Baggage management system and baggage management method

Abstract

To provide means for preventing erroneous delivery of a cargo without setting an authentication device to every unmanned facility, even when multiple unmanned facilities are set between a sender and a receiver.SOLUTION: Means for preventing erroneous delivery of a cargo has a drone 10 having a drone ID, a drone port 20 having a port ID, an unmanned delivery vehicle 30 having a vehicle ID, and a host computer 40. The host computer 40 is connected to the drone, the drone port and the unmanned delivery vehicle via a network circuit 50. The host computer 40 has a data base 42 storing authentication information A of the cargo and ID information B of a cargo ID, the drone ID, the port ID and the vehicle ID by associating with each other. The host computer 40 sets the cargo ID associated with the authentication information A of the cargo 1. Furthermore, the host computer 40 collates the received ID information B with the data base 42, and unitarily manages cargo positions on the data base, when transferring the cargo 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a means for preventing the misdelivery of packages, even when there are multiple unmanned facilities (e.g., drones, drone ports, unmanned ground vehicles) between the source and destination of delivery, without installing an authentication device in each facility. [Background technology]

[0002] A "drone" is a type of small unmanned helicopter. Also, an "unmanned ground vehicle" (UGV) refers to an autonomous vehicle that travels autonomously on the ground without a driver.

[0003] As drones and unmanned ground vehicles become more common, proposals have been made to use them for unmanned delivery of packages (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] In Patent Document 1, an unmanned aircraft (drone) uses GPS to fly to a destination based on pre-entered location information, and at the destination, it lowers a luggage storage case while hovering, and hands over the luggage to the consignee.

[0005] The "unmanned delivery system using unmanned delivery vehicles" in Patent Document 2 consists of a product collection point, a vehicle waiting point, a management center, and a network. The management center selects a product collection point and a vehicle waiting point based on the user's product order information, and transmits product delivery information to the unmanned delivery vehicle and the product collection point. The unmanned delivery vehicle automatically travels to the selected product collection point, picks up the ordered products, automatically travels to the delivery destination, and after the user pays for and receives the ordered products, automatically travels to the vehicle waiting point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4222510 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-7148 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When delivering packages unmanned using drones or unmanned ground vehicles, it is necessary to manage the delivery to prevent the packages from being delivered to the wrong person.

[0008] For this reason, in Patent Document 1, an authentication means sends an image of the recipient taken by a camera to the requester, receives confirmation from the requester that the recipient is the recipient, determines whether the authentication information from the recipient is correct, and delivers the package if the authentication information is determined to be "correct." However, this authentication method requires a person (the sender) to determine whether the authentication information is correct when receiving the package, and therefore the package cannot be delivered unmanned.

[0009] Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, a user authentication key related to an order is issued to the user, and when the product is delivered, the user information is verified against the user authentication key by inputting the user authentication key. Therefore, an authentication device (key input device) is required when handing over the goods, and the goods cannot be delivered unmanned.

[0010] As described above, conventionally, packages are delivered directly from the delivery source to the delivery destination using drones or unmanned ground vehicles, with humans intervening at the delivery source or delivery destination to authenticate the package. On the other hand, if there are multiple unmanned facilities (e.g., drones, drone ports, unmanned ground vehicles) between the source and destination, it is necessary to manage the unmanned transfer of cargo between the multiple unmanned facilities to prevent the cargo from being delivered to the wrong person. In this case, if authentication devices for authenticating packages (for example, barcode readers for reading package IDs) are installed in multiple unmanned facilities, each unmanned facility will become complicated, resulting in excessive facility costs.

[0011] The present invention was devised to solve such problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a means for preventing the misdelivery of packages, even when there are multiple unmanned facilities (e.g., drones, drone ports, unmanned ground vehicles) between the delivery source and delivery destination, without installing an authentication device (e.g., a barcode reader) on each unmanned facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to the present invention, a drone having a drone ID, a drone port having a port ID, an unmanned delivery vehicle having a vehicle ID, a host computer connected to the drone, the drone port, and the unmanned delivery vehicle via a network line; The host computer receives the package authentication information, the package ID, the drone ID, the port ID, and the vehicle ID. and A database that stores the data in a linked manner, The host computer notifies the drone of the port ID of the drone port and the cargo ID; When the drone arrives at the drone port of the notified port ID and transfers the cargo from the drone to the drone port, (A) The drone notifies the drone port of its drone ID and baggage ID; (B) The drone port receives the port ID, the notified drone ID, and the cargo ID. of send it to the host computer, (C) The host computer receives The port ID, the drone ID, and the baggage ID comparing the data with the database, and if all match, issuing a permission notice to the drone and the drone port to permit the transfer; Next, the host computer receives a transfer completion notification from the drone or the drone port, corrects the luggage position on the database, and centrally manages the luggage position on the database, thereby providing a luggage management system.

[0013] According to the present invention, a drone having a drone ID, a drone port having a port ID, and an unmanned delivery vehicle having a vehicle ID, A host computer connected to the drone, the drone port, and the unmanned delivery vehicle via a network line is provided; The host computer receives the package authentication information, the package ID, the drone ID, the port ID, and the vehicle ID. and A database that stores the data in a linked manner, The host computer notifies the drone of the port ID of the drone port and the cargo ID; When the drone arrives at the drone port of the notified port ID and transfers the cargo from the drone to the drone port, (A) The drone notifies the drone port of its drone ID and baggage ID; (B) The drone port receives the port ID, the notified drone ID, and the cargo ID. of send it to the host computer, (C) The host computer receives The port ID, the drone ID, and the baggage ID comparing the data with the database, and if all match, issuing a permission notice to the drone and the drone port to permit the transfer; Next, the host computer receives a transfer completion notification from the drone or the drone port, corrects the luggage position on the database, and centrally manages the luggage position on the database, thereby providing a luggage management method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the host computer has a database that stores baggage authentication information and ID information such as a baggage ID, a drone ID, a port ID, and a vehicle ID, linked to each other. Furthermore, the host computer sets the baggage ID linked to the baggage authentication information, so that the baggage authentication information and baggage location can be managed in the database by linking them to the received ID information.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a host computer controls a drone. and Drone Port and When transferring luggage between the drones, the received ID information is compared with the database. and Drone Port to Based on the result of the comparison, it is possible to instruct whether or not to move, and Before and after transfer The location of luggage can be centrally managed on a database.

[0016] This allows multiple unmanned facilities (e.g. drones, drone ports) to be ) Even if there is a problem, it is possible to prevent erroneous delivery of luggage without installing an authentication device (for example, a barcode reader that reads luggage IDs) in each unmanned facility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a luggage management system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the order of delivery of packages from a sender to a recipient. [Figure 3] 1 is an overall flow diagram showing a luggage management method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a first schematic diagram showing a luggage management method. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a second schematic diagram showing a luggage management method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, common parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a package management system 100 according to the present invention. In this figure, the package management system 100 includes a drone 10, a drone port 20, an unmanned delivery vehicle 30, and a host computer 40.

[0020] The drone 10 is a small unmanned helicopter that can transport a small load 1 unmanned. The drone port 20 is a cargo hangar on or near which the drone 10 can land or take off, which stores cargo 1 inside, and which can unmannedly transfer the cargo 1 to an unmanned delivery vehicle 30. "Transfer" means transferring the cargo 1, that is, handing over the cargo 1 from one side to another. The unmanned delivery vehicle 30 is an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that travels autonomously on the ground without any human intervention, and is capable of carrying cargo 1 and transferring cargo 1 between the drone port 20 without any human intervention.

[0021] The drone 10, drone port 20, and unmanned delivery vehicle 30 that make up the package management system 100 may be single or multiple. In addition, the drone 10, drone port 20, and unmanned delivery vehicle 30 each have a memory device, a computing device, an input device, and an output device, and are capable of two-way communication with the host computer 40 via a network line 50, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0022] The cargo 1 has a shape, size, and weight that allows it to be transported or stored unmanned by the drone 10, drone port 20, and unmanned delivery vehicle 30. The cargo 1 may be a single item or a single container that holds multiple items inside.

[0023] The drone 10 has a drone ID, the drone port 20 has a port ID, and the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 has a vehicle ID. The drone ID, port ID, and vehicle ID are identifiers that identify a specific unmanned facility from other unmanned facilities of the same type (drone, drone port, unmanned delivery vehicle), respectively. The drone ID, port ID, and vehicle ID may be, for example, a name (in English letters, hiragana, or katakana), a code, a number, or a combination thereof.

[0024] The host computer 40 is a computer (PC) connected to the drone 10, the drone port 20, and the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 via a network line 50. The host computer 40 has a storage device, a computing device, an input device, and an output device. The network line 50 is, for example, an internet line. The host computer 40 is preferably one, but may be two or more. In the case of two or more, they cooperate with each other to perform the same function. The host computer 40 may also be a cloud computer.

[0025] In the present invention, it is assumed that the drone 10 transports a single piece of luggage 1. When transporting multiple pieces of luggage 1 simultaneously, it is preferable to assign a different drone ID to each piece of luggage 1, but the pieces of luggage 1 may also be distinguished by assigning a position number N to the mounting position of the luggage 1. In the present invention, it is assumed that the drone port 20 and the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 store or transport multiple packages 1. In this case, it is preferable to assign a different port ID or vehicle ID to each, but it is also possible to distinguish between the storage location or transport location of the package 1 by assigning a location number N.

[0026] In FIG. 1, the package management system 100 further includes a delivery origin 5 and a delivery destination 6 . The delivery source 5 and delivery destination 6 are, for example, a convenience store, a post office, a delivery company, a shipping company, a sales company (including an online retailer), and the like. The sender 5 has a sender ID, and the destination 6 has a destination ID. The sender ID and the destination ID are identifiers that identify a specific business from among businesses of the same type (sender 5, destination 6). The sender ID and the destination ID may be, for example, a name (in English, hiragana, or katakana), a code, a number, or a combination thereof.

[0027] Hereinafter, the package ID, drone ID, port ID, vehicle ID, delivery source ID, or delivery destination ID will be simply referred to as "ID information."

[0028] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the delivery sequence of the package 1 from the requester 2 to the recipient 4. In this diagram, a requester 2 requests delivery of a package 1 from a delivery source 5, and the delivery source 5 loads the package 1 onto a drone 10 and flies the drone 10. The drone 10 flies to the drone port 20 and transfers the cargo 1 to the drone port 20. The drone port 20 stores and keeps the cargo 1 inside.

[0029] Next, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 travels to the drone port 20, and the package 1 is transferred from the drone port 20 to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30. The unmanned delivery vehicle 30 travels to the delivery destination 6 and transfers the package 1 to the delivery destination 6. The delivery destination 6 delivers the package 1 to the recipient 4.

[0030] 2, the host computer 40 has a database 42 in its storage device. The database 42 stores authentication information A of the luggage 1 and ID information B of the luggage ID, drone ID, port ID, and vehicle ID in association with each other. The database 42 is, for example, Excel data in a table format. Similarly, the delivery source ID and delivery destination ID are also linked and stored in the database 42.

[0031] In FIG. 2, the host computer 40 performs the following: (1) An order for package 1 is received from delivery source 5, and a package ID linked to authentication information A for package 1 is set. (2) When transferring cargo 1 between drone 10, drone port 20, or unmanned delivery vehicle 30, the received ID information B (cargo ID, drone ID, port ID, or vehicle ID) is compared with database 42, and the cargo location is centrally managed on the database.

[0032] In addition, when transferring the package 1 from the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to the delivery destination 6, the host computer 40 compares the received ID information B of the package ID, vehicle ID, and delivery destination ID with the database 42 and centrally manages the package location on the database.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an overall flow diagram showing the baggage management method according to the present invention. In this figure, the package management method of the present invention consists of steps (processes) S1 to S11 and T1 to T7. Steps S1 to S11 are operations of people from the requester 2 to the recipient 4 and unmanned equipment, and steps T1 to T7 are executed by the host computer. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing a baggage management method.

[0034] In step S1, the drone 10, drone port 20, unmanned delivery vehicle 30, and host computer 40 described above are prepared.

[0035] In step S2, the requester 2 requests the delivery source 5 to deliver the package 1. As shown in Figure 4(A), it is preferable that the requester 2 directly delivers the package 1 to the delivery source 5 (e.g., a convenience store, post office, delivery company, shipping company, etc.) along with the necessary shipping slip 3. Alternatively, the requester 2 may place an order via the Internet to the delivery source 5 (e.g., an online retailer) along with the necessary information. Furthermore, the package 1 may be moved from one delivery source 5 (convenience store, post office) to another delivery source 5 (courier, shipping company) together with the slip 3 or necessary information. In step S2, a person (for example, a person in charge at the delivery source 5) may intervene.

[0036] In step S3, the delivery source 5 loads the package 1 onto the drone 10 at a collection point or the like, as shown in FIG. 4(B), and prepares the drone 10 for takeoff. Next, as shown in Figure 4(B), the sender 5 uses a personal computer or the like to input information into the host computer 40 via the network line 50. This information preferably includes the drone port location of the delivery destination 6, delivery slip information received from the requester 2 (e.g., slip ID, etc.), information about the sender 5 (e.g., company name, etc.), etc. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as "package authentication information A." Step S3 is preferably performed unmanned using a computer or an automatic picking device, but may involve human intervention (for example, a person in charge at the delivery source 5).

[0037] Steps S4 to S10 and steps T1 to T7 are executed unmanned without human intervention.

[0038] In step T1, the host computer 40 sets a package ID linked to the input information (authentication information A of package 1) received from the delivery source 5. The authentication information A is stored in the database 42 linked to the package ID.

[0039] Next, in step T2, the host computer 40 selects the drone 10 and drone port 20 to use, and notifies the selected drone 10 of ID information B1 (the port ID of the selected drone port 20 and the set baggage ID). The drone 10 and drone port 20 to be used are set as they are if they are determined by the authentication information A. If they are not determined by the authentication information A, the optimal drone 10 and drone port 20 are selected from the location of the delivery destination 6 and the waiting drones 10 and drone ports 20. It is preferable to notify the location of the drone port 20 selected based on the authentication information A together with the ID information B1. Note that if the location of the drone port 20 is known or the drone 10 can be searched for using the port ID, this notification can be omitted.

[0040] Also, in step T2, the host computer 40 manages the ID information (drone ID and port ID) of the selected drone 10 and drone port 20 by linking them with the baggage ID in the database. "Managing in association" means managing the package 1, authentication information A for package 1, package ID, and delivery origin ID, drone ID, port ID, vehicle ID, and delivery destination ID to be used in the delivery order shown in Fig. 2 as the same group. For example, the same row or column is stored and managed as the same group in a tabular database 42 in a storage device.

[0041] In step S4, as shown in FIG. 4(C), the drone 10 carrying the cargo 1 receives a notification from the host computer 40, flies toward the drone port 20 of the notified port ID, and arrives at the drone port 20.

[0042] (Transfer from drone 10 to drone port 20) In step S5, when transferring the luggage 1 from the drone 10 to the drone port 20, the drone 10 notifies the drone port 20 of its own drone ID and luggage ID, as shown in FIG. 4(C). In addition, the drone port 20 transmits ID information B2 (its own port ID, the notified drone ID, and the baggage ID) to the host computer 40. Communication between the drone 10 and the drone port 20 is preferably before the drone 10 lands, but may also be after landing.

[0043] In step T3, the host computer 40 compares the received ID information B2 (baggage ID, drone ID, and port ID) with the database 42, and if all match, sends a permission notice C1 to the drone 10 and the drone port 20, allowing the transfer.

[0044] Upon receiving the permission notification C1, the drone 10 and the drone port 20 transfer the cargo 1 from the drone 10 to the drone port 20, and after the transfer is complete, send a transfer completion notification D1 to the host computer 40. The host computer 40 receives the transfer completion notification D1 and corrects and stores the luggage position in the database. "Correcting and storing the luggage position" means, for example, deleting the drone ID linked to the luggage ID in the database described above or correcting it to "transferred" and storing it. After completing the transfer, the drone 10 may wait at the drone port 20 or return to a preset waiting position.

[0045] The above-mentioned steps S4, S5 and steps T2, T3 prevent the wrong delivery of luggage 1 when transferring luggage 1 from drone 10 to drone port 20, and enable centralized management of the luggage position on a database before and after the transfer.

[0046] In step S6, the drone port 20 stores the transferred cargo 1 inside. If there are multiple storage locations and each storage location is assigned a location number N, the drone port 20 notifies the host computer 40 of the storage location number N, and the host computer 40 stores the location number N by linking it to the cargo ID. The drone port 20 may also inquire of the host computer 40 about the storage period of the luggage 1. The same applies when the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 transports multiple packages 1.

[0047] In step T3, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the host computer 40 sends an arrival notification to the sender 5 or the destination 6 that the package 1 has arrived at the drone port 20. This notification is sent via the server 7 of the sender 5 or the destination 6 to the smartphone, tablet, PC, etc. of the requester 2 or the recipient 4, for example, by email, SNS (Social Networking Service), etc. The server 7 may be different depending on the delivery source 5 or delivery destination 6 (delivery company).

[0048] Next, in step T4, the host computer 40 selects the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to be used based on an instruction from the delivery source 5 or delivery destination 6, or autonomously. The unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to be used is set as is if it is determined by the authentication information A. If it is not determined by the authentication information A, the most suitable one is selected from the location of the delivery destination 6. The unmanned delivery vehicle 30 may be selected in advance in step T2.

[0049] The host computer 40 also notifies the selected unmanned delivery vehicle 30 of the ID information B3 (port ID and package ID). It is preferable to notify the location of the drone port 20 together with the ID information B3. If the location of the drone port 20 is known or the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 can be searched for using the port ID, this notification can be omitted.

[0050] Furthermore, the host computer 40 manages the vehicle ID of the selected unmanned delivery vehicle 30 by linking it with the package ID in the database.

[0051] In step S7, the selected unmanned delivery vehicle 30 travels to and arrives at the drone port 20 with the notified port ID, as shown in FIG. 5(B), and waits there.

[0052] (Transfer from drone port 20 to unmanned delivery vehicle 30) In step S8, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when the package 1 is transferred from the drone port 20 to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 notifies the drone port 20 of its own vehicle ID and package ID. In addition, the drone port 20 transmits ID information B4 (its own port ID, the notified vehicle ID, and the baggage ID) to the host computer 40. In addition, in step T5, the host computer 40 compares the received ID information B4 (baggage ID, vehicle ID, and port ID) with the database 42, and if all match, sends a permission notice C2 to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 and the drone port 20, allowing the transfer.

[0053] Upon receiving the permission notification C2, the drone port 20 and the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 transfer the cargo 1 from the drone port 20 to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30, and after the transfer is complete, notify the host computer 40 of the transfer completion notification D2. The host computer 40 receives the transfer completion notification D2 and corrects and stores the position of the luggage 1. For example, in the database 42 described above, the port ID linked to the luggage ID is deleted or corrected to "transferred" and stored. In step T5, the host computer 40 preferably sends an arrival notification to the delivery origin 5 or delivery destination 6 to the effect that the package 1 has been transferred to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30.

[0054] The above-mentioned steps S7, S8 and steps T4, T5 prevent the wrong delivery of luggage 1 when transferring luggage 1 from drone port 20 to unmanned delivery vehicle 30, and enable centralized management of the luggage position on a database before and after the transfer.

[0055] In step T6, the host computer 40 selects the delivery destination 6 to be used based on an instruction from the delivery source 5 or delivery destination 6, or autonomously. The delivery destination 6 to be used is set as is if it is determined in the authentication information A. If it is not determined in the authentication information A, the most suitable one is selected based on the location (address, etc.) of the recipient 4. The selection of the delivery destination 6 may be performed in advance in step T2.

[0056] The host computer 40 also notifies the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 of the ID information B5 (the delivery destination ID and package ID of the selected delivery destination 6). It is preferable to notify the location of the delivery destination 6 together with the ID information B5. However, if the location of the delivery destination 6 is known or the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 can search for it from the delivery destination ID, this notification can be omitted.

[0057] Furthermore, the host computer 40 manages the delivery destination ID by linking it to the delivery destination ID on a database.

[0058] In step S9, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 travels to the delivery destination 6 of the notified delivery destination ID, arrives there, and waits.

[0059] (Transfer from unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to delivery destination 6) In step S10, when the package 1 is transferred from the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to the delivery destination 6, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 notifies the delivery destination 6 of its own vehicle ID and package ID. In addition, the delivery destination 6 notifies the host computer 40 of ID information B6 (its own delivery destination ID, notified vehicle ID, and package ID). In addition, in step T7, the host computer 40 compares the received ID information B6 (baggage ID, vehicle ID, and delivery destination ID) with the database 42, and if all match, sends a permission notice C3 authorizing the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to transfer the item to the delivery destination 6.

[0060] Upon receiving the permission notice C3, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 and the delivery destination 6 transfer the package 1 from the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to the delivery destination 6, and after the transfer is completed, send a transfer completion notice D3 to the host computer 40. In step T7, the host computer 40 receives a transfer completion notification D3 from the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 or the delivery destination 6, corrects the luggage position in the database, and stores it. For example, in the database described above, the vehicle ID linked to the luggage ID is deleted or corrected to "transferred" and stored.

[0061] The above-mentioned steps S9, S10 and steps T6, T7 prevent the wrong delivery of the luggage 1 when transferring the luggage 1 from the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to the delivery destination 6, and also enable the luggage position before and after the transfer to be centrally managed on the database.

[0062] (Delivery from delivery destination 6 to recipient 4) In step S11, the delivery destination 6 hands over the package 1 to the recipient 4. After this delivery, the delivery destination 6 notifies the host computer 40 of delivery completion notification D4. After receiving the delivery completion notification D4, the host computer 40 notifies the delivery source 5 or delivery destination 6 of the delivery completion notification via the network line 50. The host computer 40 also receives the delivery completion notification D4, corrects and stores the location of the package 1. For example, in the database described above, the delivery destination 6 linked to the package ID is deleted or corrected to "transferred," and the delivery completion notification is stored.

[0063] The above-mentioned step S11 may be performed by a person (for example, a person in charge at the delivery destination 6). Furthermore, by performing steps S11 and T7, when the delivery destination 6 hands over the package 1 to the recipient 4, the authentication information A linked to the package ID is checked, thereby preventing the package 1 from being sent incorrectly. Furthermore, the host computer 40 notifies and stores the delivery completion notification D4, thereby enabling delivery to be completed without error.

[0064] (Delivery address 6 omitted) In FIG. 3, step S10 may be omitted and the package 1 may be handed over directly from the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 to the recipient 4. In this case, in step T6, recipient 4 is selected instead of delivery destination 6, and the recipient ID and the location (address, etc.) of recipient 4 are notified to unmanned delivery vehicle 30. The recipient ID is set in advance from authentication information A and notified to recipient 4.

[0065] In step S11, when the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 hands over the package 1 to the recipient 4, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 notifies the recipient 4 of its own vehicle ID and package ID. In addition, the recipient 4 notifies the host computer 40 of ID information B (the recipient's own ID, the notified vehicle ID, and the package ID). The host computer 40 checks the received ID information B (baggage ID, vehicle ID, and recipient ID) against the database 42, and if all match, sends a permission notice to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 permitting delivery. Upon receiving the permission notice, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30 delivers the package 1 to the recipient 4 and notifies the host computer 40 of this fact. This method allows the recipient 4 to be authenticated by the recipient ID, and the location of the package after delivery can be centrally managed on a database without using an authentication device.

[0066] (Drone 10 takes off from drone port 20) In the above example, the drone port 20 has the drone 10 landed on or near it and stores (preserves) the cargo 1 inside. However, the drone port 20 may transfer the stored cargo 1 to the drone 10, and the drone 10 may take off from the drone port 20 to transport the cargo 1. In this case, when transferring the cargo 1 from the drone port 20 to the drone 10, the drone port 20 notifies the drone 10 of its own port ID and cargo ID. In addition, the drone 10 transmits its own drone ID, the notified port ID, and the cargo ID to the host computer 40. This method allows the location of the luggage after it has been moved to be centrally managed on the database of the host computer 40 without using an authentication device.

[0067] (When transferring cargo 1 between multiple unmanned delivery vehicles) The package 1 may be transferred from the unmanned delivery vehicle 30a of the vehicle IDa to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30b of the vehicle IDb. In this case, the unmanned delivery vehicle 30a notifies the unmanned delivery vehicle 30b of its own vehicle IDa and package ID. The unmanned delivery vehicle 30b also transmits its own vehicle IDb, the notified vehicle IDa, and package ID to the host computer 40. This method allows the location of luggage after it has been moved to be centrally managed on a database without using an authentication device. The same applies when transferring the package 1 directly from the drone 10 to the unmanned delivery vehicle 30, or vice versa.

[0068] According to the above-described means of the present invention, the host computer 40 has a database 42 that stores authentication information A of the luggage 1 and ID information B of the luggage ID, drone ID, port ID, and vehicle ID, linked to each other. Furthermore, the host computer 40 sets the luggage ID linked to the authentication information A of the luggage 1, so that the authentication information A of the luggage 1 and the luggage location can be managed in the database by linking them to the received or transmitted ID information B (B1 to B6).

[0069] Furthermore, according to the means of the present invention, when transferring luggage 1 between the drone 10, drone port 20, or unmanned delivery vehicle 30, the host computer 40 compares the received or transmitted ID information B (B1 to B6) with the database 42. Therefore, when transferring luggage 1, it is possible to instruct the drone 10, drone port 20, or unmanned delivery vehicle 30 whether or not to move it based on the comparison result, and the location of the luggage after it has been moved can be centrally managed on the database without using an authentication device.

[0070] This makes it possible to prevent the misdelivery of luggage 1 even when there are multiple unmanned facilities (e.g., drone 10, drone port 20, unmanned ground vehicle 30) without installing an authentication device (e.g., a barcode reader that reads luggage ID) on each unmanned facility.

[0071] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] A authentication information, B, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 ID information, C1,C2,C3 permission notification, D1,D2,D3,D4 completion notification, N location number, 1 package, 2 requester, 3 slip, 4 recipient, 5 delivery origin, 6 delivery destinations, 7 servers, 10 drones, 20 drone ports, 30, 30a, 30b Unmanned Delivery Vehicle (UGV), 40 Host Computer, 42 databases, 50 network lines, 100 Baggage Management System

Claims

1. a drone having a drone ID, a drone port having a port ID, and an unmanned delivery vehicle having a vehicle ID; a host computer connected to the drone, the drone port, and the unmanned delivery vehicle via a network line; the host computer has a database that stores authentication information of a package, a package ID, the drone ID, the port ID, and the vehicle ID in association with each other; The host computer notifies the drone of the port ID of the drone port and the baggage ID; When the drone arrives at the drone port of the notified port ID and transfers the cargo from the drone to the drone port, (A) The drone notifies the drone port of its own drone ID and baggage ID; (B) the drone port transmits its own port ID, the notified drone ID, and the baggage ID to the host computer; (C) The host computer compares the received port ID, drone ID, and cargo ID with the database, and if all match, sends a permission notice to the drone and the drone port to permit the transfer; Next, the host computer receives a transfer completion notification from the drone or the drone port, corrects the luggage position on the database, and centrally manages the luggage position on the database.

2. A delivery destination having a delivery destination ID is provided, The database stores the authentication information of the package in association with the package ID, the drone ID, the port ID, the vehicle ID, and the delivery destination ID, When transferring the package from the unmanned delivery vehicle to the delivery destination, The package management system according to claim 1 , wherein the host computer receives the package ID, the vehicle ID, and the delivery destination ID, compares them with the database, and centrally manages the package locations on the database.

3. a drone having a drone ID, a drone port having a port ID, and an unmanned delivery vehicle having a vehicle ID; A host computer connected to the drone, the drone port, and the unmanned delivery vehicle via a network line is provided; the host computer has a database that stores authentication information of a package, a package ID, the drone ID, the port ID, and the vehicle ID in association with each other; The host computer notifies the drone of the port ID of the drone port and the baggage ID; When the drone arrives at the drone port of the notified port ID and transfers the cargo from the drone to the drone port, (A) The drone notifies the drone port of its own drone ID and baggage ID; (B) the drone port transmits its own port ID, the notified drone ID, and the baggage ID to the host computer; (C) The host computer compares the received port ID, drone ID, and cargo ID with the database, and if all match, sends a permission notice to the drone and the drone port to permit the transfer; Next, the host computer receives a transfer completion notification from the drone or the drone port, corrects the luggage position on the database, and centrally manages the luggage position on the database, in this luggage management method.

4. The host computer (1) Select the drone and drone port to use; (2) notifying the selected drone of the port ID of the selected drone port and the cargo ID; (3) A luggage management method as described in claim 3, in which the drone ID of the selected drone and the port ID of the selected drone port are linked to the luggage ID in the database and managed.

5. The host computer (1) Select the unmanned delivery vehicle to be used; (2) notifying the selected unmanned delivery vehicle of the port ID and the package ID; (3) The parcel management method according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle ID of the selected unmanned delivery vehicle is linked to the parcel ID in the database and managed.

6. When the unmanned delivery vehicle arrives at the drone port of the notified port ID and the package is transferred from the drone port to the unmanned delivery vehicle, (1) The unmanned delivery vehicle notifies the drone port of its vehicle ID and the baggage ID, (2) The drone port transmits its own port ID, the notified vehicle ID, and the baggage ID to the host computer; (3) The host computer compares the received port ID, vehicle ID, and baggage ID with the database, and if all match, sends a permission notice to the unmanned delivery vehicle and the drone port to permit the transfer; (4) The cargo management method according to claim 5, wherein the host computer then receives a transfer completion notification from the unmanned delivery vehicle or the drone port and corrects the cargo position in the database.

7. The host computer (1) Select the delivery address you wish to use, (2) notifying the unmanned delivery vehicle of the delivery destination ID of the selected delivery destination; (3) A parcel management method according to claim 5, wherein the delivery destination ID is managed in association with the parcel ID in the database.

8. When the unmanned delivery vehicle arrives at the delivery destination of the notified delivery destination ID and transfers the package from the unmanned delivery vehicle to the delivery destination, (1) The unmanned delivery vehicle notifies the delivery destination of its own vehicle ID and the package ID, (2) The delivery destination transmits its own delivery destination ID, the notified vehicle ID, and the package ID to the host computer; (3) The host computer compares the received delivery destination ID, the vehicle ID, and the package ID with the database, and if all match, sends a permission notice to the unmanned delivery vehicle and the delivery destination to permit the transfer; (4) The package management method according to claim 7, wherein the host computer then receives a transfer completion notification from the unmanned delivery vehicle or the delivery destination, and corrects the package position on the database.

9. 8. The package management method according to claim 7, wherein the host computer notifies the sender of a delivery completion notice via the network line after the package has been delivered from the delivery destination to the recipient.

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