Security Systems

The integrated monitoring and delivery system determines parcel placement feasibility, preventing redelivery by adjusting delivery plans and user notifications, ensuring efficient parcel delivery.

JP7776748B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-27DENSO WAVE INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022036906
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-03-10
Publication Date
2025-11-27
Estimated Expiration
2042-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing parcel delivery systems struggle with redelivery due to the inability to determine if a parcel can be placed at the delivery destination, often resulting in delivery delays when obstacles are present.

Method used

A security system integrating a monitoring system and delivery system that communicate to determine a possible placement area, allowing the delivery system to adjust delivery plans based on real-time monitoring information, and instruct users or reserve alternative storage if necessary.

Benefits of technology

Prevents redelivery by ensuring parcels are delivered to the correct location, optimizing delivery routes, and reducing unnecessary delivery attempts.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a system capable of reliably delivering a delivery object to a delivery destination by preventing re-delivery due to the fact that the delivery object is unable to be placed at the delivery destination.SOLUTION: There is provided a security system in which a delivery system and a monitoring system are configured to mutually communicate information. The monitoring system includes: a monitoring unit that monitors a delivery object area; and an information transmission unit that transmits monitoring information including information indicating a status of the delivery object area obtained by the monitoring unit to the delivery system. The delivery system includes: an information reception unit that receives monitoring information transmitted from the monitoring system; and a delivery response determination unit that determines a delivery response by delivery means using delivery object information and monitoring information of the delivery object placed on the delivery means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to security systems. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a system is known in which parcels delivered by a parcel carrier when the resident is not at home are stored on the floor in front of the delivery destination's entrance. This system is equipped with a monitoring device that monitors the entrance and monitors changes in the state of the placement area on the floor where parcels can be placed, in order to prevent theft of parcels, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-217029 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above system is primarily intended to monitor and store parcels when they are delivered by a parcel company when the resident is not at home, and it cannot determine beforehand whether the parcel can be delivered to the front door.As a result, if the parcel cannot be left at the front door at the time of delivery because an obstacle such as luggage has already been placed in front of the door, the delivery must be redelivered, resulting in delivery delays.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a system that can prevent redelivery due to the inability to place a delivery item at the delivery destination and can reliably deliver the delivery item to the delivery destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following aspects. [Mode 1] A security system comprising a delivery system that delivers deliveries to a delivery area using a delivery vehicle, and a monitoring system that monitors the delivery area, wherein the delivery system and the monitoring system are configured to be able to communicate information with each other, wherein the monitoring system includes a monitoring unit that monitors the delivery area, and an information transmitting unit that transmits monitoring information to the delivery system, the monitoring information including information indicating the status of the delivery area obtained by the monitoring unit, and the delivery system includes an information receiving unit that receives the monitoring information transmitted from the monitoring system, and a monitoring unit that receives delivery information including size information corresponding to the size of the delivery to be loaded onto the delivery vehicle and the monitoring information, and transmits the monitoring information to the delivery vehicle. and a determination unit that determines whether there is a possible placement area within the delivery target area where the delivery item can be placed based on the size information, wherein the delivery response determination unit determines the delivery response based on the result of the determination by the determination unit of whether there is a possible placement area within the delivery target area, and the determination unit further has a function of determining whether there is a change in status within the delivery target area after determining that there is a possible placement area, and when the determination unit determines that there is a change in status within the delivery target area, the monitoring system instructs people around the delivery target area not to lose the possible placement area.

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a security system comprising: a delivery system that delivers deliveries to a delivery target area using a delivery vehicle; and a monitoring system that monitors the delivery target area, wherein the delivery system and the monitoring system are configured to be able to communicate information with each other, wherein the monitoring system comprises a monitoring unit that monitors the delivery target area and an information transmitting unit that transmits monitoring information to the delivery system, the monitoring information including information indicating the status of the delivery target area obtained by the monitoring unit, and the delivery system comprises an information receiving unit that receives the monitoring information transmitted from the monitoring system, and a delivery response determining unit that determines a delivery response by the delivery vehicle using the monitoring information and delivery item information of the deliveries loaded on the delivery vehicle. According to this type of security system, the delivery response determination unit of the delivery system can determine the delivery response by the delivery vehicle using monitoring information acquired by the monitoring unit of the monitoring system. In other words, because the delivery system and the monitoring system are linked, the delivery response can be determined based on the state of the delivery target area transmitted from the monitoring system by the information transmission unit. For example, if the state of the delivery target area is determined to be such that the delivery cannot be placed there due to a large number of obstacles such as luggage, processing can be performed such as waiting for delivery until the state improves. In other words, according to the security system in which the delivery system and the monitoring system are linked as described above, redelivery due to the delivery being unable to be placed at the delivery destination can be prevented, and the delivery can be reliably delivered to the destination. (2) The security system of the above aspect may further include a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a possible location area in which the delivery item can be placed within the delivery target area, and the delivery response determination unit may determine the delivery response based on the determination result of the determination unit as to whether or not there is a possible location area within the delivery target area. According to this aspect of the security system, the delivery response determination unit can determine the delivery response based on the determination by the determination unit as to whether or not there is a possible location area in which the delivery item can be placed, thereby preventing the delivery of the delivery item when there is no possible location area. (3) In the security system of the above type, when the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is within the delivery target area, the delivery response determination unit may determine the delivery response so as to start delivery by the delivery means. According to this type of security system, if the possible location area is within the delivery target area, the delivery decision unit can decide to start delivery by the delivery means. In this way, delivery is started when there is a possible location area, so the delivery can be delivered reliably. (4) In the security system of the above form, the monitoring system has the determination unit, and when the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is within the delivery target area, the monitoring system sends a storage space secured notification to the delivery system indicating that a storage space for the delivery item has been secured, and the delivery response determination unit may determine the delivery response so that delivery is started by the delivery means after receiving the storage space secured notification. In this security system, the monitoring system determines that there is a possible placement area, and sends the determination information to the delivery system as a space reservation notification. In other words, by receiving the space reservation notification, the delivery system can share information that there is a possible placement area that has already been determined by the monitoring system. This eliminates the need for the delivery system to perform the determination process, thereby reducing the processing load on the delivery system. (5) In the security system of the above type, if the determination unit determines that the possible placement area does not exist within the delivery target area, the monitoring system or the delivery system may notify the user of a request to reserve a space to store the delivery item. According to this type of security system, when the determination unit determines that there is no available area for placement within the delivery target area, the monitoring system or delivery system can notify the user of a space reservation request requesting that the user reserve a space for the delivery. Therefore, even if there is no available area for placement within the delivery target area, the user who received the notification can be prompted to reserve a space for the delivery. (6) In the security system of the above form, the determination unit further has a function of determining whether there is a change in status within the delivery target area after determining that there is a possible deployment area, and when the determination unit determines that there is a change in status within the delivery target area, the monitoring system may instruct the surroundings of the delivery target area not to eliminate the possible deployment area. In this type of security system, when the judgment unit determines that there is a change in status within the delivery target area, the monitoring system instructs the area surrounding the delivery target area not to lose the possible placement area, thereby preventing the possible placement area from being lost by visitors such as suspicious individuals, for example. (7) In the security system of the above type, the delivery information may include size information corresponding to the size of the delivery, and the determination unit may determine whether the possible placement area is within the delivery target area based on the size information. According to this type of security system, the delivery information includes size information corresponding to the size of the delivery, so it is possible to determine whether there is a possible placement area within the delivery area based on the size information. In other words, if the size of the delivery is small, even if other packages are present in the delivery area, it can be determined that there is a possible placement area as long as there is enough space to place the delivery. For example, compared to determining that there is a possible placement area when there is a uniformly specified amount of free space, determining based on size information can improve the accuracy of the determination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a security system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a monitoring device included in the monitoring system. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the flying delivery vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the delivery management device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a standby mode process executed by a control unit of the monitoring system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a space monitoring mode process executed by a control unit of the monitoring system. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a delivery process executed by a control unit of the delivery system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. A. First embodiment: A1.Security System 1 consists of: A security system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the security system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the security system 1 includes a monitoring system 2 and a delivery system 3. The security system 1 is a system in which the monitoring system 2 monitors a delivery target area MA around the outdoor front door DR of a user 4 who is the delivery destination, and the delivery system 3 makes a delivery plan for a delivery item D and manages the overall delivery operation using an aerial delivery aircraft 20 (a so-called drone), all of which work together. Each component constituting the security system 1 will be described below. For example, the security system 2 is under the management of a security company, and the delivery system 3 is under the management of a delivery company, for example.

[0010] [Surveillance System 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a monitoring device 10 provided in the monitoring system 2. The monitoring device 10 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a host computer that performs various information processes in the monitoring system 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, an imaging unit 15, and an external interface 16. The control unit 11 is a microcomputer that includes a CPU, a ROM, and the like. The CPU of the microcomputer reads and executes a program stored in the ROM, thereby functioning as a determination unit 17 and an information transmission / reception unit 18. The information transmission / reception unit 18 corresponds to an "information transmission unit." The memory 12, together with the control unit 11, constitutes an information processing device.

[0011] The control unit 11 is connected to an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, an imaging unit 15, an external interface 16, and the like. The operation unit 13 is configured to provide operation signals to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 performs operations according to the contents of the operation signals upon receiving the operation signals. The display unit 14 is configured to be controlled by the control unit 11, and operates upon receiving commands from the control unit 11. In particular, the display unit 14 is configured with a known display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is configured to be able to display various information such as the results of information processing by the control unit 11 and the operating status of the monitoring device 10.

[0012] The imaging unit 15 is installed on the ceiling of the delivery target area MA and captures a captured image of the space below the ceiling in the direction of gravity. The term "ceiling" here refers not only to the surface of a sealed room facing upward in the direction of gravity, but also to the upper side of the delivery target area MA in the direction of gravity. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 15 is a distance imaging camera (depth camera) equipped with a color filter. The imaging unit 15 only needs to monitor changes in the state of the delivery target area MA, and may be a depth camera that captures only grayscale images or a stereo camera using a stereo ranging method. Furthermore, if the imaging unit 15 uses infrared light for distance measurement, it can stably measure distance even in dark places. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 15 constantly captures the delivery target area MA. The imaging unit 15 corresponds to a "monitoring unit."

[0013] The determination unit 17 determines whether there is an area within the delivery target area MA where the delivery D can be placed (hereinafter referred to as the "placement possible area PA"). Once the determination unit 17 determines that there is a placement possible area PA, and then enters the space monitoring mode described below, it also determines whether there has been a change in the status of the delivery target area MA. A change in status specifically corresponds to an obstacle being placed within the delivery target area MA, such as an airborne delivery aircraft 20, a person, or an animal entering the delivery target area MA, or a user 4 or a visitor placing a package in front of the front door DR, thereby filling the placement possible area PA. Each of the above determinations is made based on the size information of the delivery D and information on whether a person or package is captured in the captured image. The determination unit 17 makes the determination at predetermined time intervals using captured images accumulated during the interval. The captured images are stored in the memory 12 of the monitoring system 2.

[0014] The external interface 16 is configured as an interface for performing data communication with external devices such as a mobile phone terminal 41 or tablet terminal owned by the user 4, and a delivery management device 30 provided in the delivery system 3 described below, and is configured as a communication means for performing communication processing in cooperation with the information transmitting / receiving unit 18 of the control unit 11. Therefore, if there is no available placement area PA where the delivery D can be placed, cooperation is possible, such as sending a request to the user 4 to secure a storage space or requesting redelivery from the delivery system 3. Details of the mutual cooperation between the monitoring system 2, the delivery system 3, and the user 4 will be described later together with explanations of flowcharts of the processes executed by each system 2, 3.

[0015] [Delivery System 3] Next, the delivery system 3 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the delivery system 3 of this embodiment is a system that delivers a delivery item D to a delivery destination using an airborne delivery aircraft 20. The delivery system 3 includes an airborne delivery aircraft 20 that can deliver the delivery item D, and a delivery management device 30 that can remotely control the airborne delivery aircraft 20.

[0016] [Configuration of Aircraft Delivery Vehicle 20] First, the configuration of the flying delivery aircraft 20 will be described. The flying delivery aircraft 20 is configured to be capable of unmanned flight by automatic piloting upon receiving instructions from the delivery management device 30. The flying delivery aircraft 20 corresponds to a remotely controlled unmanned autonomous flying vehicle. For example, the flying delivery aircraft 20 is configured to have its flight path and other parameters set by a known method based on location information of the delivery location of the delivery destination transmitted from the delivery management device 30 and location information identified by GPS, and its flight is controlled accordingly.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the flying delivery aircraft 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the flying delivery aircraft 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory 22, a buzzer 26, an external interface 27, a power supply unit 28, an information collection unit 29, a flight means 23, a position detection unit 24, and a hold switching unit 25. The control unit 21 controls the entire flying delivery aircraft 20. The control unit 21 is mainly composed of a microcomputer and has a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, etc., and together with the memory 22, constitutes an information processing device. The control unit 21 functions to control the flight state in response to instructions from the delivery management device 30. The memory 22 pre-stores predetermined programs executable by the control unit 21 for executing various delivery-related processes. The memory 22 also stores the size of the delivery item D, which will be described later, the address of the delivery destination, etc.

[0018] The control unit 21 is connected to an information collection unit 29, flight means 23, position detection unit 24, hold switching unit 25, buzzer 26, external interface 27, and the like. The flight means 23, information collection unit 29, position detection unit 24, hold switching unit 25, buzzer 26, and external interface 27 are configured to be controlled by the control unit 21, and each operates in response to commands from the control unit 21. The information collection unit 29 collects external surrounding information, for example, to ensure a safe landing. The information collection unit 29 is composed of, for example, a camera. The flight means 23 is a known flight means that realizes flight states such as ascent, descent, forward movement, backward movement, hovering (stopping in mid-air), and turning of the flying delivery aircraft 20, and is composed of multiple rotors provided on the top of the aircraft, a motor that transmits driving force to these rotors, and the like.

[0019] The position detection unit 24 is configured with a known GPS receiver or the like, and functions to acquire current position information (e.g., latitude and longitude information, or address (location)) of the flying delivery aircraft 20. This position detection unit 24 is configured, for example, to receive information from a GPS satellite (not shown) and calculate the detailed latitude and longitude of the flying delivery aircraft 20. The holding switching unit 25 is configured, for example, as a pair of arms provided on the bottom of the aircraft, and is configured to be switchable between a holding state in which the delivery item D can be held (a state in which the delivery item D is clamped) and a holding release state in which the holding of the delivery item D is released (a state in which the delivery item D is separated from the delivery item D).

[0020] The external interface 27 is configured as an interface for data communication with external devices such as the delivery management device 30 via a network or the like, and is configured to perform communication processing in cooperation with the information transmission unit 42 of the control unit 21. In other words, the flying delivery aircraft 20 can cooperate with the delivery system 3, and by receiving commands from the delivery system 3, it can start delivery based on a delivery plan or cancel delivery even after it has started. The flying delivery aircraft 20 is also provided with a power supply unit 28, and power is supplied to the control unit 21 and various electrical components by this power supply unit 28 and battery 28a.

[0021] [Delivery management device 30] Next, the electrical configuration of the delivery management device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the delivery management device 30. The delivery management device 30 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to a host computer that performs various information processing in the delivery system 3, and is capable of communicating with the airborne delivery aircraft 20. The delivery management device 30 is provided, for example, in a management center that manages products handled by retailers and deliveries D in which the products are packaged, and exchanges information with users 4 via the Internet and manages product order information sent from users 4. The delivery management device 30 also exchanges information with the monitoring system 2 within the delivery target area MA, and receives notifications of space availability, etc.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, this delivery management device 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and an external interface 35. The control unit 31 is a microcomputer configured with a CPU, ROM, etc. The CPU of this microcomputer reads and executes programs stored in the ROM, thereby functioning as a delivery management determination unit 36 ​​and an information transmission / reception unit 37. The information transmission / reception unit 37 corresponds to an "information receiving unit." The memory 32, together with the control unit 31, constitutes an information processing device. The control unit 31 is connected to the operation unit 33, display unit 34, external interface 35, etc. The operation unit 33 is configured to provide operation signals to the control unit 31, and the control unit 31 receives these operation signals and performs operations according to the contents of the operation signals.

[0023] The delivery response determination unit 36 ​​uses monitoring information including information indicating the status of the delivery target area MA acquired by the monitoring device 10 to determine the delivery response of the delivery means (in this embodiment, the aerial delivery aircraft 20) that will deliver the delivery item D. The delivery response includes information such as the delivery date and time (the arrival time of the delivery item D at the delivery target area MA) and the time when delivery will begin by the delivery means.

[0024] The display unit 34 is configured to be controlled by the control unit 31 and operates upon receiving commands from the control unit 31. In particular, the display unit 34 is configured with a known display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is configured to be able to display various information such as the results of information processing by the control unit 31 and the operating status of the delivery management device 30. The external interface 35 is configured as an interface for performing data communication between the flying delivery aircraft 20, external devices such as a mobile phone terminal 41 owned by the user 4, and the monitoring device 10, and is configured to perform communication processing in cooperation with the control unit 31.

[0025] A2. Processing of Monitoring System 2 (Standby mode processing): Next, we will explain the standby mode processing executed by the control unit 11 of the monitoring system 2. The standby mode processing is processing in a standby stage when the monitoring system 2 has not received a delivery schedule notification from the delivery system 3 and before the start of delivery of the delivery item D. The "delivery schedule notification" is a notification that includes information about the scheduled delivery date and time of the delivery item D and the size of the delivery item D.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the standby mode process executed by the control unit 11 of the monitoring system 2. As shown in FIG. 5, when the standby mode process is started, first, a wait process is performed in step 101 (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as "S"). "Wait process" means waiting for a predetermined time. Note that in the process on the flowchart described below, "wait process" appears as appropriate, but the "predetermined time" for each wait process does not have to be the same, and the optimal wait time for the wait process at that time is set as appropriate. The wait process in S101 is set to, for example, several hours to approximately 24 hours.

[0027] Thereafter, in S102, it is determined whether or not a notification regarding the scheduled delivery date and time of the delivery item D and the size of the delivery item D, i.e., a delivery schedule notification, has been received from the delivery management device 30. If a delivery schedule notification has been received in S102 (S102: YES), the process proceeds to S103, where the determination unit 17 determines whether or not there is a possible placement area PA within the delivery target area MA. On the other hand, if a delivery schedule notification has not been received in S102 (S102: NO), the process returns to the wait process of S101.

[0028] In S103, if it is determined that there is a possible placement area PA within the delivery target area MA (S103: YES), the process proceeds to S104, where a space reservation notification is sent to the delivery system 3 (delivery management device 30). The "space reservation notification" is a notification indicating that a space for placing the delivery D has been reserved. Note that the "space" refers to the same area as the "possible placement area PA." Then, in S105, the standby mode process is terminated and the process transitions to space monitoring mode. Details of the space monitoring mode process will be described later.

[0029] On the other hand, if it is determined in S103 that there is no available placement area PA within the delivery target area MA (S103: NO), the process proceeds to S106, where a request to reserve a space is sent to the user 4. This notification may be sent by displaying it on the display unit 14 of the monitoring device 10, or by sending it to the mobile phone terminal 41 or the like owned by the user 4. After the notification, a wait process is performed in S107. Note that this wait process in S107 is set, for example, to be performed between 6 hours and 12 hours before the delivery date and time. This is because if delivery starts, problems with redelivery may arise, so it is necessary to send a space reservation notification before delivery starts.

[0030] After the wait process in S107, the determination unit 17 determines in S108 whether a space has been secured. Here, "a space has been secured" has the same meaning as "there is a possible placement area PA within the delivery target area MA" described above. If, during the wait process in S107, the user 4 who received the notification moves packages within the delivery target area MA, and a possible placement area PA exists, the determination unit 17 determines in S108 that a space has been secured. In this case (S108: YES), the process proceeds to S104, and a space secured notification is sent to the delivery system 3 (delivery management device 30).

[0031] On the other hand, if the delivery target area MA does not improve to a state where delivery is possible within the predetermined time despite the notification to the user 4 to secure a storage space, the determination unit 17 determines in S108 that a storage space has not been secured (S108: NO), and proceeds to S109 to send a redelivery request to the delivery system 3 (delivery management device 30). After that, the process returns to S101, and waits until another delivery schedule notification is received (S102: YES).

[0032] A3. Processing of Surveillance System 2 (Space Surveillance Mode Processing): Next, a description will be given of the space monitoring mode process executed by the control unit 21 of the monitoring system 2. The space monitoring mode is a process for monitoring whether the reserved space has been lost during the period from when it is determined that there is a possible placement area PA within the delivery target area MA (S103: YES) and a space reservation notification is sent to the delivery system 3 (delivery management device 30) (S104) until the delivery D is actually delivered, and for taking measures such as notifying the user 4 if the space has been lost. Details will be given below.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the steps of the space monitoring mode process executed by the control unit 11 of the monitoring system 2. As shown in FIG. 6, when the space monitoring mode process is started, first, in S201, monitoring of the drop-off area is started. Specifically, monitoring is performed by capturing an image of the delivery target area MA using the imaging unit 15 (depth camera). Next, in S202, the determination unit 17 determines whether there has been a status change in the delivery target area MA. If it is determined that there has been a status change in the delivery target area MA (S202: YES), the process proceeds to S203, where the user 4 or the security company is notified of the status change. Note that both the user 4 and the security company may be notified, or the process of S203 itself may be omitted. On the other hand, if it is determined that there has been no status change in the delivery target area MA in S202 (S202: NO), the process returns to S201, and monitoring continues.

[0034] Then, after the user 4 or the security company is notified in S203, an instruction to place the designated package or an instruction to prohibit placement of undesignated package is issued in S204. "Designated package" here means the delivery item D that is the delivery target. "Undesignated package" means package other than the delivery item D. Specifically, in the processing of S204, if the status change is caused by the official flying delivery aircraft 20 that delivers the delivery item D, an instruction is given by voice, for example, via a speaker (not shown), to place the designated package, i.e., the delivery item D, in the placement possible area PA.

[0035] On the other hand, if the status change is due to a visitor, including a suspicious person other than the flying delivery aircraft 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as a "non-delivery visitor"), instructions are given to not place luggage or the like in the placement area PA, for example, by playing an alert sound from a speaker (not shown) or by turning on a warning light (not shown). At this processing stage, the delivery D has not been delivered yet, so this is to prevent the placement area PA from being lost.

[0036] Whether the status change is due to the flying delivery aircraft 20 or a visitor other than the delivery person can be determined, for example, by image recognition including facial recognition processing, and depending on this determination, the processing in S204 is appropriately selected to issue either a designated package placement instruction or an instruction to prohibit placement of undesignated package. Alternatively, for example, the flying delivery aircraft 20 may detect whether or not the user possesses a wireless tag for home security, and based on the result, determine whether or not the user 4 is the delivery destination of the delivery item D. The "instruction to prohibit placement of undesignated package" processing in S204 corresponds to the processing by the monitoring system 2 to instruct the surroundings of the delivery target area MA not to eliminate the placement possible area PA.

[0037] After any of the instructions is issued, a wait process is performed in S205. This wait process in S205 is set to a relatively short time, for example, several minutes to 15 minutes. Next, in S206, it is determined whether a delivery completion notice has been received. In this embodiment, the delivery completion notice is sent from the delivery system 3 (delivery management device 30) and is a notice that notifies that delivery of the delivery item D has been completed. The delivery management device 30 can confirm the completion of delivery by receiving information from the control unit 21 of the flight delivery aircraft 20. If a delivery completion notice has been received (S206: YES), the process proceeds to S207, where the space monitoring mode process is terminated and the process transitions to delivery monitoring mode.

[0038] On the other hand, if a delivery completion notification has not been received in S206 (S206: YES), the process proceeds to S208, where it is determined whether a storage area equivalent to the possible placement area PA has been secured. At this stage of the process, even though there has been a status change, no delivery completion notification has been sent in the subsequent wait process (S205), so it is assumed that the status change is not due to a delivery by the flying delivery aircraft 20, but rather to a visitor other than the delivery. Therefore, in the process of S208, it is determined whether the possible placement area PA has been lost due to, for example, a package being left by a visitor other than the delivery. This determination can be made by the determination unit 17.

[0039] Then, if it is determined in S208 that a storage space is secured, the process returns to S201 and monitoring continues. On the other hand, if the determination unit 17 determines in S208 that a storage space is not secured (S208: NO), the process proceeds to S209 and a redelivery request is sent to the delivery system 3. In other words, the initial delivery plan is temporarily canceled. This is because if a storage space is not secured, it is assumed that the placement available area PA has been lost by a non-delivery visitor, and even if the flying delivery aircraft 20 arrives to make a delivery in this state, there is no storage space and the delivery D cannot be placed. Then, after S209, the space monitoring mode process ends in S210 and the process transitions to standby mode process.

[0040] As described above, the monitoring system 2 continuously monitors the delivery target area MA, so that when the possible placement area PA is lost, the information can be immediately sent to the delivery system 3, thereby avoiding unnecessary deliveries.

[0041] The delivery monitoring mode process in S207 is a process for monitoring the delivery D by the monitoring system 2 after the delivery of the delivery D has been completed successfully. In this monitoring mode process, for example, a change in status may be detected, and the user 4 or a suspicious person may be identified by face recognition processing or the like, and in the case of a suspicious person, a warning may be issued before the delivery D is stolen, or after the delivery D has been stolen, a report may be made from the monitoring system 2 to a security company immediately.

[0042] In this monitoring mode process, the monitoring device 10 may monitor whether there is a status change within the delivery target area MA, and if it determines that there is a status change, may issue a predetermined notification. The predetermined notification may be, for example, an alert sound from a speaker (not shown) or turning on a warning light (not shown), similar to the notification in S203 above. In this way, a notification is issued to the person who caused the status change within the delivery target area MA that a status change within the delivery target area MA has been caused by an unauthenticated and unauthorized person.

[0043] The monitoring device 10 may also use a communication means to send an alert to the user 4, a security company, or the like at the timing of the notification. Furthermore, an image of a person captured by the imaging unit 15 during the space monitoring mode process may be sent together with the alert to the resident, a security company, or the like. In this way, theft of the delivery D can be prevented.

[0044] A4. Regarding the processing of Delivery System 3: Next, the delivery process executed by the control unit 31 of the delivery system 3 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the delivery process executed by the control units 21, 31 of the delivery system 3. As shown in Fig. 7, when the delivery process is started, first, a wait process is performed in S301. The wait process in S301 is set to, for example, several hours to 24 hours.

[0045] Thereafter, in S302, it is determined whether an order from user 4 has been received. In S302, if an order (S401) from user 4 is received during the wait process in S301 (S302: YES), the process proceeds to S303, where a delivery plan is made. In addition to receiving the order, information such as the size and weight of the delivery item D and the delivery address is acquired. In the delivery plan, for example, a delivery date is determined to be, for example, two or three days after the date the order was received, taking into account the time it takes to pack the product and complete delivery arrangements. On the other hand, in S302, if an order from user 4 has not been received (S302: NO), the process returns to the wait process in S301.

[0046] After a delivery plan is created in S303, the delivery date and time and package size are transmitted to the monitoring system 2 (monitoring device 10) in S304. That is, a delivery schedule notice is transmitted from the delivery system 3 to the monitoring system 2. Next, in S305, a wait process is performed. This wait process in S305 is set to a time period between 6 hours and 12 hours before the delivery date and time, for example. This is because once delivery has started, problems with redelivery may arise, so it is necessary to receive a space reservation notice before delivery starts.

[0047] Next, in S306, it is determined whether a space reservation notification has been received. If a space reservation notification has been received (S306: YES), the process proceeds to S307, where delivery begins. Note that delivery is not initiated in S307 immediately after the space reservation notification is received; rather, the delivery D is placed on standby and stored until the delivery date and time. If a redelivery request is received in S209 during this time (between S306 and S307), the delivery plan is temporarily canceled, and the process returns to S303. In other words, if the space is lost due to a suspicious person or the like after the space reservation notification has been received, the delivery can be immediately stopped by sending a redelivery request in S209.

[0048] After delivery is initiated in S307, the airborne delivery aircraft 20 departs for the delivery destination, and in S308, the delivery item D is placed in the delivery storage area. If a redelivery request in S209 is received between the start of delivery and the placement of the delivery item D in the delivery storage area (between S307 and S308), the delivery plan is temporarily canceled, and the process returns to S303. After S308, in S309, a delivery completion notification is sent to the monitoring system 2. This completes the delivery process. As described above, the delivery system 3 (delivery management determination unit 36) determines the delivery management by the airborne delivery aircraft 20 using the delivery item information including size information corresponding to the size of the delivery item D acquired in S304 and the monitoring information (storage space availability notification) acquired in S306.

[0049] According to the security system 1 described above, the storage area is constantly monitored by the space monitoring mode processing of the monitoring system 2. Therefore, for example, if the storage area is lost due to a suspicious person or the like after delivery by the flying delivery aircraft 20 has begun, a redelivery request is sent in S209, and the delivery can be immediately stopped.

[0050] A5.Effects: (1) As described above, according to the security system 1 of the first embodiment, the delivery response determination unit 36 ​​of the delivery system 3 can determine the delivery response by the flying delivery aircraft 20 by using the monitoring information acquired by the imaging unit 15 of the monitoring system 2. In other words, because the delivery system 3 and the monitoring system 2 are linked, the delivery response can be determined according to the status of the delivery target area MA transmitted from the monitoring system 2.

[0051] Therefore, if the state of the delivery target area MA is such that the delivery D cannot be placed, for example, because there are many obstacles such as luggage, i.e., if there is no placement possible area PA, processing such as waiting for delivery until the state improves can be performed. In other words, redelivery due to the delivery D not being able to be placed at the delivery destination can be prevented, and the delivery D can be reliably delivered to the delivery destination.

[0052] (2) According to the security system 1 of the first embodiment, the monitoring system 2 constantly monitors the delivery target area MA by executing the space monitoring mode process. Therefore, when the possible placement area PA is lost, information can be immediately transmitted to the delivery system 3, thereby preventing unnecessary deliveries. For example, even if the possible placement area PA is lost due to a suspicious person or the like after delivery has started, the delivery can be stopped by transmitting a redelivery request in S209.

[0053] In particular, when a drone is used as the flying delivery aircraft 20, which is the delivery means, the effect of reducing redelivery has a significant effect on the system as a whole. Because a drone cannot remove packages in front of the entrance by itself or check whether the user 4 is present or absent, if a package is already placed in front of the entrance and delivery item D cannot be left there, redelivery must be attempted. In addition, since drones are limited in the number and weight of delivery items D that they can carry, the inability to complete delivery in one attempt results in a significant loss of time for the system as a whole, and frequent redelivery has become a significant problem.

[0054] In this regard, according to the first embodiment, whether or not so-called drop-off delivery is possible is determined before the start of delivery, and delivery is started if drop-off delivery is possible. Furthermore, even if the available area PA is lost during delivery and drop-off delivery becomes impossible, delivery can be stopped at the point where the drop-off space is lost as described above, which is efficient.

[0055] (3) According to the security system 1 of the first embodiment, in S309, a delivery completion notification is sent from the delivery system 3 to the monitoring system 2. This allows the monitoring system 2 to recognize that the delivery D placed in the possible placement area PA is a legitimate delivery D. Therefore, the monitoring system 2 does not need to identify the person who placed the delivery D or the delivery D itself using advanced image analysis, etc. In other words, the monitoring system 2 does not need to be equipped with a system that recognizes that the delivered object is a delivery D, which simplifies the device configuration and facilitates processing. Note that the transmission process in S309 can be performed together with a delivery completion notification to the user 4, for example, by a delivery company, thereby reducing the burden on the delivery system 3.

[0056] (4) According to the security system 1 of the first embodiment, in S106, a request to secure a storage space is sent to the user 4. Upon receiving this request, the user 4 can remove packages within the delivery target area MA to create a possible storage area PA. In other words, if it is determined in S103 that there is no possible storage area PA, rather than immediately redelivery, the system first prompts the user 4 to improve the storage space, and only if the improvement is not made within a predetermined time is a redelivery request sent in S109, thereby minimizing waste in the delivery plan.

[0057] (5) According to the security system 1 of the first embodiment, the delivery information includes size information corresponding to the size of the delivery D, so it is possible to determine whether or not there is a possible placement area PA within the delivery target area MA based on the size information. In other words, if the size of the delivery D is small, even if other packages are present within the delivery target area MA, it is possible to determine that there is a possible placement area PA as long as there is enough space to place the delivery D. For example, compared to determining that there is a possible placement area PA when there is a uniformly predetermined amount of free space, the accuracy of the determination can be improved by making the determination based on size information.

[0058] B. Other Embodiments: (B1) The delivery means in the security system 1 of the first embodiment is the flying delivery aircraft 20, but it does not have to be the flying delivery aircraft 20. For example, it may be a mobile robot or a delivery person. In the case of a delivery person, the delivery completion notification in S309 may be sent by the delivery person himself / herself by operating a mobile phone terminal or the like capable of communicating with the delivery system 3.

[0059] (B2) In the security system 1 of the first embodiment, the monitoring system 2 includes the determination unit 17. Alternatively, the delivery system 3 may include the determination unit 17, and the delivery system 3 may determine whether or not there is a possible placement area PA. That is, the delivery system 3 (delivery management device 30) may receive, for example, captured images as monitoring information from the monitoring system 2, and perform a determination by time-series authentication comparison based on the received monitoring information. Furthermore, the monitoring information may be received continuously or at predetermined timings, or may be received by requesting the monitoring system 2 to transmit the monitoring information after the delivery plan is created in S303.

[0060] (B3) In the security system 1 of the first embodiment described above, the imaging unit 15 provided in the monitoring device 10 is a distance imaging camera equipped with a color filter, but it may also be a laser sensor as long as it can monitor changes in conditions within the delivery target area MA.

[0061] (B4) In the security system 1 of the first embodiment described above, in S202 of the space monitoring mode processing, it is determined whether there is a change in status in the entire delivery target area MA, but the space monitoring mode processing may be configured to monitor only the possible placement area PA corresponding to the package size. This is because, as long as the possible placement area PA, which is the area where the delivery D is scheduled to be placed, is monitored at the very least, delivery is possible even if other areas within the delivery target area MA other than the possible placement area PA are lost.

[0062] (B5) In the security system 1 of the first embodiment described above, the delivery area MA is the outdoor area around the front door DR of the delivery destination user 4, but it is not limited to this location and may be, for example, a location such as a balcony that has been set in advance at the request of user 4.

[0063] C. Additional Notes: The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below. (Claim 1) A security system comprising: a delivery system that delivers deliveries to a delivery target area using a delivery means; and a monitoring system that monitors the delivery target area, wherein the delivery system and the monitoring system are configured to be able to communicate information with each other, The monitoring system includes: a monitoring unit that monitors the delivery target area; and an information transmitting unit that transmits monitoring information including information indicating the state of the delivery target area obtained by the monitoring unit to the delivery system; The delivery system comprises: an information receiving unit that receives the monitoring information transmitted from the monitoring system; a delivery management decision unit that decides on a delivery management method to be used by the delivery means using delivery item information of the delivery items loaded on the delivery means and the monitoring information; A security system comprising: (Claim 2) a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a possible placement area in which the delivery item can be placed within the delivery target area, The security system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery management decision unit decides on the delivery management based on a result of the determination made by the determination unit as to whether the possible placement area is within the target delivery area. (Claim 3) When the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is within the delivery target area, 3. The security system according to claim 2, wherein the delivery management decision unit decides the delivery management so that delivery is initiated by the delivery means. (Claim 4) the monitoring system includes the determination unit, When the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is within the delivery target area, The monitoring system transmits a space reservation notification to the delivery system, the space reservation notification indicating that a space for the delivery item has been reserved; 4. The security system according to claim 3, wherein the delivery management decision unit decides the delivery management so that delivery is started by the delivery means after receiving the notification that the storage space has been secured. (Claim 5) When the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is not within the delivery target area, 5. The security system according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring system or the delivery system notifies the user of a request to reserve a space for the delivery. (Claim 6) The determination unit further has a function of determining whether or not there is a state change within the delivery target area after determining that there is the possible placement area, When the determination unit determines that the state change occurs within the delivery target area, 6. The security system according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring system issues an instruction to those around the delivery target area not to eliminate the possible deployment area. (Claim 7) The delivery information includes size information corresponding to the size of the delivery, 7. The security system according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether the possible placement area is within the delivery target area based on the size information. (Claim 8) When the delivery of the delivery item to the delivery area by the delivery means is completed, 8. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery system transmits a delivery completion notification to the monitoring system, the notification indicating that delivery of the delivery item has been completed. (Claim 9) 9. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery means is a remotely controlled unmanned autonomous flying vehicle.

[0064] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the technical features in each embodiment corresponding to the technical features in the form described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1...security system, 2...monitoring system, 3...delivery system, 4...user, 10...monitoring device, 11...control unit, 12...memory, 13...operation unit, 14...display unit, 15...imaging unit (monitoring unit), 16...external interface, 17...determination unit, 18...information transmitting and receiving unit (information transmitting unit), 20...flying delivery aircraft (delivery means), 21...control unit, 22...memory, 23...flying means, 24...position detection unit, 25...holding switching unit, 26... Buzzer, 27...external interface, 28...power supply unit, 28a...battery, 29...information collection unit, 30...delivery management device, 31...control unit, 32...memory, 33...operation unit, 34...display unit, 35...external interface, 36...delivery response determination unit, 37...information transmission / reception unit (information reception unit), 41...mobile phone terminal, 42...information transmission / reception unit, 51...control unit, D...delivery item, DR...front door, MA...delivery target area, PA...possible placement area

Claims

1. A security system comprising: a delivery system that delivers deliveries to a delivery target area using a delivery means; and a monitoring system that monitors the delivery target area, wherein the delivery system and the monitoring system are configured to be able to communicate information with each other, The monitoring system includes: a monitoring unit that monitors the delivery target area; and an information transmitting unit that transmits monitoring information including information indicating the state of the delivery target area obtained by the monitoring unit to the delivery system; The delivery system comprises: an information receiving unit that receives the monitoring information transmitted from the monitoring system; a delivery management decision unit that decides on a delivery management method by the delivery means using delivery item information including size information corresponding to the size of the delivery item loaded on the delivery means and the monitoring information; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a possible placement area in which the delivery item can be placed within the delivery target area based on the size information; Equipped with The delivery management determination unit determines the delivery management based on a result of the determination by the determination unit as to whether the possible location area is within the delivery target area, The determination unit further has a function of determining whether or not there is a state change within the delivery target area after determining that there is the possible placement area, When the determination unit determines that the state change occurs within the delivery target area, A security system, wherein the monitoring system instructs the perimeter of the delivery target area to not lose the possible deployment area.

2. When the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is within the delivery target area, 2. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the delivery management determination unit determines the delivery management so that delivery is initiated by the delivery means.

3. the monitoring system includes the determination unit, When the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is within the delivery target area, The monitoring system transmits a space reservation notification to the delivery system, the space reservation notification indicating that a space for the delivery item has been reserved; 3. The security system according to claim 2, wherein the delivery management decision unit decides the delivery management so that delivery is started by the delivery means after receiving the notification that the storage space has been secured.

4. When the determination unit determines that the possible placement area is not within the delivery target area, The security system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the monitoring system or the delivery system notifies the user of a request to reserve a space for the delivery item.

Citation Information

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