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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a delivery system, an information processing method, and a program capable of efficiently operating a delivery tool which cools a package.SOLUTION: An information processing device (2) includes: an information acquisition unit (221) for acquiring delivery package information, delivery environment information, and delivery tool information; a determination unit (222) for determining a cooling property necessary for delivery of a package on the basis of the delivery package information and delivery environment information; and a selection unit (223) for selecting a delivery tool used for cooling the package from usable delivery tools on the basis of the cooling property determination result and the delivery tool information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[[Technical Field]]

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

[0002] In home delivery services, it is common practice to deliver packages that require cold storage at a constant temperature or lower (hereinafter referred to as cold-requiring packages) by accommodating them in heat-insulating containers. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cooling system in which a cooling unit is arranged inside a heat-insulating box. The cooling system is configured to accommodate cold-requiring packages in the heat-insulating box and deliver them. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-120455 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] In cold chain logistics, there are cases where cold-requiring packages cannot be delivered to recipients using transport vehicles equipped with cold storage facilities. For example, at delivery bases that do not own transport vehicles with cold storage facilities, cold-requiring packages that have been kept cold using delivery tools such as delivery boxes are delivered to recipients. In addition, for unattended drop-off delivery, packages that remain cold via delivery tools are placed at a location designated by the recipient.

[0005] However, in actual logistics sites, there are many cases where the cold insulation performance of delivery tools is not sufficiently considered when keeping packages cold. For this reason, in order to keep packages cold during delivery, delivery tools with excessive cold insulation performance may be used, or only delivery tools with insufficient cold insulation performance may remain, resulting in delayed package delivery, leading to the problem that delivery tools are not operated efficiently.

[0006] Incidentally, the cooling system described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the insulated box, which is the delivery box, always maintains a certain level of cooling performance. Therefore, in actual logistics situations, depending on the package, the insulated box may have excessive cooling performance, or it may have insufficient cooling performance. For this reason, the cooling system described in Patent Document 1 cannot efficiently operate the delivery equipment.

[0007] This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an information processing device, a delivery system, an information processing method, and a program that enable the efficient operation of delivery equipment for keeping packages refrigerated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The information processing device relating to this disclosure includes: an information acquisition unit that acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of said package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of available delivery equipment; a determination unit that determines the cooling performance necessary for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information; and a selection unit that selects a delivery equipment to be used to cool the package from the available delivery equipment based on the cooling performance determination result and the delivery equipment information. The delivery package information includes the size of the package, the delivery classification, the time required for delivery, and at least one of the temperature ranges in which the package should be kept cool; the delivery environment information includes the weather and traffic conditions of the delivery route used for delivering the package; and the delivery equipment information includes the size of the available delivery equipment, the insulation materials that make up the delivery equipment, and the charge level of the battery that powers the cooler that cools the package. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the system determines the required cooling performance for the delivery of the package to be delivered and selects a delivery device from available delivery devices that corresponds to the determined cooling performance. This allows the information processing device related to this disclosure to efficiently operate the delivery device that keeps the package cool. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the delivery system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration for realizing the functions of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the delivery box. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the cooler. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the information processing method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example (1) of the delivery equipment selection process in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example (2) of the delivery equipment selection process in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example (3) of the delivery equipment selection process in Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the delivery system 1 according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 1, the delivery system 1 is a system in which an information processing device 2, terminals 3A to 3D, a web server 4, and an information server 5 are connected via a network 6. The network 6 is a telecommunications line including the Internet. The delivery system 1 includes at least the information processing device 2 and terminals 3A to 3D, and selects delivery equipment suitable for temperature control of packages to be delivered in cold chain logistics. The delivery equipment includes a delivery box, sensors, and a cooler. The packages to be delivered are delivered from the shipper 7 to the recipient 12 in cold chain logistics.

[0012] The shipper 7 notifies the information server 5 used by the delivery company of collection information, including the size of the package to be delivered, the type of package (e.g., fresh food, pharmaceuticals, etc.), and the addresses of both the shipper 7 and the recipient 12. A terminal such as a smartphone or personal computer (PC) (not shown in Figure 1) is used to notify the collection information. The information server 5 determines the delivery area based on the address information provided by the shipper 7 and generates delivery package information for that area. The information server 5 then transmits the delivery package information to the information processing device 2 via the network 6.

[0013] In Fig. 1, the delivery bases included in the delivery area are distribution center 8, distribution base 9, distribution center 10, and distribution center 11. Distribution center 8, distribution center 10, and distribution center 11 are, for example, logistics centers serving as bases for truck transportation, and are responsible for delivery within a certain area. At distribution base 9, delivery is performed over a wider area than at distribution centers.

[0014] Terminal 3A is a terminal used at distribution center 8. Terminal 3B is a terminal used at distribution base 9. Terminal 3C is a terminal used at distribution center 10, and terminal 3D is a terminal used at distribution center 11. Terminals 3A to 3D may be PCs, or may be smartphones or tablet PCs. For example, terminals 3A to 3D receive selection information indicating the delivery equipment selected by the information processing device 2, and display the delivery equipment indicated by the selection information on an instruction screen. A worker at each delivery base keeps the delivery target package cold using the delivery equipment instructed on the instruction screen.

[0015] Terminals 3A to 3D transmit delivery equipment information indicating the current operation status of the delivery equipment prepared at each delivery base to the information processing device 2 via the network 6. The delivery equipment information is information including the number of deliverable delivery equipment available at each delivery base, the size of the delivery equipment, the heat insulating material constituting the delivery equipment, and the charge amount of a battery that supplies power to a cooler for cooling packages. Terminals 3A to 3D update the delivery equipment information each time the delivery equipment is operated at each delivery base, and transmit the updated delivery equipment information to the information processing device 2.

[0016] The information processing device 2 uses the delivery equipment information acquired from terminals 3A to 3D, the delivery environment information acquired from the web server 4, and the delivery package information acquired from the information server 5 to determine the cold insulation performance required for the delivery target package, and selects delivery equipment having the cold insulation performance according to the determination result.

[0017] Delivery package information is information indicating the status of a package to be delivered and the delivery mode of the package. Information indicating the status of the package includes, for example, information indicating the size of the package and the cold insulation temperature range. In addition to information indicating the delivery area of the package and its delivery schedule, the information indicating the delivery mode of the package includes information indicating the classification of delivery and the time required for delivery. Delivery classifications include, for example, full transportation, last-mile transportation, and unattended drop-off delivery. Full transportation is, as indicated by symbol A in FIG. 1, delivery of a package from a shipper 7 to a receiver 12 without exchanging delivery equipment. Last-mile transportation is, as indicated by symbol B in FIG. 1, delivery of a package from the final delivery base closest to the receiver 12 to the receiver 12. Unattended drop-off delivery is, as indicated by symbol C in FIG. 1, a delivery mode in which the package delivered to the receiver 12 is left at a predetermined location of the receiver 12.

[0018] Delivery equipment information is information indicating the cold insulation performance of available delivery equipment. For example, delivery equipment information is information including the number of delivery boxes available for cold insulation of packages to be delivered, the size of the delivery boxes, the type of heat insulating material constituting the delivery boxes, and the charge amount of a battery that supplies power to a cooler. Delivery environment information is information indicating the status of a delivery route. For example, delivery environment information is information including the weather and traffic conditions of the delivery route used for delivering the package. Thereby, by using delivery package information, delivery environment information, and delivery equipment information, the status of the package, the delivery mode, and the delivery environment at the time of delivery can be grasped, so that the information processing apparatus 2 can select delivery equipment suitable for temperature management of the package to be delivered.

[0019] The information processing device 2 obtains delivery environment information from at least one of the following: a server containing information created by an organization or individual, or a server providing public information. The servers containing information created by an organization or individual and the servers providing public information include, for example, the Web server 4. The information processing device 2 obtains delivery environment information from various formats of information provided by the Web server 4, such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), CSV (Comma Separated Value), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), and XML (Extensible Markup Language). Using the delivery environment information, the information processing device 2 determines the current status of the delivery route, selects a delivery device to keep the package refrigerated according to the current status of the delivery route, and notifies the terminal at the delivery base via the network 6 of the selection information indicating the selected delivery device.

[0020] Web server 4 is a server that provides websites via network 6. Examples of websites include information sites that publish weather and traffic information for various regions. Web server 4 may also be a server that provides public information via network 6. Public information is information of high public interest, such as weather information, traffic information, or information about infrastructure facilities provided by public institutions or utility companies.

[0021] Information server 5 is a server that provides delivery package information via network 6 and is used by delivery companies. Information server 5 generates delivery package information for each delivery base using collection information received from the shipper's terminal 7 and transmits the delivery package information to information processing device 2 via network 6. Furthermore, information server 5 stores the delivery package information linked to the package to be delivered.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 2 comprises a communication unit 21, an arithmetic unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The communication unit 21 communicates with terminals 3A to 3D or various servers via the network 6. For example, the communication unit 21 communicates with terminals 3A to 3D that are capable of mobile communication using communication methods such as LTE, 3G, 4G, or 5G via the network 6, thereby notifying one of the terminals 3A to 3D of the selection information.

[0023] The arithmetic unit 22 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 2. The arithmetic unit 22 includes an information acquisition unit 221, a determination unit 222, and a selection unit 223. The functions of the information acquisition unit 221, the determination unit 222, and the selection unit 223 are realized when the arithmetic unit 22 executes an information processing application. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration that realizes the functions of the information processing device 2. For example, the information processing device 2 has a communication interface 100, an input / output interface 101, a processor 102, and a memory 103 as its hardware configuration. The functions of the information acquisition unit 221, the determination unit 222, and the selection unit 223 provided by the information processing device 2 are realized by this hardware configuration.

[0024] The communication interface 100 outputs data received from an external device via the network 6 to the processor 102, and the data generated by the processor 102 is transmitted via the network 6 to one of the terminals 3A to 3D. The processor 102 reads and writes data to the storage unit 23 via the input / output interface 101.

[0025] The storage unit 23 stores, for example, information processing applications and information used in the calculations of the calculation unit 22. The storage unit 23 stores, for example, delivery package information, delivery environment information, and delivery equipment information, linked to each package to be delivered, as information used in the calculations. The storage unit 23 is a storage device provided by a computer that functions as an information processing device 2, and includes storage such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), or the memory 103 shown in Figure 2.

[0026] The storage unit 23 is implemented by a storage device accessible by the computer functioning as the information processing device 2. In Figure 1, the information processing device 2 is configured to have a storage unit 23, but the storage unit 23 can be any storage device accessible by the computer functioning as the information processing device 2, and may even be located outside the information processing device 2.

[0027] Information processing application programs for realizing the functions of the information acquisition unit 221, the determination unit 222, and the selection unit 223 are stored in the storage unit 23. The processor 102 reads the information processing application programs stored in the storage unit 23 via the input / output interface 101 and loads them into the memory 103, and then executes the programs loaded into the memory 103. In this way, the processor 102 realizes the functions of the information acquisition unit 221, the determination unit 222, and the selection unit 223. The memory 103 is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0028] The information acquisition unit 221 acquires delivery package information, delivery environment information, and delivery equipment information. For example, the information acquisition unit 221 recognizes the delivery schedule of a package based on the delivery area and delivery date included in the delivery package information, and determines the timing for acquiring the delivery environment information and delivery equipment information based on the delivery schedule. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 221 uses the information indicating the delivery area and delivery date of the package included in the delivery package information to calculate the dates on which each delivery route will be used until the package is delivered to the recipient 12, and sets the dates on which each delivery route will be used for package delivery as the timing for acquiring the delivery environment information related to each delivery route.

[0029] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 221 uses information indicating the delivery schedule of packages to calculate the dates on which each delivery base included in the delivery area will be used for package delivery, and sets the dates on which each delivery base will be used for package delivery as the timing for acquiring delivery equipment information at each delivery base. Furthermore, the information server 5 updates the delivery equipment information whenever the operation of delivery equipment is updated at each delivery base. Therefore, the information acquisition unit 221 may acquire the updated delivery equipment information from the information server 5 each time the delivery equipment information is updated. The information acquisition unit 221 outputs the acquired delivery package information and delivery environment information to the determination unit 222, and outputs the delivery equipment information to the selection unit 223.

[0030] The determination unit 222 determines the necessary cooling performance for package delivery based on the package delivery information and delivery environment information. For example, the storage unit 23 stores determination criterion information that includes registered information on packages classified by size, delivery boxes classified by size and type of insulation material, the relationship between changes in outside temperature and the change in temperature of packages contained in the delivery boxes over time, and information on coolers classified by type and the change in cooling temperature of the coolers over time linked to changes in the charge level of the battery supplying power to the coolers.

[0031] The determination unit 222 uses the delivery package information to identify the size, temperature range, and transport time of the package to be delivered, and, by referring to the determination criteria information, identifies a delivery box or a combination of a delivery box and a cooler that can maintain the temperature range of a package of the identified size for the transport time. The determination unit 222 uses traffic information and other information included in the delivery environment information to calculate the change (increase or decrease in time) from the transport time included in the delivery package information.

[0032] Next, the determination unit 222 uses weather information and other data included in the delivery environment information to predict the change in ambient temperature over time during transport, taking into account the above-mentioned changes. By referring to the determination criteria information, it determines whether a delivery box or a combination of a delivery box and a cooler can maintain the refrigerated temperature range over the calculated transport time and the change in ambient temperature over time. The delivery box, or the combination of the delivery box and the cooler, determined in this way, has the necessary cooling performance for package delivery.

[0033] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 may use a learning model to determine the necessary cooling performance for package delivery. For example, when package delivery information and delivery environment information are input, the determination unit 222 uses a learning model that outputs a delivery box or a combination of a delivery box and a cooler to determine the necessary cooling performance for the package to be delivered. The learning model has learned suitable delivery boxes or combinations of delivery boxes and coolers for temperature control of packages by using package delivery information and delivery environment information under various conditions as training data.

[0034] The selection unit 223 selects a delivery device to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery devices, based on the cooling performance determination result and the delivery device information. For example, the selection unit 223 selects a delivery box or a combination of a delivery box and a cooler that matches the determination result of the determination unit 222, from the delivery boxes or combinations of delivery boxes and coolers indicated by the delivery device information.

[0035] For example, consider the case where the determination unit 222 determines that a delivery box of size A combined with a cooler with an 80% battery charge provides the necessary cooling performance for package delivery. In this case, the selection unit 223 selects the delivery box or combination of delivery box and cooler indicated by the delivery equipment information as the delivery equipment to be used for keeping packages cool, specifically the delivery box of size A combined with a cooler with an 80% battery charge.

[0036] The selection unit 223 transmits selection information indicating the selected delivery equipment to terminals 3A-3D, the source of the delivery equipment information, via the communication unit 21. Terminals 3A-3D display the delivery equipment indicated by the selection information received from the information processing device 2 on the instruction screen. Workers at each delivery base use the delivery equipment indicated on the instruction screen to keep the packages to be delivered cool.

[0037] For example, if a delivery box of size A is selected, combined with a cooler with an 80% battery charge, the worker places the cooler with the 80% battery charge inside the delivery box along with the package to be delivered, starts the cooling process, and then processes the delivery box for delivery. This allows for the efficient use of delivery equipment that keeps packages cool.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the delivery box 13. In Figure 3, the delivery box 13 is a box made of insulating material and capable of accommodating packages. There are various types of delivery boxes 13 depending on their size and the type of insulating material used. The delivery box 13 comprises a box body 13A with one side open and a lid 13B that closes the opening. The box body 13A can be folded, for example, by detaching the wall connections. Examples of insulating materials that make up the box body 13A and the lid 13B include vacuum insulation, glass wool, or polystyrene foam.

[0039] A sensor 14 may be provided in the delivery box 13. For example, the sensor 14 may be a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the box body 13A, or a position sensor that detects the position of the delivery box 13. Alternatively, a sensor combining these may be used.

[0040] Sensor 14 may have a memory for storing detection information, or it may have a communication means for transmitting detection information to the information processing device 2. For example, when the delivery of a package is completed, terminals 3A to 3D read the detection information from the memory of sensor 14 and transmit it to the information processing device 2, or sensor 14 transmits the detection information to the information processing device 2 using the communication means.

[0041] The information acquisition unit 221 acquires detection information from the sensor 14 using the communication unit 21 and outputs the acquired detection information to the determination unit 222. The determination unit 222 uses the detection information from the sensor 14 to identify the time-dependent temperature changes of the packages along each delivery route and updates the determination criteria information using the information indicating the time-dependent temperature changes identified. By updating the determination criteria information, the determination unit 222 becomes able to determine the appropriate cooling performance for the actual logistics site.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the cooler 15. In Figure 4, the cooler 15 is an electronic cooler that is powered by a battery to perform cooling. For example, a Peltier-type electronic cooler may be used. The cooler 15 exhibits cooling performance according to the battery charge level. For example, the judgment criterion information referenced by the judgment unit 222 includes, for example, a relationship between the battery charge level and the cooling temperature that can be maintained with this charge level, which is set for each cooler 15.

[0043] When a package is placed in the delivery box 13, depending on the size of the package, a space may be formed between the inner wall surface of the box body 13A and the package. The cooler 15, which is placed in the delivery box 13 together with the package, needs to cool both this space and the package. Therefore, the cooling performance of the cooler 15 in the delivery box 13 where this space is formed is degraded compared to when this space is not formed.

[0044] For example, if a space is formed between the inner wall surface of the box body 13A and the package, the time during which the package can be kept cool at a certain temperature range will be shortened. For this reason, the determination unit 222 determines that a delivery box 13 in which almost no space is formed between the inner wall surface of the box body 13A and the package, that is, a combination of a delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 in which the internal volume of the box body 13A and the volume of the package are approximately equal, is the necessary cooling performance for package delivery.

[0045] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the information processing method according to Embodiment 1. The information acquisition unit 221 acquires delivery package information, delivery environment information, and delivery equipment information (step ST1). For example, the information acquisition unit 221, via the communication unit 21, acquires delivery environment information from the web server 4, delivery package information from the information server 5, and delivery equipment information from terminals 3A to 3D via the network 6.

[0046] The determination unit 222 determines the necessary cooling performance for delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and delivery environment information (step ST2). For example, the determination unit 222 determines the necessary cooling performance for delivery of the package by referring to the above determination criteria information using the delivery package information and delivery environment information.

[0047] The selection unit 223 selects a delivery device to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery devices based on the cooling performance determination result and delivery device information (step ST3). The selection unit 223 transmits selection information indicating the selected delivery device to terminals 3A to 3D, the source of the delivery device information, via the communication unit 21. Workers at each delivery base use the delivery device indicated by the selection information received by terminals 3A to 3D to keep the package cool.

[0048] Next, we will explain a specific example of the delivery equipment selection process. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example (1) of the delivery equipment selection process in Embodiment 1. In Figure 6, the information acquisition unit 221 acquires delivery package information 16, delivery environment information 17, and delivery equipment information 18. The delivery package information 16 is set to include the size of the package to be delivered as 80 size, the delivery classification as full transport followed by contactless delivery, the transport time as 48 hours, and the temperature range for keeping the package cool as refrigerated temperature (0-10°C). Please note that the time set in the "Transportation Time" field in the delivery package information 16 is the time required for full transportation and does not include the unattended delivery time (12 hours).

[0049] Delivery environment information 17 specifies that the outside temperature along the delivery route to which the package to be delivered will reach a maximum of 40°C, and that the traffic volume along the delivery route will be normal. "Normal" traffic volume means, for example, that the time required for the delivery vehicle to travel along the delivery route at the legal speed limit is less than or equal to the allowable time. If the delivery vehicle cannot travel along the delivery route at the legal speed limit, or if the time required for the delivery vehicle to travel along the delivery route at the legal speed limit exceeds the allowable time, the traffic volume will be "congested."

[0050] The delivery equipment information 18 includes the size and number of delivery boxes 13, the type of insulation material used in each delivery box 13, and the number of coolers 15 for each battery charge level, all of which are set at the delivery base where the terminal from which the delivery equipment information 18 is transmitted is used. For example, the text information "80 size x 50" set in the box size field of the delivery equipment information 18 indicates that 50 80-size delivery boxes 13 are available. Also, the text information "20% x 5" set in the battery charge field indicates that 5 coolers 15 with a battery charge of 20% are available.

[0051] The determination unit 222 reads the text information set in the package size field in the delivery package information 16 to identify that the size of the package to be delivered is "80 size", reads the text information set in the delivery classification field to identify that the package will be left at the door after full transport and that the leaving time is 12 hours, reads the text information set in the transport time field to identify that the transport time for full transport is 48 hours, and reads the text information set in the required temperature range field to identify that the required temperature range for the package is refrigerated temperature (0~10℃).

[0052] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 reads the text information set in the outside temperature field of the delivery environment information 17 to determine that the temperature along the delivery route will reach a maximum of 40°C, and reads the text information set in the traffic volume field to determine that the traffic volume along the delivery route is normal. After this, the determination unit 222 compares the identified information with the above determination criterion information to determine that the combination of an 80-size delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 with an 80% battery charge is the necessary cooling performance for package delivery. For example, if it is necessary to leave the package unattended, it is determined that a cooler 15 with an 80% battery charge is necessary for package delivery.

[0053] The selection unit 223 compares the cooling performance determination result from the determination unit 222 with the delivery equipment information 18, and selects a delivery equipment from among the available delivery equipment indicated in the delivery equipment information 18 that matches the cooling performance determination result from the determination unit 222. For example, the selection unit 223 reads the text information set in the box size field in the delivery equipment information 18 to determine that 50 size 80 delivery boxes 13 are available, and reads the text information set in the battery charge field to determine that 45 coolers 15 with a battery charge of 80% are available. Since a combination of an 80-size delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 with an 80% battery charge is available, the selection unit 223 generates selection information 19 indicating the combination of an 80-size delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 with an 80% battery charge.

[0054] The selection unit 223 transmits selection information 19 via the network 6 to terminals 3A to 3D that are the source of the delivery equipment information 18, using the communication unit 21. Workers at each delivery base use the combination of an 80-size delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 with an 80% battery charge, as indicated by the selection information 19 received by terminals 3A to 3D, to keep the packages to be delivered cool.

[0055] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example (2) of the delivery equipment selection process in Embodiment 1. In Figure 7, the information acquisition unit 221 acquires delivery package information 16A, delivery environment information 17A, and delivery equipment information 18A. The delivery package information 16A is set to indicate that the size of the package to be delivered is 100 size, the delivery classification is last-mile delivery, there is no contactless delivery, the transport time is 3 hours, and the temperature range for keeping the package cool is freezing temperature (-15℃ or lower). The delivery environment information 17A is set to indicate that the outside temperature along the delivery route to which the package to be delivered will be a maximum of 10℃, and that the traffic volume along the delivery route will be congested.

[0056] The delivery equipment information 18A contains information about the size and number of delivery boxes 13, the type of insulation material used in each delivery box 13, and the number of coolers 15 for each battery charge level at the delivery base where the terminal that sent the delivery equipment information 18A is used. For example, the text information "100 size x 0" set in the box size field of the delivery equipment information 18A indicates that there are 0 100-size delivery boxes 13 available, meaning that all 100-size delivery boxes 13 are in use and cannot be used for delivery.

[0057] The determination unit 222 reads the text information set in the package size field in the delivery package information 16A to identify that the size of the package to be delivered is "100 size", reads the text information set in the delivery classification field to identify that the package will be delivered via last-mile transport, reads the text information set in the transport time field to identify that the transport time for last-mile transport is 3 hours, and reads the text information set in the required temperature range field to identify that the required temperature range for the package is -15℃ or lower.

[0058] Furthermore, the determination unit 222 reads the text information set in the outside temperature column of the delivery environment information 17A to determine that the temperature along the delivery route will reach a maximum of 10°C, and reads the text information set in the traffic volume column to determine that the traffic volume along the delivery route is congested. After this, the determination unit 222 compares the identified information with the above determination criterion information to determine that the combination of a 100-size delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 with a battery charge of 20% is the necessary cooling performance for delivering the package.

[0059] The selection unit 223 compares the cooling performance determination result by the determination unit 222 with the delivery equipment information 18A to search for a delivery equipment among the available delivery equipment indicated by the delivery equipment information 18A that matches the cooling performance determination result by the determination unit 222. However, if there is no delivery equipment among the available delivery equipment that has the same cooling performance as indicated by the determination result, the selection unit 223 selects the delivery equipment from the available delivery equipment that has the closest cooling performance to indicated by the determination result as the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool.

[0060] For example, the selection unit 223 reads the text information set in the box size field of the delivery equipment information 18A and, if it determines that a 100-size delivery box 13 is unavailable, it checks whether the next size up, i.e., a 120-size delivery box 13, is available. In Figure 7, five 120-size delivery boxes 13 are available, so the selection unit 223 selects a 120-size delivery box 13 as the delivery equipment to be used for keeping packages cool.

[0061] In the case of a 120-size delivery box 13, a space is formed between the inner wall surface of the box body 13A and the contents. Therefore, in order to achieve the cooling performance closest to the cooling performance indicated by the judgment result, the selection unit 223 needs to select a cooler 15 with a battery charge level higher than that indicated by the judgment result. To this end, the selection unit 223 reads the text information set in the battery charge level field of the delivery equipment information 18A and checks whether a cooler 15 with a battery charge level of more than 20% is available.

[0062] Since the delivery equipment information 18A is set to indicate that 50 coolers 15 with a battery charge of 30% are available, the selection unit 223 generates selection information 19A indicating a combination of a 120-size delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 with a battery charge of 30%. The selection unit 223 transmits the selection information 19A to the terminals 3A to 3D that sent the delivery equipment information 18A via the network 6 using the communication unit 21. Workers at each delivery base use the combination of a 120-size delivery box 13 and a cooler 15 with a battery charge of 30% indicated by the selection information 19A received by terminals 3A to 3D to keep the packages to be delivered cool. Even if there is no delivery equipment with cooling performance that matches the cooling performance indicated by the judgment result, the information processing device 2 can select delivery equipment suitable for temperature control of the package to be delivered.

[0063] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example (3) of the delivery equipment selection process in Embodiment 1. In Figure 8, the history information 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, ..., 20-N is operation history information showing the past operation status of the delivery equipment at each of the N delivery bases. For example, the information acquisition unit 221 acquires the history information 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, ..., 20-N from each terminal of the N delivery bases via the network 6 using the communication unit 21.

[0064] The determination unit 222 predicts the future operational status of the delivery equipment based on the historical information 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, ..., 20-N. Specifically, the determination unit 222 analyzes the operational trends of the delivery equipment at each of the N delivery bases based on the information indicating the operational status of the delivery equipment set in the historical information 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, ..., 20-N. Here, N is an integer of 1 or greater.

[0065] For example, the determination unit 222 analyzes the history information 20-1 and determines that the number of delivery boxes 13 of size 80, 100, and 120, as well as the number of cooler units and battery units in use at the delivery base that sent the history information 20-1 is on an increasing trend. Based on the determined increasing trend, the determination unit 222 predicts the operational status of delivery equipment at the delivery base, for example, on a monthly or yearly basis. For example, the determination unit 222 calculates the predicted number of delivery equipment units in operation.

[0066] The selection unit 223 calculates the future required number of delivery equipment based on predicted information about the future operational status of the delivery equipment. For example, the selection unit 223 calculates the future required number of delivery equipment by adding a predetermined number of reserves to the predicted information (predicted number of units in operation) calculated by the determination unit 222 on a monthly or yearly basis. The selection unit 223 calculates the future required number of delivery equipment for each of the N delivery bases, thereby generating estimated information 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, ..., 21-N that indicates the future required number of delivery equipment.

[0067] The selection unit 223 transmits estimated information 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, ..., 21-N to the source terminals of the history information 20-1, 20-2, 20-3, ..., 20-N via the network 6 using the communication unit 21. This allows workers at each delivery base to prepare the number of delivery tools indicated by the estimated information.

[0068] As described above, the information processing device 2 according to Embodiment 1 includes an information acquisition unit 221 that acquires delivery package information, delivery environment information, and delivery equipment information; a determination unit 222 that determines the necessary cooling performance for delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and delivery environment information; and a selection unit 223 that selects a delivery equipment to be used for cooling the package from the available delivery equipment based on the cooling performance determination result and the delivery equipment information. Since the information processing device 2 determines the necessary cooling performance for delivery of the package to be delivered and selects a delivery equipment corresponding to the determined cooling performance from the available delivery equipment, the information processing device 2 can efficiently operate the delivery equipment for cooling the package.

[0069] In the information processing device 2 according to Embodiment 1, the delivery package information includes at least one of the package size, delivery classification, delivery time, and temperature range for keeping the package cool. The delivery environment information includes the weather and traffic conditions of the delivery route used for delivering the package. The delivery equipment information includes the size of the available delivery equipment, the insulating materials that make up the delivery equipment, and the charge level of the battery that supplies power to the cooler that cools the package. This makes it possible to understand the condition of the package, the delivery method, and the delivery environment at the time of delivery, so that delivery equipment suitable for temperature control of the package to be delivered can be selected.

[0070] In the information processing device 2 according to Embodiment 1, if there is no delivery device among the available delivery devices that has the same cooling performance as indicated by the determination result, the selection unit 223 selects from the available delivery devices the delivery device with the cooling performance closest to that indicated by the determination result as the delivery device to be used for cooling the package. Even if there is no delivery device with the same cooling performance as indicated by the determination result, the information processing device 2 can select a delivery device suitable for temperature control of the package to be delivered.

[0071] In the information processing device 2 according to Embodiment 1, the information acquisition unit 221 acquires operational history information of delivery equipment for each delivery base. The determination unit 222 predicts the future operational status of the delivery equipment based on the operational history information. The selection unit 223 calculates the future required number of delivery equipment based on the predicted information of the future operational status of the delivery equipment. This makes it possible to set the future required number of delivery equipment for each delivery base.

[0072] The delivery system 1 according to Embodiment 1 comprises an information processing device 2, an information server 5, and terminals 3A to 3D. By having these components, the delivery system 1 can efficiently operate delivery equipment that keeps packages refrigerated.

[0073] The information processing method according to Embodiment 1 includes the steps of: an information acquisition unit 221 acquiring delivery package information, delivery environment information, and delivery equipment information; a determination unit 222 determining the necessary cooling performance for delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and delivery environment information; and a selection unit 223 selecting a delivery equipment to be used for cooling the package from the available delivery equipment based on the cooling performance determination result and the delivery equipment information. Since the cooling performance necessary for delivery of the package to be delivered is determined and a delivery equipment corresponding to the determined cooling performance is selected from the available delivery equipment, the delivery equipment for cooling the package can be used efficiently.

[0074] The program according to Embodiment 1 causes a computer to function as an information processing device 2. This makes it possible to provide an information processing device 2 that can efficiently operate delivery equipment that keeps packages refrigerated.

[0075] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) An information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of said package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of usable delivery equipment. A determination unit that determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The system includes a selection unit that, based on the results of the cooling performance assessment and the delivery equipment information, selects the delivery equipment to be used for cooling the package from among the available delivery equipment. An information processing device characterized by the following: (Note 2) The delivery package information includes at least one of the package size, delivery classification, delivery time, and temperature range for keeping the package cool. The aforementioned delivery environment information includes the weather and traffic conditions of the delivery route used for delivering the package. The delivery equipment information includes the size of the usable delivery equipment, the insulating material constituting the delivery equipment, and the charge level of the battery that supplies power to the cooler for cooling the package. The information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized in that it is a processing apparatus. (Note 3) If none of the available delivery equipment has the same cooling performance as indicated by the determination result, the selection unit selects from the available delivery equipment the one with the cooling performance closest to that indicated by the determination result as the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool. An information processing apparatus as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized by the above. (Note 4) The information acquisition unit acquires operational history information of the delivery equipment for each delivery base of the package. The determination unit predicts the future operational status of the delivery equipment based on the operational history information. The selection unit calculates the future required number of delivery equipment based on predicted information regarding the future operational status of the delivery equipment. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized by the features described herein. (Note 5) An information processing device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, The server that transmits the aforementioned delivery package information, A terminal that transmits the aforementioned delivery equipment information, A delivery system characterized by the following features. (Note 6) An information processing method using an information processing device, The information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of the package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of the available delivery equipment. The determination unit determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The selection unit includes the step of selecting the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery equipment, based on the result of the cooling performance determination and the delivery equipment information. An information processing method characterized by the following: (Note 7) A program to cause a computer to function as an information processing device as described in one of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0076] Furthermore, any component of the embodiment can be modified or any component of the embodiment can be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Delivery system, 2 Information processing device, 3A~3D Terminal, 4 Web server, 5 Information server, 6 Network, 7 Shipper, 8,10,11 Distribution center, 9 Delivery base, 12 Recipient, 13 Delivery box, 13A Box body, 13B Lid, 14 Sensor, 15 Cooler, 16,16A Delivery package information, 17,17A Delivery environment information, 18,18A Delivery equipment information, 19,19A Selection information, 20-1~20-N History information, 21-1~21-N Estimated information, 21 Communication unit, 22 Calculation unit, 23 Storage unit, 100 Communication interface, 101 Input / Output interface, 102 Processor, 103 Memory, 221 Information acquisition unit, 222 Judgment unit, 223 Selection unit.

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of said package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of usable delivery equipment. A determination unit that determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The system includes a selection unit that selects the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery equipment based on the results of the cooling performance assessment and the delivery equipment information, The delivery information includes at least one of the size of the package, the delivery classification, the time required for delivery, and the temperature range in which the package should be kept cool. The aforementioned delivery environment information includes the weather and traffic conditions of the delivery route used for delivering the package. The delivery equipment information includes the size of the usable delivery equipment, the insulating material constituting the delivery equipment, and the charge level of the battery that supplies power to the cooler for cooling the package. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. An information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of said package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of usable delivery equipment. A determination unit that determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The system includes a selection unit that selects the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery equipment based on the results of the cooling performance assessment and the delivery equipment information, If none of the available delivery equipment has the same cooling performance as indicated by the determination result, the selection unit selects from the available delivery equipment the one with the cooling performance closest to that indicated by the determination result as the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool. An information processing device characterized by the following:

3. An information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of said package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of usable delivery equipment. A determination unit that determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The system includes a selection unit that selects the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery equipment based on the results of the cooling performance assessment and the delivery equipment information, The information acquisition unit acquires operational history information of the delivery equipment for each delivery base of the package. The determination unit predicts the future operational status of the delivery equipment based on the operational history information. The selection unit calculates the future required number of delivery equipment based on predicted information regarding the future operational status of the delivery equipment. An information processing device characterized by the following:

4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The server that transmits the aforementioned delivery package information, A terminal that transmits the aforementioned delivery equipment information, A delivery system characterized by the following features.

5. An information processing method using an information processing device, The information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of the package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of the available delivery equipment. The determination unit determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The selection unit includes the step of selecting the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery equipment, based on the result of the cooling performance determination and the delivery equipment information. The delivery information includes at least one of the size of the package, the delivery classification, the time required for delivery, and the temperature range in which the package should be kept cool. The aforementioned delivery environment information includes the weather and traffic conditions of the delivery route used for delivering the package. The delivery equipment information includes the size of the usable delivery equipment, the insulating material constituting the delivery equipment, and the charge level of the battery that supplies power to the cooler for cooling the package. An information processing method characterized by the following:

6. An information processing method using an information processing device, The information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of the package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of the available delivery equipment. The determination unit determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The selection unit includes the step of selecting the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery equipment, based on the result of the cooling performance determination and the delivery equipment information. If none of the available delivery equipment has the same cooling performance as indicated by the determination result, the selection unit selects from the available delivery equipment the one with the cooling performance closest to that indicated by the determination result as the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool. An information processing method characterized by the following:

7. An information processing method using an information processing device, The information acquisition unit acquires delivery package information indicating the status of the package to be delivered and the delivery method of the package, delivery environment information indicating the status of the delivery route, and delivery equipment information indicating the cooling performance of the available delivery equipment. The determination unit determines the necessary cooling performance for the delivery of the package based on the delivery package information and the delivery environment information, The selection unit includes the step of selecting the delivery equipment to be used to keep the package cool from the available delivery equipment, based on the result of the cooling performance determination and the delivery equipment information. The information acquisition unit acquires operational history information of the delivery equipment for each delivery base of the package. The determination unit predicts the future operational status of the delivery equipment based on the operational history information. The selection unit calculates the future required number of delivery equipment based on predicted information regarding the future operational status of the delivery equipment. An information processing method characterized by the following:

8. A program for causing a computer to function as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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