Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To allow for taking more appropriate measures when a package deposited by a user causes abnormality in a storage device.SOLUTION: An information processing device is provided, comprising a control unit configured to control a vehicle mounting a storage device having a plurality of compartments capable of accommodating packages deposited by users. When a given event related to storage of packages occurs in the storage device, the control unit restricts users from depositing packages into the storage device until the vehicle mounting the storage device moves to a given location where the given event can be resolved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known technology that installs an odor sensor in a locker and uses the output from the odor sensor to check whether the luggage is putrid or a deleterious substance (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known technology that installs a gas sensor that detects odors in a stocker delivery warehouse and determines that an abnormality has occurred if the sensor's detection value exceeds a predetermined threshold (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-033732 [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-045665 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If a locker has an odor or is dirty, the locker may become unusable or the next person who uses it may feel uncomfortable. An object of the present disclosure is to take more appropriate measures when an abnormality occurs in the storage device due to luggage left by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is An information processing device having a control unit for controlling a vehicle equipped with a storage device having a plurality of compartments in which a user can deposit baggage, The control unit is when a predetermined event related to the storage of luggage occurs in the storage device, restricting the user from depositing the luggage in the storage device until a vehicle equipped with the storage device moves to a predetermined location where the predetermined event can be resolved; The present invention is an information processing device that executes the above.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is 1. An information processing method for controlling a vehicle equipped with a storage device having a plurality of compartments in which a user can deposit baggage, comprising: The computer when a predetermined event related to the storage of luggage occurs in the storage device, restricting the user from depositing the luggage in the storage device until a vehicle equipped with the storage device moves to a predetermined location where the predetermined event can be resolved; It is an information processing method for performing the above.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the processing in the information processing device described above, or a storage medium that non-temporarily stores this program. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when an abnormality occurs in a storage device due to baggage checked by a user, more appropriate measures can be taken. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of a locker. [Diagram 3] A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle, a user terminal, a server, and a cleaning site terminal that constitute a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a server. [Diagram 5]4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a vehicle information DB. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a package information DB. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of a cleaning site information DB. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart of baggage deposit and collection processing in the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram of the processing of the entire system when a locker is soiled. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart of a command generation process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a command generation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of a command generation process when an individual user performs cleaning according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of processing in the system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart of a command generation process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a process in a server according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit controls a vehicle equipped with a storage device having multiple compartments in which a user can deposit luggage. Since the storage device is mounted on the vehicle, the storage device moves along with the movement of the vehicle. Therefore, a user can call the storage device along with the vehicle when depositing or picking up luggage. Therefore, a user does not need to travel a long distance when depositing or picking up luggage. Since the storage device has multiple compartments, multiple pieces of luggage corresponding to multiple users can be deposited in the storage device.

[0011] In addition, when a predetermined event related to the storage of luggage occurs in the storage device, the control unit restricts the user from depositing luggage in the storage device until the vehicle equipped with the storage device moves to a predetermined location where the predetermined event can be resolved. The predetermined event is, for example, an event that affects the deposited luggage or an event that affects the user who deposited the luggage. For example, the luggage becomes smelly, dirty, or wet, or the user feels uncomfortable with the odor, or feels uncomfortable with the dirt. The predetermined event can be resolved at a predetermined location. The predetermined location may be, for example, a location where the storage device can be cleaned. Since the predetermined event continues until the storage device is moved to the predetermined location, the control unit restricts the deposit of luggage to suppress the influence on the luggage or the user. This restriction includes prohibiting the entry of luggage into a compartment where the predetermined event has occurred, and prohibiting the unlocking of a compartment where the predetermined event has occurred.

[0012] In addition, a compartment where a certain event occurs may affect other compartments. For example, in a compartment where odorous luggage is placed, the odor may remain in the compartment and may further spread to surrounding compartments. In this case, by prohibiting the placement of luggage in the surrounding compartments, odors can be prevented from transferring to luggage and users can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable when placing or removing luggage.

[0013] Once the specified incident has been resolved at the specified location, the restrictions on checked baggage will be lifted. In this case, the specified event has been resolved, so the user does not feel uncomfortable.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. In addition, the following embodiments can be combined as much as possible.

[0015] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. The system 1 is a system that allows a user to store luggage in a vehicle 10 equipped with lockers 18. A user can deposit and pick up luggage at any location by calling the vehicle 10 via a server 30. The vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle capable of autonomous driving, but may also be a vehicle that can be manually driven by a driver, or a vehicle in which an administrator who monitors the vehicle 10 or the lockers 18 rides.

[0016] Locker 18 is a device having a plurality of compartments, in which luggage can be stored. FIG. 2 shows the exterior of locker 18. As shown in the figure, locker 18 is configured to allow access to boxes 180, which are the respective compartments, through a plurality of doors. A user of system 1 can unlock a specified box 180 using user terminal 20 or via an interface provided on locker 18. Locker 18 is mounted within the passenger compartment of vehicle 10. Locker 18 is an example of a storage device, and box 180 is an example of a compartment.

[0017] The user terminal 20 is a terminal carried by a user. The user can call the vehicle 10 and lock / unlock the locker by executing a predetermined application installed in the user terminal 20.

[0018] Furthermore, when the locker 18 is soiled, the server 30 moves the locker 18 to a cleaning site and has a cleaner clean it. Examples of the cleaning site include an automobile dealership, an automobile repair shop, a gas station, or the home of a registered user. At the cleaning site, the cleaner can unlock the box 180 to be cleaned using the cleaning site terminal 40 or via an interface provided on the locker 18. The cleaning site terminal 40 is a terminal used by the cleaner at the cleaning site. The cleaner can lock and unlock the locker by executing a predetermined application installed on the cleaning site terminal 40. Examples of the cleaner can be an employee of an automobile dealership, an employee of an automobile repair shop, an employee of a gas station, or a registered user.

[0019] The server 30 is a device that manages the operation of the vehicles 10. When the server 30 receives a dispatch request for the vehicle 10 from the user terminal 20, the server 30 determines the vehicle 10 to be dispatched to the user and instructs the vehicle 10 to operate.

[0020] The vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, the server 30, and the cleaning site terminal 40 are connected to each other by a network N1. The network N1 is, for example, a global public communication network such as the Internet, and may be a WAN (Wide Area Network) or other communication network. The network N1 may also include a telephone communication network such as a mobile phone, or a wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The locker 18 is connected to the user terminal 20 and the cleaning site terminal 40 via a network N2 including short-range wireless communication. The network N2 performs data communication using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra Wideband), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like.

[0021] The hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, the server 30, and the cleaning site terminal 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, the server 30, and the cleaning site terminal 40 constituting the system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0022] The server 30 has a computer configuration. The server 30 has a processor 31, a main memory unit 32, an auxiliary memory unit 33, and a communication unit 34. These are connected to each other by a bus. The processor 31 is an example of a control unit. The main memory unit 32 and the auxiliary memory unit 33 are examples of a memory unit.

[0023] The processor 31 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The processor 31 controls the server 30 and performs various information processing operations. The main memory unit 32 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The auxiliary memory unit 33 is an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk, etc. Hard disk drives (HDDs), removable media, etc. The unit 33 stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc. The processor 31 loads the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33 into a working area of ​​the main storage unit 32 and executes them, and each component unit, etc. is controlled through the execution of the programs. This allows the server 30 to realize a function that meets a predetermined purpose. The main storage unit 32 and the auxiliary storage unit 33 are computer-readable recording media. The server 30 may be a single computer or a combination of multiple computers. The information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33 may be stored in the main storage unit 32. The information stored in the main storage unit 32 may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33.

[0024] The communication unit 34 is a means for communicating with the vehicle 10, the user terminal 20, and the cleaning site terminal 40 via the network N1. The communication unit 34 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface board and a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication. The LAN interface board and the wireless communication circuit are connected to the network N1.

[0025] Next, the vehicle 10 is, for example, a mobile body capable of autonomously traveling, and has a computer. The vehicle 10 has a processor 11, a main memory unit 12, an auxiliary memory unit 13, a communication unit 14, a position information sensor 15, an environmental information sensor 16, a drive unit 17, and a locker 18. These are connected to each other by a bus. The processor 11, the main memory unit 12, and the auxiliary memory unit 13 are similar to the processor 31, the main memory unit 32, and the auxiliary memory unit 33 of the server 30, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] The communication unit 14 is a communication means for connecting the vehicle 10 to the network N1. The communication unit 14 is, for example, a mobile communication service (for example, a telephone communication network such as 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc. ), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other wireless communication is used to communicate with other devices (such as the server 30) via the network N1.

[0027] The position information sensor 15 acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the vehicle 10 at a predetermined period. The position information sensor 15 is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiving unit. , a wireless communication unit, etc. Information acquired by the position information sensor 15 is, for example, recorded in the auxiliary storage unit 13 or the like and transmitted to the server 30.

[0028] The environmental information sensor 16 is a means for sensing the state of the vehicle 10 or sensing the surroundings of the vehicle 10. Examples of sensors for sensing the state of the vehicle 10 include a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and an azimuth sensor. Examples of sensors for sensing the surroundings of the vehicle 10 include a stereo camera, a laser scanner, a LIDAR, and a radar.

[0029] The driving unit 17 is a device for driving the vehicle 10 based on the control command generated by the processor 11. The driving unit 17 is configured to include, for example, a plurality of motors for driving rotors provided in the vehicle 10, and the vehicle 10 is made to drive autonomously by driving the plurality of motors in accordance with the control command.

[0030] Locker 18 is a device for storing a user's luggage. Locker 18 has a plurality of boxes 180 for storing the user's luggage, and each box 180 is equipped with a soiling sensor 181 for detecting odor or dirt inside. Locker 18 also has an input / output unit 182 and a communication unit 183. The soiling sensor 181, input / output unit 182, and communication unit 183 are connected to the processor 11 of vehicle 10, etc., via a bus.

[0031] The soiling sensor 181 includes one or more sensors selected from a sensor capable of detecting odor components, a sensor capable of detecting dirt, and a sensor capable of detecting liquid. The sensor capable of detecting odor components is, for example, an odor sensor capable of detecting the strength of an odor. The sensor capable of detecting dirt is, for example, a sensor equipped with a camera (image sensor), and is, for example, a sensor that detects the degree of dirt based on captured image data. The sensor capable of detecting liquid is, for example, a liquid leakage sensor that detects liquid by detecting a change in light transmittance or reflectance, or a liquid leakage sensor that detects liquid by detecting a change in electrical resistance. A combination of a plurality of these sensors can be used. Alternatively, the soiling sensor 181 may be a sensor that detects a state in which liquid may spill. For example, a gyro sensor may be adopted for the soiling sensor 181, and when the detection value of the gyro sensor reaches a value in which liquid may spill, it may be considered that liquid has been detected.

[0032] The input / output unit 182 is a unit that accepts an input operation performed by the user and presents information to the user. In this embodiment, it is composed of one touch panel display. The input / output unit 182 may further include a means for exchanging authentication information with the user terminal 20. For example, it may include a camera for reading a two-dimensional barcode.

[0033] The communication unit 183 is a communication means for connecting the locker 18 to the network N2. The communication unit 183 is a circuit for communicating with other devices (such as the user terminal 20 or the cleaning site terminal 40) via the network N2 using a wireless communication network such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy, NFC (Near Field Communication), UWB (Ultra Wideband), or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0034] Next, the user terminal 20 will be described. The user terminal 20 is a small computer such as, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal information terminal, a wearable computer (such as a smart watch), or a personal computer (PC). The user terminal 20 has a processor 21, a main memory unit 22, an auxiliary memory unit 23, an input unit 24, a display 25, and a communication unit 26. These are connected to each other by a bus. The processor 21, the main memory unit 22, and the auxiliary memory unit 23 are similar to the processor 31, the main memory unit 32, and the auxiliary memory unit 33 of the server 30, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0035] The input unit 24 is a means for accepting an input operation performed by a user, and is, for example, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or a push button. The display 25 is a means for presenting information to a user, and is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The input unit 24 and the display 25 are It may be configured as a single touch panel display.

[0036] The communication unit 26 is a communication means for connecting the user terminal 20 to the network N1 or the network N2. The communication unit 26 is, for example, a mobile communication service (for example, telephone communication networks such as 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), and LTE (Long Term Evolution)), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The circuit is for communicating with other devices (such as the vehicle 10, the locker 18, or the server 30) via the network N1 or the network N2 using wireless communication networks such as NFC (Near Field Communication), LowEnergy (Trademark), or UWB (Ultra Wideband).

[0037] Next, the cleaning site terminal 40 will be described. The cleaning site terminal 40 is a small computer such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal information terminal, a wearable computer (such as a smart watch), or a personal computer (PC). The cleaning site terminal 40 has a processor 41, a main memory unit 42, an auxiliary memory unit 43, an input unit 44, a display 45, and a communication unit 46. These are connected to each other by a bus. Note that these configurations are similar to the processor 21, the main memory unit 22, the auxiliary memory unit 23, the input unit 24, the display 25, and the communication unit 26 of the user terminal 20, so their description will be omitted.

[0038] Next, the functions of the server 30 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the server 30. The server 30 includes, as functional components, a control unit 300, a user information DB 311, a vehicle information DB 312, a baggage information DB 313, a cleaning site information DB 314, and a map information DB 315. The processor 31 of the server 30 executes the processing of the control unit 300 by a computer program on the main memory unit 32. However, any of the functional components or a part of the processing may be executed by a hardware circuit. The control unit 300 includes a vehicle management unit 301, a baggage management unit 302, and a command unit 303.

[0039] The user information DB311, the vehicle information DB312, the baggage information DB313, the cleaning area information DB314, and the map information DB315 are constructed by a database management system (DBMS) program executed by the processor 31 managing data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33. The user information DB311, the vehicle information DB312, the baggage information DB313, the cleaning area information DB314, and the map information DB315 are, for example, relational databases.

[0040] Any of the functional components of the server 30, or part of the processing thereof, may be executed by another computer connected to the network N1.

[0041] The vehicle management unit 301 collects information about the vehicles 10 and updates a vehicle information DB 312 described below. Specifically, the vehicle management unit 301 periodically communicates with a plurality of vehicles 10 and collects information about the vehicles 10 (hereinafter also referred to as vehicle information). The collected information is reflected in the vehicle information DB 312 described below.

[0042] The baggage management unit 302 acquires a baggage deposit request from a user who wishes to deposit baggage. The baggage deposit request is information for calling the vehicle 10 at the user's desired location to deposit the baggage. The baggage deposit request is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 30. The request includes information such as the user ID, the drop-off location, the drop-off date and time, and the size of the baggage. The user ID is an identifier unique to the user. The user information (e.g., name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc.) corresponding to the user ID is stored in advance by the user. The user information may be registered using the user terminal 20, or may be sent from the user terminal 20 together with a deposit request. This user information is stored in the user information DB 311. The user information DB 311 is formed by storing user information in the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the user is linked to the user information. The deposit point is a point where the user wishes to deposit the luggage in the locker 18 of the vehicle 10, and is indicated by, for example, coordinates (latitude and longitude), an address, or the name of a building. The deposit date and time is a date and time when the user wishes to deposit the luggage in the locker of the vehicle 10. The deposit date and time may be specified as a time period with a certain degree of flexibility.

[0043] The baggage management unit 302 also acquires a pickup request from a user who wishes to pick up a baggage. The pickup request is information for calling the vehicle 10 with the baggage loaded at a location desired by the user for the purpose of picking up the baggage. The pickup request is transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 30. The pickup request includes information regarding the user ID, the pickup location, the pickup date and time, and the like. The pickup location is a location where the user wishes to pick up the baggage from the locker 18 of the vehicle 10, and is indicated by, for example, coordinates (latitude and longitude), an address, or the name of a building. The pickup date and time is a date and time where the user wishes to pick up the baggage from the locker 18 of the vehicle 10. The pickup date and time may be specified as a time period with a certain degree of width. The pickup request may be transmitted from the user terminal 20 at the same time as the deposit request, or may be transmitted from the user terminal 20 after the deposit request.

[0044] The baggage management unit 302 stores the information included in the deposit request and the information included in the pick-up request in a baggage information DB 313, which will be described later.

[0045] When the command unit 303 receives a request for deposit or pick-up, it determines the location where the baggage is to be deposited or picked up (i.e., the location where the vehicle 10 is dispatched; hereinafter, the dispatch location) and the date and time (hereinafter, the dispatch date and time), and generates an operation command which is a command for operating the vehicle 10. The operation command includes, for example, the route of the vehicle 10. The command unit 303 generates the route based on the map information stored in the map information DB 315. The command unit 303 generates an operation command for the vehicle 10 to depart from the current location and travel via each dispatch location on the dispatch date and time. The operation command also includes a command to deposit the baggage from the user at each dispatch location, or a command to hand over the baggage to the user.

[0046] For example, when the command unit 303 receives a deposit request from a user, the command unit 303 selects a dispatchable vehicle 10 based on information such as the deposit point, the deposit date and time, and the size of the baggage included in the deposit request. A dispatchable vehicle 10 is a vehicle that has a vacant box 180 that can deposit a baggage of the corresponding size and can move to the deposit point on the deposit date and time. For example, a vehicle that has a reservation for depositing or picking up baggage at another location on the same date and time does not correspond to a vehicle 10 that can move to the deposit point on the deposit date and time. Therefore, the command unit 303 selects a vehicle 10 according to the dispatch point and dispatch date and time corresponding to the other baggage. Note that if there is no dispatchable vehicle 10 on the deposit date and time desired by the user, the command unit 303 may notify the user terminal 20 that the baggage cannot be deposited. At this time, the user terminal 20 may be notified of the date and time when the baggage can be deposited at the deposit point.

[0047] In the above description, the request for deposit includes the date and time of deposit, but this is not limiting, and the date and time of deposit may be presented to the user by the server 30. For example, when the server 30 acquires the deposit point, the date and time when the baggage can be deposited based on the reservation status of the box 180 may be displayed. and notify the user terminal 20 of the available date and time for deposit. If there are multiple available dates and times for deposit, multiple available dates and times for deposit may be presented to the user. In this way, the user may be able to select from multiple available dates and times for deposit. Similarly, the deposit point may not be included in the deposit request, and the server 30 may present the user with the deposit point. Furthermore, as an alternative, the server 30 may present the user with the deposit point and the deposit date and time.

[0048] Furthermore, when the command unit 303 receives a pickup request from a user, for example, the command unit 303 selects the vehicle 10 to be dispatched based on information such as the user ID, pickup location, and pickup date and time included in the pickup request. The vehicle 10 to be dispatched at this time is the vehicle in which the user has already left his / her luggage. Therefore, the command unit 303 identifies the vehicle 10 in which the user has already left his / her luggage based on the user ID. Then, the command unit 303 determines whether or not the vehicle 10 can be dispatched to the pickup location on the pickup date and time based on the pickup location and pickup date and time included in the pickup request. If the vehicle 10 cannot be dispatched on the pickup date and time desired by the user, the command unit 303 may notify the user terminal 20 that the luggage cannot be delivered at the pickup location on the pickup date and time. At this time, the command unit 303 may notify the user terminal 20 of the date and time when the luggage can be delivered at the pickup location.

[0049] In the above description, the pickup request includes the pickup date and time, but this is not limiting, and the server 30 may present the pickup date and time to the user. For example, when the server 30 acquires the pickup point, the server 30 may acquire the date and time when the parcel can be picked up based on the reservation status of the box 180, and notify the user terminal 20 of the available pickup date and time. If there are multiple available pickup dates and times, the multiple available pickup dates and times may be presented to the user. In this way, the user may be able to select from multiple available pickup dates and times. Similarly, the server 30 may present the pickup point to the user without including the pickup point in the pickup request. Furthermore, as an alternative method, the server 30 may present the pickup point and pickup date and time to the user.

[0050] Furthermore, the luggage management unit 302 acquires a detection value of the soiling sensor 181 from the vehicle 10. The detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is included in, for example, vehicle information periodically transmitted from the vehicle 10. Then, when the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 indicates a value that requires cleaning, the luggage management unit 302 transmits a command to the vehicle 10 to prohibit the use of some of the boxes 180. For example, the luggage management unit 302 divides the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 into three soiling levels and executes processing according to each level. For example, the three levels may be a first level that does not require cleaning, a second level that requires cleaning but can be done when there is free time, and a third level that requires cleaning immediately. Note that the division into levels is not limited to three, and may be two, four or more.

[0051] The second level may be a level that requires simple cleaning. Simple cleaning may be, for example, cleaning that can be completed within a predetermined time or cleaning using household cleaning tools. On the other hand, when cleaning requires more than a predetermined time, the third level may be used. The third level may be a level that requires special cleaning. For example, when the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is less than a first threshold, the first level may be used, when the detection value is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold, the second level may be used, and when the detection value is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the third level may be used. In other words, the level may be set such that the larger the detection value of the soiling sensor 181, the longer it takes to clean.

[0052] For example, when an odor is detected by the dirt sensor 181, if the odor corresponds to the first level, the luggage management section 302 does nothing in particular. On the other hand, if the odor corresponds to the second level, the use of the corresponding box 180 is prohibited. In this case, the use of the corresponding box 180 is prohibited until cleaning of the corresponding box 180 is completed. In this case, the vehicle 10 or locker 18 during maintenance and inspection. In addition, when the odor corresponds to the third level, not only the corresponding box 180 but also the surrounding boxes 180 may be prohibited from use. Here, if the odor flows to other boxes 180, users who use the other boxes 180 may feel uncomfortable. There is also a risk that the odor will transfer to luggage stored in the surrounding boxes 180. Therefore, by prohibiting the use of not only the corresponding box 180 but also the surrounding boxes 180, it is possible to prevent users from feeling uncomfortable or the odor from transferring to luggage. The surrounding boxes 180 include, for example, the boxes 180 above, below, left and right of the corresponding box 180, and the boxes 180 further to the left and right of the boxes 180 above and below. Therefore, at the third level, the use of a total of nine boxes 180 is prohibited.

[0053] Furthermore, when liquid is detected by the contamination sensor 181, the first threshold and the second threshold may be set so as to correspond to at least the second level or the third level. Furthermore, the first threshold may be set to a value that prevents liquid from flowing out of the corresponding box 180, and the second threshold may be set to a value that may cause liquid to flow out of the corresponding box 180. For example, at the third level, there is a risk that liquid may also flow into the boxes 180 around the corresponding box 180, so the use of the surrounding boxes 180 is also prohibited. At this time, the liquid flows laterally or downward, but not upward, so the use of the boxes 180 to the left and right of the corresponding box 180, the box 180 below, and the boxes 180 to the left and right of the box 180 below may be prohibited.

[0054] Also, when dirt is detected by the dirt sensor 181, if the dirt cannot be removed immediately, the dirt level may be determined to be the third level. The type or degree of dirt is determined, for example, by image processing. If the dirt does not affect the surrounding box 180, a second threshold may be set so that even if the dirt is highly dirty, it is classified as the second level.

[0055] The use of the prohibited box 180 is prohibited until cleaning is completed, but cleaning may not be limited to the box 180 in question, but may also be performed on the surrounding boxes 180 at the same time. In particular, when the soiling level is the third level, the surrounding boxes 180 may be cleaned in addition to the box 180 in question, since there is a risk of soiling the surrounding boxes 180. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not to clean each box 180 based on the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 of each of the surrounding boxes 180. For example, even if the boxes 180 around the box 180 in question have a soiling level of the third level, the boxes 180 in which the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is less than the first threshold value may not be cleaned.

[0056] The package management unit 302 stores information on the damage level corresponding to the box 180 and on the availability of the box 180 in a package information DB 313, which will be described later.

[0057] Next, the configuration of vehicle information stored in the vehicle information DB 312 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the vehicle information DB 312. The vehicle information table has fields for vehicle ID, current location, status, and route. Information that can identify a vehicle (vehicle ID) is input into the vehicle ID field. The vehicle ID is assigned to each vehicle by, for example, the vehicle management unit 301. Information (position information) related to the current location of the vehicle 10 is input into the current location field. The current location of the vehicle 10 is detected by the position information sensor 15 of the vehicle 10 and transmitted to the server 30.

[0058] The status field is a field in which data representing the current state of the vehicle 10 is stored. Specifically, information on the remaining battery charge of the vehicle 10 or the distance that can be traveled is stored. Information on the route of the vehicle 10 is input into the route field.

[0059] Next, the configuration of the luggage information stored in the luggage information DB 313 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table configuration of the luggage information DB 313. The luggage information table has fields for vehicle ID, box number, user ID, size, deposit point, deposit date and time, pick-up point, pick-up date and time, level, and usability. In the vehicle ID field, information capable of identifying a vehicle (vehicle ID) is input. In the box number field, information capable of identifying a box 180 (box number) is input. In the user ID field, information capable of identifying a user (user ID) is input. In the size field, information related to the size of the luggage is input. For example, the size may be indicated by the dimensions of length, width, and depth, or may be indicated by predefined sizes such as large, medium, and small.

[0060] In the drop-off point field, information on the point where the user drops off the luggage is input. In the drop-off point field, information on the point that may be the destination of the vehicle 10 when the user drops off the luggage in the locker 18 of the vehicle 10, such as coordinates, address, or building name, is input. In the drop-off date and time field, information on the date and time when the user drops off the luggage is input. In the pick-up point field, information on the point where the user picks up the luggage is input. In the pick-up point field, information on the point that may be the destination of the vehicle 10 when the user picks up the luggage from the locker 18 of the vehicle 10, such as coordinates, address, or building name, is input. In the pick-up date and time field, information on the date and time when the user picks up the luggage is input.

[0061] In the level field, information on the level of the damage is entered. For example, 1 is entered when the damage level is the first level, 2 is entered when the damage level is the second level, and 3 is entered when the damage level is the third level. In the usability field, information on whether the box 180 can be used is entered. "Yes" is entered for a usable box 180, and "No" is entered for an unavailable box 180. For example, a box 180 with a damage level of the second or third level is prohibited from use, so "No" is entered in the usability field. Also, if the boxes 180 around a box 180 of the third level are also prohibited from use, "No" is entered in the usability field.

[0062] Next, the configuration of the cleaning station information stored in the cleaning station information DB314 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the table configuration of the cleaning station information DB314. The cleaning station information table has fields for cleaning station ID, location, available time, and available level. Information (cleaning station ID) that can identify the cleaning station is input into the cleaning station ID field. The cleaning station ID is assigned to each cleaning station by, for example, the baggage management unit 302. Information on the location of the cleaning station is input into the location field. The location of the cleaning station is expressed by, for example, coordinates or an address. The available time field is input with the day of the week and the time when the vehicle 10 can be cleaned. Information on the available level field is input with information on the available level. For example, if the second level is available, 2 is input, and if the third level is available, 3 is input. Note that a cleaning station that can handle the third level can also handle the second level. The information input into the cleaning station information DB314 is transmitted in advance from the cleaning station terminal 40 by a cleaner.

[0063] The map information DB 315 stores map information such as link data related to roads (links), node data related to node points, intersection data related to each intersection, search data for searching for routes, facility data related to facilities, search data for searching for points, etc. In addition, information related to the speed limit etc. corresponding to each road, or information related to the attributes of each road may be stored.

[0064] Next, the functions of the vehicle 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a traveling unit 101 and a locker management unit 102 as functional components. The processor 11 of the vehicle 10 executes the processing of the traveling unit 101 and the locker management unit 102 by a computer program on the main memory unit 12. However, any of the functional components or a part of the processing may be executed by a hardware circuit. Note that any of the functional components of the vehicle 10 or a part of the processing may be executed by another computer connected to the network N1.

[0065] The driving unit 101 controls the driving of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 drives autonomously. The driving unit 101 generates a control command for controlling the drive unit 17 by using data detected by the environmental information sensor 16. The driving unit 101 controls the speed, steering angle, etc. of the vehicle 10, for example, by controlling a plurality of motors to generate differences in rotation speeds of a plurality of rotors.

[0066] The traveling unit 101 generates a traveling trajectory of the vehicle 10 based on data detected by the environmental information sensor 16, for example, and controls the drive unit 17 so that the vehicle 10 travels along the traveling trajectory. A known method can be adopted as a method for autonomously traveling the vehicle 10. The traveling unit 101 may perform feedback control based on the detection value of the environmental information sensor 16 during autonomous traveling. The traveling unit 101 autonomously travels so as to travel a predetermined route. This route is included in a driving command transmitted from the server 30.

[0067] For example, the traveling unit 101 drives the vehicle 10 based on a travel route and a destination included in an operation command received from the server 30. When there is a request for deposit or pick-up, the dispatch point becomes the destination. Then, the vehicle 10 is stopped at the dispatch point so that the user can deposit or pick up the baggage.

[0068] In addition, the traveling unit 101 periodically transmits information about the vehicle 10 to the server 30. The traveling unit 101 transmits information about the current location, the remaining battery capacity, and the like acquired by the position information sensor 15 to the server 30 as information about the vehicle 10.

[0069] The locker management unit 102 also authenticates the user terminal 20 of the user who deposits or picks up luggage, authenticates the cleaning site terminal 40 of the cleaner who performs cleaning, and locks and unlocks the box 180. The locker management unit 102 acquires authentication information of the user terminal 20 or the cleaning site terminal 40 from the server 30 via the network N1. The locker management unit 102 also establishes communication with the user terminal 20 or the cleaning site terminal 40 via the network N2 to authenticate the user terminal 20 or the cleaning site terminal 40. For example, when the authentication information acquired from the server 30 matches the authentication information acquired from the user terminal 20 or the cleaning site terminal 40, the authentication of the user terminal 20 or the cleaning site terminal 40 is successful.

[0070] If the authentication of the user terminal 20 is successful, the locker management unit 102 unlocks the box 180 corresponding to the size of the luggage input by the user and opens the door. After that, when the user closes the door of the box 180, the locker management unit 102 locks the box 180 and notifies the server 30 that the user has left the luggage. Alternatively, the user may be authenticated according to the information input by the user to the input / output unit 182. For example, authentication is successful when the password input by the user to the input / output unit 182 matches the password obtained from the server 30. This password may be determined by the server 30. Alternatively, the password input by the user to the user terminal 20 may be transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the server 30.

[0071] Similarly, when picking up a package, the locker management unit 102 acquires authentication information of the user terminal 20 from the server 30 via the network N1. The locker management unit 102 also establishes communication with the user terminal 20 via the network N2 to authenticate the user. For example, the authentication information acquired from the server 30 and the authentication information acquired from the user terminal 20 are If they match, the user is successfully authenticated. If the user is successfully authenticated, the lock and door of the box 180 in which the user has deposited his / her luggage are unlocked and opened. The number of the box in which the user has deposited his / her luggage may be obtained from the server 30. Alternatively, the number of the box in which the user has deposited his / her luggage may be stored in the auxiliary memory unit 13 of the vehicle 10 when the user deposits his / her luggage.

[0072] Furthermore, when the authentication of the cleaning site terminal 40 is successful, the locker management unit 102 unlocks the box 180 that needs to be cleaned and opens the door. The box 180 that needs to be cleaned is specified by the server 30. After that, when the cleaner closes the door of the box 180, the box 180 is locked and the server 30 is notified that the cleaning has been completed. Alternatively, the cleaner may be authenticated according to the information input by the cleaner to the input / output unit 182. For example, when the password input by the cleaner to the input / output unit 182 matches the password acquired from the server 30, the authentication is successful. This password may be determined by the server 30. Alternatively, the password input by the cleaner to the cleaning site terminal 40 may be transmitted from the cleaning site terminal 40 to the server 30.

[0073] In addition, the locker management unit 102 periodically transmits the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 to the server 30 via the network N1. As a result, the use of a certain box 180 may be prohibited. In that case, for example, unlocking of the box 180 prohibited from use is restricted based on a command from the server 30. However, in the cleaning site, unlocking of the box 180 prohibited from use is permitted by the server 30. Since the number of the box 180 where the user deposits his / her luggage is managed by the server 30, the server 30 manages the box 180 so that the user does not deposit luggage in the box 180 prohibited from use. Therefore, the user terminal 20 cannot unlock the box 180 prohibited from use, but the cleaning site terminal 40 can unlock the box 180 prohibited from use.

[0074] Next, the functions of user terminal 20 will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of user terminal 20. User terminal 20 has a locker utilization unit 201 as a functional component. Processor 21 of user terminal 20 executes the processing of locker utilization unit 201 by a computer program on main memory unit 22. However, part of the processing of locker utilization unit 201 may be executed by a hardware circuit. Note that part of the processing of locker utilization unit 201 may be executed by another computer connected to network N1.

[0075] The locker utilization unit 201 generates a deposit request and a pick-up request in accordance with input to the input unit 24 of the user terminal 20. The locker utilization unit 201 displays a screen for using the lockers 18 on the output unit 25. For example, buttons are displayed along with the words "Deposit" and "Pick-up."

[0076] When the user taps the "Deposit" button, the locker utilization unit 201 requests the input of user information. Once the user information is input, the information is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 23, and thereafter, the locker 18 may be used by, for example, simply by inputting a password. The user inputs the deposit location, deposit date and time, address, name, telephone number, e-mail address, etc. via the input unit 24. When the user has completed the input, the locker The utilization unit 201 generates a deposit request and transmits it to the server 30 via the network N1.

[0077] On the other hand, when the user taps the "Pick up" button, the locker utilization unit 201 prompts the user to input the pick-up location, pick-up date and time, etc. When the user completes these inputs via the input unit 24, the locker utilization unit 201 generates a pick-up request and transmits it to the server 30 via the network N1.

[0078] When the deposit request and pick-up request are transmitted, information regarding the deposit or pick-up of the luggage may be transmitted from the server 30. For example, information indicating that the luggage can be deposited or picked up under the conditions transmitted by the user terminal 20, or information indicating that the luggage cannot be deposited or picked up under the conditions transmitted by the user terminal 20, is transmitted from the server 30. The locker utilization unit 201 causes the output unit 25 to display a screen corresponding to the information.

[0079] Furthermore, when a user deposits luggage in or collects luggage from the locker 18, the locker usage unit 201 establishes communication with the communication unit 26 of the locker 18 and transmits information about the user to the locker 18. Thus, the user terminal 20 is used as a key for unlocking the box 180 of the locker 18.

[0080] Next, the baggage deposit and pick-up process in the server 30 will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the baggage deposit and pick-up process in the server 30 according to this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 10 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the server 30. Note that the description will be given assuming that user information is stored in the user information DB 311 in advance.

[0081] In step S101, the baggage management unit 302 determines whether or not a deposit request has been received from the user terminal 20. If the determination in step S101 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S102, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S102, the baggage management unit 302 selects a vehicle 10 in which to deposit the user's baggage. Based on the information included in the deposit request and the information stored in the baggage information DB 313, the baggage management unit 302 selects a vehicle 10 that can move to the deposit point on the deposit date and time and has space in the box 180 corresponding to the size of the user's baggage.

[0082] In step S103, the command unit 303 generates an operation command to cause the vehicle 10 to depart from the current location and travel via the deposit point on the deposit date and time. The command unit 303 also generates an operation command to authenticate the user terminal 20 at the deposit point and to receive luggage from the user. Then, in step S104, the command unit 303 transmits the operation command to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, in step S105, the command unit 303 updates the vehicle information DB 312. That is, the command unit 303 inputs a new route into the route field.

[0083] In step S106, the baggage management unit 302 updates the baggage information DB 313. That is, the baggage management unit 302 inputs information related to the user ID, size, deposit point, and deposit date and time into the baggage information DB 313.

[0084] Furthermore, in step S107, the baggage management unit 302 determines whether or not a pick-up request has been received from the user terminal 20. If the determination in step S107 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S113. In step S108, the baggage management unit 302 identifies the vehicle 10 in which the user's baggage is being stored. Based on the information included in the pick-up request and the information stored in the baggage information DB 313, the baggage management unit 302 identifies the vehicle 10 in which the baggage with a matching user ID is being stored.

[0085] In step S109, the command unit 303 generates an operation command to cause the vehicle 10 to depart from the current location and travel via the pick-up point on the pick-up date and time. The command unit 303 also generates an operation command to authenticate the user terminal 20 at the pick-up point and hand over the baggage to the user. Then, in step S110, the command unit 303 transmits the operation command to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, in step S111, the command unit 303 updates the vehicle information DB 312. That is, the command unit 303 inputs a new route into the route field.

[0086] In step S112, the package management unit 302 updates the package information DB 313. That is, the package management unit 302 inputs the pickup location and pickup date and time into the package information DB 313.

[0087] In step S113, the baggage management unit 302 determines whether or not the receipt of the baggage has been completed. For example, when the receipt of the baggage has been completed, information including the vehicle ID, the box number, and the user ID is transmitted from the vehicle 10 to the server 30. When this information is received, it is determined that the receipt of the baggage has been completed. If the determination in step S113 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S114, and if the determination is negative, the routine is terminated. In step S114, the baggage management unit 302 updates the baggage information DB 313. That is, information related to the user ID, deposit point, deposit date and time, pick-up point, and pick-up date and time corresponding to the vehicle ID and box number is reset. Note that information related to the level and availability is not reset here.

[0088] Next, the processing of the entire system 1 when the locker 18 is soiled will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of the processing of the entire system 1 when the locker 18 is soiled. The vehicle 10 periodically acquires a detection value of the soiling sensor 181 (S11) and transmits it to the server 30 (S12). The server 30 determines whether or not soiling has occurred based on the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 (S13). For example, when the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value or equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the server 30 determines that soiling has occurred. When the server 30 determines that soiling has occurred, the server 30 generates an operation command including a command to prohibit use of the box 180 (S14). The operation command is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10 (S15).

[0089] The vehicle 10 that has received the driving command generates a control command for controlling the drive unit 17 based on the driving command (S16). Then, the vehicle 10 performs driving control in accordance with the control command (S17).

[0090] Next, the command generation process in the server 30 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the command generation process according to this embodiment. The command generation process shown in Fig. 12 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the server 30. Note that the description will be given on the assumption that at least one piece of luggage has already been deposited in the box 180. Also, this routine is executed for each vehicle 10.

[0091] In step S151, the luggage management unit 302 determines whether or not it has received detection values ​​of each of the soiling sensors 181 corresponding to each box 180 from the vehicle 10. The detection values ​​of the soiling sensors 181 are linked to box numbers. In this embodiment, the detection values ​​of all of the soiling sensors 181 are transmitted from the vehicle 10, but as an alternative, only the detection values ​​of the soiling sensors 181 whose detection values ​​are equal to or greater than the first threshold value may be transmitted from the vehicle 10. If a positive determination is made in step S151, the process proceeds to step S152, and if a negative determination is made, the routine is terminated.

[0092] In step S152, the luggage management unit 302 executes a level determination loop. The level determination loop is repeated until the soiling level is determined for all the soiling sensors 181. In step S153, the luggage management unit 302 determines whether the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. If the determination in step S153 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S154, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S156. In step S154, the luggage management unit 302 determines that the soiling level of the box 180 linked to the soiling sensor 181 is a third level. In this case, it may be considered that soiling has occurred in the box 180 linked to the soiling sensor 181 and in the boxes 180 around it.

[0093] In step S155, the luggage management unit 302 updates the luggage information DB 313. The luggage management unit 302 updates the level and usability fields of the record of the corresponding vehicle 10 based on the damage level. For a box 180 with a third level of damage, the luggage management unit 302 inputs "3" into the level field of the record corresponding to the box 180 to which the damage sensor 181 is attached. In addition, the luggage management unit 302 inputs "not allowed" into the usability field of the record corresponding to the box 180 to which the damage sensor 181 is attached and the surrounding boxes 180. Therefore, in this step S155, a total of nine boxes 180, including the box 180 linked to the damage sensor 181 and the surrounding boxes 180, are prohibited from use.

[0094] Alternatively, the boxes 180 to be prohibited from use may be determined based on the type or degree of dirt. For example, if liquid is spilled, the boxes 180 located below the box 180 into which the liquid has spilled, i.e., the boxes 180 into which the liquid may flow, may be prohibited from use.

[0095] In step S156, the baggage management unit 302 determines whether the detection value of the dirt sensor 181 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. If the determination in step S156 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S157, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S159. In step S157, the baggage management unit 302 determines that the dirt level of the box 180 linked to the dirt sensor 181 is the second level.

[0096] In step S158, the luggage management unit 302 updates the luggage information DB 313. For a box 180 whose soiling level is the second level, the luggage management unit 302 enters "2" in the level field of the record corresponding to the box 180 to which the soiling sensor 181 is attached. In addition, the luggage management unit 302 enters "not available" in the availability field of the record corresponding to the box 180 to which the soiling sensor 181 is attached. Therefore, in this step S158, the box 180 linked to the soiling sensor 181 is prohibited from use.

[0097] On the other hand, in step S159, the luggage management unit 302 determines that the soiling level of the box 180 linked to the soiling sensor 181 is the first level. In step S160, the luggage management unit 302 updates the luggage information DB 313. For the box 180 with a soiling level of the first level, the luggage management unit 302 inputs "1" into the level field of the record corresponding to the box 180 to which the soiling sensor 181 is attached. In addition, the luggage management unit 302 inputs "OK" into the usability field of the record corresponding to the box 180 to which the soiling sensor 181 is attached. However, if "NOT OK" has already been input, the unit leaves the field as "NOT OK". For example, if the luggage management unit 302 inputs "NOT OK" into the usability field for the box 180 around the box 180 with the third level of soiling in step S155, it is not appropriate to put luggage in the box 180, so the state of "NOT OK" is maintained. In addition, even if "OK" is input in this step S160, the unit may input "NOT OK" in the following step S155.

[0098] In addition, for a box 180 for which "Not available" has been entered in the availability field, the user is prohibited from depositing luggage therein until cleaning is completed at the cleaning site. For example, the command unit 303 may move the vehicle 10 to the cleaning site at predetermined time intervals to clean the lockers 18.

[0099] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the dirt level of each box 180 of the locker 18 is detected, and if the dirt level is high, not only the box 180 but also the surrounding boxes are prohibited from use, so that the dirt spreads during the movement of the vehicle 10 and damages the luggage are prevented. Furthermore, by prohibiting the use of the box 180 in which soiling has occurred, it is possible to prevent users who use the box after that from feeling uncomfortable.

[0100] <Second embodiment> In the second embodiment, a process related to cleaning will be described. In the second embodiment, different operation commands are generated according to the level of dirt. For example, when the level of dirt is the third level, if cleaning is not performed immediately, the dirt may spread to the surrounding boxes 180. For example, if liquid is spilled and the liquid flows into other boxes 180, there is a risk that the luggage of other users will get wet. In addition, in the case of a strong odor, there is a risk that the odor will transfer to the luggage of the surrounding boxes 180, or that users using the surrounding boxes 180 will feel uncomfortable.

[0101] Therefore, in the second embodiment, when a box 180 with a third level of soiling is present, the command unit 303 generates a driving command so that the vehicle 10 immediately moves to a cleaning site. The cleaning sites are classified according to the level of soiling that they can handle. The level of soiling that each cleaning site can handle is stored in the cleaning site information DB 314.

[0102] The luggage management unit 302 selects a cleaning site corresponding to the vehicle 10 equipped with the locker 18 in which the box 180 with a third level of soiling exists. Based on the information stored in the cleaning site information DB 314, the luggage management unit 302 extracts cleaning sites that can handle the third level and are currently available for handling. Furthermore, the closest cleaning site may be selected from among them, or the closest cleaning site from the route to the next dispatch point may be selected. In addition, in the case of the third level, cleaning of the locker 18 may be given top priority. For example, even if the arrival at the next dispatch point is delayed from the dispatch date and time, cleaning may be performed at the cleaning site. That is, in the case of the third level, since there is a risk of affecting other luggage, cleaning may be given priority in order to reduce the impact on other luggage.

[0103] When the soiling level is the third level, not only the box 180 for which the detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, but also the boxes 180 around it may be targeted for cleaning. Alternatively, the box 180 to be cleaned may be determined based on the type or degree of soiling. For example, when liquid is spilled, the boxes 180 located below the box 180 on which the liquid is spilled, i.e., the boxes 180 through which the liquid may flow, may be targeted for cleaning.

[0104] In addition, the luggage management unit 302 may generate an operation command to perform cleaning at a predetermined timing when a box 180 with a second level of soiling is present. The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing when passing near a cleaning site (within a predetermined distance from the cleaning site) and when cleaning is performed, it is in time for the next dispatch date and time. The cleaning site selected at this time is a cleaning site that corresponds to the second level or higher and is within the available time. At the second level, cleaning may be performed when cleaning is possible. As an alternative, when a predetermined time arrives and a box 180 with a second level of soiling is present, an operation command may be generated to head to the cleaning site. As a further alternative, when a box 180 with a second level of soiling is present, an operation command may be generated to perform cleaning, for example, during maintenance inspection or when the battery is charged. At this time, cleaning of the box 180 with a first level of soiling may also be performed.

[0105] The package management unit 302 selects a cleaning site corresponding to the vehicle 10 that is equipped with the locker 18 determined to be the second level. Based on the information stored in the cleaning site information DB 314, the package management unit 302 extracts cleaning sites that can handle the second level and can handle the specified timing. Furthermore, from among them, the closest cleaning site may be selected, or the cleaning site closest to the next dispatch location may be selected. A cleaning site closest to the route to the point may be selected. The cleaning site corresponding to the second level may include the home of a registered user. For example, simple cleaning such as picking up trash in the box 180 can be performed by an individual user. In such a case, the user may be requested to clean and the vehicle 10 may be moved to the user's home. When the individual user cleans, an incentive may be given to the user. The incentive may be, for example, electronic money or a discount on the usage fee for the locker 18.

[0106] Next, the command generation process in the server 30 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the command generation process according to this embodiment. The command generation process shown in FIG. 13 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the server 30. This routine is executed for each vehicle 10. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 can be executed independently of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

[0107] In step S201, the luggage management unit 302 determines whether or not it has received detection values ​​of the respective soiling sensors 181 corresponding to the respective boxes 180 from the vehicle 10. If the determination in step S201 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S202, and if the determination is negative, the routine is terminated.

[0108] In step S202, the baggage management unit 302 determines whether or not there is a box 180 in which the detection value of the dirt sensor 181 is equal to or greater than the second threshold. In this step S202, the detection values ​​of all the dirt sensors 181 are compared with the second threshold, and all the boxes 180 in which the detection value of the dirt sensor 181 is equal to or greater than the second threshold are extracted. If the determination in step S202 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S203, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0109] In step S203, the package management unit 302 selects a cleaning site corresponding to the third level. For example, the package management unit 302 selects a cleaning site that is closest to the current location of the vehicle 10 and is available during the available time. The package management unit 302 selects a cleaning site based on the current location or route entered in the vehicle information DB 312, and the location, available time, and available level entered in the cleaning site information DB 314.

[0110] In step S204, the baggage management unit 302 transmits an inquiry about acceptance to the cleaning site terminal 40 of the cleaning site selected in step S203. The baggage management unit 302 generates an inquiry about whether the vehicle 10 can be accepted, and transmits the inquiry to the cleaning site terminal 40 of the selected cleaning site. In step S205, the baggage management unit 302 judges whether or not a response that acceptance is possible has been received. If there is no response from the cleaning site terminal 40 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing may proceed assuming that a response that acceptance is not possible has been received. If the judgment in step S205 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step S210, and if the judgment is negative, the processing returns to step S203, and another cleaning site is selected. The other cleaning site may be the cleaning site next closest to the vehicle 10. In this manner, the processing is repeated until a response that acceptance is possible is received from the cleaning site terminal 40.

[0111] In step S206, the luggage management unit 302 determines whether or not there is a box 180 whose detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is equal to or greater than the first threshold. In this step S206, the detection values ​​of all the soiling sensors 181 are compared with the first threshold, and all the boxes 180 whose detection value of the soiling sensor 181 is equal to or greater than the first threshold are extracted. If the determination in step S206 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the determination in step S206 is negative, cleaning is not necessary, and therefore this routine is terminated.

[0112] In step S207, the baggage management unit 302 selects a cleaning site corresponding to the second level. For example, a cleaning site located within a predetermined distance from the route of the vehicle 10 and within the available time frame is selected. The luggage management unit 302 selects a cleaning site based on the route entered in the vehicle information DB 312 and the location, available time, and available level entered in the cleaning site information DB 314. When the soiling level is the second level, the impact on other luggage is small, so for example, when the vehicle 10 passes near a cleaning site, the vehicle 10 stops at the cleaning site to perform cleaning.

[0113] In step S208, the baggage management unit 302 transmits an inquiry about acceptance to the cleaning site terminal 40 of the cleaning site selected in step S207. The baggage management unit 302 generates an inquiry about whether the vehicle 10 can be accepted, and transmits the inquiry to the cleaning site terminal 40 of the selected cleaning site. In step S209, the baggage management unit 302 judges whether or not a response that acceptance is possible has been received. If there is no response from the cleaning site terminal 40 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing may proceed assuming that a response that acceptance is not possible has been received. If the judgment in step S209 is affirmative, the processing proceeds to step S210, and if the judgment is negative, the processing returns to step S207 and another cleaning site is selected. In this manner, the processing is repeated until a response that acceptance is possible is received from the cleaning site terminal 40.

[0114] In step S210, the command unit 303 generates a driving command. The driving command here is a driving command for traveling along a route including the cleaning site selected in step S203 or step S207. In step S211, the command unit 303 transmits the driving command to the vehicle 10. In addition, in step S212, the command unit 303 updates the route field of the vehicle information DB 312.

[0115] In step S213, the command unit 303 determines whether or not a cleaning completion notification has been received from the cleaning site terminal 40. The cleaning completion notification is a notification that notifies the user that cleaning of the locker 18 has been completed, and is a notification that is sent to the server 30 by the cleaner making a predetermined input into the cleaning site terminal 40 when cleaning is completed. If the determination in step S213 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S214, and if the determination is negative, the process of step S213 is executed again.

[0116] In step S214, the baggage management unit 302 updates the baggage information DB 313. The baggage management unit 302 inputs 1 into the level field corresponding to the record of the box 180 for which cleaning has been completed, and inputs "Yes" into the availability field. This makes it possible to check in baggage from then on.

[0117] Also, Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the command generation process when an individual user cleans according to this embodiment. The command generation process shown in Fig. 14 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the server 30. This routine is executed for each vehicle 10. Note that steps up to step S214 are the same as those in the flowchart shown in Fig. 12, so the same reference numerals are used and the description will be omitted.

[0118] In the routine shown in FIG. 14, when the process of step S214 is completed, the routine proceeds to step S301. In step S301, the command unit 303 determines whether or not the person who performed the cleaning is an individual user. Information that can determine whether or not the user is an individual user is stored, for example, in the cleaning site information DB 314. For example, the cleaning site information DB 314 may be provided with a field that stores information indicating whether or not the user is an individual user. Alternatively, for example, the cleaning site ID may be different between individual users and other users. If the determination in step S301 is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step S302, and if the determination is negative, the routine ends.

[0119] In step S302, the command unit 303 generates an incentive. The incentive is, for example, a discount coupon for the usage fee of the locker 18, or electronic money. In step S303, the command unit 303 transmits the incentive to the cleaning site terminal 40. The site terminal 40 is, for example, a personal smartphone or a personal computer.

[0120] As described above, according to the second embodiment, appropriate measures against soiling can be taken by changing the timing and location of cleaning depending on the level of soiling.

[0121] <Third embodiment> In the third embodiment, processing performed at the cleaning site will be described. Here, at the cleaning site, it may be necessary to unlock the box 180 in order to clean the soiled box 180. At this time, it may be necessary to unlock the box 180 containing luggage, but it is not preferable to unlock all the boxes 180 unconditionally because there is a risk of theft. Therefore, in the third embodiment, authentication information is transmitted from the server 30 to the cleaning site terminal 40 so that only the soiled box 180 can be unlocked. The other devices and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0122] The baggage management unit 302 selects the box 180 that can be unlocked according to the level of soiling. For example, the box 180 that is prohibited from use due to soiling may be selected as the box 180 that can be unlocked. That is, when the soiling level is the third level, nine boxes 180 including the soiled box 180 and the surrounding boxes 180 may be unlocked. When the soiling level is the second level, only the soiled box 180 may be unlocked. Alternatively, the boxes 180 surrounding the box 180 that is prohibited from use due to soiling may be unlocked to check whether the soiling has spread to the surrounding area. Alternatively, the privacy of the user who has deposited the baggage may be prioritized, and only the boxes 180 with a soiling level of the second or third level may be unlocked.

[0123] Furthermore, when unlocking a box 180 in which luggage is being kept, the luggage management unit 302 may obtain permission from the user who has kept the luggage. The luggage management unit 302 acquires a user ID corresponding to a box 180 in which "2" or "3" has been entered in the level field of the luggage information DB 313, or a user ID corresponding to a box 180 in which "unavailable" has been entered in the availability field, and transmits an inquiry to the user terminal 20 as to whether or not the box 180 may be unlocked, for example, by using e-mail, SMS (Short Message Service), or push notification, based on this user ID and the user information entered in the user information DB.

[0124] Then, the box 180 can be unlocked at the cleaning site only when a response indicating that unlocking is permitted is received from the user terminal 20. In other words, if a response indicating that unlocking is not permitted is received, or if no response is received at all, the box 180 cannot be unlocked at the cleaning site.

[0125] Locking and unlocking of the lockers 18 at the cleaning site is performed by the same process as that of the user terminal 20. That is, authentication information is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10 and the cleaning site terminal 40, and then, when communication is established between the vehicle 10 and the cleaning site terminal 40 and authentication is successful, the target box 180 can be unlocked. Alternatively, for example, when a cleaner at the cleaning site inputs a password to the input / output unit 182, the locker management unit 102 may unlock the box 180 to be cleaned. The password is transmitted from the server 30 to the cleaning site terminal 40. Also, after the password is input to the input / output unit 182, the box 180 to be unlocked is transmitted from the server 30 to the vehicle 10.

[0126] Next, the process of the entire system 1 when the locker 18 is soiled will be described. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of the process of the system 1 according to the third embodiment. Since this is the same as the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 11, the description will be omitted.

[0127] After transmitting an operation command prohibiting the use of the soiled box 180, the server 30 generates an inquiry to inquire of the user terminal 20 as to whether or not it is OK to unlock the box 180 (S21) and transmits the inquiry to the user terminal 20 (S22). The user terminal 20 that receives the inquiry displays the inquiry as to whether or not it is OK to unlock the box 180 on the output unit 25, and also displays a message prompting the user to respond. The user selects an answer, for example, by tapping either the "Yes" or "No" button displayed on the screen. When the user inputs an answer into the input unit 24 (S23), the answer is transmitted to the server 30 (S24).

[0128] The server 30 selects a cleaning site based on the location information and the contamination level of the vehicle 10 (S25). Furthermore, the server 30 generates authentication information for authenticating the cleaning site terminal 40 corresponding to the selected cleaning site (S26). This authentication information is transmitted to the vehicle 10 and the cleaning site terminal 40 (S27). Furthermore, the server 30 generates an operation command for the vehicle 10 to move the vehicle 10 to the cleaning site (S28) and transmits it to the vehicle 10 (S29).

[0129] The vehicle 10 generates a control command according to the operation command, and moves to the cleaning site by performing travel control according to the control command (S30). When the vehicle 10 arrives at the cleaning site, communication between the vehicle 10 and the cleaning site terminal 40 is established, and authentication information is transmitted from the cleaning site terminal 40 to the vehicle 10 (S31). If the authentication is successful in the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 unlocks the box 180 to be unlocked (S32). Then, when cleaning is completed at the cleaning site, a cleaning completion notice is transmitted from the cleaning site terminal 40 to the server 30 (S33). The cleaning completion notice is information indicating that cleaning has been completed, and includes the vehicle ID and the cleaning site ID. In the server 30 that receives the cleaning completion notice, for example, the package information DB 313 is updated.

[0130] Next, the command generation process in the server 30 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the command generation process according to the third embodiment. The command generation process shown in FIG. 16 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the server 30. This routine is executed for each vehicle 10. Furthermore, since the process is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 or 14 until a positive determination is made in step S205 or until a positive determination is made in step S209, illustration and description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the steps in which the same process as in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 or 14 is executed are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, if the determination in step S205 is affirmative or if the determination in step S209 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, the luggage management unit 302 identifies the user terminal 20 of the user who has left luggage in the box 180 that needs cleaning. The luggage management unit 302 accesses the luggage information DB 313 and extracts the user ID entered in the user ID field of the record in which "2" or "3" is entered in the level field of the target vehicle 10, or the user ID entered in the user ID field of the record in which "Not available" is entered in the availability field. The user ID is compared with the information stored in the user information DB 311 to identify the user and the user terminal 20.

[0132] In step S402, the package management unit 302 generates an inquiry to the identified user terminal 20 as to whether it is OK to unlock the box. This inquiry includes a command to display on the output unit 25 of the user terminal 20 an inquiry as to whether it is OK to unlock the box 180 because it has been damaged, and a command to transmit the answer entered into the input unit 24 of the user terminal 20 to the server 30. Note that if there are multiple boxes 180 that need to be unlocked, an inquiry is generated for each user terminal 20 corresponding to each box 180. In step S403, the package management unit 302 transmits the generated inquiry to the user terminal 20 identified in step S401.

[0133] In step S404, the package management unit 302 determines whether or not a response has been received from the user terminal 20. If an inquiry has been sent to multiple user terminals 20, it determines whether or not responses have been received from all of the user terminals 20. If a positive determination is made in step S404, the process proceeds to step S405, and if a negative determination is made, the process of step S404 is executed again. Note that if no response is received from the user terminal 20 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may proceed assuming that a response has been received that does not permit unlocking.

[0134] In step S405, the luggage management unit 302 determines whether or not a response has been received from the user terminal 20 indicating that the box may be unlocked. In this step S405, if a response indicating that the box may be unlocked has been received from at least one user terminal 20, a positive determination is made. If a positive determination is made in step S405, the process proceeds to step S406, and if a negative determination is made, the routine is terminated. If the routine is terminated, the box 180 in which the soiling has occurred is prohibited from continued use. Then, for example, when luggage is removed from the box 180 in which the soiling has occurred, the box 180 in question is cleaned.

[0135] In step S406, the command unit 303 generates authentication information. This authentication information is information for the locker 18 to authenticate the cleaning site terminal 40 in the cleaning site and is information that permits unlocking. Here, the authentication information is generated so that the box 180 that contains luggage and has received permission to unlock from the user terminal 20 can be unlocked. Note that the authentication information may be generated so that the box 180 that does not contain luggage can also be unlocked. In step S407, the command unit 303 transmits the generated authentication information to the vehicle 10 and the cleaning site terminal 40. Note that the authentication information generated by the command unit 303 may be a one-time key that is invalidated at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, the timing when the box 180 is closed, the timing when the box 180 is locked, the timing when a cleaning completion notification is sent, or the timing when a predetermined time has passed.

[0136] As described above, according to the third embodiment, only the boxes 180 permitted by the user are unlocked and cleaned, so that the invasion of the user's privacy can be suppressed. In addition, theft of luggage can be suppressed.

[0137] <Fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the timing of cleaning is changed based on the number of vacant boxes 180. For example, if there is a risk that baggage cannot be deposited without cleaning, the number of vacant boxes 180 is increased by cleaning. On the other hand, if baggage can be deposited in another box 180 even if the box 180 where dirt has occurred is prohibited from use without cleaning, cleaning is not performed immediately, but is performed at a normal frequency. The normal frequency refers to the frequency of cleaning that is performed in conjunction with maintenance and inspection of the locker 18 or battery charging, even if the box 180 is not soiled, and may be, for example, once a day or once every few days.

[0138] Next, the processing in the server 30 will be described. Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the processing in the server 30 according to the fourth embodiment. The processing shown in Fig. 17 is executed at predetermined time intervals in the server 30. This routine is executed for each vehicle 10. Note that the steps in which the same processing as in the above flowchart is executed are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0139] In step S501, the baggage management unit 302 checks whether a box that is prohibited from use due to being soiled is dirty. The baggage management unit 302 accesses the baggage information DB 313 and determines whether or not a box 180 exists in which "unavailable" has been entered in the availability field. If the determination in step S501 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S502, and if the determination is negative, the routine is terminated.

[0140] In step S502, the baggage management unit 302 determines whether the remaining number of boxes 180 whose use is not prohibited due to soiling is less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value here is the number at which a user may not be able to deposit baggage. This predetermined value is an optimal value that is determined in advance and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33. If the determination in step S502 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S503, and if the determination is negative, the routine is terminated.

[0141] In step S503, the baggage management unit 302 determines whether or not a box 180 exists whose soiling level corresponds to the third level. The baggage management unit 302 accesses the baggage information DB 313 and determines whether or not a box 180 exists whose level field has "3" entered. If the determination in step S503 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S203, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0142] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, cleaning is carried out so that the number of unsoiled boxes 180 reaches a predetermined value or more, thereby preventing an excessive number of boxes 180 prohibited from use from causing users to be unable to check in their luggage.

[0143] <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.

[0144] The processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0145] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by a plurality of devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed. For example, the server 30 may have some of the functions of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle 10 may have some or all of the functions of the server 30.

[0146] 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]

[0147] 1 System 10 Vehicles 18 Locker 20 User terminal 30 Servers 31 Processors 32 Main memory 33 Auxiliary storage section 34 Communications Department 40 Cleaning Station Terminal 180 Box 181 Contamination sensor 182 Input / output section 183 Communications Department

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a control unit for controlling a vehicle equipped with a storage device having a plurality of compartments in which a user can deposit baggage; and a sensor for detecting contamination of each of the plurality of compartments, when it is determined that a predetermined event related to the storage of luggage has occurred in a section where the detection value of the sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit restricts the user from depositing the luggage in the storage device until the vehicle equipped with the storage device moves to a predetermined location where the predetermined event can be resolved; The predetermined event is an event that affects the luggage deposited in the storage device, or an event that affects the user who deposited the luggage in the storage device. Information processing device.

2. the control unit determines that the predetermined event has occurred in a section in which the detection value of the sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and in a section in a range surrounding the section in which the detection value of the sensor is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and in accordance with the predetermined event; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit: determining that the predetermined event has occurred in a section where the detection value of the sensor is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value; generating a command for the vehicle to move to the predetermined location when there is a section having a detection value of the sensor that is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and that is greater than the first predetermined value; 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit determines the predetermined location based on the predetermined event. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. Further comprising a storage unit that stores a relationship between the predetermined location and the predetermined event. The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit permits unlocking only the compartment in which the predetermined event has occurred in the predetermined location. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the control unit permits unlocking of a compartment in which the predetermined event has occurred and a compartment in which the predetermined event has not occurred and in which the baggage is not stored, in the predetermined location. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The control unit permits unlocking of a compartment in which the luggage is stored, the compartment being associated with the luggage and for which permission to unlock has been obtained from the user, in the predetermined location. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The control unit is generating a command for the vehicle to move to the predetermined location when the number of compartments in which the luggage is not stored among the plurality of compartments is less than a predetermined value; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The predetermined location is any one of an automobile dealership, an automobile repair shop, a gas station, and a registered user's home. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. providing an incentive to the registered user when the registered user cleans the storage device; The information processing device according to claim 10.

12. An information processing method for controlling a vehicle equipped with a storage device having a plurality of compartments in which a user can deposit baggage, comprising: The computer when it is determined that a predetermined event related to the storage of luggage has occurred in a compartment where a detection value of a sensor that detects contamination for each of the plurality of compartments is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, restricting the user from depositing the luggage in the storage device until a vehicle equipped with the storage device moves to a predetermined location where the predetermined event can be resolved; The predetermined event is an event that affects the luggage deposited in the storage device, or an event that affects the user who deposited the luggage in the storage device. Information processing methods.

13. The computer, determining that the predetermined event has occurred in a section in which the detection value of the sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value and in sections in a range surrounding the section in which the detection value of the sensor is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and in accordance with the predetermined event; The information processing method according to claim 12.

14. The computer, determining that the predetermined event has occurred in a section where a detection value of a sensor for detecting contamination in each of the plurality of sections is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value; generating a command for the vehicle to move to the predetermined location when there is a section having a detection value of the sensor that is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and that is greater than the first predetermined value; 14. The information processing method according to claim 12 or 13.

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