Management device, management system, management method, and mobile body

Abstract

To provide a management device, a management system, a management method, and a moving body in which influence exerted from an environment to a package placed on a delivery destination is alleviated.SOLUTION: A management device 10 includes a control unit 12 which manages a moving body 40 to be delivered by placing a delivery object 50 at a delivery position. The control unit 12 determines a delivery position on the basis of environment information on the delivery destination, and controls the moving body 40 so that the moving body 40 places the delivery object 50 at the delivery position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a management system, a management method, and a mobile object. [Background technology]

[0002] A system in which an autonomous vehicle delivers parcels is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-181287 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a package is left at the delivery destination (so-called drop-off delivery), the package may be affected by the environment of the place where it is left.

[0005] The present disclosure was made in consideration of the above circumstances and aims to reduce the impact that packages left at their delivery destinations are subjected to from the environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that manages a mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location. The control unit determines the delivery location based on environmental information of a delivery destination, and controls the mobile object to place the delivery item at the delivery location.

[0007] A management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the management device and a mobile object that delivers delivery items.

[0008] A management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes managing a mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location, the management method including determining the delivery location based on environmental information of a delivery destination, and controlling the mobile object to place the delivery item at the delivery location.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobile object delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location. The mobile object includes a control unit that determines the delivery location based on environmental information of a delivery destination. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the management device, management system, management method, and mobile body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the impact of the environment on packages left at delivery destinations can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a moving body. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a management method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a management method according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (Example of management system 1 configuration) 1, a management system 1 according to an embodiment includes a management device 10 and a mobile object 40. The mobile object 40 delivers a delivery item 50 (see FIG. 2) by storing the delivery item 50 and moving to a delivery destination. The management device 10 manages a travel route or a travel schedule for the mobile object 40 to deliver the delivery item 50.

[0013] The mobile body 40 may deliver the delivery item 50 by moving to the delivery destination and having the user receive the delivery item 50 directly. The mobile body 40 may deliver the delivery item 50 by leaving the delivery item 50 at the delivery destination. In other words, the mobile body 40 may perform so-called drop-off delivery. The management device 10 determines the manner in which the delivery item 50 is to be delivered, whether to have the user receive the delivery item 50 directly at the delivery destination or to leave the delivery item 50 at the delivery destination. The management device 10 controls the mobile body 40 based on the manner in which the delivery item 50 is to be delivered.

[0014] The location where the mobile unit 40 places the delivery item 50 at the delivery destination is also referred to as the delivery location. If the delivery item 50 is placed in a location that is wet with liquid such as water, the delivery item 50 will get wet or dirty. Also, if the delivery item 50 is placed in a location that has an odor due to gas or the like, the delivery item 50 may take on an odor. In other words, the delivery item 50 is affected by the environment of the delivery location.

[0015] The management device 10 acquires information about the environment of the delivery destination. The information about the environment of the delivery destination is also referred to as environmental information. When a delivery mode in which the delivery item 50 is left is specified, the management device 10 may determine a delivery location based on the environmental information. Even when a delivery mode in which the delivery item 50 is left is specified, the management device 10 may determine not to leave the delivery item 50 at the delivery destination based on the environmental information. In other words, the management device 10 may determine a delivery mode of the delivery item 50 based on the environmental information. The management device 10 controls the mobile object 40 so that the mobile object 40 delivers the delivery item 50 in the determined delivery mode.

[0016] A specific configuration example of the management system 1 will be described below.

[0017] <Management device 10> The management device 10 includes a control unit 12 and an interface 14. The interface 14 is also referred to as an I / F14.

[0018] The control unit 12 controls at least one component of the management device 10. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more processors. In this embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor, a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, etc., but is not limited to these. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit may include, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 12 may be configured to include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit together with a processor.

[0019] The management device 10 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may be, for example, but is not limited to, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory. The storage unit may function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage unit may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage unit stores any information used in the operation of the management device 10. For example, the storage unit may store a system program, an application program, or the like. The storage unit may be included in the control unit 12.

[0020] The I / F 14 outputs information or data from the control unit 12 and inputs information or data to the control unit 12. The I / F 14 may include a communication module configured to be able to communicate with other devices such as a mobile object 40 or a terminal device 20 via a network 30. The communication module may be compatible with a mobile communication standard such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may be compatible with a communication standard such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module may be compatible with a wired or wireless communication standard. The communication module is not limited to these and may be compatible with various communication standards. The I / F 14 may be configured to be connectable to the communication module.

[0021] The I / F 14 may be configured to include an input device that accepts input of information or data from a user. The input device may be configured to include, for example, a touch panel or a touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device may be configured to include physical keys. The input device may be configured to include a voice input device such as a microphone.

[0022] The I / F 14 may be configured to include an output device that outputs information or data to a user. The output device may include, for example, a display device that outputs visual information such as an image, character, or figure. The display device may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display or an inorganic EL display, or a Plasma Display Panel (PDP). The display device is not limited to these displays and may include displays of various other types. The display device may include a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The display device may include various other devices. The output device may include, for example, an audio output device such as a speaker that outputs audio information such as sound. The output device is not limited to these examples and may include various other devices.

[0023] The management device 10 may include one or more server devices capable of communicating with each other.

[0024] <Mobile unit 40> As shown in FIG. 2, the moving body 40 includes a main body portion 42 having a storage space for storing a delivery item 50, and a drive portion 44 for moving the moving body 40.

[0025] The storage space of the main body 42 may be configured to be capable of storing the delivery item 50 packed in a delivery box or the like, or may be configured to be capable of storing the delivery item 50 in a state where it is not packed in a delivery box or the like. The main body 42 may be provided with a locking mechanism that locks the delivery item 50 stored in the storage space. The main body 42 may have an opening through which the delivery item 50 is inserted or removed from the storage space. The main body 42 may have an entrance including a door, shutter, or the like that opens when the delivery item 50 is inserted or removed from the storage space.

[0026] The drive unit 44 may include, for example, wheels or caterpillars as a mechanism for traveling on a road surface. The drive unit 44 may further include a drive mechanism such as a motor or engine for driving the wheels or caterpillars. The drive unit 44 may further include gears for transmitting power from the drive mechanism to the wheels or caterpillars. The drive unit 44 may further include a battery for supplying power to the drive mechanism or a tank for supplying fuel. The drive unit 44 may include, for example, a propeller or an injection device as a mechanism for flying in the air.

[0027] The mobile unit 40 further includes a mobile unit control unit 46, although this is not essential. The mobile unit control unit 46 controls at least one component of the mobile unit 40, such as the main body unit 42 or the drive unit 44 of the mobile unit 40. The mobile unit control unit 46 may obtain destination information specifying a destination from the management device 10, and control the drive unit 44 to run autonomously based on the destination information. The mobile unit 40 may obtain control information instructing the timing of starting or stopping running, or the running speed, from the management device 10, and control the drive unit 44 based on the control information to run. When a delivery item 50 is stored in the main body unit 42, the mobile unit control unit 46 may output information identifying the stored delivery item 50 to the management device 10. When a delivery item 50 is removed from the main body unit 42, the mobile unit control unit 46 may output information identifying the removed delivery item 50 to the management device 10.

[0028] The mobile object control unit 46 may be configured to include one or more processors. The mobile object control unit 46 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit together with a processor. The mobile object 40 may be configured to include a memory unit. The memory unit of the mobile object 40 may be configured in the same manner as or similar to the memory unit of the management device 10. The mobile object 40 may be configured to include an I / F or a communication module. The I / F or communication module of the mobile object 40 may be configured in the same manner as or similar to the I / F or communication module of the management device 10.

[0029] The mobile object 40 further includes a detection unit 48, although this is not essential. The detection unit 48 detects environmental information of the delivery destination. The detection unit 48 may detect, for example, information about the weather at the delivery destination as the environmental information. The detection unit 48 may detect whether there is precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet, hail, or hail at the delivery destination as the information about the weather at the delivery destination. The detection unit 48 may detect, as the environmental information, whether water is accumulating or water is flowing at a location at the delivery destination that is a candidate for a location at which the delivery item 50 is to be placed. The detection unit 48 may detect, as the environmental information, whether a location at the delivery destination that is a candidate for a location at which the delivery item 50 is to be placed is dirty with mud or the like.

[0030] The detection unit 48 may be configured to include a camera. The detection unit 48 may detect the weather at the delivery destination based on an image taken by the camera. The detection unit 48 may detect a location at the delivery destination where water is accumulating or where water is flowing based on an image taken by the camera. The detection unit 48 may detect a location at the delivery destination that is wet with water based on an image taken by the camera. The detection unit 48 may be configured to include a sensor that detects water. The detection unit 48 may detect a dirty location at the delivery destination based on an image taken by the camera. The detection unit 48 may be configured to include a sensor that detects dirt.

[0031] The detection unit 48 may emit electromagnetic waves toward an object for which water, dirt, or the like is to be detected, and detect the intensity or phase, etc., of the electromagnetic waves reflected back from the object. The detection unit 48 may detect locations at the delivery destination that are wet or dirty with water, based on the detected reflected electromagnetic waves.

[0032] The detection unit 48 may detect information related to the odor of the delivery destination as the environmental information. The detection unit 48 may be configured to include an odor sensor.

[0033] The detection unit 48 outputs the detected environmental information to the management device 10. The detection unit 48 may output the detected environmental information to the mobile object control unit 46.

[0034] The mobile object 40 may be configured to include a location information detection unit that acquires location information of the mobile object 40 itself. The mobile object 40 may output location information of the mobile object 40 itself to the management device 10. The location information detection unit may be configured to include a receiver compatible with a satellite positioning system. The receiver compatible with the satellite positioning system may include, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0035] The number of moving objects 40 managed by the management system 1 may be two or more. The moving objects 40 are not limited to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be configured in various other forms capable of carrying and moving delivery items 50.

[0036] <Detection device 60> The management system 1 further includes a detection device 60, although this is not essential. The detection device 60 detects environmental information of the delivery destination. The detection device 60 may be installed at the delivery destination. The detection device 60 may detect, for example, information regarding the weather at the delivery destination as the environmental information. The detection device 60 may detect, as the environmental information, whether water is accumulating or water is flowing in a location at the delivery destination that is a candidate for a location to place the delivery item 50.

[0037] The detection device 60 may be configured to include a camera. The detection device 60 may detect the weather at the delivery destination based on an image taken by the camera. The detection device 60 may detect a location at the delivery destination where water is accumulating or where water is flowing based on an image taken by the camera. The detection device 60 may detect a location at the delivery destination that is wet with water based on an image taken by the camera. The detection device 60 may be configured to include a sensor that detects water. The detection device 60 may detect a dirty location at the delivery destination based on an image taken by the camera. The detection device 60 may be configured to include a sensor that detects dirt.

[0038] The detection device 60 may emit electromagnetic waves toward an object for which water, dirt, or the like is to be detected, and detect the intensity or phase, etc., of the electromagnetic waves reflected back from the object. The detection device 60 may detect locations at the delivery destination that are wet or dirty with water, based on the detected reflected electromagnetic waves.

[0039] The detection device 60 may detect information about the odor of the delivery destination as the environmental information. The detection device 60 may be configured to include an odor sensor.

[0040] The detection device 60 outputs the detected environmental information to the management device 10.

[0041] <Terminal Device 20> The management system 1 further includes a terminal device 20, although this is not essential. The terminal device 20 accepts input of information designating the manner in which the delivery item 50 is to be delivered from the user receiving the delivery item 50, and outputs the input information to the management device 10. When it is specified that the delivery item 50 is to be delivered by placing it, the terminal device 20 accepts input of information designating the location where the delivery item 50 is to be placed, and outputs the input information to the management device 10. When it is specified that the delivery item 50 is to be delivered by handing it over to the user, the terminal device 20 accepts input of information designating the location and time at which the delivery item 50 is to be delivered, and outputs the input information to the management device 10.

[0042] The terminal device 20 may obtain information regarding the delivery status of the delivery item 50 from the management device 10 and notify the user receiving the delivery item 50 of the delivery status of the delivery item 50.

[0043] The terminal device 20 may be configured to include one or more processors or one or more dedicated circuits. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of the terminal device 20 may be configured identically or similarly to the storage unit of the management device 10. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an I / F or a communication module. The I / F or communication module of the terminal device 20 may be configured identically or similarly to the I / F or communication module of the management device 10.

[0044] The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an input device that accepts input of information, data, etc. from a user. The input device may be configured to include various devices described as the I / F 14. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an output device that outputs information, data, etc. to the user. The output device may be configured to include various devices described as the I / F 14.

[0045] The number of terminal devices 20 included in the management system 1 is not limited to one, and may be two or more. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC. The terminal device 20 is not limited to these examples, and may be configured to include various devices.

[0046] (Example of operation of management system 1) In the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 12 of the management device 10 manages the moving object 40. When the management system 1 includes a plurality of moving objects 40, the control unit 12 may manage each of the plurality of moving objects 40. The control unit 12 generates a movement route or a movement schedule for the moving object 40 so that the moving object 40 delivers the delivery item 50 to the delivery destination.

[0047] The control unit 12 moves the mobile object 40 based on the delivery destination of the delivery item 50 contained in the mobile object 40. The control unit 12 acquires environmental information of the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire the environmental information after the mobile object 40 arrives at the delivery destination, or may acquire the environmental information before the mobile object 40 arrives at the delivery destination.

[0048] When the delivery mode of the delivery item 50 is drop-off, the control unit 12 determines the delivery location of the delivery item 50 based on environmental information of the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may determine the delivery location after the mobile object 40 arrives at the delivery destination, or may determine the delivery location before the mobile object 40 arrives at the delivery destination.

[0049] <Determining delivery location based on weather information at delivery destination> The control unit 12 may acquire weather information at the delivery destination as environmental information at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire weather information at the delivery destination from an external device, from the detection unit 48 of the mobile body 40, or from the detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination. When there is precipitation at the delivery destination (when it is raining or snowing, etc.), the control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery position, a location where the impact of precipitation on the delivery item 50 is reduced when the delivery item 50 is placed at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery position, a location where the amount of rain, snow, etc. falling on the delivery item 50 is reduced. The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery position, a location where rain, snow, etc. will not fall on the delivery item 50.

[0050] The control unit 12 may acquire the amount of precipitation at the delivery destination. Based on the amount of precipitation at the delivery destination, the control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the amount of rain, snow, etc. that falls on the delivery item 50 from when the delivery item 50 is placed at the delivery destination until it is collected by the user is less than an allowable amount. The control unit 12 may set the allowable amount based on the state of packaging of the delivery item 50 or the contents of the delivery item 50.

[0051] As described above, when precipitation occurs at the delivery destination, the control unit 12 may determine a location where the effects of precipitation are reduced as the delivery location.

[0052] The control unit 12 may acquire a weather forecast for the delivery destination as the environmental information for the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire the weather forecast from an external device. The control unit 12 may acquire information on the forecast of precipitation at the delivery destination as the weather forecast for the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire the probability of precipitation at the delivery destination as the information on the forecast of precipitation at the delivery destination. Even if there is no precipitation when the delivery item 50 is placed at the delivery destination, if the probability of precipitation within a predetermined time after the delivery item 50 is placed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the impact of precipitation on the delivery item 50 is reduced even if precipitation begins. The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the amount of rain, snow, etc. falling on the delivery item 50 is reduced even if precipitation begins. The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where rain, snow, etc. will not fall on the delivery item 50 even if precipitation begins.

[0053] The control unit 12 may obtain a predicted value of the amount of precipitation within a predetermined time after the delivery item 50 is placed as information regarding the predicted precipitation at the delivery destination. Based on the predicted value of the amount of precipitation, the control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the amount of rain, snow, etc. that falls on the delivery item 50 from when the delivery item 50 is placed at the delivery destination until it is collected by the user will be less than an allowable amount.

[0054] The control unit 12 may obtain a predicted value of the probability of precipitation or the amount of precipitation within the predetermined time, taking the time until the user collects the delivery item 50 left at the delivery destination as the predetermined time. The control unit 12 may also receive an input of a planned collection time when receiving an input from the user specifying a drop-off delivery. The control unit 12 may set the predetermined time based on the planned collection time of the user, and obtain a predicted value of the probability of precipitation or the amount of precipitation within the predetermined time.

[0055] The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the amount of rain, snow, etc. falling on the delivery item 50 until the delivery item 50 placed at the delivery destination is collected will be less than a predetermined amount. Even if precipitation has already started when the delivery item 50 is placed and delivered, the control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the amount of rain, snow, etc. falling on the delivery item 50 until the delivery item 50 is collected by the user will be less than an allowable amount.

[0056] The control unit 12 may extract candidate locations for the delivery location at the delivery destination based on a designation from the user. The control unit 12 may extract candidate locations for the delivery location based on an image captured by the detection unit 48 of the mobile body 40 or the detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination.

[0057] The control unit 12 may estimate the amount of rain, snow, etc. that will fall when the delivery item 50 is placed at each candidate location. The control unit 12 may estimate the amount of rain, snow, etc. that will fall when the delivery item 50 is placed at each candidate location based on detection results including images captured by the detection unit 48 of the mobile body 40 or the detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may determine a delivery location from among the candidates so that the amount of rain, snow, etc. that will fall when the delivery item 50 is placed is reduced. The control unit 12 may determine the candidate that will have the smallest amount of rain, snow, etc. that will fall when the delivery item 50 is placed as the delivery location.

[0058] As described above, when precipitation is predicted for a given time period at a delivery destination, the control unit 12 may determine a location where the effects of precipitation are reduced as the delivery location.

[0059] The control unit 12 may determine not to deliver the delivery item 50 by leaving it at the delivery destination based on information about the weather at the delivery destination. For example, the control unit 12 may determine not to deliver the delivery item 50 by leaving it at the delivery destination when there is no place at the delivery destination where the amount of rain, snow, etc. falling on the delivery item 50 is less than the allowable amount, even if the user who receives the delivery item 50 has specified leaving it at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may determine not to deliver the delivery item 50 by leaving it at the delivery destination after the mobile object 40 arrives at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may determine not to deliver the delivery item 50 by leaving it at the delivery destination before the mobile object 40 arrives at the delivery destination.

[0060] When the control unit 12 determines not to deliver the delivery item 50 by leaving the delivery at the door, it may stop the delivery by the mobile unit 40, have the mobile unit 40 take the delivery item 50 back, and redo the delivery at the next opportunity when the impact of precipitation is reduced. The control unit 12 may confirm with the user whether it is okay to deliver the item by hand instead of leaving the delivery at the door.

[0061] Even if there is no location at the delivery destination where the amount of rain or snow falling on the delivery item 50 is less than the allowable amount, the control unit 12 may install a delivery container capable of accommodating the delivery item 50 at the delivery destination and determine the installed delivery container as the delivery location. After the user removes the delivery item 50 from the delivery container, the control unit 12 may cause the mobile unit 40 to collect the empty delivery container.

[0062] When there is precipitation at the delivery destination or when precipitation is forecast within a predetermined time at the delivery destination, the control unit 12 may notify the user receiving the delivery item 50 of information regarding precipitation. The user may wish to cancel the delivery to the delivery destination so that the delivery item 50 does not get wet or dirty due to precipitation. The control unit 12 may confirm with the user whether it is OK to deliver the delivery item 50 by leaving it at the delivery destination or to cancel the delivery by leaving it at the delivery destination and take the delivery item 50 home. The control unit 12 may also confirm with the user whether it is OK to change to delivery by hand.

[0063] The control unit 12 may control the mobile body 40 so that the mobile body 40 does not leave the delivery item 50 at the delivery location when the user does not want the delivery to be left at the delivery location. In other words, the control unit 12 may control the mobile body 40 so that the mobile body 40 does not leave the delivery item 50 at the delivery location based on the selection of the user who receives the delivery item 50 when there is precipitation at the delivery destination or precipitation is predicted within a predetermined time at the delivery destination.

[0064] <Determining delivery location based on puddles or water flow at delivery destination> The control unit 12 may acquire, as the environmental information of the delivery destination, information indicating a state in which water is accumulating or flowing at a location that is a candidate for a delivery location at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may determine whether water is accumulating or flowing at the candidate location based on an image captured by the detection unit 48 of the mobile body 40 or the detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire the result of detection by the detection unit 48 or the detection device 60 as to whether the candidate location is wet. The control unit 12 may determine the delivery location from among the candidates excluding the locations where water is accumulating and the locations where water is flowing.

[0065] The control unit 12 may acquire, as the environmental information of the delivery destination, information indicating whether a location at the delivery destination that is a candidate for a delivery location has ever been in a state where water has accumulated or where water has been flowing in the past. The control unit 12 may determine, based on an image taken by a detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination, whether a candidate location has ever been in a state where water has accumulated or where water has been flowing in the past. The control unit 12 may determine the delivery location from among the candidates excluding locations that have previously been in a state where water has accumulated or where water has flowed.

[0066] <Determining delivery location based on the state of dirt at the delivery destination> The control unit 12 may acquire, as the environmental information of the delivery destination, information indicating the state of dirt at a location that is a candidate for a delivery location at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may determine whether the candidate location is dirty based on an image captured by the detection unit 48 of the mobile body 40 or the detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire the result of detection by the detection unit 48 or the detection device 60 as to whether the candidate location is dirty. The control unit 12 may determine the delivery location from among the candidates excluding the dirty locations.

[0067] <Determining delivery location based on odor information at delivery destination> The control unit 12 may acquire information regarding odors at the delivery destination as environmental information of the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire the results of odor detection by the detection unit 48 of the mobile object 40 or the detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination. The control unit 12 may acquire the results of odor intensity detection. The control unit 12 may acquire the results of detection of the gas species causing the odor. The control unit 12 may estimate the change in odor intensity over time.

[0068] The control unit 12 may extract candidate locations for the delivery location at the delivery destination based on a designation from the user. The control unit 12 may extract candidate locations for the delivery location based on an image captured by the detection unit 48 of the mobile body 40 or the detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination.

[0069] The control unit 12 may estimate the strength of the odor that will be attached to the delivery item 50 when the delivery item 50 is placed at the candidate location based on the information about the odor at the candidate location. The control unit 12 may determine a delivery location from among the candidates so as to reduce the odor attached to the delivery item 50. The control unit 12 may determine the candidate that will minimize the odor attached to the delivery item 50 as the delivery location.

[0070] The control unit 12 may estimate the strength of odor that will be present on the delivery item 50 from the time the delivery item 50 is placed at the delivery destination until the user collects the delivery item 50. The control unit 12 may also accept input of a planned collection time when accepting an input from the user specifying a drop-off delivery. The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where a numerical value representing the strength of odor that will be present on the delivery item 50 from the time the delivery item 50 placed at the delivery destination is collected is less than an allowable value. The control unit 12 may set the allowable value based on the packaging state of the delivery item 50 or the contents of the delivery item 50. The control unit 12 may quantify the strength of odor as a concentration of a gas that causes the odor. The control unit 12 may quantify the strength of odor using various indices such as odor intensity, odor index, or odor concentration. The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the numerical value representing the strength of odor is small. The control unit 12 may determine, as the delivery location, a location where the numerical value representing the strength of odor is minimum.

[0071] (Example of management procedure) As described above, the management device 10 according to this embodiment determines a delivery location for the delivery item 50 based on environmental information about the delivery destination, and moves the mobile object 40. In order to determine the delivery location, the control unit 12 of the management device 10 may execute a management method including, for example, the steps of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. The management method may be realized as a management program executed by the control unit 12.

[0072] The control unit 12 acquires environmental information of the delivery destination (step S1). Based on the environmental information of the delivery destination, the control unit 12 determines whether there is a puddle or running water at the delivery destination (step S2). If there is no puddle or running water (step S2: NO), the control unit 12 determines whether there is precipitation at the delivery destination or whether the probability of precipitation within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S3). If there is no precipitation at the delivery destination and the probability of precipitation within a predetermined time is less than a predetermined value (step S3: NO), the control unit 12 proceeds to the procedure of step S6.

[0073] If there is a puddle or running water at the delivery destination (step S2: YES), or if there is precipitation at the delivery destination or the probability of precipitation within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (step S3: YES), the control unit 12 determines whether to change from drop-off delivery to hand-delivery (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 12 may inquire of the user whether to change to hand-delivery or to cancel the delivery.

[0074] If the delivery method is not changed to hand delivery (step S4: NO), the control unit 12 extracts candidate locations for the delivery location, taking into consideration the possibility that the delivery item 50 will get wet with water (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 12 may extract candidate locations where the amount of water on the delivery item 50 will be less than an allowable value.

[0075] The control unit 12 determines a delivery location (step S6). Specifically, when the control unit 12 extracts candidate locations in the procedure of step S5, the control unit 12 determines a delivery location from among the extracted candidate locations. When the control unit 12 determines in the procedure of step S2 that there is no puddle or running water, and when the control unit 12 determines in the procedure of step S3 that there is no precipitation and that the probability of precipitation is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 12 may determine the location designated by the user as the delivery location. The control unit 12 controls the mobile unit 40 to place the delivery item 50 at the determined delivery location (step S7).

[0076] If the delivery is changed to hand-delivery (step S4: YES), the control unit 12 cancels the delivery by leaving the parcel at the door (step S8). After executing the procedure of step S7 or S8, the control unit 12 ends the execution of the procedure of the flowchart in Fig. 3. The control unit 12 may execute the procedures of steps S2 and S3 interchangeably, or may execute the procedures of steps S2 and S3 in parallel.

[0077] In order to determine a delivery location taking into account the odor of the delivery destination, the control unit 12 may execute a management method including, for example, the steps of the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. The management method may be realized as a management program executed by the control unit 12.

[0078] The control unit 12 acquires information about odors as environmental information about the delivery destination (step S11). The control unit 12 determines whether there is an odor at the delivery destination (step S12). If there is no odor at the delivery destination (step S12: NO), the control unit 12 proceeds to step S14. If there is an odor at the delivery destination (step S12: YES), the control unit 12 extracts candidate locations for the delivery location, taking into consideration that the delivery item 50 will be stained with an odor (step S13).

[0079] The control unit 12 determines a delivery location (step S14). Specifically, if the control unit 12 extracts candidate locations in the procedure of step S13, the control unit 12 determines a delivery location from among the extracted candidate locations. If the control unit 12 determines that there is no odor in the procedure of step S12, the control unit 12 may determine the location specified by the user as the delivery location. The control unit 12 controls the mobile object 40 to place the delivery item 50 at the determined delivery location (step S15). After executing the procedure of step S15, the control unit 12 ends execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 4.

[0080] (summary) As described above, according to the management system 1, management device 10, and management method of the present embodiment, when a delivery is made by leaving the item at the delivery location, the delivery location can be determined taking into consideration the environment of the delivery destination. As a result, the influence of the environment on the delivery item 50 left at the delivery destination can be reduced.

[0081] (Other embodiments) In the management system 1 according to the embodiment described above, the mobile object control unit 46 of the mobile object 40 controls the mobile object 40 to place the delivery item 50 at the delivery position determined by the management device 10. In the management system 1 according to another embodiment, the mobile object control unit 46 of the mobile object 40 may operate so that the mobile object 40 itself determines a delivery position when the mobile object 40 arrives at the delivery destination and places the delivery item 50 there. In other words, the mobile object control unit 46 may control the mobile object 40 to place the delivery item 50 at a position determined based on environmental information about the delivery destination as the delivery position.

[0082] The mobile object control unit 46 may acquire environmental information about the delivery destination from the detection unit 48 of the mobile object 40. The mobile object control unit 46 may acquire information about the weather at the delivery destination from the detection unit 48. The mobile object control unit 46 may acquire information about a state in which water is accumulating or flowing at the delivery destination from the detection unit 48. The mobile object control unit 46 may acquire information about an odor at the delivery destination from the detection unit 48.

[0083] The mobile object control unit 46 may be configured to be able to communicate with a detection device 60 installed at the delivery destination. The mobile object control unit 46 may obtain environmental information of the delivery destination from the detection device 60.

[0084] As described above, the mobile body 40 according to this embodiment can determine the delivery location in consideration of the environment of the delivery destination when delivering the delivery item 50 by leaving it at the delivery destination. As a result, the influence of the environment on the delivery item 50 left at the delivery destination can be reduced.

[0085] Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Appendix 1] A control unit is provided for managing a mobile object that delivers the delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery position, The control unit determines the delivery location based on environmental information of the delivery destination, and controls the mobile object so that the mobile object places the delivery item at the delivery location. [Appendix 2] The control unit determines the delivery location based on information about the weather at the delivery destination as environmental information about the delivery destination. [Appendix 3] The control unit of the management device described in [Appendix 2] determines, as the delivery location, a location where the effects of precipitation are reduced when precipitation is occurring at the delivery destination or when precipitation is predicted to occur within a specified period of time at the delivery destination. [Appendix 4] The control unit of the management device described in [Appendix 2] or [Appendix 3], when there is precipitation at the delivery destination or when precipitation is predicted at the delivery destination within a specified period of time, places a delivery container capable of containing the delivery item at the delivery destination and determines the delivery container as the delivery location. [Appendix 5] The control unit is a management device described in any one of [Appendix 2] to [Appendix 4], wherein when there is precipitation at the delivery destination or precipitation is predicted to occur within a specified period of time at the delivery destination, the control unit controls the mobile body so that the mobile body does not leave the delivery item at the delivery location based on the selection of a user receiving the delivery item. [Appendix 6] The control unit determines the delivery location based on information representing a state in which water is accumulating or flowing as environmental information of the delivery destination, the management device being described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 5]. [Appendix 7] The control unit determines the delivery location based on environmental information about the delivery destination, which is information indicating whether water has accumulated or flowed in the past. A management device described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 6]. [Appendix 8] The control unit determines the delivery location based on information regarding the odor of the delivery destination as environmental information of the delivery destination.A management device described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 7]. [Appendix 9] The control unit of the management device described in [Appendix 8] determines the delivery location to be a location where the delivery item has the least odor. [Appendix 10] A management device described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 9], wherein the control unit determines the delivery location from a location specified by a user who is to receive the delivery item. [Appendix 11] A management system comprising a management device according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 10] and a mobile object that delivers delivery items by placing the delivery items at a delivery location. [Appendix 12] A method for managing a mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location, comprising: A management method comprising: determining the delivery location based on environmental information of a delivery destination; and controlling the mobile object so that the mobile object places the delivery item at the delivery location. [Appendix 13] The management method described in [Appendix 12], which includes determining the delivery location based on information regarding the weather at the delivery destination as environmental information of the delivery destination. [Appendix 14] The management method described in [Appendix 13] includes determining, as the delivery location, a location where the effects of precipitation are reduced when precipitation is occurring at the delivery destination or precipitation is forecasted within a specified period of time at the delivery destination. [Appendix 15] A management method described in any one of [Appendix 12] to [Appendix 14], which includes determining the delivery location based on information regarding the odor of the delivery destination as environmental information of the delivery destination. [Appendix 16] A mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location, A mobile body comprising a control unit that determines the delivery location based on environmental information of a delivery destination. [Appendix 17] The mobile body described in [Appendix 16], further comprising a detection unit that detects environmental information of the delivery destination. [Appendix 18] The mobile body described in [Appendix 17], wherein the detection unit detects information regarding the weather at the delivery destination as environmental information at the delivery destination. [Appendix 19] The mobile body described in [Appendix 17] or [Appendix 18], wherein the detection unit detects information indicating that water has accumulated at the delivery destination or that water is flowing at the delivery destination as environmental information of the delivery destination. [Appendix 20] A mobile body described in any one of [Appendix 17] to [Appendix 19], wherein the detection unit detects information regarding the odor of the delivery destination as environmental information of the delivery destination.

[0086] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means or steps can be combined or divided into one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Management System 10 Management device (12: control unit, 14: I / F) 20 Terminal Equipment 30 Network 40 moving body (42: main body section, 44: driving section, 46: moving body control section, 48: detection section) 50 Delivery Items 60 Detection Device

Claims

1. A control unit is provided for managing a mobile object that delivers the delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of the delivery destination, The control unit is Obtaining information about the weather at the delivery destination from an external device, the mobile body, or a detection device installed at the delivery destination; When precipitation is occurring at the delivery destination or precipitation is predicted within a predetermined time period at the delivery destination, the mobile unit is controlled so that the mobile unit sets up a delivery container capable of accommodating the delivery item at the delivery destination and places the delivery item in the delivery container. Management device.

2. A control unit is provided for managing a mobile object that delivers the delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of the delivery destination, The control unit is Obtaining information about the weather at the delivery destination from an external device, the mobile body, or a detection device installed at the delivery destination; When there is precipitation at the delivery destination or when precipitation is predicted within a predetermined time at the delivery destination, the mobile unit is controlled so that the mobile unit does not place the delivery item at the delivery location based on a selection of a user who receives the delivery item. Management device.

3. A control unit is provided for managing a mobile object that delivers the delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of the delivery destination, The control unit is From an image captured by a detection device installed at the delivery destination, determine locations at the delivery destination that have previously been in a state where water has accumulated or where water has previously been in a state where water has flowed, among the candidates for the delivery location at the delivery destination; determining the delivery location from among candidates excluding locations that have previously been in a state of standing water and locations that have previously been in a state of flowing water; Controlling the mobile unit so that the mobile unit places the delivery item at the delivery location. Management device.

4. A control unit is provided for managing a mobile object that delivers the delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of the delivery destination, The control unit is Acquire information regarding the odor at the delivery destination detected by the moving object or a detection device set at the delivery destination, determining the delivery location based on information about the odor at the delivery destination; Controlling the mobile unit so that the mobile unit places the delivery item at the delivery location. Management device.

5. The management device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit determines, as the delivery location, a location where the delivery item has a less unpleasant odor.

6. The management device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit determines the delivery location further based on information regarding weather at the delivery destination.

7. The management device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit determines, when there is precipitation at the delivery destination or when precipitation is predicted within a specified period of time at the delivery destination, a location where the effects of precipitation are reduced as the delivery location.

8. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the delivery location based on information indicating a state in which water is accumulating or flowing at the delivery destination.

9. The management device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the delivery location from a location designated by a user who is to receive the delivery item.

10. A management system comprising: the management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a mobile object that delivers delivery items by placing the delivery items at a delivery location.

11. A method for managing a mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of a delivery destination, comprising the steps of: A management device acquires information about the weather at the delivery destination from an external device, the mobile object, or a detection device installed at the delivery destination; the management device controls the mobile body so that, when precipitation is occurring at the delivery destination or precipitation is predicted within a predetermined time period at the delivery destination, the mobile body sets up a delivery container capable of accommodating the delivery item at the delivery destination and places the delivery item in the delivery container; (c) a method of administration;

12. A method for managing a mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of a delivery destination, comprising the steps of: A management device acquires information about the weather at the delivery destination from an external device, the mobile object, or a detection device installed at the delivery destination; the management device controls the mobile body so that the mobile body does not place the delivery item at the delivery location based on a selection of a user who receives the delivery item when precipitation is occurring at the delivery destination or precipitation is predicted within a predetermined time period at the delivery destination; (c) a method of administration;

13. A method for managing a mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of a delivery destination, comprising the steps of: A management device determines, from an image captured by a detection device installed at the delivery destination, locations among the delivery location candidates at the delivery destination that have previously been in a state where water has accumulated or where water has previously been in a state where water has flowed; the management device determines the delivery location from among candidates excluding locations where water has accumulated in the past and locations where water has flowed in the past, and controls the mobile body so that the mobile body places the delivery item at the delivery location; (c) a method of administration;

14. A method for managing a mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of a delivery destination, comprising the steps of: A management device acquires information regarding an odor at the delivery destination detected by the moving object or a detection device set at the delivery destination; the management device determines the delivery location based on information about the odor at the delivery destination, and controls the mobile object so that the mobile object places the delivery item at the delivery location; (c) a method of administration;

15. A management method as described in claim 13 or 14, wherein the management device determines the delivery location further based on information regarding weather at the delivery destination.

16. The management method described in claim 15, further comprising the management device determining, when there is precipitation at the delivery destination or when precipitation is forecasted at the delivery destination within a specified period of time, a location where the impact of precipitation will be reduced as the delivery location.

17. A mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of a delivery destination, A detection unit for detecting whether precipitation is occurring at the delivery destination; a control unit that controls the mobile body so that, when precipitation occurs at the delivery destination, a delivery container capable of accommodating the delivery item is installed at the delivery destination and the delivery item is placed in the delivery container; A mobile body comprising:

18. A mobile object that delivers a delivery item by placing the delivery item at a delivery location of a delivery destination, A detection unit that detects information regarding an odor at the delivery destination; a control unit that determines the delivery location based on information about the odor at the delivery destination and controls the mobile unit so that the mobile unit places the delivery item at the delivery location; A mobile body comprising:

19. The mobile body described in Claim 18, wherein the control unit determines as the delivery location a location where the delivery item has the least odor.

20. The detection unit detects information indicating a state in which water is accumulating at the delivery destination or a state in which water is flowing at the delivery destination, The mobile body according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the control unit determines, as the delivery location, a location excluding a location where water is accumulating at the delivery destination and a location where water is flowing at the delivery destination.

Images