Management method and management device

Abstract

To provide a management method and management device, which improve efficiency of overall delivery work by a vehicle.SOLUTION: A management method disclosed herein comprises causing a management device to determine stopping locations for a vehicle on the basis of vehicle class data of the vehicle used for delivery, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information during delivery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management method and a management device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART There is known a device that provides route information according to vehicle class (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-139644 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need to improve the efficiency of all vehicle delivery operations.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure, made in consideration of such circumstances, is to improve the efficiency of the entire delivery operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a management device determining a stopping location for a vehicle used for delivery based on vehicle rating data of the vehicle, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information during delivery.

[0007] A management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that determines a stopping location for a vehicle used for delivery based on vehicle class data of the vehicle, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information during delivery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the management method and management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the overall efficiency of delivery operations by vehicle can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a management method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Configuration example of management system 1) As shown in FIG. 1, a management system 1 according to one embodiment includes a management device 10 and a vehicle 40. The vehicle 40 carries packages to be delivered. The management device 10 manages the operation of the vehicle 40 to improve the efficiency of package delivery. To improve the efficiency of package delivery, the management device 10 determines a stopping location for the vehicle 40 at the delivery destination of the package.

[0011] The management system 1 further includes a terminal device 20, although this is not essential. The terminal device 20 may be mounted on the vehicle 40 or carried by the driver of the vehicle 40. The terminal device 20 may be configured to output the stopping location determined by the management device 10 and notify the driver. The terminal device 20 may be carried by a user who receives delivery of a package. An example configuration of the management system 1 will be described below.

[0012] <Management device 10> The management device 10 includes a control unit 12 and an interface 14 .

[0013] The control unit 12 controls at least one component of the management device 10. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more processors. In this embodiment, the "processor" may include, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 12 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuits may include, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 12 may be configured to include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit together with a processor.

[0014] The management device 10 may further include a storage unit. The storage unit may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like, but is not limited to these. The storage unit may function as, for example, a main storage unit, an auxiliary storage unit, or a cache memory. The storage unit may include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage unit may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage unit stores any information used in the operation of the management device 10. For example, the storage unit may store a system program, an application program, or the like. The storage unit may be included in the control unit 12.

[0015] The interface 14 outputs information, data, etc. from the control unit 12 to an external device, and inputs information, data, etc. acquired from an external device to the control unit 12. The interface 14 may include a communication module configured to be able to communicate with an external device such as the vehicle 40 or the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication module may be compatible with mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may be compatible with communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module may be compatible with wired or wireless communication standards. The communication module is not limited to these and may be compatible with various communication standards. The interface 14 may be configured to be connectable to the communication module.

[0016] The interface 14 may include an input device that accepts input of information, data, etc. from a user. The input device may include, for example, a touch panel or touch sensor, or a pointing device such as a mouse. The input device may include physical keys. The input device may also include an audio input device such as a microphone.

[0017] The interface 14 may be configured to include an output device that outputs information, data, etc. to the user. The output device may include, for example, a display device that outputs visual information such as images, characters, or graphics. The display device may include, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, an inorganic EL display, or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel). The display device is not limited to these displays and may include various other types of displays. The display device may include a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). The display device may include various other devices. The output device may include, for example, an audio output device such as a speaker that outputs audio information such as sound. The output device is not limited to these examples and may include various other devices.

[0018] The management device 10 may include one or more server devices that can communicate with each other.

[0019] <Vehicle 40> The vehicle 40 includes a vehicle body and a drive unit. The vehicle 40 is configured to load items to be delivered onto the vehicle body. The vehicle 40 may further include a control unit that controls the drive unit. The vehicle 40 may be an engine vehicle or an electric vehicle. The engine vehicle may include an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle. The electric vehicle may include an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), an FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), or a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle).

[0020] Vehicle 40 may further include a location information detection unit that acquires location information of vehicle 40 itself. Vehicle 40 may output the location information of vehicle 40 itself to management device 10. The location information detection unit may be configured to include a receiver compatible with a satellite positioning system. The receiver compatible with the satellite positioning system may include, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0021] The number of vehicles 40 managed by the management system 1 may be two or more. The vehicle 40 may be configured to be operated by a driver, or may be configured to travel by autonomous driving. When the vehicle 40 is operated by a driver, the vehicle 40 may be equipped with an on-board device such as a navigation device that acquires stopping locations from the management device 10 and notifies the driver. The stopping locations may be notified to the driver by a terminal device 20, which will be described later. When the vehicle 40 travels by autonomous driving, the vehicle 40 may travel to the stopping locations acquired from the management device 10.

[0022] <Terminal device 20> The terminal device 20 may be configured to include one or more processors or one or more dedicated circuits. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include a storage unit. The storage unit of the terminal device 20 may be configured identically or similarly to the storage unit of the management device 10. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an interface or a communication module. The interface or communication module of the terminal device 20 may be configured identically or similarly to the interface or communication module of the management device 10.

[0023] The terminal device 20 may be configured to include an input device that accepts input of information, data, etc. from a user. The input device may be configured to include various devices described as the interface 14. The terminal device 20 may also be configured to include an output device that outputs information, data, etc. to the user. The output device may be configured to include various devices described as the interface 14.

[0024] The number of terminal devices 20 included in the management system 1 is not limited to one, and may be two or more. The terminal device 20 may be configured to include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a PC such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet PC. The terminal device 20 is not limited to these examples, and may be configured to include various devices.

[0025] (Example of operation of management system 1) In the management system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 12 of the management device 10 determines the stopping location of the vehicle 40 based on the vehicle class data of the vehicle 40, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information during delivery.

[0026] <Determining the stopping location based on the impact of stopping vehicle 40> The control unit 12 may determine the stopping location based on the vehicle rank data, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information, taking into consideration the influence of stopping the vehicle 40.

[0027] The vehicle class data of the vehicle 40 may include, for example, a classification according to the body size of the vehicle 40. The vehicle 40 may be classified into any of classifications, for example, ultra-compact, small, medium, large, or extra-large, depending on the body size. The vehicle class data of the vehicle 40 may include the external size or weight of the vehicle 40. The vehicle class data of the vehicle 40 may include the minimum turning radius of the vehicle 40, or the difference between inner and outer wheels. Of the vehicle class data of the vehicle 40, data related to the external shape of the vehicle 40 may relate to the magnitude of the impact that the vehicle 40 has on other automobiles or motorcycles, etc. passing by, or on pedestrians, etc., when the vehicle 40 is stopped.

[0028] The vehicle rating data of the vehicle 40 may include the size or position of a cargo bed provided in the vehicle 40. The vehicle rating data of the vehicle 40 may include the amount of cargo carried by the vehicle 40. Of the vehicle rating data of the vehicle 40, data relating to the cargo bed of the vehicle 40 may relate to the magnitude of the impact that the vehicle 40 has on other automobiles or motorcycles passing by, or on pedestrians, when the vehicle 40 stops to handle cargo. Furthermore, of the vehicle rating data of the vehicle 40, data relating to the cargo bed of the vehicle 40 may relate to the magnitude of the impact that the noise generated when the vehicle 40 stops to handle cargo has on surrounding pedestrians or residents.

[0029] The vehicle rating data may include information specifying whether the power source of the vehicle 40 is an engine or a motor. The vehicle rating data may include information specifying whether the vehicle 40 is an engine vehicle or an electric vehicle. The vehicle rating data may include information specifying whether the vehicle 40 is a refrigerated vehicle. The vehicle rating data may include information specifying whether the vehicle 40 is equipped with a compressor or the like for controlling the temperature of the luggage compartment. Of the vehicle rating data of the vehicle 40, data related to the power source equipped in the vehicle 40 may relate to the magnitude of the impact that noise made when the vehicle 40 is stopped has on surrounding pedestrians, residents, etc.

[0030] The vehicle class data is information that does not change over time. The control unit 12 may store the vehicle class data of each vehicle 40 in the storage unit in advance.

[0031] The delivery environment information may include factors that affect the delivery location, delivery date and time, whether or not drop-off is possible, or the duration of the vehicle's stop during delivery. The stopping environment information may include the size of the handling space for delivery, surrounding residents, traffic volume or noise, or weather. The delivery environment information or stopping environment information may relate to the type or magnitude of impact that pedestrians or residents around the location where the vehicle 40 stops experience when the vehicle 40 stops. The delivery environment information or stopping environment information may relate to the sensitivity of pedestrians or residents around the location where the vehicle 40 stops to the impact of the vehicle 40 stopping. The type of impact may include, for example, noise or road hazards. The sensitivity to the impact of the vehicle 40 stopping corresponds to the sensitivity to noise, road hazards, etc. caused by the vehicle 40 stopping. The delivery environment information or stopping environment information may also include the probability that people such as pedestrians or residents in the vicinity will complain to the delivery worker.

[0032] The control unit 12 may determine a stopping location so as to minimize the impact of the vehicle 40 stopping on the surrounding area. For example, the control unit 12 may extract one or more candidate stopping locations based on the delivery destination of the cargo carried by the vehicle 40. A candidate stopping location is also referred to as a candidate location. The control unit 12 may estimate the impact that the vehicle 40 will have on the surrounding area if it stops, and extract candidate locations based on the estimation result.

[0033] After extracting the candidate locations, the control unit 12 may estimate the type or magnitude of the impact that the vehicle 40 will have on the surrounding area if it is stopped at each candidate location. The magnitude of the impact may be expressed, for example, by the volume of noise or the rate at which the speed of nearby automobiles or the like is reduced. The control unit 12 may determine the stopping location for the vehicle 40 from among the candidate locations based on the estimation result of the type or magnitude of the impact that the vehicle 40 will have if it is stopped at each candidate location.

[0034] The control unit 12 may estimate the time it will take to deliver the package if the vehicle 40 is stopped at each candidate location. In other words, the control unit 12 may estimate the time the vehicle 40 will be stopped at each candidate location. The control unit 12 may determine the stop location for the vehicle 40 from among the candidate locations based on the estimated time the vehicle 40 will be stopped at each candidate location.

[0035] The control unit 12 may determine a stop location for the vehicle 40 from among the candidate locations based on both the estimated result of the type or magnitude of the impact when the vehicle 40 is stopped at each candidate location and the estimated result of the stop time of the vehicle 40. The control unit 12 may extract candidate locations where the estimated result of the stop time of the vehicle 40 is less than a predetermined time. The control unit 12 may determine a stop location from among the extracted candidate locations based on the estimated result of the type or magnitude of the impact. Furthermore, the control unit 12 may extract candidate locations where the magnitude of the impact caused by the stop of the vehicle 40 is less than a predetermined value. The control unit 12 may determine a stop location from among the extracted candidate locations so that the stop time of the vehicle 40 is the shortest or so that the stop time of the vehicle 40 is less than the predetermined time.

[0036] The control unit 12 may calculate a score representing the impact of stopping the vehicle 40 at each candidate location based on at least one of the estimated result of the time the vehicle 40 will be stopped during delivery or the estimated result of the type or magnitude of the impact caused by stopping the vehicle 40. In this embodiment, the greater the impact that stopping the vehicle 40 at a candidate location has on surrounding cars or people, the higher the score the control unit 12 calculates for that candidate location.

[0037] For example, the control unit 12 may calculate a higher score value the longer the vehicle 40 is stopped. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate a higher score value the larger the external shape of the vehicle 40 or the space occupied by cargo handling. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate a higher score value the louder the engine noise or compressor noise generated by the vehicle 40 itself. For example, the control unit 12 may calculate a higher score value the louder the noise generated by cargo handling. The control unit 12 may calculate the score value as the product of the length of the vehicle 40's stopping time and a value representing the magnitude of the impact.

[0038] The control unit 12 may determine a stopping location for the vehicle 40 based on the calculated score. The control unit 12 may determine the candidate location with the smallest calculated score as the stopping location. The control unit 12 may determine the stopping location from among the candidate locations with calculated scores less than a predetermined value.

[0039] Conversely, the control unit 12 may calculate a smaller score as the influence becomes smaller. In this case, the control unit 12 may determine the candidate location with the largest calculated score as the stop location. The control unit 12 may determine the stop location from among the candidate locations with calculated scores equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0040] The control unit 12 may present candidate locations where the impact of stopping will be minimal to the delivery worker via the terminal device 20 or the interface 14. The worker may stop the vehicle 40 at a stopping location selected from the presented candidate locations. The control unit 12 may obtain information specifying the result of the worker's selection of the candidate location via the terminal device 20 or the interface 14.

[0041] As described above, the control unit 12 can determine the stopping location of the vehicle 40, taking into consideration the impact of stopping the vehicle 40. In this way, the delivery worker does not receive complaints from people around him or honks from surrounding cars, which reduces the mental burden he feels. Also, sufficient space for delivery work can be secured. Furthermore, since there are no people or cars lingering around, it becomes easier to move to the next location after completing delivery. As a result, the efficiency of delivery work can be improved overall.

[0042] <Operation instructions for vehicle 40> The control unit 12 may determine an operation schedule for the vehicle 40 based on the determined stopping locations. The control unit 12 may instruct the vehicle 40 to operate according to the determined operation schedule.

[0043] <Notification of estimated delivery time> As described above, a stopped vehicle 40 or delivery work may affect the surroundings. Conversely, delivery work may be affected by the surroundings. For example, the delivery time may vary due to the influence of the surroundings. When delivering a package by stopping the vehicle 40 at a determined stopping location, the control unit 12 may generate an estimated delivery time based on the stopping location of the vehicle 40. The control unit 12 may generate the estimated delivery time as an estimated delivery time period having a predetermined range.

[0044] The control unit 12 may notify the generated estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot to the terminal device 20 of the user who will receive the package. The terminal device 20 may prompt the user to input whether the user will be able to receive the package at the notified estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot. The terminal device 20 may output delivery feasibility information notifying whether delivery is possible at the estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot to the management device 10. The control unit 12 may acquire the delivery feasibility information from the terminal device 20, and change the stopping location of the vehicle 40 if delivery is not possible.

[0045] The control unit 12 may generate an estimated delivery time or an estimated delivery time slot for each of a plurality of candidate locations where the vehicle 40 will stop. The control unit 12 may notify the user's terminal device 20 of the estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot for each candidate location. The terminal device 20 may prompt the user to select and input a time or time slot at which the user can receive the package from the notified estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot for each candidate location. The terminal device 20 may output delivery feasibility information notifying the management device 10 of whether delivery is possible at the estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot for each candidate location. The control unit 12 may acquire the delivery feasibility information from the terminal device 20 and determine, as a stop location for the vehicle 40, a candidate location where delivery is possible at a time or time slot where delivery is possible. After determining the stop locations, the control unit 12 may further limit the estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot and notify the user's terminal device 20.

[0046] As described above, the control unit 12 can determine the stopping location by checking whether the user can receive the package at the expected delivery time or expected delivery time period. In this way, the suitability of the stopping location can be improved. Also, the frequency of redelivery can be reduced. Furthermore, user convenience can be improved. As a result, the efficiency of delivery work can be improved overall.

[0047] <Example of management procedure> The control unit 12 of the management device 10 may execute a management method including, for example, the steps of the flowchart illustrated in Fig. 2 in order to determine stopping locations for delivery vehicles and instruct the operation of the delivery vehicles. The management method may be realized as a management program executed by the control unit 12. The management program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0048] The control unit 12 acquires information such as delivery environment information, stopping environment information, and vehicle class data of the vehicle 40 (step S1). Based on the information acquired in step S1, the control unit 12 calculates a score representing the impact of stopping the vehicle 40 when it stops at a candidate location (step S2). The control unit 12 determines a stopping location for the vehicle 40 based on the score calculated in step S2 (step S3). The control unit 12 determines an operation schedule for the vehicle 40 based on the determined stopping location (step S4).

[0049] The control unit 12 generates an estimated delivery time or estimated delivery time slot and notifies the user's terminal device 20 (step S5). The control unit 12 acquires delivery availability information from the terminal device 20 and determines whether the control unit 12 has received a delivery availability notification from the user (step S6). If the control unit 12 has not received a delivery availability notification from the user (step S6: NO), that is, if the control unit 12 has received a delivery availability notification from the user, the control unit 12 changes the parking location of the vehicle 40 (step S7). After executing the procedure of step S7, the control unit 12 returns to the operation schedule determination procedure of step S4. If the control unit 12 has received a delivery availability notification from the user (step S6: YES), the control unit 12 instructs the vehicle 40 to operate according to the operation schedule determined in step S4 (step S8). After executing the procedure of step S8, the control unit 12 ends execution of the procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 2. The procedure of the management method is not limited to the example procedure of the flowchart of FIG. 2 and may include other procedures. Some procedures in the example procedure of FIG. 2 may be omitted or the order may be changed.

[0050] (summary) As described above, the control unit 12 of the management device 10 can determine the stopping location of the vehicle 40 based on the vehicle class data, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information of the vehicle 40. This reduces the mental burden on the delivery worker, as they do not receive complaints from people around them or honk from nearby vehicles. Furthermore, sufficient space for delivery work can be secured. Furthermore, since there are no people or vehicles lingering around the delivery location, it becomes easier to move to the next location after completing delivery. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can determine the stopping location by checking whether the user will be able to receive the package at the expected delivery time or expected delivery time period. This can improve the suitability of the stopping location, reduce the frequency of redeliveries, and improve user convenience. As a result, the overall efficiency of delivery work can be improved.

[0051] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means or steps can be combined or divided into one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Management System 10 Management device (12: control unit, 14: interface) 20 Terminal equipment 30 Network 40 vehicles

Claims

1. A management method executed by a management device, extracting one or more candidate locations at the delivery destination where the vehicle will stop based on vehicle class data of the vehicle used to deliver the package to the delivery destination, including data on a power source mounted on the vehicle, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information during delivery; estimating an influence on the surrounding area when the vehicle stops at the candidate location; determining a stopping location for the vehicle from among the candidate locations based on the estimation result so that the impact on the surrounding area will be reduced when the vehicle stops at the delivery destination; and Management methods, including:

2. A management method as described in claim 1, wherein the magnitude of the impact on the surrounding area when the vehicle is stopped includes the magnitude of the noise generated by the vehicle while stopped.

3. The management method described in Claim 2, wherein the vehicle classification data includes information identifying whether the vehicle is a refrigerated vehicle and whether the vehicle is equipped with a compressor that generates noise even when the vehicle is stopped in order to control the temperature in the luggage compartment.

4. A management method described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnitude of the impact that the vehicle has on the surrounding area when it is stopped includes the rate at which the speed of surrounding automobiles decreases while the vehicle is stopped.

5. A management device comprising: a control unit that extracts one or more candidate locations at the delivery destination where the vehicle can stop, based on vehicle class data of the vehicle used to deliver packages to the delivery destination, including data on the power source installed in the vehicle, delivery environment information, and stopping environment information during delivery; estimates the impact that the vehicle will have on the surrounding area when it stops at the candidate locations; and, based on the estimation results, determines a stopping location for the vehicle from among the candidate locations so as to minimize the impact on the surrounding area when the vehicle stops at the delivery destination.

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