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

Abstract

To standardize and manage a delivery object (for example, loaded object such as cargo) using storage container type identification information, and thereby facilitate grasp of a total amount of the delivery object, and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a residual space calculation unit for calculating residual space information indicating a residual space in a storage space, on the basis of storage container type information indicating types of each capacity of storage containers for storing a delivery object to a user, and reference storage space capacity information indicating the capacity of the storage space storing the one or more storage containers; and a mixedly loaded object extraction unit for extracting mixedly loaded object information indicating a mixedly loaded object capable of being stored in the residual space of a target storage space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, autonomously controlled mobile objects, such as flying objects such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and running objects such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), have begun to be used in industry. Patent Document 1 discloses delivery of deliveries by flying objects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-160887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a delivery system, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that multiple mobile objects will be subject to delivery control, but in the demonstration experiment, virtual delivery cargo (e.g., daily necessities, food, etc.) is set up within the range that can be loaded onto a single mobile object, and test delivery flights are made at times when the predetermined route can be flown.

[0005] However, in reality, users do not place orders while considering the load capacity of a single mobile vehicle. They usually order the items they want at the times they want, in the quantities they want, so there is no predictability as to how much will fit into a single mobile vehicle (in other words, how much storage space is left in the mobile vehicle's onboard compartment). On the other hand, it is known that high delivery efficiency reduces delivery costs (and therefore delivery fees), so loading many packages onto a single mobile vehicle is desirable for both service providers and users. These issues are not limited to mobile vehicles, but are similar to traditional delivery methods.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of this background, and aims to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that makes it easier to grasp the overall volume of deliveries and enables efficient storage in various storage spaces by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) using storage container type identification information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problem is an information processing system, etc., which includes a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores delivery items to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers, and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall volume of deliveries and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal and the worker terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the management server of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the storage in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 10 is an example illustrating calculation of a residual space according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a delivery information storage unit in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below. An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating the residual space within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of the storage container that stores the delivery to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers; a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space, An information processing system comprising: [Item 2] The containment vessel type information is distinguishable from one another based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment space volume as a reference containment space volume by a predetermined number. 2. The information processing system according to item 1, [Item 3] The mixed loading object information includes advertising item information. 3. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, [Item 4] The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase history information of the user. 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] the mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase information of the user; 5. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 4. [Item 6] the mixed object extraction unit further refers to at least one of purchase history information and purchase request information of other users associated with the user; 6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5, [Item 7] The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user. 7. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 6, [Item 8] The mixed loading object information includes information on desired items to be provided, which indicates items to be provided by other users. 8. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7, [Item 9] a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating the residual space within the storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container that stores the delivery to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of the storage container that stores one or more storage containers; a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space, A server characterized by: [Item 10] a step of calculating residual space information indicating the residual space in the storage space by a residual space calculation unit based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container that stores the delivery to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores one or more storage containers; extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space; An information processing method comprising: [Item 11] a step of calculating residual space information indicating the residual space in the storage space by a residual space calculation unit based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of the storage container that stores the delivery to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers; extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space; A program characterized by:

[0011] <First Embodiment> An information system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference symbols and names, and duplicate descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. Furthermore, the features shown in this embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0012] <Configuration> 1, the information processing system according to this embodiment includes a management server 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more worker terminals 3. The management server 1, the user terminals 2, and the worker terminals 3 are connected to each other via a network so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example and is not limiting.

[0013] <Management Server 1> 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 1. Note that the configuration shown in the figure is an example, and other configurations may also be used.

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

[0015] The management server 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transmission / reception unit 13, an input / output unit 14, etc., which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 15.

[0016] The control unit 10 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the management server 1, 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 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 12 and deployed in the memory 11 to perform various information processing.

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

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

[0019] The transmitting / receiving unit 13 connects the management server 1 to the network and the blockchain network. The transmitting / receiving unit 13 may include a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

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

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

[0022] <User terminal 2, worker terminal 3> The user terminal 2 shown in FIG. 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA owned by a user. The user terminal 2 also includes a control unit 20, memory 21, storage 22, a transceiver unit 23, and an input / output unit 24, which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 25. The main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the management server 1 described above, so detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted. The worker terminal 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, or PDA owned by a worker who manages deliveries at a collection point or the like. The main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the user terminal 2 described above, so detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted.

[0023] <Management server functions> Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented in the control unit 10 of the management server 1, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating information stored in the storage 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 of the management server 1 has, as functional units, an information transmission / reception unit 100, a screen information generation unit 110, a data management unit 120, and a delivery management unit 150. The delivery management unit 150 includes a remaining space calculation unit 151 and a consolidation target extraction unit 152. In addition, the storage 12 includes various databases, such as a user information storage unit 121, a delivery item information storage unit 122, a delivery information storage unit 123, and a consolidation target information storage unit 124.

[0024] The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may be, for example, but is not limited to, basic user information (user name, username, email address, address, telephone number, etc.), user identification information, external application account information, etc. For example, when electronic commerce is conducted on this information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information and cooperates with this information processing system, the user information may include payment information (credit card information, etc.), purchased product information (including purchase cost information), purchase history information, desired product information (so-called favorite product information, wish list product information, etc.), regular purchase product information (described later), etc.

[0025] The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 122 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, top / bottom loading availability information (top loading availability information or bottom loading availability information), scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0026] The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, delivery item identification information, remaining space information, mixed load item information, etc., and may also include, but is not limited to, storage container type information, weight information, controlled temperature range information, scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, etc. linked to the delivery item identification information.

[0027] The mixed item information stored in the mixed item information storage unit 124 may vary depending on the mixed item being registered, but may include, for example, mixed item identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, and information on whether upper or lower loading is possible (information on whether upper loading is possible or information on whether lower loading is possible), but is not limited to these.

[0028] The information transmission / reception unit 100 transmits various information (including requests) to external devices (e.g., user terminal 2, worker terminal 3, etc.) directly or indirectly connected to the management server 1 at least via a network, and receives various information (including requests) from external devices.

[0029] The screen information generating unit 110 generates screen information to be displayed via the user interface of the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. The screen information may be, for example, user interface screen information generated by arranging various images and text based on a predetermined layout rule using image and text data stored in the storage 12 as material. The screen information generating unit 110 may also be a functional unit executed by the control unit 20 by an application (including a web browser) stored in each user terminal 2 or the like. That is, the management server 1 may transmit information necessary for generating a user interface screen, such as image data, and an application on the user terminal 2 or the like may generate a user interface screen based on the necessary information in accordance with a predetermined layout rule and display it on the user terminal 2. Processing related to the screen information generating unit 110 may also be executed by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0030] The data management unit 120 performs data management such as transmitting various information received by the information transmission / reception unit 100 to various functional units and acquiring various information from various functional units. The predetermined processing in the data management unit 120 includes, but is not limited to, various processing such as a remaining space calculation process that calculates the remaining space in a storage space based on user delivery information including storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of the storage container that stores delivery items to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers, a mixed loading object extraction process that extracts mixed loading objects corresponding to the remaining space in the storage space, and a delivery information update process that updates (including additions) information on delivery mixed loading objects included in the delivery information.

[0031] The shape of the storage container is, for example, a three-dimensional container with a geometric shape, and is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped (including a cube) in consideration of storage in the storage space, stacking, etc. The material of the storage container may be any material, such as paper, plastic, metal, etc., and cardboard made of paper or cardboard made of plastic is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of ease of production and weight. Here, in the present invention, storage container type information is set so that the type of storage container can be identified for stored items such as deliveries. The containment vessel type may be, for example, a plurality of containment vessel volume types that are set to be distinguishable from one another based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment space volume as a reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) (for example, it may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types that are set to be distinguishable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) and multiplying the result by a number equal to or less than the predetermined number (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1, 1 / 4, 1 / 2, 3 / 4, 1, etc.), or it may include a plurality of containment vessel volume types that are set to be distinguishable for each containment vessel volume divided by a predetermined number (for example, which may be an integer, and in particular may be 2 to the nth power (n is an integer that may include 0)) (e.g., 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 8, etc.), but is not limited to these). Furthermore, more specifically, with regard to the volume of the storage vessel, for example, when the reference storage space volume is divided by 4 (i.e., 1 / 4), the storage vessel may have a volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 4, or the storage vessel may have a volume obtained by dividing two of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 2.

[0032] In addition, the reference storage space volume does not have to be the same volume as the specified storage space volume, but may be substantially the same (approximately the same) volume, and may be a volume minus the amount of excess space (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) required, particularly in consideration of the storage work of the container in the storage space, or if a partition is installed inside the storage container, may be a volume minus the amount of the partition (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) (or the storage space may have substantially the same volume as the reference storage space volume, but be larger by the amount of the partition).

[0033] The storage space for storing a user's stored items and / or the storage space that is the target of the reference storage space volume may be any space having a predetermined volume, but is preferably a storage space for receiving stored items. More specifically, it may be an installed object used by a user, such as a user's storage space, a smart-locked delivery box installed in a private home or a delivery box located in a common area of ​​an apartment building (the location of the space may be determined in advance by linking it to information related to the user, or it may be a location where the delivery person stores the package by linking it to information related to the user), a shelf, locker, post office box, or insulated box that does not require electrical locking and unlocking control. The reference may also be a storage space for delivery, or a delivery item storage section of a mobile object for delivering packages (such as a mobile object such as a UAV or UGV, especially an autonomously controlled mobile object), a loading platform used by a delivery person for delivery (e.g., a truck loading platform, a motorcycle rear box, a box cart, a basket cart, etc.), or a mobile object such as a delivery bag. Furthermore, the space having a predetermined volume may be a space whose depth, width, and height lengths are fixed as described above, but it may also be a space whose volume is set by imaginarily setting a height length for an area whose depth and width lengths are fixed, such as a pallet, or a space whose volume is set by imaginarily setting a portion of the depth, width, and height lengths. However, this is not limited to these. Furthermore, the storage space to be stored and the reference storage space may be the same, or the storage space to be stored may be the size of the reference storage space multiplied by a predetermined number (especially an integer).

[0034] The delivery management unit 150 performs information registration such as adding delivery identification information to the delivery information storage unit 123 and associating it with user identification information in response to delivery acceptance processes such as reading identification codes attached to delivery items (e.g., reading two-dimensional barcodes, RFID tags, NFC, etc.) using a reader (e.g., a reader operated by a worker, a stationary reader, or a reader attached to a work robot (especially an autonomously controlled work robot)), inputting stored item information about the stored item by a worker, etc., purchasing processes by a user in e-commerce transactions, and processes specifying a scheduled delivery time.

[0035] The residual space calculation unit 151 calculates the residual space (i.e., free space) within a target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers and storage container type information acquired in accordance with delivery information (i.e., including storage container type information as delivery item information linked to the delivery information). The residual space is calculated using a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a specified object in a space of a specified volume. Here, the calculation result of the residual space is a volume value that is easy to convert to the storage container type, particularly when the storage container is specified for each specified volume relative to the reference storage space volume according to a specified rule as described above, and it can be easy to obtain residual-converted storage container type information by converting the residual space into the storage container type. In particular, when the storage space includes multiple storage vessel volume types that are identifiable for each storage vessel volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number and multiplying by a number smaller than the predetermined number, as described above, or when the storage space includes multiple storage vessel volume types that are identifiable for each storage vessel volume obtained by dividing by a predetermined number, calculation of the remaining space in the storage space becomes easier. Furthermore, when the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to each storage vessel type, the delivery information storage unit 123 stores, linked to the storage space identification information, divided area identification information that is identifiable for each area divided by partitions or the like in the target storage space, and corresponding storage vessel type information that corresponds to the divided area identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 151 may use storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

[0036] Here, a simplified explanation will be given of an example of calculating the remaining space when the containment vessel type is defined for each predetermined volume relative to the reference containment space volume using Fig. 6. The containment vessel is exemplified for a plurality of containment vessel volume types (e.g., 1 / 3, 2 / 3, 1) that are set identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the height relative to the reference containment space volume by 3 and multiplying the result by a number equal to or less than 3.

[0037] First, the storage space associated with delivery identification information "0001" is associated with user information "U0001." If a delivery (delivery information "N0001") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that is one-third of the standard storage space volume is stored here, the delivery will be stored in an unused storage space, so the remaining information is updated to "2 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1, and the remaining storage container type information is updated to indicate two "S033"s and / or one "S066 (storage container type indicating a container with two-thirds the standard storage space volume)."

[0038] Similarly, if a delivery item (delivery item information "N0010") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") with one-third of the standard storage space volume is further stored, the remaining information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, since the delivery item (N0001) is to be further stored in the storage space where it is already stored, and the remaining equivalent storage container type information is updated to indicate one "S033".

[0039] The remaining space is calculated in this manner, and can be more easily calculated by dividing the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number, as shown in the example. Note that, as mentioned above, a more advanced remaining space calculation is possible using a known packing calculation algorithm, and in this case, the storage locations of stored deliveries may also be reorganized.

[0040] Furthermore, in cases where the storage space is not stored in a common area within the storage space corresponding to delivery as in the above example, but is divided into divided areas by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage vessel types, the residual space information may be divided area identification information with no associated stored content, and the residual converted storage vessel type information may be corresponding storage vessel type information corresponding to the divided area identification information with no associated stored content. Note that the position of the partitions may be movable, and the corresponding storage vessel type information may be changeable (for example, changing from two "S033"s to "S066" or vice versa), and instead of or in addition to one corresponding storage vessel type information corresponding to each divided area identification information (for example, "S066"), multiple corresponding storage vessel type information (two "S033"s) may be associated.

[0041] 7 shows an example of information (especially remaining space information) stored in the delivery information storage unit 123. First, for delivery identification information "0001," the linked delivery item information is "N0001," the user information is "U0001," and one storage container type information, "S025," which indicates a container type with a quarter of the reference storage space volume, is stored. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "3 / 4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S075," which indicates a container type with a three-quarters of the reference storage space volume).

[0042] Next, for delivery identification information "0002," the linked delivery information is "N0002," the user information is "U0011," and it is shown that one storage container type information, "S050," which indicates a container type with half the standard storage space volume, is stored, so the residual space information is calculated as "1 / 2" (the residual converted storage container type information is "S050," which indicates a container type with half the standard storage space volume).

[0043] Next, for delivery identification information "0003," the linked delivery item information is "N0003," the user information is "U0005," and the storage container type information indicates that one "S100" has been stored, which indicates a container type that is approximately the same as the standard storage space volume, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" (i.e., no space available).

[0044] Next, for delivery identification information "0004," the linked delivery item information is "N0004," the user information is "U0003," and the storage container type information shows that one of the above-mentioned "S025" (for example, the top-bottom loading possibility information indicates that top-loading is strictly prohibited) and one "S050" is stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "1 / 4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S025," which indicates a container type with one-quarter of the standard storage space volume).

[0045] Finally, for delivery identification information "0005" and "0006," the linked delivery information is "N0005" and "N0006," the user information is "U0009," and it is shown that one "S100" and one "S050" are stored as storage container type information, so the remaining space information is calculated as "0" and "1 / 2." In this case, the effective remaining space for this delivery to the user with user information "U0009" can be said to be "1 / 2" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S050," which indicates a container type with half the standard storage space volume).

[0046] In this way, the residual space calculation unit 151 can calculate the residual space in the target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers and storage container type information indicating the type of storage container that stores deliveries to the user. In particular, by setting identification information that can identify each storage container volume obtained by dividing a predetermined storage space volume by a predetermined number as the storage container type information, deliveries can be efficiently stored in the storage space like a puzzle, and the residual space volume can be clarified as residual-converted storage container type information. This can be used to extract mixed-load items to be mixed into the residual space. This will be described in detail below.

[0047] The mixed load target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed load target information indicating mixed load targets that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. More specifically, the mixed load target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed load target information indicating mixed load targets that can be stored, for example, based on remaining space information (particularly, remaining equivalent containment vessel type information) corresponding to the remaining space of the target storage space. In other words, when compared with the containment vessel type corresponding to the remaining space, mixed load target information corresponding to a containment vessel type with a volume equal to or smaller than that indicated by the containment vessel type is extracted. A plurality of containment vessel types corresponding to the remaining space may be selectable, and for example, the remaining space calculation unit 151 may calculate combination information of containment vessel types corresponding to the remaining space and extract mixed load object information of the containment vessel type corresponding to the combination information (for example, a combination in which two mixed load objects of containment vessel type 1 / 4 can be stored for a remaining space 1 / 2, a combination in which one mixed load object of containment vessel type 1 / 4 and two mixed load objects of containment vessel type 1 / 8 can be stored, a combination in which four mixed load objects of containment vessel type 1 / 8 can be stored, etc.). The mixed load object information (particularly, list information) may be presented via an application on the user terminal 2, for example, or the mixed load object information (particularly, list information) may be presented via an application on the worker terminal 3. When an operator selects mixed load object information, the selected mixed load object information may be sent from the data management unit 120 to the user terminal 2, and a permission confirmation process for the mixed load object information may be executed on the user's application. If the data management unit 120 receives information indicating permission, the selected mixed load object information may be confirmed as mixed load object information for delivery. Furthermore, for example, when two or more mixed load objects can be selected using combination information, if a storage container type that cannot be stored is determined based on the storage container type of the selected products (for example, if three mixed load objects with a storage container type of 1 / 8 are selected for a remaining space of 1 / 2, a storage container type with a volume larger than 1 / 8 cannot be selected, or if a mixed load object with a storage container type of 1 / 3 is selected, a storage container type with a volume larger than 1 / 6 cannot be selected), a process may be executed to make the mixed load object information corresponding to the storage container type that cannot be stored unselectable (for example, by graying it out to restrict the selection operation or by not displaying it in the list information).The mixed object may be a variety of objects, and examples are given below.

[0048] <Example 1 of mixed cargo> The mixed loading object information may include advertising item information linked to the user's own user identification information or other user identification information, which indicates advertising items to be provided to the user (also referred to as the "own user" when distinguishing from "other users") or other users. That is, the mixed loading object extraction unit 152 extracts advertising item information indicating advertising items that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed loading object information, based on converted storage container type information corresponding to the advertising item information and remaining space information (particularly, remaining converted storage container type information). The advertising item information may include, for example, advertising item identification information, advertising item size information (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, vertical loading availability information, advertising type (samples, paper advertisements (flyers, leaflets, etc.)), advertising item category information (food, beverages, alcohol, sweets, household goods, cosmetics, etc.), converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from the advertising item size information and stored when extracting the mixed loading object information), advertiser information, etc.

[0049] Here, the other user is a user corresponding to the other user identification information associated with the user's own user identification information. The other user identification information may be, for example, the identification information of a cohabiting user set as a family member or partner, or the identification information of a proxy user set by the user as a proxy receiving user. In this example, for this association, for example, a process of registering the other user's identification information may be executed on the user's own application, and / or a process of selecting whether or not to allow association with the user's identification information may be executed on the other user's application.

[0050] In this example, the mixed loading target extraction unit 152 may, for example, randomly extract, as mixed loading target information, advertising item information to be mixed loading targets from advertising item information including information on the type of converted storage container that can be stored in the remaining space, or the user or operator may select and set advertising item category information and advertiser information to be extracted on the application. Also, when purchase history information linked to the user's own user information or other user information can be referenced, the purchase history information may be referenced to at least any of product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of previously purchased products, and one or more pieces of advertising item information including the corresponding advertising item category information and advertiser information may be extracted as mixed loading targets.

[0051] In addition, if the mixed-item extraction unit 152 can refer to the desired product information linked to the user information of the user or another user instead of the purchase history information, it may refer to at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of the desired product information.

[0052] In this way, by extracting advertising item information while taking into consideration the remaining space left over in the storage space at the time of delivery, it becomes possible to select advertising items taking into consideration the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined depending on whether the item fits within the standard storage space volume). Also, by referring to the purchase history information of the user or other users, it becomes possible to obtain more accurate advertising effects.

[0053] <Example 2 of mixed cargo> The mixed-loading target information may include subscription product information linked to the user's own user identification information or other user identification information, which indicates subscription products that the user or other users have registered in advance in association with each identification information. That is, the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 extracts subscription product information indicating subscription products that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed-loading target information based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the subscription product information linked to the user's own user identification information or other user identification information and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The subscription product information may include, for example, product identification information, product size (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, vertical stacking availability information, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from product size and stored when the mixed-loading target information is extracted), and scheduled delivery date information for regular delivery (e.g., what day of the month regular delivery is scheduled, etc.).

[0054] In this example, the consolidation target extraction unit 152 references, for example, scheduled regular delivery date information and extracts as consolidation target information, regular purchase products whose scheduled regular delivery date is within a predetermined period of the scheduled delivery date of the user's delivery item (for example, arriving at the nearest collection point within one week of the scheduled delivery date). The user or operator selects one or more regular purchase products to be delivered together in this delivery from the list of regular purchase product information presented on the application, taking into consideration the remaining space. The selected regular purchase products are held for delivery at a collection point or the like, and are stored in a storage space in conjunction with the delivery of the purchased product and delivered together. The period for which the delivery of the regular purchase products is to be held (i.e., the predetermined period relative to the scheduled delivery date of the purchased product) may be set by the user associated with the target regular purchase product information.

[0055] In this way, by extracting regular purchase product information while taking into account the remaining space remaining in the storage space at the time of delivery, it is possible to deliver regular purchase products at a timing that takes into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether the product will fit within the standard storage space volume).

[0056] <Example 3 of mixed cargo> The mixed-loading target information may include desired-donation item information linked to other user identification information, which indicates items desired by other users to donate to designated users or desired users. That is, the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 extracts, as mixed-loading target information, desired-donation item information indicating items that can be stored in the remaining space based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the desired-donation item information linked to other user identification information and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The desired-donation item information may include, for example, donated item identification information, donated item size, weight information, controlled temperature range information, vertical loading availability information, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from the donated item size and stored when the mixed-loading target information is extracted), donated item registration date information, and the like, and may be registered as mixed-loading target information by other users. The desired donation item may be, for example, a gift (present) for a specified recipient, or a donation item or a sharing item for an unspecified recipient.

[0057] In this example, the mixed load target extraction unit 152 presents, as a list or the like, desired product information (associated with user identification information and / or open information not associated with specific identification information) indicating converted storage container type information that can be stored in the remaining space to the user terminal or worker terminal. The user or worker selects one or more desired product information to be delivered together in this delivery from the desired product information list presented on the application, taking into consideration the remaining space.

[0058] In this way, by extracting information on items requested by other users while taking into consideration the remaining space remaining in the storage space at the time of delivery, it is possible to deliver items requested by other users at a timing that takes into consideration the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether the items will fit within the standard storage space volume).

[0059] The mixed loading target extraction unit 152 may extract at least one of the mixed loading targets in the above examples, for example, but the types of targets that can be mixed may be set in advance on the system, or the user may be able to display and select the targets that he or she wishes to mix, or the user may set information about the targets he or she wishes to mix as user information in advance, and the targets may be automatically extracted based on that setting, or, as exemplified in Figure 8, when viewing the mixed loading target list information, the targets to be viewed may be selected by sorting or rearranging.

[0060] <Processing flow> The flow of processing of the information processing method executed by the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing system of Fig. 1.

[0061] Here, a user or worker provided by this information processing system accesses the management server 1 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and when using a service for the first time, they may log in by performing a user registration process, or if they have already obtained an account, they may log in after undergoing predetermined authentication, such as entering an ID and password, to use the service. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the user terminal 2 or worker terminal 3 may be used as user identification information (ID) to use the service. After this login authentication, the service can be started via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

[0062] First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new delivery item identification information and delivery identification information in response to delivery item acceptance processing, such as reading an identification code attached to a delivery item using a reader, and registers the delivery item information and delivery information (S101).

[0063] Next, the residual space calculation unit 151 calculates residual space information in the target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers and storage container type information acquired according to the delivery information (i.e., including storage container type information as delivery item information linked to the delivery information), and executes updating of the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, if the residual space information is residual-converted storage container type information that converts the residual space into storage container type, it will facilitate comparison, as described below.

[0064] Then, in step S102, if it is determined that there is insufficient remaining space (for example, there is no remaining space to accommodate a storage container of the smallest storage container type (particularly, the smallest converted storage container type for the object that can be extracted as a mixed load object in step S104)), this flow is terminated. After that, if the delivery item has already been stored in a storage container that corresponds to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is, and if it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of a storage container type calculated by data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item, and then stored in the storage space and delivered to the user.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is remaining space that can accommodate at least a storage container of the smallest storage container type), the consolidation target extraction unit 152 extracts consolidation target information that indicates consolidation targets that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space (S104). More specifically, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 9, consolidation target display areas 1010, 1011, etc. of the consolidation target information are displayed in a list on the application of the user or worker, and the consolidation target information is determined in response to a consolidation target selection operation via the consolidation target display area 1010, etc. of the consolidation target list information, and the determined consolidation target information is sent to the management server 1, and the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) updates (including adds) the delivery consolidation target information included in the delivery information. Alternatively, instead of presenting the information as a list of mixed load items, a predetermined number of mixed load items extracted by the mixed load item extraction unit 152 may be presented as options on the user's or worker's application by referring to user information such as the user's purchase history information, or by referring to information on desired mixed load items previously set by the user, and the user or worker may select the mixed load items to be determined; a predetermined number of mixed load items extracted by the mixed load item extraction unit 152 may be presented as a mixed load confirmation notice on the user's or worker's application by allowing the user or worker to select whether or not to mix the items; or the mixed load items to be mixed into the user's delivery may be determined by the system from the storable mixed load items extracted by the mixed load item extraction unit 152 without any user or worker operation; and depending on the determination, the determined mixed load item information is sent to the management server 1, as described above, and the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) updates (including adds) the delivery mixed load item information included in the delivery information. In addition, even when the information on the consolidation target item is selected on the worker's application, the consolidation confirmation notice may be presented to the user to select whether or not to consolidate, and the consolidation target item for delivery may be determined. Furthermore, when the consolidation target item for delivery is determined on the user's application or on this system, the information on the consolidation target item for delivery may be displayed on the worker terminal 3 so that the worker can check it during storage work.Furthermore, based on the information on the mixed delivery items, storage equipment for storing the delivery items (storage robots, storage arms, movable storage platforms, etc.) may be autonomously controlled to remove the mixed delivery items from the delivery item management space (e.g., shelves) and store them in the storage space.

[0066] Furthermore, the product list display of mixed objects may be displayed in a manner that allows the user to appropriately set information regarding the display of mixed objects using a mixed object display information setting unit, such as a display target specification unit 1040 (e.g., a check box or pull-down format) that selects which type of mixed object to display and a display order specification unit 1050 that selects which type of mixed object to display preferentially. Here, "displayed preferentially" means, for example, that the display order is set to be early. More specifically, in the case of vertical scrolling, the mixed object may be displayed at the top of the display area, or may be displayed early when advancing the provided product information displayed in order by swiping, etc. Furthermore, the mixed object selection operation may be a selection operation in the mixed object display area 1010, etc. of the mixed object list information, or the mixed object selection operation may be possible within a mixed object detailed information screen that is displayed after selecting the mixed object display area 1010, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0067] In particular, when performing payment processing for delivery fees after step S104, if the mixed item information is advertising item information, the system may reduce at least part or all of the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery, taking into account the nature of the advertisement, and then proceed to payment processing, and / or may provide the user with a predetermined benefit (e.g., a refund or points). The system may bill the advertiser for the reduced amount or the provided benefit. Furthermore, if the mixed item information is information about a product (particularly a gift) desired by another user who has designated the user, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (e.g., divided into two) to the other user at a predetermined rate, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be linked and stored, and each user may perform payment processing independently. Alternatively, delivery fee information for one delivery linked to the user may be linked and stored for the other user, and payment processing may be performed by the other user.

[0068] After that, if the delivery item has already been stored in a storage container that corresponds to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is. If it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of the storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item, and then stored in the storage space. Furthermore, the selected mixed items are stored in the remaining space in the storage space, and the item is delivered to the user.

[0069] As described above, by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo items such as luggage) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that make it easier to grasp the overall volume of deliveries and enable efficient storage in various storage spaces.

[0070] The above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Management Server 2. User terminal

Claims

[Claim 1] An information processing system including an input unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, The storage unit a user information storage unit that stores purchase history information of each of a plurality of users; The control unit a mixed loading object extraction unit that extracts, based on the purchase history information, advertising item information indicating advertising items to be stored in the delivery storage space as mixed loading object information; Equipped with the user information storage unit further stores association information between users in response to a registration process executed by the user through an association operation via the input unit; the mixed object extraction unit extracts, as mixed object information related to the first user, the advertising item information extracted based on purchase history information of a second user associated with the first user in response to a registration process executed by an association operation performed by a first user via the input unit; the registration process is a process of registering the identification information of the second user so as to associate the identification information of the first user with the identification information of the first user as cohabiting user identification information, by an association operation on an application by the first user; An information processing system comprising:

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