Ice pack return system and ice pack return method

Abstract

To enable provision of incentives to users according to the condition of returned ice packs.SOLUTION: An ice pack return system is provided, comprising a return unit for receiving returned ice packs, a condition detection unit for detecting the condition of ice packs returned to the return unit, and an incentive granting unit configured to grant incentives to users returning ice packs according to the condition of the ice packs detected by the condition detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for returning ice packs. [Background technology]

[0002] A cooling agent rental system is known in which a refund is given when the cooling agent is returned (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-007316 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there is a demand for giving incentives to users depending on the condition of the ice packs they return.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its main purpose is to provide an ice pack return system and ice pack return method that can provide incentives to users depending on the condition of the ice packs being returned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present disclosure is to a return section where the ice packs are returned; a state detection unit that detects the state of the ice pack returned to the return unit; an incentive granting unit that grants an incentive to a user who returns an ice pack based on the state of the ice pack detected by the state detecting unit; A refrigerant return system equipped with is. In this aspect, the state detection unit detects the time from when the ice pack is delivered to when it is returned as the state of the ice pack; The incentive granting unit may grant a larger incentive as the time detected by the state detecting unit is shorter. In this aspect, the state detection unit detects, as the state of the ice pack, a difference between the temperature of the ice pack when it is delivered and the temperature of the ice pack when it is returned; The incentive granting unit may grant a larger incentive as the difference between the temperature is smaller. In this aspect, The return unit may have a sensor that detects information about the returned ice pack, and may have an ice pack determination unit that determines whether a predetermined ice pack has been returned based on the information about the ice pack detected by the sensor. In this aspect, The return unit and the state detection unit may be provided in a transport robot that transports the luggage and the ice pack. In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present disclosure is to detecting the state of the ice pack returned to the return section; providing an incentive to the user who returns the ice pack based on the detected state of the ice pack; How to return the ice packs, including is. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an ice pack return system and an ice pack return method that can provide incentives to users depending on the condition of the ice packs being returned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of an ice pack return system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]1 is a block diagram of an ice pack return system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a processing unit. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of a method for returning ice packs according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described below through the present embodiment, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiment are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. Note that in each drawing, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0010] For example, a delivery robot delivers frozen goods or other items to a user with ice packs attached. After receiving the goods from the delivery robot, the user returns only the ice packs for reuse. If the ice packs are returned in a cooler state, the operator can shorten the cooling time for the ice packs when reusing them, which also leads to energy savings.

[0011] Therefore, the ice pack return system according to this embodiment provides incentives to users depending on the condition of the ice pack at the time of return to encourage users to take the initiative in returning the ice pack in a cooler state, thereby shortening the cooling time of the ice pack when it is reused, leading to energy savings.

[0012] Fig. 1 is an overview of an ice pack return system according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an ice pack return system according to this embodiment. An ice pack return system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. In the ice pack return system 1, for example, an autonomously moving transport robot 200 delivers a package containing ice packs, and then takes home the returned ice packs.

[0013] 1 is an embodiment of a system for returning ice packs. The system for returning ice packs 1 mainly includes a host management device 100, a transport robot 200, and a user terminal 300.

[0014] The host management device 100 is configured as, for example, a server. The host management device 100 controls the transport robot 200 based on the position information of the transport robot 200 to transport luggage. The host management device 100 and the transport robot 200 have a communication function that enables communication via, for example, a communication network such as the Internet, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0015] The transport robot 200 can transport a package from a predetermined location (starting point) to another location (destination point). For example, the transport robot 200 delivers a package of frozen or refrigerated goods with ice packs from a transportation center or the like to a delivery address in response to an instruction from the upper management device 100.

[0016] On the other hand, when the user returns the ice pack after use, the user sends a return signal from the user terminal 300 (such as a smartphone or tablet) to the host management device 100 to notify the return of the ice pack. In response to the return signal sent from the user terminal 300, the host management device 100 sends an instruction signal to the transport robot 200.

[0017] In response to an instruction signal from the host management device 100, the transport robot 200 goes to the delivery address or a predetermined location, picks up the ice packs, and takes them back to a transportation center, etc. The ice packs returned to the transportation center, etc. are cooled again to a predetermined temperature and reused.

[0018] Here, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of the transport robot 200. Note that the transport robot 200 shown in Fig. 1 is one form of an autonomous mobile robot, and other forms may also be used.

[0019] 1, the transport robot 200 has a storage cabinet 291 for storing luggage and a door 292 for sealing the storage cabinet 291. The storage cabinet 291 also functions as a return unit for returning ice packs. For example, a temperature sensor 251 may be provided in the storage cabinet 291 at a position where the ice packs come into contact. The temperature sensor 251 is configured to be able to detect the temperature of the ice packs placed in the storage cabinet 291.

[0020] An information sensor 252 that detects information about the returned ice packs may be provided in the storage 291. The information sensor 252 is, for example, a code sensor that can read a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the ice packs.

[0021] As described above, for example, the transport robot 200 autonomously transports the package with ice packs stored in the storage 291 to a location instructed by the upper management device 100. A user takes out the package with ice packs from the storage 291 of the transport robot 200.

[0022] On the other hand, when the coolant is to be returned, the transport robot 200 autonomously moves to the specified return location for the ice pack in response to instructions from the host management device 100. Then, the user returns the ice pack to the storage 291 of the transport robot 200 at the return location. At this time, the user transmits a return completion signal from the user terminal 300 to the host management device 100 to notify that the return of the ice pack is complete.

[0023] The upper management device 100 transmits an instruction signal to the transport robot 200 in response to the return completion signal from the user terminal 300. The user terminal 300 may transmit the return completion signal to the transport robot 200.

[0024] The transport robot 200 transports the ice packs returned to the storage 291 to the transportation center in response to an instruction signal from the upper management device 100 or a return completion signal from the user terminal 300. Note that the transport robot 200 may determine by itself that the ice packs have been returned based on information from the information sensor 252 or the like, and transport the ice packs returned to the storage 291 to the transportation center.

[0025] A group of distance sensors, namely, a front-rear distance sensor 241 and a left-right distance sensor 242, are provided on the exterior of the transport robot 200. The front-rear distance sensor 241 and the left-right distance sensor 242 are configured by, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, or the like.

[0026] A wheel drive unit 253 is provided at the bottom of the storage 291. The wheel drive unit 253 is provided with drive wheels 261 and casters 262. The wheel drive unit 253 is composed of a motor that drives the drive wheels 261, a reducer, and the like. The drive wheels 261 are wheels that move the transport robot 200 forward, backward, left, and right. The casters 262 are driven wheels that roll following the drive wheels 261 without receiving driving force.

[0027] Next, the system configuration of the ice pack return system 1 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. The ice pack return system 1 has a host management device 100 and a transport robot 200.

[0028] First, a description will be given of the host management device 100. The host management device 100 includes a processing unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 140.

[0029] The arithmetic processing unit 110 is a computing device capable of executing programs, such as a CPU or GPU, and can realize the processes described below by the programs. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the arithmetic processing unit. The arithmetic processing unit 110 has a state detection unit 111, an incentive granting unit 112, and a control unit 113.

[0030] The state detection unit 111 detects the state of the ice pack returned to the storage 291 of the transport robot 200. The state detection unit 111 may detect the time between when the ice pack is delivered and when it is returned as the state of the ice pack.

[0031] It can be assumed that the shorter the time between the delivery and return of the ice pack, the colder the ice pack will be when it is returned. Therefore, as will be described later, the shorter the time between the delivery and return of the ice pack, the greater the incentive given to the user. This encourages the user to take the initiative in returning the ice pack as quickly and in a cold state.

[0032] For example, when the transport robot 200 completes delivery of the package and ice packs in the storage 291, it transmits a delivery completion signal to the communication unit 140 of the host management device 100. The status detection unit 111 detects the time when the ice packs are delivered based on the delivery completion signal. Meanwhile, when the user returns the ice packs to the storage 291 of the transport robot 200, the user transmits a return completion signal from the user terminal 300 to the communication unit 140 of the host management device 100. The status detection unit 111 detects the time when the ice packs are returned based on the return completion signal. Then, the status detection unit 111 detects the time between when the ice packs are delivered and when they are returned.

[0033] Furthermore, the state detection unit 111 may detect, as the state of the ice pack, the difference in temperature between when the ice pack is delivered and when the ice pack is returned.

[0034] It can be assumed that the smaller the difference between the temperature of the ice pack when it is delivered and the temperature when it is returned, the colder the ice pack will be when it is returned. Therefore, as will be described later, the smaller the difference between the temperature of the ice pack when it is delivered and the temperature when it is returned, the greater the incentive given to the user. This can encourage the user to take the initiative in returning the ice pack in a colder state.

[0035] For example, when the transport robot 200 completes delivery of a parcel containing ice packs in the storage 291, it transmits the temperature of the ice packs detected by the temperature sensor 251 in the storage 291 together with a delivery completion signal to the communication unit 140 of the upper management device 100. The state detection unit 111 detects the temperature of the ice packs at the time of delivery based on the temperature of the temperature sensor 251.

[0036] Meanwhile, when the ice pack is returned to the storage cabinet 291, the communication unit 270 of the transport robot 200 transmits the temperature of the ice pack detected by the temperature sensor 251 to the communication unit 140 of the host management device 100. The status detection unit 111 detects the temperature of the ice pack when it is returned based on the temperature of the temperature sensor 251. Then, the status detection unit 111 calculates the difference between the temperature when the ice pack was delivered and the temperature when it was returned. The status detection unit 111 outputs the status of the ice pack detected as described above to the incentive granting unit 112.

[0037] The incentive granting unit 112 grants an incentive to the user who returns the ice pack based on the state of the ice pack detected by the state detection unit 111. The incentive may be, for example, points that can be used for shopping or services, delivery priority, a discount on delivery charges, etc. The incentive granting unit 112 may be configured with table information or the like that indicates the relationship between the state of the ice pack (the above-mentioned time or temperature difference) and the amount of the incentive to be granted.

[0038] For example, the incentive granting unit 112 may grant a larger incentive the shorter the time between when the ice pack is delivered and when it is returned. Also, the incentive granting unit 112 may grant a larger incentive the smaller the difference between the temperature of the ice pack when it is delivered and the temperature of the ice pack when it is returned. This incentive can encourage the user to take the initiative in returning the ice pack in a cooler state.

[0039] The incentive granting unit 112 may grant an incentive taking into consideration not only the state of the ice pack but also other conditions such as the timing of return, the time period, the place of return, the method of return, etc. For example, the incentive granting unit 112 may grant a larger incentive when the ice pack is returned during a time period when the operation rate of the transport robot 200 is low or when the ice pack is returned to a place closer to the transport robot 200.

[0040] The calculation processing unit 110 may further include an ice pack determination unit 114 that determines whether a preset ice pack has been returned based on information about the ice pack detected by the information sensor 252 of the storage 291 of the transport robot 200. This ice pack determination unit 114 determines whether the same ice pack as at the time of delivery has been returned, but for example, the preset ice pack may include not only the same ice pack but also ice packs of the same standard. This allows the user to return an ice pack of the same standard instead of the same ice pack.

[0041] The control unit 113 issues operation instructions to the transport robot 200 according to a preset schedule. At this time, the control unit 113 issues operation instructions to the transport robot 200 via the communication unit 140.

[0042] When issuing an operation instruction, the control unit 113 refers to the map information 121 in the memory unit 120 to determine the starting point and destination of the transport robot 200, and refers to the route planning information 124 in the memory unit 120 to communicate the movement procedure to the transport robot 200.

[0043] The communication unit 140 is an interface that is communicatively connected to the transport robot 200, and is configured, for example, by an antenna and a circuit that modulates or demodulates a signal transmitted via the antenna. The communication unit 140 is connected to the arithmetic processing unit 110, and supplies a predetermined signal received from the transport robot 200 to the arithmetic processing unit 110 via wireless communication. The communication unit 140 transmits the predetermined signal received from the arithmetic processing unit 110 to the transport robot 200.

[0044] Next, a description will be given of the transport robot 200. As shown in FIG.

[0045] The control processing unit 240 is an information processing device having a calculation device such as a CPU, a GPU, etc., and acquires information from and sends instructions to each component of the transport robot 200. The control processing unit 240 controls the operation of the wheel driving unit 253.

[0046] The sensor group 250 is a collective term for various sensors possessed by the transport robot 200. The sensor group 250 includes the above-mentioned temperature sensor 251, information sensor 252, distance sensor group, attitude sensor, load sensor, rotary encoder, camera, etc. The sensor group 250 is connected to the control processing unit 240 and supplies detected signals to the control processing unit 240.

[0047] The wheel driving unit 253 includes a motor driver for driving the motor of the driving wheel 213. The wheel driving unit 253 is connected to the control processing unit 240, and receives instructions from the control processing unit 240 to drive the wheel.

[0048] Next, the ice pack returning method according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ice pack returning method according to this embodiment.

[0049] The transport robot 200 autonomously moves to the designated ice pack return location in response to an instruction from the upper management device 100 (step S101). The user returns the ice pack to the storage 291 of the transport robot 200 at the return location (step S102).

[0050] The state detection unit 111 of the arithmetic processing unit 110 of the host management device 100 detects the state of the ice packs returned to the storage 291 of the transport robot 200 (step S103).

[0051] The incentive granting unit 112 of the arithmetic processing unit 110 of the upper management device 100 grants an incentive to the user who has returned the ice pack, based on the state of the ice pack detected by the state detection unit 111 (step S104).

[0052] In the above embodiment, the status detection unit 111 and the incentive granting unit 112 are configured to be provided in the host management device 100, but this is not limiting. At least one of the status detection unit 111 and the incentive granting unit 112 may be configured to be provided in the transport robot 200. For example, if the status detection unit 111 and the incentive granting unit 112 are provided in the transport robot 200, the ice pack return system may not be configured to include the host management device 100.

[0053] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0054] The present invention can also be implemented by causing a processor to execute a computer program to perform the processing shown in FIG.

[0055] The program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)).

[0056] The program may be provided to the computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can provide the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electrical wire or optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0057] Each part of the ice pack return system 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments can be realized not only by a program, but also in part or in whole by dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Ice pack return system, 100 Upper management device, 110 Processing unit, 111 Status detection unit, 112 Incentive granting unit, 113 Control unit, 114 Ice pack determination unit, 120 Memory unit, 121 Map information, 124 Route planning information, 140 Communication unit, 200 Transport robot, 213 Drive wheel, 240 Control processing unit, 241 Front / rear distance sensor, 242 Left / right distance sensor, 250 Sensor group, 251 Temperature sensor, 252 Information sensor, 253 Wheel drive unit, 260 Memory unit, 261 Drive wheel, 262 Caster, 270 Communication unit, 291 Storage, 292 Door, 300 User terminal

Claims

1. a return section where the ice packs are returned; a state detection unit that detects the state of the ice pack returned to the return unit; an incentive granting unit that grants an incentive to a user who returns an ice pack based on the state of the ice pack detected by the state detecting unit; Equipped with the state detection unit detects, as the state of the ice pack, a time from when the ice pack is delivered to when it is returned, and a difference in temperature between when the ice pack is delivered and when it is returned; the incentive granting unit grants a larger incentive the shorter the time detected by the state detection unit is, and grants a larger incentive the smaller the difference between the temperature and the time detected by the state detection unit is; and further grants a larger incentive when the ice pack is returned during a time period when the operation rate of the transport robot that transports the ice pack is low, or when the ice pack is returned to a location closer to the transport robot. Ice pack return system.

2. The ice pack return system according to claim 1, The return unit has a sensor that detects information about the returned ice pack, and has an ice pack determination unit that determines whether a predetermined ice pack has been returned based on the information about the ice pack detected by the sensor. Ice pack return system.

3. A step in which a state detection unit detects the state of the ice pack returned to the return unit; an incentive granting unit granting an incentive to the user who returns the ice pack based on the detected state of the ice pack; Including, the state detection unit detects, as the state of the ice pack, a time from when the ice pack is delivered to when it is returned, and a difference in temperature between when the ice pack is delivered and when it is returned; the incentive granting unit grants a larger incentive the shorter the time detected by the state detection unit is, and grants a larger incentive the smaller the difference between the temperature and the time detected by the state detection unit is; and further grants a larger incentive when the ice pack is returned during a time period when the operation rate of a transport robot that transports the ice pack is low, or when the ice pack is returned to a location closer to the transport robot. How to return ice packs.

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