information indicating a speed of the first moving body and a speed of a second moving body having performance different from that of the first moving body, and transfer location information indicating a first transfer location; Calculate a delivery time as a direct delivery time based on the delivery position information, the map information, and the speed of the first moving body, and calculate a transshipment delivery time, which is the time it takes for the luggage held by the first moving body to be transshipped and delivered, based on the delivery position information, the map information, the speed of the first moving body, the speed of the second moving body, and the transshipment position information; When the direct delivery time is shorter than the transshipment delivery time, the first moving body is controlled to deliver the package from the departure point to the delivery destination point, and when the transshipment delivery time is shorter than the direct delivery time, the first moving body is controlled to move to the first transshipment position, and after the package is transshipped to the second moving body, the second moving body is controlled to move to the delivery destination point. A control program that executes a process.

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