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

Abstract

To improve delivery efficiency of deliverers.SOLUTION: An information processing system is provided, comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring location information related to a deliverer, and a setting unit configured to set a reception point representing a location where the deliverer receives a transporting target object from a first mobile vehicle relaying the transporting target object according to the location information acquired by the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 increases or decreases the number of circular deliveries depending on the load, and does not take into consideration, for example, improving delivery efficiency by coordinating with other moving bodies.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program that can further improve the delivery efficiency of delivery companies. [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, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires location information related to a delivery person; and a setting unit that sets a receiving location indicating the location where the delivery person will receive the transport object from a first mobile body that relays the transport object based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires location information related to a delivery person; and a setting unit that sets a receiving location indicating the location where the delivery person will receive the transport object from a first mobile body that relays the transport object based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[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 acquiring location information related to a delivery person, and setting a receiving location indicating a location where the delivery person will receive the transport object from a first mobile body that relays the transport object based on the acquired location information.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to implement an acquisition function that acquires location information related to a deliverer, and a setting function that sets a receiving location indicating the location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from a first mobile body that relays the transport object based on the location information acquired by the acquisition function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the delivery efficiency of the delivery company. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a delivery slot according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of a schedule management server 40 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of setting a package receiving location. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of setting a package receiving location. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which another deliverer U3 relays and transports package L. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example in which an unmanned mobile body 10B and another deliverer U3 relay transport a package L. [Figure 10] 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an operation process of the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below. An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] an acquisition unit that acquires location information related to a deliverer; A setting unit that sets a receiving location indicating a location where the deliverer receives the transportation object from a first moving body that relays the transportation object based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit; An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] The transportation object is delivered by the delivery person using a second moving body. Item 1. An information processing system according to item 1. [Item 3] The delivery area of ​​the deliverer includes a plurality of relay locations, The setting unit setting one of the plurality of relay positions as the receiving position; Item 1 or 2. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2. [Item 4] The location information includes the location of the deliverer, The setting unit A relay location that satisfies a predetermined condition from the location of the deliverer is set as the receiving location. Item 3. The information processing system according to item 3. [Item 5] The setting unit setting the receiving location based on the location of the deliverer and the delivery route of the deliverer; Item 4. An information processing system according to item 4. [Item 6] The location information includes a location where the delivery person plans to make the next delivery; The setting unit A relay location that satisfies predetermined conditions from the location where the deliverer is scheduled to make the next delivery is set as the receiving location. Item 1 or 2. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2. [Item 7] The location information includes a relay location designated by the deliverer, The setting unit The relay location designated by the deliverer is set as the receiving location. Item 1 or 2. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2. [Item 8] The relay locations that satisfy the predetermined condition include the nearest relay location. Item 7. The information processing system according to item 6. [Item 9] The first moving body includes a vehicle or an aircraft. Item 2. An information processing system according to item 2. [Item 10] The first moving body includes a vehicle used by another delivery person. Item 10. The information processing system according to item 9. [Item 11] The second moving body includes a vehicle. Item 11. The information processing system according to item 10. [Item 12] The setting unit A midpoint between the delivery person and the other delivery person is set as the receiving location. Item 12. The information processing system according to item 10 or 11. [Item 13] The setting unit The relay point closest to the waypoint is set as the receiving point. Item 12. The information processing system according to item 10 or 11. [Item 14] The setting unit Setting a receiving location according to the type of vehicle used by the delivery person and other delivery persons; Item 12. The information processing system according to item 10 or 11. [Item 15] a generation unit that generates delivery instruction information based on the receiving location set by the setting unit; Further comprising: Item 1 or 2. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2. [Item 16] a communication unit that transmits the delivery instruction information generated by the generation unit to an external device; Further comprising: Item 16. The information processing system according to item 15. [Item 17] The communication unit When a predetermined request is included in the request content included in the delivery request for the transport object, notification information corresponding to the predetermined request is sent to the terminal used by the deliverer. Item 17. The information processing system according to item 16. [Item 18] an acquisition unit that acquires location information related to a deliverer; A setting unit that sets a receiving location indicating a location where the deliverer receives the transportation object from a first moving body that relays the transportation object based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit; An information processing device comprising: [Item 19] obtaining location information associated with a deliverer; Based on the acquired location information, a receiving location indicating a location where the delivery person receives the transportation object from a first moving body that relays the transportation object is set; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: [Item 20] On the computer, A function to acquire location information related to the deliverer; A setting function for setting a receiving location indicating a location where the deliverer receives the transportation object from a first moving body that relays the transportation object based on the location information acquired by the acquisition function; A program that makes this happen.

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

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

[0015] <<1. Overview of the information processing system>> An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system that can further improve the delivery efficiency of a delivery company regarding delivery or collection.

[0016] <1.1. Overview> 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system according to this embodiment includes, for example, a moving object 10, an information terminal 20, a traffic management server 30, and a schedule management server 40, as shown in FIG.

[0017] The mobile object 10, the information terminal 20, the fleet management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 are connected to one another via a network.

[0018] In the following description, an example in which the transportation object is a package L will be mainly described, but the transportation object according to this embodiment is not limited to the package L. For example, the transportation object is not limited to an article such as the package L, and may be a living thing such as a person or an animal.

[0019] (Mobile 10) The mobile body 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a first mobile body and a second mobile body, and is a mobile body used in delivery work such as delivering or collecting a package L. For example, the mobile body 10 is used when delivering a package L requested for delivery by a requester U2 from a warehouse WH where the package L is stored. Note that the mobile body 10 is not essential for delivery work, and delivery may be performed on foot with a cart (e.g., a box cart or a basket cart).

[0020] For example, the vehicle 10 includes a manned vehicle 10A used by a delivery person U1 to deliver or collect a package L.

[0021] For example, the manned vehicle 10A according to this embodiment may be a vehicle that travels on land as shown in Fig. 1 (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a light van or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). However, the manned vehicle 10A is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned vehicle 10A may be an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that travels on waterways such as seaways or riverways.

[0022] Furthermore, the mobile body 10 according to this embodiment includes an unmanned mobile body 10B that moves by autonomous control or remote control. For example, the unmanned mobile body 10B may move by autonomous control using input information such as two positions, such as a start point (e.g., a delivery start position of the package L or a movement start position of the unmanned mobile body 10B) and an end point (e.g., a pickup position of the package L), or three or more positions including a relay point (e.g., a collection position of the package L in the case of a delivery that involves collection of the package L) and a return point (e.g., a position that is the same as the movement start position of the unmanned mobile body 10 or a different waiting position). Note that the input information used for autonomous control may also include various information such as other intermediate points and delivery routes.

[0023] The unmanned mobile body 10B may also be moved by remote control using operation information remotely input by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0024] For example, the unmanned moving body 10B may be an air vehicle as shown in Fig. 1. For example, the air vehicle may be a drone that flies by autonomous control, or may be a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flies by remote control by an administrator.

[0025] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body 10B according to this embodiment is not limited to an air vehicle. For example, the unmanned mobile body 10B may be a vehicle that travels on land, such as an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), or a ship that travels on waterways, such as seaways or riverways.

[0026] Furthermore, the manned mobile body 10A and the unmanned mobile body 10B may be mobile bodies that can travel on at least two or more routes, including land routes, water routes, and air routes.

[0027] (Information terminal 20) The information terminal 20 according to this embodiment is a terminal used by a party involved in delivery or collection services. For example, the information terminal 20 may be any of various terminals such as a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0028] For example, the information terminal 20 includes a deliverer terminal 20A used by a deliverer U1 who delivers or collects a package L. For example, the deliverer U1 may use the deliverer terminal 20A to check delivery instruction information, including delivery tasks based on the request details included in the delivery request registered by the requester U2. In FIG. 1, the package L is to be delivered to the requester U2 who made the delivery request, but this is not limited to this case. The package may also be delivered to a recipient other than the requester. In such a case, the deliverer U1 may load the package L onto a mobile object 10 or the like when departing from the warehouse WH, and one or more delivery tasks may be set in advance as a delivery plan in a predetermined order.

[0029] The information terminal 20 also includes a requester terminal 20B that is used by a requester U2 requesting delivery or collection of a package L. For example, the requester U2 may use the requester terminal 20B to register a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of the package L.

[0030] (Traffic management server 30) The fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment is an example of an information processing device, and is a server that manages the operation of the mobile object 10. For example, the fleet management server 30 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC, or may be a cloud server.

[0031] For example, the fleet management server 30 acquires location information related to the deliverer U1, and based on the location information, sets a receiving location indicating the location where the deliverer U1 will receive the package L from the mobile body 10 that relays the package L.

[0032] (Schedule management server 40) The schedule management server 40 according to this embodiment is a server that manages various schedules related to deliveries and collections. For example, the schedule management server 40 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be a cloud server.

[0033] For example, the schedule management server 40 manages delivery plans and delivery schedules relating to deliveries or collections by the deliverer U1. The schedule management server 40 also manages delivery plans and delivery schedules relating to deliveries or collections by the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0034] For example, when a delivery request for package L is registered by requester U2, the schedule management server 40 may register a delivery schedule for the delivery or collection of package L in the delivery slot of the delivery plan of the deliverer U1 or unmanned mobile unit 10B that delivers package L.

[0035] A delivery slot is a time frame in which the unmanned mobile unit 10B or the deliverer U1 responds to delivery requests. For example, the daily delivery plan of the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer U1) is divided into predetermined delivery slots (for example, 15 minutes or 30 minutes for an unmanned mobile unit, or 1 hour for a deliverer), and the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer U1) 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, packages to destinations such as 1 or 2 may be registered, and in the delivery slot of the deliverer, packages to multiple destinations such as 5 to 10 may be registered, but this is not limited to this.

[0036] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a delivery slot according to this embodiment. For example, the daily delivery plan DS of the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer) is divided into predetermined delivery slots (for example, 15 minutes), and the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the deliverer) delivers the parcels L registered for each delivery slot at the time indicated by the delivery slot. Such a combination of delivery plan DS and delivery slot may be set for each of a plurality of candidate receiving locations.

[0037] For example, a delivery plan DS set for a certain receiving location (such as relay location S1 shown in Figure 6) includes two types of delivery slots: a "full" delivery slot (hereinafter referred to as a "full slot DF") indicating that the delivery schedule for the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the delivery person) has already been filled, and an "empty" delivery slot (hereinafter referred to as an "empty slot DE") indicating that there is a vacant delivery slot in the delivery schedule for the unmanned mobile unit 10B (or the delivery person).

[0038] The outline of the information processing system according to this embodiment has been explained above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20, the fleet management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0039] <1.2. Example of functional configuration of information terminal 20> 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information terminal 20 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 210, a control unit 230, and an operation display unit 240.

[0040] (Communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 according to this embodiment performs various communications with the fleet management server 30 and the schedule management server 40. For example, the communication unit 210 included in the requester terminal 20B may transmit to the fleet management server 30 a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of a package registered by a requester.

[0041] Furthermore, the communication unit 210 included in the deliverer terminal 20A may transmit location information indicating the location of the deliverer terminal 20A to the fleet management server 30. For example, the location information indicating the location of the deliverer terminal 20A may include positioning information (information regarding longitude, latitude, and altitude) obtained by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Furthermore, the location information indicating the location of the deliverer terminal 20A may be location information (for example, the current address) directly input by the deliverer using the operation display unit 240 described later.

[0042] In addition, the communication unit 210 included in the deliverer terminal 20A may receive from the fleet management server 30 other delivery instruction information related to the delivery of the package.

[0043] (control unit 230) The control unit 230 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the information terminal 20. For example, the control unit 230 controls the transmission and reception of various information by the communication unit 210. For example, the control unit 230 included in the requester terminal 20B may control the communication unit 210 to transmit a delivery request including the request content input via the operation display unit 240.

[0044] The control unit 230 may also control the operation and display unit 240 to display delivery instruction information received from the fleet management server 30. For example, the control unit 230 included in the deliverer terminal 20A may control the operation and display unit 240 to display other delivery instruction information received from the fleet management server 30.

[0045] (Operation display section 240) The operation display unit 240 according to this embodiment functions as an operation unit for inputting request details regarding delivery or collection of packages. The operation display unit 240 also functions as a display unit for displaying delivery instruction information received from the fleet management server 30.

[0046] The function of the operation unit can be realized by, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. The function of the display unit can be realized by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. The function of the display unit and the function of the operation unit may be configured separately.

[0047] The information terminal 20 may be equipped with a microphone, in which case the requester may use the microphone to input the details of the request regarding delivery or collection of the package by voice. The information terminal 20 may also be equipped with a speaker, in which case the deliverer may confirm the delivery instruction information by the voice output from the speaker.

[0048] <1.3. Example of functional configuration of the traffic management server 30> 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0049] (Communication unit 310) The communication unit 310 according to this embodiment performs various communications with the information terminal 20 and the schedule management server 40. For example, the communication unit 310 may receive, from the requester terminal 20B, a delivery request regarding the delivery or collection of a package registered by the requester.

[0050] The communication unit 310 is an example of an acquisition unit and may receive location information related to the deliverer. For example, the communication unit 310 may receive location information indicating the location of the deliverer terminal 20A from the deliverer terminal 20A. The communication unit 310 may also receive location information based on the delivery plan of the deliverer from the schedule management server 40.

[0051] Furthermore, the communication unit 310 may transmit delivery instruction information generated by a generation unit 333 (described later) to an external device such as the information terminal 20 or the unmanned vehicle 10B.

[0052] Furthermore, when a specific request is included in the request content of the requester's delivery request, the communication unit 310 may transmit notification information corresponding to the specific request to the deliverer terminal 20A. The specific request here may include, for example, a request for urgent delivery. For example, when urgent delivery is included in the request content, the communication unit 310 may transmit notification information to the deliverer terminal 20A to warn that the delivery is urgent.

[0053] (Storage unit 320) The storage unit 320 according to this embodiment stores software and various data. For example, the storage unit 320 may store requester information. Here, the requester information may include various basic information such as the requester's name, the requester's name within the service, an email address, an address, or a telephone number, or may include one or more of the requester's identification information (ID), account information for an external application, or information regarding the location where the package will be picked up. However, the requester information is not limited to these.

[0054] The storage unit 320 may also store deliverer information. Here, the deliverer information may include, for example, basic information about the deliverer, such as the deliverer's name, email address, and telephone number, or may include the deliverer's identification information, current location information, current delivery area, vehicle type identification information, or the name of the delivery company and delivery company identification information. The deliverer information may also include, for example, external application account information, desired delivery area, identification card information (including driver's license information), bank account information, delivery history information, etc. However, the deliverer information is not limited to these.

[0055] The storage unit 320 may also store store information. For example, the store information may include basic store information such as the store name, business hours, address, contact information, telephone number, store URL, and shipping fee. The store information may also include product-related information such as product name, product identification information, product-compatible storage container type information, weight information, and managed temperature range information. However, the store information is not limited to these.

[0056] (Control unit 330) The control unit 330 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the fleet management server 30. The control unit 330 includes a setting unit 331 and a generating unit 333, as shown in FIG.

[0057] The setting unit 331 according to this embodiment sets a receiving location indicating a location where the deliverer will receive the package from the mobile object 10 that relays the package, based on the acquired location information related to the deliverer. A specific example of setting the receiving location will be described later.

[0058] The generation unit 333 according to this embodiment generates delivery instruction information based on the pickup location set by the setting unit 331. Specific examples of delivery instruction information will be described later, but for example, the delivery instruction information includes information related to the pickup location set by the setting unit 331.

[0059] <1.4. Example of functional configuration of schedule management server 40> 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the schedule management server 40 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the schedule management server 40 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a control unit 430.

[0060] (Communication unit 410) The communication unit 410 according to this embodiment performs various communications with the information terminal 20 and the fleet management server 30. For example, the communication unit 410 may transmit to the fleet management server 30 location information related to the deliverer.

[0061] For example, the communication unit 410 may receive from the deliverer terminal 20A information about the pickup location or the pickup location, which indicates a location designated by the requester as the pickup location or the pickup location of the package. In this case, the communication unit 410 may transmit to the fleet management server 30 location information related to the deliverer in charge of delivery in the delivery area that includes the designated pickup location or the pickup location.

[0062] For example, the communication unit 410 may transmit information about the delivery route of the deliverer or the location where the deliverer plans to make the next delivery or pickup to the fleet management server 30 as location information related to the deliverer.

[0063] (Storage unit 420) The storage unit 420 according to this embodiment stores software and various data. For example, the storage unit 420 stores a delivery plan for each deliverer and a delivery plan for the unmanned mobile unit 10B. For example, the delivery plan includes various information such as the delivery route of the deliverer, location information for planned deliveries by the deliverer, location information for each of a plurality of relay locations, the loading status of packages for each delivery slot of the manned mobile unit 10A used by the deliverer for delivery, and the availability of the unmanned mobile unit 10B.

[0064] (Control unit 430) The control unit 430 according to this embodiment controls the overall operation of the schedule management server 40. For example, the control unit 430 may control the communication unit 410 to transmit location information related to the deliverer.

[0065] For example, when a certain relay location is designated by a delivery person as a location for receiving a package, the control unit 430 may control the communication unit 410 to transmit location information regarding the designated relay location to the fleet management server 30 as location information related to the delivery person.

[0066] An example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 20, the fleet management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, a specific example of setting a package pickup location will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9.

[0067] <<2. Specific examples of setting the location for receiving luggage>> When a requester requests delivery or collection of a package such as food or daily necessities via an application or browser, a delivery person may be assigned to handle the delivery request for the package.

[0068] For example, a deliverer who responds to a package delivery request made by a requester needs to go to a warehouse or store where the package is stored to pick up the package as needed. As a result, if the location where the package is to be collected is far from the location of the deliverer, the deliverer may need to travel a long distance to collect the package, which may reduce the delivery efficiency of the deliverer.

[0069] The delivery request from the requester may include various requests, such as a delivery slot, a location for receiving the package, etc. The delivery request may also include a specific request, such as an immediate delivery of the package (e.g., food).

[0070] If such a request is included, the deliverer will need to collect the package from the warehouse or store where it is stored as soon as it is decided to deliver the package, which may affect the deliverer's delivery plan. In other words, if the deliverer were to respond to such irregular requests as needed, the delivery efficiency of the deliverer may be reduced.

[0071] For example, in order to reduce the burden on such deliverers and prevent a decrease in delivery efficiency, it may be desirable for a package requested for delivery by a client to be relayed and transported by another mobile vehicle from the warehouse or store where the package is stored.

[0072] Therefore, in the information processing system according to this embodiment, location information related to the deliverer is acquired, and based on the location information, a receiving location indicating the location where the deliverer will receive the package is set from the mobile body 10 that relays the package. First, an overview of package delivery will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0073] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of package delivery. In the examples shown in Figs. 6 to 9, for convenience of explanation, the package L is shown exposed to the outside of the moving body 10, but the package L may be stored inside the moving body 10. In addition, the unmanned moving body 10B may have a structure for holding the package L.

[0074] First, the requester U2 uses the requester terminal 20B to request delivery of the package L. At this time, the requester U2 specifies the pickup location for the package L (for example, the requester U2's home B2 or a pickup location such as a store or dedicated delivery facility near the home B2 as shown in FIG. 6). The schedule management server 40 then assigns the delivery person U1 to deliver the package L for the requester U2.

[0075] For example, the deliverer U1 who will handle the delivery may be assigned a deliverer whose delivery route or delivery area included in the delivery plan includes a pickup location such as the client U2's home B2, or a deliverer who uses a manned mobile object 10A (e.g., a truck) that has available storage space.

[0076] The communication unit 310 included in the fleet management server 30 may receive location information related to the deliverer U1 who is responsible for the delivery from the deliverer terminal 20A or the schedule management server 40. The setting unit 331 may then set a pickup location (for example, a relay location S1 as shown in FIG. 6) based on the received location information related to the deliverer U1.

[0077] The generation unit 333 then generates delivery instruction information based on the set receiving location, and the communication unit 310 may transmit the generated delivery instruction information to the unmanned mobile body 10B that relays and transports the package L and to the deliverer terminal 20A used by the deliverer U1.

[0078] This enables the unmanned mobile unit 10B to relay and transport the package L requested for delivery by the requester U2 from the warehouse WH where the package L is stored, and to hand over the package L to the deliverer U1 at the set relay location S1.

[0079] Furthermore, the deliverer U1 who receives the package L delivers the package L to a receiving location such as the home B2 designated by the requester U2. Note that the deliverer U1 may deliver the package L using a manned vehicle 10A as shown in FIG. 6, or may deliver the package L on foot.

[0080] The outline of package delivery has been explained above. Next, a specific example of setting the pickup location for the package L will be explained with reference to Figs.

[0081] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of setting a package receiving location. In the example shown in Figure 7, a case will be explained where delivery area A has been specified for deliverer U1 as the area in which he is responsible for delivering package L. In the example shown in Figure 7, "within delivery area A of deliverer U1" is to the right of the dashed line indicating the boundary of delivery area A, and "outside delivery area A" is to the left of the dashed line indicating the boundary of delivery area A.

[0082] For example, the delivery area A of the deliverer U1 includes multiple relay positions S1-S4. The multiple relay positions S1-S4 may be, for example, but are not limited to, the installation locations of stands where the unmanned mobile body 10B can wait. For example, the relay positions S1-S4 may be any meeting locations, but are preferably locations that serve as meeting landmarks, such as bus stops, buildings, or parking lots.

[0083] The setting unit 331 may set, for example, one of the plurality of relay positions S1 to S4 as the receiving position.

[0084] For example, the communication unit 410 receives location information indicating the location of the deliverer terminal 20A from the deliverer terminal 20A as the location of the deliverer U1. Then, the setting unit 331 may set a relay location that satisfies a predetermined condition from the location of the deliverer U1 obtained from the deliverer terminal 20A as the receiving location.

[0085] More specifically, the setting unit 331 may set, for example, the relay location S1, which is closest to the location of the deliverer U1, among the multiple relay locations S1 to S4, as the receiving location. Note that, although the present specification mainly describes an example in which the relay location that satisfies a predetermined condition is the closest relay location, this is not limited to such an example. The relay location that satisfies the predetermined condition may also be a relay location that satisfies another condition, such as the second-closest relay location.

[0086] The generation unit 333 may then generate delivery instruction information based on the set receiving location. For example, the delivery instruction information may include information about the delivery start location (for example, the location of the warehouse WH where the package L is stored) and the receiving location, or may include information about the delivery route and waypoints. The delivery instruction information may also include various information used for, for example, autonomous control of the unmanned mobile body 10B or remote operation of the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0087] Subsequently, the communication unit 310 may transmit to an external device the delivery instruction information generated by the generation unit 333. For example, the external device may include an unmanned mobile body 10B that relays and transports the package L, an information terminal 20 used by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body, or a deliverer terminal 20A used by a deliverer U1 who delivers the package L.

[0088] For example, if the communication unit 310 transmits delivery instruction information to the unmanned mobile body 10B, the unmanned mobile body 10B, upon receiving the delivery instruction information, will be able to deliver the package L from the warehouse WH to the relay position S1, which is the receiving position, by autonomous control.

[0089] Furthermore, when the communication unit 310 transmits delivery instruction information to the information terminal 20 used by the administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body 10B, the administrator may remotely operate the unmanned mobile body 10B based on the delivery instruction information, or may transmit the delivery instruction information to the unmanned mobile body 10B using the information terminal 20 used by the administrator.

[0090] In addition, when the communication unit 310 transmits delivery instruction information to the delivery terminal 20A used by the delivery person U1 who delivers the package L, the delivery person U1 becomes able to confirm the location of the relay position S1 where the package can be received from the unmanned mobile body 10B.

[0091] The unmanned mobile body 10B may wait at the relay position S1 until the deliverer U1 arrives at the relay position S1. Alternatively, the unmanned mobile body 10B may leave the package at the relay position S1 and return to the warehouse WH, which is the base, without waiting until the deliverer U1 arrives at the relay position S1. Furthermore, if a storage box is present at the relay position S1, the unmanned mobile body 10B may store the package L in the storage box and return to the warehouse WH. Furthermore, when the deliverer U1 receives the package from the waiting unmanned mobile body 10B or the storage box, delivery authentication may be performed using predetermined identification information.

[0092] Furthermore, the location information related to the deliverer U1 is not limited to the location of the deliverer U1. The communication unit 410 may receive route information including the delivery route of the deliverer U1 from the schedule management server 40 as the location information related to the deliverer U1. In this case, the setting unit 331 may set the pickup location based on the delivery route of the deliverer U1.

[0093] More specifically, the setting unit 331 may estimate the location of the deliverer U1 based on the delivery route of the deliverer U1 and the current time. Then, the setting unit 331 may set the relay location closest to the estimated location of the deliverer U1 as the receiving location.

[0094] The setting unit 331 may also set the receiving location according to the travel speed of the unmanned mobile body 10B and the time based on the distance of the relay transport. For example, the setting unit 331 may estimate the expected position of the deliverer U1 after the relay transport based on the time required for the unmanned mobile body 10B to relay transport the package L and the delivery route of the deliverer U1. Then, the setting unit 331 may set the relay location closest to the expected position of the deliverer U1 after the relay transport as the receiving location.

[0095] Furthermore, the communication unit 310 may receive, as location information related to the deliverer U1, information about the location where the deliverer U1 is scheduled to make the next delivery from the schedule management server 40. In this case, the setting unit 331 may set, as the receiving location, a relay location that satisfies a predetermined condition from the location where the deliverer U1 is scheduled to make the next delivery (for example, the closest relay location).

[0096] The communication unit 310 may also receive designation information regarding a relay location designated by the deliverer U1 from the deliverer terminal 20A. The setting unit 331 may then set the relay location designated by the deliverer U1 as the receiving location.

[0097] For example, the deliverer U1 may specify a relay location S4 as the receiving location. Then, the deliverer terminal 20A transmits designation information regarding the relay location S4 specified by the deliverer U1 to the fleet management server 30. Then, the setting unit 331 may set the relay location S4 included in the designation information as the receiving location. Note that the designation information may be transmitted from the schedule management server 40 to the fleet management server 30 via the schedule management server 40.

[0098] Furthermore, the location where the requester U2 receives the package L is not limited to a building or facility such as the requester's home B2. For example, any of the relay locations S1 to S4 may be designated as the location where the requester U2 receives the package L. For example, the requester U2 may request delivery by designating the nearest bus stop, relay location S4, as the location where the requester receives the package L. This allows the requester to collect the package L at, for example, the nearest bus stop, which can further improve convenience for the requester.

[0099] By setting the package receiving location as described above, the unmanned mobile unit 10B assists in the delivery of packages for delivery requests requiring delivery to areas other than those included in delivery area A (for example, outlying areas that are far away or geographically separated). As a result, deliverer U1 can focus on deliveries within delivery area A, which can further improve the delivery efficiency of deliverer U1.

[0100] Furthermore, the delivery plan of the deliverer U1 may not include plans to deliver or collect other packages near the receiving location of the newly requested package L. In such cases, the deliverer U1 may need to head to the receiving location only for the newly requested package L. However, by setting the receiving location for the package as described above, it is possible to reduce the work required by the deliverer U1, and the delivery efficiency of the deliverer U1 may be further improved.

[0101] Furthermore, in FIG. 7, an example has been described in which the unmanned mobile body 10B relays and transports the package L, but for example, another deliverer U3 may relay and transport the package L.

[0102] 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which another deliverer U3 relays package L. For example, when another deliverer U3 relays package L, the setting unit 331 may set, for example, an intermediate point between the deliverer U1 and the other deliverer U3 as the receiving location. More specifically, the setting unit 331 may calculate the intermediate point based on the position (e.g., longitude and latitude) of the deliverer U1 and the position (e.g., longitude and latitude) of the other deliverer U3, and set the intermediate point as the receiving location.

[0103] The setting unit 331 may also set the relay location S1, which is closest to the midpoint between the deliverer U1 and another deliverer U3, as the receiving location.

[0104] The setting unit 331 may also set the receiving location depending on the type of mobile body 10 used by each of the deliverer U1 and the other deliverer U3. For example, if the manned mobile body 10A used by the other deliverer U3 is faster than the manned mobile body 10A used by the deliverer U1, the setting unit 331 may set the receiving location to a relay location closer to the location of the slower deliverer U1.

[0105] Furthermore, a plurality of packages L may be relayed by combining the unmanned mobile body 10B with another delivery person U3.

[0106] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example in which unmanned mobile body 10B and another deliverer U3 relay transport of package L. For example, requester U2 uses requester terminal 20B to request delivery of food F. At this time, another deliverer U3, such as a store clerk or gig worker at store B3, collects food F from store B3 and delivers it to relay position S5. Here, unmanned mobile body 10B is waiting at relay position S5 due to its base or due to the delivery of another package.

[0107] Then, the other deliverer U3 may hand over the food F to the unmanned mobile body 10B at the relay position S5. Then, the unmanned mobile body 10B may move to the relay position S1, which is the receiving position set by the setting unit 331.

[0108] In this way, by combining the other deliverer U3 with the unmanned mobile body 10B, it is possible to further improve the delivery efficiency of the delivery of the package L. Furthermore, if the other deliverer is a service provider such as a gig worker or a store clerk, it may also lead to an increase in new employment opportunities.

[0109] It is also possible that there are multiple candidates for the delivery start location of a package. In such a case, the setting unit 331 may specify one of the multiple delivery start candidates.

[0110] For example, if a client requests delivery of a certain food item, there may be multiple stores that sell the food item. In this case, the setting unit 331 may specify, as the food delivery start location, a store that minimizes the distance between the location of each of the multiple stores and the location of the delivery person, or a store that minimizes the time it takes to deliver the food item to the location of the delivery truck.

[0111] A specific example of setting a package pickup location has been described above. Next, an example of the operation process of the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0112] <<3. Operational Processing Example>> 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation process of the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment. First, the communication unit 310 receives location information related to a deliverer (S101).

[0113] Next, the setting unit 331 sets the location where the deliverer will receive the package based on the received location information related to the deliverer (S105).

[0114] Then, the generation unit 333 generates delivery instruction information based on the set pickup location (S109).

[0115] Then, the communication unit 310 transmits the generated delivery instruction information to the external devices, that is, the deliverer terminal 20A and the unmanned mobile body 10B (S113), and the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment ends the operation processing.

[0116] <<4. Hardware configuration example>> The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware of the fleet management server 30, which will be described below. The hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the information terminal 20 and the schedule management server 40.

[0117] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the fleet 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.

[0118] The control unit 330 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the fleet 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.

[0119] 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 nonvolatile 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 fleet management server 30 is started, various setting information, and the like.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The transmission / reception unit 33 connects the fleet management server 30 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transmission / reception unit 33 may include a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0122] 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.

[0123] A bus 35 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0124] <<5. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0125] For example, although the present specification has mainly described an example in which a deliverer delivers a package using a mobile object 10, the deliverer does not necessarily have to use a mobile object 10. For example, the deliverer may deliver the package on foot.

[0126] Furthermore, the setting unit 331 may set a receiving location indicating the location where the deliverer receives the package, based on various information such as deliverer information, store information, or product information stored in the storage unit 320. For example, if the management temperature range of the package requested for delivery by the requester is the freezing range, it may be difficult for the unmanned mobile body 10B to perform long-distance relay transportation, and therefore the setting unit 331 may set a relay location close to the unmanned mobile body 10B as the receiving location.

[0127] Furthermore, the fleet management server 30 does not necessarily have to transmit the delivery instruction information or notification information to an external device. For example, if the fleet management server 30 is equipped with a display unit, the delivery instruction information or notification information may be displayed on the display unit. Then, for example, a manager who checks the delivery instruction information displayed on the display unit may instruct the deliverer U1 or the unmanned vehicle 10B to make delivery using any method.

[0128] Furthermore, the fleet management server 30 according to this embodiment may have some or all of the functional configuration of the schedule management server 40. If the fleet management server 30 has all of the functional configuration of the schedule management server 40, the information processing system according to this embodiment does not need to have the schedule management server 40. Note that the schedule management server 40 may have some or all of the functional configuration of the fleet management server 30.

[0129] In addition, a computer program can be created to cause hardware such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the information terminal 20, the operation management server 30, and the schedule management server 40 to perform functions equivalent to those of the above-mentioned information terminal 20, the operation management server 30, and the schedule management server 40. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Mobile 20 Information terminal 210 Communications Department 230 Control Unit 240 Operation display section 30 Traffic control server 310 Communications Department 320 Storage section 330 Control Unit 331 Settings 333 Generation part 40 Schedule Management Server 410 Communications Department 420 Storage section 430 Control Unit

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; an acquisition unit that acquires the current location information of the deliverer; a setting unit that sets, based on the current location information acquired by the acquisition unit, a relay position that is closest to the current location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay positions within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; An information processing system comprising:

2. a storage unit that stores deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; an acquisition unit that acquires delivery route information and current time information of the deliverer; a setting unit that sets, based on estimated location information estimated from the delivery route information and the current time information acquired by the acquisition unit, a relay location that is closest to the estimated location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay locations within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; An information processing system comprising:

3. a storage unit that stores deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; an acquisition unit that acquires planned location information indicating a location where the deliverer plans to next deliver or collect; a setting unit that sets, based on the planned location information acquired by the acquisition unit, a relay location that is closest to the next planned delivery or collection location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay locations within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; An information processing system comprising:

4. a storage unit that stores deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; an acquisition unit that acquires the current location information of the deliverer; a setting unit that sets, based on the current location information acquired by the acquisition unit, a relay position that is closest to the current location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay positions within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; An information processing device comprising:

5. a storage unit that stores deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; an acquisition unit that acquires delivery route information and current time information of the deliverer; a setting unit that sets, based on estimated location information estimated from the delivery route information and the current time information acquired by the acquisition unit, a relay location that is closest to the estimated location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay locations within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; An information processing device comprising:

6. a storage unit that stores deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; an acquisition unit that acquires planned location information indicating a location where the deliverer plans to next deliver or collect; a setting unit that sets, based on the planned location information acquired by the acquisition unit, a relay location that is closest to the next planned delivery or collection location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay locations within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; An information processing device comprising:

7. storing deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the deliverer's current delivery area; Obtaining current location information of the deliverer; Based on the acquired current location information, set a relay position that is closest to the current location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay positions within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile body that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

8. storing deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the deliverer's current delivery area; Acquiring delivery route information and current time information of the deliverer; Based on the acquired delivery route information and estimated location information estimated from the current time information, set a relay location closest to the estimated location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay locations within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

9. storing deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the deliverer's current delivery area; Obtaining planned location information indicating a location where the deliverer plans to next deliver or collect the package; Based on the acquired planned location information, a relay location closest to the next planned delivery or collection location of the deliverer is set as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area, among a plurality of relay locations within the delivery area; 2. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising:

10. On the computer, a storage function for storing deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; An acquisition function for acquiring the current location information of the deliverer; A setting function that sets the relay position closest to the current location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay positions within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer receives the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area, based on the current location information acquired by the acquisition function; A program that makes this happen.

11. On the computer, a storage function for storing deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; an acquisition function for acquiring delivery route information and current time information of the deliverer; a setting function that sets the relay position closest to the estimated position of the deliverer among a plurality of relay positions within the delivery area as a position where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area, based on estimated position information estimated from the delivery route information and the current time information acquired by the acquisition function; A program that makes this happen.

12. On the computer, a storage function for storing deliverer information including delivery area information indicating the current delivery area of ​​the deliverer; An acquisition function for acquiring planned location information indicating the location where the deliverer plans to next deliver or collect the package; A setting function that sets, based on the planned location information acquired by the acquisition function, a relay location that is closest to the next planned delivery or collection location of the deliverer among a plurality of relay locations within the delivery area as a location where the deliverer will receive the transport object from an unmanned mobile vehicle that relays the transport object from a starting point outside the delivery area; and A program that makes this happen.

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