Vehicle, electronic signature issuance system, program, and electronic signature issuer

By integrating an electronic signature issuance system into autonomous delivery vehicles, the risk of misdelivery in leave-at-door services is mitigated, ensuring accurate and reliable package delivery.

JP7683552B2Active Publication Date: 2025-05-27TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022100674
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-06-22
Publication Date
2025-05-27
Estimated Expiration
2042-06-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing autonomous delivery systems do not adequately address the issue of misdelivery in leave-at-door delivery services, where packages may be delivered to absent recipients, leading to potential misplacement.

Method used

A vehicle equipped with a control unit that communicates with an electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination to verify the match between the package and the destination, obtaining an electronic signature when the match is confirmed, and then driving to place the package at the correct location.

Benefits of technology

This solution effectively suppresses misdelivery by ensuring that packages are only delivered after successful verification, enhancing the reliability and convenience of package delivery services.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To suppress incorrect delivery of packages in placement delivery services.SOLUTION: A vehicle 20 for autonomously delivering packages includes a control unit 26 that communicates with an electronic signature issuing machine 10 installed at a delivery destination in order to matching a package with the delivery destination, obtains an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuing machine 10 when matching the package with the delivery destination is established, and drives the vehicle 20 to deliver and place the package to the delivery destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, an electronic signature issuance system, a program, and an electronic signature issuer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for automatically delivering packages using an autonomous vehicle has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an autonomous delivery system that more appropriately presents a package delivery location to a user. Such an autonomous delivery system determines a first delivery candidate location or a second delivery candidate location as the delivery location, and presents the determined delivery location to the user before the autonomous vehicle starts delivering the package to the determined delivery location.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the prior art, sufficient consideration has not been given to, for example, leave-at-door delivery that is performed when the user at the delivery destination is absent from home and unable to receive the package. In such a leave-at-door delivery service, there was a possibility of misdelivery of the package.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique for suppressing misdelivery of packages in a leave-at-door delivery service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle that autonomously delivers packages. For verifying the match between the package and the delivery destination, it communicates with an electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination, obtains an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer when the match between the package and the delivery destination is established, and includes a control unit that drives the vehicle to place the package at the delivery destination.

[0007] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a vehicle that autonomously delivers packages to perform operations including communicating with an electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination for verifying the match between the package and the delivery destination, obtaining an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer when the match between the package and the delivery destination is established, and driving the vehicle to place the package at the delivery destination.

[0008] An electronic signature issuer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an electronic signature issuer installed at a delivery destination of a package and communicably connected to a vehicle that autonomously delivers packages. It includes a control unit that communicates with the vehicle for verifying the match between the package and the delivery destination, and provides an electronic signature to the vehicle when the match between the package and the delivery destination is established.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to a vehicle, an electronic signature issuance system, a program, and an electronic signature issuer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, misdelivery of packages in a drop-off service is suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an electronic signature issuing system 1 including a vehicle 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. While referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the electronic signature issuing system 1 including the vehicle 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be mainly described. The electronic signature issuing system 1 has an electronic signature issuer 10 and a terminal device 30 in addition to the vehicle 20.

[0013] In FIG. 1, for simplicity of explanation, only one vehicle 20 is illustrated, but the number of vehicles 20 included in the electronic signature issuing system 1 may be two or more. In FIG. 1, for simplicity of explanation, one electronic signature issuer 10 and one terminal device 30 are each illustrated, but the number of electronic signature issuers 10 and terminal devices 30 included in the electronic signature issuing system 1 may each be two or more. Each of the electronic signature issuer 10, the vehicle 20, and the terminal device 30 is communicably connected to a network 40 including a mobile communication network and the Internet.

[0014] The electronic signature issuer 10 is any device capable of providing the signature of the user at the delivery destination as an electronic signature. The electronic signature issuer 10 is installed at any location communicable with the vehicle 20 at the delivery destination, such as the user's home. In the present disclosure, the “user” includes, for example, the recipient who receives the package at the delivery destination. The electronic signature issuer 10 provides the signature of the user at the delivery destination as an electronic signature to the receiver corresponding to the electronic signature issuer 10 in order to prove that the package delivered by the vehicle 20 has been received at the delivery destination. More specifically, the electronic signature issuer 10 is directly communicably connected to the receiver mounted on the vehicle 20 that has arrived at the delivery destination by communication means such as wireless communication, and transmits the electronic signature to the receiver using the communication means.

[0015] Vehicle 20 includes any electric vehicle that moves between points by autonomous driving. Vehicle 20 includes, for example, a small delivery vehicle that autonomously delivers goods without a driver. Without being limited to this, Vehicle 20 may include any electric vehicle that travels autonomously with a driver on board.

[0016] Vehicle 20 autonomously delivers goods to at least one delivery destination. When Vehicle 20 arrives at the delivery destination, it delivers the goods addressed to the user at the delivery destination to the user. When the user at the delivery destination cannot directly receive the goods for reasons such as being absent, Vehicle 20 places the goods at a location designated by the user at the delivery destination or, if necessary, takes them back without placing the goods.

[0017] The terminal device 30 is a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or a PC (Personal Computer). The terminal device 30 is, for example, an electronic device used by a user at a delivery destination who receives the delivery of goods by Vehicle 20. The terminal device 30 is not limited to these, and may be one electronic device used by the user or a plurality of server devices capable of communicating with each other, or may be an electronic device dedicated to the electronic signature issuing system 1.

[0018] As an overview of one embodiment, Vehicle 20 autonomously delivers goods. Vehicle 20 executes communication with the electronic signature issuing machine 10 installed at the delivery destination for verification between the goods and the delivery destination, and acquires an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuing machine 10 when the verification between the goods and the delivery destination is established. Vehicle 20 places and delivers the goods to the delivery destination.

[0019] In the present disclosure, "placing and delivering" means, for example, when the user at the delivery destination cannot directly receive the goods for reasons such as being absent, Vehicle 20 places the goods at a predetermined location to complete the delivery.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configurations of the electronic signature issuer 10, the vehicle 20, and the terminal device 30 in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 2, an example of each configuration of the electronic signature issuer 10, the vehicle 20, and the terminal device 30 included in the electronic signature system 1 will be mainly described.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic signature issuer 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0022] The communication unit 11 includes a communication module connected to the network 40. For example, the communication unit 11 includes a communication module compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) and 5G (5th Generation) or Internet standards. In one embodiment, the electronic signature issuer 10 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits and receives various information via the network 40.

[0023] The storage unit 12 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 12 functions as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used for the operation of the electronic signature issuer 10. The storage unit 12 stores system programs, application programs, and various information received or transmitted by the communication unit 11. The information stored in the storage unit 12 can be updated with the information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 11.

[0024] The control unit 13 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 13 is communicably connected to each component constituting the electronic signature issuer 10 and controls the operation of the entire electronic signature issuer 10.

[0025] The configuration of the vehicle 20 included in the electronic signature issuing system 1 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 20 has a communication unit 21, a memory unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, an imaging unit 24, a driving unit 25, and a control unit 26. The communication unit 21, the memory unit 22, the acquisition unit 23, the imaging unit 24, the driving unit 25, and the control unit 26 are communicably connected to each other via, for example, a dedicated line.

[0026] The communication unit 21 includes a communication module that connects to the network 40. For example, the communication unit 21 includes a communication module that supports mobile communication standards such as 4G and 5G. In one embodiment, the vehicle 20 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives various information via the network 40.

[0027] The communication unit 21 includes an arbitrary receiver corresponding to the electronic signature issuing machine 10. For example, the communication unit 21 includes a receiver that is directly communicably connected to the electronic signature issuing machine 10 by means of communication such as wireless communication according to a predetermined communication standard. Such a receiver included in the communication unit 21 receives the signature of the destination user as an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuing machine 10 using the communication means.

[0028] The communication unit 21 includes a transmitter that pairs with the receiver corresponding to the electronic signature issuing machine 10. For example, the communication unit 21 includes a transmitter that is directly communicably connected to the electronic signature issuing machine 10 by means of communication such as wireless communication according to a predetermined communication standard. Such a transmitter included in the communication unit 21 transmits a password previously acquired from the terminal device 30 upon receiving permission for electronic signature issuance to the electronic signature issuing machine 10 using the communication means.

[0029] The storage unit 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, etc., but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 22 functions as a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used for the operation of the vehicle 20. The storage unit 22 stores a system program, an application program, and various information received or transmitted by the communication unit 21, etc. The information stored in the storage unit 22 can be updated with the information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 21.

[0030] The acquisition unit 23 includes one or more receivers corresponding to an arbitrary satellite positioning system. For example, the acquisition unit 23 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The acquisition unit 23 acquires the measured value of the position of the vehicle 20 as position information. The position information includes an address, latitude, longitude, altitude, etc. The acquisition unit 23 can acquire the position information of the vehicle 20. The acquisition unit 23 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 20 constantly, or may acquire it periodically or non-periodically.

[0031] The imaging unit 24 includes any imaging module capable of imaging the surroundings of the vehicle 20. For example, the imaging unit 24 includes one or more cameras. Each camera included in the imaging unit 24 is arranged at an appropriate position of the vehicle 20 so as to be able to image the surroundings of the vehicle 20. For example, the imaging unit 24 includes at least one of a front camera capable of imaging a subject in front of the vehicle 20 and a rear camera capable of imaging a subject behind the vehicle 20. Without being limited thereto, the imaging unit 24 may include an omnidirectional camera capable of imaging the entire surroundings of the vehicle 20.

[0032] The drive unit 25 includes any drive mechanism that enables loading of luggage onto the vehicle 20, delivery of the luggage loaded on the vehicle 20 to the user, unloading of the luggage loaded on the vehicle 20 to a storage location, and fine adjustment of the position of the unloaded luggage at a predetermined position. For example, the drive unit 25 is an arm mechanism driven by a motor and a slide mechanism capable of linearly sliding the luggage, and includes at least one of the slide mechanisms that can be extended from and retracted into the main body of the vehicle 20.

[0033] The control unit 26 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 26 is communicably connected to each component constituting the vehicle 20 and controls the operation of the entire vehicle 20.

[0034] The configuration of the terminal device 30 included in the electronic signature issuing system 1 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 30 has a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, an input unit 33, an output unit 34, and a control unit 35.

[0035] The communication unit 31 includes a communication module connected to the network 40. For example, the communication unit 31 includes a communication module corresponding to mobile communication standards such as 4G and 5G or Internet standards. In one embodiment, the terminal device 30 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 31. The communication unit 31 transmits and receives various information via the network 40.

[0036] The storage unit 32 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 32 functions as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores any information used for the operation of the terminal device 30. The storage unit 32 stores system programs, application programs, and various information received or transmitted by the communication unit 31. The information stored in the storage unit 32 can be updated with the information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 31.

[0037] The input unit 33 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on the user's operation. For example, the input unit 33 includes physical keys, capacitive keys, a touch screen provided integrally with the display of the output unit 34, and a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0038] The output unit 34 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to notify the user. For example, the output unit 34 includes a display that outputs information visually and a speaker that outputs information audibly.

[0039] The control unit 35 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 35 is communicably connected to each component constituting the terminal device 30 and controls the operation of the entire terminal device 30.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of an information processing method executed by the electronic signature issuing system 1 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 3, an example of an information processing method executed by the electronic signature issuing system 1 of FIG. 1 will be mainly described. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 3 shows the basic processing flow of the information processing method executed by the electronic signature issuing system 1.

[0041] In step S100, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 acquires delivery information of the package. In the present disclosure, the "delivery information" includes any information required for the delivery of the package by the vehicle 20. The delivery information includes, for example, the scheduled delivery date and time of the package, the destination of the package in the delivery, and the contents of the goods to be delivered. For example, the control unit 26 captures the shipping bill of the package using the imaging unit 24 and acquires an image of the shipping bill. The control unit 26 may acquire the image itself as the delivery information, or may acquire text information or the like obtained by processing the acquired image as information using any technique such as image analysis as the delivery information.

[0042] In step S101, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 notifies the user at the delivery destination in advance of the delivery information of the package acquired in step S100. More specifically, the control unit 26 transmits the delivery information of the package acquired in step S100 to the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 21 and the network 40.

[0043] For example, the control unit 26 may capture an image of the shipping document of the package and provide it as an image to the user's terminal device 30, or may provide the above text information extracted based on the image to the user's terminal device 30. As described above, the control unit 35 of the terminal device 30 receives the delivery information of the package from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication unit 31.

[0044] In step S102, the control unit 35 of the terminal device 30 outputs the delivery information of the package acquired in step S101 to the output unit 34 to cause the user to confirm it. The control unit 35 receives, via the input unit 33, permission for electronic signature issuance from the user who has confirmed the delivery information of the package acquired in step S101 at the output unit 34.

[0045] In step S103, when the control unit 35 of the terminal device 30 receives permission for electronic signature issuance in step S102, it provides a single password to both the electronic signature issuer 10 and the vehicle 20. More specifically, the control unit 35 transmits the single password received from the user using the input unit 33 to both the electronic signature issuer 10 and the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 31 and the network 40.

[0046] When the control unit 13 of the electronic signature issuer 10 receives permission for electronic signature issuance from the terminal device 30 of the user who has confirmed the delivery information of the package in step S102, it acquires a single password shared with the vehicle 20 from the terminal device 30. More specifically, the control unit 13 receives the single password from the terminal device 30 via the network 40 and the communication unit 11. The control unit 13 stores the received single password in the storage unit 12. As described above, the single password and the delivery destination of the package where the electronic signature issuer 10 is installed are associated with each other in a one-to-one manner.

[0047] When the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 determines that the terminal device 30 of the user who has confirmed the delivery information of the package in step S102 has received permission to issue an electronic signature, the control unit 26 acquires a single password shared with the electronic signature issuing machine 10 from the terminal device 30. More specifically, the control unit 26 receives the single password from the terminal device 30 via the network 40 and the receiver included in the communication unit 21. The control unit 26 stores the received single password in the storage unit 22 in association with the delivery information acquired in step S100. As described above, the single password and the package to be delivered by the vehicle 20 are associated with each other on a one-to-one basis.

[0048] In step S104, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 drives the vehicle 20 so that the vehicle 20 moves to the delivery destination while autonomously delivering the package.

[0049] In step S105, when the vehicle 20 arrives at the delivery destination, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 communicates with the electronic signature issuing machine 10 installed at the delivery destination for the purpose of verifying the package and the delivery destination. The control unit 26 provides the password acquired in step S103 to the electronic signature issuing machine 10. More specifically, the control unit 26 transmits the password acquired in step S103 to the electronic signature issuing machine 10 using the transmitter included in the communication unit 21.

[0050] As a result, the control unit 13 of the electronic signature issuing machine 10 communicates with the vehicle 20 that has arrived at the delivery destination for the purpose of verifying the package and the delivery destination, and acquires the password from the vehicle 20. More specifically, the control unit 13 receives the password acquired by the vehicle 20 in step S103 from the vehicle 20 using the communication unit 11.

[0051] In step S106, the control unit 13 of the electronic signature issuing machine 10 executes the verification of the package and the delivery destination. More specifically, the control unit 13 determines whether the password acquired in step S105 matches the one possessed by the electronic signature issuing machine 10.

[0052] In step S107, when the collation between the package and the delivery destination is successful in step S106, the control unit 13 of the electronic signature issuer 10 provides the electronic signature to the vehicle 20. More specifically, when the control unit 13 determines in step S106 that the password acquired in step S105 matches the one possessed by the electronic signature issuer 10, the control unit 13 provides the electronic signature to the vehicle 20. The control unit 13 transmits the electronic signature to the receiver included in the communication unit 21 of the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 11.

[0053] When the collation between the package and the delivery destination is successful in step S106, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 acquires the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer 10. More specifically, when the control unit 26 determines in step S106 that the password acquired by the electronic signature issuer 10 in step S105 matches the one possessed by the electronic signature issuer 10, the control unit 26 acquires the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer 10. The control unit 26 receives the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer 10 via the receiver included in the communication unit 21.

[0054] In step S108, when the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 acquires the electronic signature in step S107, the control unit 26 drives the vehicle 20 to place and deliver the package to the delivery destination.

[0055] In step S109, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 notifies the user that the placement and delivery are completed. More specifically, the control unit 26 transmits a completion notice indicating that the placement and delivery are completed to the user's terminal device 30 via the communication unit 21 and the network 40. The control unit 35 of the terminal device 30 receives such a completion notice from the vehicle 20 via the network 40 and the communication unit 31. The control unit 35 outputs the acquired completion notice to the output unit 34 as necessary to make the user recognize it.

[0056] In step S110, when the issuance of the electronic signature is completed in step S107, the control unit 13 of the electronic signature issuer 10 resets the password acquired in step S103.

[0057] In step S111, when the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 transmits a completion notice in step S109, it resets the password acquired in step S103.

[0058] In step S112, the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 drives the vehicle 20 so that the vehicle 20 moves from the delivery destination's storage location toward the next destination.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing content in the electronic signature issuing system 1 of FIG. 1.

[0060] When the vehicle 20 moves to the delivery destination according to the destination of the package included in the acquired package delivery information, it identifies the electronic signature issuing machine 10 installed at the delivery destination by the imaging unit 24 or the like and approaches the electronic signature issuing machine 10 so as to enter the communication range of the electronic signature issuing machine 10. As a result, the electronic signature issuing machine 10 is communicably connected to the vehicle 20 that autonomously performs package delivery. More specifically, the electronic signature issuing machine 10 is directly communicably connected to the transmitter and receiver included in the communication unit 21 of the vehicle 20 by communication means such as wireless communication according to a predetermined communication standard.

[0061] When the vehicle 20 is directly communicably connected to the electronic signature issuing machine 10, it transmits the password previously acquired from the terminal device 30 to the electronic signature issuing machine 10 using the transmitter included in the communication unit 21. The electronic signature issuing machine 10 executes the verification between the package and the delivery destination based on the password received from the vehicle 20.

[0062] When the verification is successful, the electronic signature issuer 10 transmits the electronic signature to the receiver included in the communication unit 21 of the vehicle 20. As a result, the vehicle 20 places the package and completes the delivery of the package. On the other hand, when the verification fails, that is, when the password received from the vehicle 20 does not match that of the electronic signature issuer 10, the electronic signature issuer 10 transmits any information indicating the verification failure instead of the electronic signature to the receiver included in the communication unit 21 of the vehicle 20. As a result, the vehicle 20 either picks up the package without placing it or starts moving to deliver the package to another correct delivery destination.

[0063] According to the above-described embodiment, misdelivery of packages in the placement service is suppressed. For example, the vehicle 20 communicates with the electronic signature issuer 10 installed at the delivery destination for verification of the package and the delivery destination, and obtains the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer 10 when the verification of the package and the delivery destination is successful. The vehicle 20 places the package only after receiving the issuance of the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer 10 at the delivery destination. Even if the vehicle 20 arrives at the wrong delivery destination by mistake, since the password of the electronic signature issuer 10 installed at the delivery destination is different from the password of the vehicle 20, the verification at the electronic signature issuer 10 fails and the vehicle 20 does not receive the electronic signature. Therefore, the vehicle 20 can easily recognize that the delivery destination is incorrect, and can easily suppress misdelivery of the package by picking up the package once or delivering the package to another correct delivery destination. As described above, the reliability from the user for the package delivery service and the convenience of the user are improved.

[0064] The vehicle 20 can notify the user at the delivery destination of the package delivery information in advance, so that the user can confirm whether the delivery information is accurate for the package to be delivered. By having the user confirm the package delivery information in advance, misdelivery of packages in the placement service is further suppressed. Therefore, the reliability from the user for the package delivery service and the convenience of the user are further improved.

[0065] Since the delivery information includes the destination of the package, the vehicle 20 can recognize the address of the destination based on the pre-acquired delivery information. The vehicle 20 can deliver the package to the address corresponding to the destination based on the delivery information.

[0066] By the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 imaging the waybill of the package and providing it as an image to the user's terminal device 30, the user can directly confirm the delivery information from the image of the waybill. The electronic signature issuing system 1 can simplify the pre-confirmation operation of the delivery information by the user, improving the convenience for the user. In addition, the user can confirm the delivery information more accurately based on the image of the waybill. Therefore, misdelivery of packages in the leave-at-door service is further suppressed. As a result, the reliability from the user for the package delivery service and the convenience for the user are further improved.

[0067] By the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 obtaining a password that is shared with the electronic signature issuing machine 10 upon receiving permission for electronic signature issuance, the electronic signature issuing system 1 can securely perform the verification between the package and the destination in a more confidential state using the password. Thereby, the reliability from the user for the package delivery service and the convenience for the user are further improved.

[0068] By the control unit 26 of the vehicle 20 providing the password to the electronic signature issuing machine 10 at the destination, the electronic signature issuing machine 10 can more accurately perform the verification between the package and the destination based on the one password shared with the vehicle 20. Therefore, misdelivery of packages in the leave-at-door service is further suppressed. As a result, the reliability from the user for the package delivery service and the convenience for the user are further improved.

[0069] When the password matches that of the electronic signature issuing machine 10, the vehicle 20 can easily recognize that the destination of the package is correct by obtaining the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuing machine 10. The vehicle 20 can complete the delivery of the package by obtaining the electronic signature.

[0070] According to the above-described embodiment, misdelivery of packages in the drop-off service is suppressed. For example, the electronic signature issuer 10 executes communication with the vehicle 20 for matching the package and the delivery destination, and provides an electronic signature to the vehicle 20 when the matching between the package and the delivery destination is established. The electronic signature issuer 10 can issue an electronic signature only to the vehicle 20 for which the matching is established and cause the vehicle to perform drop-off. Even if an incorrect package is delivered by the vehicle 20, since the password of the vehicle 20 and the password of the electronic signature issuer 10 are different from each other, the electronic signature issuer 10 can make the matching fail and refrain from issuing an electronic signature. Therefore, the electronic signature issuer 10 can cause the vehicle 20 to recognize that the delivery destination is incorrect and either let the vehicle pick up the package again or deliver the package to another correct delivery destination. Thereby, the electronic signature issuer 10 can easily suppress misdelivery of packages. As described above, the reliability from users for the package delivery service and the convenience of the users are improved.

[0071] By the control unit 13 of the electronic signature issuer 10 obtaining a password shared with the vehicle 20 upon receiving permission for electronic signature issuance, the electronic signature issuance system 1 can securely execute the matching between the package and the delivery destination in a state with enhanced confidentiality using the password. Thereby, the reliability from users for the package delivery service and the convenience of the users are further improved.

[0072] By the electronic signature issuer 10 obtaining a password from the vehicle 20 that has arrived at the delivery destination, the matching between the package and the delivery destination can be executed more accurately based on the password shared with the vehicle 20. Therefore, misdelivery of packages in the drop-off service is further suppressed. As a result, the reliability from users for the package delivery service and the convenience of the users are further improved.

[0073] When the control unit 13 of the electronic signature issuer 10 determines that the password matches the one possessed by the electronic signature issuer 10, by providing the vehicle 20 with an electronic signature, the vehicle 20 can be easily made to recognize that the delivery destination of the luggage is correct. The electronic signature issuer 10 can complete the delivery of the luggage to the vehicle 20 by issuing an electronic signature.

[0074] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each configuration or each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of configurations or steps, etc. can be combined into one or divided.

[0075] For example, at least some of the processing operations executed in the vehicle 20 in the above-described embodiment may be executed in the electronic signature issuer 10 or the terminal device 30. At least some of the processing operations executed in the electronic signature issuer 10 or the terminal device 30 may be executed in the vehicle 20.

[0076] For example, at least some of the processing operations executed in the electronic signature issuer 10 in the above-described embodiment may be executed in the vehicle 20 or the terminal device 30. At least some of the processing operations executed in the vehicle 20 or the terminal device 30 may be executed in the electronic signature issuer 10.

[0077] For example, it is also possible to configure a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or a computer to function as the vehicle 20 or the electronic signature issuer 10 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the vehicle 20 or the electronic signature issuer 10 according to the embodiment is stored in the memory of the electronic device, and the program is read out and executed by the processor of the electronic device. Therefore, the disclosure according to one embodiment can also be realized as a program executable by a processor.

[0078] Alternatively, the disclosure according to one embodiment can also be realized as a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program executable by one or more processors to cause each function to be executed in the vehicle 20 or the electronic signature issuer 10 according to the embodiment. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the electronic signature issuer 10 performs the verification of the package and the delivery destination, but it is not limited thereto. Instead of or in addition to the electronic signature issuer 10, the vehicle 20 may obtain a password from the electronic signature issuer 10 and perform a similar verification process.

[0080] In the above embodiment, it has been described that the electronic signature issuer 10 performs the verification of the package and the delivery destination, and the terminal device 30 issues a single password, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic signature issuance system 1 may further include an information processing device that is one or a plurality of server devices capable of communicating with each other, and the information processing device may perform these processes collectively. Such an information processing device is not limited to a server device, and may be any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC or a smartphone, or may be another electronic device dedicated to the electronic signature issuance system 1.

[0081] For example, instead of or in addition to the electronic signature issuer 10, the information processing device may perform the above-described series of processing operations related to the electronic signature issuer 10. In this case, the information processing device executes each corresponding step in the above sequence diagram while transmitting and receiving information necessary for the processing between the electronic signature issuer 10, the vehicle 20, and the terminal device 30.

[0082] For example, instead of or in addition to the terminal device 30, the information processing device may perform the above-described series of processing operations related to the terminal device 30. In this case, the information processing device executes each corresponding step in the above sequence diagram while transmitting and receiving information necessary for the processing between the electronic signature issuer 10, the vehicle 20, and the terminal device 30.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the vehicle 20 notifies the delivery destination user of the package delivery information in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of or in addition to such notification processing, the vehicle 20 may transmit the delivery information to the information processing apparatus as the server apparatus described above.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that when the terminal device 30 of the user who has confirmed the delivery information accepts the permission for electronic signature issuance, the vehicle 20 acquires a single password shared with the electronic signature issuing machine 10 from the terminal device 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of or in addition to the terminal device 30, the information processing apparatus as the server apparatus that has received the delivery information may execute the permission process for electronic signature issuance. The vehicle 20 may acquire a single password shared with at least one of the electronic signature issuing machine 10 and the information processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus instead of the terminal device 30.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that when the vehicle 20 arrives at the delivery destination, it provides the password to the electronic signature issuing machine 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the vehicle 20 arrives at the delivery destination, instead of or in addition to the electronic signature issuing machine 10, it may provide the password to the above-described information processing apparatus.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that when the password matches the one possessed by the electronic signature issuing machine 10, the vehicle 20 acquires the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuing machine 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of or in addition to such processing, the vehicle 20 may acquire the electronic signature from the above-described information processing apparatus.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that when the terminal device 30 of the user who has confirmed the delivery information accepts the permission for electronic signature issuance, the electronic signature issuing machine 10 acquires a single password shared with the vehicle 20 from the terminal device 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of or in addition to the terminal device 30, the information processing device as the above-described server device that has received the delivery information may execute the permission process for electronic signature issuance. The electronic signature issuing machine 10 may acquire a single password shared with at least one of the vehicle 20 and the information processing device from the information processing device instead of the terminal device 30.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the electronic signature issuing machine 10 acquires a password from the vehicle 20 that has arrived at the delivery destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic signature issuing machine 10 may not receive the provision of the password from the vehicle 20 that has arrived at the delivery destination.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that when the electronic signature issuing machine 10 determines that the password matches what the electronic signature issuing machine 10 has, the electronic signature issuing machine 10 provides the vehicle 20 with an electronic signature. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Such determination processing may be executed by the above-described information processing device instead of or in addition to the electronic signature issuing machine 10. Instead of or in addition to the electronic signature issuing machine 10, the information processing device may execute the collation process and provide the vehicle 20 with an electronic signature.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the vehicle 20 directly communicates within the communication range with the electronic signature issuing machine 10 installed at the delivery destination for the collation of the package and the delivery destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even when the vehicle 20 has not arrived at the delivery destination and is not within the communication range of the electronic signature issuing machine 10, the vehicle 20 may be indirectly communicably connected to the electronic signature issuing machine 10 via the network 40 and execute the same processing as the processing shown in FIG. 3.

[0091] In the above embodiment, it was described that the terminal device 30 receives a single password from the user using the input unit 33, but it is not limited to this. The terminal device 30 may, for example, automatically generate a single password randomly on the installed application.

[0092] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be exemplified below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these. [Appendix 1] A vehicle that autonomously delivers packages, A control unit that communicates with an electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination for verification of the package and the delivery destination of the package, obtains an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer when the verification of the package and the delivery destination is successful, and drives the vehicle to place the package at the delivery destination. Comprising Vehicle. [Appendix 2] The vehicle according to Appendix 1, The control unit notifies the user at the delivery destination of the package delivery information in advance. Vehicle. [Appendix 3] The vehicle according to Appendix 2, The delivery information includes the destination of the package. Vehicle. [Appendix 4] The vehicle according to Appendix 2 or 3, The control unit captures an image of the package shipping label and provides it as an image to the user's terminal device. Vehicle. [Appendix 5] The vehicle according to any one of Appendices 2 to 4, When the terminal device of the user who has confirmed the delivery information accepts permission for electronic signature issuance, the control unit obtains a single password shared with the electronic signature issuer from the terminal device. Vehicle. [Appendix 6] The vehicle according to Appendix 5, When the vehicle arrives at the delivery destination, the control unit provides the password to the electronic signature issuer. Vehicle. [Appendix 7] The vehicle according to Appendix 6, When the password matches the one possessed by the electronic signature issuer, the control unit acquires the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer. Vehicle. [Appendix 8] The vehicle according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, An electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination and communicably connected to the vehicle that autonomously delivers the package, A terminal device used by the user at the delivery destination, Comprising: Electronic signature issuance system. [Appendix 9] For a vehicle that autonomously delivers a package, Execute communication with an electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination for verification between the package and the delivery destination, When the verification between the package and the delivery destination is successful, acquire an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer, Drive the vehicle to place and deliver the package at the delivery destination, Causing to execute an operation including: Program. [Appendix 10] The program according to Appendix 9, The operation includes notifying the user at the delivery destination of the package delivery information in advance. Program. [Appendix 11] The program according to Appendix 10, The delivery information includes the destination of the package. Program. [Appendix 12] The program according to Appendix 10 or 11, The operation includes imaging the shipping document of the package and providing it as an image to the user's terminal device. Program [Appendix 13] A program according to any one of Appendices 10 to 12, wherein the operation includes obtaining, from the terminal device of the user who has confirmed the delivery information, a password shared with the electronic signature issuer when the terminal device receives permission for electronic signature issuance. Program [Appendix 14] A program according to Appendix 13, wherein the operation includes providing the password to the electronic signature issuer when the vehicle arrives at the delivery destination. Program [Appendix 15] A program according to Appendix 14, wherein the operation includes obtaining the electronic signature from the electronic signature issuer when the password matches that of the electronic signature issuer. Program [Appendix 16] An electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination of the package and communicably connected to a vehicle that autonomously delivers the package, a control unit that executes communication with the vehicle for verification of the package and the delivery destination, and provides an electronic signature to the vehicle when the verification of the package and the delivery destination is successful. Comprising: Electronic signature issuer [Appendix 17] An electronic signature issuer according to Appendix 16, wherein the control unit obtains, from the terminal device, a password shared with the vehicle when the terminal device of the user who has confirmed the delivery information of the package receives permission for electronic signature issuance. Electronic signature issuer [Appendix 18] An electronic signature issuer according to Appendix 17, wherein the delivery information includes the destination of the package. Electronic signature issuer [Appendix 19] An electronic signature issuer according to Appendix 17 or 18, The control unit acquires the password from the vehicle that has arrived at the delivery destination. Electronic signature issuer. [Appendix 20] An electronic signature issuer according to Appendix 19, when the control unit determines that the password matches the one possessed by the electronic signature issuer, the control unit provides the electronic signature to the vehicle. Electronic signature issuer.

Explanation of Signs

[0093] 1 Electronic signature issuance system 10 Electronic signature issuer 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 13 Control unit 20 Vehicle 21 Communication unit 22 Storage unit 23 Acquisition unit 24 Imaging unit 25 Driving unit 26 Control unit 30 Terminal device 31 Communication unit 32 Storage unit 33 Input unit 34 Output unit 35 Control unit 40 Network

Claims

1. A vehicle that autonomously delivers packages, acquires the delivery information of the package, transmits the acquired delivery information to a terminal device of a user at the delivery destination of the package, acquires a single password shared with an electronic signature issuing machine from the terminal device that has received permission for electronic signature issuance from the user who has confirmed the delivery information, and when the vehicle arrives at the delivery destination, communicates with the electronic signature issuing machine installed at the delivery destination to provide the password to the electronic signature issuing machine for verification between the package and the delivery destination, and when the password acquired from the vehicle matches the password acquired from the terminal device and the verification between the package and the delivery destination is established at the electronic signature issuing machine, acquires an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuing machine, and a control unit that drives the vehicle to place the package at the delivery destination, comprising a vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the delivery information includes the destination of the package, a vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit captures an image of the waybill of the package and provides it as an image to the terminal device, a vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, and an electronic signature issuing machine installed at the delivery destination and communicably connected to the vehicle that autonomously delivers the package, and a terminal device used by the user at the delivery destination, comprising an electronic signature issuing system.

5. In a vehicle that autonomously delivers packages, acquire the delivery information of the package; transmit the acquired delivery information to a terminal device of a user at the delivery destination of the package; acquire a single password shared with an electronic signature issuing machine from the terminal device that has received permission for electronic signature issuance from the user who has confirmed the delivery information; when the vehicle arrives at the delivery destination, communicate with the electronic signature issuing machine installed at the delivery destination to provide the password to the electronic signature issuing machine for verification between the package and the delivery destination; when the password acquired from the vehicle matches the password acquired from the terminal device and the verification between the package and the delivery destination is established at the electronic signature issuing machine, acquire an electronic signature from the electronic signature issuing machine; and drive the vehicle to place the package at the delivery destination, execute an operation including a program.

6. The program according to claim 5, The delivery information includes the destination of the package, Program.

7. A program according to claim 5 or 6, The operation includes imaging a waybill of the package and providing it as an image to the terminal device, Program.

8. An electronic signature issuer installed at the delivery destination of a package and communicably connected to a vehicle that autonomously delivers the package, A control unit that is a terminal device of a user at the delivery destination of the package that has acquired the delivery information of the package, acquires a password shared with the vehicle from the terminal device that has received permission for electronic signature issuance from the user who has confirmed the delivery information, executes communication with the vehicle for verification between the package and the delivery destination when the vehicle arrives at the delivery destination, acquires the password from the vehicle, and provides an electronic signature to the vehicle when the password acquired from the vehicle matches the password acquired from the terminal device and the verification between the package and the delivery destination is established, Comprising, Electronic signature issuer.

9. An electronic signature issuer according to claim 8, The delivery information includes the destination of the package, Electronic signature issuer.

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