Delivery support device, delivery support method, and program

Abstract

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a delivery assistance device or the like that can provide assistance in promoting use of a facility at a traffic hub. A delivery assistance device according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a commodity information acquisition means for acquiring information about a commodity purchased by a traveler at a facility at a traffic hub; a ticket information acquisition means for acquiring ticket information about a ticket of a transportation system used by the traveler; an identification means for identifying a service used by the traveler on the basis of the ticket information; and a registration means for registering, as luggage for the identified service, the information about the commodity in a database regarding luggage transported from the traffic hub by the traffic system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technology for assisting in the delivery of goods. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a service that delivers passenger luggage at transportation hubs. For example, passengers leave their luggage at an airport. The luggage is then transported on the passenger's flight and returned to the passenger at their destination.

[0003] In relation to the delivery of luggage via public transport, Patent Document 1 discloses a luggage delivery system that delivers luggage of a customer using public transport to the customer's accommodation. The luggage delivery system acquires information about the customer's accommodation based on information about the customer, and carries out procedures to deliver the customer's luggage from the transport hub to the accommodation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 084806 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Transportation hubs earn revenue through a variety of businesses. For example, airports earn revenue through aviation-related and non-aviation-related businesses. Aviation-related revenue includes, for example, landing fees from airlines. Non-aviation-related revenue includes, for example, sales from airport facilities such as shops, restaurants, and lounges. In particular, one way to increase revenue from non-aviation-related businesses is to encourage passengers to use these facilities.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a delivery support device or the like that can support the promotion of facility use at transportation hubs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A delivery support device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a product information acquisition means for acquiring information on products purchased by a passenger at a transportation hub facility, a ticket information acquisition means for acquiring ticket information which is information on a ticket for the transportation means used by the passenger, an identification means for identifying the flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information, and a registration means for registering the product information in a database related to luggage transported from the transportation hub by the transportation means as luggage for the identified flight.

[0008] A delivery support method according to one aspect of the present disclosure acquires information about a product purchased by a passenger at a transportation hub facility, acquires ticket information that is information about a ticket for the transportation means used by the passenger, identifies the flight that the passenger will use based on the ticket information, and registers the product information as luggage for the identified flight in a database related to luggage transported from the transportation hub by the transportation means.

[0009] A computer-readable storage medium according to one aspect of the present disclosure stores a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquiring information about a product purchased by a passenger at a transportation hub facility; acquiring ticket information, which is information about a ticket for the transportation means used by the passenger; identifying the flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information; and registering the product information in a database related to luggage transported from the transportation hub by the transportation means as luggage for the identified flight. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to support the promotion of facility use at transportation hubs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a delivery support device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the delivery support device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a delivery support system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a delivery support system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of product information according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a passenger database according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a luggage database according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the delivery support device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a delivery support system according to a third modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a delivery support system according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a ticket according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a delivery support device according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a delivery support system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a delivery support system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tag according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of package notification information according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification indicating that delivery is not possible according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the delivery support device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the delivery support device according to the first, second, and third embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First Embodiment An overview of the delivery support device of the present disclosure will be described.

[0014] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a delivery support device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery support device 100 includes a product information acquisition unit 110, a ticket information acquisition unit 120, an identification unit 130, and a registration unit 140.

[0015] The product information acquisition unit 110 acquires product information. For example, when a product is purchased by a passenger at a transportation hub facility, the product information acquisition unit 110 acquires product information indicating the purchased product. At this time, the product information acquisition unit 110 may acquire the product information from a POS (Point Of Sales) system. Note that transportation hubs are, for example, airports, train stations, bus terminals, etc. Furthermore, transportation hub facilities are, for example, stores, restaurants, lounges, etc. within the transportation hub, where products can be purchased.

[0016] In this way, the product information acquisition unit 110 acquires information on products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities. The product information acquisition unit 110 is an example of a product information acquisition means.

[0017] The ticket information acquisition unit 120 acquires ticket information. The ticket information is information related to a transportation ticket. Examples of transportation include airplanes, trains, and buses. The ticket information includes information related to the transportation service. For example, the ticket information includes information indicating the departure point, departure time, arrival point, and arrival time. The ticket information acquisition unit 120 acquires ticket information for the transportation used by a passenger who has purchased a product. For example, the ticket held by the passenger is read by an external device. The ticket information acquisition unit 120 may acquire the ticket information by acquiring the read information. Furthermore, if the ticket information and information related to the passenger are associated in advance, the ticket information acquisition unit 120 may acquire the ticket information by identifying the passenger. In this case, the passenger may be identified by biometric authentication.

[0018] In this way, the ticket information acquiring unit 120 acquires ticket information, which is information relating to tickets for transportation used by passengers. The ticket information acquiring unit 120 is an example of a ticket information acquiring means.

[0019] The identification unit 130 identifies the flight that the passenger will take. Specifically, the identification unit 130 identifies the flight that the passenger will take based on the acquired ticket information. In this way, the identification unit 130 identifies the flight that the passenger will take based on the ticket information. The identification unit 130 is an example of an identification means.

[0020] The registration unit 140 registers product information in a database. Specifically, the registration unit 140 registers information about the purchased product in a database as parcels for the specified flight. The database in this case is a database related to parcels transported from a transportation hub by transportation. In this way, the registration unit 140 registers product information in a database related to parcels transported from a transportation hub by transportation as parcels for the specified flight. The registration unit 140 is an example of a registration means.

[0021] Next, an example of the operation of the delivery support device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In this disclosure, each step in the flowchart will be expressed using a number assigned to each step, such as "S1".

[0022] 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the delivery support device 100. The product information acquisition unit 110 acquires information about products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities (S1). The ticket information acquisition unit 120 acquires ticket information, which is information about tickets for the transportation means used by the passengers (S2). The identification unit 130 identifies the flight used by the passengers based on the ticket information (S3). The registration unit 140 registers the products as cargo for the identified flight in a database related to cargo transported from the transportation hub by the transportation means (S4).

[0023] In this way, the delivery support device 100 of the first embodiment acquires information about products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities and acquires ticket information, which is information about tickets for the transportation means used by the passengers. Then, the delivery support device 100 identifies the flight to be used by the passengers based on the ticket information, and registers the products as luggage for the identified flight in a database related to luggage transported from the transportation hub by the transportation means. This allows the delivery support device 100 to carry out procedures for delivering the products purchased by passengers at the transportation hub facilities.

[0024] When a passenger purchases a product at a transportation hub facility, the passenger needs to take the purchased product with them when boarding the transportation facility. An increase in the amount of luggage that the passenger carries when boarding the transportation facility may lead to a decrease in the passenger's desire to purchase products at the transportation hub. In response to this, the delivery support device 100 can perform procedures to deliver the products that the passenger purchased, thereby suppressing an increase in the amount of luggage that the passenger carries when boarding the transportation facility. Therefore, the delivery support device can suppress a decrease in the passenger's desire to purchase products at the transportation hub facility. In other words, the delivery support device 100 can support the promotion of use of facilities at transportation hubs.

[0025] <Second embodiment> Next, a delivery support device of a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the delivery support device 100 described in the first embodiment will be described in more detail. Note that some of the contents that overlap with the contents described in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a delivery support system 1000. As shown in Fig. 3, the delivery support system 1000 includes a delivery support device 100. In the example of Fig. 3, the delivery support system 1000 includes the delivery support device 100, a POS register 200, an image capturing device 300, and a server device 400. The delivery support device 100 can communicate with the POS register 200, the image capturing device 300, and the server device 400 via a wireless or wired network.

[0027] The POS register 200 is an example of a device included in a POS system. The POS register 200 is a device that processes payment for products. The POS register 200 is installed in a transportation hub facility. Hereinafter, the transportation hub facility will be simply referred to as the facility. For example, an employee of the facility uses the POS register 200 to complete payment processing for products handed over by a passenger. However, the POS register 200 is not limited to this example. For example, the POS register 200 may be a self-checkout where passengers complete payment processing.

[0028] The photographing device 300 is installed together with the POS register 200. The photographing device 300 photographs the area around the POS register 200 where passengers are present. Multiple photographing devices 300 may be installed. Furthermore, the photographing device 300 may be realized as a device integrated with the POS register 200.

[0029] The server device 400 has a function as a storage device that stores a database. The server device 400 may be realized as an integrated device with the delivery support device 100.

[0030] In this disclosure, an example in which the delivery support system 1000 is applied to an airport will be mainly described. That is, an example in which the transportation means is an airplane and the transportation hub is an airport will mainly be described. However, as mentioned above, the transportation means and transportation hub are not limited to this example. The delivery support system 1000 can be applied to various transportation hubs.

[0031] [Details of Delivery Support System 1000] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the delivery support system 1000. As shown in Fig. 4, the delivery support device 100 is communicably connected to a POS register 200, an image capturing device 300, and a server device 400. The POS register 200 and the image capturing device 300 may also be communicably connected.

[0032] The POS register 200 includes a product information control unit 210. The product information control unit 210 generates product information, which is information about products purchased by passengers. The product information is information that indicates the products purchased by passengers. The product information may include, for example, the product name, product type, and quantity of the product. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of product information. In the example of FIG. 5, the product information includes product identification information that identifies the product, the product name, product type, quantity, time of sale, and product image. The product identification information, product name, product type, and product image may be information that is pre-registered in the POS system, for example.

[0033] The product information control unit 210 then transmits the product information to the delivery support device 100. The product information control unit 210 may transmit the product information, for example, when the product is purchased, that is, when the payment process is performed. The product information control unit 210 may also transmit the product information by accepting an operation by a passenger or an employee. The product information control unit 210 may also transmit facility identification information that identifies the facility that sold the product together with the product information.

[0034] The photographing device 300 includes a photographing unit 310. The photographing unit 310 photographs and generates a photographed image. The photographing unit 310 then transmits the photographed image to the delivery support device 100. The photographed image may be one or more still images or may be a video. The photographing unit 310 may periodically transmit the photographed image to the delivery support device 100, or may continuously transmit the photographed image. The photographing unit 310 may also photograph and transmit the photographed image at a predetermined timing.

[0035] Furthermore, the photographing unit 310 may transmit photographing device identification information for identifying the photographing device 300 to the delivery support device 100 in addition to the photographed image. The photographing device identification information is information that can identify each photographing device 300. The photographing device identification information may be a code assigned to each photographing device 300, or may be information indicating the location where the photographing device 300 is installed. Furthermore, the photographing unit 310 may transmit facility identification information as the photographing device identification information.

[0036] The server device 400 has a baggage database 410 and a passenger database 420. Hereinafter, the databases will also be referred to as DBs. The baggage DB 410 and the passenger DB 420 will be described in detail later.

[0037] The delivery support device 100 includes a product information acquisition unit 110, a ticket information acquisition unit 120, an identification unit 130, and a registration unit 140. The product information acquisition unit 110 acquires product information from the POS register 200.

[0038] The ticket information acquisition unit 120 includes a passenger identification unit 1201 and a ticket information identification unit 1202. The passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger who purchased the product. Specifically, the passenger identification unit 1201 acquires a captured image from the photographing device 300. Then, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger from the captured image.

[0039] For example, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the time of sale based on the product information. Then, the passenger identification unit 1201 acquires a photographed image taken within a predetermined time period including the time of sale. Here, within a predetermined time period including the time of sale may be, for example, within one minute before or after the time of sale. This allows the passenger identification unit 1201 to acquire a photographed image including the passenger who purchased the product. Furthermore, the passenger identification unit 1201 extracts facial features of the passenger from the photographed image. Then, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger based on the extracted features and the passenger DB 420.

[0040] The passenger DB 420 includes information about passengers who use public transportation. For example, the passenger DB 420 includes information in which passenger identification information for identifying a passenger, facial features of the passenger, and ticket information of the passenger are associated with each other. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the passenger DB 420. In the example of FIG. 6, passenger identification information, facial features of the passenger, contact information of the passenger, and ticket information of the passenger are associated with each other. The passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger by comparing the features extracted from the captured image with the features included in the passenger DB 420. For example, if the extracted features match the feature α of the passenger DB 420, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger who purchased the product as a person with passenger identification information "ABC."

[0041] That is, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies passengers using facial recognition technology. The facial recognition technology used may be a known method. Furthermore, the passenger DB 420 may include facial images of passengers instead of feature amounts.

[0042] In this way, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies a passenger based on the facial feature amount of the passenger extracted from the captured image of the passenger. The passenger identification unit 1201 is an example of a passenger identification means.

[0043] The ticket information identification unit 1202 identifies the ticket information of the passenger. The ticket information is information about a transportation ticket. The ticket information includes information about the flight used by the passenger. In other words, the ticket information may indicate the contents of an airplane ticket or boarding pass. For example, the ticket information includes flight identification information that identifies the flight used by the passenger, the departure point, departure time, arrival point, and arrival time. The ticket information may also include personal information of the passenger. The personal information of the passenger includes, for example, the passenger's name, age, address, gender, and contact information. The contact information includes a telephone number, email address, etc.

[0044] The ticket information identification unit 1202 identifies ticket information based on the passenger identification information of the passenger identified by the passenger identification unit 1201. In the example of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a passenger with passenger identification information "ABC" has been identified. The ticket information identification unit 1202 identifies the ticket information associated with the passenger identification information "ABC" as the ticket information of the passenger who purchased the product. In this case, the ticket information shown in the record in the first row of FIG. 6 is identified. The ticket information identification unit 1202 acquires the ticket information of the passenger who purchased the product by identifying the ticket information from the passenger DB 420.

[0045] In this way, the ticket information specifying unit 1202 specifies the ticket information associated with the identification information of the specified passenger. The ticket information specifying unit 1202 is an example of a ticket information specifying means.

[0046] The identification unit 130 identifies the flight used by the passenger. Specifically, the identification unit 130 identifies the flight used by the passenger based on the ticket information acquired by the ticket information acquisition unit 120. For example, assume that a passenger with passenger identification information "ABC" is identified in the example of FIG. 6. In this case, the ticket information shown in the record on the first line of FIG. 6 is acquired. Then, the identification unit 130 identifies that the flight used by the passenger who purchased the product is the flight with flight identification information "001."

[0047] The registration unit 140 registers the product information as passenger baggage in the baggage DB 410. The baggage DB 410 contains information about passenger baggage for each flight. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the baggage DB 410. In the example of FIG. 7, information about passenger baggage for a flight with flight identification information "001" is included. The baggage DB 410 also contains information in which passenger identification information is associated with baggage information, which is information about passenger baggage. For example, passenger identification information "ABC" is associated with baggage information "X". This indicates that baggage "X" belongs to the passenger with passenger identification information "ABC". The baggage information may include baggage identification information that identifies the baggage, the type of baggage, the weight of the baggage, the number of pieces of baggage, etc.

[0048] On each flight, baggage registered in the baggage DB 410 is transported. For example, before boarding an airplane, a passenger takes the items they are carrying to a baggage counter at the airport. The items checked at the baggage counter are then loaded onto the airplane as baggage for the flight the passenger is boarding. At this time, baggage information, which is information about the checked items, and passenger identification information of the passenger who checked the items are associated and registered in the baggage DB 410. In this way, the baggage DB 410 stores information about the baggage of passengers boarding an airplane for each flight, which associates the items checked by the passenger at the airport with the passenger's identification information. The baggage loaded onto the airplane is then collected by the passenger at, for example, the arrival airport. At this time, the baggage is transported to the passenger by, for example, a conveyor belt installed at the arrival airport.

[0049] The registration unit 140 registers product information of the purchased product in the baggage DB 410. For example, assume that the product information acquisition unit 110 acquires the product information shown in FIG. 5. Also assume that the identification unit 130 identifies that a passenger with passenger identification information "ABC" will be using flight identification information "001." At this time, the registration unit 140 associates the product information with the passenger identification information "ABC" in the baggage DB 410 of FIG. 7 and registers it. At this time, the product information of FIG. 5 is added to the baggage information items in addition to baggage "X." In this way, the registration unit 140 associates information about the items that the passenger has checked in at a transportation hub as baggage for the flight with information about the product, and registers it in the database as the passenger's baggage. As a result, the purchased product is transported to the passenger, for example, on a conveyor belt installed at the airport at the destination.

[0050] [Example of operation of delivery support device 100] Next, an example of the operation of the delivery support device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the delivery support device 100. The product information acquisition unit 110 acquires product information from the POS register 200 (S101). The passenger identification unit 1201 acquires a captured image from the photographing device 300 (S102). The passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger based on the captured image (S103). For example, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger by comparing facial features of the passenger extracted from the captured image with features included in the passenger DB 420. The ticket information identification unit 1202 identifies ticket information of the passenger (S104). For example, the ticket information identification unit 1202 identifies ticket information associated with the passenger identification information of the identified passenger from the passenger DB 420.

[0052] The identification unit 130 identifies the flight used by the passenger (S105). For example, the identification unit 130 identifies the identification information of the flight used by the passenger based on the ticket information. The registration unit 140 registers the product information in the baggage DB 410 (S106). At this time, the registration unit 140 registers the product information indicating the product purchased by the passenger in the baggage DB 410 as the baggage of the identified passenger.

[0053] In this way, the delivery support device 100 of the second embodiment acquires information about products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities and acquires ticket information, which is information about tickets for the transportation means used by the passengers. Then, the delivery support device 100 identifies the flight used by the passengers based on the ticket information, and registers the products as luggage for the identified flight in a database related to luggage transported from the transportation hub by the transportation means. This allows the delivery support device 100 to carry out procedures for delivering the products purchased by passengers at the transportation hub facilities.

[0054] When a passenger purchases a product at a facility at a transportation hub, such as an airport kiosk, the passenger needs to take the purchased product with them when boarding transportation such as an airplane. The increase in luggage that the passenger carries when boarding transportation may lead to a decrease in the passenger's willingness to purchase products at the transportation hub. In response to this, the delivery support device 100 can perform procedures to deliver the products purchased by the passenger, thereby suppressing the increase in luggage that the passenger carries when boarding transportation. Therefore, the delivery support device can suppress a decrease in the passenger's willingness to purchase products at transportation hub facilities. In other words, the delivery support device 100 can support the promotion of use of facilities at transportation hubs.

[0055] Furthermore, the delivery support device 100 of the second embodiment identifies a passenger based on facial features extracted from a captured image of the passenger, and identifies ticket information associated with the identification information of the identified passenger. This allows the delivery support device 100 to acquire passenger ticket information while minimizing the burden on the passenger.

[0056] Furthermore, the delivery support device 100 of the second embodiment associates information about items that a passenger has deposited at a transportation hub as baggage for a flight with information about products, and registers the information about the products as the passenger's baggage in a database. For example, a passenger traveling by airplane deposits his / her items at a baggage counter at an airport. The deposited items are transported by airplane as the passenger's baggage. The delivery support device 100 can, for example, transport purchased products in the same way as the deposited items. Therefore, the delivery support device 100 can allow the passenger to receive the items deposited at the airport and the purchased products together at the destination.

[0057] [Variation 1] The passenger identification unit 1201 may be provided in the photographing device 300. In this case, a database in which passenger identification information and feature amounts are associated is stored in the photographing device 300 or a device capable of communicating with the photographing device 300. The photographing unit 310 takes a photograph, for example, in response to the completion of a payment process for a product. The passenger identification unit 1201 identifies the passenger based on the database and the photographed image. Then, the passenger identification unit 1201 transmits the passenger identification information of the identified passenger to the delivery support device 100. Upon receiving the passenger identification information from the photographing device 300, the ticket information identification unit 1202 identifies the ticket information based on the passenger database 420. In this case, the photographing device 300 does not have to transmit the photographed image to the delivery support device 100.

[0058] [Variation 2] The photographing unit 310 of the photographing device 300 may photograph at a predetermined timing. For example, the photographing unit 310 may photograph when a passenger purchases a product. In this case, the photographing unit 310 photographs, for example, when the POS register 200 performs a payment process.

[0059] The photographing device 300 may also take a photograph when a predetermined operation is received from a passenger or an employee. For example, when the photographing device 300 receives an input from a passenger or an employee requesting that a photograph be taken, the photographing unit 310 takes a photograph. In addition, for example, in the POS register 200, the product information control unit 210 transmits product information upon receiving an operation from a passenger or an employee. The photographing unit 310 may take a photograph in response to such an operation on the POS register 200 by a passenger or an employee.

[0060] Furthermore, the photographing unit 310 may take a photograph in response to an instruction from the passenger identification unit 1201 of the delivery support device 100. For example, when the product information acquisition unit 110 acquires product information, the passenger identification unit 1201 transmits a photographing instruction to the photographing device 300. Upon receiving the photographing instruction, the photographing unit 310 takes a photograph.

[0061] [Variation 3] In the above example, the passenger identification unit 1201 identifies a passenger based on facial features, i.e., facial biometric information. The passenger identification unit 1201 may identify a passenger using different biometric information.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a delivery support system 1000 according to Modification 3. In the example of FIG. 9, the delivery support system 1000 includes a biometric information reader 500 instead of the image capturing device 300 shown in FIG. 4. The biometric information reader 500 includes a biometric information reader 510. The biometric information reader 510 reads biometric information of a passenger. The biometric information is, for example, information indicating a fingerprint, palm print, veins, iris, voice, or auricle. For example, the biometric information reader 510 acquires biometric information related to a fingerprint by reading a finger held up by the passenger. The biometric information reader 510 transmits the acquired biometric information to the delivery support device 100. The passenger identification unit 1201 acquires the biometric information. The passenger identification unit 1201 then identifies the passenger based on the acquired biometric information and the passenger DB 420. The passenger DB 420 contains information in which passenger identification information and the passenger's biometric information are associated with each other.

[0063] In this way, the passenger identification unit 1201 may identify passengers using various biometric authentication techniques, not limited to face authentication.

[0064] [Variation 4] The delivery support device 100 may acquire ticket information by reading the ticket. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a delivery support system 1000 according to Modification 4. In the example of Fig. 10, the delivery support system 1000 includes a ticket reading device 600 instead of the imaging device 300 shown in Fig. 4.

[0065] The ticket reading device 600 includes a ticket reading unit 610. The ticket reading unit 610 reads a ticket held by a passenger. The ticket held by a passenger is, for example, an airline ticket or a boarding pass. The ticket held by a passenger may be in paper form or electronic form. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a ticket held by a passenger. More specifically, FIG. 11 shows an example of a paper boarding pass held by a passenger. The ticket has a code readable by the ticket reading unit 610. In the example of FIG. 11, a two-dimensional code indicating ticket information is written on the boarding pass. The ticket reading unit 610 acquires ticket information by, for example, reading the two-dimensional code. Then, the ticket reading unit 610 transmits the acquired ticket information to the delivery support device 100. The ticket information acquiring unit 120 acquires the ticket information from the ticket reading device 600.

[0066] In this case, the passenger DB 420 does not need to include information related to the feature amount.

[0067] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the delivery support device 100 of Modification 4. As shown in Fig. 12, the product information acquisition unit 110 acquires product information (S201). The ticket information acquisition unit 120 acquires ticket information from the ticket reading device 600 (S202). The identification unit 130 identifies the flight to be used by the passenger based on the acquired ticket information (S203). Then, the registration unit 140 registers the product information in the baggage DB 410 (S204).

[0068] In this way, the delivery support device 100 may acquire ticket information by reading the ticket held by the passenger with a reading device.

[0069] <Third embodiment> Next, a delivery support device according to a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, further functions of the delivery support device will be described. Note that some of the contents overlapping with those described in the first and second embodiments will not be described.

[0070] Fig. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a delivery support system 1001. As shown in Fig. 13, the delivery support system 1001 includes a delivery support device 101. In the example of Fig. 13, the delivery support system 1001 includes the delivery support device 101, a POS register 200, an imaging device 300, a server device 400, and a printing device 700. The delivery support device 101 can communicate with the POS register 200, the imaging device 300, the server device 400, and the printing device 700 via a wireless or wired network.

[0071] The printing device 700 is a device that prints on predetermined paper. More specifically, the printing device 700 prints shipping labels, which will be described later. The printing device 700 may also have a function for printing receipts for purchased items. In this case, the printing device 700 and the POS register 200 can communicate with each other.

[0072] [Details of Delivery Support System 1001] Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the delivery support system 1001. As shown in Fig. 14, the delivery support device 101 is communicably connected to the POS register 200, the photographing device 300, the server device 400, and the printing device 700. The POS register 200, the photographing device 300, and the printing device 700 may also be communicably connected to each other.

[0073] The printing device 700 includes an output unit 710. The output unit 710, under the control of the delivery support device 101, issues shipping labels for the purchased products.

[0074] The delivery support device 101 includes a product information acquisition unit 110, a ticket information acquisition unit 120, an identification unit 130, a registration unit 140, a control unit 150, an image acquisition unit 160, and a notification unit 170.

[0075] The control unit 150 causes the printing device 700 to issue a shipping tag. The shipping tag is a piece of paper containing information for managing luggage transported by airplane. For example, the shipping tag contains information indicating the flight on which the luggage will be transported. The shipping tag is affixed to purchased goods. Airport staff or machines installed at the airport transport the goods from the airport facilities to the airplane based on the shipping tag. In other words, the shipping tag can be said to indicate the destination of the purchased goods. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a shipping tag. In the example of FIG. 15, the shipping tag contains flight identification information "001" and information indicating the flight's departure and arrival points. For example, airport staff check the shipping tag to transport the goods to the airplane. In addition, in the example of FIG. 15, a one-dimensional barcode is printed on the shipping tag. For example, a luggage sorting machine installed at the airport sorts the luggage by reading the barcode.

[0076] The control unit 150 controls the printing device 700 to issue a shipping label including information indicating the flight taken by the passenger who purchased the product. The control unit 150 causes the printing device 700 to issue a shipping label, for example, when the registration unit 140 registers product information in the baggage DB 410. In this way, the control unit 150 causes the printing device 700 to issue a shipping label for the registered product. The control unit 150 is an example of a control means.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 15 , a marker is written on the luggage tag. The marker is information that differs for each passenger. The passenger receives the product with the luggage tag attached at the destination. The product is transported, for example, by a conveyor belt installed at the airport at the destination. At this time, the conveyor belt also carries luggage belonging to other passengers, making it difficult for the passenger to quickly determine whether the product being transported on the conveyor belt is their own luggage. In such cases, the passenger can quickly identify their own luggage by checking the marker. The control unit 150 may cause the printing device 700 to issue a luggage tag with a different marker for each passenger. The marker may be any one of a figure, a letter, another symbol, and a color, or a combination thereof.

[0078] The control unit 150 may also cause the printing device 700 to issue a copy of the luggage tag. The luggage tag copy is to be kept by the passenger. The luggage tag copy may contain the same information as that written on the luggage tag. If a marker is attached to the luggage tag, the marker may also be attached to the luggage tag copy. By checking the luggage tag copy, the passenger can confirm that the purchased items have been deposited.

[0079] The image acquisition unit 160 acquires a product image showing the purchased product. For example, the image acquisition unit 160 may acquire a product image corresponding to the purchased product from images of products pre-registered in a POS system. The image acquisition unit 160 may also acquire an image of the actual product purchased by the passenger. The image of the actual product purchased by the passenger may be an image showing the product packaged in wrapping paper, a bag, or the like. That is, the image acquisition unit 160 may acquire an image showing the product packaged after being purchased by the passenger as the product image. In this case, for example, the photographing device 300 may photograph the packaged product. Alternatively, an airport employee may photograph the packaged product using another photographing means. At this time, the product image is transmitted from the other photographing means to the delivery support device 101. Note that the registration unit 140 may register product information including the product image in the baggage DB 410.

[0080] Furthermore, the image acquisition unit 160 acquires images of items that the passenger has previously deposited at the airport. The image acquisition unit 160 references baggage information in the baggage DB 410 based on the passenger identification information of the passenger who purchased the product. The image acquisition unit 160 then acquires images included in the baggage information. The images acquired from the baggage information and the product images are collectively referred to as baggage images. In this way, the image acquisition unit 160 acquires baggage images of items that the passenger has deposited at the transportation hub, including images of the products. The image acquisition unit 160 is an example of an image acquisition means.

[0081] The notification unit 170 includes an information generation unit 1701 and a notification control unit 1702. The information generation unit 1701 generates baggage notification information. The baggage notification information is information indicating items registered in the baggage DB 410 as passenger baggage. The information generation unit 1701 generates the baggage notification information based on, for example, the baggage DB 410 and baggage images acquired by the image acquisition unit 160.

[0082] The notification control unit 1702 notifies the passenger of the baggage notification information. At this time, the notification control unit 1702 may determine the destination of the baggage notification information based on the passenger's contact information contained in the passenger DB 420. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of baggage notification information. In the example of FIG. 16, the baggage notification information is output to a communication terminal owned by the passenger. The communication terminal owned by the passenger may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or a portable personal computer. In the example of FIG. 16, the baggage notification information shows an image of the suitcase checked in at the airport, an image of the purchased packaged items, and the quantity of each item. By showing the image of the packaged items, the passenger can more easily identify their baggage, for example, when collecting their baggage at their arrival airport. The baggage notification information may also include information indicating the number of pieces of baggage the passenger should collect at their arrival airport.

[0083] In this way, the notification unit 170 notifies the communication terminal of the passenger of baggage notification information including the baggage image and the number of pieces of baggage that the passenger should collect at the arrival destination. The notification unit 170 is an example of a notification means.

[0084] Furthermore, if a purchased product cannot be registered in the parcel DB 410, the notification unit 170 may issue a notification. For example, if the departure time of a flight used by a passenger who purchased a product and the time the product was purchased (i.e., the time the product was sold) are within a predetermined time, there is a possibility that the product will not arrive on time for delivery to the plane. In this way, if the purchased product cannot be delivered to the destination, the information generation unit 1701 generates information indicating that the product cannot be delivered to the destination. The notification control unit 1702 notifies the generated information. At this time, the notification control unit 1702 notifies the display of the POS register 200 of a notification indicating that the product cannot be delivered. FIG. 17 is an example of a notification indicating that delivery is not possible. In the example of FIG. 17, a notification indicating that delivery is not possible is displayed on the display of the POS register 200. This allows the notification unit 170 to notify an employee or passenger that the delivery will not arrive on time. In this case, the registration unit 140 does not register the purchased product in the parcel DB 410.

[0085] [Example of operation of delivery support device 101] Next, an example of the operation of the delivery support device 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0086] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the delivery support device 101. Note that the processes of S301 to S305 are the same as the processes of S101 to S105 in Fig. 8, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] If the difference between the time the product was purchased and the departure time of the flight used by the passenger is within a predetermined time ("Yes" in S306), the information generation unit 1701 of the notification unit 170 generates information indicating that the product cannot be delivered to the destination (S312). Then, the notification control unit 1702 notifies the customer of the information indicating that the product cannot be delivered to the destination (S313).

[0088] If the difference between the time the product was purchased and the departure time of the flight used by the passenger is not within a predetermined time period ("No" in S306), the registration unit 140 registers the product information in the baggage DB 410 (S307). The control unit 150 causes the printing device 700 to issue a baggage tag (S308). The image acquisition unit 160 acquires a baggage image including an image of the purchased product (S309). The information generation unit 1701 generates baggage notification information including the baggage image and the number of pieces of baggage that the passenger should collect at the arrival airport (S310). Then, the notification control unit 1702 notifies the passenger of the baggage notification information (S311). For example, the notification control unit 1702 notifies the passenger of the baggage notification information to a communication terminal owned by the passenger.

[0089] In this way, the delivery support device 101 of the third embodiment may cause the printing device to issue a shipping tag for the registered product. An airport employee or a machine installed at the airport transports the product from the airport facility to the airplane based on the shipping tag. Since the delivery support device 101 can issue a shipping tag, it can support the transportation of the purchased product to the airplane.

[0090] Furthermore, the delivery support device 101 of the third embodiment may issue the luggage tag with a different marker for each passenger. This allows the delivery support device 101 to allow the passenger to quickly recognize that the product is the one he or she purchased when receiving the product at the arrival destination.

[0091] Furthermore, the delivery support device 101 of the third embodiment acquires baggage images of items that a passenger has deposited at a transportation hub, including images of the products, and notifies a communication terminal owned by the passenger of baggage notification information including the baggage images and the number of pieces of baggage that the passenger should collect at the arrival destination. This allows the delivery support device 101 to allow the passenger to check the baggage that the passenger has deposited. Therefore, when the passenger collects his / her baggage at the arrival destination, the delivery support device 101 allows the passenger to check whether he / she has correctly received his / her baggage.

[0092] Furthermore, if the time when the product is purchased and the departure time of the flight are within a predetermined time, the delivery support device 101 of the third embodiment does not register the product in the database and sends a notice that the product cannot be delivered. This prevents the delivery support device 101 from registering the product as luggage to be loaded onto the flight even though the transportation from the airport facility to the plane will not arrive in time for the flight departure.

[0093] <Example of hardware configuration for delivery support device> The hardware constituting the delivery support device of the first, second, and third embodiments described above will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device that realizes the delivery support device in each embodiment. The delivery support device and delivery support method described in each embodiment and each modified example are realized in a computer device 90. More specifically, the delivery support device and delivery support method described in each embodiment and each modified example are realized in a computer device 90.

[0094] 19, the computer device 90 includes a processor 91, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 92, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 93, a storage device 94, an input / output interface 95, a bus 96, and a drive device 97. The delivery support device may be realized by a plurality of electric circuits.

[0095] The storage device 94 stores a program (computer program) 98. The processor 91 executes the program 98 of the delivery support device using the RAM 92. Specifically, for example, the program 98 includes a program that causes a computer to execute the processes shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 12, and 18. The processor 91 executes the program 98 to realize the functions of the components of the delivery support device. The program 98 may be stored in the ROM 93. The program 98 may also be recorded on the storage medium 80 and read out using the drive device 97, or may be transmitted to the computer device 90 from an external device (not shown) via a network (not shown).

[0096] The input / output interface 95 exchanges data with peripheral devices (such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a display device) 99. The input / output interface 95 functions as a means for acquiring or outputting data. The bus 96 connects the components.

[0097] There are various variations in the method for realizing the delivery support device. For example, the delivery support device can be realized as a dedicated device. Furthermore, the delivery support device can be realized based on a combination of multiple devices.

[0098] The scope of each embodiment also includes a processing method for recording a program for realizing each component of the function of each embodiment on a storage medium, reading the program recorded on the storage medium as code, and executing it on a computer. That is, a computer-readable storage medium is also included in the scope of each embodiment. Furthermore, the storage medium on which the above-mentioned program is recorded and the program itself are also included in each embodiment.

[0099] The storage medium may be, but is not limited to, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, or a ROM. The programs recorded on the storage medium are not limited to standalone programs that execute processes, but also include programs that run on an OS (Operating System) in cooperation with other software and functions of an expansion board.

[0100] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0101] The above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0102] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0103] <Additional Notes> [Appendix 1] a product information acquisition means for acquiring information on products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities; a ticket information acquisition means for acquiring ticket information relating to a ticket for the transportation means used by the passenger; an identification means for identifying a flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information; and a registration means for registering information about the product in a database related to the package transported by the transportation facility from the transportation base as the package for the specified flight. Delivery support equipment.

[0104] [Appendix 2] The ticket information acquisition means a passenger identification means for identifying the passenger based on facial features extracted from the photographed image of the passenger; and a ticket information specifying means for specifying the ticket information associated with the specified passenger identification information. 2. The delivery assistance device of claim 1.

[0105] [Appendix 3] the ticket information acquisition means acquires the ticket information by reading the ticket held by the passenger with a reader; 2. The delivery assistance device of claim 1.

[0106] [Appendix 4] the registration means associates information about the goods that the passenger has deposited at the transportation hub as baggage for the flight with information about the product, and registers the information about the goods as baggage for the passenger in the database; 4. A delivery support device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

[0107] [Appendix 5] a control means for causing a printing device to issue a shipping tag for the registered product; 5. A delivery support device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4.

[0108] [Appendix 6] the control means issues the luggage tag with a different marker for each passenger. 6. The delivery assistance device of claim 5.

[0109] [Appendix 7] an image acquisition means for acquiring baggage images of the items deposited by the passenger at the transportation hub, including images of the merchandise; and a notification means for notifying a communication terminal carried by the passenger of baggage notification information including the baggage image and the number of pieces of baggage that the passenger should collect at the arrival airport. 7. A delivery support device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 6.

[0110] [Appendix 8] If the time when the product was purchased and the departure time of the flight are within a predetermined time, The registration means does not register the product in the database, The notification means issues a notification indicating that the product cannot be delivered. 8. The delivery assistance device of claim 7.

[0111] [Appendix 9] the means of transportation is an airplane, the transportation hub is an airport; The database defines information about the baggage of passengers boarding an airplane for each flight, the information associating items checked in by passengers at the airport with the passengers' identification information. A delivery support device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8.

[0112] [Appendix 10] Acquire information on products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities, Acquire ticket information, which is information about a ticket for the transportation facility used by the passenger; Identifying the flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information; registering information about the product in a database related to luggage transported by the transportation facility from the transportation hub as luggage for the specified flight; Shipping support methods.

[0113] [Appendix 11] A process of acquiring information on products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities; A process of acquiring ticket information, which is information regarding a ticket for a transportation facility used by the passenger; A process of identifying a flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information; and registering information about the product in a database related to the cargo transported by the transportation facility from the transportation hub as the cargo for the specified flight. A computer-readable storage medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 100, 101 Delivery support equipment 110 Product information acquisition department 120 Ticket Information Acquisition Department 1201 Passenger Identification Department 1202 Ticket Information Identification Department 130 Specific section 140 Registration Department 150 control section 160 Image acquisition unit 170 Notification Department 1701 Information generation section 1702 Notification control section 200 POS registers 300 Imaging Device 400 Server device 500 Biometric information reader 600 Ticket Reader 700 Printing equipment 1000, 1001 Delivery Support System

Claims

1. a product information acquisition means for acquiring information on products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities; a ticket information acquisition means for acquiring ticket information relating to a ticket for the transportation means used by the passenger; an identification means for identifying a flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information; a registration means for registering information about the product in association with passenger identification information of the passenger in a database related to the product to be transported by the transportation facility from the transportation hub as the baggage of the specified flight, wherein the product information includes an image of the product and information about the number of pieces of baggage that the passenger should receive at the destination; an image acquisition means for acquiring baggage images of the items deposited by the passenger at the transportation hub, including images of the goods, by referring to information about the goods based on the passenger identification information of the passenger; and notification means for extracting information on the number of pieces of luggage that the passenger should receive at the arrival destination from the product information, and notifying a communication terminal carried by the passenger of luggage notification information including the luggage image and the number of pieces of luggage that the passenger should receive at the arrival destination, The notification means uses the passenger identification information associated with the product information to identify information on the notification destination of the communication terminal owned by the passenger. Delivery support equipment.

2. The ticket information acquisition means a passenger identification means for identifying the passenger based on facial feature amounts extracted from the photographed image of the passenger; The delivery assistance device according to claim 1 .

3. the ticket information acquisition means acquires the ticket information by reading the ticket held by the passenger with a reader; The delivery assistance device according to claim 1 .

4. the registration means associates information about the goods that the passenger has deposited at the transportation hub as baggage for the flight with information about the product, and registers the information about the goods as baggage for the passenger in the database; 4. The delivery support device according to claim 1.

5. a control means for causing a printing device to issue a shipping tag for the registered product; The delivery support device according to claim 4.

6. the control means issues the luggage tag with a different marker for each passenger. The delivery support device according to claim 5.

7. The ticket information acquisition means Identifying the ticket information associated with the passenger identification information for the passenger; and Identifying the time when the product was purchased based on the product information, and identifying the departure time of the flight used by the passenger based on the ticket information associated with the passenger identification information; If the time when the product was purchased and the departure time of the flight are within a predetermined time, The registration means does not register the product in the database, The notification means issues a notification indicating that the product cannot be delivered.

7. The delivery support device according to claim 1.

8. The computer Acquire information on products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities, Acquire ticket information, which is information about a ticket for the transportation facility used by the passenger; Identifying the flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information; a delivery support method for registering information about the product in association with passenger identification information of the passenger in a database related to the product to be transported from the transportation hub by the transportation facility as the product for the specified flight, wherein the product information includes an image of the product and information about the number of pieces of package that the passenger should receive at the destination; The computer further comprises: acquiring a baggage image of the items deposited by the passenger at the transportation hub, including an image of the product, based on the passenger identification information of the passenger and referring to the product information; extracting information on the number of pieces of luggage that the passenger should receive at the arrival destination from the product information, and notifying a communication terminal owned by the passenger of luggage notification information including the luggage image and the number of pieces of luggage that the passenger should receive at the arrival destination; The computer uses the passenger identification information associated with the product information to identify information on the notification destination of the communication terminal owned by the passenger. Shipping support methods.

9. A process of acquiring information on products purchased by passengers at transportation hub facilities; A process of acquiring ticket information, which is information regarding a ticket for a transportation facility used by the passenger; A process of identifying a flight to be used by the passenger based on the ticket information; and registering information about the product in association with passenger identification information of the passenger in a database related to the product to be transported by the transportation facility from the transportation hub as the product for the specified flight, wherein the product information includes an image of the product and information about the number of pieces of baggage that the passenger should receive at the destination; A process of acquiring a baggage image of the items deposited by the passenger at the transportation hub, including an image of the product, by referring to the product information based on the passenger identification information of the passenger; a process of extracting information on the number of pieces of luggage that the passenger should receive at the arrival destination from the product information, and notifying a communication terminal owned by the passenger of luggage notification information including the luggage image and the number of pieces of luggage that the passenger should receive at the arrival destination; and causing the computer to further execute the causing the computer to identify information on the destination of notification of the communication terminal owned by the passenger using the passenger identification information associated with the product information; program.

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