Information processing methods, information processing systems, and programs

Abstract

To create a delivery plan that suppresses the occurrence of an electric moving body that is not fully charged before the start of delivery.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes: creating a delivery plan of a delivery object by a plurality of electric moving bodies 200 for each of the plurality of electric moving bodies 200; calculating power consumption of each of the plurality of electric moving bodies 200 based on the delivery plan; calculating a charge amount from power consumption and remaining power amount, creating a charging plan based on the charge amount, determining whether or not the charging will be completed before the start of delivery based on the delivery plan and the charging plan; recreating the delivery plan for the electric moving bodies 200 for which the charging is determined not to be completed by the time delivery begins; outputting the created delivery plan; obtaining a deterioration degree, which is a current SOH of a battery for each of the plurality of electric moving bodies 200; calculating an available amount of power out of the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric moving bodies 200 based on the deterioration degree; and performing the above re-creation based on the amount of available power.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method for creating a charging plan for an electric vehicle has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, only a charging plan is output, so there is a possibility that the delivery plan of the delivery goods by an electric moving body such as an electric vehicle may not be consistent with the output charging plan.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing method, an information processing system, and a program capable of creating a delivery plan consistent with a charging plan.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method to be executed by a computer, comprising: creating a delivery plan for a plurality of electric mobile units for each of the plurality of electric mobile units; calculating the power consumption for each of the plurality of electric mobile units based on the delivery plan; calculating the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric mobile units from the power consumption and remaining power; creating a charging plan for each of the plurality of electric mobile units from the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric mobile units; determining from the delivery plan and the charging plan whether the charging of the plurality of electric mobile units will be completed before the start of delivery; recreating the delivery plan for the electric mobile units that are determined not to be fully charged before the start of delivery; outputting the created delivery plan; obtaining the degradation level, which is the current State of Health (SOH), of the battery for each of the plurality of electric mobile units; calculating the usable power amount from the charge amount based on the degradation level for each of the plurality of electric mobile units; and performing the recreation for each of the plurality of electric mobile units based on the usable power amount.

[0007] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a delivery plan creation unit that creates a delivery plan for a plurality of electric mobile units for each of the plurality of electric mobile units; a power consumption calculation unit that calculates the power consumption for each of the plurality of electric mobile units based on the delivery plan; a charge amount calculation unit that calculates the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric mobile units from the power consumption and remaining power; a charge plan creation unit that creates a charge plan for the plurality of electric mobile units from the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric mobile units; and a determination unit that determines from the delivery plan and the charge plan whether the charging of the plurality of electric mobile units will be completed before the start of delivery, wherein the delivery plan creation unit recreates the delivery plan for electric mobile units that are determined not to be fully charged before the start of delivery, and further outputs the created delivery plan; and for each of the plurality of electric mobile units, the current State of Health (SOH) of the battery. The delivery plan creation unit includes a power calculation unit that acquires a degree of deterioration (Health) and calculates the usable amount of power from the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric mobile units based on the degree of deterioration, and the delivery plan creation unit recreates the plan for each of the plurality of electric mobile units based on the usable amount of power.

[0008] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an information processing method, information processing system, and program can be used to create a delivery plan that is consistent with a charging plan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the first delivery plan creation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a flowchart of the process for creating the second delivery plan in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (The circumstances that led to obtaining one aspect of this disclosure) When creating a delivery plan for goods using electric vehicles or other electrically powered mobile devices, applying the conventional charging method described above to the electric vehicles to be used in the delivery plan may prevent the delivery plan from being executed. For example, some electric vehicles may not be fully charged before the start of delivery. Also, for example, if the charging is completed too early before the start of delivery, storage degradation may increase depending on the amount of charge. Therefore, the inventor diligently studied and experimented with methods for creating a delivery plan that is consistent with the charging plan. As a result, the inventor came up with the following information processing method and information processing system.

[0012] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method to be executed by a computer, which involves creating a delivery plan for goods delivered by a plurality of electric mobile units based on constraints on the movement of each of the plurality of electric mobile units, calculating the power consumption for each of the plurality of electric mobile units based on the delivery plan, calculating the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric mobile units from the power consumption and remaining power, creating a charging plan for the plurality of electric mobile units from the charge amount for each of the plurality of electric mobile units, determining from the delivery plan and the charging plan whether the charging of the plurality of electric mobile units will be completed before the start of delivery, recreating the delivery plan by strengthening the constraints for the electric mobile units that are determined not to be fully charged before the start of delivery, and outputting the created delivery plan.

[0013] According to the above information processing method, if there are electric vehicles that will not be fully charged by the start of delivery in the initially created delivery plan, the constraints on those vehicles are tightened and the delivery plan is recreated. Therefore, according to the above information processing method, it is possible to create a delivery plan that is consistent with the charging plan.

[0014] Furthermore, the aforementioned constraint is an upper limit on the driving distance, and the delivery plan may be recreated by lowering the upper limit on the driving distance for electric vehicles that are determined not to be fully charged before the start of delivery. This allows the recreation of the delivery plan to be controlled using the upper limit on the driving distance. For example, if there are electric vehicles that will not be fully charged before the start of delivery in a delivery plan that has already been created, the delivery plan can be recreated so that the driving distance for those vehicles is shortened.

[0015] Alternatively, the degree of battery degradation may be obtained for each of the multiple electric mobile units, and the usable power amount may be calculated for each of the multiple electric mobile units based on the battery charge amount that falls within a predetermined degradation acceleration range determined from the degree of degradation, and the constraint may be calculated for each of the multiple electric mobile units based on the usable power amount. This makes it possible to create a delivery plan that can suppress battery degradation.

[0016] Furthermore, if there are electric vehicles that will not be fully charged by the start of delivery, the delivery plan may be revised by further relaxing the constraints on electric vehicles that will be fully charged by the start of delivery. This will allow for the creation of a delivery plan that is even more consistent with the charging plan.

[0017] Furthermore, for each of the multiple electric mobile units, it may be determined whether the remaining power falls below a predetermined threshold, and the constraints on the electric mobile units whose remaining power falls below the predetermined threshold may be strengthened to recreate the delivery plan. This makes it possible to create a delivery plan that suppresses the occurrence of electric mobile units running out of power.

[0018] Furthermore, the charging plan may include a charging plan that suppresses battery degradation. This makes it possible to suppress battery degradation.

[0019] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a delivery plan creation unit that creates a delivery plan for delivering goods by a plurality of electric moving bodies based on constraints related to movement for each of the plurality of electric moving bodies, a power consumption calculation unit that calculates power consumption for each of the plurality of electric moving bodies based on the delivery plan, a charge amount calculation unit that calculates a charge amount for each of the plurality of electric moving bodies from the power consumption and the remaining power amount, a charge plan creation unit that creates a charging plan for the plurality of electric moving bodies from the charge amounts of each of the plurality of electric moving bodies, a determination unit that determines whether charging of the plurality of electric moving bodies is completed by the start of delivery from the delivery plan and the charging plan, and an output unit that outputs the created delivery plan. The delivery plan creation unit re-creates the delivery plan by strengthening the constraints for the electric moving body for which it is determined that charging will not be completed by the start of delivery.

[0020] According to the above information processing system, in a delivery plan once created, if there is an electric moving body for which charging will not be completed by the start of delivery, the constraints for that moving body are strengthened and the delivery plan is re-created. Therefore, according to the above information processing system, a delivery plan that is consistent with the charging plan can be created.

[0021] Hereinafter, a specific example of an information processing method and an information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown here are all specific examples of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, components, arrangements and connection forms of the components, and the steps (processes) and the order of the steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely.

[0022] Note that the comprehensive or specific aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0023] (Embodiment 1) The following describes an information processing system according to an embodiment. This information processing system creates a delivery plan for goods delivered by multiple electric mobile units, which is consistent with the charging plan.

[0024] Here, as an example, we will describe the electric vehicle as a battery-powered autonomous vehicle, but the electric vehicle is not necessarily limited to a battery-powered autonomous vehicle as long as it can deliver goods. The electric vehicle may be, for example, an autonomous or remotely controlled drone, or a vehicle driven manually by an onboard driver.

[0025] [1. Configuration of the Information Processing System] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 is composed of a server 100, a mobile unit 200, a terminal 300, and a charger 400. In Figure 1, the information processing system 1 is depicted as if it is composed of one mobile unit 200, but in reality, the information processing system 1 is composed of multiple mobile units 200. Also, in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 is depicted as if it is composed of one terminal 300, but in reality, the information processing system 1 may be configured to include one terminal 300, multiple terminals 300, or even none at all. Furthermore, in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 is depicted as if it is composed of one charger 400, but in reality, the information processing system 1 may be configured to include one charger 400, or multiple chargers 400.

[0027] The mobile unit 200 is an electrically powered mobile unit. The mobile unit 200 is composed of a communication unit 210, an automatic driving control unit 220, a battery management unit 230, and a battery 240.

[0028] Battery 240 is a rechargeable battery that supplies power to an electric drive unit (e.g., a motor, not shown) that drives the mobile unit 200. Battery 240 is charged by a charger 400 that is detachable from battery 240.

[0029] The battery management unit 230 manages the status of the battery 240. More specifically, the battery management unit 230 manages the current State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH) of the battery 240.

[0030] The communication unit 210 communicates with other devices capable of communication. These other devices include the server 100. The communication unit 210 receives, for example, a delivery plan (described later) sent from the server 100. The communication unit 210 also sends the SOC and SOH, managed by the battery management unit 230, to the server 100 in response to a request from the server 100. The communication unit 210 may also be equipped with a wireless communication device and communicate with other devices wirelessly.

[0031] The automatic driving control unit 220 controls the automatic driving of the mobile body 200. For example, when a delivery plan is received by the communication unit 210, the automatic driving control unit 220 controls the automatic driving of the mobile body 200 in accordance with that delivery plan. The automatic driving control unit 220 may be implemented, for example, by dedicated hardware, or it may be implemented, for example, by comprising a processor and memory, with the processor executing a program stored in the memory.

[0032] As mentioned above, the mobile vehicle 200 may be a type of mobile vehicle that is manually operated by a driver. In this case, the mobile vehicle 200 may include, for example, a control unit for manually operating the mobile vehicle 200 and a display unit that displays the contents of the delivery plan transmitted from the server 100, instead of the automatic driving control unit 220. In this case, the driver operates the control unit according to the contents of the delivery plan displayed on the display unit to operate the mobile vehicle 200 and drive the mobile vehicle 200 along the delivery plan.

[0033] Terminal 300 is a terminal owned by a user of the information processing system 1. Terminal 300 consists of a communication unit 310 and a display unit 320.

[0034] The communication unit 310 communicates with other devices capable of communication. These other devices include the server 100. The communication unit 310 receives, for example, a delivery plan and a charging plan (described later) transmitted from the server 100. The communication unit 310 may also be equipped with a wireless communication device and communicate with other devices wirelessly.

[0035] The display unit 320 displays an image to the user of the terminal 300. For example, when a delivery plan or charging plan is received by the communication unit 310, the display unit 320 displays an image showing the contents of the delivery plan or charging plan. The display unit 320 may also include a display device such as a liquid crystal display and display an image on the display device.

[0036] The charger 400 charges the battery 240. The charger 400 includes a communication unit 410, a charge control unit 420, and a charge module 430.

[0037] The charging module 430 includes a charging circuit that is detachable from the battery 240 and charges the battery 240.

[0038] The communication unit 410 communicates with other devices capable of communication. These other devices include the server 100. The communication unit 410 receives, for example, a charging plan transmitted from the server 100. The communication unit 410 may also include, for example, a wireless communication device and communicate with other devices wirelessly.

[0039] The charging control unit 420 controls the charging of the battery 240 by the charging module 430. For example, when the charging control unit 420 receives a charging plan from the communication unit 410, it controls the charging of the battery 240 by the charging module 430 in accordance with that charging plan. The charging control unit 420 may be implemented, for example, by dedicated hardware, or it may be implemented, for example, by comprising a processor and memory, with the processor executing a program stored in the memory.

[0040] Server 100 is a server used by the operating company (for example, a delivery company) that operates the information processing system 1. Server 100 is composed of a communication unit 110, a constraint calculation unit 120, a delivery plan creation unit 130, a power consumption calculation unit 140, a first determination unit 150, a charge amount calculation unit 160, a charge plan creation unit 170, a second determination unit 180, and an output unit 190. Server 100 may be, for example, a computer equipped with a processor and memory, and the processor may realize various functions by executing a program stored in memory.

[0041] The communication unit 110 communicates with other devices capable of communication. These other devices include mobile units 200, terminals 300, and chargers 400. The communication unit 110, for example, sends a request to each mobile unit 200 indicating a request to transmit the SOC and SOH. The communication unit 110, for example, receives the SOC and SOH transmitted from each mobile unit 200 in response to the request sent by the communication unit 110. When the communication unit 110 receives a delivery plan from the output unit 190, for example, it transmits the delivery plan to each mobile unit 200 and each terminal 300. When the communication unit 110 receives a charging plan from the output unit 190, for example, it transmits the charging plan to each terminal 300 and each charger 400. The communication unit 110 receives a delivery list of items to be delivered from another server (not shown), which is an external device.

[0042] The constraint calculation unit 120 calculates constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile bodies 200. The constraint calculation unit 120 may, for example, calculate the amount of charge that suppresses the degradation of the battery 240 for each mobile body 200, and then calculate constraints from the calculated amount of charge. More specifically, the constraint calculation unit 120 may, for example, obtain the current State of Health (SOH), which is the degree of degradation of the battery 240, received by the communication unit 110 for each mobile body 200, calculate the usable amount of power based on the amount of battery charge that falls within a predetermined degradation acceleration range (for example, within 0.01%) specified from the obtained current SOH, and then calculate constraints based on the calculated usable amount of power. Here, the constraint calculation unit 120 may, for example, calculate an upper limit on the driving distance as a constraint from the usable amount of power and the average power consumption. Furthermore, the constraint calculation unit 120 may, for example, calculate the charge amount for each mobile unit 200 by adding a fixed value of charge amount to the current SOH received by the communication unit 110, and then calculate the upper limit of the travel distance as a constraint from the calculated charge amount and the average current. Also, the constraint calculation unit 120 may, for example, calculate the upper limit of the time from the start to the end of travel as a constraint for each mobile unit 200. Also, the constraint calculation unit 120 may, for example, calculate the upper limit of the amount of power consumed from the start to the end of travel as a constraint for each mobile unit 200. Furthermore, the constraint calculation unit 120 may, for example, calculate constraints by a combination of these.

[0043] The delivery plan creation unit 130 creates a delivery plan for the multiple mobile units 200 (including cargo allocation for each mobile unit 200, delivery routes for each mobile unit 200, and a list of unassigned cargo) based on the constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile units 200 calculated by the constraint calculation unit 120. The delivery plan creation unit 130 may also create a delivery plan based, for example, on a delivery list received by the communication unit 110 and a mobile unit list of the multiple mobile units 200 that is stored in advance. The delivery plan creation unit 130 may, for example, create a delivery plan so as to minimize the total distance traveled by the multiple mobile units 200. The delivery plan creation unit 130 may, for example, create a delivery plan so as to minimize the total degradation of the batteries 240 of the multiple mobile units 200. The delivery plan creation unit 130 may, for example, create a delivery plan so as to minimize the total power consumption of the multiple mobile units 200. The delivery plan creation unit 130 may, for example, create a delivery plan so as to minimize the total delivery time for multiple mobile units 200. The delivery plan creation unit 130 may, for example, create a delivery plan by a combination of these methods.

[0044] Furthermore, the delivery plan creation unit 130 may create a delivery plan that leaves a reserve amount of power to reduce the possibility of the mobile unit 200 running out of power during delivery. Also, the delivery plan creation unit 130 may create a delivery plan that takes into account the fact that the mobile unit 200 can travel further by utilizing regenerative power.

[0045] The power consumption calculation unit 140 calculates the power consumption for each of the multiple mobile units 200 based on the delivery plan created by the delivery plan creation unit 130.

[0046] The first determination unit 150 determines whether the remaining power of each of the multiple mobile units 200 falls below a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the first determination unit 150 calculates the remaining power from the calculated power consumption and the power before operation. The first determination unit 150 determines whether each of the multiple mobile units 200 will run out of power by comparing the calculated remaining power with a predetermined threshold. Here, the predetermined threshold may be, for example, the amount of power at which the mobile unit 200 will run out of power.

[0047] The first determination unit 150 instructs the constraint calculation unit 120 to strengthen the constraints for each of the multiple mobile bodies 200 whose remaining power is determined to be below a predetermined threshold, and to recalculate the constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile bodies. In this case, the first determination unit 150 may, for example, instruct the constraint calculation unit 120 to further weaken the constraints for each of the multiple mobile bodies 200 whose remaining power is determined to be above a predetermined threshold, and to recalculate the constraints for each of the multiple mobile bodies 200.

[0048] The first determination unit 150 may, for example, make the above determination by considering the amount of reserve power in order to reduce the possibility that the mobile unit 200 will run out of power during delivery. The first determination unit 150 may, for example, make the above determination by considering that the travel distance of the mobile unit 200 will be extended by utilizing regenerative power.

[0049] The charge amount calculation unit 160 calculates the charge amount for each of the multiple mobile units 200 from the power consumption and remaining power amount calculated by the power consumption calculation unit 140. The charge amount calculation unit 160 may, for example, calculate the charge amount for each of the multiple mobile units 200 in a way that suppresses degradation of the battery 240 due to overcharging or over-discharging. The charge amount calculation unit 160 may, for example, calculate the charge amount for each of the multiple mobile units 200 by adding the power consumption amount obtained from the delivery plan to the minimum usable charge amount (e.g., 20%). The charge amount calculation unit 160 may, for example, calculate the charge amount for each of the multiple mobile units 200 by adding half the power consumption amount obtained from the delivery plan to the center charge amount (e.g., 50%).

[0050] The charging plan creation unit 170 creates a charging plan for multiple mobile units 200 (including a target state of charge (SOC) for each battery 240 and the start and end times for each battery 240) from the charge amounts of each mobile unit 200 calculated by the charge amount calculation unit 160. Here, the charging plan created by the charging plan creation unit 170 may include, for example, a charging plan that suppresses the degradation of the batteries 240. More specifically, the charging plan creation unit 170 may create a charging plan that minimizes the degradation of each battery 240 of the multiple mobile units 200.

[0051] The second determination unit 180 determines, based on the delivery plan created by the delivery plan creation unit 130 and the charging plan created by the charging plan creation unit 170, whether or not the charging of the multiple mobile units 200 will be completed before the start of delivery.

[0052] The second determination unit 180 instructs the constraint calculation unit 120 to strengthen the constraints on the mobile units 200 that have been determined not to be fully charged by the start of delivery, and to recalculate the constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile units 200. In this case, the second determination unit 180 may, for example, calculate the insufficient charge amount for each of the mobile units 200 that have been determined not to be fully charged by the start of delivery, and instruct the constraint calculation unit 120 to strengthen the constraints on each of the mobile units 200 that have been determined not to be fully charged by the start of delivery, in accordance with the insufficient charge amount, and to recalculate the constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile units 200. Here, if the constraint is an upper limit on the distance traveled, the second determination unit 180 may instruct the constraint calculation unit 120 to lower the upper limit on the distance traveled for each of the mobile units 200 that have not been fully charged by the start of delivery. Furthermore, the second determination unit 180 may, for example, cause the constraint calculation unit 120 to weaken the constraints on the mobile body 200 that has been determined to be fully charged before the start of delivery, and then recalculate the constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile bodies 200.

[0053] If the second determination unit 180 determines that charging of the multiple mobile units 200 will be completed before the start of delivery, the output unit 190 outputs the delivery plan created by the delivery plan creation unit 130 and the charging plan created by the charging plan creation unit 170 to the communication unit 110.

[0054] [2. Operation of the Information Processing System] The information processing system 1 with the above configuration performs a first delivery plan creation process to create a delivery plan for goods delivered by multiple mobile units 200.

[0055] The following describes an example of the first delivery plan creation process performed by the information processing system 1, using diagrams.

[0056] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the first delivery plan creation process.

[0057] The first delivery plan creation process is started, for example, when a user of the information processing system 1 performs an operation on the server 100 to start the first delivery plan creation process.

[0058] When the first delivery plan creation process begins, the communication unit 110 sends a request to each mobile unit 200 indicating a request to transmit the current SOC and SOH of the battery 240. The communication unit 110 then receives the current SOC and SOH of the battery 240 from each mobile unit 200.

[0059] When the communication unit 110 receives the current State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH) of the battery 240 from each mobile unit 200, the constraint calculation unit 120 calculates constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile units 200 (step S100). More specifically, for each mobile unit 200, the constraint calculation unit 120 calculates the usable power amount based on the battery charge amount that falls within a predetermined degradation acceleration range determined from the current SOH of the battery 240 received by the communication unit 110, and calculates the maximum driving distance as a constraint from the calculated usable power amount and average power consumption.

[0060] Once the constraint calculation unit 120 calculates the constraints, the delivery plan creation unit 130 creates a delivery plan for the goods using the multiple mobile bodies 200 based on the calculated constraints on the movement of each of the multiple mobile bodies 200 (step S105). More specifically, the delivery plan creation unit 130 creates a delivery plan such that the total travel distance of the multiple mobile bodies 200 is minimized within the range where the constraints are satisfied.

[0061] Once the delivery plan is created by the delivery plan creation unit 130, the power consumption calculation unit 140 calculates the power consumption for each of the multiple mobile units 200 based on the created delivery plan (step S110).

[0062] Once the power consumption calculation unit 140 calculates the power consumption for each of the multiple mobile units 200, the first determination unit 150 determines whether the remaining power for each of the multiple mobile units 200 falls below a predetermined threshold (step S115). Here, the predetermined threshold is more specifically the amount of power at which the mobile unit 200 becomes depleted.

[0063] In step S115, if it is determined that there is a mobile body 200 whose remaining power is below a predetermined threshold (step S115: Yes), the constraint calculation unit 120 strengthens the constraint for each of the mobile bodies 200 whose remaining power is determined to be below the predetermined threshold, and recalculates the constraint for each of the multiple mobile bodies 200 (step S130).

[0064] Once the constraint calculation unit 120 recalculates the constraints, the delivery plan creation unit 130 recreates the delivery plan for the deliveries using the multiple moving bodies 200 based on the recalculated constraints (step S135). After the processing in step S135 is completed, the first delivery plan creation process proceeds back to the processing in step S110.

[0065] In step S115, if it is determined that there are no mobile units 200 whose remaining power is below a predetermined threshold (step S115: No), the charge amount calculation unit 160 calculates the charge amount for each of the multiple mobile units 200 from the power consumption and remaining power calculated by the power consumption calculation unit 140 (step S120).

[0066] Once the charge amount is calculated by the charge amount calculation unit 160, the charge plan creation unit 170 creates a charge plan for the multiple mobile units 200 from the calculated charge amounts for each of the multiple mobile units 200 (step S125). More specifically, the charge plan creation unit 170 creates a charge plan that minimizes the degradation of each of the batteries 240 of the multiple mobile units 200.

[0067] Once the charging plan is created by the charging plan creation unit 170, the second determination unit 180 determines, based on the delivery plan created by the delivery plan creation unit 130 and the charging plan created by the charging plan creation unit 170, whether or not the charging of the multiple mobile units 200 will be completed before the start of delivery (step S140).

[0068] In the process of step S140, if it is determined that the charging of multiple mobile units 200 will not be completed by the start of delivery, that is, if it is determined that there are mobile units 200 that will not be fully charged by the start of delivery (step S140: No), the second determination unit 180 calculates the insufficient charge amount for each of the mobile units 200 that have been determined not to be fully charged by the start of delivery (step S150).

[0069] When the second determination unit 180 determines that the charging will not be completed by the start of delivery for each of the mobile units 200, the constraint calculation unit 120 strengthens the constraints for each of the mobile units 200 that were determined not to be fully charged by the start of delivery, in accordance with the charging shortage, and recalculates the constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile units 200 (step S155).

[0070] Once the constraint calculation unit 120 recalculates the constraints, the delivery plan creation unit 130 recreates the delivery plan for the deliveries using the multiple moving bodies 200 based on the recalculated constraints (step S160). After the processing in step S160 is completed, the first delivery plan creation process proceeds back to the processing in step S110.

[0071] In the process of step S140, if it is determined that the charging of multiple mobile units 200 will be completed before the start of delivery, that is, if it is determined that there are no mobile units 200 that will not be charged before the start of delivery (step S140: Yes), the output unit 190 outputs the delivery plan created by the delivery plan creation unit 130 and the charging plan created by the charging plan creation unit 170 to the communication unit 110 (step S145).

[0072] When the process in step S145 is completed, the information processing system 1 terminates its first delivery plan creation process.

[0073] [3. Consideration] According to the information processing system 1 with the above configuration, if there are mobile units 200 that will not be fully charged by the start of delivery in the delivery plan that has been created, the constraints on each mobile unit 200 that will not be fully charged by the start of delivery are tightened and the delivery plan is recreated. Therefore, according to the information processing system 1 with the above configuration, it is possible to create a delivery plan that is consistent with the charging plan.

[0074] (supplement) The above description of an information processing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure was based on an embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications to this embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0075] (1) In the embodiment, the information processing system 1 was described as performing a first delivery plan creation process as the process of creating a delivery plan for deliveries by multiple mobile units 200. However, the information processing system 1 may perform a second delivery plan creation process instead of the first delivery plan creation process as the process of creating a delivery plan for deliveries by multiple mobile units 200.

[0076] The process for creating the second delivery plan will be explained below using diagrams.

[0077] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the process for creating the second delivery plan.

[0078] As shown in Figure 3, the second delivery plan creation process is a modified version of the first delivery plan creation process according to the embodiment (see Figure 2), with the process in step S130 being changed to the process in step S230, the process in step S231 being added, the process in step S155 being changed to the process in step S255, and the process in step S256 being added. Therefore, this explanation will focus on the processes from step S230 to step S231, and the processes from step S255 to step S256.

[0079] In the process of step S115, if it is determined that there is a mobile body 200 whose remaining power is below a predetermined threshold (step S115: Yes), the constraint calculation unit 120 strengthens the constraint for each mobile body 200 whose remaining power is determined to be below the predetermined threshold (step S230), and further weakens the constraint for each mobile body 200 whose remaining power is determined not to be below the predetermined threshold, and recalculates the constraints for each of the multiple mobile bodies 200 (step S231).

[0080] Once the processing in step S231 is completed, the second delivery plan creation process proceeds to the processing in step S135.

[0081] Once the processing in step S150 is complete, the constraint calculation unit 120 strengthens the constraints for each mobile unit 200 that it has determined will not be fully charged by the start of delivery, according to the amount of charge that is insufficient (step S255), and further weakens the constraints for each mobile unit 200 that it has determined will be fully charged by the start of delivery, and recalculates the constraints on movement for each of the multiple mobile units 200 (step S256).

[0082] Once the processing in step S231 is complete, the second delivery plan creation process proceeds to the processing in step S160.

[0083] (2) If the information processing system 1 succeeds in creating the delivery plan, it may output constraints. Specifically, after the processing of the second determination unit 180, when the output unit 190 outputs the delivery plan and the charging plan, the output unit 190 outputs constraints. The output constraints are transmitted to an external device such as a terminal 300 via the communication unit 110. The constraints are then output by an output device such as a display unit 320. The output constraints are updated constraints, in other words, recalculated constraints. For example, in step S145 of Figure 2, the constraints are output by the output unit 190.

[0084] In this way, by outputting updated constraints, it becomes possible to increase the likelihood that the initial values ​​of the constraints in subsequent delivery planning processes will be closer to values ​​suitable for creating delivery plans. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of processing required.

[0085] (3) Some or all of the components of the information processing system 1 may be composed of a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is a highly functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components onto a single chip, and specifically, it is a computer system that includes a microprocessor, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The ROM stores a computer program. The system LSI achieves its function by operating the microprocessor according to the computer program.

[0086] Here, we refer to it as a system LSI, but depending on the degree of integration, it may also be called an IC, LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. After LSI manufacturing, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed, or a reconfigurable processor that allows for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI, may also be used.

[0087] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, it would be possible to use those technologies to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possibility.

[0088] (4) One aspect of the present disclosure may be an information processing method in which characteristic components included in the information processing system are used as steps, not just an information processing system. Another aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic step included in the information processing method. Another aspect of the present disclosure may be a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] This disclosure can be widely used in devices and other equipment for creating delivery plans for delivered goods. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1. Information Processing System 100 servers 110, 210, 310, 410 Communications Department 120 Constraint calculation part 130 Delivery Planning Department 140 Power consumption calculation section 150 1st Judgment Section 160 Charge amount calculation section 170 Charging Plan Creation Department 180 Second Judgment Section 190 Output section 200 Mobile Units 220 Automatic Driving Control Unit 230 Battery Management Department 240 batteries 300 devices 320 Display 400 charger 420 Charging Control Unit 430 Charging Module

Claims

1. A method for getting a computer to do something, A delivery plan for goods using multiple electric mobile units is created based on the constraints on the movement of each of the multiple electric mobile units. Based on the aforementioned delivery plan, the power consumption of each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units is calculated. For each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units, the amount of charge is calculated from the power consumption and remaining power. From the charge levels of each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units, a charging plan for the multiple electric mobile units is created. Based on the delivery plan and the charging plan, it is determined whether the charging of the multiple electric mobile units will be completed before the start of delivery. The aforementioned constraints on electric mobile devices that are determined not to be fully charged before the start of delivery are strengthened, and the delivery plan is recreated. Output the created delivery plan, For each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units, the degradation level, which is the current State of Health (SOH) of the battery, is obtained. For each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units, the usable amount of power from the charge amount is calculated based on the degree of degradation, such that the battery degradation is suppressed to a predetermined range. For each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units, the constraint is calculated based on the available power. Information processing methods.

2. The restriction is an upper limit on the distance traveled, For electric vehicles that are determined not to be fully charged before the start of delivery, the maximum distance they can travel will be reduced, and the delivery plan will be recreated. The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. If there are electric vehicles that will not be fully charged by the start of delivery, the delivery plan is further revised by relaxing the constraint on electric vehicles that will be fully charged by the start of delivery. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. For each of the plurality of electric mobile bodies, it is determined whether the remaining power is below a predetermined threshold, The constraints on electric mobile units whose remaining power is determined to be below a predetermined threshold are strengthened, and the delivery plan is recreated. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned charging plan includes a charging plan that suppresses battery degradation. The information processing method according to claim 1.

6. Output the strengthened constraint. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A delivery plan creation unit creates a delivery plan for goods delivered by multiple electric mobile units, based on the constraints on the movement of each of the multiple electric mobile units. A power consumption calculation unit calculates the power consumption for each of the multiple electric mobile units based on the aforementioned delivery plan, A charge amount calculation unit calculates the charge amount for each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile bodies from the power consumption and remaining power amount, A charging plan creation unit that creates a charging plan for the plurality of electric mobile units from the charge amount of each of the plurality of electric mobile units, The system includes a determination unit that determines, based on the delivery plan and the charging plan, whether or not the charging of the plurality of electric mobile units will be completed before the start of delivery. The delivery planning unit then strengthens the constraints on electric mobile units that are determined not to be fully charged before the start of delivery and recreates the delivery plan. moreover, An output unit that outputs the created delivery plan, The system includes a power calculation unit that, for each of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units, obtains the degradation level, which is the current State of Health (SOH) of the battery, and calculates the usable amount of power from the charge amount such that the battery degradation is suppressed to a predetermined range, based on the degradation level of the aforementioned multiple electric mobile units. The delivery planning unit calculates the constraints for each of the multiple electric mobile units based on the available power. Information processing system.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in claim 1.

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