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

Abstract

To provide an information processing system capable of facilitating acquisition of an overall quantity of deliveries and efficiently storing them in various storage spaces by stylized management of deliveries (e.g., loads such as packages) using storage container type identification information.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: a residual space calculation unit for calculating residual space information representing a residual space in a storage space based on storage container type information representing types of storage containers by volume, the storage containers for storing deliveries to users, and standard storage space volume information representing a volume of the storage space for storing the storage containers; and a delivery schedule determination unit for determining a delivery schedule of the deliveries based on at least the residual space information and predetermined conditions relating to the delivery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 goods 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 or the like that includes a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information that indicates the residual space in the storage space based on storage container type information that indicates the type of storage container for each volume that stores delivery items to a user and reference storage space volume information that indicates the volume of the storage space that stores the storage container, and a delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery items based on at least the residual space information and specified conditions related to delivery. [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 the storage container; and a delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery item based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. 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 remaining space information is remaining-containment vessel type information obtained by converting the remaining space into a containment vessel type. 3. The information processing system according to item 1 or 2, [Item 4] The condition is an update condition that allows the delivery schedule to be updated. 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] The update conditions are that the user permits a consolidated loading request from another user related to the user, and that the storage of the delivery items of the other user cannot be made in time for the user's delivery schedule before the update. 5. The information processing system according to item 4. [Item 6] The update condition is that the other user related to the user has permitted the other user to make a consolidation request to the other user, and the storage of the other user's delivery items cannot be made in time for the user's delivery schedule before the update. 5. The information processing system according to item 4. [Item 7] The update condition is that the delivery of the user is a regular delivery with an automatically set delivery time, and the storage of the delivery of another user's delivery cannot be made in time for the delivery schedule of the user before the update. 5. The information processing system according to item 4. [Item 8] The condition is an update restriction condition that prevents the delivery schedule from being updated. 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 9] The update restriction condition is that the controlled temperature range information associated with the user's delivery is information indicating a predetermined controlled temperature range other than room temperature. 9. The information processing system according to item 8, [Item 10] The update restriction condition is that the fresh product presence / absence information linked to the user's delivery is information indicating that fresh products are included. 9. The information processing system according to item 8, [Item 11] The update restriction condition is that the delivery type information associated with the user's delivery is information indicating rush delivery. 9. The information processing system according to item 8, [Item 12] The update restriction condition is that the delivery type information associated with the user's delivery is information indicating time-specified delivery. 9. The information processing system according to item 8, [Item 13] The condition is whether or not the delivery linked to the user satisfies the conditions of the consolidation target indicated in the consolidation target information. 4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 14] The condition for the target of consolidation is that the delivery of the target user is within a delivery time slot designated by the user. Item 14. The information processing system according to item 13. [Item 15] The condition for the consolidation target is that the other user making the consolidation request is a user who is permitted to bear at least a part or all of the delivery costs. Item 14. The information processing system according to item 13. [Item 16] When a delivery according to the delivery schedule is mixed with deliveries of other users, the delivery fee information related to the user is prorated to the other users at a predetermined rate, and the prorated delivery fee information is stored in association with each user. 16. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 15. [Item 17] 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 the storage container; and a delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery item based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. A server characterized by: [Item 18] a step of calculating residual space information indicating the residual space in 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 the storage container, by a residual space calculation unit; and determining a delivery schedule for the delivery item based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery by a delivery schedule determination unit. 1. An information processing method comprising: [Item 19] a step of calculating residual space information indicating the residual space in 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 the storage container, by a residual space calculation unit; and causing a delivery schedule determination unit to determine a delivery schedule for the delivery item based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. 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] <Administration 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 the management server 1 may have other configurations.

[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 delivery schedule determination 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, and a delivery information storage unit 123.

[0024] The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may include, 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 to and cooperates with this information processing system, the user information may include payment information (credit card information, etc.), regular purchase information, and information on items that can be mixed.

[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, temperature control range information, information on whether perishable goods are present, information on whether top or bottom loading is possible (information on whether top loading is possible or information on whether bottom loading is possible), scheduled delivery time information (information on scheduled delivery start time, information on scheduled delivery end time, information on scheduled delivery time zone), regular delivery reservation information, and information on deliveries to be consolidated, 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, delivery item information to be mixed, delivery type information, scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, etc., and may also include, but is not limited to, storage container type information, weight information, controlled temperature range information, information on the presence or absence of fresh produce, regular delivery reservation information, etc. linked to delivery item identification information.

[0027] The information transmission / reception unit 100 transmits various information (including requests) to external devices (e.g., user terminal 2, worker terminal 3, etc.) that are directly or indirectly connected to the management server 1 at least via a network, and receives various information (including requests) from external devices.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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 the 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 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 delivery schedule determination process that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery, and a delivery information update process that updates (including adding) consolidation target delivery information (such as delivery identification information that has been consolidation target) included in the delivery information.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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).

[0033] The delivery management unit 150 executes information registration such as adding delivery identification information to the delivery information storage unit 123 and associating user identification information in response to, for example, delivery acceptance processing such as reading an identification code attached to a delivery (e.g., reading a two-dimensional barcode, RFID tag, 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, or a user's e-commerce purchase processing or scheduled delivery time specification processing. Note that during delivery acceptance processing, if the delivery has not yet been stored in a storage container for which a storage container type has been set, the storage container type information may be linked to the delivery information by, for example, storing the delivery in each storage container or using a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a specified object in a space of a specified volume based on size information.

[0034] 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 124 stores, linked to delivery 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 (container type "S033") that is one-third of the reference storage space volume is stored here, the delivery will be stored in an unused storage space, so the remaining space information is updated to "2 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 1, and the remaining equivalent storage container type information is updated to indicate two "S033"s and / or one "S066 (container type indicating a container with two-thirds the reference storage space volume)."

[0037] 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 to be further stored, the remaining space information is updated to "1 / 3" by subtracting 1 / 3 from 2 / 3, and the remaining equivalent storage container type information is updated to indicate one "S033".

[0038] 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.

[0039] Furthermore, in cases where the containment space is not stored in a common area within the containment space as in the above example, but rather the containment space is divided into divided areas by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the containment vessel types, the residual space information may be divided area identification information with no associated stored content, and the residual converted containment vessel type information may be corresponding containment 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 containment 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 containment vessel type information corresponding to each divided area identification information (for example, "S066"), multiple corresponding containment vessel type information (two "S033"s) may be associated.

[0040] 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 it is shown that one storage container type information, "S025," which indicates a container type with a quarter of the reference storage space volume, is stored, so 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).

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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 for each volume that stores deliveries to the user. In particular, by setting identification information for 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. Using this, it is possible to determine delivery schedule information related to the user's deliveries (e.g., estimated delivery time information (e.g., estimated delivery start time information, estimated delivery end time information, estimated delivery time zone information)). This will be described in detail below.

[0046] The delivery schedule determination unit 152 determines a delivery schedule for the user's delivery items based on at least the remaining space information and predetermined conditions related to delivery. More specifically, for example, if the volume indicated by the remaining space information is smaller than a predetermined volume (for example, smaller than the volume of the smallest storage container type used for delivery), the delivery schedule that has already been stored is determined as the final delivery schedule. However, if the volume indicated by the remaining space information is equal to or larger than the predetermined volume, the delivery schedule that has already been stored is updated based on predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include, for example, update conditions that allow the delivery schedule to be updated and update restriction conditions that prevent the delivery schedule from being updated.

[0047] An example of an update condition 1 is, for example, when the user permits a consolidated loading request from another user related to the user, and the storage of the other user's delivery items is not in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule. In such a case, the pre-update delivery schedule may be updated to a delivery schedule that will allow the storage of the other user's delivery items in time. Note that if the storage of the other user's delivery items is in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the final delivery schedule. In this case, the delivery fee indicated in 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 separately. Alternatively, the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or the other user, and payment processing may be performed.

[0048] This allows users to accept consolidated delivery requests in order to gain the benefit of having the delivery fee consolidated into one delivery, and the service provider also benefits from the reduction in the number of deliveries. Note that in cases where the relationship between the user and the other user is such that the user shares the same livelihood as parent and child, and the other user does not necessarily have to bear the cost, the user may process the payment of the delivery fee consolidated into one delivery.

[0049] Here, the other user is a user corresponding to the other user identification information associated with the 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 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] An example of a second update condition is, for example, when a request for consolidated delivery to another user related to the user is permitted, and the storage of the other user's delivery items is not in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule. In such a case, the pre-update delivery schedule may be updated to one that allows the storage of the other user's delivery items in time. Note that if the storage of the other user's delivery items is in time for the user's pre-update delivery schedule, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the final delivery schedule. In this case, the delivery fee indicated in 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 separately. Alternatively, the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or the other user, and payment processing may be performed.

[0051] When a user makes a consolidation request to another user, for example, as shown in Fig. 9, deliveries of other users with similar delivery schedules (for example, delivery start times within a predetermined time) may be extracted on the application of the user terminal 2, and a list of consolidation target delivery information 910 may be presented, and the consolidation request may be made to the other user in response to a selection operation on the consolidation target delivery information 910 of the other user and a decision operation on the consolidation target delivery decision area 920. In this display example, the consolidation target delivery information with scheduled delivery time information "10:00-10:15" has been selected by the user, and the display has changed to a different display from the consolidation target delivery information in an unselected state. Instead of presenting the information as a list of items to be consolidated, a predetermined number of extracted consolidated delivery information items may be presented as options on the user's application, allowing the user to select a consolidated delivery, or a predetermined number of extracted consolidated delivery information items may be presented on the user's application as a consolidated delivery confirmation notice, allowing the user to select whether to consolidate or not, or a consolidated delivery may be determined by the system without user intervention from among the extracted consolidated delivery candidates. Furthermore, if there is no suitable item among the consolidated delivery information 910 displayed on the application and a confirmation operation is performed in the consolidated delivery rejection determination area 930, or if there is no delivery information that is a candidate for consolidated delivery, or if no consolidated delivery information is selected within a predetermined period before the user's scheduled delivery time, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) may update the delivery type information to indicate individual delivery without consolidation, or may calculate the remaining space and update the remaining space information included in the delivery information, thereby updating the user's delivery item information and delivery information.

[0052] Thus, in this Update Condition Example 2, unlike the above-mentioned Update Condition Example 1, the user makes a consolidated delivery request to another user. As a result, the user is encouraged to make consolidated delivery requests in order to gain the benefit of consolidating the delivery fee into a single delivery, which in turn benefits the service provider as it reduces the number of deliveries. Note that in cases where the user and the other user do not necessarily need to bear the cost, such as when the user and the other user share the same household as parent and child, the user may process the payment of the consolidated delivery fee for a single delivery.

[0053] An example of a third update condition is, for example, a delivery scheduled for a time automatically set based on regular delivery reservation information linked to the user's delivery, and the storage of another user's delivery item does not meet the user's pre-update delivery schedule. The regular delivery reservation information may be set based on, for example, subscription purchase information included in the user information. In such a case, the pre-update delivery schedule may be updated to one that allows the storage of the other user's delivery item in time. If the storage of the other user's delivery item meets the user's pre-update delivery schedule, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the final delivery schedule. In this case, the delivery fee indicated in 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, with each user performing payment processing. Alternatively, the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or the other user, and payment processing may be performed.

[0054] As described above, unlike the above-described example 1 of update conditions, this example 3 of update conditions does not require the user to grant consolidation permission to other users. This is because regular deliveries automatically scheduled based on regular delivery reservation information often do not require significant changes to the delivery date, and immediacy is not required. This allows the user to benefit from the fact that the delivery fee is consolidated into one delivery, which also benefits the service provider by reducing the number of deliveries. Note that in cases where the user and other users do not necessarily need to bear the cost, such as when the user and other users share the same household, the user may process the consolidated delivery fee for one delivery. Furthermore, even if the regular delivery is based on regular delivery reservation information, the user may be able to optionally set a setting to exclude the delivery from consolidation or to request permission when consolidating the delivery.

[0055] On the other hand, an example of an update restriction condition 1 is that the controlled temperature range information associated with a user's delivery (i.e., the controlled temperature range information of the delivery item) indicates a predetermined controlled temperature range. The predetermined controlled temperature range may not be room temperature (e.g., approximately 10 to 15 or 20°C), but may be a temperature range lower than room temperature, such as refrigerated (e.g., approximately -5 to 5°C) or frozen (e.g., -15°C or lower), or hot (e.g., approximately 25°C or higher). If one of these temperature ranges is indicated, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the final delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, consolidation itself is not prohibited, and consolidation may be permitted if other users' deliveries can be stored in time for the pre-update delivery schedule and the controlled temperature range is the same. In this case, the delivery fee indicated in the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (e.g., divided into two) to the other users at a predetermined rate, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be stored linked to each other, and each user may perform their own payment process. Alternatively, the delivery fee for one delivery may be stored in association with either the user or another user, and payment may be processed.

[0056] In this way, in this update restriction condition example 1, deliveries in temperature ranges that are difficult to control can be handled without updating the schedule, so that freshly prepared food, etc., can be delivered at a temperature that is preferable for the user, especially when delivering it immediately.

[0057] An example of a second update restriction condition is that the fresh product presence / absence information linked to a user's delivery indicates that fresh products are included. In such a case, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the final delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, consolidation itself is not prohibited, and consolidation may be allowed if the other user's delivery can be stored in time for the pre-update delivery schedule. In such a case, the delivery fee indicated in 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, with each user performing payment processing. Alternatively, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or the other user, and payment processing may be performed.

[0058] In this way, in this example of update restriction conditions 2, deliveries including perishable fresh products (particularly fresh foods such as raw fish and raw meat) can be handled without updating the schedule, so that the deliveries can be made in a condition that is preferable to the user.

[0059] An example of an update restriction condition 3 is that the delivery type information associated with a user's delivery indicates not a regular delivery but an express delivery (a delivery that takes less time to complete than a regular delivery) or a time-specified delivery. The delivery type information may be set by the user on the application when the user requests delivery. In such a case, the pre-update delivery schedule may be used as the final delivery schedule without waiting for other deliveries. However, consolidation itself is not prohibited, and consolidation may be allowed if other users' deliveries can be stored in time for the pre-update delivery schedule. In such a case, the delivery fee indicated in the delivery fee information associated with the user's delivery may be apportioned (e.g., divided into two) to other users at a predetermined rate, and the apportioned delivery fee information may be linked and stored, and each user may perform payment processing separately. Alternatively, only the delivery fee for one delivery may be linked and stored for either the user or the other users, and payment processing may be performed.

[0060] In this way, in this update restriction condition example 3, deliveries that the user requests to be delivered more quickly than usual or at a specified time can be accommodated without updating the schedule, so that the deliveries can be delivered at a time that is convenient for the user.

[0061] Another example of a condition may be whether a delivery linked to a user satisfies the conditions for a consolidation target indicated in the consolidation target information. That is, for example, a condition for a consolidation target may be that the target user's delivery falls within a user-specified delivery time period (e.g., a daytime period). This is because, for example, if the user requesting consolidation is a user who does not live with the user requesting proxy pickup, it may be undesirable for the consolidation to occur in the evening. Alternatively, for example, a condition for a consolidation target may be that the other user making the consolidation request is a user who is willing to cover at least some or all of the delivery costs. This is because the user may wish to receive a reduced delivery cost compared to receiving the delivery at the scheduled delivery time.

[0062] <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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] Next, the remaining space calculation unit 151 calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on storage container type information (which may be storage container type information as delivery item information linked to delivery information) indicating the type of storage container for each volume that stores the delivery item to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores the storage container, and updates the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, the remaining space information is preferably remaining-converted storage container type information obtained by converting the remaining space into a storage container type.

[0066] Then, in step S103, 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), the delivery schedule determination unit 152 determines a delivery schedule and terminates this flow. After that, if the delivery item has already been stored in a storage container corresponding 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 the 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.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is remaining space to accommodate at least a storage container of the smallest storage container type), the delivery schedule determination unit 152 further determines a delivery schedule for the delivery items based on predetermined conditions related to delivery (S104). The predetermined conditions related to delivery are as described above, and the delivery schedule is determined according to the predetermined conditions (for example, update conditions and update restriction conditions).

[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] When a mixed load delivery and a delivery schedule are determined on the user's application or on this system, the mixed load delivery information and delivery schedule information may be displayed on the worker terminal 3 so that the worker can check them during storage work. Furthermore, based on the mixed load delivery information and delivery schedule information, storage work equipment for storing deliveries (storage work robots, storage work arms, storage work movable platforms, etc.) may be autonomously controlled to remove the user's deliveries and other users' deliveries from the delivery management space (for example, shelves) and store them in the same storage space.

[0070] As described above, 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.

[0071] 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]

[0072] 1 Management Server 2. User terminal

Claims

1. a delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least delivery conditions; a data management unit that associates the user with another user through an association operation by the user, The condition is that the other user has permitted the consolidation request, The delivery schedule determination unit Based on the scheduled delivery time of the delivery to the user, a candidate delivery to be consolidated, which is a delivery from the other user, is presented to the user terminal of the user; Sending a consolidation request to the other user associated with the consolidation target delivery candidate selected in response to a selection operation via the user terminal; If the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the other user has permitted the sent consolidation request, and it is determined that the delivery schedule of the delivery to the user should be updated. An information processing system comprising:

2. a delivery schedule determination unit that determines a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least delivery conditions; a data management unit that associates the user with another user through an association operation by the user, The condition is that the other user has permitted the consolidation request, The delivery schedule determination unit Based on the scheduled delivery time of the delivery to the user, a candidate delivery to be consolidated, which is a delivery from the other user, is presented to the user terminal of the user; Sending a consolidation request to the other user associated with the consolidation target delivery candidate selected in response to a selection operation via the user terminal; If the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the other user has permitted the sent consolidation request, and it is determined that the delivery schedule of the delivery to the user should be updated. A server characterized by:

3. a step of determining a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least delivery-related conditions by a delivery schedule determination unit; a step of associating another user with the user by an association operation by the user through a data management unit, The condition is that the other user has permitted the consolidation request, The step of determining a delivery schedule includes: Based on the scheduled delivery time of the delivery to the user, a candidate delivery to be consolidated, which is a delivery from the other user, is presented to the user terminal of the user; Sending a consolidation request to the other user associated with the consolidation target delivery candidate selected in response to a selection operation via the user terminal; If the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the other user has permitted the sent consolidation request, and it is determined that the delivery schedule of the delivery to the user should be updated.

1. An information processing method comprising:

4. a step of determining a delivery schedule for the delivery item to the user based on at least delivery-related conditions by a delivery schedule determination unit; and causing the computer to execute a step of associating the user with another user by an associating operation performed by the user using a data management unit; The condition is that the other user has permitted the consolidation request, The step of determining a delivery schedule includes: Based on the scheduled delivery time of the delivery to the user, a candidate delivery to be consolidated, which is a delivery from the other user, is presented to the user terminal of the user; Sending a consolidation request to the other user associated with the consolidation target delivery candidate selected in response to a selection operation via the user terminal; If the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the other user has permitted the sent consolidation request, and it is determined that the delivery schedule of the delivery to the user should be updated. A program characterized by:

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