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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a terminal device that can improve convenience for users who receive packages.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11 that manages a logistics robot 30 that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point 101 to respective residences 111 to 132 of a plurality of users. The control unit 11 estimates the time when the logistics robot 30 completes delivery of a first package to a first user, based on information about undelivered packages existing at the intermediate delivery point 101 at the time when the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point 101 and delivery capability of the logistics robot 30. The control unit 11 outputs the estimated time to the first user's terminal device 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, research has been conducted into technologies related to delivery using logistics robots (small robotic vehicles). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for delivering parcels in two stages. A first vehicle is designed for operation on a public road system and delivers parcels to a transfer point based on address information from a delivery company. The parcels are then transferred to a second vehicle for delivery to a final delivery point. The second vehicle is autonomous and suitable for use in locations away from public roads or in narrow spaces. One or more second vehicles complete delivery of the parcels to the final delivery point based on detailed delivery segment information provided by an area location controller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0379468 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional delivery technologies using logistics robots, if the number of second vehicles is limited, even if the package is delivered to the transfer point at the scheduled time, delivery to the user (the recipient of the package) may be delayed from the scheduled time. Delivery delays reduce the convenience of the user receiving the package.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure, made in consideration of such circumstances, is to improve the convenience of users receiving packages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to the respective addresses of multiple users. The control unit estimates the time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of a first package to a first user based on information about undelivered packages that will be present at the intermediate delivery point when the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot. The control unit outputs the estimated time to a terminal device of the first user.

[0007] In addition, an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the information processing device, a logistics robot that delivers undelivered packages located at intermediate delivery points to a user, and a terminal device that displays an estimated result output from the information processing device of the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package.

[0008] An information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is executed by an information processing device that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to the respective addresses of multiple users. The information processing method includes estimating a time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of a first package to a first user based on information about undelivered packages that will be present at the intermediate delivery point when the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot. The information processing method also includes outputting an estimated result of the time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package to a terminal device of the first user.

[0009] Moreover, a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is carried by a first user. The terminal device includes a control unit. The control unit acquires, from an information processing device that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to each of multiple users, an estimated result of the time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of a first package to the first user, based on information about undelivered packages that will be present at the intermediate delivery point at the time the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot. The control unit causes an output unit to display the acquired estimated result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the convenience of a user receiving a package can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle and a logistics robot. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept of a parcel delivery mode in an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an embodiment of package delivery. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an information processing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a concept of a parcel delivery mode in an information processing system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] (Outline of the embodiment) 1, an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information processing device 10 and a logistics robot 30. The information processing system 1 further includes, but is not required to include, a vehicle 20. The information processing system 1 also further includes, but is not required to include, a terminal device 40. The information processing device 10, the vehicle 20, the logistics robot 30, and the terminal device 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 50 including, for example, the Internet and a mobile communication network.

[0014] 1, for the sake of simplicity, the information processing system 1 includes one information processing device 10, one vehicle 20, one logistics robot 30, and one terminal device 40, but this is not limited to this. The information processing system 1 may include two or more information processing devices 10. The number of vehicles 20, one logistics robot 30, and one terminal device 40 included in the information processing system 1 may be two or more, and may be determined arbitrarily.

[0015] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a computer such as a server device. For example, the information processing device 10 is a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system. Note that the information processing device 10 is not limited to these and may be any general-purpose electronic device such as a PC (Personal Computer), or may be another electronic device dedicated to the information processing system 1. The information processing device 10 is capable of communicating with a vehicle 20, a logistics robot 30, and a terminal device 40 via a network 50. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 manages the delivery of packages.

[0016] Vehicle 20 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited to this and may be any vehicle. Examples of automobiles include, but are not limited to, gasoline-powered automobiles, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Vehicle 20 may also be a manned vehicle or any autonomous vehicle that runs unmanned.

[0017] In this embodiment, the vehicle 20 travels on public roads, delivers packages to be delivered to intermediate delivery points, and has the function of handing over the packages to the logistics robot 30. The intermediate delivery points are locations where the packages are handed over from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30. Specifically, the intermediate delivery points may include waiting areas for the logistics robot in apartment buildings, or may include intermediate collection and delivery centers for deliveries.

[0018] The logistics robot 30 is a robot that delivers packages autonomously without any human intervention. The logistics robot 30 may include, for example, any delivery vehicle that moves between locations by autonomous driving, and may be positioned as a second vehicle to the vehicle 20. The logistics robot 30 may be an in-house logistics robot that is permanently installed in a destination housing complex (such as an apartment or condominium) and specializes in delivering packages to each unit (each residence) within the housing complex. The logistics robot 30 may also be transported to an intermediate delivery point by the vehicle 20. Furthermore, the logistics robot 30 is not limited to a vehicle, and may be a humanoid robot or any autonomously flying object (drone).

[0019] The logistics robot 30 autonomously delivers a package to at least one delivery destination. When the logistics robot 30 arrives at the delivery destination, it hands over the package addressed to a user who is the recipient of the delivery destination to the user. When the logistics robot 30 cannot directly hand over the package to the user because the user at the delivery destination is absent or for other reasons, it can perform other actions as needed, such as carrying the package to a specified location.

[0020] The terminal device 40 is any electronic device used by a user who receives a package. For example, the terminal device 40 may be a general-purpose electronic device such as a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, or a dedicated electronic device.

[0021] An overview of this embodiment will be described below. Details will be provided later. The information processing device 10 notifies the terminal device 40 of the user at the delivery destination in advance that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. The information processing device 10 may estimate the time when the logistics robot 30 will complete delivery of the package, and notify the terminal device 40 of the user at the delivery destination in advance of the estimated delivery time.

[0022] The user may input instructions regarding the delivery of the package into the terminal device 40 based on the notified estimated delivery time. Specifically, the user may instruct the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package, or may instruct the user to personally go to an intermediate delivery point and pick up the package. The information processing device 10 outputs instructions regarding the delivery destination to the logistics robot 30, and causes the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package to the house (residence) of the user who instructed the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package.

[0023] According to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the user can determine whether to instruct delivery by the logistics robot 30 based on the notification of the estimated delivery time. This improves the convenience of the user receiving the package. The user can also determine whether to receive the package at an intermediate delivery point. This can reduce the load on the logistics robot 30. Reducing the load on the logistics robot 30 can speed up the delivery of packages to other users. As a result, the convenience of all users receiving packages can be improved.

[0024] Each component of the information processing system 1 will be described in detail below.

[0025] (Configuration of information processing device) As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0026] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 11 controls each unit of the information processing device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0027] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used in the operation of the information processing device 10, and data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10. The information stored in the storage unit 12 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 13, for example.

[0028] The communication unit 13 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface may be either a wired or wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th generation), or 5G (5th generation), or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 13 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and outputs data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10 to an external device such as a logistics robot 30 or a terminal device 40.

[0029] The information processing device 10 may further include an input unit and an output unit. That is, in addition to receiving (inputting) and transmitting (outputting) information via the communication unit 13, the information processing device 10 may input and output information using the input unit and output unit.

[0030] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by executing a program relating to the information processing method of this embodiment on a processor corresponding to the control unit 11. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the information processing device 10, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 in accordance with the program.

[0031] In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes non-transitory computer-readable media, such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program can be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium, such as a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), on which the program is recorded. The program can also be distributed by storing the program in the storage of an external server and transmitting the program from the external server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0032] (Configuration of vehicle 20) 3, the vehicle 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a communication unit 23, a positioning unit 24, a drive unit 25, an input unit 26, and an output unit 27. In this embodiment, the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 have a common configuration. Hereinafter, the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 will be described using the same drawing (FIG. 3).

[0033] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor may include a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit may include, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 21 controls each part of the vehicle 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the vehicle 20.

[0034] The storage unit 22 includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, optical memories, or the like, but are not limited to these. Each memory included in the storage unit 22 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores any information used in the operation of the vehicle 20. For example, the storage unit 22 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 22 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 23, for example.

[0035] The communication unit 23 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface is, for example, but not limited to, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the vehicle 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20 to an external device (for example, the information processing device 10).

[0036] The positioning unit 24 includes one or more devices that acquire position information of the vehicle 20. Specifically, the positioning unit 24 includes, for example, a receiver compatible with the Global Positioning System (GPS), but is not limited to this and may include a receiver compatible with any satellite positioning system. The positioning unit 24 may acquire the position information of the vehicle 20 continuously, or periodically or irregularly.

[0037] The driving unit 25 includes a driving mechanism related to the movement or running of the vehicle 20. The driving unit 25 also includes any driving mechanism that enables loading of luggage onto the vehicle 20, delivery of luggage loaded onto the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30, and unloading of luggage loaded onto the vehicle 20 at a designated location. For example, the driving unit 25 includes at least one of an arm mechanism driven by a motor and a slide mechanism that can slide luggage linearly.

[0038] The input unit 26 includes a means for inputting information to the vehicle 20. For example, the input unit 26 includes any imaging module capable of capturing images of the surroundings of the vehicle 20. The imaging module may include one or more cameras. Each camera may be disposed at an appropriate position on the vehicle 20 so as to capture images of the surroundings of the vehicle 20. The input unit 26 may also include a means for inputting voice information as well as a voice recognition function. Without being limited thereto, the input unit 26 may include any means for acquiring information about the surroundings of the vehicle 20.

[0039] The output unit 27 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information as a video, or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. The display is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) display. The output unit 27 displays and outputs data received from the information processing device 10, data obtained by the operation of the vehicle 20, etc.

[0040] (Configuration of logistics robot 30) 3, the logistics robot 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, a communication unit 33, a positioning unit 34, a drive unit 35, an input unit 36, and an output unit 37. As described above, in this embodiment, the configuration of the logistics robot 30 is basically equivalent to the configuration of the vehicle 20. Therefore, the configuration of the logistics robot 30 will be described using the same drawing (FIG. 3) as the description of the configuration of the vehicle 20. In the description of the configuration of the logistics robot 30, the description that overlaps with the description of the configuration of the vehicle 20 will be simplified.

[0041] The control unit 31 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 31 controls each part of the logistics robot 30 and executes processes related to the operation of the logistics robot 30.

[0042] The storage unit 32 includes one or more memories. The memories may be, for example, semiconductor memories, magnetic memories, or optical memories. Each memory included in the storage unit 32 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 32 stores any information used in the operation of the logistics robot 30. For example, the storage unit 32 may store system programs, application programs, embedded software, and the like. The information stored in the storage unit 32 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 33, for example.

[0043] The communication unit 33 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface is, for example, but not limited to, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 33 receives data used in the operation of the logistics robot 30, and outputs data obtained by the operation of the logistics robot 30 to an external device such as the information processing device 10.

[0044] The positioning unit 34 includes one or more devices that acquire position information of the logistics robot 30. Specifically, the positioning unit 34 includes, for example, a receiver compatible with GPS, but is not limited to this. The positioning unit 34 may acquire the position information of the logistics robot 30 constantly, or may acquire the information periodically or irregularly.

[0045] The drive unit 35 includes a drive mechanism related to the movement or travel of the logistics robot 30. The drive unit 35 also includes any drive mechanism that enables loading of luggage onto the logistics robot 30, delivery of luggage loaded on the logistics robot 30 to a user, and unloading of luggage loaded on the logistics robot 30 to a designated location. For example, the drive unit 35 includes at least one of an arm mechanism driven by a motor and a slide mechanism that can linearly slide luggage.

[0046] The input unit 36 ​​includes a means for inputting information to the logistics robot 30. For example, the input unit 36 ​​includes any imaging module capable of capturing images of the surroundings of the logistics robot 30. The imaging module may include one or more cameras. Each camera may be disposed at an appropriate position on the logistics robot 30 so as to capture images of the surroundings of the logistics robot 30. Furthermore, it is desirable that the imaging module has a function for reading delivery destination indications attached to packages. The input unit 36 ​​may also include a means for inputting voice information as well as a voice recognition function. Without being limited thereto, the input unit 36 ​​may include any means for acquiring information about the surroundings of the logistics robot 30.

[0047] The output unit 37 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information as a video, or a speaker that outputs information as an audio. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 37 displays or outputs as an audio to, for example, a user, data received from the information processing device 10, data stored in the logistics robot 30, or data obtained by the operation of the logistics robot 30.

[0048] (Configuration of terminal device 40) As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, and an output unit 45.

[0049] The control unit 41 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination of these. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 41 controls each unit of the terminal device 40 and executes processes related to the operation of the terminal device 40.

[0050] The storage unit 42 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The storage unit 42 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 42 stores programs and data used in the operation of the terminal device 40, and data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 40. The information stored in the storage unit 42 may be updatable with information obtained from the network 50 via the communication unit 43, for example.

[0051] The communication unit 43 includes at least one external communication interface connected to the network 50. The communication interface may be either a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface or a USB. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 43 receives data used in the operation of the terminal device 40, and outputs data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 40 to an external device such as the information processing device 10.

[0052] The input unit 44 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may include, for example, physical keys such as a keyboard, capacitive keys, a pointing device, or a touch screen integrated with a display. The input interface may also include, for example, a microphone that accepts voice input, or a camera that accepts gesture input. The input unit 44 accepts an operation to input data used in the operation of the terminal device 40. The input unit 44 may be connected to the terminal device 40 as an external input device instead of being provided in the terminal device 40.

[0053] The output unit 45 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information as a video, or a speaker that outputs information as a sound. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 45 displays and outputs data received from the information processing device 10, or data obtained by the operation of the terminal device 40. The output unit 45 may be connected to the terminal device 40 as an external output device instead of being provided in the terminal device 40.

[0054] (Embodiment of Delivery to Apartment Building 100) As shown in FIG. 5 , an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure delivers packages to an apartment building 100 using a vehicle 20, and delivers packages to each of multiple users who reside in units within the apartment building 100 using a logistics robot 30. The logistics robot 30 used within the apartment building 100 is also referred to as an in-building logistics robot. The apartment building 100 may include an apartment or condominium. A control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 manages the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30.

[0055] The apartment building 100 includes a waiting space 101, an elevator 102, a temporary storage space 103, and a plurality of dwelling units 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, and 132. The waiting space 101 is a place where the logistics robot 30 waits. The elevator 102 enables the logistics robot 30 to move between floors of the apartment building 100. The temporary storage space 103 is a place where the logistics robot 30 temporarily stores packages to be delivered to users.

[0056] In the information processing system 1 illustrated in FIG. 5, a package is delivered by a vehicle 20 to a waiting space 101 and then handed over from the vehicle 20 to a logistics robot 30. In other words, the waiting space 101 corresponds to an intermediate delivery point where the package is handed over from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30. The package delivered by the vehicle 20 to the intermediate delivery point may be delivered to the user by the logistics robot 30 moving from the intermediate delivery point to the user's residence (each dwelling unit). In other words, the logistics robot 30 delivers the package from the intermediate delivery point to each of the residences of multiple users. The package delivered by the vehicle 20 to the intermediate delivery point may be stored at the intermediate delivery point, or may be moved to a temporary storage space 103 for storage. The temporary storage space 103 may be used as the intermediate delivery point.

[0057] The procedure for delivering a package to a user residing in a dwelling unit 121 in the apartment building 100 will be described below.

[0058] <Delivery of goods by vehicle 20> The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 instructs the vehicle 20 to deliver a package to the apartment building 100. Based on the instruction from the control unit 11, the vehicle 20 loads the package to be delivered to the apartment building 100 and moves to the apartment building 100. The package to be delivered to the apartment building 100 includes packages whose final destinations are the users of the dwelling units of the apartment building 100. In addition to the package to be delivered to the apartment building 100, the vehicle 20 may also load packages to be delivered to neighboring homes in a batch. The vehicle 20 may be a manned vehicle or any autonomous vehicle that travels unmanned. The vehicle 20 may be configured to communicate information with the information processing device 10.

[0059] <Calculating the estimated delivery time of your package> The control unit 11 notifies the terminal device 40 of the user residing in the dwelling unit 121, which is the final destination of the package, in advance that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30, regardless of whether the vehicle 20 has delivered the package to the apartment building 100 or has already delivered the package. The user residing in the dwelling unit 121, which is the final destination of the package, is also referred to as the first user. The package delivered to the first user is also referred to as the first package. Here, the term "first" is merely an identifier for distinguishing this configuration from other configurations and has no other special meaning. The first user and the first package may also be referred to as the target user and the target package, respectively.

[0060] The control unit 11 estimates the time when the delivery of the first package handed over from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30 to the first user will be completed. The time estimated as the time when the logistics robot 30 will complete delivery of the first package is also referred to as the estimated delivery time. If the first package has been delivered to the apartment building 100 by the vehicle 20, the control unit 11 calculates the estimated delivery time based on information about undelivered packages that are present at intermediate delivery points at the time the estimation is performed and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot 30 within the apartment building 100. If the package has not yet been delivered to the apartment building 100 by the vehicle 20, the control unit 11 calculates the estimated delivery time based on information about undelivered packages that are present at intermediate delivery points at the time the vehicle 20 arrives at the intermediate delivery points for the apartment building 100 and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot 30 within the apartment building 100.

[0061] In other words, the control unit 11 estimates the time when the logistics robot 30 will complete delivery of the first package to the first user based on information about undelivered packages that exist at the intermediate delivery point at the time the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capability of the logistics robot 30.

[0062] The control unit 11 may acquire the number of packages stored at the intermediate delivery point, or the size or weight of the packages, as information about undelivered packages at the intermediate delivery point. Furthermore, the control unit 11 may acquire information indicating the type of package stored at the intermediate delivery point as information about undelivered packages at the intermediate delivery point. The information indicating the type of package may include, for example, information indicating that a temperature condition such as refrigerated or frozen is set, or information indicating that various precautions have been set, such as "Do not turn upside down," "Do not bend," "Do not stack underneath," "Be careful when handling," or "Do not get wet."

[0063] The control unit 11 may acquire the number of logistics robots 30 operating at intermediate delivery points or the cargo capacity that the logistics robots 30 can carry as the delivery capacity of the logistics robots 30. The logistics robots 30 operating at intermediate delivery points correspond to logistics robots 30 that are ready to deliver cargo from the intermediate delivery points to each dwelling unit in the apartment building 100. The control unit 11 may calculate an earlier estimated delivery time as the number of logistics robots 30 increases. The control unit 11 may calculate an earlier estimated delivery time as the cargo capacity that the logistics robots 30 can carry increases.

[0064] When there are a large number of undelivered packages, the control unit 11 may determine a delivery order and have the logistics robot 30 deliver the packages. In other words, the control unit 11 may assign a delivery priority to undelivered packages that exist at intermediate delivery points. The control unit 11 may have the logistics robot 30 deliver the package in the earlier order of priority, the higher the priority assigned to the package. The control unit 11 may calculate an estimated delivery time based on the priority assigned to the package. The control unit 11 may calculate an earlier estimated delivery time for the package, the higher the priority assigned to the package.

[0065] The control unit 11 may determine the priority for delivering packages based on information about undelivered packages. For example, the control unit 11 may assign a higher priority to undelivered packages whose designated delivery time is approaching. For example, the control unit 11 may assign a higher priority to undelivered packages for which temperature conditions such as refrigerated or frozen items are set.

[0066] The control unit 11 may estimate the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to travel from an intermediate delivery point to each residence where a user of the delivery destination resides, as the delivery capability of the logistics robot 30. In other words, the control unit 11 may estimate the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to travel from an intermediate delivery point to the residences of each of the multiple users who are the delivery destinations. The control unit 11 may also obtain an estimated value of the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to travel from an intermediate delivery point to the residences of each of the multiple users who are the delivery destinations from another device. The shorter the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to travel from an intermediate delivery point to the residences of each of the multiple users who are the delivery destinations, the earlier the estimated delivery time may be calculated by the control unit 11.

[0067] The control unit 11 may estimate the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to travel from the intermediate delivery point to each dwelling where the delivery destination user resides, based on the congestion status of the elevators 102 in the apartment building 100. The control unit 11 may estimate the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to travel from the intermediate delivery point to each dwelling where the delivery destination user resides, based on the congestion status of the hallways on each floor of the apartment building 100. The congestion status of the elevators 102 or hallways may be quantified based on the population density of the logistics robot 30. The congestion status of the elevators 102 or hallways may be quantified based on the combined population density of the logistics robot 30 and humans, such as residents of the apartment building 100. The control unit 11 may estimate the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to travel from the intermediate delivery point to the delivery destination dwelling as being longer the higher the population density of the area including the route along which the logistics robot 30 travels from the intermediate delivery point to the delivery destination dwelling.

[0068] The control unit 11 may set a route that the logistics robot 30 can move preferentially from the intermediate delivery point to each of the addresses of multiple users, so that the time it takes for the logistics robot 30 to move from the intermediate delivery point to the delivery destination residence can be reduced. This can improve convenience for users.

[0069] <Processing regarding estimated delivery time> The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 outputs an advance notification of delivery of the first package, together with an estimated delivery time of the first package, to the terminal device 40 carried by the first user.

[0070] The terminal device 40 displays a prior notification of delivery of the first package and an estimated delivery time of the first package. The first user may check the prior notification of delivery and the estimated delivery time, and decide whether to wait for the first package to be delivered by the logistics robot 30. If the first user decides to wait for the delivery of the first package by the logistics robot 30, the first user inputs, into the terminal device 40, an instruction to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package. The terminal device 40 outputs, to the information processing device 10, an instruction to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package. The control unit 11 causes the logistics robot 30 to deliver the first package.

[0071] If the first user cannot wait for the first package to be delivered by the logistics robot 30 because, for example, the estimated delivery time is late, the first user may decide to go to the intermediate delivery point and pick up the first package himself / herself. In this case, the first user may input to the terminal device 40 an instruction to cancel the delivery of the first package by the logistics robot 30 and an instruction to pick up the first package himself / herself at the intermediate delivery point. The terminal device 40 outputs to the information processing device 10 an instruction to cancel the delivery of the first package by the logistics robot 30 and an instruction to store the first package at the intermediate delivery point. The control unit 11 controls the logistics robot 30 so that the first package is stored at the intermediate delivery point. The control unit 11 excludes information about the first package that the first user is to receive at the intermediate delivery point from information about undelivered packages. This may speed up the delivery of other undelivered packages. Furthermore, the load on the logistics robot 30 may be reduced.

[0072] The control unit 11 may grant an incentive to the first user when the first user inputs an instruction to receive the first package at an intermediate delivery point. The control unit 11 may grant an incentive to the first user when the first user actually receives the first package at the intermediate delivery point. The control unit 11 may output incentive information to the terminal device 40 of the first user. The terminal device 40 of the first user may grant an incentive to the first user based on the incentive information.

[0073] The incentive may include, for example, a discount on the delivery fee of the package, a cash back on the delivery fee, points that can be used as the delivery fee of the package, or points that can be used for other services.

[0074] When a priority has been assigned to the first package, the terminal device 40 may accept input of a request from the first user to increase the priority assigned to the first package and output the request to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 may update the priority assigned to the first package to a higher level based on the request from the first user. The control unit 11 may update the estimated delivery time of the first package based on the updated priority and output the updated estimated delivery time to the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 may display the updated estimated delivery time. When the user determines to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package at the updated estimated delivery time, the user inputs to the terminal device 40 an instruction to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package. The terminal device 40 may output an instruction to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 may have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package based on the updated priority.

[0075] The control unit 11 may update the priority assigned to the first package to a higher priority based on a request from the first user, and may charge the first user or impose a penalty if the logistics robot 30 delivers the first package based on the updated priority. The control unit 11 may output information about the charge or penalty to the terminal device 40 of the first user. The terminal device 40 of the first user may settle a predetermined amount based on the charge information or impose a penalty based on the penalty information.

[0076] The penalty may include, for example, lowering the priority of the next package delivery, losing the right to request a higher priority for a predetermined period of time, or reducing the number of times that the user can request a higher priority by one.

[0077] When a priority has been assigned to the first package, the terminal device 40 may accept input from the first user permitting the priority assigned to the first package to be lowered, and output the input to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 may update the priority assigned to the first package to a lower priority based on the input from the first user. The control unit 11 may update the estimated delivery time of the first package based on the updated priority and output the updated estimated delivery time to the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 may display the updated estimated delivery time. When the user determines to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package at the updated estimated delivery time, the user inputs to the terminal device 40 an instruction to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package. The terminal device 40 may output an instruction to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 may have the logistics robot 30 deliver the first package based on the updated priority.

[0078] When the control unit 11 receives an input from the first user permitting a lowering of the priority assigned to the first package, the control unit 11 may grant an incentive to the first user. The control unit 11 may output information about the incentive to the terminal device 40 of the first user. The terminal device 40 of the first user may grant the incentive to the first user based on the incentive information.

[0079] The incentive may include, for example, a discount on the delivery fee for the package or a cash back on the delivery fee. The incentive may include, for example, points that can be used to pay for the delivery fee for the package or points that can be used for other services. The incentive may include, for example, giving the package owner higher priority for the next package delivery. The incentive may include, for example, granting the user the right to request higher priority or increasing the number of times that the user can request higher priority by one.

[0080] <Operations of the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30> The vehicle 20 may hand over the package to the logistics robot 30 at the intermediate delivery point. The package handover may be performed unmanned by the drive unit 25 of the vehicle 20 and the drive unit 35 of the logistics robot 30, or may be performed by a worker who has come aboard the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 may unload the package at the intermediate delivery point. The unloading may be performed unmanned by the drive unit 25 of the vehicle 20, or may be performed by a worker who has come aboard the vehicle 20. After handing over the package to the logistics robot 30 or unloading the package at the intermediate delivery point, the vehicle 20 can move to the next delivery location (intermediate delivery point).

[0081] The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 may control the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 to hand over the package from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30 when a user instructs delivery by the logistics robot 30. The control unit 11 may control the vehicle 20 to unload the package from the vehicle 20 at an intermediate delivery point when a user instructs receiving the package at an intermediate delivery point. When the user's instruction is pending, the control unit 11 may control the vehicle 20 to unload the package from the vehicle 20 at an intermediate delivery point, or may control the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 to hand over the package from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30.

[0082] The control unit 11 receives instructions for delivery of a package from a user. When the user instructs the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package, the control unit 11 controls the logistics robot 30 to have the package delivered by the logistics robot 30. When the user instructs the control unit 11 to receive the package at an intermediate delivery point, the control unit 11 stores the package at the intermediate delivery point.

[0083] When causing the logistics robot 30 to deliver packages, the control unit 11 may output delivery details information to the logistics robot 30. The delivery details information may include, for example, the address of the delivery destination for each package or information on the delivery route. If the logistics robot 30 can read the delivery destination from the display of the package, the address of the delivery destination may be omitted from the delivery details information. The control unit 11 may generate a delivery route that allows the logistics robot 30 to make deliveries efficiently. For example, the control unit 11 may generate a delivery order and driving route that transports packages for delivery destinations on the same floor or nearby together.

[0084] When a user does not instruct the logistics robot 30 to deliver a package handed over to the logistics robot 30, the control unit 11 may control the logistics robot 30 to unload the package from the logistics robot 30. The control unit 11 may temporarily store the package unloaded from the logistics robot 30 at an intermediate delivery point.

[0085] The logistics robot 30 moves self-propelled within the apartment building 100 and delivers the package received from the vehicle 20 to a destination such as a dwelling unit 121. The logistics robot 30 may deliver the package by leaving the package in front of the destination house, a so-called drop-off delivery. If the logistics robot 30 is equipped with an output unit 37, it may deliver the package by notifying the user of its arrival by outputting a sound or the like from the output unit 37 and handing the package directly to the user.

[0086] The control unit 11 may control the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package temporarily stored at the intermediate delivery point when a user instructs the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package. The control unit 11 may control the logistics robot 30 to temporarily store the package with the package still loaded on the logistics robot 30.

[0087] After receiving the package delivered by the logistics robot 30 or after receiving the package at an intermediate delivery point, the user inputs a confirmation of receipt of the package into the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 outputs the user's confirmation of receipt of the package to the information processing device 10. When the control unit 11 obtains the receipt confirmation from the user, it registers that the package has been delivered and completes the delivery operation.

[0088] <Example of operation sequence for package delivery> 6 shows a sequence diagram of an example of an operational procedure for delivering a package, which is executed by the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The sequence diagram of FIG. 6 shows the flow of basic processing executed by each device of the information processing system 1.

[0089] Step S101: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 transmits a package delivery command to the vehicle 20 via the communication unit 13. The package delivery command includes delivery information for multiple packages to be delivered to an intermediate delivery point in one batch, a driving route to the intermediate delivery point, or the departure time of the vehicle 20. Packages with a similar delivery area and delivery date and time specification are selected as packages to be delivered in one delivery batch. The package delivery information is information required to deliver the package to the intermediate delivery point, and includes, for example, the address of the delivery destination, the name of the user as the package recipient, the user's telephone number and email address, or the name of the package to be delivered.

[0090] Step S102: The vehicle 20 loads the parcel to be delivered to the intermediate delivery point based on the delivery command received from the information processing device 10. The parcel may be loaded manually. The vehicle 20 may also load the parcel autonomously using the drive unit 25. The parcel may be loaded at a parcel collection and distribution center, or may be loaded when the parcel is individually received from the delivery requester. After loading the parcel, the vehicle 20 departs and travels to the intermediate delivery point based on the instructed driving route.

[0091] Step S103: The control unit 21 of the vehicle 20 transmits the traveling information including the position information measured by the positioning unit 24, the speed of the vehicle 20, etc. to the information processing device 10 via the communication unit 23. The traveling information may be transmitted continuously or periodically.

[0092] Step S104: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 estimates the time when delivery to the user's residence as the delivery destination will be completed based on the driving information received from the vehicle 20, the planned driving route, etc. The control unit 11 may estimate the time when the package will arrive at the intermediate delivery point, and estimate the time when delivery will be completed based on the estimation result. The control unit 11 does not necessarily have to estimate the time when delivery will be completed based on the driving information, and may estimate the time when delivery will be completed before the departure of the vehicle 20 based on the driving route and road conditions (congestion information, etc.).

[0093] Step S105: The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 notifies the user's terminal device 40 in advance via the communication unit 13 that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. This advance notification includes the estimated delivery time of the package (the delivery time estimated in step S104).

[0094] Step S106: The user checks the advance notification on the output unit 45 of the terminal device 40, and if they accept delivery of the package by the logistics robot 30, they input an instruction to the input unit 44 of the terminal device 40 to have the logistics robot 30 deliver the package. The terminal device 40 sends a package delivery instruction to the information processing device 10. The delivery instruction may include information specifying a time period during which the user is available to receive the package. If the user does not accept delivery of the package by the logistics robot 30 and wishes to receive it at an intermediate delivery point, they input an instruction to receive the package at the intermediate delivery point into the input unit of the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 sends an instruction to store the package to the information processing device 10.

[0095] In the sequence diagram of Figure 6, the delivery advance notice in step S105 and the transmission and reception of the delivery instruction or storage instruction in step S106 are performed after the vehicle 20 departs. These steps may be performed before the loading of the luggage in step S102. Also, the delivery advance notice in step S105 and the transmission and reception of the delivery instruction or storage instruction in step S106 are performed before the vehicle 20 arrives at the intermediate delivery point (step S108). These steps may be performed after the vehicle 20 arrives at the intermediate delivery point.

[0096] Step S107: The information processing device 10 transmits delivery instruction information to the vehicle 20. The delivery instruction information includes information indicating whether the user of the delivery destination has instructed the package to be delivered by the logistics robot 30. The information processing device 10 does not necessarily have to transmit the delivery instruction information to the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 can appropriately control its operation after reaching the intermediate delivery point based on the delivery instruction information.

[0097] Step S108: The vehicle 20 arrives at the intermediate delivery point. In the example of FIG. 5, the intermediate delivery point is the waiting space 101 for the logistics robot 30 in the apartment building 100.

[0098] Step S109: The vehicle 20 hands over the package to the logistics robot 30 at the intermediate delivery point. The package handover operation can be performed unmanned between the vehicle 20 and the logistics robot 30 using the drive unit 25 of the vehicle 20 and the drive unit 35 of the logistics robot 30. The vehicle 20 may drop off packages that are not instructed to be delivered by the logistics robot 30 based on the delivery instruction information at the intermediate delivery point without handing them over to the logistics robot 30.

[0099] Step S110: The information processing device 10 transmits delivery details to the logistics robot 30. The delivery details include delivery information for each package, such as the delivery address, or information on an efficient delivery route. In other words, the delivery details correspond to instructions to deliver packages only to the residences of users who have instructed the logistics robot 30 to deliver the packages, and include information necessary for this. The delivery details may also include instructions for handling packages that the user has not instructed the logistics robot 30 to deliver.

[0100] Step S111: The logistics robot 30 delivers the package from the intermediate delivery point to the user's residence based on the delivery details information. Based on instructions in the delivery details information, the logistics robot 30 may store packages that are not instructed to be delivered by the logistics robot 30 at the intermediate delivery point, or may transport them to a temporary storage space 103 in the apartment building 100. When the logistics robot 30 acquires information from a user instructing the logistics robot 30 to deliver a package stored at an intermediate delivery point, the logistics robot 30 may deliver the package for the user from the intermediate delivery point to the user's residence. The information processing device 10 may output another delivery advance notification to a user who does not input instructions for package delivery.

[0101] Step S112: The logistics robot 30 hands over the package to the user (recipient). The logistics robot 30 may notify the user of the arrival of the package by audio output from the output unit 37, and hand over the package directly to the user.

[0102] Step S113: After the delivery of the package is completed, the logistics robot 30, although not required, transmits a delivery completion report to the information processing device 10. By transmitting the delivery completion report from the logistics robot 30, the information processing device 10 can confirm the delivery by comparing it with the receipt notification from the user. As a result, the reliability of the delivery is improved.

[0103] Step S114: The user inputs into the terminal device 40 that the package has been received. The terminal device 40 transmits a package receipt notification to the information processing device 10. The user may voluntarily input the receipt notification into the terminal device 40 and transmit it to the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 may transmit an inquiry notification to the terminal device 40 to confirm the receipt of the package. The user may transmit the receipt notification from the terminal device 40 as a reply to the inquiry notification.

[0104] <Flowchart of an example of operation procedures for package delivery> The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment manages a logistics robot 30 that delivers packages from intermediate delivery points to the respective addresses of multiple users, and estimates the time when the logistics robot 30 will complete delivery of the packages. To calculate the estimated delivery time, the control unit 11 may execute an information processing method including, for example, the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The information processing method may be realized as an information processing program executed by the control unit 11. The information processing program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0105] The control unit 11 outputs a command to the vehicle 20 to deliver the package to the intermediate delivery point (step S1). The control unit 11 estimates the time when the vehicle 20 will arrive at the intermediate delivery point (step S2).

[0106] The control unit 11 acquires information about undelivered packages at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot 30 (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 11 may acquire information about undelivered packages at the time the vehicle 20 arrives at the intermediate delivery point. Based on the information about undelivered packages and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot 30, the control unit 11 estimates the time when the first package that has arrived at the intermediate delivery point will be delivered to the first user who is the delivery destination. In other words, the control unit 11 calculates the estimated delivery time of the first package (step S4).

[0107] The control unit 11 outputs the estimated delivery time of the first package to the terminal device 40 of the first user (step S5). The terminal device 40 of the first user outputs an instruction to deliver the first package by the logistics robot 30 or an instruction to receive the first package at an intermediate delivery point to the information processing device 10. If the first user does not input an instruction, the terminal device 40 of the first user may output to the information processing device 10 that no instruction has been input.

[0108] The control unit 11 determines whether delivery of the first package by the logistics robot 30 has been instructed based on the input of the first user acquired from the terminal device 40 of the first user (step S6). If delivery by the logistics robot 30 has been instructed (step S6: YES), the control unit 11 causes the logistics robot 30 to deliver the first package (step S7). If delivery by the logistics robot 30 has not been instructed (step S6: NO), the control unit 11 stores the first package at an intermediate delivery point (step S8). Cases where delivery by the logistics robot 30 has not been instructed include when the first user receives the first package at an intermediate delivery point or when the first user does not input an instruction. After executing the procedure of step S7 or S8, the control unit 11 ends execution of the procedure of the flowchart in FIG. 7.

[0109] <Summary> As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment notifies the user's terminal device 40 in advance of the estimated delivery time when a package is delivered by the logistics robot 30. The user accepts that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30 at the estimated delivery time, decides whether to instruct the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package, and inputs the instruction to the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 outputs the user's instruction to the information processing device 10. Based on the user's instruction, the information processing device 10 causes the logistics robot 30 to deliver the package or stores the package at an intermediate delivery point. With this configuration, the user can know the estimated delivery time of the package in advance and can select a delivery mode that suits the user's convenience. As a result, user convenience is improved.

[0110] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment causes the logistics robot 30 to deliver only those packages that the user has instructed the logistics robot 30 to deliver. This can reduce the frequency of packages being taken back from users who are not at home and redelivered. As a result, the delivery efficiency of the logistics robot 30 can be improved.

[0111] (Delivery to a detached house) An information processing system 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be used to deliver packages to users residing in detached houses, as illustrated in Fig. 8. The procedure for delivering packages to users residing in houses 202 or 203 will be described below. Note that explanations that overlap with the content of Fig. 5, which shows how packages are delivered to users residing in each dwelling unit of apartment building 100, will be simplified.

[0112] Based on a command from the information processing device 10, the vehicle 20 loads a package to be delivered to the house 202 or 203 and moves to the intermediate delivery point 201. In this embodiment, the intermediate delivery point 201 may be a predetermined space close to the house 202 or 203. The intermediate delivery point 201 may be any space where the package can be handed over from the vehicle 20 to the logistics robot 30. In this embodiment, the vehicle 20 transports the logistics robot 30 to the intermediate delivery point 201. At the intermediate delivery point 201, the vehicle 20 drops the logistics robot 30 off onto the road and hands over the package to the logistics robot 30 to be delivered to the user of the house 202 or 203.

[0113] The control unit 11 of the information processing device 10 notifies the terminal device 40 of the user at the delivery destination, such as the house 202 or 203, in advance that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30. The advance notification includes an estimated delivery time of the package. If the distance from the intermediate delivery point 201 to the house 202 or 203 is long or if the logistics robot 30's traveling speed is slow, the estimated delivery time may be calculated based on the logistics robot 30's traveling information (position information and traveling speed).

[0114] When the user accepts that the package will be delivered by the logistics robot 30, the user outputs a delivery instruction from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10. When the user wishes to receive the package at an intermediate delivery point or to store the package at an intermediate delivery point, the user issues a storage instruction from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10.

[0115] The control unit 11 creates detailed delivery information for each package based on delivery instructions or storage instructions from the user, and outputs the information to the logistics robot 30. The detailed delivery information includes delivery information such as the delivery address of each package, or information about the delivery route. For example, if the desired delivery time specified by the user of the residence 202 is earlier, the control unit 11 can set a delivery route for the logistics robot 30 so that the package is delivered to the residence 202 first, and then to the residence 203.

[0116] The logistics robot 30 travels on roads in a self-propelled manner based on the delivery detail information and delivers the packages received from the vehicle 20 to the residences 202 and 203. The logistics robot 30 may deliver the packages by leaving the packages in front of the destination residences, so-called drop-off delivery. If the logistics robot 30 is equipped with an output unit 37, it may notify the user of its arrival by voice or the like and hand the package over to the user directly. In this embodiment, one logistics robot 30 delivered packages to the two residences 202 and 203 in sequence. Two logistics robots 30 may also deliver packages to the residences 202 and 203, respectively. In other words, one logistics robot 30 may deliver the package to the residence 202, and the other logistics robot 30 may deliver the package to the residence 203.

[0117] After receiving the package from the logistics robot 30, the user transmits a receipt notification from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 10. The control unit 11 receives the receipt notification from the user and completes the delivery operation.

[0118] As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present disclosure can be applied not only to delivery of packages to apartment buildings but also to delivery of packages to detached houses.

[0119] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0120] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration and operation of the information processing device 10 may be distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Also, for example, an embodiment in which some of the functions of the information processing device 10 are provided in a vehicle 20 or a logistics robot 30 is possible.

[0121] Also, for example, an embodiment is possible in which a general-purpose computer functions as the information processing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the information processing device 10 according to the above-described embodiment is stored in the memory of the general-purpose computer, and the program is read and executed by a processor. Therefore, the present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor, or a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program.

[0122] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples, however, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] a control unit that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to each of the plurality of users; The control unit estimates the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package to the first user based on information about undelivered packages that will be present at the intermediate delivery point at the time the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot, and outputs the estimate to the terminal device of the first user. [Appendix 2] The information processing device described in [Appendix 1], wherein the control unit, when receiving an instruction from the terminal device to deliver the first package by the logistics robot, controls the logistics robot so that the logistics robot delivers the first package to the first user. [Appendix 3] The control unit controls the logistics robot to store the first package at the intermediate delivery point when the first user receives an instruction from the terminal device to receive the first package at the intermediate delivery point. [Appendix 4] The information processing device described in [Appendix 3], wherein the control unit grants an incentive to the first user when the first user receives the first package at the intermediate delivery point. [Appendix 5] The information processing device described in any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 4], wherein the control unit estimates the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package based on the priority of delivering the first package among the undelivered packages. [Appendix 6] The information processing device described in [Appendix 5], wherein the control unit determines a priority for delivering the first package based on information about the undelivered package. [Appendix 7] The information processing device described in [Appendix 6], wherein the information regarding the undelivered packages includes the number, size, or type of the undelivered packages. [Appendix 8] The information processing device described in any one of [Appendix 5] to [Appendix 7], wherein the control unit grants an incentive to the first user when an instruction is obtained from the terminal device that the first user allows the first package to be given a lower priority for delivery. [Appendix 9] An information processing device described in any one of [Appendix 5] to [Appendix 7], wherein the control unit charges the first user when the delivery priority of the first package is increased based on instructions from the first user. [Appendix 10] The control unit acquires the number or capacity of the logistics robots operating at the intermediate delivery point as the delivery capacity of the logistics robots. [Appendix 11] The information processing device described in [Appendix 10], wherein the control unit further obtains an estimated value of the time it takes for the logistics robot to travel from the intermediate delivery point to the respective locations of the multiple users as the delivery capacity of the logistics robot. [Appendix 12] The information processing device described in [Appendix 11], wherein the control unit sets a route that the logistics robot can move on with priority from the intermediate delivery point to the respective addresses of the multiple users. [Appendix 13] An information processing system comprising: an information processing device according to any one of [Appendix 1] to [Appendix 12]; a logistics robot that delivers undelivered packages at intermediate delivery points to a user; and a terminal device that displays an estimated result output from the information processing device of the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of a first package. [Appendix 14] An information processing method executed by an information processing device that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to each of a plurality of users, comprising: Estimating the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package to the first user based on information about undelivered packages that exist at the intermediate delivery point at the time when the first package will arrive at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capability of the logistics robot; outputting an estimated result of the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package to the first user to a terminal device of the first user; An information processing method including: [Appendix 15] An information processing method described in [Appendix 14], further comprising estimating the time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package based on the priority of delivery of the first package among the undelivered packages. [Appendix 16] An information processing method described in [Appendix 15], further comprising providing an incentive to the first user when the first user allows the delivery priority of the first package to be lowered. [Appendix 17] An information processing method described in any one of [Appendix 14] to [Appendix 16], further comprising providing an incentive to the first user when the first user receives instructions to receive the first package at the intermediate delivery point. [Appendix 18] A terminal device owned by a first user, A terminal device comprising: a control unit that acquires, from an information processing device that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to the respective addresses of multiple users, an estimated result of the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of a first package to the first user based on information about undelivered packages that will be present at the intermediate delivery point at the time the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point and the delivery capacity of the logistics robot, and displays the acquired estimated result on an output unit. [Appendix 19] The control unit outputs an instruction to the information processing device to deliver the first package by the logistics robot, and outputs a receipt confirmation of the first package delivered by the logistics robot to the information processing device. [Appendix 20] The control unit outputs instructions to the information processing device for the first user to receive the first package at the intermediate delivery point, and obtains information regarding an incentive to be granted to the first user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 information processing device (11: control unit, 12: storage unit, 13: communication unit) 20 vehicle (21: control unit, 22: memory unit, 23: communication unit, 24: positioning unit, 25: drive unit, 26: input unit, 27: output unit) 30 Logistics robot (31: control unit, 32: memory unit, 33: communication unit, 34: positioning unit, 35: drive unit, 36: input unit, 37: output unit) 40 terminal device (41: control unit, 42: storage unit, 43: communication unit, 44: input unit, 45: output unit) 50 Network 100 Apartment complex (101: waiting space, 102: elevator, 103: temporary storage space, 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132: dwelling units) 201 Intermediate Delivery Point 202, 203 Housing

Claims

1. a control unit that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to each of the plurality of users; The control unit In order to estimate the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package to the first user, information regarding undelivered packages present at the intermediate delivery point at the time when the first package will arrive at the intermediate delivery point is acquired, including the number and size of the undelivered packages, and the number and capacity of the logistics robots operating at the intermediate delivery point as the delivery capacity of the logistics robot; based on the number and size of the undelivered packages and the number and capacity of the logistics robots, the greater the number of the logistics robots or the greater the capacity of the logistics robots, the earlier the estimated time for completing delivery of the first package is, and outputting this to the terminal device of the first user; an information processing device that, when receiving an instruction from the terminal device to deliver the first package by the logistics robot, controls the logistics robot so that the logistics robot delivers the first package to the first user;

2. 2. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein, when the residences of the multiple users are dwelling units in an apartment building, the control unit estimates a longer travel time from the intermediate delivery point to the residence of the first user the higher the density of people or the logistics robots in the elevators or hallways of the apartment building, and estimates an earlier time to complete delivery of the first package the shorter the estimated travel time.

3. The control unit setting the elevator or the passage through which the logistics robot can move preferentially on the route from the intermediate delivery point to the address of the first user; The time when the delivery of the first package will be completed is estimated to be earlier than the time when the elevator or the passageway to which the logistics robot can move preferentially is not set; When an instruction to deliver the first package by the logistics robot is received from the terminal device, the logistics robot is controlled so that the logistics robot moves through the elevator or the passage that is set so that the logistics robot can move with priority. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the logistics robot to store the first package at the intermediate delivery point when the first user receives an instruction from the terminal device to receive the first package at the intermediate delivery point.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit provides an incentive to the first user when the first user receives the first package at the intermediate delivery point.

6. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a higher priority for delivering the first package the closer the time designated as the delivery time of the first package is, and estimates the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package.

7. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a priority for delivering the first package for which temperature conditions are set to be higher than a priority for delivering packages for which temperature conditions are not set, and estimates a time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package.

8. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit provides an incentive to the first user when an instruction is obtained from the terminal device that the first user allows the first package to be given a lower priority for delivery.

9. 8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit provides an incentive to the first user when an instruction is obtained from the terminal device that the first user allows the first package to be given a lower priority for delivery.

10. The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit charges the first user when the priority for delivery of the first package is increased in accordance with an instruction from the first user.

11. The information processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit charges the first user when the priority for delivery of the first package is increased in accordance with an instruction from the first user.

12. 12. An information processing system comprising: an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a logistics robot that delivers undelivered packages located at intermediate delivery points to a user; and a terminal device that displays an estimated result output from the information processing device of the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of a first package.

13. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that manages a logistics robot that delivers packages from an intermediate delivery point to each of a plurality of users, comprising: In order to estimate the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package to the first user, acquire the number and size of the undelivered packages as information regarding the undelivered packages present at the intermediate delivery point at the time when the first package arrives at the intermediate delivery point, and the number and capacity of the logistics robots operating at the intermediate delivery point as the delivery capacity of the logistics robot; Based on the number and size of the undelivered packages and the number and capacity of the logistics robots, the greater the number of the logistics robots or the greater the capacity of the logistics robots, the earlier the time to complete delivery of the first package is estimated; outputting an estimated result of the time when the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package to the first user to a terminal device of the first user; When an instruction to deliver the first package by the logistics robot is received from the terminal device, controlling the logistics robot so that the logistics robot delivers the first package to the first user. An information processing method including:

14. 14. The information processing method of claim 13, further comprising: estimating a longer travel time from the intermediate delivery point to the first user's residence when the residences of the plurality of users are dwelling units in an apartment building; and estimating a shorter time for completing delivery of the first package when the estimated travel time is shorter; and estimating a shorter time for completing delivery of the first package when the estimated travel time is shorter;

15. setting the elevator or the passage through which the logistics robot can move preferentially on the route from the intermediate delivery point to the residence of the first user; estimating a time to complete delivery of the first package to be earlier than a time when the elevator or the passageway to which the logistics robot can move preferentially is not set; and When an instruction to deliver the first package by the logistics robot is received from the terminal device, controlling the logistics robot so that the logistics robot moves through the elevator or the passage that is set so that the logistics robot can move with priority; The information processing method according to claim 14 , further comprising:

16. The information processing method according to claim 13, further comprising determining a higher priority for delivering the first package as the time designated as the delivery time of the first package approaches, and estimating the time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package.

17. The information processing method according to claim 13, further comprising determining a priority for delivering the first package having a temperature condition set therefor at a higher level than a priority for delivering a package having no temperature condition set therefor, and estimating a time at which the logistics robot will complete delivery of the first package.

18. The information processing method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising providing an incentive to the first user when the first user allows the first package to be given a lower priority for delivery.

19. 16. The information processing method of claim 13, further comprising: providing an incentive to the first user when the first user receives an instruction to receive the first package at the intermediate delivery point.

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