Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience of recipients in receiving packages.SOLUTION: An information processing system is provided, comprising a notification unit configured to notify a recipient of reference information regarding a package of another recipient corresponding to registration information pre-registered by the recipient of the package.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been developed to enable a delivery person in charge of delivery work related to delivery or collection of a package requested by a user to efficiently deliver or collect the package. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that acquires the load capacity of one or more circular flights that circulate between three base stations, and determines whether to change the operation plan of the circular flight based on the acquired load capacity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-52525 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it may become necessary for the recipient designated on the package to receive the package at the destination of the package delivered by circular delivery. For example, if the package is delivered directly to the recipient's home, it would be a heavy burden on the delivery side, and as packages become smaller in size in the future, delivery fees may become more expensive. Alternatively, there may be a method of consolidating packages at a designated receiving location. In this case, even if the recipient has no other plans at the destination, they may find themselves going to the destination just to collect the package.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program that can further improve the convenience of receiving packages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided which includes a notification unit that notifies the recipient of reference information regarding other recipients' packages according to registration information previously registered by the recipient receiving the package.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided which includes a notification unit that notifies the recipient of reference information regarding packages of other recipients according to registration information previously registered by the recipient receiving the package.

[0008] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method executed by a computer, which includes notifying a recipient who receives a package of reference information regarding packages of other recipients according to registration information previously registered by the recipient.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to realize a notification function of notifying a recipient of reference information regarding packages of other recipients in accordance with registration information previously registered by the recipient receiving the package. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve convenience in receiving packages. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management server 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a flow of a collection agent according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a notification regarding whether or not a proxy can be performed according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an operation process of the management server 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server 30 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below. An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] a notification unit that notifies the recipient of reference information regarding other recipients' packages according to registration information previously registered by the recipient who receives the package; An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] an acquisition unit that acquires identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when collecting the package; Further provided with The notification unit notifying the reference information based on the identification information; Item 1. An information processing system according to item 1. [Item 3] a permission unit that permits collection of the package of the other recipient when the recipient performs an agent operation for collecting the package of the other recipient in accordance with the reference information notified by the notification unit; Item 3. The information processing system according to item 2, further comprising: [Item 4] The registration information includes information regarding the recipient's address; The notification unit notifying reference information regarding packages of other recipients who have registered their proxy collection locations within a predetermined range from the address of the recipient; Item 3. The information processing system according to item 3. [Item 5] The substitute collection point includes the address of the other recipient registered by the other recipient. Item 4. An information processing system according to item 4. [Item 6] The registration information includes information about an authorized agent who is authorized to collect packages from the recipient, The notification unit notifying the agent of reference information regarding the package; Item 5. An information processing system according to item 5. [Item 7] The reference information includes the weight or size of the package of the other recipient. Item 1. An information processing system according to item 1. [Item 8] The reference information includes route information or time information regarding the required time from the location where the recipient collects the package for the other recipient to the substitute collection location. Item 5. An information processing system according to item 5. [Item 9] The reference information includes information regarding a reward to be provided to the recipient when the recipient acts as an agent for collection. Item 1. An information processing system according to item 1. [Item 10] a communication unit that transmits a proxy completion notification to a terminal used by the other recipient when a proxy completion operation is performed by the other recipient; 7. The information processing system according to any one of items 3 to 6, further comprising: [Item 11] The communication unit When the permission unit has given permission to collect the package from the other recipient, a proxy execution notification indicating that the collection of the package has been carried out is sent to a terminal used by the other recipient. Item 11. The information processing system according to item 10. [Item 12] a notification unit that notifies the recipient of reference information regarding other recipients' packages according to registration information previously registered by the recipient who receives the package; An information processing device comprising: [Item 13] Notifying the recipient of reference information regarding other recipients' packages according to registration information previously registered by the recipient who will receive the package; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: [Item 14] On the computer, A notification function that notifies the recipient of reference information regarding other recipients' packages according to registration information previously registered by the recipient who receives the package; A program that makes this happen.

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0014] Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, the mobile units are distinguished as needed, such as a manned mobile unit 10A for a mobile unit used by a deliverer, and an unmanned mobile unit 10B for a mobile unit that moves by autonomous control or remote control. However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the mobile units, each mobile unit will simply be referred to as a mobile unit 10. Furthermore, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the mobile units, each information terminal will be distinguished as needed, such as a deliverer terminal 20A for an information terminal used by a deliverer who delivers or collects packages, and a recipient terminal 20B for an information terminal used by a recipient who receives delivered packages. However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the information terminals, each information terminal will be simply referred to as an information terminal 20.

[0015] <<1. Overview of the information processing system>> An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system that can further improve convenience for recipients when receiving packages.

[0016] <1.1. Overview> 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system according to this embodiment includes, for example, a mobile object 10, an information terminal 20, and a management server 30, as shown in FIG.

[0017] The mobile object 10, the information terminal 20, and the management server 30 are connected to each other via a network.

[0018] (Mobile 10) The mobile object 10 according to this embodiment is a mobile object used in delivery work such as delivering or collecting a package L. For example, the mobile object 10 is used when delivering a package L requested for delivery by a recipient U2 from a warehouse WH where the package L is stored. Note that the mobile object 10 is not essential for delivery work, and delivery may be performed on foot with a cart (e.g., a box cart or a basket cart).

[0019] For example, the vehicle 10 includes a manned vehicle 10A used by a delivery person U1 to deliver or collect a package L.

[0020] For example, the manned vehicle 10A according to this embodiment may be a vehicle that travels on land as shown in Fig. 1 (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a light van or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). However, the manned vehicle 10A is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned vehicle 10A may be an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that travels on waterways such as seaways or riverways.

[0021] Furthermore, the mobile body 10 according to this embodiment includes an unmanned mobile body 10B that moves by autonomous control or remote control. For example, the unmanned mobile body 10B may move by autonomous control using input information such as two positions, such as a start point (e.g., a delivery start position of the package L or a movement start position of the unmanned mobile body 10B) and an end point (e.g., a pickup position of the package L), or three or more positions including a relay point (e.g., a collection position of the package L in the case of a delivery that involves collection of the package L) and a return point (e.g., a position that is the same as the movement start position of the unmanned mobile body 10 or a different waiting position). Note that the input information used for autonomous control may also include various information such as other intermediate points and delivery routes.

[0022] The unmanned mobile body 10B may also be moved by remote control using operation information remotely input by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0023] For example, the unmanned moving body 10B may be an air vehicle as shown in Fig. 1. For example, the air vehicle may be a drone that flies by autonomous control, or may be a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flies by remote control by an administrator.

[0024] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body 10B according to this embodiment is not limited to an air vehicle. For example, the unmanned mobile body 10B may be a vehicle that travels on land, such as an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), or a ship that travels on waterways, such as seaways or riverways.

[0025] Furthermore, the manned mobile body 10A and the unmanned mobile body 10B may be mobile bodies that can travel on at least two or more routes, including land routes, water routes, and air routes.

[0026] (Information terminal 20) The information terminal 20 according to this embodiment is a terminal used by a party involved in a delivery or collection service. For example, the information terminal 20 may be any of various terminals such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0027] The information terminal 20 includes a deliverer terminal 20A used by a deliverer U1 who delivers or collects a package L. For example, the deliverer U1 may use the deliverer terminal 20A to confirm delivery instruction information, including delivery tasks based on the request details included in the delivery request registered by the recipient U2. While FIG. 1 illustrates the package L being delivered to the recipient U2 who made the delivery request, this is not a limitation. The package may be delivered to a different recipient from the requester. In such a case, the deliverer U1 may load the package L onto a mobile object 10 or the like upon departure from the warehouse WH, and one or more delivery tasks may be set in advance as a delivery plan in a predetermined order. The delivery instruction information includes various information used for delivering the package L, such as information regarding the package's delivery destination (i.e., the location where the recipient U2 will receive the package).

[0028] The information terminal 20 also includes a recipient terminal 20B used by a recipient U2 who receives the delivered package L. For example, the recipient U2 may use the recipient terminal 20B to check a delivery completion notice indicating that delivery of the package L that the recipient U2 receives (for example, delivery to a storage location or delivery to a delivery box in an apartment building) has been completed. The storage location can be called a receiving location for a recipient who goes to collect their own package, but when collecting packages for other recipients as well, it can ultimately be a place where packages are temporarily stored for the other recipients.

[0029] The recipient terminal 20B may also display reference information regarding packages for other recipients delivered by the deliverer U1 or the unmanned mobile body 10B. Details of the reference information will be described later, but the reference information may include, for example, information such as the weight or size of the package L for the other recipient, and the recipient U2 may check the reference information and consider whether or not to collect the package for the other recipient on his / her behalf.

[0030] (Management Server 30) The management server 30 according to this embodiment is an example of an information processing device, and is a server that manages the receipt of the package L. For example, the management server 30 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC, or may be a cloud server.

[0031] The management server 30 notifies the recipient U2 of reference information regarding the packages of other recipients according to the registration information previously registered by the recipient U2 who will receive the package L.

[0032] For example, the management server 30 may notify the recipient U2 of reference information regarding packages of other recipients whose receiving locations (e.g., home delivery boxes) are set within a predetermined range from the address of the recipient U2's home or other address registered by the recipient U2 who will receive the package L, or about packages of other recipients whose receiving locations are set within a predetermined range from the route from the recipient U2's receiving location to the recipient U2's home or other address.

[0033] Furthermore, the management server 30 may notify the recipient U2 of reference information regarding the packages of other recipients based on the recipient U2's identification information. After checking the reference information, the recipient U2 considers whether or not to collect the packages of the other recipients on his / her behalf.

[0034] When recipient U2 acts as a proxy to collect a package for another recipient, the recipient U2 performs a proxy operation to collect the package. When the proxy operation is performed, the management server 30 may permit recipient U2 to collect the package for the other recipient. Furthermore, when the proxy operation is performed, the management server 30 may ask the other recipient for permission to have recipient U2 act as a proxy, and when a permission signal is received, the management server 30 may permit recipient U2 to collect the package for the other recipient.

[0035] For example, the package of another recipient may be held in a holding device, which will be described later. When the recipient U2 performs an agent operation to collect the package of the other recipient, the management server 30 may transmit a control signal to the holding device to release the package of the other recipient. This allows the recipient U2 to collect the package of the other recipient and deliver it to the agent pickup location registered by the other recipient (e.g., the recipient's home). If the package of the other recipient is managed by a package manager, the management server 30 may transmit information to the package manager terminal of the package manager indicating that the recipient U2 is authorized to collect the package of the other recipient. The management server 30 may then transmit information (e.g., including a text description or identification information obtained by an authentication operation, which will be described later) to the recipient terminal 20B indicating that the recipient U2 is authorized to collect the package of the other recipient, so that the package manager can confirm this.

[0036] The information processing system according to this embodiment has been outlined above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20 and the management server 30 according to this embodiment will be described in order.

[0037] <<2. Functional configuration example>> <2.1. Example of functional configuration of information terminal 20> 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 20 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 210, a control unit 230, and an operation display unit 240.

[0038] (Communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 according to this embodiment performs various communications with the management server 30. For example, the communication unit 210 provided in the recipient terminal 20B may receive from the management server 30 reference information regarding packages of other recipients according to registration information previously registered by the recipient.

[0039] For example, the communication unit 210 may transmit identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when collecting the recipient's package to the management server 30. In this case, the communication unit 210 may receive reference information transmitted in accordance with the identification information from the management server 30.

[0040] The authentication operation includes an operation in which identification information is read by an input device such as a camera. More specifically, the authentication operation includes an operation in which various information codes, such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes, displayed or printed on the luggage or the holding device that stores the luggage are read as identification information by a camera. The holding device may be, for example, a storage box or the unmanned mobile body 10B. The holding device may also be a device that can secure the luggage L by a fixed object such as a belt or a frame.

[0041] The authentication operation may also include an operation in which the recipient reads identification information of the package or holding device by using a contactless or contact IC card reader or the like. The authentication operation may also include an operation in which the recipient inputs identification information by using the operation display unit 240. In this case, the identification information includes, for example, a character string displayed or printed on the package or holding device.

[0042] The authentication operation may also include an operation of reading the outer shape of the baggage or the holding device. In this case, the communication unit 220 may transmit the read outer shape as an image to the management server 30, and the management server 30 may convert the image into identification information by image recognition.

[0043] (control unit 230) The control unit 230 controls the overall operation of the information terminal 20. For example, the control unit 230 may control the transmission of identification information by the communication unit 210. The control unit 230 may also control the display of reference information by the operation display unit 240.

[0044] (Operation display section 240) The operation display unit 240 according to this embodiment functions as an operation unit through which operations for inputting request details regarding delivery or collection of packages are performed. The operation display unit 240 also functions as a display unit that displays reference information received from the management server 30.

[0045] The function of the operation unit may be realized by, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. The function of the display unit may be realized by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. The function of the display unit and the function of the operation unit may be configured separately.

[0046] The information terminal 20 may be equipped with a microphone (not shown in Fig. 2), in which case the recipient may input the identification information by voice using the microphone. The information terminal 20 may also be equipped with a speaker (not shown in Fig. 2), in which case the deliverer may confirm the reference information by voice output from the speaker.

[0047] <2.2. Example of functional configuration of management server 30> 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the management server 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 30 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0048] (Communication unit 310) The communication unit 310 according to this embodiment performs various communications with the information terminal 20. For example, the communication unit 310 is an example of a notification unit, and transmits to the recipient terminal 20B reference information regarding packages of other recipients according to registration information registered in advance by the recipient who will receive the package.

[0049] Furthermore, the communication unit 310 is an example of an acquisition unit, and receives identification information from the recipient terminal 20 B. For example, after receiving the identification information from the recipient terminal 20 B, the communication unit 310 may transmit reference information generated by a generation unit 331, which will be described later.

[0050] However, the timing at which the reference information is transmitted by the communication unit 310 does not necessarily have to be after the communication unit 310 receives the identification information from the recipient terminal 20B. For example, the communication unit 310 may transmit reference information regarding another recipient's package according to the recipient's registration information to the recipient terminal 20B, regardless of whether or not the identification information has been received. This allows the recipient to check the reference information on the way to the package pickup location.

[0051] Furthermore, the communication unit 310 may transmit the reference information about the package of another recipient generated by the generation unit 331 to a holding device (for example, a storage box or the unmanned mobile body 10B) that is holding the package. In this case, the storage box or the unmanned mobile body 10B that receives the reference information may notify the recipient of the reference information by outputting the received reference information on an output device such as a display.

[0052] The communication unit 310 may also transmit control information, permitted by the permission unit 333 described below, to a storage device such as a storage box or unmanned mobile unit 10B that holds the package, enabling the recipient U2 to collect the package of another recipient. When a proxy operation is performed, the communication unit 310 may request permission from the other recipient to allow the recipient U2 to collect the package of the other recipient upon receiving the permission signal. If the package of the other recipient is managed by a package manager, the communication unit 310 may transmit information to the package manager terminal of the package manager indicating that the recipient U2 has been authorized to collect the package of the other recipient. The communication unit 310 may then transmit information (including, for example, a text description or identification information obtained by an authentication operation described below) to the recipient terminal 20B indicating that the recipient U2 is authorized to collect the package of the other recipient, so that the package manager can confirm this.

[0053] (Storage unit 320) The storage unit 320 according to this embodiment stores software and various data. For example, the storage unit 320 stores registration information registered in advance by the recipient. For example, the storage unit 320 stores recipient information, which is information about the recipient. The recipient information includes, for example, the recipient's name, the recipient's name within the service, the recipient's identification information, the proxy approver's information, various basic information such as an email address, an address, or a telephone number, account information for an external application, and payment information (such as credit card information).

[0054] The recipient information may also include information related to receiving the package, such as the location where the package will be received. For example, the location where the package will be received may be set to a different location for each of the cases where the recipient collects the package themselves and the case where the package is collected by a proxy.

[0055] For example, when a recipient collects a package for themselves, the package pickup location may be set to a store, bus stop, or other such stop. Furthermore, when another recipient collects a package on their behalf, the package pickup location may be set to a delivery box installed at the recipient's home. In this case, the other recipient places the package collected by the other recipient at a store, bus stop, or other such stop in the delivery box set by the recipient. The package pickup location when another recipient collects a package on their behalf is an example of a collection location during proxy collection.

[0056] The storage unit 320 also stores information about packages addressed to a recipient using the recipient terminal 20B. The information about the packages includes, for example, package identification information, package size, package weight, estimated package arrival time, package characteristics, and package delivery method. The information about the package L may also include information about package precautions. The information about package precautions may include information about how to handle the package, such as whether it is a frozen product, whether it should be placed upside down, whether it is strictly prohibited from being piled up, whether it is a raw product, or whether it is a fragile item.

[0057] In addition, the recipient's identification information is identification information (hereinafter referred to as recipient ID) for uniquely identifying the recipient using the recipient terminal 20B, and the package identification information is identification information (hereinafter referred to as package ID) for uniquely identifying the package.

[0058] The storage unit 320 stores the package ID in association with the recipient ID of the recipient specified in the address of the package indicated by the package ID.

[0059] (control unit 330) The control unit 330 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the management server 30. The control unit 330 includes a generating unit 331 and a permitting unit 333, as shown in FIG.

[0060] The generation unit 331 according to this embodiment generates reference information about other recipients' packages according to registration information registered in advance by the recipient who will receive the package.

[0061] For example, based on the identification information received by the communication unit 310, the generation unit 331 may generate reference information regarding another recipient's package according to registration information previously registered by the recipient who will receive the package.

[0062] For example, the generation unit 331 may generate reference information based on recipient information indicated by a recipient ID associated with the identification information (package ID) received by the communication unit 310. More specifically, the generation unit 331 may generate reference information for packages of other recipients whose substitute collection locations are registered within a predetermined range from the recipient's address, such as the recipient's home address, included in the recipient information, or for packages of other recipients whose collection locations are set within a predetermined range from the recipient U2's collection location to the recipient's home address. If the address of another recipient is registered as the substitute collection location for that other recipient, the recipient can collect packages for neighbors who live in the same apartment building or nearby houses, thereby reducing the burden on the deliverer of visiting each individual home and reducing the burden on the recipient of collecting packages on their behalf.

[0063] The generation unit 331 may also generate reference information for packages of other recipients based on proxy approver information included in the recipient information. For example, the recipient may register relatives, friends, etc. as proxy approvers. In this case, the generation unit 331 may generate reference information for packages of other recipients registered as proxy approvers. Note that when a prospective registrant designated by the recipient (e.g., a relative or friend) performs an operation permitting registration as a proxy approver for the recipient, the management server 30 may register the prospective registrant as a proxy approver for the recipient. Furthermore, reference information for recipients other than proxy approvers preferably includes at least receipt location information but does not include the recipient's name or the recipient's name within the service. However, for proxy approvers, at least one of the recipient's name and the recipient's name within the service may be included in addition to or instead of the receipt location information.

[0064] The permission unit 333 in this embodiment permits the collection of another recipient's package when a recipient performs an agent operation to collect the other recipient's package, based on the reference information notified by the generation unit 331.

[0065] For example, if the permission unit 333 permits collection of another recipient's package, the communication unit 310 may send a proxy execution notification to the recipient terminal 20B used by the other recipient, indicating that collection of the package will be handled on behalf of the other recipient.

[0066] Furthermore, when the permission unit 333 permits collection of another recipient's package, the communication unit 310 may transmit a control signal to the holding device holding the package, instructing the holding device to transition to a state in which the package can be collected. Alternatively, when another recipient's package is managed by a package manager, the communication unit 310 may transmit information to the package manager terminal owned by the package manager indicating that the recipient U2 has been permitted to collect the package on behalf of the other recipient. The communication unit 310 may then transmit information (including, for example, a text description or identification information obtained by an authentication operation) to the recipient terminal 20B indicating that the recipient is authorized to collect the package on behalf of the other recipient, so that the package manager can confirm this. This allows the package manager to confirm which package the recipient is the recipient of by visually checking the information or by reading the identification information with a reading terminal.

[0067] Here, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, an example of the flow of collection agency in which a recipient collects a package for another recipient on their behalf will be described.

[0068] First, the recipient accesses the management server 30 using an application (including a web browser) or the like. Then, when the recipient uses the service for the first time, the recipient may perform a user registration process and obtain account information including a recipient ID or the like. Then, a recipient who has obtained the account information or a recipient who has already obtained account information may begin using the service by logging in after undergoing predetermined authentication, such as entering a recipient ID and password. Note that use of the service may be initiated by entering a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the recipient terminal 20B as the recipient ID instead of account information, or by using another authentication method.

[0069] 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of collection agency according to this embodiment. In FIG. 4, an example is explained in which a bus stop S is designated as the pick-up location for luggage L1 and luggage L2. Note that when there is no particular need to distinguish between them, luggage L1 and luggage L2 may be collectively referred to as luggage L.

[0070] Furthermore, a storage box capable of storing luggage L is arranged as a holding device at the bus stop S. However, the luggage L may be held by another holding device instead of the storage box.

[0071] First, the recipient U2 registers a delivery request for the package L1. Then, the deliverer corresponding to the delivery request uses a manned vehicle 10A (for example, a vehicle as shown in FIG. 4) to deliver the package L1 from the warehouse WH where the package L1 is stored to the bus stop S, and stores the package L1 in a storage box located at the bus stop S.

[0072] At this time, the deliverer who delivered the package L1 may use the deliverer terminal 20A or the storage box to perform an input operation related to the completion of delivery. When the deliverer performs an input operation related to the completion of delivery, the management server 30 may send a notification related to the completion of delivery to the receiver terminal 20B of the receiver U2 associated with the identification information of the package L1.

[0073] Then, the recipient U2, who has confirmed the notification regarding the completion of delivery of the package L1, performs an authentication operation for collecting the package L1 at the bus stop S, which is the pickup location of the package L1. At this time, if another recipient's package L2 that meets certain criteria is stored in the storage box, reference information regarding the other recipient's package L2 may be notified to the recipient U2.

[0074] Here, other recipients who meet certain criteria are other recipients according to the registration information of recipient U2 as described above, and include, for example, other recipients who have registered in their recipient information the address of residence B2 within a specified range from the address of recipient U2's home B1.

[0075] For example, the package L2 of the other recipient is delivered by the unmanned mobile unit 10B from the store K that handles the package L2 to the bus stop S, and is stored in a storage box arranged at the bus stop S.

[0076] In such a situation, the communication unit 310 transmits a notification regarding whether or not to act as an agent to the recipient terminal 20B of the recipient U2, including reference information regarding the other recipient's package L2, generated by the generation unit 331. Then, the recipient U2 considers whether or not to act as an agent to collect the other recipient's package L2, based on the notification screen displayed on the operation display unit 240 provided in the recipient terminal 20B.

[0077] 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a notification screen relating to whether or not a proxy can be performed according to the present embodiment. For example, the operation display unit 240 provided in the recipient terminal 20B displays a notification screen relating to whether or not a proxy can be performed, as shown in FIG.

[0078] Here, the notification screen includes, for example, reference information R regarding the package of the other recipient, an approval button AB, and a rejection button AR, as shown in FIG.

[0079] The reference information R regarding the other recipient's package may include, for example, a message confirming whether the package can be received by a collection agent, information regarding the weight and size of the other recipient's package, information regarding the time required from the location where the other recipient's package is collected to the collection location set by the other recipient at the time of collection, information regarding the collection location at the time of collection, notes regarding the other recipient's package, and information regarding compensation, as shown in Figure 5.

[0080] The information regarding the weight and size of the other recipient's package includes information indicating the weight of the other recipient's package (e.g., "1 kg" as shown in FIG. 5) and information indicating the size of the package (e.g., "size 60" as shown in FIG. 5). However, the units of weight and size are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5. For example, the size of the package may be in other units that represent volume, such as cubic meters. Furthermore, the information regarding the size of the other recipient's package may be an image that shows the size of the package.

[0081] The information on the required time from the location where the other recipient's package is collected to the proxy collection location set by the other recipient is, for example, the required time from the location of the storage box where the other recipient's package is stored to the proxy collection location of the other recipient (for example, the other recipient's home). The required time may be determined, for example, depending on the recipient's means of transportation (walking, bicycle, car, etc.).

[0082] The information regarding the alternative collection location of the other recipient may be, for example, the home address registered by the other recipient as the alternative collection location as shown in Fig. 5. The information regarding the alternative collection location of the other recipient may also be route information from the location where the other recipient's package is collected to the alternative collection location set by the other recipient.

[0083] The note information regarding the other recipient's package may be, for example, information to be careful of, such as fragile items, as shown in Figure 5, or other information that can be used to consider taking over the delivery during times when the other recipient is absent.

[0084] The information regarding rewards includes information informing the recipient of the rewards that will be earned if the recipient collects another recipient's package on their behalf. Note that FIG. 5 gives an example of a reward in the form of a reduction in the delivery fee for the recipient's package, but the reward is not limited to this example. For example, the reward may be money, a service, or points with monetary value. Furthermore, the content of the reward may be determined by the other recipients, or may be predetermined content (for example, a common reward, a reward based on the results of past proxy collections, or a reward based on information related to the package, such as the weight of the package).

[0085] After checking the reference information R as described above, the recipient considers whether or not to collect the package of another recipient. If the recipient does not wish to collect the package of another recipient, the recipient may select the reject button AR. In this case, the recipient will collect only their own package, without collecting the packages of other recipients stored in the storage box.

[0086] Furthermore, if the recipient wishes to undertake the collection of another recipient's parcel on their behalf, the recipient selects the approval button AB. In this case, the permission unit 333 determines that an agent operation for the parcel collection has been performed, and permits the collection of the other recipient's parcel.

[0087] Then, the communication unit 310 transmits a control signal to the holding device so that the recipient can collect the other recipient's package. More specifically, if the holding device is a storage box, the communication unit 310 may transmit a control signal to the storage box to open the door of the storage box in which the other recipient's package is stored. Then, the storage box that receives the control signal opens its door, allowing the recipient to collect the other recipient's package.

[0088] Furthermore, when collection of another recipient's package is permitted by the permission unit 333, the communication unit 310 may send a proxy execution notification to the recipient terminal 20B of the other recipient, indicating that the package is being delivered on behalf of the other recipient. This allows the other recipient to know that their package has been delivered by another person, and can reduce the occurrence of a mis-delivery situation where their package has already been collected by another person when it arrives at the storage box.

[0089] Then, as shown in Figure 4, recipient U2 collects his / her own package L1 and the other recipient's package L2, which have become available for collection from the storage box, and delivers package L2 to residence B2, which is the proxy collection location registered by the other recipient.

[0090] Then, the recipient U2 may store the other recipient's package L2 in a delivery box at the residence B2, and use the recipient terminal 20B to perform an agency completion operation (e.g., selecting a button indicating agency completion) on the application for the collection agency. Note that, in the agency completion operation, if the storage space is a delivery box or other type that allows you to set an arbitrary password, the agency completion operation may also include the operation of inputting information about the set password.

[0091] When the proxy completion operation is performed, the communication unit 310 may send a proxy completion notification to the recipient terminal 20B of the other recipient, indicating that the package has been placed in the delivery box at residence B2. This completes the process for recipient U2, from the collection of the package that he / she accepted to the delivery of the package.

[0092] The information included in the reference information is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5. For example, the reference information may not include some of the information shown in FIG. 5, or may include other information that is useful when acting as a collection agent. For example, if a recipient collects another recipient's package on their behalf, no fee may be paid. In this case, the reference information does not include information regarding fees.

[0093] In addition, the recipient U2 does not necessarily have to deliver another recipient's package to the location set as the proxy collection location. For example, in the case of a relative or friend registered as a proxy approver, the recipient U2 may hand over the proxy approver's package directly to the proxy approver. The recipient U2 may also hand over the proxy approver's package to the proxy approver via another user. In this case, however, it is desirable for the recipient U2 to obtain permission in advance from the proxy approver and other users. For example, the proxy approver's information may include information on the type of delivery, or the other recipient may specify the delivery method when approving the proxy request, or the approval operation may include approving the delivery method specified by the recipient.

[0094] Furthermore, when an operation related to proxy permission is obtained from another recipient who is to collect the package on behalf of the other recipient, the permission unit 333 may permit the recipient to collect the package from the other recipient. For example, after confirming the information including the reference information, the recipient contacts the other recipient by any communication means. Then, the other recipient may perform an operation related to proxy permission using the recipient terminal 20B of the other recipient.

[0095] Furthermore, if the delivery box of another recipient is full, recipient U2 may deliver the package to the home of the other recipient. In particular, the package may be delivered to an alternative delivery location by referring to information about an alternative delivery location set in advance by the other recipient. The information about the alternative delivery location may be, for example, information about a parking location such as a parking lot or bicycle parking lot, or information about a room number.

[0096] According to the collection agent service described above, a recipient can collect another recipient's package while collecting his or her own package. As a result, for example, the other recipient can reduce the effort of going to a pickup location just to collect the other recipient's package, thereby improving the convenience of receiving the recipient's package. Next, an example of the operation process of the management server 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0097] <<3. Operational Processing Example>> 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation process of the management server 30 according to this embodiment. First, the communication unit 310 receives the identification information obtained by the authentication operation from the recipient terminal 20B (S101).

[0098] Next, the generation unit 331 generates reference information regarding other recipients' packages according to the registration information previously registered by the recipient corresponding to the obtained identification information, and the communication unit 310 transmits the reference information to the recipient terminal 20B (S105).

[0099] Then, the control unit 330 determines whether or not an agent operation for collecting the package has been performed (S109). If it is determined that an agent operation for collecting the package has been performed (S109 / Yes), the process proceeds to S113, and if it is determined that an agent operation for collecting the package has not been performed (S109 / No), the management server 30 according to this embodiment ends the process.

[0100] If it is determined that an agent operation for parcel collection has been performed (S109 / Yes), the permission unit 333 permits the recipient to collect the parcel of another recipient, and the communication unit 310 transmits a control signal to the storage box in which the parcel is stored, enabling the recipient's parcel to be collected (S113).

[0101] Then, the communication unit 310 sends a proxy execution notification to the recipient terminal 20B of the other recipient whose package has been collected on behalf of the recipient, informing them that the package will be collected on behalf of the recipient, and the management server 30 of this embodiment ends the processing.

[0102] <<4. Hardware configuration example>> The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the below-described hardware of the management server 30. The hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the information terminal 20.

[0103] 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the management server 30 includes a control unit 330, a memory 31, a storage 32, a transmission / reception unit 33, an input / output unit 34, and the like, which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 35.

[0104] The control unit 330 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the management server 30, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 330 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 32 and deployed in the memory 31 to perform various information processing as described above.

[0105] The memory 31 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 31 is used as a work area for the control unit 330, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the management server 30 is started, various setting information, etc.

[0106] The storage 32 stores various programs such as application programs, etc. A database that stores data used for each process may be constructed in the storage 32.

[0107] The transmitter / receiver 33 connects the management server 30 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transmitter / receiver 33 may include a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0108] The input / output unit 34 includes information input devices such as a keyboard, a microphone, and a mouse, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0109] A bus 35 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0110] <<5. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0111] For example, although the present specification has mainly described an example in which a deliverer delivers a package using a mobile object 10, the deliverer does not necessarily have to use a mobile object 10. For example, the deliverer may deliver the package on foot.

[0112] The recipient may also be another deliverer (for example, a delivery person or gig worker). In this case, the package L may be handed over from the unmanned mobile body 10B to the other deliverer at a certain receiving location. The other deliverer who receives the package L may then deliver the package L to the substitute collection location registered by the recipient.

[0113] It is also possible to create a computer program that causes the hardware, such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM, built into the information terminal 20 and management server 30 to perform functions equivalent to those of the respective components of the information terminal 20 and management server 30 described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10 Mobile 20 Information terminal 210 Communications Department 230 Control Unit 240 Operation display section 30 Management Server 310 Communications Department 320 Storage section 330 Control Unit 331 Generation part 333 Permit Department

Claims

1. A memory unit that stores registration information including the address of a recipient who will receive the first package; an acquisition unit that acquires identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when the recipient collects his / her first package; a generating unit that generates, after the authentication operation, reference information regarding a second package of another recipient, the second package having a receiving location set within a predetermined range from the address, according to the acquired identification information; a notification unit that notifies the recipient of the generated reference information; Equipped with Information processing system.

2. A storage unit that stores registration information including proxy approver information regarding a proxy approver who has registered the recipient who will receive his / her first package as the proxy approver's agent for collecting the second package in response to a prior authorization operation by the proxy approver for the recipient; an acquisition unit that acquires identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when the recipient collects his / her first package; a generation unit that generates reference information regarding a second package of the proxy approver indicated by the proxy approver information according to the acquired identification information after the authentication operation; a notification unit that notifies the recipient of the generated reference information; Equipped with Information processing system.

3. a permission unit that permits collection of the second package when the recipient performs an agent operation for agent collection of the second package in accordance with the reference information notified by the notification unit; The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The reference information includes information regarding a reward to be provided to the recipient when the recipient collects the second package.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. A memory unit that stores registration information including the address of a recipient who will receive the first package; an acquisition unit that acquires identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when the recipient collects his / her first package; a generating unit that generates, after the authentication operation, reference information regarding a second package of another recipient, the second package having a receiving location set within a predetermined range from the address, according to the acquired identification information; a notification unit that notifies the recipient of the generated reference information; Equipped with Information processing device.

6. A storage unit that stores registration information including proxy approver information regarding a proxy approver who has registered the recipient who will receive his / her first package as the proxy approver's agent for collecting the second package in accordance with a prior authorization operation by the proxy approver for the recipient; an acquisition unit that acquires identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when the recipient collects his / her first package; a generation unit that generates reference information regarding a second package of the proxy approver indicated by the proxy approver information according to the acquired identification information after the authentication operation; a notification unit that notifies the recipient of the generated reference information; Equipped with Information processing device.

7. Storing registration information including the address of a recipient who will receive the first package; acquiring identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when collecting the recipient's first package; After the authentication operation, generating reference information regarding a second package of another recipient, the second package having a receiving location set within a predetermined range from the address, according to the acquired identification information; notifying the recipient of the generated reference information; Including, A computer-implemented information processing method.

8. Storing registration information including proxy approver information regarding a proxy approver who has registered the recipient who receives his / her first package as the proxy approver's agent for collecting the second package in response to a prior authorization operation by the proxy approver for the recipient; acquiring identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when collecting the recipient's first package; After the authentication operation, generating reference information regarding a second package of the proxy approver indicated by the proxy approver information according to the acquired identification information; notifying the recipient of the generated reference information; Including, A computer-implemented information processing method.

9. On the computer, a storage function for storing registration information including the address of a recipient who will receive the first parcel; an acquisition function for acquiring identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when collecting the recipient's first package; a generation function for generating reference information regarding a second package of another recipient, the second package having a receiving location set within a predetermined range from the address, according to the acquired identification information after the authentication operation; and a notification function for notifying the recipient of the generated reference information; A program that makes this happen.

10. On the computer, a storage function for storing registration information including proxy approver information regarding a proxy approver who has registered the recipient who receives his / her first package as a proxy approver for collecting the second package in response to a prior authorization operation by the proxy approver for the recipient; an acquisition function for acquiring identification information obtained by an authentication operation performed by the recipient when collecting the recipient's first package; a generation function that generates reference information regarding the second package of the proxy approver indicated by the proxy approver information according to the acquired identification information after the authentication operation; a notification function for notifying the recipient of the generated reference information; A program that makes this happen.

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