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

Abstract

[Problem] To enable efficient transport by a transport means. [Solution] An information processing system comprises a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means for transporting a transport target on the basis of whether the type of the transport target is at least a person or a package. Furthermore, the control unit generates a transport plan for a transport means for transporting the transport target on the basis of whether the type of the transport target is a person, a package, or both a person and a package. The information processing system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires transport request information including information indicating the type of the transport target and indicating request details of the transport of the transport target from a requester. The control unit generates the transport plan for the transport target included in the transport request information on the basis of the transport request information.

Description

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

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

[0002] In recent years, technological developments have been made to manage plans for transporting cargo using various transport means. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a logistics management system that manages information related to a logistics network and, based on the information, changes the operation plan of a circular service that transports cargo by circulating within an area.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-52525

[0004] On the other hand, in depopulated areas, although the number of packages is small, the distance to each home is often long, and more efficient package transport management is desired. Furthermore, in depopulated areas, there are cases where there are no bus stops or stations where public transportation stops within walking distance of settlements, and the lack of means of transporting people from settlements to bus stops, etc., has become a social problem, not just for the transport of goods (packages, etc.). Some settlements operate branch services such as microbuses as a means of transporting people from settlements to bus stops, etc., but the number of people using these branch services is often low, and therefore more efficient transport management is desired for the transport of people as well.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient transfer by a transfer means.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided that includes a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport an object to be transported based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or luggage.

[0007] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided that includes a control unit that generates a transportation plan for a transportation means to transport an object to be transported based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or luggage.

[0008] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method executed by a computer is provided, which includes generating a transportation plan for a transportation means to transport an object to be transported based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or luggage.

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for causing a computer to function as a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport an object to be transported, based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or luggage.

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to transport people and luggage efficiently.

[0011] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of transportation of a transportation object based on a transportation plan generated by the information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a requester terminal 10. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a server 20. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a transportation plan. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information on loading space for each transportation slot. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example in which a generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for each transportation object. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example in which an object to be transported is transported to a collection point. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example in which transportation is performed via a manned mobile body and an unmanned mobile body. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a transportation officer terminal 30. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of operation processing by the server 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] The details of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed below. An information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. [Item 1] An information processing system including a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means that transports a transport object based on whether the type of the transport object is at least a person or a package. [Item 2] The information processing system according to item 1, in which the control unit generates a transport plan for a transport means that transports the transport object based on whether the type of the transport object is a person, a package, or both a person and a package. [Item 3] The information processing system according to item 2, in which the information processing system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires transport request information that indicates a request from a requester for transport of the transport object, the request including information indicating the type of the transport object, and the control unit generates the transport plan for the transport object included in the transport request information based on the transport request information. [Item 4] The information processing system according to item 3, in which the transport request information includes information that can identify a transport start position and a transport end position of the transport object. [Item 5] The information processing system according to Item 3, wherein the transfer request information includes information capable of separately specifying the transfer end position of the person and the transfer end position of the luggage when the type of the transfer object is both the person and luggage. [Item 6] The information processing system according to Item 3, wherein the transfer request information includes identification information capable of identifying the person who is the transfer object when the type of the transfer object is both a person or a person and luggage. [Item 7] The information processing system according to Item 3, further comprising a storage unit that stores loading space information indicating the amount of the transfer object that can be loaded into the loading space of the transfer means for each time slot, and the control unit generates the transfer plan further based on the loading space information. [Item 8] The information processing system according to Item 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating whether to confirm the transfer of the transfer object related to the transfer plan generated by the control unit from an information terminal used by the requester, and the control unit confirms the transfer plan in accordance with the information acquired by the acquisition unit indicating whether to confirm the transfer of the transfer object.[Item 9] The information processing system according to Item 8, wherein the control unit, when finalizing the transfer plan, updates the information on the loading space of the transfer means stored in the memory unit based on the amount of the transfer object. [Item 10] The memory unit further stores, as information on the loading space of each of the plurality of transfer means, the maximum amount of luggage or people that can be loaded in each of one or more loading spaces of each of the plurality of transfer means, and whether the transfer objects that can be loaded in each of the one or more loading spaces are people only, luggage only, or both people and luggage, and the control unit determines, from the plurality of transfer means, multiple candidate transfer means for transferring the transfer object, further based on the information on the loading space of each of the plurality of transfer means stored in the memory unit. [Item 11] The information processing system according to Item 10, wherein the acquisition unit acquires, from the information terminal, information on a transportation means selected by the requester from among the plurality of candidate transportation means determined by the control unit, and the control unit confirms the transportation plan for the transportation means based on the selection of the transportation means acquired by the acquisition unit. [Item 12] The information processing system according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines whether the transportation target can be transported in a transportation that is performed periodically, and if transportation is possible, generates the transportation plan for transporting the transportation target in the transportation that is performed periodically. [Item 13] The information processing system according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines whether the transportation target can be transported in a transportation related to the transportation plan that has already been confirmed, and if transportation is possible, generates the transportation plan for transporting the transportation target in the transportation related to the transportation plan. [Item 14] The information processing system according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the control unit generates the transportation plan for transporting one transportation target using a plurality of transportation means. [Item 15] The information processing system according to Item 14, wherein the control unit generates the transportation plan for transporting one of the transportation targets via a manned mobile body and an unmanned mobile body that are the transportation means.[Item 16] An information processing device comprising a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means that transports an object to be transferred, based on whether the type of the object to be transferred is at least a person or a package. [Item 17] An information processing method executed by a computer, including generating a transport plan for a transport means that transports the object to be transferred, based on whether the type of the object to be transferred is at least a person or a package. [Item 18] A program that causes a computer to function as a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means that transports the object to be transferred, based on whether the type of the object to be transferred is at least a person or a package.

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0014] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters or numbers after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral will be used to distinguish each of the multiple components.

[0015] <<1. Overview of an Information Processing System According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention>> First, an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention that is capable of generating a transportation plan for efficiently transporting people and luggage will be described. The information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention achieves efficiency by treating people and luggage as transportation targets, thereby balancing the transportation of luggage and people (delivery (delivery and collection) of luggage and picking up and dropping off people). In the following description, when the transportation target is a person, the transportation target will also be referred to as a transportation target person. Furthermore, when the transportation target is luggage, the transportation target will also be referred to as a transportation target object.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system according to the present invention comprises a requester terminal 10, a server 20, a transporter terminal 30, and a network 50. As shown in Fig. 1, the requester terminal 10, the server 20, and the transporter terminal 30 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network 50.

[0017] (Requester Terminal 10) The requester terminal 10 is an information terminal used by a requester who requests transportation of a transportation object. The requester terminal 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). For example, the requester terminal 10 may be a terminal owned by each of multiple requesters. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the requester terminal 10A is a personal computer, and the requester terminal 10B is a tablet terminal. The requester terminal 10 may also be a terminal installed in a store or the like and shared by multiple requesters.

[0018] The requester terminal 10 accepts input of a request for transportation of a transportation object by a requester through input operations on an application, etc. The transportation request includes, for example, a specification of the type of transportation object (transportation object type), a transportation start position, and a transportation end position. The transportation object type may be, for example, "person," "baggage," or "both person and baggage." If the transportation object is a person, the transportation start position and transportation end position are the pick-up and delivery locations of the transportation object. If the transportation object is baggage, the transportation start position and transportation end position are the pick-up and delivery locations of the transportation object.

[0019] The requester terminal 10 transmits to the server 20 transfer request information indicating the contents of the request for transfer of the object to be transferred from the requester.

[0020] (Server 20) The server 20 according to this embodiment is an example of an information processing device, and is a server that manages the transfer of transfer objects. The server 20 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC, or may be a cloud server.

[0021] Based on the transport request information received from the requester terminal 10, the server 20 generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport the transport object included in the transport request information. The transport plan includes, for example, information on the time frame for transporting the transport object. The server 20 may generate a transport plan for a transport means to transport the transport object based, for example, on whether the type of transport object is at least "person" or "cargo." The transport plan generated by the server 20 will be described in detail below.

[0022] The transportation means for which the transportation plan is generated is, for example, a mobile body used for delivering (delivering or collecting) luggage or for picking up and dropping off people. The mobile body may be a mobile body that transports both luggage and people, or a mobile body that transports only one of luggage or people.

[0023] For example, the mobile body may be a manned mobile body used by a transporter in charge of transport. The manned mobile body may be a vehicle that travels on land (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a light van, a minivan, or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). However, the manned mobile body is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned mobile body may be an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that travels on a waterway such as a seaway or a riverway.

[0024] Furthermore, the transportation means is not limited to a mobile body, and may be, for example, walking. When the transportation means is walking, the transportation person may transport the object by loading it onto a cart (for example, a box cart or a cart). In this embodiment, an example in which the transportation means is a mobile body will be mainly described.

[0025] Furthermore, the mobile body according to this embodiment may include an unmanned mobile body that moves by autonomous control or remote control. For example, the unmanned mobile body may move by autonomous control using input information such as two positions, such as a start point (e.g., a transfer start position of the transfer target or a transfer start position of the unmanned mobile body) and an end point (e.g., a transfer end position of the transfer target), or three or more positions including a relay point (e.g., a baggage collection position in the case of a transfer involving baggage collection) and a return point (e.g., a position that is the same as the transfer start position of the unmanned mobile body or a different waiting position). Note that the input information used for autonomous control may also include various information such as other intermediate points and transfer routes.

[0026] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body may be moved by remote control using operation information remotely input by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body.

[0027] For example, the unmanned moving body may be an air vehicle, such as a drone that flies autonomously or a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flies under remote control by an administrator.

[0028] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body according to this embodiment is not limited to an air vehicle. For example, the unmanned mobile body may be a vehicle that travels on land, such as an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), or a ship that travels on waterways, such as seaways and riverways.

[0029] Furthermore, the manned and unmanned mobile bodies may be mobile bodies that are capable of traveling on at least two routes, including land, water, and air routes.

[0030] The server 20 may transmit transportation plan information, which is information related to the transportation plan generated for the transportation means described above, to the requester terminal 10. The transportation plan information may be information including, for example, the type of transportation means that will transport the transportation object and the time frame for transportation.

[0031] The requester may check the transportation plan information received by the requester terminal 10 and input whether or not to confirm the transportation of the transportation object indicated by the transportation plan information into the requester terminal 10. The requester terminal 10 transmits the input information indicating whether or not to confirm the transportation of the transportation object to the server 20.

[0032] The server 20 confirms the transport plan in accordance with information indicating whether to confirm the transport of the transport object received from the requester terminal 10. More specifically, when the server 20 receives information indicating that the transport of the transport object is to be confirmed by a confirmation operation on an application running on the requester terminal 10, the server 20 confirms the generated transport plan.

[0033] (Transportation Personnel Terminal 30) The transportation person terminal 30 is an information terminal used by a transportation person in charge of transporting the object to be transported, for which transportation has been requested by a requester. For example, the transportation person may be a driver or assistant of a manned vehicle that is the transportation means for the object to be transported. Furthermore, if the vehicle that is the transportation means for the object to be transported is an unmanned vehicle that moves by autonomous control or remote control, the transportation person may be a manager who manages the unmanned vehicle.

[0034] The transportation officer terminal 30 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a PDA, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the transportation officer terminal 30 is a smartphone.

[0035] The transfer person terminal 30 receives transfer instruction information including a transfer task based on a transfer plan determined by the server 20 for the transfer means to be used by the transfer person. The transfer person transfers the object to be transferred in accordance with the transfer instruction information. Note that if an unmanned vehicle is responsible for transferring the object to be transferred, the transfer instruction information may be sent directly to the unmanned vehicle having a communication function. In this case, the unmanned vehicle that has received the transfer instruction information may autonomously transfer the object to be transferred based on the transfer instruction information.

[0036] (Network 50) The network 50 is a wired or wireless transmission path for information transmitted from devices connected to the network 50. For example, the network 50 may include public network such as the Internet, a telephone network, or a satellite communication network, or various LANs (Local Area Networks) including Ethernet (registered trademark), WANs (Wide Area Networks), etc. The network 50 may also include a dedicated network such as an IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network).

[0037] An overview of the information processing system according to the present invention has been described above. Here, an example of transporting luggage using the information processing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of transporting a transportation target based on a transportation plan generated by the information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example in which a mobile object M transports luggage between multiple settlements V (residential areas V), multiple bus stops BS on a route BR of a public transportation facility, bus B, and a warehouse WH, which is a collection point for luggage L. In FIG. 2 , the mobile object M is a vehicle (such as a light van) driven by a transportation person D. For example, the transportation person D delivers luggage L1 stored in the warehouse WH to a transportation end position within a time frame.

[0038] Here, according to the information processing system of the present invention, even if there is no bus stop BS within walking distance of each settlement V, residents of each settlement V can easily travel to bus stops such as bus stops BS, between settlements, and within the settlements by using a mobile object M that transports luggage L1 as a means of transportation.

[0039] A requester R, a resident of village V, inputs a transportation request with a transportation object type of "person" into the requester terminal 10 and transmits transportation request information indicating the transportation request to the server 20 (not shown), thereby requesting transportation to and from a mobile object M to a bus stop BS. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , a requester R1, a resident of village V1, inputs a transportation request for a person (requester R1) using the requester terminal 10A, with the transportation start location being a point within village V1 and the transportation end location being bus stop BS2. The point within village V1 may be a location (place, address, coordinates, etc.) designated by the requester R1, such as the requester R1's house H, a landmark building, or a location indicating a parking lot. Furthermore, the point within village V1 may be a stopping point (hereinafter also referred to as a "stand") for the mobile object M within village V1, which has been registered in advance in the server 20 as a candidate for at least one of the transportation start location and the transportation end location of the transportation object. The end location of a person's transportation may be set in advance as a specific end location of transportation (for example, a specific stop (including a station) of public transportation or a facility (such as a hospital or government office)) linked to the area requested by requester U2 (which may be identified from location information acquired from requester terminal 20B of requester U2, or may be set by requester U2's setting operation when using an application related to this system) or a specific end location of transportation linked to the transportation time frame (time zone), in which case requester R only needs to input the start location of transportation. The same applies to a case where requester R inputs a transportation request with the transportation object type being "baggage" into requester terminal 10, has transportation request information indicating the transportation request transmitted to server 20 (not shown), and requests delivery of the baggage using mobile unit M.

[0040] Furthermore, requester R, a resident of village V, can input a transportation request on the application with the transportation type set to "both people and luggage," thereby simultaneously requesting transportation to bus stop BS using mobile object M and requesting the transportation of luggage while the mobile object is moving. In this case, requester R may specify different locations as the transportation end positions for the person and the object to be transported. Furthermore, if a specific bus stop is preset as the transportation end position for people, requester R will input the transportation start position and the transportation end position for luggage.

[0041] In the example shown in FIG. 2 , requester R2, a resident of village V3, uses requester terminal 10B to transmit transportation request information in which the transportation target type is "both person and luggage." For example, requester R2 inputs a transportation request into the application, specifying that the transportation end location for person (requester R2) is bus stop BS3 and the transportation end location for luggage L2 is other than bus stop BS3 (e.g., house H or a predetermined delivery destination outside the delivery area of ​​mobile unit M). Note that if the transportation end location for luggage L2 is outside the delivery area of ​​mobile unit M, it is possible for the luggage L2 to be collected at a collection point (e.g., warehouse WH) and transported together outside the delivery area. In this case, the transportation end location may be automatically set to the location of the predetermined collection point.

[0042] The server 20 generates a transportation plan for the mobile object M based on the transportation request information received from the requester terminal 10. The transportation person D in charge of transportation by the mobile object M transports the transportation targets, namely, the requester R1, the requester R2, the luggage L1, and the luggage L2, in accordance with the transportation instruction information based on the generated transportation plan, which is transmitted from the server 20 to the transportation person terminal 30. Note that in the example described using FIG. 2 , the transportation start position of the requester R, who is the transportation target, is a point within the settlement V, but the transportation start position of the transportation target may be any position (e.g., bus stop BS) designated by the requester R. Similarly, the transportation end position of the transportation target may also be any position designated by the requester R.

[0043] <<2. Example of Functional Configuration According to This Embodiment>> <2-1. Example of Functional Configuration of Requester Terminal 10> The outline of the information processing system according to this embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 10 will be described.

[0044] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the client terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the client terminal 10 has a communication unit 110, an operation display unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0045] (Communication Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is connected to the server 20 via the network 50 to communicate with the server 20 and transmits and receives data. For example, the communication unit 110 may transmit, to the server 20, transfer request information indicating a transfer request for a transfer target, based on an operation of the operation display unit 120 by a requester.

[0046] (Operation display unit 120) The operation display unit 120 functions as an operation unit that is configured to be operated by the requester to input instructions or information into the requester terminal 10, and as a display unit that presents various information by displaying it under the control of the control unit 130. For example, the requester operates the operation display unit 120 to input a transfer request on an application. Transfer request information indicating the transfer request is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110.

[0047] The transfer request information includes, for example, a transfer target type, a transfer start position, and a transfer end position. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the requester selects the transfer target type from "people," "baggage," or "both people and baggage" by performing a selection operation on the application.

[0048] If the type of transportation target is "both people and luggage," the transportation end locations of the transportation target person and the transportation target object may be different. This allows the requester to have luggage picked up at a location other than the requester's destination while being picked up or dropped off, improving convenience for the requester and allowing the transportation staff to deliver the items together, thereby improving transportation efficiency.

[0049] The transfer start position and transfer end position are specified by inputting information that can identify the positions. The information that can identify the positions may be an address, coordinate information, or a position identification ID that is identification information for identifying a predetermined position. The predetermined position may be a mobile stand that has been registered in advance in the server 20 as a candidate for the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer target.

[0050] The information that can identify a location may be the name of a bus stop or station, or the name of a facility or building. The information that can identify a location may also be information obtained by the requester selecting an arbitrary location from a map displayed by the operation display unit 120. The information that can identify a location may also be information provided by a known location search system.

[0051] The transfer request information may also include a designation of the quantity of items to be transferred. For example, if the items to be transferred include people, the number of people to be transferred may also be included. If the items to be transferred include luggage, the transfer request information may also include the number of items to be transferred, the size of the luggage (e.g., size 60), or the weight of the items to be transferred (e.g., 1 kg).

[0052] Furthermore, when the object to be transferred includes luggage, the transfer request information may include information about the object to be transferred, such as the name of the object to be transferred (food, miscellaneous goods, etc.), the type of luggage (temperature range type such as refrigerated goods or frozen goods), or whether the luggage is a sensitive item that requires careful handling. The sensitive item may be at least one of: upside down, no stacking allowed, perishable goods, or fragile goods.

[0053] Furthermore, if the transfer target includes a person, the transfer request information may include information for identifying the transfer target. The information for identifying the transfer target may be, for example, the name of the transfer target, the name of the transfer target within the service, a telephone number, etc., or may include one or more of the transfer target ID, which is identification information of the transfer target, or account information of the external application. Note that, if the transfer target and the requester are the same, the transfer target ID may be the same as the requester ID for identifying the requester.

[0054] Furthermore, if the person to be transferred is a person, the transfer request information may include information on the walking status of the person to be transferred. For example, the walking status may indicate that the person to be transferred uses a wheelchair. Alternatively, or in addition, if the person to be transferred is a person, the transfer request information may include information on whether or not the person to be transferred needs support (assistance, assistance, etc., including physical support and linguistic support).

[0055] The transfer request information may also include a specification of the date or time to start transferring the transfer target. That is, the transfer request information may also include a specification of the date or time for collecting the luggage, or the date or time for picking up the person. The collection time and pick-up time may be a time frame with a range of time (e.g., from 12:00 to 13:00). Such a time frame during which the transfer is performed is also called a transfer frame. The transfer frame is divided into predetermined time periods, such as 15 minutes or 30 minutes for unmanned vehicles, and one hour for manned vehicles. The transfer request information may also include a specification to transfer as early as possible (i.e., as close to the requested time).

[0056] The transport request information may also include a designation of a transport means for transporting the person to be transported. For example, if different fees apply to transport depending on the transport means, the requester can designate a transport means taking into consideration the fee. Furthermore, if the person to be transported is the requester, the requester can designate a transport means taking into consideration the number of seats, riding comfort, etc. Furthermore, if the requester is concerned about the person to be transported being transported by an unmanned vehicle, the requester can designate a manned vehicle. In other words, the requester can designate a transport means that meets their needs.

[0057] Note that the requester does not necessarily have to input all of the above-mentioned transport request information. For example, if the requester's basic information has been set in advance in basic settings, the requester may omit the task of inputting the basic information when requesting transport. Furthermore, if the type of transport target is "people" or "both people and cargo," only transport means capable of transporting people may be selectable. For example, if the type of transport target is "people" or "both people and cargo," transport means that cannot transport people, such as drones, may be excluded from the transport means selection candidates in the application.

[0058] So far, we have explained the transfer request information indicating a transfer request that is input to the operation display unit 120. Such transfer request information is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110. The server 20 generates a transfer plan for the transfer means that will transfer the transfer object based on the transfer request information, and the communication unit 110 receives transfer plan information related to the transfer plan for the transfer means from the server 20.

[0059] The transportation plan information includes, for example, transportation means information, which is information about transportation means capable of transporting the transportation target for the transportation request information. The transportation means information includes, for example, the type of transportation means. The type of transportation means may be, for example, the type of moving body that is the transportation means.

[0060] The type of transportation means may be, for example, a "bus," a "light van," a "minivan," a "motorcycle," or a "drone." The type of transportation means may also be "walking." The transportation means information may also include information on the transportation slots in which the transportation means will perform transportation.

[0061] The operation display unit 120 displays the transport plan information. The operation display unit 120 then receives an input, such as a confirmation operation on an application, as to whether or not to confirm the transport of the transport target indicated by the transport plan information.

[0062] The transport means information may include information on multiple candidate transport means types. The operation display unit 120 accepts a selection of the desired transport means type from among the multiple candidate transport means types, for example, by a selection operation on the application.

[0063] The transport means information may also include multiple candidate transport slots for the transport means for transporting the transport target. The operation display unit 120 accepts the selection of a desired transport slot from among the multiple candidate transport slots, by a selection operation on the application or the like.

[0064] The operation display unit 120 may also display information about the transportation means for transporting the transportation object, which is received from the server 20 by the communication unit 110 and confirmed by the server 20 .

[0065] (Control Unit 130) The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the requester terminal 10. For example, the control unit 130 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit transport request information acquired by the operation display unit 120. The control unit 130 also causes the operation display unit 120 to display information received from the server 20 by the communication unit 110.

[0066] 2-2. Example of Functional Configuration of Server 20 An example of the functional configuration of the client terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 will be described.

[0067] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 20 has a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0068] (Communication Unit 210) The communication unit 210 performs various communications with external terminals such as the requester terminal 10 and the transporter terminal 30. For example, the communication unit 210 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information such as transport request information transmitted from the requester terminal 10. The communication unit 210 also transmits transport instruction information generated by the generation unit 231 (described later) to the transporter terminal 30.

[0069] (Storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 stores programs and various data for operating the control unit 230. For example, the storage unit 220 may store each piece of transfer request information received by the communication unit 210. The storage unit 220 may store each piece of transfer request information in association with a request ID for identifying the transfer request information.

[0070] The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer target for each transfer request information for each transfer target. For example, the storage unit 220 stores information included in the transfer request information for each transfer target (item name, baggage type, information about the transfer target, size or weight, etc.). The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer target by linking it to a transfer target ID for identifying the transfer target.

[0071] The storage unit 220 also stores information included in the transfer request information (such as the number of people, names, or walking conditions) for each transfer recipient. The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer recipients, linking them with a transfer recipient ID for identifying the transfer recipient. The transfer recipient ID may be the same as the transfer recipient ID or the requester ID.

[0072] The storage unit 220 may also store registration information for transferees linked to transferee IDs or requesters linked to requester IDs. The registration information may include various basic information such as name, name within the service, email address, address, telephone number, age or generation, gender, address or residential area, and may also include account information for external applications. The storage unit 220 may also store fares for each requester or transferee, or membership ranks for determining fares.

[0073] The storage unit 220 also stores information relating to transportation by transportation means. The storage unit 220 may store information relating to transportation for each of a plurality of transportation means available for transportation.

[0074] For example, the storage unit 220 stores a transport plan for a transport means. The transport plan includes, for example, information on a transport slot. The transport plan for a transport means may be generated for each transport slot. Here, the transport slot indicates a time slot during which the transport means (or a transporter who transports the object to be transported using the transport means) responds to a transport request.

[0075] For example, the transportation response time of a transportation means (or transportation person) in one day is divided into predetermined transportation slots. The transportation means (or transportation person) transports the transportation target registered for each transportation slot at the time indicated by the transportation slot. The delivery slot of an unmanned mobile body may be registered with transportation targets to transportation end positions, such as 1 or 2. Furthermore, the delivery slot of a manned mobile body (or transportation person) may be registered with transportation targets to multiple transportation end positions, such as 5 to 10, but is not limited to this.

[0076] An example of a transportation plan will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a transportation plan. Fig. 5 shows a transportation plan for a transportation time slot from 10:00 to 12:00. In the example shown in Fig. 5, a transportation plan 400 includes operation information 410 and transportation target information 420.

[0077] The operation information 410 includes arrival / departure information 411, which is departure information and arrival information within the transportation slot. The arrival / departure information 411 includes a scheduled departure time, a scheduled arrival time, a departure location, and an arrival location. The scheduled departure time is the start time of the transportation slot. The scheduled arrival time is the end time of the transportation slot. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the arrival / departure information 411 includes information that the scheduled departure time is 10:00, the scheduled arrival time is 12:00, and the departure location and arrival location are Warehouse A.

[0078] Furthermore, the operation information 410 includes information 412 on the means of transportation for the transportation plan. The information 412 on the means of transportation includes an operation ID for identifying the operation within the transportation slot, the type of means of transportation, the transportation method, a transportation means management number which is a number for identifying the means of transportation, the name of the transportation company which indicates the business that will transport the goods by the means of transportation, and a transportation person ID which identifies the transportation person in charge of the transportation by the means of transportation. For example, if the means of transportation is a mobile object, the transportation means management number is a management number (e.g., a vehicle registration number) for identifying each mobile object.

[0079] The transportation method indicates the type of transportation target to be transported by the transportation means. For example, the example in Fig. 5 indicates that the transportation means will transport a mixture of people and luggage. Note that the information included in the transportation means information 412 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5 and may include, for example, the name of the person in charge of transportation.

[0080] The transfer target information 420 is information about the transfer target to be transferred by the transfer means within the time indicated by the transfer frame. The transfer target information 420 may include, for example, a portion of the transfer request information for the transfer target whose transfer has been confirmed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the transfer target information includes the transfer target type, the name of the baggage of the transfer target, the number of people to be transferred, the transfer start position, and the transfer end position, which are part of the transfer request information. Note that the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer target information 420 are not limited to the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer request information. In cases in which the transfer target is transferred via multiple transfer means, the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer target information 420 may be the transfer start position and transfer end position by the transfer means in the transfer plan.

[0081] The transfer target information 420 may also include a transfer target ID for identifying each transfer target for the transfer request. For example, Figure 5 shows an example in which, for a transfer request with a request ID of C003 and a transfer target type of "both people and luggage," T003-1 is assigned as the transfer target ID for identifying the transfer of the person who is the transfer target. Figure 5 also shows an example in which, for the transfer request, T003-2 is assigned as the transfer target ID for identifying the transfer of the luggage that is the transfer target.

[0082] Furthermore, if the transfer target is a regular service that is transferred periodically, the transfer target information 420 may include a regular ID for identifying the regular service.

[0083] In addition, the transfer objects to be transferred within the time indicated by the transfer frame are not limited to the transfer objects for the transfer request received by the communication unit 210, and for example, parcels related to parcel order requests, whose requests are managed by an external server, may also be managed as transfer objects.

[0084] The storage unit 220 may further store a transfer status 430 indicating the status of each transfer of the transfer target included in the transfer target information 420. Examples of the transfer status 430, as shown in FIG. 5 , include "In Work," indicating that the transfer target is being loaded, unloaded, or boarded or disembarked; "Before Transfer Started," indicating that the transfer target is not being transferred by a transfer means; and "Transfer Completed," indicating that the transfer of the transfer target has been completed at the transfer end location. Note that the transfer status 430 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5 . For example, if the transfer target cannot be handed over to the recipient and is being returned to the warehouse, the transfer status 430 may be "Returning." The transfer target information may be arranged from top to bottom in order according to the transfer route. In this case, the transfer status 430 may be configured to change to "Transfer Completed" in order from top to bottom as the request is completed.

[0085] So far, the transportation plan stored in the memory unit 220 has been described. The memory unit 220 also stores information about one or more loading spaces of each transportation means for which the transportation plan is managed. The transportation objects that can be loaded by a transportation means vary depending on the type of transportation means and the loading space of the transportation means. For example, a seat in a light van or bus can carry both luggage and people. On the other hand, a storage section (luggage compartment) such as a trunk of a light van or bus can carry only luggage. Furthermore, a storage section (luggage compartment) of a drone, bicycle, motorcycle, etc. can carry only luggage.

[0086] For each such loading space, the memory unit 220 stores whether the transportable objects that can be loaded are people only, luggage only, or both people and luggage, and the maximum amount of luggage or people that can be loaded.

[0087] For example, if the transportation means is a light van and seats are used to carry both luggage and passengers, the memory unit 220 stores that the seats can carry both passengers and luggage. The memory unit 220 may also store the maximum number of seats that can carry either luggage or passengers as the maximum number of luggage and passengers. The seats of the transportation means do not necessarily need to be managed as being capable of carrying luggage, but may be managed as being capable of carrying only passengers depending on the operation.

[0088] As another example, when the transportation means is a bus or the like and only luggage is loaded into a luggage compartment, the memory unit 220 stores that the luggage compartment can only carry luggage. The memory unit 220 also stores the maximum amount of luggage that can be loaded into the luggage compartment. Here, the maximum amount of luggage may be indicated by the number of pieces or by the capacity. The maximum amount of luggage may also be indicated by the weight.

[0089] The storage unit 220 stores, for each transfer slot, loading space information, which is information regarding the amount of transfer objects that can be loaded into the loading space of the transfer means for which the transfer plan is managed. The loading space information may be, for example, the number of seats that can accommodate the transfer objects (i.e., the number of empty seats) or the vacancy rate of the maximum capacity of the loading space that can accommodate the transfer objects. The loading space information may also be the weight of the transfer objects that can be loaded.

[0090] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of loading space information for each transportation slot. In FIG. 6, loading space information 440A for seats on a transportation means (e.g., a bus) and loading space information 440B for luggage compartments are shown for each transportation slot.

[0091] For example, the loading space information 440A indicates that the seats are "full," i.e., there are no vacant seats, for the transfer slot from 9:00 to 10:00. On the other hand, the loading space information 440A indicates that there is one vacant seat for the transfer slot from 11:00 to 12:00.

[0092] Furthermore, the loading space information 440B indicates that the luggage compartment is "full" during the transfer time slot from 9:00 to 10:00, i.e., there is no free space in the luggage compartment. On the other hand, the loading space information 440B indicates that there is free space in the luggage compartment of 20% of its maximum capacity during the transfer time slot from 10:00 to 11:00.

[0093] The sharing of the loading space by people and luggage can be easily managed by managing the information about the loading space in this way by the memory unit 220. The sharing of the loading space by people and luggage improves the spatial efficiency of the loading space, and the efficiency of the transportation of people and luggage can be realized.

[0094] (Control unit 230) The control unit 230 controls the overall operation of the server 20. For example, the control unit 230 controls the storage unit 220 to store information received from the client terminal 10 by the communication unit 210. In this embodiment, the control unit 230 has a function as a generation unit 231.

[0095] (Generation unit 231) The generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation target included in the transportation request information based on the transportation request information received by the communication unit 210. For example, the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation means that will transport the transportation target based on whether the transportation target type is a "person," a "baggage," or "both people and baggage."

[0096] More specifically, the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of loading the transportation object. Here, the generation unit 231 may generate the transportation plan based on information on the loading space for each transportation slot of each transportation means. That is, the generation unit 231 may generate a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of loading the transportation object into the loading space on the date or time included in the transportation request information when the transportation of the transportation object begins. With this configuration, a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of transporting the transportation means is appropriately generated, which contributes to improving the efficiency of transportation.

[0097] Furthermore, if the transport request information includes a designation of a transport means for transporting the transport target, the generation unit 231 may generate a transport plan for the transport means. With this configuration, it is possible to meet the needs of the requester.

[0098] Furthermore, when the transfer request information includes information on the object to be transferred, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for a transfer means determined in accordance with the information. For example, when the transfer request information includes information that the cargo type (e.g., temperature range type) of the object to be transferred is a refrigerated item, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for a transfer means equipped with refrigeration equipment.

[0099] Furthermore, when the arrival time of a transportation means at an arrival location has been determined, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transportation means can transport the transportation target by the arrival time. When the generation unit 231 determines that the transportation means can transport the transportation target by the arrival time, the generation unit 231 may determine the transportation means as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated. For example, the generation unit 231 may determine, as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated, the transportation means that can arrive at the arrival location at the end time of the transportation slot if the transportation target is transported.

[0100] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may select multiple candidate transport means for transporting the transport target. For example, if there are multiple transport means that can load the transport target into the loading space on the date or time when the transport of the transport target is to start, which is included in the transport request information, the generation unit 231 may select the multiple transport means as candidate transport means.

[0101] When the generation unit 231 selects multiple candidates that can load the transportation target into the loading space, it may determine one transportation means for generating a transportation plan. For example, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transportation target can be transported by transportation that is performed regularly by the transportation means, i.e., transportation including regular flights. When the transportation target can be transported by transportation including regular flights, the generation unit 231 may determine the transportation means as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated.

[0102] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transfer target can be transferred by a transfer according to an already confirmed transfer plan. If the transfer target can be transferred by a transfer according to an already confirmed transfer plan, the generation unit 231 may determine the transfer means as the transfer means for which a transfer plan for the transfer means is generated. With this configuration, the transfer means can be transferred by a transfer means that has already been determined to operate, thereby further improving the efficiency of transfer.

[0103] Furthermore, when the object to be transferred is a cargo, the generation unit 231 may determine an unmanned vehicle as the transfer means for which a transfer plan for the transfer means is generated, in preference to a manned vehicle. With this configuration, the object to be transferred can be transferred without human intervention, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the transfer.

[0104] An example in which the generation unit 231 generates a transfer plan for each transfer target will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example in which the generation unit 231 generates a transfer plan for each transfer target. A requester R1 uses a requester terminal 10A to transmit transfer request information in which the transfer target type is "person." Furthermore, a requester R2 uses a requester terminal 10B to transmit transfer request information in which the transfer target type is "baggage" and the transfer means for transporting the transfer target is specified as a drone.

[0105] The generation unit 231 determines the mobile unit M1, which is a light van capable of loading people into its loading space, as the means of transportation for which a transportation plan for that means of transportation is generated, and generates a transportation plan. The generation unit 231 also determines the mobile unit M2, which is a drone, as the means of transportation for which a transportation plan for that means of transportation is generated, and generates a transportation plan. Note that if the transportation start position of requester R1 and the transportation start position of requester R2 are within a predetermined distance range, or if the positional relationship is such that it is determined that delivery within the time frame is possible even if the mobile unit M1 is included in the transportation plan for the mobile unit M1, a transportation plan for only the mobile unit M1 may be generated.

[0106] As another example of a method for generating a transfer plan, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for transferring a single transfer target via multiple transfer means. When generating a transfer plan for transferring a single transfer target via multiple transfer means, the generation unit 231 may generate the transfer plan by setting positions different from the transfer start position and transfer end position included in the transfer request information as the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer means. With this configuration, transfer can be realized even when a single transfer means cannot transfer from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, thereby making the transfer more efficient.

[0107] Furthermore, when the type of transfer target is "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan in which only either the transfer target object or the transfer target person is transferred via multiple transfer means. Furthermore, when the type of transfer target is "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan in which the transfer of the transfer target person and the transfer target object is started at the transfer start position by the same transfer means, and then each is transferred via a different transfer means.

[0108] Furthermore, when the type of the object to be transferred is "baggage" or "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for transferring the object to be transferred to a collection point such as a warehouse WH where luggage can be accumulated. Then, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for transferring the object to be transferred from the collection point to a transfer end position using another transfer frame or another transfer means.

[0109] The generation unit 231 may also generate a transportation plan for transferring the object to be transferred from the collection point to a business operator other than the business operator that manages transportation using this information processing system. With this configuration, even if the transportation end location is outside the jurisdiction of the transportation by the transportation means, the object can be transferred to the transportation end location by transferring the object to a business operator that has jurisdiction over the transportation end location. In this case, the transportation plan may include identification information for identifying the business operator or the person in charge at the delivery destination.

[0110] An example of transporting an object to be transported to a collection point will now be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of transporting an object to be transported to a collection point. Using the requester terminal 10, the requester R transmits transport request information in which the type of object to be transported is "both people and luggage." For example, the requester R inputs transport request information including a transfer start location being house H, a transfer end location for the person (requester R) being bus stop BS, and a transfer end location for luggage L being a location other than bus stop BS.

[0111] The generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a mobile object M, which transports a requester R, who is the person to be transported, from his / her home H to a bus stop BS, and then transports the luggage L, which is the object to be transported, to a warehouse WH, which is a collection point, for storage.

[0112] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may generate a transportation plan for transporting the object via a relay between a manned mobile body and an unmanned mobile body. When the generation unit 231 determines that the object to be transported cannot arrive at the arrival location by the end time of the transportation slot when the manned mobile body transports the object to be transported, the generation unit 231 may generate a transportation plan for relaying the object to be transported to an unmanned mobile body. Here, an example of transporting the object via a relay between a manned mobile body and an unmanned mobile body will be described with reference to FIG. 9 .

[0113] 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which transportation is performed using a manned mobile object and an unmanned mobile object as a relay. A requester R uses a requester terminal 10 to transmit transportation request information in which the transportation target type is "both person and luggage." For example, the requester R inputs transportation request information that specifies that the transportation start location is a house H, the transportation end location for the person (requester R) is a bus stop BS, and the transportation end location for luggage L is a location other than the bus stop BS.

[0114] The generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for the mobile unit M1, which is a light van that transports the requester R, who is the transportation target, from the house H to the bus stop BS and transports the baggage L, which is the transportation target, to the stand S, which is the relay location for the mobile unit M2. The generation unit 231 also generates a transportation plan for the mobile unit M2, which is a drone that transports the baggage L, which is the transportation target, from the stand S to the transportation end position of the baggage L.

[0115] So far, the method for generating a transportation plan by the generation unit 231 has been described. When the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan, transportation plan information, which is information related to the transportation plan, is sent to the requester terminal 10 by the communication unit 210. The transportation plan information may include transportation means information, which is information about transportation means capable of transporting the transportation object for the transportation request information. Furthermore, the transportation means information may include information about the transportation slot in which the transportation means will perform the transportation. Furthermore, the transportation plan information may include information such as transportation fees. The transportation fee may be a fixed fee, or may be determined according to the transportation distance, the weight of the transportation object, or the freight rate for each transportation object, etc.

[0116] The communication unit 210 then acquires information indicating whether or not to confirm transportation by the transportation means included in the transportation means information from the requester terminal 10 to which the movement plan information was sent. When the communication unit 210 acquires information indicating that transportation of the transportation target is to be confirmed, the control unit 230 confirms the transportation plan corresponding to the movement plan information. On the other hand, when the control unit 230 receives information from the requester terminal 10 indicating that transportation for the transportation plan information is not to be confirmed, or when a predetermined time has passed since the control unit 230 sent the transportation plan information, the control unit 230 does not confirm the transportation plan.

[0117] When the transportation plan is finalized, the communication unit 210 may transmit information about the transportation means for transporting the transportation object (such as the type of transportation means and transportation slot information) to the requester terminal 10.

[0118] Furthermore, when the control unit 230 confirms a transportation plan, it updates the information about the loading space of the transportation means stored in the storage unit 220 based on the quantity of transportation targets for the transportation plan. For example, suppose the control unit 230 confirms a transportation plan to transport one transportation target using a seat on the transportation means. In this case, the control unit 230 may update the information about the loading space of the seats on the transportation means in the transportation slot of the transportation plan so as to reduce the number of vacant seats by one.

[0119] In addition, when the information on the available loading space is indicated by the vacant rate of the maximum capacity of the loading space, the control unit 230 may calculate a new vacant rate based on the size of the object to be transported and update the information on the available loading space to the calculated result.

[0120] When the generation unit 231 determines multiple candidate transport means for transporting the object to be transported, the generation unit 231 generates transport plan information in which the transport means information includes information on the multiple candidate transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport means selected by the requester from the multiple candidate transport means from the requester terminal 10. The control unit 230 finalizes the transport plan for the selected transport means.

[0121] Furthermore, if the transport request information does not include a transport slot designation, the generation unit 231 may select candidate transport slots for the transport means that will deliver the transport object. In this case, the generation unit 231 generates transport plan information in which the transport means information includes information on candidate transport slots that can be used for transport by the transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport slot selected by the requester from the requester terminal 10 from the candidate transport slots. Based on the selection of the transport slot, the control unit 230 finalizes the transport plan for the transport means with the selected transport slot.

[0122] The generation unit 231 may select a candidate transport slot for each of a plurality of candidate transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport means and transport slot selected by the requester from the candidate transport slots from the requester terminal 10. Based on the selection of the transport means and transport slot, the control unit 230 finalizes a transport plan for the transport means and the transport slot.

[0123] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 generates transport instruction information including transport tasks to be performed by the transporter based on the confirmed transport plan. The transport tasks are tasks for transporting each transport target included in the transport plan from a transport start position to a transport end position by a transport means. The generation unit 231 may order the transport tasks to increase transport efficiency and include the tasks in the transport instruction information. High transport efficiency may mean a short transport route distance or a short transport time.

[0124] The transfer instruction information includes at least a portion of the information included in the transfer plan that is necessary for the transfer. On the other hand, information included in the transfer plan that is not necessary for the transfer may not be included in the transfer instruction information. For example, if the type of transfer target is "person" or "both person and cargo," information for identifying the person being transferred (such as name or telephone number) may not be included in the transfer instruction information from the perspective of privacy protection.

[0125] On the other hand, if the type of transfer target is "person" or "both person and baggage," it may be confirmed at the transfer start location whether the person to be transferred is a transfer target according to the transfer plan. This confirmation may be performed manually by the transfer person, or may be authenticated by an authentication function possessed by the transfer means or the transfer person terminal 30. When such confirmation is performed, information for identifying the transfer target (such as name or telephone number) may be included in the transfer instruction information.

[0126] The communication unit 210 transmits the transportation instruction information generated by the generation unit 231 to the transportation staff terminal 30.

[0127] <2-3. Example of Functional Configuration of Transfer Personnel Terminal 30> Above, an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 has been described. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the transfer personnel terminal 30 will be described.

[0128] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the transporter terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the transporter terminal 30 has a communication unit 310, an operation display unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0129] (Communication Unit 310) The communication unit 310 is connected to the server 20 via the network 50 for communication, and transmits and receives data. For example, the communication unit 310 receives transport instruction information from the server 20.

[0130] (Operation display unit 320) The operation display unit 320 functions as an operation unit that is configured to be operated by the transportation staff member to input instructions or information into the transportation staff member terminal 30, and as a display unit that displays various information under the control of the control unit 330. For example, the transportation staff member performs a transportation task while checking the transportation instruction information displayed on the operation display unit 320.

[0131] The transfer person also operates the operation display unit 320 to input the execution status of the transfer task, and the execution status is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 310. The execution status may be, for example, "transfer completed" or "returning the object to be transferred." Here, the control unit 230 of the server 20 updates the transfer status stored in the memory unit 220 based on the execution status.

[0132] (Control unit 330) The control unit 330 controls the overall operation of the transferor terminal 30. For example, the control unit 330 causes the communication unit 310 to transmit transfer request information acquired by the operation and display unit 320. The control unit 330 also causes the operation and display unit 320 to display information received from the server 20 by the communication unit 310.

[0133] <<3. Example of Operation Processing According to This Embodiment>> Having described an example of the functional configuration according to this embodiment of the present invention, an example of operation processing according to this embodiment will now be described.

[0134] Here, the requester provided by this information processing system accesses the server 20 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and when using the service for the first time, may log in by performing a user registration process. If an account has already been obtained, the service may be made available by logging in after undergoing predetermined authentication, such as entering a requester ID or transferee ID and a password. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the requester terminal 10 may be used as the requester ID or transferee ID to make the service available. After this login authentication, service use begins via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

[0135] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the flow of operation processing by the server 20 according to this embodiment. First, the communication unit 210 receives transport request information from the requester terminal 10 (S101).

[0136] Next, the generation unit 231 generates a transport plan for the transport means that will transport the transport target for the transport request information, based on the type of transport target and the loading space information of the transport means included in the transport request information (S102). Here, the transport plan may be generated based on information included in the transport request information other than the type of transport target.

[0137] The communication unit 210 transmits the transportation plan information regarding the transportation plan generated by the generation unit 231 to the requester terminal 10 (S103).

[0138] Then, the control unit 230 determines whether or not information indicating confirmation of the transportation regarding the transportation plan information has been received from the client terminal 10 (S104).

[0139] If information indicating the confirmation of the transport for the transport plan information is not received from the requester terminal 10 (S104 / NO), the server 20 ends the process. If information indicating the confirmation of the transport for the transport plan information is not received from the requester terminal 10, it means that information indicating that the transport for the transport plan information is not confirmed is received from the requester terminal 10, or a predetermined time has passed since the transport plan information was sent.

[0140] When information indicating confirmation of the transport regarding the transport plan information is received from the requester terminal 10 (S104 / YES), the control unit 230 confirms the transport plan corresponding to the transport plan information (S105).

[0141] The control unit 230 updates the loading space information in accordance with the confirmed transfer plan (S106).

[0142] The generating unit 231 then generates transport instruction information in accordance with the confirmed transport plan. The communication unit 210 transmits the generated transport instruction information to the transporter terminal 30 (S107).

[0143] <<4. Hardware Configuration Example>> The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware described below of the server 20. Note that the hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the requester terminal 10 and the transporter terminal 30.

[0144] 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12 , the server 20 includes a control unit 230, a memory 31, a storage 32, a transmission / reception unit 33, an input / output unit 34, and the like, which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 35.

[0145] The control unit 230 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the server 20, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing, etc. For example, the control unit 230 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 32 and deployed in the memory 31 to perform various information processing as described above.

[0146] The memory 31 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 31 is used as a work area for the control unit 230, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the server 20 is started up, various setting information, and the like.

[0147] The storage 32 stores various programs such as application programs, etc. A database that stores data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 32.

[0148] The transceiver 33 connects the server 20 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transceiver 33 may include a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0149] The input / output unit 34 includes information input devices such as a keyboard, a microphone, and a mouse, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0150] The bus 35 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0151] <<5. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0152] In addition, a computer program can be created to enable hardware such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the requester terminal 10, server 20, and transporter terminal 30 to perform functions equivalent to those of the above-mentioned configurations of the requester terminal 10, server 20, and transporter terminal 30.

[0153] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 client terminal 20 server 30 transporter terminal 50 network 110 communication unit 120 operation display unit 130 control unit 210 communication unit 220 storage unit 230 control unit 231 generation unit 310 communication unit 320 operation display unit 330 control unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport an object to be transported based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or a cargo.

2. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the control unit generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport the object to be transported based on whether the type of object to be transported is a person, a cargo, or both a person and a cargo.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires transfer request information indicating the content of a request for the transfer of the transfer object from a requester, including information indicating the type of the transfer object, and the control unit generates the transfer plan for the transfer object included in the transfer request information based on the transfer request information.

4. An information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the transfer request information includes information that can identify the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer object.

5. An information processing system as described in claim 3, wherein the transfer request information includes information capable of separately identifying the transfer end position of the person and the transfer end position of the luggage when the type of the transfer object is both the person and luggage.

6. An information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the transport request information includes identification information capable of identifying the person to be transported when the type of the object to be transported is a person or both a person and cargo.

7. The information processing system of claim 3, further comprising a memory unit that stores loading space information indicating the amount of the transportation object that can be loaded into the loading space of the transportation means for each time slot, and the control unit generates the transportation plan further based on the loading space information.

8. The information processing system described in claim 7, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information indicating whether or not the transfer of the transfer target related to the transfer plan generated by the control unit is to be confirmed from an information terminal used by the requester, and the control unit confirms the transfer plan in accordance with the information acquired by the acquisition unit indicating whether or not the transfer of the transfer target is to be confirmed.

9. An information processing system as described in claim 8, wherein when the control unit confirms the transport plan, it updates the information on the loading space of the transport means stored in the memory unit based on the amount of the transport object.

10. The information processing system described in claim 9, wherein the memory unit further stores information on the loading space of each of the multiple transportation means, such as the maximum amount of cargo or people that can be loaded into each of one or more loading spaces of each of the multiple transportation means, and whether the objects to be transported that can be loaded into each of the one or more loading spaces are people only, cargo only, or both people and cargo; and the control unit selects from the multiple transportation means candidate transportation means for transporting the objects to be transported, further based on the information on the loading space of each of the multiple transportation means stored in the memory unit.

11. The information processing system described in claim 10, wherein the acquisition unit acquires from the information terminal information on the transportation means selected by the requester from among the plurality of transportation means candidates selected by the control unit, and the control unit determines the transportation plan for the transportation means based on the selection of the transportation means acquired by the acquisition unit.

12. An information processing system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines whether the transfer object can be transferred in a transfer that is performed periodically, and if the transfer object can be transferred, generates the transfer plan for transferring the transfer object in the transfer that is performed periodically.

13. An information processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines whether the transfer target can be transferred in a transfer related to the already confirmed transfer plan, and if the transfer target can be transferred, generates the transfer plan for transferring the transfer target in a transfer related to the transfer plan.

14. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit generates the transport plan for transporting one of the transport objects using multiple transport means.

15. An information processing system according to claim 14, wherein the control unit generates the transport plan for transporting one of the transport objects via the transport means, which are a manned mobile body and an unmanned mobile body.

16. An information processing device comprising a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means that transports an object to be transported, based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or a cargo.

17. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising generating a transport plan for a transport means for transporting an object to be transported, based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or cargo.

18. A program for causing a computer to function as a control unit that generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport an object to be transported, based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or cargo.

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