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

Abstract

To enable a proxy acting on behalf of a recipient to smoothly receive a package.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a control unit that sets, as a proxy, a candidate for the proxy who can receive a package on behalf of a recipient specified in the address of the package, and a communication unit that notifies the proxy or the candidate for the proxy of information about the package.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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, the number of delivery methods has been diversifying in the field of parcel delivery services, and technological developments are being made to handle such diverse delivery methods. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a logistics management system that manages information related to a logistics network and changes the operation plan of circular flights that circulate within an area based on that information. [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] As a means of delivering such packages, autonomously controlled unmanned mobile vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned aerial vehicles, and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), are beginning to be used. Unmanned mobile vehicles may deliver packages to a designated takeoff and landing point. In this case, if the recipient specified on the package is unable to receive the package at the designated takeoff and landing point, a representative of the recipient, such as the manager of the designated takeoff and landing point, may receive the package. However, if the representative does not have information about the package, there is a possibility that the representative may not be prepared to receive the package when it arrives.

[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 technology that enables an agent acting on behalf of a recipient to smoothly receive a package. [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 control unit that sets a candidate agent who is able to receive the package on behalf of the recipient specified in the package address as the candidate agent, and a communication unit that notifies the candidate agent or the candidate agent of information regarding 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 control unit that sets a candidate agent who is able to receive the package on behalf of the recipient specified in the package address as the candidate agent, and a communication unit that notifies the candidate agent or the candidate agent of information regarding 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 setting a candidate agent who is able to receive the package on behalf of the recipient specified in the package address as the candidate agent, and notifying the candidate agent or the candidate agent of information regarding the package.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided to cause a computer to function as a control unit that sets a candidate agent who is able to receive the package on behalf of the recipient specified in the package address as the candidate agent, and a communication unit that notifies the candidate agent or the candidate agent of information regarding the package. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, a package can be smoothly received by an agent acting on behalf of the recipient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image of package delivery in an information processing system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a recipient terminal 10. [Figure 4] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the agent terminal 20. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the agent management server 30. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of information about a package L stored in a storage unit 310. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram showing an example of notification of information about the package L to the agent P in the case where the information about the package L shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage unit 310. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a diagram showing an example of notification of information about the package L to the agent P in the case where the information about the package L shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage unit 310. FIG. [Figure 9] 7 is a diagram showing an example of notification of information about the package L to a candidate C for an agent in the case where the information about the package L shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage unit 310. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification of agent recruitment sent to agent terminal 20. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of operation processing by the agent management server 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the agent management server 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 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 control unit that sets a candidate for a proxy who can receive the package on behalf of a recipient specified in the address of the package as the proxy; a communication unit that notifies the agent or the agent candidate of information about the package; An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] Item 2. The information processing system according to item 1, wherein the communication unit notifies the agent or the agent candidate of the estimated arrival time of the package. [Item 3] Item 3. The information processing system according to item 2, wherein the communication unit notifies the agent or the agent candidate of the estimated arrival time of the package according to the delivery time frame of the package. [Item 4] The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit receives the expected arrival time of the recipient from the information processing terminal used by the recipient and notifies the agent of the expected arrival time. [Item 5] The information processing system described in any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit notifies the agent or agent candidate of the estimated arrival time of the delivery person when the package received by the agent is delivered to the recipient by the delivery person. [Item 6] 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit notifies the agent or agent candidate whether the package is a frozen item. [Item 7] 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit notifies the agent or the agent candidate whether the package is a sensitive item. [Item 8] 8. The information processing system according to item 7, wherein the items with special handling precautions are at least one of items that must not be turned upside down, items that must not be stacked, items that are raw, and items that are fragile. [Item 9] 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit notifies the agent of a means of delivery of the package. [Item 10] Item 10. The information processing system according to item 9, wherein the communication unit notifies the agent of preparation instructions according to the delivery means of the package. [Item 11] Item 11. The information processing system according to item 10, wherein, when the delivery means of the package is an unmanned vehicle, the communication unit notifies the agent to prepare for landing of the unmanned vehicle. [Item 12] 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the communication unit receives a notification of whether or not the package can be received from an information processing terminal used by the agent candidate. [Item 13] The information processing system described in item 12, wherein when the communication unit receives a notification from the information processing terminal used by the agent candidate that the package cannot be received, it sends a notification to the agent candidate other than the agent candidate in question requesting a proxy to receive the package. [Item 14] Item 14. The information processing system according to item 13, wherein the communication unit notifies the recipient that the package cannot be delivered if it is not possible to set a proxy who can receive the package. [Item 15] Item 14. The information processing system of item 13, wherein the communication unit notifies the recipient to reschedule the delivery time frame for the package if it is not possible to set a proxy who can receive the package. [Item 16] a control unit that sets a candidate for a proxy who can receive the package on behalf of a recipient specified in the address of the package as the proxy; a communication unit that notifies the agent or the agent candidate of information about the package; An information processing device comprising: [Item 17] Setting a candidate for a proxy who can receive the package on behalf of the recipient specified in the address of the package as the proxy; notifying the agent or the potential agent of information regarding the package; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: [Item 18] Computer, a control unit that sets a candidate for a proxy who can receive the package on behalf of a recipient specified in the address of the package as the proxy; a communication unit that notifies the agent or the agent candidate of information about the package; A program to function as a

[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] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters or numbers after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral will be used to distinguish each of the multiple components.

[0015] <<1. Overview of Information Processing System According to One Embodiment of the Present Disclosure>> First, an outline of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described, which enables a proxy who is a proxy for a recipient to smoothly receive a package.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system according to the present invention includes a recipient terminal 10, an agent terminal 20, an agent management server 30, and a network 50. As shown in Fig. 1, the recipient terminal 10, the agent terminal 20, and the agent management server 30 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network 50.

[0017] The recipient terminal 10 is an information processing terminal used by the recipient specified in the package address. The recipient's package may be temporarily received and stored by an agent, such as a package manager, who manages the package. The package manager may be an employee of a store such as a convenience store or the manager of a departure and arrival point for a mobile vehicle that delivers the package, and may be a person associated with the receiving location set according to the recipient's address or according to the recipient's designated operation. Alternatively, or in addition to a predetermined agent, the recipient terminal 10 may transmit designation information to the agent management server 30, which designates candidates for agents who can receive the package on behalf of the recipient.

[0018] The recipient may designate a specific person as a proxy candidate, for example. This allows the recipient to request the designated specific person to receive the package on their behalf. It is desirable that the specific person be a person appropriate to receive the package on the recipient's behalf, such as a family member, a friend, the manager of the takeoff and landing point of the mobile vehicle that delivers the package, or a neighborhood association coordinator. The designation information may be information that designates which type of proxy candidate the candidate is, or may be information that indicates the identification information of the specific proxy candidate.

[0019] The recipient terminal 10 also transmits a proxy assistance request to the proxy management server 30, requesting that the person indicated in the designation information assist in receiving the package on the recipient's behalf. By transmitting the proxy assistance request, the recipient can have the proxy management server 30 recruit people to undertake a one-off job of receiving the package on the recipient's behalf, thereby recruiting proxies. The proxy assistance request may be transmitted simultaneously to the persons indicated in the designation information by referencing the designation information, or may be transmitted by proxy candidate type in the order indicated by the priority information by referencing priority information related to the designation information set in advance by the recipient. When the proxy assistance requests are transmitted sequentially by proxy candidate type, they may be transmitted sequentially as a predetermined deadline period elapses. The deadline period information may be set individually for each proxy candidate type, or may be set commonly for all proxy candidate types.

[0020] The agent terminal 20 is an information processing terminal used by an agent candidate or an agent. The agent terminal 20 receives a proxy request for proxy receipt of a package, a notification of proxy recruitment, and a notification of proxy setting from the agent management server 30. The agent terminal 20 also receives information about packages from the agent management server 30. The agent terminal 20 also sends a notification to the agent management server 30 indicating whether or not proxy receipt of the package is possible through an approval operation on an application, etc.

[0021] The recipient terminal 10 and the agent terminal 20 are, for example, information processing terminals such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the recipient terminal 10 is a personal computer, the agent terminal 20A is a tablet terminal, and the agent terminal 20B is a smartphone.

[0022] The agent management server 30 is an example of an information processing device. The agent management server 30 is a server that sets up candidates for agents who can receive a package on behalf of the recipient specified in the package address, and notifies the agent candidates or agents of various information related to the package. For example, the agent management server 30 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or PC, or may be a cloud server.

[0023] When the agent management server 30 receives designation information designating an agent candidate from the recipient terminal 10 (or refers to designation information received in advance), it transmits a proxy request to the agent terminal 20 used by the agent candidate. Furthermore, the agent management server 30 selects an agent candidate based on the reception of a proxy assistance request from the recipient terminal 10 or information about the package. Then, the agent management server 30 transmits a notification of agent recruitment to the agent terminal 20 used by the selected agent candidate. When the agent management server 30 receives a notification from the agent terminal 20 that proxy receipt of the package is available, it sets the agent candidate using the agent terminal 20 as the agent. Furthermore, the agent management server 30 may transmit a proxy request and a notification of agent recruitment based on information about the package to be delivered. Furthermore, the agent management server 30 may set an agent based on information about the package to be delivered.

[0024] The network 50 is a wired or wireless transmission path for information transmitted from devices connected to the network 50. For example, the network 50 may include public lines such as the Internet, a telephone network, or a satellite communication network, or various LANs (Local Area Networks) including Ethernet (registered trademark), and WANs (Wide Area Networks). The network 50 may also include dedicated lines such as an IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network).

[0025] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an image of package delivery in the information processing system according to the present invention. Fig. 2 shows an example in which a recipient R, who is specified as the addressee of package L1 delivered by mobile unit M1 from warehouse WH where package L is stored, and package L2 delivered by mobile unit M2 from warehouse WH, receives package L1 and package L2 on behalf of the recipient R. Note that the recipient is not limited to warehouse WH, and may be a store such as a retail store or restaurant.

[0026] 2 shows an example in which the mobile unit M1 is a truck and the mobile unit M2 is an unmanned mobile unit, but the delivery means for the package L is not limited to this. For example, the mobile unit M may be a manned mobile unit such as a vehicle that travels on land (e.g., a passenger car, a light truck, a light van or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.), an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that travels on a waterway such as a seaway or a riverway.

[0027] Furthermore, the mobile body M may be an unmanned mobile body that moves by autonomous control using input information regarding two locations, such as a starting point (e.g., a delivery start location of the package L or a movement start location of the unmanned mobile body 10B) and an end point (e.g., a pickup location of the package L), or three or more locations, including a relay point (e.g., a collection location of the package L in the case of a delivery that involves collection of the package L) and a return point (e.g., a location that is the same as the movement start location of the unmanned mobile body 10B or a different waiting location). Furthermore, the mobile body M may be an unmanned mobile body that moves by remote control using operation information remotely input by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body. The unmanned mobile body may be, for example, a drone that moves by autonomous control, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that moves by remote control by an administrator, a vehicle that moves on land routes such as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or a ship that moves on waterways such as seaways or riverways. Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body may be a mobile body that can move on at least two routes, namely, a land route, a water route, and an air route.

[0028] An agent P who has been set up to receive package L1 on behalf of a recipient R who uses the recipient terminal 10 receives notification of information about package L1 from the agent management server 30 via the agent terminal 20. Also, an agent candidate C who has been set up by the agent management server 30 to receive package L2 on behalf of a recipient R who uses the recipient terminal 10 receives notification of information about package L2 via the agent terminal 20.

[0029] <<2. Functional Configuration Example According to This Embodiment>> <2-1. Example of functional configuration of recipient terminal 10> The outline of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been explained above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the recipient terminal 10 will be explained.

[0030] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the recipient terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the recipient terminal 10 has a communication unit 110, an operation display unit 120, and a control unit .

[0031] (Communications Department) The communication unit 110 communicates with the agent management server 30 via the network 50 and transmits and receives data. For example, the communication unit 110 may transmit a delivery request for package L to the agent management server 30 based on the receiver R's operation of the operation display unit 120. The delivery request may include various requests, such as a delivery time frame for delivery by the mobile unit M and a location for receiving the package L. The delivery time frame (hereinafter also referred to as a delivery slot) is a time frame in which the mobile unit M (or a delivery person who delivers the package L using the mobile unit M) responds to the delivery request. For example, the daily delivery plan of the unmanned mobile unit M (or delivery person) is divided into predetermined delivery slots (e.g., 15 minutes or 30 minutes for an unmanned mobile unit, or 1 hour for a delivery person), and the unmanned mobile unit M (or delivery person) delivers the package L registered for each delivery slot according to the time indicated by the delivery slot. In the delivery slot of the unmanned mobile unit M, packages to delivery destinations such as 1 or 2 may be registered, and in the delivery slot of the delivery person, packages to multiple delivery destinations such as 5 to 10 may be registered, but this is not limited to this. In addition, the delivery plan and delivery slot may be set for each of multiple candidate receiving locations.

[0032] Furthermore, the communication unit 110 transmits to the agent management server 30 designation information that designates the agent candidate C for the package L, and a request for agent assistance.

[0033] The communication unit 110 also receives from the agent management server 30 a notification as to whether delivery of the package L, which is addressed to the recipient R, is possible, and the setting status of the agent P.

[0034] (Operation display) The operation display unit 120 includes a function as an operation unit that is configured to be operated by the recipient R to input instructions or information into the recipient terminal 10, and a function as a display unit that displays various information under the control of the control unit 130. For example, by operating the operation display unit 120, the recipient R causes the communication unit 110 to transmit a delivery request, specified information, and a proxy support request to the proxy management server 30.

[0035] The recipient R may specify a candidate agent C for each package L by operating the operation display unit 120. The recipient R may also set one or more candidate agents C in advance by operating the operation display unit 120. In this case, the recipient R may operate the operation display unit 120 to cause the communication unit 110 to send a notification to the agent management server 30 designating one or more previously set candidate agents C as candidate agents C for the package L. This eliminates the need for the recipient R to specify candidate agents C for each package L. The recipient R may also specify candidate agents C for the package L by operating the operation display unit 120 to select some of the candidate agents C from the multiple candidate agents C previously set. In addition, if the candidate agent C is a parcel manager who manages the parcel, the configuration may be such that the candidate agent C is selected based on the address of the recipient R or on the person associated with the receiving location set in accordance with the recipient R's designation operation, without using any designation information from the recipient R, and this information system may be a system with only this configuration, or may be a system that combines the designation of the candidate agent C by the recipient R.

[0036] In addition, the recipient R may specify the expected arrival time of the recipient R when receiving the package L that has been received and stored by the agent P by operating the operation display unit 120, and have the communication unit 110 send this to the agent management server 30.

[0037] The operation display unit 120 also displays information such as a notification as to whether delivery of the package L is possible or not, and the setting status of the agent P, which are sent from the agent management server 30 to the communication unit 110.

[0038] (Control unit) The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the recipient terminal 10. For example, the control unit 130 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit a delivery request, specified information, and proxy assistance request acquired by the operation display unit 120. The control unit 130 also causes the operation display unit 120 to display the setting status of the agent P received by the communication unit 110 from the agent management server 30 and a notification as to whether delivery of the package L is possible.

[0039] <2-2. Example of functional configuration of agent terminal 20> An example of the functional configuration of the recipient terminal 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the agent terminal 20 will be described.

[0040] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the agent terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the agent terminal 20 has a sensor unit 210, a communication unit 220, an operation display unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0041] (sensor part) The sensor unit 210 is a sensor that detects the current position of the agent terminal 20. The sensor unit 210 may detect the current position of the agent terminal 20 by using, for example, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

[0042] (Communications Department) The communication unit 220 communicates with the agent management server 30 via the network 50 and transmits and receives data. The communication unit 220 receives information about the package L from the agent management server 30. The communication unit 220 also receives from the agent management server 30 a proxy request to request a proxy to receive the package L, a notification of agent recruitment, and a notification of agent P setting.

[0043] The communication unit 220 also notifies the agent management server 30 whether or not proxy receipt of the package L input into the operation display unit 230 is possible. The communication unit 220 also transmits the location information of the agent terminal 20 acquired by the sensor unit 210 to the agent management server 30.

[0044] (Operation display) The operation display unit 230 includes the function of an operation unit that is configured to be operated by the agent P or the agent candidate C to input instructions or information into the agent terminal 20, and the function of a display unit that displays various information in accordance with the control of the control unit 240.

[0045] For example, the operation display unit 230 displays information about the package L transmitted from the agent management server 30 to the communication unit 220. The operation display unit 230 also displays a proxy request from the recipient R, a notification of the recruitment of agents, and a setting notification for the agent P, all of which are transmitted from the agent management server 30 to the communication unit 220. Furthermore, the agent candidate C can input whether or not he or she is able to receive the package L by proxy by operating the operation display unit 230.

[0046] (Control unit) The control unit 240 controls the overall operation of the agent terminal 20. For example, the control unit 240 causes the communication unit 220 to transmit a notification, acquired by the operation display unit 230, as to whether or not proxy receipt of the package L is possible. The control unit 240 also causes the operation display unit 230 to display information about the package L, a proxy request, a notification of proxy recruitment, a notification of proxy P setting, and the like, received by the communication unit 220 from the agent management server 30.

[0047] <2-3. Example of functional configuration of proxy management server 30> An example of the functional configuration of the agent terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the agent management server 30 will be described.

[0048] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the agent management server 30. As shown in FIG.

[0049] (Storage part) The storage unit 310 stores programs and various data for operating the control unit 330. For example, the storage unit 310 stores recipient information, which is information about the recipient R. The recipient information includes, for example, the name of the recipient R, the recipient name within the service, a recipient ID, which is identification information for the recipient R, 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). The storage unit 310 also stores one or more proxy candidates C, which are preset by the recipient R. However, the recipient information is not limited to these.

[0050] The storage unit 310 also stores information about the proxy candidate C. The information about the proxy candidate C includes, for example, the name of the proxy candidate C, the name of the proxy candidate C within the service, a proxy ID that is identification information of the proxy candidate C, an email address, a telephone number, an address, a gender, an age, external application account information, and the type of the proxy candidate C.

[0051] The types of candidate agent C include, for example, a designated candidate agent who receives the package L as a candidate agent P only when designated as candidate agent C by a specific recipient R, a contracted candidate agent who undertakes a one-off job of receiving the package L on behalf of recipient R, or a manager of a specified takeoff and landing point. In addition, if a manager of a specified takeoff and landing point is stored as a type of candidate agent C, the memory unit 310 may also store the address of the specified takeoff and landing location.

[0052] The storage unit 310 may also store information regarding the receipt of package L by the agent candidate C. The information regarding the receipt of package L includes, for example, information regarding the attendance status of a predetermined training regarding the means of receiving package L, a desired receiving area, identification information (including driver's license information), bank account information, proxy receiving history information, etc. The predetermined training regarding the means of receiving package L includes, for example, training for receiving package L from an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0053] The storage unit 310 also stores information about a package L for which a recipient R is specified as the addressee who uses the recipient terminal 10.

[0054] The information about the package L includes, for example, a package ID, which is identification information for the package L. The information about the package L may also include information about the delivery of the package L, such as the recipient ID of the recipient R of the package L, the delivery destination of the package L, the estimated arrival time of the package L, the delivery means for the package L, the delivery method for the package L, and information about handling of the package L after receipt. The estimated arrival time may be a time according to the delivery time frame included in the delivery request sent from the recipient terminal 10. The estimated arrival time may be calculated by the control unit 330 based on the delivery time frame included in the delivery request sent from the recipient terminal 10.

[0055] The delivery method of the package L is, for example, information such as unmanned delivery, manned delivery, and drop-off delivery. The delivery method of the package L may also include information on whether or not the agent P needs to receive the package L from the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0056] Information regarding handling of package L after receipt includes, for example, information regarding whether it needs to be stored by an agent P, whether package L should be handed over to recipient R or a delivery person after receipt, or whether it should be stored in a delivery box installed outdoors that can store delivered package L, and whether cold storage (including refrigeration and freezing) is required during storage.

[0057] If the agent P needs to hand over the package L to the recipient R or a delivery person after receiving it, the information regarding the handling of the package L after receiving it may include the estimated arrival time of the recipient R or the delivery person. The estimated arrival time of the recipient R or the delivery person may be transmitted to the communication unit 320 from the recipient terminal 10 used by the recipient R or the information processing terminal used by the delivery person, respectively.

[0058] Furthermore, if the agent P needs to hand over the package L to the recipient R or a delivery person after receiving it, the information regarding the handling of the package L after receiving it may include a meeting place with the recipient R or the delivery person. The meeting place with the recipient R or the delivery person may be transmitted to the communication unit 320 from the recipient terminal 10 used by the recipient R or the information processing terminal used by the delivery person, respectively.

[0059] The information about the luggage L also includes information about the characteristics of the luggage L, such as the size and weight of the luggage L, whether the luggage L is frozen, and whether the luggage L is a sensitive item that requires careful handling. The sensitive item may be at least one of: upside down, no stacking allowed, raw, and fragile.

[0060] The information about the package L also includes the agent ID of the agent P who can receive the package L on behalf of the package L.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information related to package L stored in the memory unit 310. The example shown in Fig. 6 shows the recipient ID, estimated arrival time, whether the package is frozen or not, information related to handling after receipt, delivery means, and agent ID, all of which are linked to the package ID of each package L. The communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 of the information related to package L based on the information related to package L stored in the memory unit 310.

[0062] The storage unit 310 may also store instructions to the agent P according to information related to the package L. For example, the storage unit 310 may store instructions for preparations to be made by the agent P according to the means of delivery of the package L. More specifically, the fact that the means of delivery of the package L is an unmanned mobile body may be stored in association with instructions for preparations to receive the unmanned mobile body (for example, landing preparations such as preparing a landing mat and a radio control, and checking the receiving device). The storage unit 310 may also store instructions for checking the availability of a freezer in association with the fact that the package L is a frozen item.

[0063] (Communications Department) The communication unit 320 communicates with the recipient terminal 10 and the agent terminal 20 via the network 50. The communication unit 320 notifies the recipient terminal 10 of information, thereby notifying the recipient R who uses the recipient terminal 10. The communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 of information, thereby notifying the agent P or agent candidate C who uses the agent terminal 20.

[0064] The communication unit 320 receives delivery requests, specification information, and proxy requests from the recipient terminal 10. The communication unit 320 also transmits to the recipient terminal 10 notifications such as the setting status of the proxy P for the package L addressed to the recipient R and whether delivery of the package L is possible.

[0065] Furthermore, the communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 used by the agent candidate C or the agent P of the information about the package L stored in the storage unit 310.

[0066] Furthermore, the communication unit 320 may notify the agent terminal 20 used by the agent P of a preparation instruction linked to information related to the package L. For example, if the delivery means for the package L is an unmanned vehicle, the communication unit 320 may notify the agent P to prepare for the unmanned vehicle to land.

[0067] The communication unit 320 also transmits to the agent terminal 20 a proxy request, a notification of the recruitment of agents, and a notification of the setting of the agent P. The communication unit 320 also receives a notification from the agent terminal 20 as to whether or not proxy receipt of the package L is possible.

[0068] Here, an example of notification of information about package L notified to the agent terminal 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 9. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of notification of information about package L to the agent P in a case where the information about package L shown in Fig. 6 is stored in the storage unit 310. In the example shown in Fig. 7, it is assumed that the recipient information stored in the storage unit 310 includes the name of recipient R, whose recipient ID is "0100", as A.

[0069] The communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 used by agent P, whose agent ID is "0203," of information about package L, whose package ID is "123-4567." The memory unit 310 stores that the estimated arrival time is 10:00 and that the delivery means for package L, which is addressed to recipient R, whose recipient ID is "0100," is a drone, which is an unmanned mobile object. Therefore, the communication unit 320 notifies that package L addressed to A is scheduled to arrive at 10:00, and also notifies instructions for reception preparations, such as preparing a landing site for the unmanned aerial vehicle and preparing a radio control system (preparing for landing assistance), which are examples of landing preparations for an unmanned mobile object.

[0070] 8 is a diagram showing an example of notification of information about package L to agent P when the information about package L shown in FIG. 6 is stored in storage unit 310. In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the recipient information stored in storage unit 310 includes the name of the recipient with recipient ID "0101" as B.

[0071] The communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 used by agent P, whose agent ID is "0205," of information regarding package L, whose package ID is "234-5678." The storage unit 310 stores information regarding post-receipt handling of package L, whose estimated arrival time is 10:30 and whose recipient ID is "0101," that package L needs to be handed over to a land transport delivery person after receipt, and that the delivery person's estimated arrival time is 10:45. Therefore, the communication unit 320 notifies B that package L addressed to B is scheduled to arrive at 10:00, that package L needs to be handed over to a land transport delivery person, and that the delivery person's estimated arrival time is 10:45. In this way, agent P can smoothly receive the package by checking the notification of information regarding package L sent from the agent management server 30 in advance.

[0072] 9 is a diagram showing an example of notification of information about package L to a candidate agent C when the information about the package shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the storage unit 310. In the example shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the recipient information stored in the storage unit 310 includes the name of the recipient whose recipient ID is "0102" as D.

[0073] The communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 used by the agent candidate C of information regarding the package L with the package ID "345-6789." The memory unit 310 stores that the estimated arrival time is 11:30 and that the package L for the recipient R with the recipient ID "0102" is a frozen item. Therefore, the communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 of an instruction to check the availability of the freezer. The agent candidate C can send a notification to the agent management server 30 that the package L is available or unavailable for pickup by selecting the available or unavailable button displayed on the agent terminal 20. In this way, the agent candidate C can determine whether or not to pick up the package L by checking the notification of information regarding the package L sent from the agent management server 30.

[0074] (Control unit) The control unit 330 controls the overall operation of the agent management server 30. For example, the control unit 330 controls the storage unit 310 to store information received from the recipient terminal 10 and the agent terminal 20 by the communication unit 320. In this embodiment, the control unit 330 has a function as an agent setting unit 331.

[0075] (proxy setting section) The agent setting unit 331 sets the agent P in accordance with the information received from the recipient terminal 10 or the agent terminal 20 by the communication unit 320, or the information related to the package L.

[0076] Furthermore, the proxy setting unit 331 controls the communication unit 320 to notify the recipient terminal 10 of information based on the setting status of the proxy P. For example, if the proxy setting unit 331 cannot set a proxy P who can receive the package L, it may control the communication unit 320 to notify the recipient R that delivery of the package L is not possible. Furthermore, if the proxy setting unit 331 cannot set a proxy P who can receive the package L, it may control the communication unit 320 to notify the recipient R to request re-setting of the delivery time frame, delivery destination, and proxy type for the package L.

[0077] Here, the operation of setting the proxy P by the proxy setting unit 331 will be described in detail.

[0078] - Setting of agent P when specified information regarding package L is received from recipient terminal 10 First, the setting operation of the agent P when the communication unit 320 receives designation information related to the package L from the recipient terminal 10 will be described.

[0079] When the communication unit 320 receives designation information from the recipient terminal 10 designating a candidate agent C for the package L, the agent setting unit 331 controls the communication unit 320 to send a proxy request to the agent terminal 20 used by the candidate agent C, requesting that the candidate agent C act as a proxy to receive the package L.

[0080] Furthermore, when the communication unit 320 receives a notification from the recipient terminal 10 designating a previously set proxy candidate C as the proxy candidate C for the package L, the proxy setting unit 331 controls the communication unit 320 to send a proxy request to the proxy terminal 20 used by the proxy candidate C. The proxy request may include a notification of information regarding the package L. Furthermore, when the communication unit 320 receives a notification from the proxy terminal 20 to which the proxy request was sent that the package L is available for pickup, the proxy setting unit 331 sets the proxy candidate C using the proxy terminal 20 as the proxy P. This allows the recipient R to have a specific person pick up the package L on his or her behalf.

[0081] - Setting of agent P when a request for agent assistance regarding package L is received from the recipient terminal 10 Next, the setting operation of the agent P when a proxy assistance request for the package L is received by the communication unit 320 from the recipient terminal 10 will be described.

[0082] When a proxy assistance request from the recipient R regarding the package L is received from the recipient terminal 10 by the communication unit 320, the proxy setting unit 331 selects a proxy candidate C. The proxy setting unit 331 may select the proxy candidate C who will receive the package L on behalf of the recipient R based on the location information of the proxy candidate C received by the communication unit 320 from the proxy terminal 20.

[0083] The proxy setting unit 331 may select a proxy candidate C to receive the package L on behalf of the agent by referring to information about the package L and information about the proxy candidate C stored in the memory unit 310. For example, if the memory unit 310 stores information specifying that the proxy P will receive the package L from an unmanned aerial vehicle as the receiving method, the proxy setting unit 331 may select a proxy candidate stored in the memory unit 310 as one who has received predetermined training on the receiving method for the package L as the proxy candidate for the package L.

[0084] The agent setting unit 331 controls the communication unit 320 to send a notification of the agent recruitment to the agent terminal 20 used by the selected agent candidate C. The notification of the agent recruitment may include notification of information regarding the package L. The agent candidate C can determine whether or not to accept proxy receipt of the package L by checking the information regarding the package L.

[0085] The notification of the recruitment of agents may also include reward information. The reward information is information about the reward that the agent candidate C can receive by receiving the package L on behalf of the recipient R as the agent P. The reward may be money, a service, or points with monetary value. The content of the reward may be determined by the recipient R using the recipient terminal 10 that sent the proxy assistance request, or may be predetermined content.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification of proxy recruitment sent to the proxy terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the notification of proxy recruitment includes information about the package L, such as the location where the package L will be received, the scheduled time of receipt, actions to be taken after receipt, and compensation. In addition, a proxy candidate C can send a notification to the proxy management server 30 that he or she is able to receive the package L by selecting the approval button displayed on the proxy terminal 20. This allows the recipient R to have someone else receive the package L that he or she is unable to receive, even if there is no specific person that the recipient R can request to receive the package L on his or her behalf.

[0087] When the communication unit 320 receives a notification that the package L is available for receipt from the agent terminal 20 to which the notification of agent recruitment has been sent, the agent setting unit 331 sets the agent candidate C who uses the agent terminal 20 as the agent P. The agent setting unit 331 may select multiple agent candidates C. In this case, the agent setting unit 331 may control the communication unit 320 to simultaneously send notifications of agent recruitment to the agent terminals 20 used by the selected multiple agent candidates C. The agent setting unit 331 may set the agent candidate C who uses the agent terminal 20 to which the notification of agent recruitment that the package L is available for receipt as the agent P first.

[0088] Furthermore, the agent setting unit 331 may perform control so as to send a notification of agent recruitment to one or more of the selected agent candidates C. In this case, when the communication unit 320 receives a notification that the package L cannot be received from the agent terminal 20 to which the notification of agent recruitment was sent, the agent setting unit 331 controls the communication unit 320 so as to send a notification of agent recruitment to agent candidates C different from the agent candidate C who uses the agent terminal 20.

[0089] - Setting of agent P based on information about package L So far, we have explained an example in which the agent P is set based on information received from the recipient terminal 10. Next, we will explain an example in which the agent P is set based on information related to the package L.

[0090] The agent setting unit 331 selects an agent candidate C based on information about the package L stored in the memory unit 310. For example, the agent setting unit 331 may refer to the delivery destination of the package L included in the information about the package L stored in the memory unit 310, and select the manager of the takeoff and landing location closest to the delivery destination among predetermined takeoff and landing locations as the agent candidate C for the package L. The agent setting unit 331 controls the communication unit 320 to send a notification of agent recruitment to the agent terminal 20 used by the selected agent candidate C.

[0091] When the communication unit 320 receives a notification that the package L is available for receipt from the agent terminal 20 to which the notification of agent recruitment has been sent, the agent setting unit 331 sets the agent candidate C who uses the agent terminal 20 as the agent P. On the other hand, when the communication unit 320 receives a notification that the package L is unavailable for receipt from the agent terminal 20 to which the notification of agent recruitment has been sent, the agent setting unit 331 controls the communication unit 320 to send a notification of agent recruitment to an agent candidate C different from the agent candidate C who uses the agent terminal 20. The newly selected agent candidate C may be the manager of a predetermined takeoff and arrival location that is next closest to the delivery destination after the takeoff and arrival location managed by the agent candidate C who sent the notification that the package L is unavailable for receipt. The agent setting unit 331 continues to select candidate agents C for the package L and control notifications of agent recruitment until a notification is sent that package L can be received or a notification is sent from all managers of takeoff and landing locations within a specified distance from the delivery destination of package L that package L cannot be received.

[0092] Furthermore, the agent setting unit 331 may set an agent candidate C without notifying the agent recruitment based on information about the package L stored in the memory unit 310. For example, the agent setting unit 331 may set an agent P based on information about the package L included in a delivery request received by the communication unit 320 from the recipient terminal 10. For example, if the delivery request received by the communication unit 320 from the recipient terminal 10 includes the location where the package L will be picked up, the manager of a predetermined departure and arrival point at that location may be set as the agent P.

[0093] <<3. Example of Operation Processing According to This Embodiment>> An example of the functional configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the operation process according to the embodiment will be described.

[0094] Here, the recipient R, agent candidate C, and agent P provided by this information processing system access the agent management server 30 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and when using the service for the first time, they may log in by performing a user registration process. If an account has already been obtained, the service may be made available by logging in after undergoing predetermined authentication, such as entering a user ID or recipient ID and password. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the recipient terminal 10 or agent terminal 20 may be used as the user ID or recipient ID to make use of the service. After this login authentication, service use begins via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

[0095] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the flow of operational processing by the agent management server 30 according to this embodiment. First, when the communication unit 320 receives designation information designating an agent candidate C from the recipient terminal 10 (S104 / Yes), it transmits a proxy request including a notification of information regarding the package L to the agent terminal 20 used by the designated agent candidate C (S108). On the other hand, if the communication unit 320 does not receive a proxy request from the recipient terminal 10 (S104 / No), the agent management server 30 terminates processing.

[0096] After transmitting the proxy request to the agent terminal 20, the agent setting unit 331 determines whether the communication unit 320 has received a notification from the agent terminal 20 that proxy receipt is possible (S112). If the communication unit 320 receives a notification from the agent terminal 20 that proxy receipt is not possible (S112 / No), it transmits a notification to the recipient terminal 10 used by the recipient R that proxy by candidate C is not possible (S116). Next, the communication unit 320 notifies the recipient terminal 10 used by the recipient R of a reset of the delivery time frame for package L (S120).

[0097] On the other hand, if the communication unit 320 receives a notification from the agent terminal 20 that proxy reception is possible (S112 / Yes), the agent setting unit 331 sets the agent candidate C as the agent P (S124). If the memory unit 310 stores information that the package L will arrive by a delivery means that requires preparation (S128 / Yes), the communication unit 320 notifies the agent terminal 20 of instructions for preparation to be made by the agent P (S132). If the memory unit 310 does not store information that the package L will arrive by a delivery means that requires preparation (S128 / No), the agent management server 30 ends the process.

[0098] <<4. Hardware configuration example>> The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware of the proxy management server 30 described below. The hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the recipient terminal 10 and the proxy terminal 20.

[0099] 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the agent management server 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the agent 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.

[0100] The control unit 330 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the agent 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.

[0101] 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 agent management server 30 is started up, various setting information, etc.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The transmitter / receiver 33 connects the agent management server 30 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transmitter / receiver 33 may be equipped with a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0104] 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.

[0105] A bus 35 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals. <<4. Supplementary Information>>

[0106] 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.

[0107] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the agent terminal 20 sent a notification of whether or not the package L could be received in response to a proxy request or a call for proxies. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the agent terminal 20 may notify a candidate agent C using the agent terminal 20 that the package L cannot be received by the candidate agent C, but that a specific departure and arrival location managed by the candidate agent C is available as a pickup location. In this case, the agent setting unit 331 selects another candidate agent C who will undertake a one-off job of receiving the package L on behalf of the recipient R at the departure and arrival location. The agent setting unit 331 sets the proxy P by notifying the selected candidate agent C that a proxy is being recruited. With this configuration, even if the package L arrives by a means with limited reach, such as an unmanned vehicle, and the location manager is unable to pick up the package L on behalf of the recipient R, the package L can be picked up by a proxy P other than the manager. In other words, with this configuration, the package L can be smoothly picked up by the proxy P acting on behalf of the recipient R.

[0108] Furthermore, it is also possible to create a computer program for causing hardware such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the proxy management server 30 to perform functions equivalent to those of the components of the proxy management server 30 described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10 Recipient terminal 20 Agent terminal 30 Proxy Management Server 50 Network 110 Communications Department 120 Operation display section 130 Control Unit 210 Sensor unit 220 Communications Department 230 Operation display section 240 Control Unit 310 Storage section 320 Communications Department 330 Control Unit 331 Proxy setting section

Claims

1. A proxy setting unit that, when designation information for designating a candidate proxy to receive the package on behalf of the recipient is received from a recipient terminal held by the recipient specified in the address of the package, instructs a communication unit to send a proxy request to the designated candidate proxy to request the proxy; the communication unit receiving a permission notice indicating that the package can be received in response to the transmitted proxy request; a storage unit that stores information about the package, including package identification information for identifying the package and handling information about handling of the package after receipt; The handling information includes an estimated arrival time of a delivery person after receiving the package, the proxy setting unit sets the proxy candidate as the proxy in response to the permission notification; When the package received by the agent is to be delivered to the recipient by the delivery person, the communication unit refers to the handling information in the storage unit and notifies the agent or the candidate for agent of information regarding the package, including an estimated arrival time of the delivery person. Information processing system.

2. A proxy setting unit that, when a proxy assistance request for soliciting candidates for proxy to receive the package on behalf of the recipient is received from a recipient terminal held by the recipient specified in the address of the package, instructs a communication unit to send a proxy request to one or more of the proxy candidates to request the proxy; the communication unit receiving a permission notice indicating that the package can be received in response to the transmitted proxy request; a storage unit that stores information about the package, including package identification information for identifying the package and handling information about handling of the package after receipt; The handling information includes an estimated arrival time of a delivery person after receiving the package, the proxy setting unit sets the proxy candidate as the proxy in response to the permission notification; When the package received by the agent is to be delivered to the recipient by the delivery person, the communication unit refers to the handling information in the storage unit and notifies the agent or the candidate for agent of information regarding the package, including an estimated arrival time of the delivery person. Information processing system.

3. When designation information for designating a candidate for a proxy to receive the package on behalf of the recipient is received from a recipient terminal held by the recipient specified in the address of the package, instructing a communication unit to send a proxy request to the designated candidate for proxy to request the proxy; receiving a permission notice indicating that the package can be received in response to the transmitted proxy request; storing information about the package including package identification information for identifying the package and handling information about handling of the package after receipt; The handling information includes an estimated arrival time of a delivery person after receiving the package, Furthermore, in response to the permission notification, setting the proxy candidate as the proxy; When the package received by the agent is to be delivered to the recipient by the delivery person, notify the agent or the candidate for the agent of information regarding the package, including the estimated arrival time of the delivery person, by referring to the handling information; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

4. When a request for proxy assistance is received from a recipient terminal held by a recipient specified in the address of a package to solicit candidates for a proxy to receive the package on behalf of the recipient, instructing a communication unit to send a proxy request to one or more of the proxy candidates to request the proxy; receiving a permission notice indicating that the package can be received in response to the transmitted proxy request; storing information about the package including package identification information for identifying the package and handling information about handling of the package after receipt; The handling information includes an estimated arrival time of a delivery person after receiving the package, Furthermore, in response to the permission notification, setting the proxy candidate as the proxy; When the package received by the agent is to be delivered to the recipient by the delivery person, notify the agent or the candidate for the agent of information regarding the package, including the estimated arrival time of the delivery person, by referring to the handling information; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

5. Computer, a proxy setting unit that, when designation information for designating a candidate proxy to receive the package on behalf of the recipient is received from a recipient terminal owned by the recipient specified in the address of the package, instructs a communication unit to send a proxy request to the designated candidate proxy to request the proxy; the communication unit receiving a permission notice indicating that the package can be received in response to the transmitted proxy request; a storage unit that stores information about the package, including package identification information for identifying the package and handling information about handling of the package after receipt, The handling information includes an estimated arrival time of a delivery person after receiving the package, the proxy setting unit sets the proxy candidate as the proxy in response to the permission notification; When the package received by the agent is to be delivered to the recipient by the delivery person, the communication unit refers to the handling information in the storage unit and notifies the agent or the candidate for agent of information regarding the package, including an estimated arrival time of the delivery person. program.

6. Computer, a proxy setting unit that, when a proxy support request for soliciting proxy candidates to receive the package on behalf of the recipient is received from a recipient terminal owned by the recipient specified in the address of the package, instructs a communication unit to send a proxy request to one or more proxy candidates to request the proxy; the communication unit receiving a permission notice indicating that the package can be received in response to the transmitted proxy request; a storage unit that stores information about the package, including package identification information for identifying the package and handling information about handling of the package after receipt, The handling information includes an estimated arrival time of a delivery person after receiving the package, the proxy setting unit sets the proxy candidate as the proxy in response to the permission notification; When the package received by the agent is to be delivered to the recipient by the delivery person, the communication unit refers to the handling information in the storage unit and notifies the agent or the candidate for agent of information regarding the package, including an estimated arrival time of the delivery person. program.

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