Information processing system, server, information processing method, program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system capable of facilitating acquisition of an overall quantity of deliveries and efficiently storing them in various storage spaces by stylized management of deliveries (e.g., loads such as packages) using storage container type identification information.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a residual space calculation unit for calculating residual space information representing a residual space in a storage space based on storage container type information representing types of storage containers by volume, the storage containers for storing deliveries to users, and standard storage space volume information representing a volume of the storage space for storing the storage containers; and a delivery schedule determination unit for determining a delivery schedule of the deliveries based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions relating to the delivery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a server, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, mobile bodies capable of autonomous control, such as flying bodies such as drones (Drone) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and running bodies such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), have begun to be used in the industry. Patent Document 1 discloses the delivery of delivery items by a flying body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a delivery system, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, although it is assumed that a plurality of mobile bodies are delivery control targets, in a demonstration experiment, virtual delivery loads (for example, daily necessities and food) within the range that can be loaded on one mobile body are set, and a test delivery flight is performed at the timing when a predetermined route can be flown.

[0005] However, in reality, users do not place orders while being aware of the loading capacity of a single moving body. Instead, it is normal to place an order for the desired quantity of the desired item at the desired time. Therefore, there is no predictability regarding how much can be accommodated in a single moving body (in other words, how much remaining space there is in the storage space such as the moving body loading section). On the other hand, since it is known that higher delivery efficiency leads to lower delivery costs (and ultimately delivery fees), it is desirable for both service providers and users to load as many goods as possible onto a single moving body. Such issues are not limited to moving bodies but are also the same in conventional delivery methods.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a background, and by standardizing and managing delivery items (such as loaded items like luggage) using storage container type identification information, it aims to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that facilitate grasping the overall quantity of delivery items and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating the residual space in the storage space based on storage container type identification information indicating the type for each volume of a storage container for storing delivery items to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing the storage container, and a delivery schedule determination unit that determines the delivery schedule of the delivery items based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery, and an information processing system and the like equipped with the same.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that facilitate grasping the overall quantity of delivery items and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces by standardizing and managing delivery items (such as loaded items like luggage) using storage container type identification information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] The contents of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. An information processing system and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention have the following configuration. [Item 1] A remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the types of storage containers for storing deliveries to users for each volume of the storage containers, and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing the storage containers, A delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to the delivery. An information processing system characterized by the above. [Item 2] The storage container type information is made distinguishable from each other based on the volume obtained by dividing the reference storage space volume by a predetermined number, with the predetermined storage space volume as the reference storage space volume. The information processing system according to item 1, characterized in that. [Item 3] The remaining space information is the remaining converted storage container type information obtained by converting the remaining space into the storage container type. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 or 2, characterized in that. [Item 4] The condition is an update condition that enables updating of the delivery schedule. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that. [Item 5] The update condition is that the user has permitted a co-loading request from another user related to the user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user does not fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. The information processing system according to item 4, characterized in that. [Item 6] The update condition is that the other user related to the user has permitted a co-loading request to the other user, and the storage of the delivery items of the other user does not fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. The information processing system according to item 4, characterized in that. [Item 7] The update condition is that the delivery of the user is a regular delivery with an automatically set delivery time, and the storage of the delivery items of another user does not fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. The information processing system according to item 4, characterized in that. [Item 8] The condition is an update restriction condition that does not update the delivery schedule. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that. [Item 9] The update restriction condition is that the management temperature zone information associated with the user's delivery indicates a predetermined management temperature zone other than normal temperature. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized in that. [Item 10] The update restriction condition is that the fresh product presence / absence information associated with the user's delivery indicates that fresh products are included. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized in that. [Item 11] The update restriction condition is that the delivery type information associated with the user's delivery indicates urgent delivery. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized in that. [Item 12] The update restriction condition is that the delivery type information associated with the user's delivery indicates time-specified delivery. The information processing system according to item 8, characterized in that. [Item 13] The condition is whether the delivery associated with the user satisfies the conditions of the mixable items indicated in the mixable item information. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that. [Item 14] The condition of the mixable item is that the delivery of the user as the target is within the delivery time zone specified by the user. The information processing system according to item 13, characterized in that. [Item 15] The condition of the mixable item is that the other user making the mix-in request is a user who permits at least part or all of the burden of the delivery fee. The information processing system according to item 13, characterized in that. [Item 16] When the delivery related to the delivery schedule is mixed with the deliveries of other users, the delivery fee information related to the user is prorated with the other user at a predetermined ratio, and the prorated delivery fee information is stored associated with each user. The information processing system according to any one of Items 1 to 15, characterized in that... [Item 17] A remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of a storage container for storing deliveries to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing the storage container; A delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery items based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. The server is provided with these units. The server is characterized in that... [Item 18] A step of calculating, by the remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of a storage container for storing deliveries to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing the storage container; A step of determining, by the delivery schedule determination unit, a delivery schedule for the delivery items based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. The information processing method includes these steps. The information processing method is characterized in that... [Item 19] A step of calculating, by the remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of a storage container for storing deliveries to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing the storage container; A step of causing a computer to execute a step of determining, by the delivery schedule determination unit, a delivery schedule for the delivery items based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. The program is characterized in that... The program is characterized in that...

[0011] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, embodiments of an information system and the like according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements are given the same or similar reference numerals and names, and redundant descriptions regarding the same or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. Also, the features shown in this embodiment are applicable to other embodiments as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0012] <Configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system in this embodiment has a management server 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more operator terminals 3. The management server 1, the user terminal 2, and the operator terminal 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0013] <Management Server 1> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 1. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example, and it may have other configurations.

[0014] As shown in the figure, the management server 1 is connected to one or more user terminals 2 and one or more operator terminals 3 and constitutes a part of this system. The management server 1 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be logically realized by cloud computing.

[0015] The management server 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, an input / output unit 14, etc., and these are electrically connected to each other through a bus 15.

[0016] The control unit 10 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire management server 1, performs control of data transmission and reception between each element, and performs information processing necessary for execution and authentication processing of applications. For example, the control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 12 and expanded in the memory 11 to perform each information processing.

[0017] The memory 11 includes a main memory composed of a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary memory composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 11 is used as a work area of the processor 10 and stores the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed at the startup of the management server 1 and various setting information.

[0018] The storage 12 stores various programs such as application programs. A database storing data used for each process may be constructed in the storage 12.

[0019] The transmission / reception unit 13 connects the management server 1 to a network and a blockchain network. Note that the transmission / reception unit 13 may be provided with a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0020] The input / output unit 14 is an information input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an output device such as a display.

[0021] The bus 15 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, an address signal, a data signal, and various control signals.

[0022] <User terminal 2, operator terminal 3> The user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, or a PDA that the user possesses. The user terminal 2 also includes a control unit 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a transmission / reception unit 23, an input / output unit 24, etc., which are electrically connected to each other through a bus 25. Since the main functions of each element can be configured in the same manner as the management server 1 described above, detailed descriptions of each element are omitted. Also, the operator terminal 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, or a PDA that an operator who manages the delivered goods at a consolidation yard or the like possesses. Since the main functions of each element can be configured in the same manner as the user terminal 2 described above, detailed descriptions of each element are omitted.

[0023] <Functions of the management server> FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functions implemented in the control unit 10 of the management server 1, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the information stored in the storage 12. In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 of the management server 1 includes an information transmission / reception unit 100, a screen information generation unit 110, a data management unit 120, and a delivery management unit 150 as functional units. The delivery management unit 150 includes a remaining space calculation unit 151 and a delivery schedule determination unit 152. Also, the storage 12 includes various databases such as a user information storage unit 121, a delivered goods information storage unit 122, and a delivery information storage unit 123.

[0024] Regarding the user information stored in the user information storage unit 121, for example, it may include the user's basic information (the user's name, username, email address, address, phone number, etc.), user identification information, external application account information, etc., but is not limited thereto. For example, when conducting an e-commerce transaction on this information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information to and from this information processing system and cooperates with each other, the user information may include payment information (credit card information, etc.), regularly purchased item information, mixed-loadable target information, etc.

[0025] Regarding the delivery item information stored in the delivery item information storage unit 122, for example, it may include, but is not limited to, delivery item identification information, user identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature range information, fresh product presence / absence information, stacking availability information (top stacking availability information or bottom stacking availability information), delivery schedule time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), regular delivery reservation information, co-loading target delivery information, etc.

[0026] Regarding the delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 123, for example, it may include, but is not limited to, delivery identification information, user identification information, delivery item identification information, remaining space information, co-loading target delivery item information, delivery type information, delivery schedule time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, etc., and may also include, but is not limited to, storage container type information, weight information, management temperature range information, fresh product presence / absence information, regular delivery reservation information, etc. associated with the delivery item identification information.

[0027] The information transmission / reception unit 100 transmits various information (including requests) to external devices (such as user terminals 2, operator terminals 3, etc.) that are directly or indirectly connected to the management server 1 via at least a network, and receives various information (including requests) from the external devices.

[0028] The screen information generation unit 110 generates screen information to be displayed via the user interfaces of the user terminals 2 and the operator terminals 3. The screen information can be, for example, user interface screen information generated by arranging various images and texts based on a predetermined layout rule using the images and text data stored in the storage 12 as materials. Note that the screen information generation unit 110 may be a functional unit executed by the control unit 20 by an application (including a web browser) stored in each user terminal 2 or the like. That is, it is also possible to transmit information necessary for generating a user interface screen such as image data from the management server 1, and generate a user interface screen based on the necessary information based on a predetermined layout rule by an application such as the user terminal 2 and display it on the user terminal 2. The processing related to the screen information generation unit 110 can also be executed by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0029] The data management unit 120 performs data management such as transmitting various information received by the information transmission / reception unit 100 to various functional units and acquiring various information from various functional units. Predetermined processing in the data management unit 120 includes, for example, a remaining space calculation process for calculating the remaining space in the storage space based on user delivery information including storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of the storage container for storing the delivery items to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing one or more storage containers, a delivery schedule determination process for determining the delivery schedule of the delivery items based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to the delivery, a delivery information update process for updating (including adding) the mixed loading target delivery information (such as delivery identification information that has become a mixed loading target) included in the delivery information, and the like, and includes various processing, but is not limited thereto.

[0030] The shape of the storage container is, for example, a three-dimensional container with a geometric shape, and preferably a rectangular parallelepiped (including a cube) considering storage and stacking in the storage space. The material of the storage container may be any material, such as paper, plastic, metal, etc., and particularly preferably cardboard made of paper or cardboard made of plastic from the viewpoints of ease of production and weight. Here, in the present invention, storage container type information is set so that the type of the storage container can be identified for stored items such as items to be delivered. The storage container types are, for example, based on a predetermined storage space volume as a reference storage space volume, and a plurality of storage container volume types are set so as to be distinguishable from each other based on the volume obtained by dividing the reference storage space volume by a predetermined number (for example, an integer) (for example, a plurality of storage container volume types set to be distinguishable for each storage container volume obtained by dividing the reference storage space volume by a predetermined number (for example, an integer) and multiplying by a number less than or equal to the predetermined number (for example, 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1, etc.)), or a plurality of storage container volume types set to be distinguishable for each storage container volume obtained by dividing by a predetermined number (for example, which may be an integer, particularly preferably a power of 2 (n is an integer and may include 0)) (for example, 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8 ···, etc.), and is not limited to these). Further, regarding the volume of the storage container, more specifically, for example, when dividing the reference storage space volume by 4 (that is, when setting it to 1 / 4), it may be a storage container with a volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, and height of the storage space by 4, or a storage container with a volume obtained by dividing two of the depth, width, and height of the storage space by 2.

[0031] Note that the reference storage space volume may not be the same volume as the predetermined storage space volume, but may be substantially the same (substantially identical) volume, and particularly may be a volume obtained by reducing the necessary surplus space (for example, several millimeters or several centimeters) in view of the operation of storing the container in the storage space, or may be a volume obtained by reducing the partition (for example, several millimeters or several centimeters) when a partition is provided in the storage container (or the storage space may have a volume substantially the same as the reference storage space volume and the partition may be large).

[0032] The storage space for storing the user's stored items and / or the storage space targeted for the reference storage space volume may be any space as long as it has a predetermined volume. However, it is preferably a storage space for receiving stored items. More specifically, for example, it is a facility used by the user, such as a storage space for the user, a storage space of a delivery box with a smart lock installed in a private house, or a delivery box arranged in a shared area for an apartment building (the position of the space may be determined in advance by associating information related to the user, or it may be the position where the luggage is stored by associating information related to the user by the delivery person), a storage space such as a shelf, locker, private mailbox, or cooler box that does not involve electrical locking and unlocking control. It may also be based on a storage space for delivery, such as a delivery item storage section of a moving body (such as a UAV or UGV, especially a self-controlled moving body) for delivering luggage, a loading platform used by the delivery person (such as a truck bed, a rear box of a motorcycle, a box cart, a basket cart, etc.), or a movable object such as a delivery bag. Furthermore, the space with a predetermined volume may be a space whose lengths in the depth direction, width direction, and height direction are determined as described above. However, for a region with determined lengths in the depth direction and width direction, such as a pallet, it may also be a space with a volume obtained by virtually setting the length in the height direction, that is, a space with a volume in which some of the lengths in the depth direction, width direction, and height direction are virtually set. Note that it is not limited to these. Also, the storage space to be stored and the reference storage space may be the same, or the storage space to be stored may be a size obtained by multiplying the reference storage space by a predetermined number (especially an integer).

[0033] The delivery management department 150 performs information registration such as adding delivery identification information and associating user identification information in the delivery information storage unit 123 in response to, for example, reading an identification code attached to a delivered item by a reader (such as a reader operated by an operator, an installed reader, a reader equipped on a work robot (especially an autonomous control work robot)), input operations of storage item information regarding stored items by workers, etc., purchase processing in e-commerce by users, and specifying processing of the scheduled delivery time. When receiving a delivered item, if the delivered item has not yet been stored in a storage container with a set storage container type, the delivered item may be stored in each storage container, or a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space with a predetermined volume based on size information may be used to associate storage container type information with the delivered item information.

[0034] The remaining space calculation unit 151 calculates the remaining space (so-called free space) in the target storage space based on the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing one or more storage containers and the storage container type information acquired according to the delivery information (that is, including the storage container type information as the delivery item information associated with the delivery information). The method for calculating the remaining space is to calculate the remaining space by a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a predetermined object in a space of a predetermined volume. Here, when the storage container types are defined for each predetermined volume with respect to the reference storage space volume according to a predetermined rule as described above, the calculation result of the remaining space also becomes a volume value that is easy to convert into the storage container type, and it becomes easier to obtain the remaining converted storage container type information obtained by converting the remaining space into the storage container type. In particular, when any one of the depth, width, and height of the storage space is divided by a predetermined number and multiplied by a number less than the predetermined number, and the storage container volumes are set to be distinguishable for each resulting storage container volume, or when the storage container volumes are set to be distinguishable for each storage container volume divided by a predetermined number, it becomes easier to calculate the remaining space in the storage space. Further, when the inside of the storage space is partitioned so as to correspond to any of the storage container types, in the delivery information storage unit 124, the divided region identification information that can be identified for each region divided by a partition or the like in the target storage space and the corresponding storage container type information corresponding to the divided region identification information are stored in association with the delivery identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 151 may use the dividable region identification information as the remaining space information.

[0035] Here, an example of calculating the remaining space in the case where the storage container types are defined for each predetermined volume with respect to the reference storage space volume will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 6. The storage container will be exemplified for a plurality of storage container volume types (for example, 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1) that are set to be distinguishable for each storage container volume obtained by dividing the height by 3 and multiplying by a number less than or equal to 3 with respect to the reference storage space volume.

[0036] First, in the storage space associated with the delivery identification information "0001", the user information "U0001" is associated. Here, when the delivery item (delivery item information "N0001") stored in a container that is one-third of the reference storage space volume (storage container type "S033") is to be stored, since the delivery item is to be stored in the storage space where it was not stored before, the remaining space information is updated by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1 to "2 / 3", and the remaining converted storage container type information is updated to indicate that there are two "S033"s and / or one "S066" (the storage container type indicating a container that is two-thirds of the reference storage space volume).

[0037] Similarly, when another delivery item (delivery item information "N0010") stored in a container that is one-third of the reference storage space volume (storage container type "S033") is to be stored, since it is to be stored in the storage space where the delivery item (N0001) has already been stored, the remaining space information is updated by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3 to "1 / 3", and the remaining converted storage container type information is updated to indicate that there is one "S033".

[0038] In this way, the calculation of the remaining space is performed. As particularly exemplified, when any one of the depth, width, and height of the storage space is divided by a predetermined number, it becomes more easily executable. Note that, as described above, a more advanced calculation of the remaining space is possible by a known packing calculation algorithm, and in that case, the storage positions of the stored delivery items may also be rearranged.

[0039] Further, instead of storing in the common area within the storage space as in the above example, when the storage space is divided into divided areas corresponding to any of the storage container types by partitions or the like, the remaining space information may be divided area identification information not associated with the stored item, and the remaining converted storage container type information may be corresponding storage container type information corresponding to the divided area identification information not associated with the stored item. Note that the position of the partition may be movable and the corresponding storage container type information may be changeable (for example, changing from two of "S033" to "S066", or vice versa), and the corresponding storage container type information corresponding to each divided area identification information may be not only one (for example, "S066"), but instead of, or in addition to, a plurality of corresponding storage container type information (two of "S033") may be associated.

[0040] Here, an example of the information (particularly the remaining space information) stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 is shown with reference to FIG. 7. First, in the delivery identification information "0001", the associated delivery item information is "N0001" and the user information is "U0001". As the storage container type information, it is shown that one "S025" indicating the container type of one-fourth of the reference storage space volume is stored. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S075" indicating the container type of three-fourths of the reference storage space volume).

[0041] Next, in the delivery identification information "0002", the associated delivery item information is "N0002" and the user information is "U0011". As the storage container type information, it is shown that one "S050" indicating the container type of one-half of the reference storage space volume is stored. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S050" indicating the container type of one-half of the reference storage space volume).

[0042] Next, in the delivery identification information "0003", the associated delivery item information is "N0003", the user information is "U0005", and as the storage container type information, one "S100" indicating a container type approximately the same as the reference storage space volume is stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" (i.e., no space available).

[0043] Next, in the delivery identification information "0004", the associated delivery item information is "N0004", the user information is "U0003", and as the storage container type information, one of the above-mentioned "S025" (for example, the vertical stacking permission information indicates strict prohibition of stacking) and one "S050" are stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the remaining conversion storage container type information indicates "S025", which is a container type of one-fourth of the reference storage space volume).

[0044] Finally, in the delivery identification information "0005" and "0006", the associated delivery item information is "N0005" and "N0006", the user information is "U0009", and as the storage container type information, one of the above-mentioned "S100" and one "S050" are stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" and "1 / 2". In this case, it can be said that the actual remaining space for the user of the user information "U0009" for this delivery is "1 / 2" (the remaining conversion storage container type information indicates "S050", which is a container type of one-half of the reference storage space volume).

[0045] In this way, the remaining space calculation unit 151 can calculate the remaining space in the target storage space based on the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing one or more storage containers and the storage container type information indicating the type for each volume of the storage container for storing the delivery items to the user. In particular, as the storage container type information, identification information is set so as to be distinguishable for each storage container volume obtained by dividing a predetermined storage space volume by a predetermined number as the reference storage space volume, whereby it becomes possible to efficiently store the delivery items in the storage space like a puzzle, and the remaining space volume can be clarified as the remaining conversion storage container type information. Utilizing this, it becomes possible to determine the delivery schedule information (for example, delivery scheduled time information (delivery start scheduled time information, delivery end scheduled time information, delivery scheduled time zone information, etc.)) related to the user's delivery items. This will be described in detail below.

[0046] The delivery schedule determination unit 152 determines the delivery schedule of the user's delivery items based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to the delivery. More specifically, for example, if the volume indicated by the remaining space information is smaller than a predetermined volume (for example, smaller than the volume of the smallest storage container type used for delivery), the already stored delivery schedule is determined as the confirmed delivery schedule as it is, but if the volume indicated by the remaining space information is equal to or greater than the predetermined volume, the already stored delivery schedule is determined by updating it based on predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include, for example, an update condition that enables updating the delivery schedule and an update restriction condition that does not allow the delivery schedule to be updated.

[0047] Update condition example 1 is, for example, that the user has permitted a co-loading request from another user related to the user, and the storage of the other user's delivery cannot fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. In such a case, the delivery schedule before the update may be updated to delay it to a delivery schedule where the storage of the other user's delivery can fit. If the storage of the other user's delivery can fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update, the delivery schedule before the update may be directly determined as the confirmed delivery schedule. At this time, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (for example, divided into two parts) with the other user at a predetermined ratio, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be stored in association with each, and each user may perform the settlement process respectively. Or, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be stored in association with either the user or the other user, and the settlement process may be performed.

[0048] As a result, the user will receive a co-loading request in order to obtain the merit that the delivery fee is aggregated for one delivery in particular, and accordingly the number of deliveries will decrease, so the service provider can also obtain a merit. If it is not necessarily necessary to burden the other user, such as when the relationship between the user and the other user is between parent and child or other users who share the same livelihood, the user may perform the settlement process for the aggregated delivery fee for one delivery.

[0049] Here, the other user is a user corresponding to the other user identification information associated with the user identification information. The other user identification information may be, for example, co-resident user identification information set as a family member or partner, etc., or proxy user identification information set by the user as a proxy recipient user. In this example, for such association, for example, the registration process of the other user's identification information may be executed on the user's application, and / or the process of selecting whether to permit the association with the user's identification information may be executed on the other user's application.

[0050] Update condition example 2 is, for example, that a co-loading request to other users related to the user is permitted, and that it is impossible to store the deliveries of other users in the user's delivery schedule before the update. In such a case, the delivery schedule before the update may be updated to a delivery schedule that allows for the storage of the deliveries of other users. If the storage of the deliveries of other users fits into the user's delivery schedule before the update, the delivery schedule before the update may be directly determined as the confirmed delivery schedule. At this time, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (for example, divided into two parts) with other users at a predetermined ratio, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be stored in association with each, and each user may perform the settlement process respectively. Or, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be stored in association with either the user or the other user, and the settlement process may be performed.

[0051] When making a request for co-loading to another user from a user, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, deliveries of other users whose delivery schedules are close (for example, the difference in delivery start times is within a predetermined time) are extracted on the application of the user terminal 2, and a list of co-loading target delivery information 910 is presented. A co-loading request may be sent to another user according to a selection operation on the co-loading target delivery information 910 of other users and a determination operation on the co-loading target delivery determination area 920. In this display example, it is exemplified that the display of the co-loading target delivery information with the delivery scheduled time information "10:00 - 10:15" is different from the display of the co-loading target delivery information in the unselected state selected by the user and has changed. Instead of presenting it in the form of a list of co-loading target item information, a predetermined number of extracted co-loading target delivery information may be presented as options on the user's application for the user to perform a selection operation to determine the co-loading target delivery, or a predetermined number of extracted co-loading target delivery information may be presented as a co-loading confirmation notice on the user's application for the user to perform a selection operation on whether co-loading is possible to determine the co-loading target delivery, or the co-loading target delivery may be determined as a system without user operation from among the extracted co-loading target delivery candidates. Also, when there is no appropriate one among the co-loading target delivery information 910 displayed on the application and there is a determination operation on the co-loading rejection determination area 930, or when there is no delivery information that can be a co-loading target candidate, or when there is no selection of co-loading target delivery information until a predetermined period before the user's delivery scheduled time, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) may update the delivery type information to individual delivery information indicating individual delivery without co-loading, or calculate the remaining space and update the remaining space information included in the delivery information, etc., to update the user's delivery item information and delivery information.

[0052] Thus, in this second update condition example, unlike the above-described first update condition example, the user makes a co-loading request to another user. As a result, the user requests a co-loading request, particularly to obtain the benefit that the delivery fee is aggregated for one delivery, and accordingly, the number of deliveries decreases, so the service provider also benefits. In the case where the relationship between the user and another user is such that they are family members or users who share a livelihood and it is not necessarily necessary to burden another user, the user may settle the aggregated delivery fee for one delivery.

[0053] The third update condition example is a delivery reserved at a time automatically set based on, for example, the regular delivery reservation information associated with the user's delivery, and the storage of the delivery items of another user does not fit into the user's delivery schedule before the update. The regular delivery reservation information may have the delivery reservation time set based on, for example, the regular purchase information included in the user information. In such a case, the delivery schedule before the update may be updated to a delivery schedule that allows the storage of the delivery items of another user. In the case where the storage of the delivery items of another user fits into the user's delivery schedule before the update, the delivery schedule before the update may be determined as the delivery schedule as it is. At this time, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (for example, divided into two parts) with another user at a predetermined ratio, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be stored associated with each, and each user may perform the settlement process. Alternatively, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be stored associated with either the user or another user, and the settlement process may be performed.

[0054] Thus, in this update condition example 3, unlike the above-mentioned update condition example 1, it is not necessary for the user to permit mixed loading to other users. This is because for regular deliveries automatically reserved based on regular delivery reservation information, it is often sufficient if the delivery time is not significantly changed, and immediacy is not highly required. As a result, the user can particularly obtain the merit that the delivery fee is consolidated per delivery, and accordingly, the number of deliveries decreases, which also benefits the service provider. In cases where it is not necessarily required to burden other users, such as when the relationship between the user and other users is parent-child or other users who share a livelihood, the user may settle the consolidated delivery fee per delivery. Also, even for regular deliveries based on regular delivery reservation information, the user may be able to arbitrarily set settings such that they are not subject to mixed loading or require permission when subject to mixed loading.

[0055] On the other hand, the update restriction condition example 1 is, for example, that the management temperature zone information associated with the user's delivery (i.e., the management temperature zone information of the delivered item) is information indicating a predetermined management temperature zone. The predetermined management temperature zone can be, for example, not a normal temperature zone (e.g., about 10 - 15 or 20 °C), but a refrigerated temperature zone lower than normal temperature (e.g., about -5 - 5 °C), a frozen temperature zone (e.g., -15 °C or lower), or a hot temperature zone higher than normal temperature (e.g., about 25 °C or higher). In cases indicating any of these temperature zones, the delivery schedule before update may be directly determined as the delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, it does not reject mixed loading itself. When it is possible to store other users' deliveries in the delivery schedule before update and the management temperature zones are the same, mixed loading may be allowed. In that case, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (e.g., divided into two parts) with other users at a predetermined ratio, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be stored associated with each, and each user may perform settlement processing accordingly. Or, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be stored associated with either the user or other users, and settlement processing may be performed.

[0056] Thus, in this first example of update restriction conditions, since deliveries in temperature zones where temperature control is difficult are handled without updating the schedule, especially when immediately delivering freshly prepared foods and the like, they can be delivered at a temperature preferred by the user.

[0057] The second example of update restriction conditions is, for example, that the fresh product presence / absence information associated with the user's delivery is information indicating that it includes fresh products. In such a case, the delivery schedule before the update may be directly determined as the delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, it does not reject mixed loading itself, and if there is time to store other users' deliveries in the delivery schedule before the update, mixed loading may be allowed. In that case, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (for example, divided into two parts) with other users at a predetermined ratio, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be stored associated with each, and each user may perform the settlement process accordingly. Or, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be stored associated with either the user or another user, and the settlement process may be performed.

[0058] Thus, in this second example of update restriction conditions, since deliveries including perishable fresh products (especially fresh foods such as raw fish and raw meat) are handled without updating the schedule, they can be delivered in a state preferred by the user.

[0059] Update restriction condition example 3 is, for example, that the delivery type information associated with the user's delivery indicates express delivery (delivery with a shorter period until delivery completion than normal delivery) or time-specified delivery instead of normal delivery. The delivery type information may be set by the user on the application when the user makes a delivery request. In such a case, the pre-update delivery schedule may be directly determined as the delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, it does not reject consolidation itself. If it is possible to store other users' deliveries in the pre-update delivery schedule, consolidation may be allowed. In that case, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (for example, divided into two parts) with other users at a predetermined ratio, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be stored associated with each, and each user may perform settlement processing accordingly. Or, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be stored associated with either the user or another user, and settlement processing may be performed accordingly.

[0060] In this way, in this update restriction condition example 3, since the delivery items that the user hopes to be delivered more urgently than usual or at the specified time are handled without updating the schedule, they can be delivered at a preferable time for the user.

[0061] Furthermore, as another conditional example, for example, it may be determined whether the delivery associated with the user satisfies the conditions of the consolidatable target indicated in the consolidatable target information. That is, for example, the conditions for the consolidatable target may be that the delivery of the target user is included in the user-specified delivery time zone (for example, daytime time zone, etc.). This is because, for example, when the user who hopes for consolidation is a proxy recipient user who does not live together, it may not be desirable to be consolidated during the night time zone. Or, for example, the conditions for the consolidatable target may be that the other user who has made a consolidation request is a user who permits at least part or all of the burden of the delivery cost. This is because there may be cases where the user hopes that the delivery cost is reduced rather than being delivered at the reserved delivery time.

[0062] <Flow of processing> Referring to FIG. 8, the processing flow of the information processing method executed by the information processing system of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the information processing system of FIG. 1.

[0063] Here, a user or operator provided by the present information processing system accesses the management server 1 using an application (including a web browser) or the like. When using the service for the first time, a user may perform a usage registration process and log in. When an account has already been acquired, for example, by receiving a predetermined authentication such as entering an ID and password and logging in, the service may be made available. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID related to the application downloaded to the user terminal 2 or the operator terminal 3 may be used as user identification information (ID) to make the service available. After this login authentication, service usage is started via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

[0064] First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new delivery item identification information and delivery identification information, for example, in response to a delivery item acceptance process such as reading an identification code attached to a delivery item by a reader, and executes registration of the delivery item information and the delivery information (S101).

[0065] Next, the remaining space calculation unit 151 calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on the storage container type information indicating the type of each volume of the storage container for storing delivery items to the user (which may be the storage container type information as the delivery item information associated with the delivery information) and the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space for storing the storage container, and executes an update of the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, the remaining space information is preferably the remaining converted storage container type information obtained by converting the remaining space into the storage container type.

[0066] And, in step S103, when it is determined that the remaining space is not sufficient (for example, there is no remaining space for the storage container of the smallest storage container type to fit), the delivery schedule determination unit 152 determines the delivery schedule and ends this flow as it is. Thereafter, if the delivery item has already been stored in the storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored in the storage space as it is, and if it has not been stored yet, it is stored in the storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item and the like, and then stored in the storage space and delivered to the user.

[0067] On the other hand, in step S102, when it is determined that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is at least remaining space for the storage container of the smallest storage container type to fit), the delivery schedule determination unit 152 determines the delivery schedule of the delivery item based on further predetermined conditions related to delivery (S104). The predetermined conditions related to delivery are as described above, and the delivery schedule is determined according to the predetermined conditions (for example, update conditions and update limit conditions).

[0068] Thereafter, if the delivery item has already been stored in the storage container corresponding to this system, it is stored in the storage space as it is, and if it has not been stored yet, it is stored in the storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item and the like, and then stored in the storage space. Further, the mixed loading target item selected in the remaining space of the storage space is stored and delivered to the user.

[0069] Note that when the mixed loading target delivery is determined on the user's application or this system and the delivery schedule is determined, the mixed loading target delivery information and the delivery schedule information may be displayed on the operator terminal 3 so that the operator can confirm them during the storage operation. Further, based on the mixed loading target delivery information and the delivery schedule information, storage operation equipment (storage operation robot, storage operation arm, storage operation movable platform, etc.) for storing the delivery item may automatically control to take out the user's delivery item and other users' delivery items from the delivery item management space (for example, a shelf) and store them in the same storage space.

[0070] As described above, by standardizing and managing the delivery items (e.g., loaded items such as packages) using the storage container type identification information, it is possible to easily grasp the total quantity of the delivery items and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces, and to provide an information processing system, a server, an information processing method, and a program.

[0071] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not for limiting and interpreting the present invention. Needless to say, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1 Management server 2 User terminal

Claims

1. A delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for delivering to a user based on at least conditions related to delivery, wherein the conditions include an update restriction condition that does not update the delivery schedule for consolidation, and the update restriction condition includes that the delivery type information associated with the delivery to the user indicates express delivery. An information processing system characterized by the above.

2. A delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for delivering to a user based on at least conditions related to delivery, wherein the conditions include an update restriction condition that does not update the delivery schedule for consolidation, and the update restriction condition includes that the delivery type information associated with the delivery to the user indicates express delivery. A server characterized by the above.

3. Including the step of determining, by a delivery schedule determination unit, a delivery schedule for delivering to a user based on at least conditions related to delivery, wherein the conditions include an update restriction condition that does not update the delivery schedule for consolidation, and the update restriction condition includes that the delivery type information associated with the delivery to the user indicates express delivery. An information processing method characterized by the above.

4. Causing a computer to execute the step of determining, by a delivery schedule determination unit, a delivery schedule for delivering to a user based on at least conditions related to delivery, wherein the conditions include an update restriction condition that does not update the delivery schedule for consolidation, and the update restriction condition includes that the delivery type information associated with the delivery to the user indicates express delivery. A program characterized by the above.

Images