Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

To more reliably maintain the quality of luggage that requires temperature adjustment in luggage delivery.SOLUTION: Provided is an information processing device comprising a control unit that determines a delivery plan including the order of delivery for delivering multiple items of luggage loaded in a temperature adjustment facility to a plurality of destinations by a vehicle, the multiple items of luggage having had their permissible temperature zone predetermined, in which zone to be kept cool or kept warm. The control unit calculates a predictive internal temperature that represents a predictive temperature in the temperature adjustment facility when the luggage is delivered to a destination among the plurality of destinations, to which the luggage is delivered at present time and onwards, and changes the destination next to a first destination in the delivery plan to a third destination among the plurality of destinations, which is at the predictive internal temperature satisfying a boundary condition, when the predictive internal temperature does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the permissible temperature zone at a second destination which is next to the first destination among the plurality of destinations included in the delivery plan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Technologies have been proposed for dynamically re-establishing delivery plans for delivery vehicles that deliver packages. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that re-establishes a new delivery plan based on information such as the loading rate of delivery vehicles when a sudden delivery request is received from a customer or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-014585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Packages that require temperature control are delivered in temperature control equipment (hereinafter also referred to as temperature control equipment). For example, packages that require refrigeration (frozen foods, etc.) are delivered in refrigeration equipment. Packages that require warmth (vegetables delivered in cold regions, etc.) are delivered in warmth equipment.

[0005] In recent years, with the development of electronic commerce (EC), the number of packages delivered and the number of delivery destinations have been increasing. As a result, the delivery interval between when a given delivery vehicle delivers a package to one destination and when it delivers it to the next destination has been shortening. As the delivery interval becomes shorter, the interval between when a delivery worker opens and closes the door of a temperature-controlled equipment at one destination and when they open and close the door at the next destination also becomes shorter. This causes outside air to enter the temperature-controlled equipment more frequently, making the temperature inside the equipment more susceptible to change. For this reason, the shorter the delivery interval, the more likely it is that the quality of the packages will deteriorate.

[0006] In view of such problems, the present disclosure aims to more reliably maintain the quality of packages that require temperature control during package delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device disclosed herein includes a control unit that determines a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering multiple packages loaded in a temperature control facility to multiple delivery destinations by vehicle, and the multiple packages have a predetermined allowable temperature range, which is a temperature range acceptable for keeping the packages cold or warm.The control unit calculates a predicted storage temperature, which is the predicted temperature inside the temperature control facility when the packages are delivered to a destination among the multiple delivery destinations to which the packages will be delivered from now on, and when the predicted storage temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination after a first delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, changes the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations whose predicted storage temperature satisfies the boundary condition.

[0008] The information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method for determining a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering multiple packages loaded in a temperature-controlled facility to multiple delivery destinations by vehicle, wherein an allowable temperature range, which is a temperature range acceptable for keeping the packages cold or warm, is predetermined for the multiple delivery destinations, and the information processing method includes the steps of: calculating a predicted storage temperature, which is the predicted temperature inside the temperature-controlled facility when the packages are delivered to a destination among the multiple delivery destinations to which the packages will be delivered from now on; and, when the predicted storage temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination after a first delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, changing the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations whose predicted storage temperature satisfies the boundary condition.

[0009] The computer program disclosed herein is a computer program for determining a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering multiple packages loaded in a temperature-controlled facility to multiple delivery destinations by vehicle, wherein the multiple packages have a predetermined allowable temperature range, which is a temperature range acceptable for keeping the packages cold or warm, and the computer program causes a computer to execute the following steps: calculating a predicted storage temperature, which is the predicted temperature inside the temperature-controlled facility when the packages are delivered to a destination among the multiple delivery destinations to which the packages will be delivered from now on; and, when the predicted storage temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination after a first delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, changing the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations whose predicted storage temperature satisfies the boundary condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the quality of packages that require temperature control can be more reliably maintained during package delivery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery plan according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of management information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a second table according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device and its peripherals according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of vehicle information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an information processing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the delivery plan after the change. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the delivery plan after the change. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] The gist of the present disclosure includes at least the following.

[0013] (1) The information processing device disclosed herein includes a control unit that determines a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering multiple packages loaded in a temperature control facility to multiple delivery destinations by vehicle, and the multiple packages have a predetermined allowable temperature range, which is a temperature range acceptable for keeping the packages cold or warm. The control unit calculates a predicted storage temperature, which is the predicted temperature inside the temperature control facility when the packages are delivered to a destination among the multiple delivery destinations to which the packages will be delivered from the current destination onwards. When the predicted storage temperature at a second delivery destination, which is the next delivery destination after a first delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations included in the delivery plan, does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, the information processing device changes the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations whose predicted storage temperature satisfies the boundary condition.

[0014] According to the information processing device of the present disclosure, by changing the delivery order of the delivery plan from the second delivery destination that does not satisfy the boundary condition to the third delivery destination that satisfies the boundary condition, it is possible to deliver the package while maintaining its quality, thereby more reliably maintaining the quality of the package.

[0015] (2) In the information processing device of (1), the third delivery destination may be one of the plurality of delivery destinations that takes a longer time to travel from the first delivery destination than the second delivery destination.

[0016] In this way, by changing the delivery plan to take the vehicle on a detour, it is possible to suppress temperature changes in the temperature control equipment, which in turn suppresses deterioration in the quality of the parcels that accompanies temperature changes, thereby more reliably maintaining the quality of the parcels.

[0017] (3) In the information processing device of (1) or (2), the control unit may calculate the predicted temperature inside the storage facility based on at least one of the external temperature of the vehicle, the current temperature inside the temperature control equipment, the temperature inside the temperature control equipment when the package is delivered to a specified delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations, and the time required from the specified delivery destination to the next delivery destination after the specified delivery destination in the delivery plan.

[0018] By configuring in this way, the control unit can calculate the predicted inside temperature.

[0019] (4) In the information processing device of (3), the control unit may calculate the predicted temperature inside the storage unit based on the sum of the temperature inside the temperature control equipment when the package is delivered to the specified delivery destination, the temperature change inside the temperature control equipment while the vehicle is traveling from the specified delivery destination to the next delivery destination after the specified delivery destination, and the temperature change when the door of the temperature control equipment is opened and closed at the next delivery destination.

[0020] By configuring in this way, the control unit can calculate the predicted inside temperature.

[0021] (5) In any of the information processing devices of (1) to (4), when there are multiple candidates for the third delivery destination, the control unit may select the third delivery destination from among the multiple candidates other than the candidate in which the temperature range of the cargo to be delivered is closest to the external temperature of the vehicle.

[0022] By configuring in this way, delivery of packages that are less likely to deteriorate in quality can be postponed and packages that are more likely to deteriorate in quality can be delivered first, so the quality of the packages can be maintained more reliably.

[0023] (6) In any of the information processing devices of (1) to (4), when there are multiple candidates for the third delivery destination, the control unit may select as the third delivery destination the candidate from among the multiple candidates that has the earliest scheduled completion time of the delivery plan after the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination is changed from the second delivery destination to the candidate.

[0024] This configuration allows for faster delivery of packages while maintaining the quality of the packages more reliably.

[0025] (7) The information processing system of the present disclosure is an information processing system comprising any one of the information processing devices (1) to (6) and an on-board device mounted on the vehicle that transmits temperature information indicating the temperature inside the temperature control equipment to the information processing device.

[0026] (8) The information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method for determining a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering multiple packages loaded in a temperature control facility to multiple delivery destinations by vehicle, wherein an allowable temperature range, which is a temperature range allowable for keeping the multiple packages cold or warm, is predetermined for the multiple delivery destinations, and the information processing method includes the steps of: calculating a predicted internal temperature, which is the predicted temperature inside the temperature control facility when the package is delivered to a destination among the multiple delivery destinations to which the package will be delivered from now on; and, when the predicted internal temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination after a first delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, changing the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations whose predicted internal temperature satisfies the boundary condition.

[0027] According to the information processing method of the present disclosure, by changing the delivery order of the delivery plan from the second delivery destination that does not satisfy the boundary condition to the third delivery destination that satisfies the boundary condition, it is possible to deliver the package while maintaining its quality, thereby more reliably maintaining the quality of the package.

[0028] (9) A computer program disclosed herein is a computer program for determining a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering multiple packages loaded in a temperature-controlled facility to multiple delivery destinations by vehicle, wherein the multiple packages have a predetermined allowable temperature range, which is a temperature range acceptable for keeping the packages cold or warm, and the computer program causes a computer to execute the steps of: calculating a predicted storage temperature, which is the predicted temperature inside the temperature-controlled facility when the package is delivered to a destination among the multiple delivery destinations to which the package will be delivered from the current destination onwards; and, when the predicted storage temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination after a first delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, changing the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the multiple delivery destinations whose predicted storage temperature satisfies the boundary condition.

[0029] According to the computer program of the present disclosure, by changing the delivery order of the delivery plan from the second delivery destination that does not satisfy the boundary condition to the third delivery destination that does satisfy the boundary condition, delivery can be performed while maintaining the quality of the package, thereby more reliably maintaining the quality of the package.

[0030] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0031] [1. Information Processing Systems] [1.1 Overall configuration of information processing system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 is a system that changes the delivery plan D1 for delivering the package Ax when it is predicted that the temperature of the temperature control equipment 30 installed in the vehicle V1 will fall outside the temperature range (hereinafter referred to as the "allowable temperature range R1") that is allowable for keeping the package Ax cool or warm due to circumstances such as a short interval (delivery interval) between deliveries of the package Ax to multiple delivery destinations Hx.

[0032] For example, the information processing system 1 changes the delivery order to make the vehicle V1 take a longer route and lengthens the delivery interval of the package Ax, thereby keeping the temperature of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 within the allowable temperature range R1. This makes it possible to more reliably maintain the quality of the package Ax that requires temperature adjustment.

[0033] In the following description, the multiple delivery destinations Hx will be referred to as delivery destinations H1, H2, H3, and H4, respectively, when needed to be distinguished. Although four delivery destinations Hx are shown in FIG. 1, the number of delivery destinations Hx is not limited. Furthermore, the multiple packages Ax to be delivered to the multiple delivery destinations Hx will be referred to as packages A1, A2, A3, and A4, respectively, when needed to be distinguished.

[0034] The information processing system 1 is a system that is introduced, for example, by a delivery company. The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and an in-vehicle device 20. The information processing device 10 and the in-vehicle device 20 communicate with each other via a wide-area network N1 such as the Internet.

[0035] The information processing device 10 is installed, for example, in a management center C1 (delivery base or the like) of a delivery company. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a server. The internal configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described later.

[0036] The vehicle-mounted device 20 is mounted on a vehicle V1 that delivers multiple packages Ax. The vehicle V1 is, for example, a truck (lorry) managed by a delivery company. In addition to the vehicle-mounted device 20, the vehicle V1 also has a temperature control device 30 mounted thereon.

[0037] The temperature adjustment equipment 30 is equipment for loading a plurality of luggage Ax while maintaining the plurality of luggage Ax in an allowable temperature range R1. Specifically, the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is a container having a temperature adjustment function.

[0038] For example, if the cargo Ax to be delivered needs to be kept cold (such as frozen or refrigerated foods), the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is a refrigeration equipment (such as a freezer or refrigerator). In this case, the temperature adjustment equipment 30 adjusts its internal temperature T1 (temperature inside the storage unit) to a temperature lower than the external temperature T2 (air temperature) of the vehicle V1. Also, if the cargo Ax to be delivered needs to be kept warm (such as vegetables delivered in a cold region), the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is a heat-retention equipment (such as a heat-retention storage unit). In this case, the temperature adjustment equipment 30 adjusts the internal temperature T1 to a temperature higher than the external temperature T2.

[0039] The information processing system 1 may include a plurality of in-vehicle devices 20. The plurality of in-vehicle devices 20 are mounted on a plurality of vehicles V1, one for each vehicle. In this case, the information processing device 10 communicates with each of the plurality of in-vehicle devices 20 via the network N1. In other words, the information processing device 10 may comprehensively manage the plurality of in-vehicle devices 20.

[0040] [1.2 Configuration of information processing device] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. The information processing device 10 executes a process of calculating the predicted storage temperature PT1 described below, a process of changing the delivery plan D1 based on the calculated predicted storage temperature PT1, and a process of notifying the target vehicle-mounted device 20 of the changed delivery plan D1.

[0041] The information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a reading unit 14. These units 11 to 14 are electrically connected to each other via bus wiring.

[0042] The control unit 11 includes a circuit configuration such as a processor. Specifically, the control unit 11 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The processor included in the control unit 11 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU). The control unit 11 reads out computer programs stored in the storage unit 12 and executes various calculations and controls.

[0043] The storage unit 12 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory includes, for example, a flash memory, an HDD, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 12 stores, for example, a computer program, a delivery plan D1, management information D2, vehicle information D3, and various other parameters in the non-volatile memory.

[0044] The communication unit 13 communicates with the vehicle-mounted device 20 and other devices (such as a server) via the network N1. The communication unit 13 is, for example, a communication interface having an antenna.

[0045] The reading unit 14 reads information from a computer-readable recording medium 15. The recording medium 15 is, for example, an optical disc such as a CD or a DVD, or a USB flash memory. The reading unit 14 is, for example, an optical drive or a USB terminal. A computer program and various parameters are recorded on the recording medium 15, and by having the reading unit 14 read the recording medium 15, the computer program and various parameters are stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 12.

[0046] [1.3 Delivery Plan] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery plan D1 according to the embodiment. The delivery plan D1 is a plan including a delivery sequence for delivering a plurality of packages Ax loaded in a temperature adjustment facility 30 (hereinafter referred to as temperature control facility 30) to a plurality of delivery destinations Hx by vehicle V1. The delivery plan D1 is notified to the vehicle-mounted device 20 by the control unit 11. Then, a display (route guidance, etc.) based on the delivery plan D1 is displayed on a display unit 27 (described below) connected to the vehicle-mounted device 20, and the driver of the vehicle V1 drives the vehicle V1 based on the delivery plan D1 to deliver the plurality of packages Ax.

[0047] The delivery order in the initial delivery plan D1 is set so that delivery can be made to all delivery destinations Hx in as short a time as possible, for example, by using a known algorithm (such as a local search method) for dealing with the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). Optimization of the delivery order in the initial delivery plan D1 may be performed by the control unit 11 of the information processing device 10, or may be performed in another information processing device. When performed in another information processing device, the optimized delivery plan D1 is provided to the information processing device 10 via the network N1.

[0048] Figure 3 shows an example of an initial delivery plan D1 created to shorten the time required to complete delivery. In delivery plan D1 in Figure 3, vehicle V1 first delivers package A1 to destination H1 at 10:00 AM, then delivers package A2 to destination H2 at 10:10 AM. Then, vehicle V1 delivers package A3 to destination H3 at 10:20 AM, and package A4 to destination H4 at 10:30 AM. Finally, vehicle V1 is scheduled to return to management center C1 at 10:40 AM. In this case, the scheduled completion time of delivery plan D1 is 10:40 AM, the time when vehicle V1 returns to management center C1.

[0049] In other words, the delivery sequence in the initial delivery plan D1 is a delivery sequence that is optimized for the selected algorithm so that the estimated completion time is as early as possible. When optimized in this way, the delivery interval from one delivery destination H1 to the next delivery destination H2 (10 minutes from 10:00 AM to 10:10 AM in Figure 3) becomes shorter.

[0050] In recent years, with the development of e-commerce and other technologies, the number of destinations to which the vehicle V1 delivers is increasing. As a result, the distance from one destination H1 to the next destination H2 is becoming shorter, and the delivery intervals tend to become shorter and shorter. When the delivery intervals are short, the interval between when the delivery worker (passenger of the vehicle V1) opens and closes the door of the temperature control equipment 30 at the destination H1 and when the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is opened and closed at the next destination H2 is also shorter. This causes outside air to enter the temperature control equipment 30 more frequently, making the internal temperature T1 more likely to change. Therefore, the shorter the delivery interval, the greater the risk of a deterioration in the quality of the package Ax. For example, if the package Ax is a frozen food, there is a risk that the package Ax will thaw before it reaches the destination Hx.

[0051] However, the conventional delivery plan D1 was optimized with a focus on improving delivery efficiency (how quickly to deliver), and was not optimized from the perspective of maintaining the quality of the package Ax. As a result, the conventional delivery plan D1 was at risk of deteriorating the quality of the package Ax.

[0052] Therefore, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a risk of quality deterioration of the packages Ax in the current delivery plan D1 based on the management information D2 and vehicle information D3 described below. If there is a risk of quality deterioration, the control unit 11 changes the delivery order in the delivery plan D1 to at least temporarily lengthen the delivery interval.

[0053] [1.4 Management information] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of management information D2 according to the embodiment. The management information D2 includes cargo information, delivery destination information, predicted temperature information, traffic congestion information, a first table TB1, and a second table TB2. For example, one set of management information D2 is prepared for each delivery plan D1.

[0054] The cargo information includes identification numbers q of the multiple packages Ax to be delivered according to the delivery plan D1 and temperature information r indicating the allowable temperature range R1. The cargo information is information indicating the identification number q and temperature information r for each of the multiple packages Ax, such as A1(q,r), A2(q,r), A3(q,r), and A4(q,r).

[0055] The identification number q is a number for identifying the package Ax. The identification number q is, for example, the slip number of the package Ax, and is assigned individually to each package Ax.

[0056] The temperature information r is, for example, information that indicates the allowable temperature range R1 numerically. If the allowable temperature range R1 is "-10°C or higher and lower than -2°C," the temperature information r is expressed as, for example, "-10, -2." In the case of luggage Ax that requires refrigeration, the allowable temperature range R1 and the temperature information r may be indicated by only the upper limit of the allowable temperature, such as "lower than -2°C." Similarly, in the case of luggage Ax that requires warming, the allowable temperature range R1 and the temperature information r may be indicated by only the lower limit of the allowable temperature, such as "-2°C or higher."

[0057] Furthermore, the temperature information r may be indicated by an equipment class corresponding to the allowable temperature range R1. The equipment class is a classification of the temperature range for cold or hot insulation. When indicating the temperature range for cold insulation, the equipment class is indicated by, for example, the following classification:

[0058] <Equipment grade> C3: -2°C or higher and less than +10°C C2: -10℃ or higher, less than -2℃ C1 class: -20℃ or higher, less than -10℃ F1 class: -30℃ or higher, under -20℃ F2 class: -40℃ or higher, less than -30℃ F3 level: -50℃ or higher, less than -40℃ F4 level: below -50°C

[0059] For example, if the allowable temperature range R1 is "-10°C or higher and lower than -2°C," the temperature information r may be expressed as "C2" based on the above-mentioned equipment class. Note that the temperature information r may also be information indicating the allowable temperature range R1 based on a classification other than the equipment class.

[0060] The delivery destination information is information indicating the location of the delivery destination Hx. For example, the delivery destination information is indicated by coordinates (x, y) using latitude and longitude for each delivery destination Hx, such as H1(x, y), H2(x, y), H3(x, y), and H4(x, y).

[0061] The cargo information and delivery destination information may be provided to the information processing device 10 via the network N1 from a server (not shown) different from the information processing device 10. For example, the cargo information and delivery destination information may be provided via the network N1 from another server managed by a delivery company. The cargo information and delivery destination information may be input to the information processing device 10 by an input unit (not shown) connected to the information processing device 10.

[0062] The predicted temperature information is information indicating the predicted temperature in the area including the delivery destination Hx. The predicted temperature information is provided to the information processing device 10 via the network N1 from a database of an organization that publishes weather information, such as the Japan Meteorological Agency.

[0063] The congestion information is information indicating the state of traffic congestion in an area including the delivery destination Hx. The congestion information may be information indicating the current state of traffic congestion, or information indicating the state of traffic congestion predicted for the future. The congestion information may also include information regarding traffic events such as traffic accidents and road closures. The congestion information is provided to the information processing device 10 via the network N1 from a database of an organization that publishes traffic information, such as a traffic management center.

[0064] The first table TB1 and the second table TB2 are parameters for calculating a predicted inside refrigerator temperature PT1, which will be described later. The first table TB1 and the second table TB2 are obtained, for example, by testing, and provided to the information processing device 10 via the network N1 from a server (not shown) different from the information processing device 10. The first table TB1 and the second table TB2 may be provided to the information processing device 10 by being read from the recording medium 15 by the reading unit 14.

[0065] [1.4.1 First Table] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first table TB1 according to the embodiment. The first table TB1 is a table showing the relationship between the current air temperature (external temperature T2) and the rate of temperature change per hour of the internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 when the door is closed. The table in Fig. 5 shows that, for example, when the air temperature is between 32°C and 35°C and the internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is higher than the set temperature, the internal temperature T1 drops by 0.5°C per minute. Also, when the air temperature is between 30°C and 31°C and the internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is higher than the set temperature, the internal temperature T1 drops by 1.0°C per minute.

[0066] For example, if the air temperature is 35°C, the current internal temperature T1 of the temperature control equipment 30 is 10°C, and the set temperature of the temperature control equipment 30 is -10°C, based on the first table TB1 of Figure 5, it is predicted that the internal temperature T1 after 8 minutes will be 6°C (∵10-0.5×8).

[0067] [1.4.2 Second Table] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second table TB2 according to the embodiment. The second table TB2 is a table showing the relationship between the current internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30, the air temperature, and the amount of temperature change when the door of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is opened and closed once. The first row of the table in Fig. 6 shows that when the internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is -18°C and the air temperature is 35°C, the internal temperature T1 will rise by 10°C. The second row of the table in Fig. 6 shows that when the internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is -18°C and the air temperature is 30°C, the internal temperature T1 will rise by 8°C.

[0068] For example, if the current internal temperature T1 of the temperature control equipment 30 is -18°C and the air temperature is 35°C, based on the second table TB2 of Figure 6, it is predicted that when the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is opened and closed once, the internal temperature T1 will rise by 10°C from -18°C to -8°C.

[0069] [1.5 Configuration of on-board unit] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 20 and its peripherals according to the embodiment. The vehicle V1 is equipped with the vehicle-mounted device 20, a temperature control device 30, a display unit 27 such as a display, and an input unit 28 such as buttons.

[0070] The vehicle-mounted device 20 transmits vehicle information D3 acquired by the sensor set 21 and the like to the information processing device 10. The vehicle-mounted device 20 includes the sensor set 21, an in-vehicle control unit 22, an in-vehicle storage unit 23, an in-vehicle communication unit 24, and a reading unit 25.

[0071] A display unit 27 and an input unit 28 are connected to the vehicle-mounted device 20. The display unit 27 and the input unit 28 may be provided in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, by connecting the mobile terminal to the vehicle-mounted device 20, the display unit 27 and the input unit 28 are connected to the vehicle-mounted device 20.

[0072] The sensor set 21 includes a GPS sensor 211 that receives signals from a GPS (Global Positioning Satellite), an internal temperature sensor 212 that detects the internal temperature T1 of the temperature control equipment 30, an external temperature sensor 213 that detects the external temperature T2 of the vehicle V1, and an opening / closing sensor 214 that detects the opening and closing of the doors of the temperature control equipment 30.

[0073] The opening / closing sensor 214 is, for example, an illuminance sensor installed inside the temperature adjustment equipment 30, and detects whether the door is open or closed based on the fact that the inside of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 becomes brighter due to external light when the door is opened, and the inside of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 becomes darker when the door is closed. The opening / closing sensor 214 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sensor that detects whether the door of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is open or closed. The opening / closing sensor 214 may also be a displacement sensor installed on the door of the temperature adjustment equipment 30. In this case, whether the door is open or closed is detected based on the displacement of the door.

[0074] The on-board control unit 22 includes a circuit configuration such as a processor, similar to the control unit 11. The on-board control unit 22 reads out computer programs stored in the on-board storage unit 23 and executes various calculations and controls.

[0075] The on-board storage unit 23 includes a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory. The on-board storage unit 23 stores, for example, computer programs and various parameters in the nonvolatile memory. The on-board storage unit 23 also stores information acquired from the sensor set 21 as vehicle information D3.

[0076] The in-vehicle communication unit 24 communicates with the information processing device 10 via the network N1. The in-vehicle communication unit 24 is, for example, a communication interface having an antenna.

[0077] The reading unit 25 reads information from a computer-readable recording medium 26. The recording medium 26 is, for example, an optical disc such as a CD or a DVD, or a USB flash memory. The reading unit 25 is, for example, an optical drive or a USB terminal. A computer program and various parameters are recorded on the recording medium 26, and by having the reading unit 25 read the recording medium 26, the computer program and various parameters are stored in the non-volatile memory of the on-board storage unit 23.

[0078] [1.6 Vehicle Information] 8 is a diagram showing an example of vehicle information D3 acquired by the vehicle-mounted device 20. The vehicle information D3 includes location information, internal temperature information, external temperature information, and opening / closing information.

[0079] The position information is information indicating the current position of the vehicle V1. The position information is acquired based on a GPS signal received by the GPS sensor 211. The position information indicates the position of the vehicle as coordinates SP1(x, y) using latitude and longitude, for example.

[0080] The internal temperature information is information indicating the internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30. The internal temperature information is acquired based on the temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor 212. For example, if multiple internal temperature sensors 212 are installed in the temperature adjustment equipment 30, the average value of the temperatures detected by the multiple internal temperature sensors 212 may be acquired as the internal temperature T1 of the temperature adjustment equipment 30.

[0081] The external temperature information is information indicating the external temperature T2 (i.e., the air temperature) of the vehicle V1. The external temperature information is acquired based on the temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 213.

[0082] The opening / closing information is information indicating the opening / closing state (open state or closed state) of the door of the temperature adjustment equipment 30. The opening / closing information is acquired based on the detection value of the opening / closing sensor 214.

[0083] The vehicle-mounted device 20 periodically transmits the vehicle information D3 to the information processing device 10, for example, at one-minute intervals, via the vehicle-mounted communication unit 24. Note that the vehicle-mounted device 20 may also transmit the vehicle information D3 to the information processing device 10 irregularly in response to a request from the information processing device 10.

[0084] [1.7 Information Processing Methods] 9 is a flowchart showing an information processing method executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. The information processing method described below is realized by the control unit 11 reading out a computer program from the storage unit 12 and executing various processes.

[0085] First, the control unit 11 acquires various information (step S1). For example, the control unit 11 acquires an initial delivery plan D1 and management information D2 from another device via the network N1. The delivery plan D1 may be calculated by the control unit 11 itself based on the management information D2, etc. In this case, the control unit 11 predicts delivery times and the like included in the delivery plan based on, for example, delivery destination information and congestion information.

[0086] The control unit 11 also acquires vehicle information D3 from the vehicle-mounted device 20 via the network N1. The control unit 11 stores the acquired delivery plan D1, management information D2, and vehicle information D3 in the storage unit 12. This completes step S1.

[0087] Next, the control unit 11 calculates a predicted inside temperature PT1 based on the delivery plan D1, the management information D2, and the vehicle information D3 (step S2). Here, the predicted inside temperature PT1 is a predicted value of the inside temperature T1 of the temperature control equipment 30 when the package Ax is delivered to a destination Hx among multiple delivery destinations Hx to which the package Ax will be delivered from now on.

[0088] Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside storage temperature PT1 based on at least one of the following pieces of information 1) to 4).

[0089] 1) External temperature T2 of vehicle V1 2) Current internal temperature T1 of the temperature control equipment 30 3) The internal temperature T1 of the temperature control equipment 30 when the package Ax is delivered to a predetermined delivery destination (for example, delivery destination H1) among the multiple delivery destinations Hx. 4) The time TM1 required from a predetermined delivery destination (e.g., delivery destination H1) to the next delivery destination (e.g., delivery destination H2) in the delivery plan D1

[0090] For example, consider the case where vehicle V1 has just departed from management center C1 and the predicted internal temperature PT1 at destination H2, to which package Ax will be delivered from now on, is calculated. Assume that the external temperature T2 is 35°C, the set temperature of temperature control equipment 30 is -18°C, and the current internal temperature T1 of temperature control equipment 30 is the same -18°C. In this case, vehicle V1 heads from management center C1 to destination H1 based on the initial delivery plan D1 shown in Figure 3.

[0091] It is expected that the internal temperature T1 of the temperature control equipment 30 will be maintained at -18°C until the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is opened at the delivery destination H1. First, when the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is opened at the delivery destination H1, outside air at 35°C will enter the temperature control equipment 30, and the internal temperature T1 is predicted to rise.

[0092] Therefore, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H1 based on the second table TB2 (FIG. 6) included in the management information D2. Because the inside temperature T1 is -18°C and the outside temperature T2 is 35°C, the inside temperature T1 is predicted to rise by 10°C, and the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H1 to be "-8°C." Note that instead of the outside temperature T2, the predicted temperature at the time of arrival at the delivery destination H1 may be used based on predicted temperature information.

[0093] Next, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H2. The control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H2 based on, for example, the sum of the temperature inside the temperature control equipment 30 when the package A1 is delivered to the delivery destination H1 (predetermined delivery destination) (the predicted inside temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H1), the temperature change α1 inside the temperature control equipment 30 while the vehicle V1 is traveling from the delivery destination H1 to the next delivery destination H2, and the temperature change α2 when the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is opened at the next delivery destination H2.

[0094] The control unit 11 calculates the temperature change amount α1 based on the delivery plan D1 and a first table TB1 included in the management information D2. For example, in the initial delivery plan D1, the required time TM1 from delivery destination H1 to the next delivery destination H2 is 10 minutes (FIG. 3). Because the outside temperature T2 is 35°C, the temperature change amount α1 during the required time TM1 (10 minutes) is calculated to be "-5°C" (∵-0.5×10) based on the first table TB1.

[0095] That is, when the vehicle V1 arrives at the delivery destination H2 and immediately before the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is opened, the internal temperature T1 is predicted to be -13°C, a decrease of 5°C from the predicted internal temperature PT1 (-8°C) at the delivery destination H1.

[0096] Next, the control unit 11 calculates the temperature change amount α2 based on the second table TB2 included in the management information D2. For example, as described above, the internal temperature T1 when the vehicle V1 arrives at the delivery destination H2 and immediately before the door of the temperature adjustment equipment 30 is opened is predicted to be -13°C. Then, because the external temperature T2 is 35°C, the temperature change amount α2 is calculated to be "8°C" based on the second table TB2.

[0097] That is, it is predicted that the internal temperature T1 will rise by 8°C due to the opening and closing of the door of the temperature control equipment 30 at the delivery destination H2. Because the internal temperature T1 immediately before the door of the temperature control equipment 30 at the delivery destination H2 is predicted to be -13°C, the control unit 11 adds 8°C to -13°C to calculate the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H2 as "-5°C."

[0098] In other words, the control unit 11 calculates the sum of the predicted storage temperature PT1 (-8°C) at the specified delivery destination H1, the temperature change α1 (-5°C), and the temperature change α2 (8°C) as the predicted storage temperature PT1 (-5°C) at the next delivery destination H2 after the specified delivery destination H1.

[0099] In step S2, the control unit 11 calculates only the predicted in-fridge temperature PT1 at the next destination Hx among the destinations Hx to which the package Ax will be delivered from now on. For example, if the vehicle V1 has just departed from the management center C1, the control unit 11 calculates only the predicted in-fridge temperature PT1 at the destination H1.

[0100] In step S2, the control unit 11 may calculate only the predicted storage temperature PT1 at the first to nth delivery destinations among the delivery destinations Hx to which the package Ax will be delivered from now on. For example, if the vehicle V1 has just departed from the management center C1, the control unit 11 may calculate the predicted storage temperature PT1 at each of the delivery destination H1 (the first delivery destination from the current location) and the delivery destination H2 (the second delivery destination from the current location).

[0101] In step S2, the control unit 11 may calculate the predicted storage temperature PT1 for each of all delivery destinations Hx to which the package Ax will be delivered from now on. For example, if the vehicle V1 has just departed from the management center C1, the control unit 11 may calculate the predicted storage temperature PT1 for each of the delivery destinations H1, H2, H3, and H4.

[0102] The control unit 11 stores the calculated predicted inside-compartment temperature PT1 in the memory unit 12. This completes step S2.

[0103] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 at the destination Hx to which the package Ax will be delivered from now on satisfies a boundary condition (step S3). The boundary condition is a condition for maintaining the quality of the package Ax and is a condition based on the allowable temperature range R1. Specifically, the boundary condition is that "the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 is included within the allowable temperature range R1 for all packages Ax to be delivered from now on."

[0104] For example, consider a case where the allowable temperature range R1 for baggage A1 is -18°C or below, the allowable temperature range R1 for baggage A2 is -5°C or below, the allowable temperature range R1 for baggage A3 is -8°C or below, and the allowable temperature range R1 for baggage A4 is 0°C or below. In this case, immediately after vehicle V1 departs from management center C1, the allowable temperature range R1 for all baggage Ax will be "-18°C or below" because it is governed by the allowable temperature range R1 for baggage A1.

[0105] On the other hand, after vehicle V1 delivers package A1 to destination H1, the allowable temperature range R1 for maintaining the quality of all remaining packages A2, A3, and A4 is governed by the allowable temperature range R1 for package A3, and becomes "-8°C or below." In this way, when the allowable temperature range R1 is set by the upper temperature limit, the allowable temperature range R1 for multiple packages Ax is governed by the lowest upper limit.

[0106] For example, consider a case where the control unit 11 executes step S3 immediately after the vehicle V1 departs from the management center C1. In this case, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the calculated one or more predicted storage temperatures PT1 satisfy the boundary conditions, starting from the delivery destination Hx that is earliest in the delivery order in the delivery plan D1.

[0107] First, the control unit 11 determines whether the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H1 is within the allowable temperature range R1 (the allowable temperature range R1 for packages A2, A3, and A4) after delivery of package A1 to the delivery destination H1. In the above example, the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H1 is -8°C, and the allowable temperature range R1 for packages A2, A3, and A4 is -8°C or lower, so the boundary condition is met.

[0108] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H2 is within the allowable temperature range R1 (the allowable temperature range R1 for packages A3 and A4) after delivery of package A2 to the delivery destination H2. In the above example, the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 at the delivery destination H2 is -5°C, and the allowable temperature range R1 for packages A3 and A4 is -8°C or lower, so the boundary condition is not satisfied.

[0109] In this case, after delivery of package A2 to destination H2, the quality of package A3 may be reduced if the temperature of package A3 becomes higher than -8°C. In this way, if the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 at destination Hx does not satisfy the boundary condition (NO in step S3), the control unit 11 proceeds to the processing of step S4 described below.

[0110] If the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 satisfies the boundary condition at any delivery destination Hx (YES in step S3), the control unit 11 ends the series of information processing methods shown in Fig. 9. In this case, the control unit 11 does not change the delivery plan D1.

[0111] Furthermore, even if the temperature of the package Ax temporarily falls outside the allowable temperature range R1, the quality of the package Ax does not immediately deteriorate. For example, even if the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is opened and outside air enters the temperature control equipment 30, causing the internal temperature T1 to temporarily rise outside the allowable temperature range R1, if the door of the temperature control equipment 30 is subsequently closed, the inside of the temperature control equipment 30 is cooled, and the internal temperature T1 quickly returns to within the allowable temperature range R1, the quality of the package Ax may not change significantly.

[0112] Therefore, the boundary condition may be that "the predicted in-storage temperature PT1 does not fall outside the allowable temperature range R1 for all packages Ax to be delivered from now on for a predetermined period of time." The predetermined period of time may be determined depending on the package Ax, or may be a fixed value. The predetermined period of time may be, for example, 10 minutes.

[0113] In this case, in step S3, if the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination Hx is outside the allowable temperature range R1, the control unit 11 further calculates the temperature (predicted temperature PT2) predicted after a predetermined time has elapsed from that time. For example, if the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination H2 is -5°C, the control unit 11 calculates the inside temperature T1 after a predetermined time (10 minutes) has elapsed from that time based on the first table TB1. In this case, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted temperature PT2 to be "-10°C" (∵-5-0.5×10).

[0114] If the predicted temperature PT2 after the predetermined time has elapsed is outside the allowable temperature range R1, the control unit 11 determines that the boundary condition is not satisfied and proceeds to the processing of step S4. On the other hand, if the predicted inside temperature PT1 after the predetermined time has elapsed is within the allowable temperature range R1, the control unit 11 determines that the boundary condition is satisfied and ends the series of information processing methods. In the above example, the predicted temperature PT2 (-10°C) is within the allowable temperature range R1 (-8°C or below), so the boundary condition is satisfied.

[0115] In step S4, the control unit 11 changes the delivery sequence in the delivery plan D1 and calculates the predicted inside-warehouse temperature PT1. Specifically, the control unit 11 changes delivery destination H2 (second delivery destination) in the delivery sequence of the delivery plan D1, which does not satisfy the boundary conditions, to another delivery destination. For example, the control unit 11 changes delivery destination H2 to delivery destination H3. In other words, the delivery sequence, which initially has delivery destinations H1, H2, H3, and H4, is changed to delivery destinations H1, H3, H2, and H4.

[0116] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery plan D1 after a change. As shown in Figure 10, by switching the delivery order of delivery destinations H2 and H3, the required time TM1 from delivery destination H1 (delivery time 10:00 AM) to delivery destination H3 (delivery time 10:20 AM) is 20 minutes. This required time TM1 is longer than the required time TM1 (10 minutes) from delivery destination H1 to delivery destination H2 shown in Figure 3. In other words, delivery destination H3 is a delivery destination that requires a longer required time from delivery destination H1 than delivery destination H2.

[0117] Then, based on the changed delivery plan D1, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination H3, which has been swapped with delivery destination H2 in the delivery order. The specific calculation method is the same as in step S2. That is, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination H3, the next delivery destination after delivery destination H1, based on the sum of the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination H1, the temperature change amount α1, and the temperature change amount α2.

[0118] Here, since the required time TM1 from delivery destination H1 to delivery destination H3 is 20 minutes, the temperature change amount α1 during the required time TM1 (20 minutes) is calculated to be "-10°C" based on the first table TB1. The sum of the predicted inside temperature PT1 (-8°C) at delivery destination H1 and the temperature change amount α1 (-10°C) is -18°C, so the temperature change amount α2 when the door is opened at delivery destination H3 is predicted to be "10°C" based on the second table TB2. Therefore, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination H3 to be "-8°C" (i.e., a temperature that is 10°C higher than -18°C).

[0119] The control unit 11 stores the calculated predicted inside-compartment temperature PT1 in the memory unit 12. This completes step S4.

[0120] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the predicted inside temperature PT1 calculated in step S4 satisfies the boundary condition (step S5). The specific method of determination is the same as in step S3. That is, the control unit 11 determines whether the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination H3 is within the range of the allowable temperature range R1 (the allowable temperature range R1 for packages A2 and A4) after delivery of package A3 to delivery destination H3. In the above example, the predicted inside temperature PT1 at delivery destination H3 is -8°C, and the allowable temperature range R1 for packages A2 and A4 is -5°C or lower, so the boundary condition is satisfied.

[0121] If the boundary condition is satisfied (YES in step S5), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S6, which will be described later. If the predicted storage temperature PT1 at delivery destination H3 does not satisfy the boundary condition (NO in step S5), the quality of package A2 or package A4 may be reduced. In this case, the control unit 11 executes step S4 again, further changes the delivery order in delivery plan D1, and recalculates the predicted storage temperature PT1. Thereafter, the control unit 11 executes step S5 again.

[0122] In this way, the control unit 11 changes the delivery destination H2 (second delivery destination) that does not satisfy the boundary condition to the delivery destination H3 (third delivery destination) where the predicted inside temperature PT1 satisfies the boundary condition through the processing of steps S4 and S5. That is, the control unit 11 changes the delivery destination next to the delivery destination H1 (first delivery destination) in the delivery plan D1 from the delivery destination H2 to the delivery destination H3.

[0123] The above change to delivery plan D1 is an example, and for example, the control unit 11 may change the delivery destination next to delivery destination H1 in delivery plan D1 from delivery destination H2 to delivery destination H4.

[0124] As described above, destination H3 (third destination), where the predicted internal temperature PT1 satisfies the boundary condition, is the destination among the multiple destinations Hx for which the required time TM1 from destination H1 is longer than that of destination H2 (second destination). That is, the control unit 11 changes the delivery plan D1 so that vehicle V1 takes a longer route from destination H1 to destination H3. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the scheduled time for vehicle V1 to return to management center C1 (estimated completion time) is later than in the initial delivery plan D1 (FIG. 3).

[0125] That is, the apparent delivery efficiency is reduced by the processing of steps S4 and S5. However, by deliberately managing vehicle V1 to take a longer route through these processing steps, it is possible to suppress temperature changes in temperature control equipment 30. This makes it possible to more reliably maintain the quality of package Ax, thereby reducing the risk of customer complaints and compensation. As a result, it is possible to improve the credibility of the delivery company.

[0126] Here, there may be multiple candidates for delivery destination Hx (third delivery destination) for which the predicted internal temperature PT1 satisfies the boundary condition. In this example, delivery destinations H3 and H4 are candidates for the third delivery destination. In this case, the control unit 11 selects as the third delivery destination the candidate from among the multiple candidates that has the earliest estimated completion time of the delivery plan D1 after the delivery destination after delivery destination H1 (first delivery destination) is changed from delivery destination H2 (second delivery destination) to that candidate. In this example, the estimated completion time is earlier if the third delivery destination is delivery destination H3 than if it is delivery destination H4. Therefore, the control unit 11 selects delivery destination H3 as the third delivery destination from among the multiple candidates (delivery destinations H3 and H4).

[0127] This allows the package Ax to be delivered more quickly while reliably maintaining the quality of the package Ax.

[0128] In step S6, the control unit 11 updates the delivery plan D1 based on the changed delivery plan D1. For example, the delivery plan D1 changed in the last executed step S4 is stored in the storage unit 12 as the delivery plan D1 to be actually applied.

[0129] Finally, the control unit 11 notifies the vehicle-mounted device 20 of the delivery plan D1 updated in step S6 (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 11 causes the communication unit 13 to transmit the updated delivery plan D1 to the vehicle-mounted device 20 via the network N1. This completes the series of information processing methods.

[0130] In the vehicle-mounted device 20, after the delivery plan D1 is received by the vehicle-mounted communication unit 24, the delivery plan D1 is stored in the vehicle-mounted storage unit 23. Then, the vehicle-mounted control unit 22 notifies the passenger of the vehicle V1 of the route for delivering the package Ax by displaying route guidance on the display unit 27 based on the delivery plan D1.

[0131] As a result, the delivery plan D1 can be changed automatically and in real time based on information such as the internal temperature T1, without requiring the passengers of the vehicle V1 to be particularly aware of the change.

[0132] When the on-board control unit 22 receives the updated delivery plan D1, the on-board control unit 22 may cause the display unit 27 to display a message asking the occupant of the vehicle V1 whether or not to update the delivery plan D1. In this case, the on-board control unit 22 may receive an input operation of "update required" or "update not required" from the occupant of the vehicle V1 via the input unit 28, and may finally update the delivery plan D1 only when the on-board control unit 22 receives the input operation of "update required."

[0133] [2. Modifications] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure can be modified in various ways in addition to the above-described embodiments. Modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following modifications, the same components as those in the embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0134] [2.1 Deliver temperature-sensitive packages first] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery plan after change. In the above embodiment, when there are multiple candidates for changing delivery plan D1 to maintain quality, the delivery plan is changed to delivery plan D1 with the earliest estimated completion time.

[0135] In contrast, the delivery plan D1 may be changed to place more emphasis on maintaining the quality of the package Ax. For example, when there are multiple candidates for the delivery destination Hx (third delivery destination) for which the predicted inside temperature PT1 satisfies the boundary condition, the control unit 11 may select the third delivery destination from among the multiple candidates other than the candidate for which the allowable temperature range R1 of the package Ax to be delivered is closest to the external temperature T2 of the vehicle V1.

[0136] Consider a case where destinations H3 and H4 are candidates for the third destination. As a premise, let us consider the case where the allowable temperature range R1 of package A2 delivered to destination H2 is "0°C or below," the allowable temperature range R1 of package A3 delivered to destination H3 is "-5°C or below," the allowable temperature range R1 of package A4 delivered to destination H4 is "-8°C or below," and the external temperature T2 is 30°C.

[0137] In this case, of the multiple candidates (destinations H3 and H4), the candidate whose allowable temperature range R1 of the package Ax to be delivered is closest to the external temperature T2 is "destination H3." Therefore, the control unit 11 selects a third delivery destination from among destinations other than destination H3. That is, of the multiple packages Ax, package A3 is the least likely to deteriorate in quality (it is unlikely to unravel, or even if it does unravel, the impact on quality is minimal), so delivery is postponed and package A4, which is more likely to deteriorate in quality, is delivered first.

[0138] Figure 11 shows an example of delivery plan D1 in the above case, which has been modified so that packages A2 and A3, which are difficult to unravel, are delivered later and package A4, which is easy to unravel, is delivered first. The estimated completion time (time of return to management center C1) in delivery plan D1 in Figure 11 is 11:00 a.m., which is even later than the estimated completion time in delivery plan D1 in Figure 10.

[0139] However, according to delivery plan D1 in Figure 11, package A4, which is more likely to deteriorate in quality, can be delivered first, which more reliably prevents an unexpected situation in which the quality of package A4, which is more likely to melt, deteriorates due to a sudden rise in temperature while multiple packages Ax are being delivered. This more reliably maintains the quality of package Ax.

[0140] [2.2 Variation of predicted internal temperature] In the above embodiment, the control unit 11 calculates the predicted inside temperature PT1 based on the first table TB1 and the second table TB2. However, the control unit 11 may calculate the predicted inside temperature PT1 using a known temperature simulation (such as a heat conduction simulation) instead of using the values ​​in the tables.

[0141] [2.3 Keeping luggage warm] In the above embodiment, the case where multiple packages Ax are kept cold is mainly described as an example. However, when multiple packages Ax are kept warm, the control unit 11 can execute a similar information processing method. In this case, it is basically assumed that the external temperature T2 (air temperature) is lower than the internal temperature T1. For example, in a cold region delivery, the temperature control equipment 30 sets the internal temperature T1 to 10°C in an environment where the external temperature T2 is -10°C or lower. Then, the multiple packages Ax are delivered in a state where they are protected from freezing, such as leafy vegetables whose quality deteriorates when frozen.

[0142] [2.4 Variations in Estimated Completion Time] In the above embodiment, the scheduled time of completion is the time when vehicle V1 is scheduled to return to management center C1. However, the control unit 11 may execute various processes using the time when vehicle V1 finishes delivering all packages Ax as the scheduled time of completion. For example, in the delivery plan D1 of FIG. 3, the delivery time (10:30 AM) when package A4 is delivered to destination H4 may be the scheduled time of completion.

[0143] 《Addendum》 It should be noted that at least some of the above-described embodiments and various modified examples may be combined with each other in any desired manner. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1. Information Processing Systems 10. Information processing equipment 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Reading unit 15 Recording media 20 Onboard equipment 21 Sensor Set 211 GPS sensor 212 Internal temperature sensor 213 External Temperature Sensor 214 Open / close sensor 22 On-board control unit 23 Onboard storage 24 In-vehicle communication unit 25 Reading unit 26 Recording Media 27 Display section 28 Input section 30 Temperature control equipment (temperature control equipment) V1 vehicle D1 Delivery Plan D2 Management information D3 Vehicle Information R1 Allowable temperature range Hx,H1,H2,H3,H4 Shipping address Ax, A1, A2, A3, A4 luggage N1 Network C1 Management Center T1 internal temperature T2 External temperature TB1 Table 1 TB2 Table 2 PT1 Predicted internal temperature α1 Temperature change amount α2 Temperature change amount TM1 Time Required

Claims

1. a control unit that determines a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering a plurality of packages loaded in the temperature control equipment to a plurality of delivery destinations by vehicle, The plurality of packages have predetermined allowable temperature ranges that are allowable for keeping the packages cool or warm; The temperature in the temperature control facility in which the plurality of packages are accommodated can be adjusted to be within the allowable temperature range, The control unit Calculating a predicted in-fridge temperature, which is a predicted temperature inside the temperature control equipment when the package is delivered to a destination among the plurality of delivery destinations to which the package will be delivered from now on, When the predicted inside temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination of a first delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy the boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, change the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations, where the required time from the first delivery destination without passing through the second delivery destination is longer than the required time from the first delivery destination to the second delivery destination and the predicted inside temperature satisfies the boundary condition. Information processing device.

2. The control unit calculates the predicted inside temperature based on at least one of the external temperature of the vehicle, the current temperature inside the temperature adjustment equipment, the temperature inside the temperature adjustment equipment when the package is delivered to a predetermined delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations, and the required time from the predetermined delivery destination to the next delivery destination of the predetermined delivery destination in the delivery plan. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit calculates the predicted in-fridge temperature based on the sum of the temperature inside the temperature adjustment equipment when the package is delivered to the specified delivery destination, the temperature change amount inside the temperature adjustment equipment while the package is traveling by the vehicle from the specified delivery destination to the next delivery destination after the specified delivery destination, and the temperature change amount when the door of the temperature adjustment equipment is opened and closed at the next delivery destination. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. When there are multiple candidates for the third delivery destination, the control unit selects the third delivery destination from among the multiple candidates other than a candidate in which the temperature zone of the package to be delivered is closest to the external temperature of the vehicle. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When there are a plurality of candidates for the third delivery destination, the control unit selects, from among the plurality of candidates, the candidate that has the earliest scheduled completion time of the delivery plan after the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination is changed from the second delivery destination to the candidate, as the third delivery destination. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle and configured to transmit temperature information indicating a temperature inside the temperature adjustment device to the information processing device; An information processing system comprising:

7. An information processing method for determining a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering a plurality of packages loaded in a temperature control facility to a plurality of delivery destinations by vehicle, the method comprising: The plurality of packages have predetermined allowable temperature ranges that are allowable for keeping the packages cool or warm; The temperature in the temperature control facility in which the plurality of packages are accommodated can be adjusted to be within the allowable temperature range, The information processing method includes: Calculating a predicted in-fridge temperature, which is a predicted temperature inside the temperature adjustment equipment when the package is delivered to a destination among the plurality of delivery destinations to which the package will be delivered from now on; When the predicted inside temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination of a first delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, changing the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations, where the required time from the first delivery destination without passing through the second delivery destination is longer than the required time from the first delivery destination to the second delivery destination and the predicted inside temperature satisfies the boundary condition; An information processing method comprising:

8. A computer program for determining a delivery plan including a delivery order for delivering a plurality of packages loaded in a temperature control facility to a plurality of delivery destinations by vehicle, the computer program comprising: The plurality of packages have predetermined allowable temperature ranges that are allowable for keeping the packages cool or warm; The temperature in the temperature control facility in which the plurality of packages are accommodated can be adjusted to be within the allowable temperature range, The computer program includes: Calculating a predicted in-fridge temperature, which is a predicted temperature inside the temperature adjustment equipment when the package is delivered to a destination among the plurality of delivery destinations to which the package will be delivered from now on; When the predicted inside temperature at a second delivery destination that is the next delivery destination of a first delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations included in the delivery plan does not satisfy a boundary condition based on the allowable temperature range, changing the next delivery destination of the first delivery destination in the delivery plan to a third delivery destination among the plurality of delivery destinations, where the required time from the first delivery destination without passing through the second delivery destination is longer than the required time from the first delivery destination to the second delivery destination and the predicted inside temperature satisfies the boundary condition; A computer program that executes

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