Information processing device, method, program, and system

Abstract

To improve convenience of a temporary luggage storage service using locker-type storage devices.SOLUTION: A system is provided, comprising a mobile vehicle mounting multiple storage devices, a user terminal for transmitting a delivery request for requesting delivery of a first piece of luggage temporarily stored in a first storage device of the multiple storage devices, and an information processing device. The information processing device comprises a control unit configured to perform steps of receiving the delivery request from the user terminal for the luggage temporarily stored in the first storage device of the multiple storage devices mounted on the mobile vehicle, and making a delivery plan employing a first delivery method involving making the mobile vehicle travel to a specified location according to the delivery request to place the first storage device still storing the luggage therein at the specified location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A system has been disclosed that realizes parcel delivery by having an autonomous vehicle load a locker-type storage device in which multiple parcels are stored at a collection and distribution center, drive to the destination area, and set up the storage device at a designated location in the destination area (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-142703 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, method, program, and system that can improve the convenience of temporary luggage storage services in locker-type storage devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is receiving a delivery request for a package temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices mounted on the moving body; creating a delivery plan by a first delivery method in which, in response to the delivery request, the mobile body is driven to a designated location and the first storage device with the package stored therein is placed at the designated location; A control unit that executes The information processing device includes:

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is The computer receiving a delivery request for a package temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices mounted on the moving body; creating a delivery plan by a first delivery method in which, in response to the delivery request, the mobile body is driven to a designated location and the first storage device with the package stored therein is placed at the designated location; The present invention relates to an information processing method.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is On the computer, The program executes the following: for luggage temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices loaded on a mobile body, a delivery request is sent to request that the luggage be delivered by a first delivery method, in which the mobile body is driven to a designated location and the first storage device with the luggage still stored therein is placed at the designated location. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the convenience of temporary luggage storage services in locker-type storage devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a movable locker system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an example of a hardware configuration of a center server and a user terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the center server and the user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of information stored in the locker usage information database. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart of the process of the center server when a locker use request is received from a user terminal. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart of the process of the center server when receiving a delivery request from a user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart of the process of the center server when receiving an absence notification from a staff terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a flowchart of the process of the center server when receiving a package receipt completion notification from a user terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence for using a locker in the mobile locker system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that manages a temporary storage service for luggage at a storage device. The information processing device is, for example, a server. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the storage device for temporarily storing luggage is mounted on a moving body. The moving body is, for example, a vehicle that runs by manual driving, or a vehicle that can run by unmanned automatic driving. However, the moving body is not limited to these. The moving body is equipped with a plurality of storage devices.

[0011] The information processing device includes a control unit. The control unit is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit controls the storage devices among the plurality of storage devices loaded on the mobile body. and receiving a delivery request for the baggage temporarily stored in the first storage device, and creating a delivery plan in response to the delivery request. The delivery plan includes delivering the baggage by a first delivery method in which the mobile body travels to a designated location and the first storage device with the baggage stored therein is placed at the designated location.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may acquire information from the terminal of the user who has deposited the luggage, specifying either the first delivery method or the second delivery method as the delivery method, and create the above-mentioned delivery plan when the information specifying the first delivery method is acquired. The second delivery method is a delivery method in which the luggage is removed from the first storage device and handed over at a specified location. In addition, the storage device is lockable, and in the first delivery method, the first storage device is delivered in a locked state.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a user can receive luggage that has been temporarily stored in a first storage device at a designated location. The user can also select a delivery method, and when a first delivery method in which the first storage device is placed in the designated location is selected, the user can receive the luggage even if the user is not at the designated location, for example. Because the storage device can be locked, the luggage can be protected from theft, etc., even when the luggage is delivered using the first delivery method. These features can improve the convenience of the temporary luggage storage service for the storage device.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the multiple storage devices may be a storage unit included in one locker-type storage device and may be separable from the locker-type storage device. When multiple storage devices are gathered in one locker-type storage device, the multiple storage devices may be It can be managed centrally.

[0015] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may further acquire information designating the second delivery method, and when the user who left the package is absent from the designated location, transmit to the terminal of the user a request for permission to change to the first delivery method. This allows the delivery method to be changed flexibly even when the delivery of the package cannot be completed due to the absence of the user at the designated location. For example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of redelivery, and improve the efficiency of delivery.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may further execute, when delivery is performed using the first delivery method, sending a message to the terminal of the user who has deposited the luggage, proposing to store a new luggage in the first storage device and deliver it. Furthermore, when a response of acceptance to the proposal is received from the user's terminal, the control unit may execute applying a predetermined incentive to the user. When the first delivery method of placing the first storage device in a specified location is performed, the first storage device is collected after the luggage has been removed and the first storage device is emptied. Using the first storage device to deliver new luggage can improve the operation rate of the first storage device, which is more efficient than collecting the first storage device in an empty state. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the operation rate of the first storage device can be improved. In addition, when a request is made to deliver a new luggage using the emptied first storage device, applying an incentive to the user can increase the motivation for a new delivery using the first storage device.

[0017] The present disclosure can specify, as one aspect, an information processing method, which includes a computer such as the information processing device described above receiving a delivery request for a package temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices loaded on a mobile body, and creating, in response to the delivery request, a delivery plan using a first delivery method in which the mobile body travels to a designated location and the first storage device with the package stored therein is placed at the designated location.

[0018] The present disclosure can also specify a program as one aspect. The program causes a computer to execute a delivery request to send a delivery request for delivery of a package temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices loaded on a mobile body by a first delivery method, in which the mobile body travels to a designated location and the first storage device with the package stored therein is placed at the designated location. The computer executing the program is, for example, a terminal of a user who has stored the package in the first storage device.

[0019] The program may be a program for causing a computer to transmit information specifying either a first delivery method or a second delivery method in which the parcel is removed from the first storage device and received at a specified location as the delivery method. The program may also be a program for causing a computer to receive a message proposing to store a new parcel in the first storage device and deliver it when delivery is performed using the first delivery method. The present disclosure may also be specified as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon, as one aspect.

[0020] In addition, as one aspect, the present disclosure can also be identified as a system including a mobile body carrying a plurality of storage devices, a user terminal that transmits a delivery request to request delivery of a first package that has been temporarily deposited in a first storage device among the plurality of storage devices, and the above-mentioned information processing device.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0022] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a mobile locker system 100 according to the first embodiment. The mobile locker system 100 is a system that provides mobile coin lockers by mounting coin lockers on a vehicle and traveling around. A user can deposit luggage in a locker at a designated location, have the luggage stored for a specified period of time, and retrieve the luggage from the locker at the designated location.

[0023] The mobile locker system 100 includes a center server 1, lockers 4, a vehicle 3 on which the lockers 4 are mounted, a staff terminal 5 used by staff aboard the vehicle 3, and a user terminal 2 of a user who uses the service. Note that the mobile locker system 100 includes multiple lockers 4, vehicles 3, staff terminals 5, and user terminals 2, but for the sake of convenience, only one of each is shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] Locker 4 has multiple storage units in one housing, and each storage unit can be separated. A storage unit separated from locker 4 is referred to as individual locker 4A. Individual locker 4A is an example of a "storage device" and a "first storage device."

[0025] Each individual locker 4A can be locked and unlocked. In the first embodiment, the individual locker 4A is assumed to employ an electronic lock. For example, the electronic lock employed for the individual locker 4A may be one that is locked by operating an input device such as a numeric keypad provided on the individual locker 4A, and is unlocked by inputting a PIN into the input device. Alternatively, the electronic lock employed for the individual locker 4A may be one that includes a receiver for a predetermined wireless signal, and transmits a locking signal or an unlocking signal together with authentication information from the user terminal 2, for example, and locks or unlocks the lock when the authentication information previously held by the receiver matches the authentication information received from the user terminal 2. However, the lock employed for the individual locker 4A is not limited to an electronic lock, and may be one that is locked or unlocked by a physical key.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the vehicle 3 is an autonomous vehicle. In addition, the vehicle 3 is assumed to have a staff member on board to transport the baggage taken out of the individual locker 4A or the locker 4 from the vehicle 3 to the designated location. The transportation of the baggage taken out of the individual locker 4A or the locker 4 from the vehicle 3 to the designated location is not limited to personnel, and may be performed by, for example, a drone or a small transport robot, and in that case, the vehicle 3 may be unmanned. The vehicle 3 may be a vehicle driven by a driver. In the case where the vehicle 3 is a vehicle driven by a driver, the staff member who transports the baggage taken out of the individual locker 4A or the locker 4 from the vehicle 3 to the designated location may be the same person as the driver. The vehicle 3 is an example of a "mobile body". In the first embodiment, the vehicle 3 is assumed to travel in its respective assigned areas. In addition, the vehicle 3 may travel along a predetermined route, or may travel on an on-demand basis in response to a request for service use.

[0027] The staff terminal 5 is a terminal used by the staff aboard the vehicle 3. The staff terminal 5 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. If a drone or a small transport robot transports the baggage taken out of the individual locker 4A or the locker 4 from the vehicle 3 to the designated location, the drone or the small transport robot performs the same processing as the staff terminal 5.

[0028] The user terminal 2 is a terminal used by a user who uses the services of the mobile locker system 100. The user terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). The application programs for using the service are installed.

[0029] The user terminal 2 and the staff terminal 5 are connected to a network N1 and communicate with the center server 1 through the network N1. The network N1 is, for example, a public network such as the Internet. In the first embodiment, the vehicle 3 is an autonomous vehicle, which is connected to the network N1 and can communicate with the center server 1.

[0030] The center server 1 is a server that manages the mobile locker system 100. When a user uses the service of the mobile locker system 100, the user transmits a locker use request to the center server 1 through an application program of the user terminal 2. Along with the locker use request, information on the location and date and time to deposit the luggage, which is specified by the user, is also transmitted to the center server 1. When the center server 1 receives the locker use request from the user terminal 2, it determines the vehicle 3 that will head to the specified location at the specified date and time, and the individual locker 4A that will store the luggage. In the first embodiment, since an electronic lock is adopted for the individual locker 4A, the center server 1 notifies the user terminal 2 of the authentication information of the individual locker 4A. After that, the user stores the luggage in the individual locker 4A at the specified location, and locks the individual locker 4A using the authentication information received from the center server 1.

[0031] In the first embodiment, when a user wants to have luggage stored in an individual locker 4A delivered to a designated location, the user transmits a delivery request from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1. Information on the delivery address and date and time are also transmitted together with the delivery request. In this case, the center server 1 inquires of the user terminal 2 as to which delivery method the user desires: a delivery method in which the luggage is handed over to the user at the designated location, or a delivery method in which the individual locker 4A containing the luggage is left at the designated location. Hereinafter, the delivery method in which the individual locker 4A containing the luggage is left at the designated location is referred to as the first delivery method, and the delivery method in which the luggage is taken out of the individual locker 4A and handed over to the user at the designated location is referred to as the second delivery method.

[0032] The center server 1 creates a delivery plan according to the delivery method selected by the user. The delivery plan includes, for example, a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 so as to arrive at the specified location by the specified date and time, and delivering the package to the specified location by the first delivery method or the second delivery method. The delivery plan is transmitted to the vehicle 3 and the staff terminal 5. The vehicle 3 drives according to the delivery plan, and the staff in the vehicle 3 delivers the package to the specified location according to the delivery plan. The center server 1 collects a fee from the user according to the period during which the package is left in the locker 4, whether or not it is delivered to the specified location, the delivery method, etc.

[0033] In the first embodiment, when a user has luggage stored in a locker 4 of the mobile locker system 100 delivered to a designated location, the user can select whether to receive the luggage at the designated location or to have the individual locker 4A containing the luggage left at the designated location. When the individual locker 4A containing the luggage is left at the designated location, the luggage can be received even if the user is absent from the designated location. In addition, the individual locker 4A can be locked, and when the individual locker 4A is left at the designated location, the individual locker 4A is left in a locked state, which reduces the possibility of the luggage being stolen. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the convenience of the service of the mobile locker system 100 can be improved.

[0034] 2 is an example of the hardware configuration of the center server 1 and the user terminal 2. The center server 1 is, for example, a computer dedicated to the server or a general-purpose computer. The center server 1 includes, as its hardware configuration, a CPU 101, a memory 102, an external storage device 103, and a communication unit 104. The memory 102 and the external storage device 103 are computer-readable recording media. The center server 1 is an example of an "information processing device."

[0035] The external storage device 103 stores various programs and data used by the CPU 101 when executing each program. The external storage device 103 is, for example, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) or a hard disk drive. The programs held in the external storage device 103 include, for example, an operating system (OS), a control program for the mobile locker system 100, and various other application programs.

[0036] The memory 102 is a storage device that provides the CPU 101 with a storage area for loading a program stored in the external storage device 103 and a working area, and is used as a buffer. The memory 102 may be, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. This includes semiconductor memory such as IEEE 802.11b / g / n (IEEE 802.11b / g / n) and IEEE 802.11b / g / n (IEEE 802.11b / g / n) memory.

[0037] The CPU 101 executes various processes by loading the OS and various other application programs stored in the external storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executing them. The number of CPUs 101 is not limited to one, and multiple CPUs 101 may be provided. The CPU 101 is an example of a "control unit."

[0038] The communication unit 104 is, for example, a network interface card (NIC). The communication unit 104 is connected to an access network such as a local area network (LAN) by wire, and is connected to the network N1 through the access network. However, the communication unit 104 is not limited to a circuit that connects to a network by wire, and may be, for example, a wireless communication circuit that complies with a wireless communication method such as WiFi or a mobile communication method.

[0039] Next, the user terminal 2 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a PC. The user terminal 2 includes, as a hardware configuration, a CPU 201, a memory 202, an external storage device 203, a wireless communication unit 204, a touch panel display 205, and a position acquisition sensor 206. However, in FIG. 2, the hardware components that perform the processing according to the first embodiment are extracted and shown, and the hardware components included in the user terminal 2 are not limited to the elements shown in FIG. 2.

[0040] The CPU 201, memory 202, and external storage device 203 are similar to the CPU 101, memory 102, and external storage device 103, respectively. However, the storage device (storage) employed as the external storage device 203 is, for example, a flash memory. The external storage device 203 may also include a portable recording medium such as an SD card. In addition to an OS and the like, the external storage device 203 also stores application programs for utilizing the services of the mobile locker system 100.

[0041] The wireless communication unit 204 is a wireless communication unit that supports mobile communication methods such as 5G (5th Generation), 6G, 4G, and LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiMAX, and WiFi. The wireless communication unit 204 is a wireless communication circuit conforming to the standard. The wireless communication unit 204 connects to the network N1 via wireless communication, enabling communication with the center server 1.

[0042] The touch panel display 205 outputs an image according to an instruction from the CPU 201, and outputs a signal input by the user to the CPU 201. The position acquisition sensor 206 is a sensor that acquires the current position of the user terminal 2. The position acquisition sensor 206 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The location information to be provided is, for example, latitude and longitude.

[0043] Note that the hardware configurations of the center server 1 and the user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples, and the hardware configurations of the center server 1 and the user terminal 2 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 2 also includes, as its hardware configuration, a microphone which is an audio input device, a speaker which is an audio output device, a camera, and the like.

[0044] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the center server 1 and the user terminal 2. First, the flow of using the services of the mobile locker system 100 will be described. First, the main flow is (step 1) requesting the use of a locker in the mobile locker system 100, (step 2) depositing luggage in the locker 4, and (step 3) removing luggage from the locker 4. Next, each step will be specifically described.

[0045] (Step 1) In the step of requesting to use a locker in the mobile locker system 100, the user transmits a request to use a locker from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1. There are, for example, two methods for requesting to use a locker. The first method is for the user to specify the vehicle in which the user will leave the luggage from the search results for the location of the vehicle 3. For example, one of the menus of the application program of the mobile locker system 100 is a search for a vehicle 3. For example, the user searches for vehicles 3 that are running or parked within a specified range using the user terminal 2, specifies the vehicle 3 in which the user will leave the luggage from the search results for the vehicle 3, and transmits a request to use the locker to the center server 1. The range specified at the time of the search is, for example, within a predetermined distance from the current location of the user terminal 2, within a predetermined distance from a point specified by the user on the map, and within a range divided by a city, ward, town, village, etc. specified by the user.

[0046] In this case, together with the request to use the locker, the identification information of the specified vehicle 3, the identification information of the user, information of the central location at the time of the search as the deposit location, and the scheduled date and time of deposit are also transmitted to the center server 1. The central location at the time of the search is, for example, the current location of the user terminal 2 and a location specified by the user. The scheduled date and time of deposit is, for example, the current time or a date and time specified by the user. For example, if a user wishes to deposit luggage immediately, the current location of the user terminal 2 is specified to search for a vehicle 3, and together with the request to use the locker, the identification information of the specified vehicle 3, the identification information of the user, information of the current location as the deposit location, and the current time as the scheduled date and time of deposit are transmitted to the center server 1.

[0047] The second method is for the user to specify the baggage drop-off location and date and time without specifying the vehicle 3. In this case, the specified baggage drop-off location and scheduled date and time, and the user's identification information are also sent to the center server 1 together with the locker use request. In this case, for example, the center server 1 determines a vehicle 3 that will head to the specified baggage drop-off location at the specified date and time, and notifies the user terminal 2 of the information on that vehicle 3.

[0048] In either case, the center server 1 determines the individual locker 4A where the user will leave his / her luggage, and notifies the user terminal 2 of the authentication information for the individual locker 4A. The center server 1 also creates a driving plan for the vehicle 3 so that the vehicle 3 arrives at the specified deposit location at the specified date and time, and transmits the plan to the vehicle 3.

[0049] (Step 2) In the step of depositing luggage in locker 4, vehicle 3 and the user meet at the deposit location, and the user stores the luggage in the designated individual locker 4A. After storing the luggage, the user locks individual locker 4A using the authentication information notified by center server 1. In the first embodiment, after storing the luggage in individual locker 4A and locking it, the user transmits a deposit completion notification indicating the completion of deposit from user terminal 2 to center server 1.

[0050] (Step 3) There are two implementation methods for the step of retrieving luggage from the locker 4. The first method is for the user to come to the parking position of the vehicle 3 and retrieve the luggage from the locker 4 by himself. In this case, the user sends a retrieval request from the user terminal 2 to the center server. The center server 1 transmits the retrieval request to the center server 1. Together with the retrieval request, the user's identification information, the identification information of the individual locker 4A, the retrieval location, and the scheduled retrieval date and time are also transmitted to the center server 1. The scheduled retrieval date and time may be specified as a time zone having a width of, for example, 1 to 2 hours. For example, if the user wishes to retrieve the luggage immediately, the retrieval location is set to the current location of the user terminal 2, and the scheduled retrieval date and time is set to a time zone including the current time. The center server 1 creates a driving plan for the vehicle 3 so that the vehicle 3 arrives at the specified retrieval location at a date and time as close as possible to the specified date and time, and drives the vehicle 3. When the vehicle 3 arrives at the specified location, the user gets into the vehicle 3, unlocks the individual locker 4A, and retrieves the luggage.

[0051] The second method is for the vehicle 3 to move close to a location specified by the user, and for staff to deliver the package from the vehicle 3 to the specified location. The specified location may be, for example, the user's home. In this case, the user transmits a delivery request from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1. Together with the delivery request, the user's identification information, the identification information of the individual locker 4A, the specified delivery location, and the desired delivery date and time are also transmitted to the center server 1. The desired delivery date and time may be specified as a time slot with a width of, for example, 1 to 2 hours.

[0052] Furthermore, when a delivery request is received, the center server 1 inquires of the user terminal 2 about the delivery method. There are two delivery methods: a first delivery method in which the individual locker 4A containing the package is placed in a designated location, and a second delivery method in which the package is taken out of the individual locker 4A and handed over to the user at the designated location.

[0053] In the case of either delivery method, the center server 1 creates a delivery plan including a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to a specified location at a specified date and time, and instructions for the staff of the vehicle 3 to carry the package to the specified location by either the first delivery method or the second delivery method, and transmits this to the vehicle 3 and the staff terminal 5. The user unlocks the individual locker 4A and removes the package, and when package receipt is complete, a package receipt completion notification indicating completion of package receipt is transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1. This is the flow of using the services of the mobile locker system 100.

[0054] Returning to Fig. 3, the center server 1 includes, as functional components, a control unit 11 and a locker usage information DB 12. These functional components are achieved, for example, by the CPU 101 of the center server 1 executing a control program for the mobile locker system 100.

[0055] The control unit 11 manages the usage status of the lockers 4 and controls the driving of the vehicle 3. Specifically, the control unit 11 receives, for example, a locker use request, a deposit completion notification, a retrieval request, a delivery request, and a package receipt completion notification from the user terminal 2.

[0056] When the control unit 11 receives a locker use request, it determines an individual locker 4A to be assigned to the user. The user terminal 2 transmits the designated baggage deposit location and scheduled date and time, and the user's identification information to the center server 1 together with the locker use request. When the identification information of the designated vehicle 3 is also received from the user terminal 2 together with the locker use request, the control unit 11 determines an individual locker 4A to be assigned to the user from among the individual lockers 4A of the designated vehicle 3 that are available at the designated scheduled date and time. When no vehicle 3 is specified from the user terminal 2, the control unit 11 determines a vehicle 3 to be dispatched from among the vehicles 3 that run near the designated baggage deposit location at the designated scheduled date and time and have an individual locker 4A available at the designated scheduled date and time. In addition, the control unit 11 determines an individual locker 4A to be assigned to the user from among the individual lockers 4A mounted on the vehicle 3 to be dispatched.

[0057] Regardless of whether the vehicle 3 is specified, the control unit 11 creates a driving plan so that the vehicle 3 arrives at the specified date and time at the specified deposit location, and transmits the driving plan to the vehicle 3. The driving plan includes, for example, the deposit location as the destination, the scheduled date and time specified as the arrival time, the departure time, and route information. Note that the method of determining the vehicle 3 to be dispatched, the method of determining the individual locker 4A to be assigned to the user, and the information included in the driving plan and the method of creating the driving plan are not limited to any particular one.

[0058] In response to the locker use request, the control unit 11 transmits information about the individual locker 4A assigned to the user, the deposit location, and the scheduled deposit date and time to the user terminal 2. The information about the individual locker 4A includes identification information for the vehicle 3 and identification information for the individual locker 4A. In addition, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the individual locker 4A employs an electronic lock, so the information about the individual locker 4A also includes authentication information for the individual locker 4A assigned to the user terminal 2.

[0059] Next, when a retrieval request is received from the user terminal 2, the control unit 11 creates a driving plan for the vehicle 3 so as to arrive at the retrieval location at the scheduled retrieval date and time. Along with the retrieval request, the control unit 11 also receives the user's identification information, the individual locker 4A's identification information, the retrieval location, and the scheduled retrieval date and time. The control unit 11 transmits the created driving plan to the vehicle 3. It also transmits a response to the retrieval request to the user terminal 2. Along with the response to the retrieval request, the retrieval location and the scheduled retrieval date and time are also transmitted. Note that the timing of the retrieval request is not limited to a predetermined timing. For example, the retrieval request may be specified by the user together with the locker use request, and may be transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1 together with the locker use request.

[0060] Next, when a delivery request is received from the user terminal 2, the control unit 11 sends an inquiry about the delivery method to the user terminal 2, and obtains information about the delivery method designated by the user as a response to the inquiry. Along with the delivery request, the control unit 11 also receives from the user terminal 2 the user's identification information, the identification information of the individual locker 4A, the designated delivery destination, and the desired delivery date and time. As a response to the inquiry about the delivery method, the control unit 11 receives a designation of either the first delivery method or the second delivery method from the user terminal 2.

[0061] The control unit 11 creates a delivery plan according to the specified delivery method. When the specified delivery method is the first delivery method, the control unit 11 creates a delivery plan including a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to arrive at the specified location at the desired date and time, and an instruction to the staff to carry the individual locker 4A with the luggage still stored there from the vehicle 3 to the specified location and place it at the specified location. When the specified delivery method is the second delivery method, the control unit 11 creates a delivery plan including a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to arrive at the specified location at the desired date and time, and an instruction to the staff to unlock the individual locker 4A, take out the luggage, carry the luggage from the vehicle 3 to the specified location, and hand it over to the user at the specified location. In the case of the second delivery method, the delivery plan also includes authentication information for the individual locker 4A, and is notified to the staff terminal 5.

[0062] The control unit 11 transmits the created delivery plan to the vehicle 3 and the staff terminal 5. It also transmits a response to the delivery request to the user terminal 2. Along with the response to the delivery request, the delivery destination location, the scheduled delivery date and time, and the delivery method are also transmitted. Note that the timing of the delivery request is not limited to a predetermined timing. For example, the delivery request may be specified by the user together with a request to use a locker, and may be transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1 together with the request to use the locker.

[0063] When the control unit 11 receives a package receipt completion notification from the user terminal 2 and the package is delivered by the first delivery method, the control unit 11 notifies the user terminal 2 of the delivery of a new package using the individual locker 4A. The mobile locker system 100 transmits a promotion message for delivery of the item to another specified location. The promotion message also includes information about incentives that will be applied to the user when the individual locker 4A is used to deliver a new package. The incentives include, for example, points or coupons that can be used in the mobile locker system 100, and a discount on the delivery fee for the new package.

[0064] When the user stores new luggage in the individual locker 4A that remains after the luggage is delivered by the first delivery method and sends the individual locker 4A, the user transmits a request for collection of the individual locker 4A from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1. The user's identification information, the identification information of the individual locker 4A, the collection location, and the desired collection date and time are also transmitted together with the collection request. The desired collection date and time is optional. The collection location of the individual locker 4A and the desired collection date and time are input by, for example, the user. When a collection request for the individual locker 4A is generated from the user terminal 2, the control unit 11 creates a collection plan for the luggage stored in the individual locker 4A in response to the collection request. The collection plan for the individual locker 4A includes, for example, a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to the designated collection location so as to arrive at the desired collection date and time, and an instruction to the staff to pick up the individual locker 4A at the designated collection location and load it onto the vehicle 3. The collection plan is transmitted, for example, to the vehicle 3 and to the staff terminal 5.

[0065] When the user wants to have the individual locker 4A left at the user's hand after the delivery of the package by the first delivery method collected while it is still empty, the user transmits a collection request for the individual locker 4A from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1. The user's identification information, the identification information of the individual locker 4A, the collection location, and the desired collection date and time are also transmitted together with the collection request. The desired collection date and time is optional. The collection location and the desired collection date and time of the individual locker 4A are input by, for example, the user. When a collection request for the individual locker 4A is generated from the user terminal 2, the control unit 11 creates a collection plan for the individual locker 4A. The collection plan for the individual locker 4A includes, for example, a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to the designated collection location in time for the desired date and time, and an instruction to the staff to receive the empty individual locker 4A at the designated collection location and load it onto the vehicle 3. The collection plan is transmitted, for example, to the vehicle 3 and the staff terminal 5.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, when delivery is performed using the second delivery method, if the package cannot be delivered at the designated location due to reasons such as the user being absent, the staff member transmits an absence notification from the staff terminal 5 to the center server 1. When the control unit 11 receives the absence notification from the staff terminal 5, it transmits a request to the user terminal 2 of the user who has deposited the package to change to the first delivery method, in which the package is placed in the designated location for each individual locker 4A. When a response approving the change to the first delivery method is received from the user terminal 2, the center server 1 instructs the staff terminal 5 to change to the first delivery method.

[0067] The locker usage information DB 12 is created in a storage area of ​​the external storage device 103 of the center server 1. The locker usage information DB 12 is used to manage the usage status of the individual lockers 4A. The information stored in the locker usage information DB 12 will be described in detail later.

[0068] The user terminal 2 includes a control unit 21 as a functional configuration. The processing of the control unit 21 is achieved by the CPU 202 of the user terminal 2 executing an application program of the mobile locker system 100 stored in the external storage device 203. The control unit 21 transmits, for example, a locker use request, a deposit completion notification, a retrieval request, a delivery request, and a package receipt completion notification to the center server 1 in response to an input from the user to the touch panel display 205. The control unit 21 also receives, for example, responses to the locker use request, retrieval request, and delivery request, and information associated therewith, from the center server 1. The control unit 21 also transitions screens in response to user operations, and outputs messages received from the center server 1 to the touch panel display 205. The center server 1 The functional configuration of the user terminal 2 is merely an example and is not limited to that shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig. 4 is an example of information stored in the locker usage information DB 12. The locker usage information DB 12 stores information related to the usage status of each individual locker 4A. One record in the locker usage information DB 12 shown in Fig. 4 includes fields for the locker ID, vehicle ID, usage status, user, start date and time of use, desired pick-up / delivery, designated location, designated date and time, delivery method, and authentication information.

[0070] The locker ID field stores identification information of the individual locker 4A. One record of the locker usage information DB 12 targets one individual locker 4A, and the locker ID field indicates the target individual locker 4A of the record. The vehicle ID field stores identification information of the vehicle 3 on which the target individual locker 4A is loaded. In the first embodiment, the vehicle 3 on which the individual locker 4A is loaded is not fixed, and the individual locker 4A can be loaded on any vehicle 3 equipped with a housing that meets the specifications. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is also possible to transfer one individual locker 4A from one vehicle 3 to another vehicle 3. For example, even while the individual locker 4A is storing the user's luggage, the individual locker 4A may be transferred to another vehicle 3.

[0071] The usage status field stores information indicating whether the target individual locker 4A is in use or empty. The information indicating whether the target individual locker 4A is in use or empty is, for example, a flag or a code. For example, when a deposit completion notification is received from the user terminal 2, the usage status field of the corresponding individual locker 4A is updated from information indicating "empty" to information indicating "in use".

[0072] The user field stores the identification information of the user using the individual locker 4A. The user using the individual locker 4A is also called the user who has left his / her luggage in the individual locker 4A. The user field is blank if the usage status field stores information indicating "empty."

[0073] The start date and time field stores the date and time when the target individual locker 4A started to be used. More specifically, the date and time when the target individual locker 4A was used is the date and time when a deposit completion notification for the target individual locker 4A was received from the user terminal 2. The start date and time field is blank when information indicating "empty" is stored in the usage status field.

[0074] The retrieval / delivery request field stores information indicating that a retrieval request or delivery request has been received from the user terminal 2 for the luggage stored in the target individual locker 4A. The retrieval / delivery request field is empty in the initial state. When a retrieval request is received from the user terminal 2 for the target individual locker 4A, information indicating that a retrieval request has been made is stored in the retrieval / delivery request field. When a delivery request is received from the user terminal 2 for the target individual locker 4A, information indicating that a delivery request has been made is stored in the retrieval / delivery request field. The information indicating that a retrieval request or delivery request has been made is, for example, a code or a keyword.

[0075] The designated location field stores information indicating the pick-up location specified by the pick-up request or the delivery destination specified by the delivery request for the package stored in the target individual locker 4A. The information indicating the pick-up location or the delivery destination is, for example, an address or latitude and longitude. The designated location field is blank in the initial state, and when a pick-up request or a delivery request is received, information indicating the pick-up location or the delivery destination is stored.

[0076] The specified date and time field stores information indicating the scheduled date and time of retrieval specified by the retrieval request or the desired date and time of delivery specified by the delivery request for the package stored in the target individual locker 4A. The specified date and time field is blank in the initial state, and when a retrieval request or delivery request is received, information indicating the scheduled date and time of retrieval or the desired date and time of delivery is stored. Note that, for example, the scheduled date and time of retrieval or the desired date and time of delivery may be indicated as a time period having a predetermined time span.

[0077] The delivery method field stores information indicating the delivery method specified by the delivery request for the parcel stored in the target individual locker 4A. In the first embodiment, a first delivery method in which each individual locker 4A is placed at a designated location, and a second delivery method in which the parcel is removed from the individual locker 4A and handed over to the user at the designated location are assumed. Therefore, the delivery method field stores information indicating either the first delivery method or the second delivery method. The delivery method field is empty unless information indicating that a delivery request has been received is stored in the removal / delivery request field.

[0078] The authentication information field stores authentication information of the electronic lock installed in the target individual locker 4A. The authentication information of the individual locker 4A may be fixed or variable. In the case where the administrator of the mobile locker system 100 can rewrite the authentication information of the individual locker 4A at any time, for example, the control unit 11 may change the authentication information every time the use of the individual locker 4A is finished. In this case, for example, the individual locker 4A has a connector that connects to the control device of the locker 4 when loaded on the vehicle 3. The control device of the locker 4 has a communication function that can communicate with the center server 1, and the center server 1 may rewrite the authentication information of the individual locker 4A through the control device of the locker 4. Note that the method and timing of rewriting the authentication information when the authentication information of the electronic lock of the individual locker 4A can be rewritten is one example, and is not limited to a specific method and timing.

[0079] The information stored in the locker usage information DB 12 shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example, and the information stored in the locker usage information DB 12 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 4. In addition to the locker usage information DB 12, the center server 1 may further store a database that stores reservation information for the use of individual lockers 4A.

[0080] <Processing flow> 5 to 8 are each an example of a flowchart of the processing of the center server 1. The processing shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 is all executed by the CPU 101 of the center server 1, but for convenience, the processing will be described mainly with respect to functional components.

[0081] Fig. 5 is an example of a flowchart of the processing of the center server 1 when a locker use request is received from the user terminal 2. The processing shown in Fig. 5 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle while the center server 1 is operating.

[0082] In OP101, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a locker use request has been received from the user terminal 2. If a locker use request has been received from the user terminal 2 (OP101: YES), the process proceeds to OP102. If a locker use request has not been received from the user terminal 2 (OP101: NO), the process shown in FIG. 5 ends.

[0083] In OP102, the control unit 11 assigns an individual locker 4A to the user of the user terminal 2. From the user terminal 2, the control unit 11 receives, together with the locker use request, the designated baggage deposit location, the scheduled date and time, and the user's identification information. In addition, if a vehicle in which to deposit the baggage is designated, the control unit 11 also receives the identification information of the designated vehicle 3. A vehicle 3 traveling around a specified baggage deposit location on a specified scheduled date and time, or an individual locker 4A that is available on the specified vehicle 3 on the specified scheduled date and time, is assigned to the user of the user terminal 2.

[0084] In OP103, the control unit 11 transmits information about the individual locker 4A assigned to the user in OP102, the deposit location, and the scheduled deposit date and time to the user terminal 2. The information about the individual locker includes, for example, identification information of the vehicle 3, identification information of the individual locker, and authentication information of the individual locker 4A.

[0085] In OP104, the control unit 11 creates a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to the deposit location by the scheduled deposit date and time, and transmits the driving plan to the vehicle 3. The vehicle 3 moves to the deposit location according to the driving plan.

[0086] In OP105, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a deposit completion notification has been received from the user terminal 2. If a deposit completion notification has been received from the user terminal 2 (OP105: YES), the process proceeds to OP106. If a deposit completion notification has not been received from the user terminal 2 (OP105: NO), the process goes to a standby state.

[0087] In OP106, the control unit 11 updates the locker usage information DB 12. Specifically, the fields of the usage status, the user using, and the usage start date and time of the record of the individual locker 4A assigned to the user in OP102 in the locker usage information DB 12 are updated. The usage status field of the record is updated to information indicating in use. The user using field of the record is updated with the identification information of the user of the user terminal 2. The usage start date and time field is updated with the time of receipt of the deposit completion notification. Thereafter, the processing shown in FIG. 5 ends.

[0088] Fig. 6 is an example of a flowchart of the process of the center server 1 when a delivery request is received from the user terminal 2. The process shown in Fig. 6 is repeatedly executed while the center server 1 is operating.

[0089] In OP201, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a delivery request has been received from the user terminal 2. If a delivery request has been received from the user terminal 2 (OP201: YES), the process proceeds to OP202. If a delivery request has not been received from the user terminal 2 (OP201: NO), the process shown in Fig. 6 ends.

[0090] In OP202, the control unit 11 transmits an inquiry about the delivery method to the user terminal 2. In OP203, the control unit 11 judges whether or not a response to the inquiry about the delivery method has been received from the user terminal 2. When a response to the inquiry about the delivery method has been received from the user terminal 2 (OP203: YES), the process proceeds to OP204. When a response to the inquiry about the delivery method has not been received from the user terminal 2 (OP203: NO), the process goes into a standby state, and when the response is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, an error occurs and the delivery request is discarded.

[0091] In OP204, the control unit 11 updates the locker usage information DB 12. In OP201, the user identification information, the identification information of the individual locker 4A, the specified delivery destination location, and the desired delivery date and time are received from the user terminal 2 along with the delivery request. As a response to the inquiry about the delivery method, a designation of either the first delivery method or the second delivery method is received from the user terminal 2. In OP204, the control unit 11 updates the fields of the desired pick-up / delivery, specified location, specified date and time, and delivery method of the record of the individual locker 4A corresponding to the identification information received from the user terminal 2 along with the delivery request in OP201 in the locker usage information DB 12. The OP203 updates the delivery method field. The desired retrieval / delivery field of the record is updated to information indicating delivery. The specified location and specified date and time fields of the record are updated to the specified delivery location and desired delivery date and time, respectively, received together with the delivery request by OP201. The delivery method field is updated to information indicating the delivery method indicated in the response to the delivery method inquiry received by OP203.

[0092] In OP205, the control unit 11 creates a delivery plan according to the specified delivery method. When the specified delivery method is the first delivery method, the control unit 11 creates a delivery plan including a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to arrive at the specified location at the desired date and time, and an instruction to have a staff member transport the individual locker 4A with the baggage still stored therein from the vehicle 3 to the specified location. When the specified delivery method is the second delivery method, the control unit 11 creates a delivery plan including a driving plan for driving the vehicle 3 to arrive at the specified location at the desired date and time, and an instruction to have a staff member remove the baggage from the individual locker 4A and transport it from the vehicle 3 to the specified location. In the case of the second delivery method, the delivery plan also includes authentication information for the individual locker 4A.

[0093] In OP206, the control unit 11 transmits the delivery plan created in OP205 to the vehicle 3 and the staff terminal 5. The control unit 11 also transmits a response to the delivery request to the user terminal 2. Together with the response to the delivery request, the location of the delivery destination, the scheduled delivery date and time, and the delivery method are also transmitted. After that, the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

[0094] 7 is an example of a flowchart of the process of the center server 1 when receiving an absence notification from the staff terminal 5. An absence notification is sent from the staff terminal 5 when the package left in the individual locker 4A is delivered by the second delivery method, but the package could not be handed over because the user is not present at the specified location.

[0095] In OP301, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an absence notification has been received from the staff terminal 5. If an absence notification has been received from the staff terminal 5 (OP301: YES), the process proceeds to OP302. Together with the absence notification, for example, identification information of the individual locker 4A and identification information of the user are also received. If an absence notification has not been received from the staff terminal 5 (OP301: NO), the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0096] In OP302, the control unit 11 transmits a request to change to the first delivery method to the user terminal 2. In OP303, the control unit 11 judges whether or not an approval response has been received from the user terminal 2 in response to the request to change to the first delivery method. If an approval response has been received from the user terminal 2 in response to the request to change to the first delivery method (OP303: YES), the process proceeds to OP304. If an approval response has not been received from the user terminal 2 in response to the request to change to the first delivery method (OP303: NO), the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0097] In OP304, the control unit 11 notifies the staff terminal 5 of the change of the delivery method of the package to the first delivery method. As a result, the staff completes the delivery of the individual locker 4A containing the package to the designated location where the user is absent.

[0098] In OP305, the control unit 11 updates the locker usage information DB 12. The control unit 11 updates the delivery method field of the record of the individual locker 4A corresponding to the identification information received together with the absence notification in OP301 in the locker usage information DB 12 from information indicating the second delivery method to information indicating the first delivery method. Then, the processing shown in FIG. 7 ends.

[0099] FIG. 8 is an example of a flowchart of the process of the center server 1 when receiving a package receipt completion notification from the user terminal 2. The process of FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed while the center server 1 is in operation. The package receipt completion notice is sent from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1 when the user receives the package deposited in the individual locker 4A. If the package is delivered by the first delivery method, the package receipt completion notice is sent after the user removes the package from the individual locker 4A.

[0100] In OP401, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a package receipt completion notification has been received from the user terminal 2. When a package receipt completion notification has been received from the user terminal 2 (OP401: YES), the process proceeds to OP402. When a package receipt completion notification has not been received from the user terminal 2 (OP401: NO), the process shown in Fig. 8 ends. Together with the package receipt completion notification, for example, identification information of the individual locker 4A and identification information of the user are also received.

[0101] In OP402, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a first delivery has been made when using the locker that is the subject of the package receipt completion notification, by referring to the locker usage information DB 12. If a first delivery has been made when using the locker that is the subject of the package receipt completion notification (OP402: YES), the process proceeds to OP403. If a first delivery has not been made when using the locker that is the subject of the package receipt completion notification (OP402: NO), the process shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0102] In OP403, the control unit 11 transmits a promotion message for delivery of a new package to another specified location using the individual locker 4A to the user terminal 2. The promotion message also includes information about an incentive that is applied to the user when the new package is delivered using the individual locker 4A.

[0103] In OP404, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a response indicating consent to use the individual locker 4A for delivery of a new package has been received from the user terminal 2 in response to the message sent in OP403. If a response indicating consent has been received from the user terminal 2 (OP404: YES), the process proceeds to OP405. In OP405, the control unit 11 applies an incentive to the target user. Specifically, for example, if the incentive is the granting of points, the control unit 11 adds a predetermined number of points to the points held by the target user. For example, if the incentive is the granting of a coupon, the control unit 11 issues and transmits the coupon to the target user terminal 2. Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0104] When a response to the message sent in OP403 is received from the user terminal 2 indicating that the individual locker 4A will not be used for delivery of a new package (OP404: NO), the process proceeds to OP406. In OP406, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a collection request has been received from the user terminal 2. When a collection request has been received from the user terminal 2 (OP406: YES), the process proceeds to OP407. When a collection request has not been received from the user terminal 2 (OP406: NO), the process goes to a standby state.

[0105] In OP407, the control unit 11 creates a collection plan for the individual locker 4A remaining at the user's designated location by the first delivery method. In OP406, the user's identification information, the individual locker 4A identification information, the collection location, and the desired collection date and time (optional) are also received together with the collection request. The collection plan for the individual locker 4A includes, for example, driving the vehicle 3 to the designated collection location in time for the desired date and time, and having the staff pick up the empty individual locker 4A at the designated collection location and load it into the vehicle 3. The control unit 11 transmits the created collection plan to the vehicle 3 and the staff terminal 5. After that, the processing shown in FIG. 8 ends.

[0106] 5 to 8 are merely examples of the processes of the center server 1, and may be modified as appropriate according to the embodiment. For example, in FIG. 6, when a delivery request is received from the user terminal 2, The center server 1 inquires of the user terminal 2 about the delivery method, but instead, information specifying the delivery method may be sent from the user terminal 2 along with the delivery request. For example, after receiving a package receipt completion notification from the user terminal 2 in OP401 of Fig. 8, the control unit 11 may copy the record of the corresponding individual locker 4A in the locker usage information DB 12 to another database as history information, and reset the record.

[0107] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processes for using a locker in the mobile locker system 100. In S11, a user operates the user terminal 2 to leave luggage in a locker in the mobile locker system 100, and a request to use the locker is sent from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1. For example, it is assumed that the user specifies the current location as the deposit location and the current time as the scheduled deposit date and time. It is also assumed that the vehicle 3 is not specified.

[0108] In S12, the center server 1 receives a locker use request from the user terminal 2 (FIG. 5, OP101: YES), and determines the vehicle 3 and the allocation of the individual locker 4A (FIG. 5, OP102). In S13, the center server 1 transmits information about the individual locker 4A to the user terminal 2 (FIG. 5, OP103). The information about the individual locker 4A transmitted to the user terminal 2 in S13 also includes authentication information for the individual locker 4A.

[0109] In S14, the vehicle 3 arrives at the user's location, and the user stores the luggage in the individual locker 4A. In S15, the user operates the user terminal 2 to send a deposit completion notification to the center server 1. The center server 1 receives the deposit completion notification from the user terminal 2 (FIG. 5, OP105: YES).

[0110] In S21, the user requests that the package left in the individual locker 4A be picked up at home, and a delivery request is sent from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1 through user operation. In S22, the center server 1 receives the delivery request from the user terminal 2 (FIG. 6, OP201: YES), and sends an inquiry about the delivery method to the user terminal 2 (FIG. 6, OP202). In S23, the user selects a first delivery method for placing each individual locker 4A in a specified location, and a response specifying the first delivery method is sent from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1 through user operation.

[0111] In S24, the center server 1 receives information indicating the designation of the first delivery method from the user terminal 2 (FIG. 6, OP203: YES), and creates a delivery plan (FIG. 6, OP205). The delivery plan created in S24 includes instructions to drive the vehicle 3 to the user's home at the designated date and time, and to the staff member in the vehicle 3 to leave the individual locker 4A at the user's home. The center server 1 transmits the delivery plan to the vehicle 3 and the staff terminal 5.

[0112] In S31, the vehicle 3 drives according to the delivery plan from the center server 1 so as to arrive at the user's home by the specified date and time, and when the vehicle 3 arrives at the user's home, a staff member places the individual locker 4A, for example, near the front door of the user's home, completing the delivery.

[0113] In S32, the user who has returned home unlocks the individual locker 4A and removes the stored luggage. In S33, a luggage receipt completion notification is sent from the user terminal 2 to the center server 1 by user operation. The center server 1 receives the luggage receipt completion notification from the user terminal 2 (FIG. 8, OP401: YES). In S34, because delivery was performed using the first delivery method when using the target locker (OP402: YES), the center server 1 sends to the user terminal 2 a promotion message for delivery of a new luggage to another specified location using the individual locker 4A (FIG. 8, OP403).

[0114] In S35, the user agrees to use the individual locker 4A for new package delivery, and transmits a response indicating the agreement from the user terminal 2. In S36, the center server 1 receives the response indicating the agreement from the user terminal 2 (FIG. 8, OP404: YES), and applies an incentive to the user (FIG. 8, OP405).

[0115] The timing at which the incentive is applied to the user can be changed as appropriate depending on the content of the incentive. For example, if the incentive is the awarding of points, the points may be awarded after a request for delivery using the individual locker 4A is actually received from the user terminal 2 and the delivery is completed.

[0116] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In the first embodiment, when a user deposits luggage in an individual locker 4A of the mobile locker system 100 and has the luggage delivered to a designated location, the user can select whether to have the individual locker 4A containing the luggage left at the designated location or to pick up the luggage at the designated location. This improves the convenience of using the mobile locker system 100.

[0117] Furthermore, if the user has selected to receive the luggage left in the individual locker 4A at a designated location, and the luggage cannot be delivered because the user is not present at the designated location, a request to change the delivery method to one in which the individual locker 4A is placed at the designated location is sent to the user terminal 2. This allows for flexible response according to the presence or absence of the user at the designated location. It also reduces the effort required for redelivery, etc., and improves the efficiency of the entire mobile locker system 100.

[0118] Furthermore, when a delivery method is implemented in which the individual locker 4A is placed in a location designated by the user, a message encouraging the delivery of new parcels using the individual locker 4A is transmitted to the user terminal 2. This makes it possible to improve the operating rate of the individual locker 4A compared to collecting the individual locker 4A when it is empty. Furthermore, when a user requests the delivery of new parcels using the individual locker 4A, an incentive is given to the user, thereby increasing the motivation for using the individual locker 4A for parcel delivery.

[0119] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] In the first embodiment, the baggage deposit completion notification and the baggage receipt completion notification are transmitted from the user terminal 2, but are not limited to this. The baggage deposit completion notification and the baggage receipt completion notification may be transmitted by the individual locker 4A, for example, depending on the specifications of the individual locker 4A. For example, if the individual locker 4A is provided with a communication function using mobile communication such as WiFi or 5G and can communicate with the center server 1, the individual locker 4A may detect a locking or unlocking operation and transmit a baggage deposit completion notification and a baggage receipt completion notification to the center server 1.

[0121] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle 3 is equipped with a locker 4 that stores a plurality of individual lockers 4A in one housing, but is not limited to this. The vehicle 3 may be equipped with a plurality of individual lockers 4A that are independent of each other.

[0122] The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0123] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0124] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Center server 2. User terminal 3. Vehicle 4. Lockers 11 Control section 12. Locker usage information database 100··Mobile Locker System 101··CPU 102 Memory 103...External storage device 104 Communications Department 201··CPU 202 Memory 203...External storage device 204 Wireless communication unit

Claims

1. receiving a delivery request for a package temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices mounted on the moving body; creating a delivery plan by a first delivery method in which, in response to the delivery request, the mobile body is driven to a designated location and the first storage device with the package stored therein is placed at the designated location; A control unit that executes Equipped with The control unit is acquiring information from a terminal of the user who has deposited the luggage, specifying as a delivery method either the first delivery method or a second delivery method in which the luggage is removed from the first storage device and handed over at the specified location; creating the plan when information designating the first delivery method is acquired; Information processing device.

2. Each of the plurality of storage devices is lockable; In the first delivery method, the first storage device is delivered in a locked state. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. Each of the plurality of storage devices is a storage unit included in one locker-type storage device and is separable from the locker-type storage device.

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

4. The control unit is and acquiring information designating the second delivery method, and when the user who has deposited the package is absent from the designated location, transmitting a request for permission to change to the first delivery method to a terminal of the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit, when delivery is performed using the first delivery method, sends a message to a terminal of a user who has deposited the luggage, proposing that a new luggage be stored in the first storage device and delivered. and further performing the step of transmitting the message. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The control unit further executes, when a response of acceptance of the proposal is received from the terminal of the user, applying a predetermined incentive to the user. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. the control unit creates a plan for collecting the first storage device when a collection request for the first storage device is received. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The computer receiving a delivery request for a package temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices mounted on the moving body; creating a delivery plan by a first delivery method in which, in response to the delivery request, the mobile body is driven to a designated location and the first storage device with the package stored therein is placed at the designated location; Including, The computer, acquiring information from a terminal of the user who has deposited the luggage, specifying as a delivery method either the first delivery method or a second delivery method in which the luggage is removed from the first storage device and handed over at the specified location; creating the plan when information designating the first delivery method is acquired; Information processing methods.

9. Each of the plurality of storage devices is lockable; In the first delivery method, the first storage device is delivered in a locked state. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. Each of the plurality of storage devices is a storage unit that forms one locker-type storage device and is separable from the locker-type storage device.

10. The information processing method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The computer, and acquiring information designating the second delivery method, and when the user who has deposited the package is absent from the designated location, transmitting a request for permission to change to the first delivery method to a terminal of the user. The information processing method according to claim 8.

12. The computer further executes, when delivery is performed using the first delivery method, sending a message to a terminal of the user who has deposited the luggage, proposing to store a new luggage in the first storage device and deliver the new luggage. The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. The information processing method according to claim 12 , further comprising the step of: applying a predetermined incentive to the user when the computer receives a response from the user terminal accepting the proposal.

14. when the computer receives a collection request for the first storage device, the computer creates a plan for collecting the first storage device. The information processing method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

15. On the computer, transmit a delivery request for delivery of the baggage temporarily stored in a first storage device among a plurality of storage devices loaded on a mobile body by a first delivery method, in which the mobile body travels to a designated location and the first storage device with the baggage stored therein is placed at the designated location; The computer includes: receiving a message proposing to store a new package in the first storage device and deliver the package when delivery is performed using the first delivery method; Program for.

16. The computer includes: transmit information specifying, as a delivery method, either the first delivery method or a second delivery method in which the package is removed from the first storage device and handed over at the specified location; The program according to claim 15.

17. A moving body carrying a plurality of storage devices; a user terminal that transmits a delivery request for a first parcel temporarily stored in a first storage device among the plurality of storage devices; A system comprising: an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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