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

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technology that contributes to further improvement in efficiency and convenience of the transport of people and packages. [Solution] An information processing system comprises a selection unit that, on the basis of whether the type of a transport target is at least a person or a package, performs selection processing for selecting, from among registered users registered in advance, a candidate for a person in charge of transport who will transport the transport target from a transport start position to a transport end position. The type includes a person, a package, and both a person and a package. The selection unit performs the selection processing on the basis of quantity information indicating the quantity of the transport target. The selection unit performs the selection processing on the basis of information relating to the registered users, and the information relating to the registered users includes information indicating the transportation means of the registered users and qualification information indicating whether or not the registered users or the transportation means of the registered user satisfy a condition enabling a person to be transported.

Description

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

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

[0002] In recent years, due to a shortage of workers in the automobile transportation industry and a decrease in demand due to population decline, maintaining the flow of people and logistics services has become a social issue. Accordingly, technological development is underway to handle a variety of transportation methods in addition to conventional methods for transporting cargo or people. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a logistics management system that manages information related to a logistics network and changes the operation plan of circular services that circulate within an area based on that information. Furthermore, the practical application of mixed cargo and passenger transport, which transports not only people but also cargo on regularly scheduled public transportation, is also being considered.

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

[0004] There is a need for technology that can further improve the efficiency and convenience of transporting cargo and people as described above.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided which includes a selection unit that performs a selection process to select from pre-registered users a candidate transporter who will transport the transport object from the transport start position to the transport end position, based on whether the type of the transport object is at least a person or luggage.

[0006] Furthermore, according to the present invention, an information processing device is provided which includes a selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from among pre-registered users, a candidate transporter who will transport the transport object from the transport start position to the transport end position, based on whether the type of the transport object is at least a person or luggage.

[0007] In addition, according to the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to function as an information processing device having a selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from pre-registered users, a candidate transporter who will transport the transport object from the transport start position to the transport end position, based on whether the type of the transport object is at least a person or luggage.

[0008] In addition, according to the present invention, an information processing method executed by a computer is provided, which includes a processor performing a selection process to select from pre-registered users a candidate transporter who will transport the transport object from the transport start position to the transport end position, based on whether the type of the transport object is at least a person or luggage.

[0009] 1 is a diagram illustrating a preferred application example of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information related to registered users stored in the storage unit 220. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification of recruitment of transportation personnel generated by the notification unit 233. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a route display generated by the notification unit 233. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transportation plan generated by the determination unit 235. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a transportation slot according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 30 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the present embodiment.

[0010] 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 selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from pre-registered users, candidates for a transfer person who will transfer an object to be transferred from a transfer start position to a transfer end position, based on whether the type of the object to be transferred is at least a person or a baggage. [Item 2] The information processing system according to Item 1, in which the type includes a person, a baggage, or both a person and a baggage. [Item 3] The information processing system according to Item 1 or 2, in which the selection unit performs the selection process based on quantity information indicating the amount of the object to be transferred. [Item 4] The information processing system according to Item 3, in which the selection unit performs the selection process based on information about the registered user, and the information about the registered user includes information indicating the registered user's means of transportation and qualification information indicating whether the registered user or the registered user's means of transportation meets the conditions for being able to transport a person. [Item 5] The information processing system of item 4, wherein the selection unit selects the candidate from among the registered users associated with the qualification information that meets the conditions for being able to transport people when the type of the transport object is either a person or both a person and luggage. [Item 6] The information processing system of item 5, wherein the selection unit selects the candidate from among the registered users associated with the means of transportation that can carry the transport object, based on the quantity information for each type of the transport object. [Item 7] The information processing system of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the information about the registered user further includes one or more of an area in which the registered user is available for transport, location information of the registered user, information about the transport task already decided by the registered user, and information about a time period in which the registered user is available to take on the role of transporter. [Item 8] The information processing system of any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a notification unit that generates a notification to the registered user selected as the candidate, recruiting a transporter. [Item 9] The information processing system of item 8, wherein the notification unit transmits the recruitment notification to a terminal used by the registered user.[Item 10] The information processing system according to item 8 or 9, further comprising a determination unit that determines a person in charge of transporting the object to be transported based on whether the registered user selected as the candidate has responded to the solicitation. [Item 11] The information processing system according to item 10, wherein the determination unit determines the registered user selected as the candidate to be a person in charge of transporting the object to be transported based on the registered user having responded to the solicitation. [Item 12] The information processing system according to item 10 or 11, wherein the determination unit generates a transportation plan for the object to be transported to the transportation end position by a transportation means different from that used by the registered user selected as the candidate based on the candidate not having responded to the solicitation. [Item 13] The information processing system according to item 12, wherein the transportation plan is a plan for transporting the object to be transported while relaying it through a plurality of transportation sections, and includes transportation instruction information that indicates either a transportation person or a transportation means, or both, for each transportation section. [Item 14] The information processing system according to any one of items 10 to 13, wherein, when there are multiple transfer targets that are transferred from the same transfer start position to different transfer end positions, the determination unit determines the transfer target to which the candidate registered user is assigned as a transfer manager in accordance with the length of the distance of the transfer section from the transfer start position to the transfer end position of each of the multiple transfer targets. [Item 15] The information processing system according to item 14, wherein, among the multiple transfer targets that have the same transfer start position but different transfer end positions, the determination unit determines the transfer manager for the transfer target that has a longer distance from the transfer start position to the transfer end position from the candidate registered users. [Item 16] The information processing system according to item 14, wherein, among the multiple transfer targets that have the same transfer start position but different transfer end positions, the determination unit determines the transfer manager for the transfer target that has a shorter distance from the transfer start position to the transfer end position from the candidate registered users. [Item 17] The information processing system according to Item 13, wherein the notification unit notifies the transportation plan to a terminal used by a transportation person in charge of each of the transportation sections.[Item 18] An information processing device comprising: a selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from pre-registered users, candidate transfer personnel who will transfer the transfer object from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, based on whether the type of the transfer object is at least a person or a package. [Item 19] A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device comprising: a selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from pre-registered users, candidate transfer personnel who will transfer the transfer object from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, based on whether the type of the transfer object is at least a person or a package. [Item 20] An information processing method executed by a computer, including: a processor performing a selection process to select, from pre-registered users, candidate transfer personnel who will transfer the transfer object from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, based on whether the type of the transfer object is at least a person or a package.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers or letters after the same reference numeral. However, when there is no particular need to distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral is used to distinguish each of the multiple components.

[0013] 1. Overview of an Information Processing System According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention First, an overview of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system that can contribute to further improving the efficiency and convenience of transporting people and luggage.

[0014] <1-1. Summary of the Issues> In recent years, due to a shortage of workers in the automobile transportation industry and a decrease in demand due to population decline, maintaining the flow of people and logistics services in depopulated areas has become a social issue. Therefore, technologies for handling a variety of transportation methods in addition to conventional methods of transporting cargo or people are being considered.

[0015] As an example, a method of mixed cargo and passenger transport (also called mixed cargo and passenger transportation) is being considered, in which transportation means for transporting cargo and people, which have traditionally been carried out separately, are shared and people and cargo are transported together.

[0016] Specifically, one possible method is to transport not only people but also luggage on a public transportation system such as a bus that operates on a regular schedule.

[0017] However, when loading luggage onto public transportation, the luggage is only transported to a departure or arrival point such as a bus stop. Therefore, securing transportation means for the luggage from the departure or arrival point to the luggage's final destination becomes an issue.

[0018] For example, in depopulated areas, the distance between public transportation departure and arrival points and residential areas such as villages may be far. Even if the distance is short, it may be difficult for elderly users to travel. In such cases, there may be regular feeder services (feeder transport) such as minibuses that operate between public transportation departure and arrival points and residential areas. Alternatively, users may arrange chartered services for transportation on a case-by-case basis.

[0019] The number of passengers on such branch or charter services is often low, and from the economic point of view of the operating company, it can be difficult to maintain the service while ensuring economic profits.Furthermore, the operation of branch or charter services is sometimes managed manually by humans, which can be inefficient in terms of the management burden.

[0020] The technical concept of one embodiment of the present invention was conceived with the above points in mind, and provides technology that contributes to further improving the efficiency and convenience of transporting luggage and people.

[0021] More specifically, an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention realizes a more efficient and convenient transportation system that includes various transportation methods using gig workers, paid volunteers, etc. Furthermore, this information processing system provides an information processing system that contributes to the realization of more efficient transportation by sharing a transportation space between people and luggage, with a mixture of passengers and cargo.

[0022] 1 is a diagram showing a suitable application example of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example in which a transportation object T is transported to a final destination in a relay format while being relayed through multiple transportation sections.

[0023] The information processing system according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 20 and an information terminal 30 shown in Fig. 1. The information processing device 20 and the information terminal 30 are configured to be able to communicate with each other. Each of the transport objects T is transported via a plurality of transport sections based on a transport plan generated by the information processing device 20.

[0024] Relay point BS1 and relay point BS2 shown on the left side of Fig. 1 indicate relay points included in the transfer plan for transfer object T. Furthermore, transfer start position S1 shown in the center of Fig. 1 indicates the next relay point after relay point BS in the transfer plan for transfer object T. Transfer end position D1 and transfer end position D2 shown on the right side of Fig. 1 indicate the final destination of transfer object T. Furthermore, transfer area A1 indicates the transfer area set at transfer start position S1.

[0025] In the information processing system according to this embodiment, the transfer object T can include at least one of a person and / or luggage. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the transfer object T1 and the transfer object T2 are luggage. Furthermore, the transfer object T3 is a person.

[0026] (Information Processing Device 20) The information processing device 20 according to this embodiment has a function of selecting, from among pre-registered registered users U, candidates for the person in charge of transporting the transport target T from the transport start position S to the transport end position D. The registered users U are transport contract users such as gig workers who undertake one-off transport in response to a call for transport tasks for the transport target T, or paid volunteers. Note that the transport start position S and transport end position D referred to here are not the transport start positions (e.g., relay points BS1, BS2, etc.) for people or luggage, but are described as the transport start position and transport end position for the transport contract user.

[0027] The information processing device 20 may select candidates for transportation personnel based on qualification information indicating whether each registered user U or the means of transportation (hereinafter also referred to as the transportation means) used by each registered user U is capable of transporting people.

[0028] For example, when the object to be transported is luggage, the information processing device 20 determines candidates to be in charge of transport from among registered users U who are using transportation means capable of carrying luggage.

[0029] Furthermore, when the transportation target is a person, the information processing device 20 selects a candidate for transportation from among registered users U who use transportation means capable of carrying people. Furthermore, in a location where this information processing system is applied, it is conceivable that a legal qualification is required to transport people and receive a fare as payment. In this case, the information processing device 20 may select a candidate for transportation from among registered users U who have the relevant qualification.

[0030] The information processing device 20 may also have a function of notifying registered users U selected as candidates that a transportation manager is being recruited.

[0031] In addition, the information processing device 20 may have the function of generating an entire transportation plan from the departure point (collection point, drop-off point, boarding / disembarking point, etc.) of the transportation object T to the final destination, including the transportation section from the transportation start position S to the transportation end position D.

[0032] More specifically, the information processing device 20 may receive a request for transportation of an object to be transported (hereinafter referred to as a transportation request) from a requester and generate a transportation plan including information such as the transportation means and transportation route of the object to be transported. The transportation plan may be a relay-type transportation plan in which the object to be transported is transported via multiple transportation sections. The information processing device 20 may also function as a traffic management server that manages the operation of the mobile object 10 based on the generated transportation plan. The information processing device 20 may also generate a transportation plan for each of multiple transportation sections and recruit transportation personnel for only some of the multiple transportation sections, and the remaining transportation sections may be transported by the mobile object 10 operated by, for example, an administrator operating the system.

[0033] A transportation request may include a request to pick up and deliver a package. A transportation request may also include a request to pick up or deliver a person. A transportation request may also include both a request to pick up or deliver a package and a request to pick up or deliver a person.

[0034] 1 is a mobile body used in a transport operation for transporting a transport object T. The mobile body 10 according to this embodiment is a mobile body used by a company that transports luggage or passengers, such as a delivery company or public transportation.

[0035] When generating a transportation plan for the transportation target T, the information processing device 20 may specify the mobile body 10 as the transportation means for a transportation section that falls within a range up to a point where transportation is possible by the mobile body 10. Furthermore, for a transportation section that falls beyond the point where transportation is possible for the mobile body 10 and falls outside the transportation area of ​​each mobile body 10, transportation by the registered user U may be specified as a transportation means other than the mobile body 10.

[0036] In this specification, a transferable point for a mobile body 10 is a point within the range where each mobile body 10 can perform transfer, and is determined by the stopping point of the mobile body 10 (for example, a takeoff and landing site prepared in advance for an aircraft) or the area covered by the transfer person using the mobile body 10.

[0037] 1 , it is assumed that the transfer start position S1 is a transferable point of the mobile body 10. It is also assumed that the section from the relay point BS to the transfer start position S1 is within the transferable area of ​​the mobile body 10. It is also assumed that the section from the transfer start position S1 to the transfer end position D is outside the transferable area of ​​the mobile body 10.

[0038] In this case, the information processing device 20 generates a transportation plan in which the registered user U is in charge of transportation for the transportation section from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D, and performs a process of selecting candidates for the transportation section.

[0039] The mobile body 10 may be a mobile body such as a delivery company truck used to transport a requested transfer target T from a warehouse where the transfer target T is stored. Alternatively, the mobile body 10 may include an unmanned mobile body that moves by remote control by a delivery company manager or by autonomous control. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the mobile body 10A is a drone capable of holding and transporting luggage. The mobile body 10A transports the transfer target T1 from a relay point BS1 to a transfer start position S1.

[0040] Alternatively, the mobile body 10 may be a mobile body used as a branch or chartered service of public transportation, as described above. For example, the mobile body 10 may be a mobile body such as a microbus that has seating space for passengers and space for loading luggage and can be used as a means of transporting mixed cargo and passengers. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the mobile body 10B is a microbus. The mobile body 10B transports a transport object T2 (luggage) and a transport object T3 (person) from a relay point BS2 to a transport start position S1.

[0041] Alternatively, the mobile body 10 may be a mobile body used as public transportation, such as a regularly scheduled route bus.

[0042] The information processing device 20 may have a function to determine a person in charge of transportation for the transportation section from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D based on the fact that a registered user U selected as a candidate for transportation responds to the recruitment.

[0043] In addition, the information processing device 20 may generate a transportation plan to transport the transportation target T to the final destination by a transportation means other than the transportation by the registered user U selected as a candidate for transportation, based on the fact that the registered user U selected as a candidate for transportation did not respond to the recruitment.

[0044] For example, if there are no candidates who respond to the recruitment for a transfer person from the transfer start position S to the transfer end position D, the information processing device 20 may change the transfer route of the mobile body 10 that transfers the transfer target T to the transfer start position S, and may re-generate a transfer plan for the transfer target T. The information processing device 20 may notify the generated transfer plan to an information terminal 40 used by a transfer person or the like who drives the mobile body 10. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 may directly communicate with the mobile body 10 and transmit the generated transfer plan to the mobile body 10. For example, the information processing device 20 may directly transmit the transfer plan to the mobile body 10A. The mobile body 10A may recalculate a flight path by autonomous control based on the received transfer plan, and transfer the transfer target T to the transfer end position D.

[0045] (Information Terminal 30) The information terminal 30 is an information terminal used by the registered user U.

[0046] The information terminal 30 is realized by, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0047] The information terminal 30 receives from the information processing device 20 a notification of recruitment of a transfer person to transfer the transfer object T from the transfer start position S1 to the transfer end position D.

[0048] Furthermore, the registered user U can respond to the recruitment (for example, by operating an accept button displayed on the screen) by operating the information terminal 30. When the registered user U applies for the recruitment, the information terminal 30 notifies the information processing device 20 that the registered user U has responded to the recruitment.

[0049] 1, the information processing system according to this embodiment includes two information terminals 30, information terminal 30A and information terminal 30B, but the number of information terminals 30 is not limited to this. The information processing system according to this embodiment may include one information terminal 30. Alternatively, the information processing system according to this embodiment may include three or more information terminals 30.

[0050] 1, the information processing system according to this embodiment may further include an information terminal 40. The information processing device 20 may be configured to be able to communicate with the information terminal 40.

[0051] (Information Terminal 40) The information terminal 40 is an information terminal used by a transfer staff member who transfers the transfer target T to the transfer start position S1. The transfer staff member transfers the transfer target T to the transfer start position S1 by using the moving body 10.

[0052] When the information processing device 20 receives a notification from the information terminal 30 that registered user U has responded to the recruitment of a transportation manager, it may generate a transportation plan in which registered user U who responded to the recruitment is in charge of transportation for the transportation section from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D, and notify the information terminal 40.

[0053] The transfer person using the information terminal 40 may use the moving body 10 to transfer the transfer object T to the transfer start position S1 in accordance with the instruction information included in the transfer plan received from the information processing device 20.

[0054] In addition, if the information processing device 20 does not receive a notification from any of the information terminals 30 used by the registered user U selected as a candidate that a person in charge of transportation is available, it generates a transportation plan to transport the transportation target T from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D by means other than transportation by the registered user U.

[0055] For example, if there is no registered user U who responded to the recruitment, the information processing device 20 may change the transportation plan of the mobile body 10 in charge of transporting the transportation target T to the transportation start position S1, and regenerate a transportation plan in which the mobile body 10 transports the transportation target T to the transportation end position D. The information processing device 20 may notify the information terminal 40 of the transportation plan.

[0056] Above, with reference to FIG. 1, we have described a suitable application example of the information processing system and an example configuration of the information processing system. By performing the above-described processing using the information processing system, a candidate for transporting the object to be transported is selected from pre-registered users U, such as gig workers, depending on whether the object to be transported is a person or cargo. This makes it possible to realize a transport system that transports both passengers and cargo while flexibly utilizing one-off transport methods such as gig workers or paid volunteers. Therefore, the information processing system can contribute to the realization of a more efficient and convenient transport system.

[0057] 1 shows an example in which, in the transportation plan for the transportation target T, candidates for transportation for the transportation section from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D are selected from the registered users U. However, the application of this information processing system is not limited to this. For example, in response to a request for collection or transportation of the transportation target T, the information processing device 20 may select, from the registered users U, candidates for transportation for the transportation section from the designated collection location or designated transportation location of the transportation target T to the first relay point BS included in the transportation plan.

[0058] Furthermore, in FIG. 1 , as an example of the mobile body 10, the mobile body 10A is a drone and the mobile body 10B is a microbus. However, the mobile body 10 is not limited to the above-described example. The mobile body 10 may be a manned mobile body that moves by being operated by a person who rides in it. For example, the mobile body 10 may be a vehicle that moves on land (e.g., a passenger car, a light truck, a light van, or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). Furthermore, the manned mobile body 10 is not limited to a vehicle. The manned mobile body may be, for example, an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that moves on a waterway such as a seaway or a riverway.

[0059] The mobile body 10 may also include an unmanned mobile body that moves by autonomous control or remote control. The unmanned mobile body may move by autonomous control using input information such as two positions, such as a transfer start position and a transfer end position, or three or more positions including a relay point and a return point. Note that the input information used for autonomous control may include various information such as other intermediate points or transfer routes.

[0060] For example, the mobile body 10 may be a vehicle that travels on land, such as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or may be a ship that travels on waterways, such as seaways or riverways.

[0061] The unmanned moving body may be an air vehicle, such as a drone that flies autonomously, or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies under remote control by an administrator.

[0062] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body and the manned mobile body may be mobile bodies that can travel on at least two or more routes, including land, water, and air routes.

[0063] Furthermore, the mobile body 10 is not essential for the work of transporting the transfer object T to the transfer start position S1. For example, the transporter may transport the transfer object T to the transfer start position S1 on foot together with a cart (for example, a box cart or a basket cart). Furthermore, the transfer start point of the transfer start position S1 is not limited to a warehouse, and may be a store such as a retail store or a restaurant.

[0064] 2. Functional Configuration Example Next, a functional configuration example of the information processing device 20 and the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0065] <2-1. Information Processing Device 20> FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0067] (Communication Unit 210) The communication unit 210 has a function of communicating with other devices.

[0068] For example, the communication unit 210 receives a request to transport an object to be transported by communicating with a smartphone used by a requester or an external terminal installed in a store or the like.

[0069] The method by which the information processing device 20 accepts a transport request is not particularly limited. For example, the communication unit 210 of the information processing device 20 may accept a transport request by communicating with a smartphone used by a general consumer or an external terminal installed in a store such as a retail store or a restaurant. Alternatively, the operator of the information processing device 20 may input the delivery request accepted from the requester into the information processing device 20, thereby causing the information processing device 20 to accept the delivery request.

[0070] The transfer request includes various information related to the transfer target. For example, the information related to the transfer target may include information such as the type of the transfer target, the quantity (number of people), the final destination, the desired collection time, and the desired time for completion of transfer to the final destination.

[0071] Furthermore, the information about the transfer target may include, in addition to the information exemplified above, various types of information used to generate a transfer plan for the transfer target. For example, the information about the transfer target may include identification information of the transfer target, the estimated arrival time of the transfer target at each relay point, etc.

[0072] Furthermore, the information about the transfer object may include handling precautions that indicate precautions regarding the handling of the transfer object. The handling precautions may be, for example, information indicating whether the transfer object is a sensitive item that requires careful handling, such as upside down, no stacking, raw, or fragile. The handling precautions information may also include information indicating the management conditions (e.g., management temperature range conditions) of the transfer object, such as whether the transfer object is a frozen item.

[0073] The communication unit 210 also transmits a notification of the recruitment of a transportation person to the information terminal 30. The communication unit 210 also receives a notification from the information terminal 30 that a registered user U selected as a candidate has performed an operation to respond to the recruitment of a transportation person.

[0074] Furthermore, the communication unit 210 may acquire, from the information terminal 30, various types of information relating to the registered user U who uses the information terminal 30.

[0075] For example, the communication unit 210 may receive from the information terminal 30 information on the current location of the registered user U, information on the execution status of the transportation (hereinafter referred to as the transportation task) of the registered user U that has been decided by the transportation person in charge, and the like.

[0076] Furthermore, the communication unit 210 may transmit information related to a transfer plan generated by the determination unit 235 described below to the information terminal 30 and the information terminal 40. The information related to the transfer plan may be transfer instruction information generated based on the transfer plan.

[0077] (Storage Unit 220) The storage unit 220 stores software and various data.

[0078] For example, the storage unit 220 may store information about the transfer target included in the transfer request acquired by the communication unit 210.

[0079] The storage unit 220 also stores information about registered users U. The information about registered users U may be registered in advance in the storage unit 220. Alternatively, the information about registered users U may be transmitted to the information processing device 20 when each registered user U performs a registration operation on the information terminal 30. The control unit 230 of the information processing device 20 may store the information about registered users U received from the information terminal 30 in the storage unit 220.

[0080] In addition, the information regarding registered user U stored in memory unit 220 may include information indicating registered user U's means of transportation and qualification information indicating whether registered user U or registered user U's means of transportation meets the conditions for being able to transport people.

[0081] Furthermore, the information regarding registered user U may further include one or more of the following: the area in which registered user U is available for transportation; location information of registered user U; information regarding the transportation tasks that registered user U has already decided; and information regarding the time periods in which registered user U is available to take on transportation responsibilities.

[0082] A specific example of the information about the registered user U stored in the storage unit 220 will be described in detail later in the description of the selection process of the selection unit 231.

[0083] The storage unit 220 also stores various information related to the generation of the transportation plan. For example, the storage unit 220 stores identification information of each mobile body 10, available transportation locations for each mobile body 10, availability of available transportation locations for each mobile body 10, and availability of transportation slots for each mobile body 10. The storage unit 220 also stores information related to the transportation target included in the transportation request (for example, location information such as the address of the transportation destination included in the transportation request, type of transportation target, and quantity (number of people) information).

[0084] (Control Unit 230) The control unit 230 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 20. The control unit 230 has functions as a selection unit 231, a notification unit 233, and a determination unit 235.

[0085] (Selection unit 231) The selection unit 231 performs a selection process to select a candidate transfer person who will transfer the transfer object from the transfer start position S to the transfer end position D from among pre-registered registered users U, based on whether the type of transfer object is at least a person or luggage.

[0086] More specifically, the selection unit 231 selects a registered user U who can transport a certain transport target from a transport start position S to a transport end position D, based on information about the transport target and information about the registered user U included in the transport request received by the communication unit 210. The transport start position S and the transport end position D for each transport target are determined based on a transport plan for each transport target generated by the determination unit 235.

[0087] The selection unit 231 may select multiple registered users U as candidates for the transporter of one transport object, or may select one registered user U as a candidate.

[0088] The information about the transfer object includes type information indicating whether the type of the transfer object is baggage or a person. The type of the transfer object may include both baggage and a person. Note that when the type of the transfer object includes both baggage and a person, the final destinations of the baggage and the person may be different or the same.

[0089] The information about the transfer target also includes quantity information indicating the quantity (number of people) of the transfer target.

[0090] When the type of the object to be transported is luggage, the selection unit 231 selects a candidate person to transport the object to be transported from among the registered users U associated with transportation means capable of transporting luggage, based on information about the registered users U.

[0091] In addition, if the type of object to be transferred is a person, the selection unit 231 selects a candidate person to transfer the object to be transferred from among registered users U who are able to transfer people, based on the qualification information included in the information about the registered user U.

[0092] The information about the registered user U may be stored in advance in the storage unit 220. The selection unit 231 may refer to the information about the registered user U stored in the storage unit 220 to perform the selection process.

[0093] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information about registered users stored in the storage unit 220. As shown in FIG.

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 3, the registered user information table UT1 includes registered user ID, qualification information 1 (transportation means), qualification information 2 (license status), payload information, transportable area, transportable time period, and current location (acquisition time).

[0095] The registered user ID is information for uniquely identifying each registered user U. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the registered user ID is a three-digit number assigned to each registered user U. Note that the data format of the registered user ID is not limited to this and may be another data format.

[0096] The selection unit 231 may identify each registered user U by identification information such as the registered user ID shown in FIG.

[0097] Qualification information 1 (transportation means) is information indicating the transportation means used by each registered user U. Furthermore, qualification information 2 (license status) is information indicating whether each registered user U is qualified to transport people by the transportation means indicated in qualification information 1 (transportation means).

[0098] Qualification information 1 (transportation means) and qualification information 2 (license status) in registered user information table UT1 are examples of qualification information that indicate whether registered user U or registered user U's transportation means meets the conditions for being able to transport people.

[0099] Qualification information 1 (transportation means) and qualification information 2 (license status) are information indicating whether each registered user U is permitted to transport people.

[0100] A registered user U capable of transporting people may be, for example, a registered user U that satisfies the following two conditions: The first condition is that the transportation means associated with the registered user U is a transportation means capable of transporting people, such as a vehicle equipped with seats for people to sit in.

[0101] The second condition may be that the registered user U has the legal qualifications necessary to transport people in the transportation means used by the registered user U and receive compensation such as fares as compensation. For example, if the application of this information processing system is to transport transportation targets within Japan, the second condition may be that the registered user U holds a Class 2 driver's license as defined in the Road Traffic Act.

[0102] The registered user U may be a user who volunteers to perform the transportation task without compensation. In this case, the second condition of the user may not be taken into consideration when the selection unit 231, which will be described later, selects candidates for transportation.

[0103] 3, the qualification information 1 (means of transportation) for registered user ID "091" is a bicycle. In other words, the means of transportation for registered user ID "091" is a means of transportation that cannot carry a person to be transported.

[0104] Furthermore, the qualification information 2 (license status) for registered user ID “091” is “none.” This indicates that registered user U with registered user ID “091” is not qualified to transport people in a transportation means and receive compensation in return.

[0105] Furthermore, the means of transportation for registered user ID 092 is a motorcycle. Furthermore, the qualification information 2 (license status) for registered user ID "091" is "two-wheel license." In this specification, a two-wheel license refers to a standard motorcycle license in Japan. In this case, registered user U with registered user ID 092 is a user who is not qualified to transport people in a means of transportation and receive compensation in return.

[0106] Furthermore, the means of transportation for registered user U with registered user ID 093 is a car. Furthermore, the qualification information 2 (license status) for registered user ID "093" is "Class 2 license." In this specification, a Class 2 license refers to a Class 2 ordinary automobile license in Japan. In this case, registered user U with registered user ID 093 is a user who is qualified to transport people in a transportation means and receive compensation in return.

[0107] In this case, if the type of object to be transported is a person, the selection unit 231 selects registered user U with registered user ID 093 as a candidate for the transporter of the object to be transported based on the qualification information 1 (transportation means) and qualification information 2 (license status) in the registered user information table UT1.

[0108] In addition, when the type of object to be transported is luggage, the selection unit 231 may select registered users U with registered user IDs 091, 092, and 093 as candidates to be in charge of transporting the object to be transported, based on the qualification information 1 (transportation means) and qualification information 2 (license status) in the registered user information table UT1.

[0109] In addition, the selection unit 231 may select candidates from among the registered users U based on the quantity information of the transportation target and the quantity of luggage and people that the transportation means associated with the registered users U can carry.

[0110] The load capacity information in the registered user information table UT1 is an example of information indicating the load capacity of luggage or people that each registered user U's transportation means can carry and transport.

[0111] For example, the load capacity information for registered users U with registered user ID "091" and registered user ID "092" is both "luggage space 2." This means that the transportation means of registered user ID "091" and registered user ID "092" can carry 2 pieces of luggage.

[0112] The load capacity information for registered user U with registered user ID "093" is 6 luggage / seat space. This means that the transportation means used by registered user ID "093" can carry up to a total of 6 luggage or people.

[0113] The selection unit 231 may select a registered user U who is capable of transporting the transport object as a candidate for transporter based on the quantity information contained in the information regarding the transport object and the loadable amount information in the registered user information table UT1.

[0114] For example, suppose the communication unit 210 of the information processing device 20 receives a transport request in which the transport targets are one piece of luggage and one person. Furthermore, suppose the final destinations of the one piece of luggage and the one person are the same location. In this case, the selection unit 231 may select a registered user U who is capable of transporting both the person and luggage at the same time, such as the registered user ID "093" shown in FIG. 3, as a candidate for transporting the transport target.

[0115] Alternatively, suppose the final destinations of the one piece of luggage and the one person are different locations. In this case, the selection unit 231 may select the same registered user U as the candidate person in charge of transporting the one piece of luggage and the candidate person in charge of transporting the one person, or may select different registered users U. For example, the selection unit 231 may select three registered users U with registered user IDs "091," 092, and 093 as candidates in charge of transporting the one piece of luggage. Furthermore, the selection unit 231 may select the registered user U with registered user ID "093" as the candidate person in charge of transporting the one person.

[0116] Furthermore, the selection unit 231 may select a registered user U who is capable of transporting the transport target from the transport start position to the transport end position as a candidate for the transport target based on the transportable area of ​​the registered user U.

[0117] The transferable area in the registered user information table UT1 is information indicating the area to which each registered user U is capable of transporting the transfer object.

[0118] For example, the transferable area for registered user ID "091" is transfer area A1. The transferable areas for registered user ID "092" are transfer area A1 and transfer area A2. The transferable areas for registered user ID "093" are transfer area A1, transfer area A2, transfer area A3, and transfer area A4.

[0119] The selection unit 231 may select a candidate person in charge of transporting the transport target based on the information on the transport start position included in the information on the transport target and the transportable area in the registered user information table UT1.

[0120] The available transport time period is information indicating the time period during which each registered user U is available to transport the transport target. The available transport time period may be information on a specific date and time, or information on a period of time. Alternatively, the available transport time period may be information specifying a time period within a day, or information on a specific day of the week.

[0121] For example, the transferable time period for registered user ID "091" is 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. The transferable time period for registered user ID "092" is 12:00 to 22:00 on Thursdays. The transferable time period for registered user ID "093" is 7:00 to 18:00 on weekdays.

[0122] The selection unit 231 may refer to the registered user information table UT1 and select a registered user U associated with a transportable time period that includes the transport start time period from the transport start position S1 of the transport target as a candidate for transporting the transport target.

[0123] Furthermore, the selection unit 231 may select, as candidates for the transfer target, registered users U who are capable of transferring the transfer target from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, based on the location information of the registered users U. For example, the selection unit 231 may select candidates for transfer from among the registered users U in order of the shortest arrival time to the transfer start position, based on either the travel distance or the travel time of each registered user U to the transfer start position, or both.

[0124] The current location (acquisition time) in the registered user information table UT1 is an example of information indicating the location information of each registered user U. The current location (acquisition time) is information indicating the location information of the current location of the information terminal 30 used by each registered user U and the time when the information processing device 20 acquired the location information from the information terminal 30. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the location information included in the current location (acquisition information) is represented by latitude and longitude.

[0125] The selection unit 231 may calculate the distance from the current location of each registered user U to the transfer start position S of the transfer target based on the current location (acquisition time) in the registered user information table UT1. Furthermore, the selection unit 231 may select a candidate for transfer of the transfer target based on the calculated distance.

[0126] The selection unit 231 may also determine a transporter from among the registered users U based on information relating to the transport task already determined for the registered users U, which is not shown in FIG. 3 .

[0127] The transfer tasks that have been determined for the registered users U refer to the transfer tasks for which each registered user U has already been determined to be in charge of transfer. The selection unit 231 may acquire information on the execution status of the transfer tasks that have been determined for each registered user U from the information terminal 30 via the communication unit 210.

[0128] For example, the selection unit 231 may calculate either or both of a travel distance and a travel time from a transfer end position of a transfer task already determined for the registered user U to a transfer start position of another transfer target. Based on the travel distance or the travel time, the selection unit 231 may select candidates for transfer from among the registered users U in order of shortest arrival time to the transfer start position of another transfer target.

[0129] In addition, the selection unit 231 may select a registered user U who is able to transport the transportation target from the transportation start position to the transportation end position as a candidate for the transportation target based on information about the time period during which the registered user U is available to take on the transportation responsibility.

[0130] (Notification Unit 233) The notification unit 233 has a function of generating a notification to the registered users U who are candidates for transportation personnel selected by the selection unit 231, inviting transportation personnel to be recruited.

[0131] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification of recruitment of a transporter generated by the notification unit 233.

[0132] The notification unit 233 may generate a recruitment notification such as the recruitment notification screen 610 shown in Fig. 4. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the recruitment notification is a notification screen generated in a format that can be displayed on the operation display unit of the information terminal 30. Note that the recruitment notification may also be generated as audio data that can be played back on the information terminal 30.

[0133] Furthermore, the notification unit 233 may generate a notification including the following information based on information about the transfer target and information about the registered user U stored in the communication unit 210.

[0134] For example, the recruitment notice may include information indicating whether the type of object to be transported is baggage, people, or both baggage and people. In the example shown in Figure 4, the recruitment notice screen 610 includes an indicator M1 indicating that the type of object to be transported is both baggage and people (passengers).

[0135] The recruitment notification may also include information indicating the quantity of items to be transported. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the recruitment notification screen 610 includes a display M2 indicating the quantity of items to be transported by type. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the quantity of items to be transported is one piece of luggage and one passenger.

[0136] The recruitment notification may also include information indicating the transfer start location of the transfer target. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the recruitment notification screen 610 includes a display M3 indicating the address and name of the transfer start location (pickup point). Note that the information indicating the transfer start location of the transfer target may be a display pointing to the relevant location on a map image.

[0137] Furthermore, the recruitment notification may include a route display showing a route to a transportation start position for each registered user U who has been notified of the recruitment. The route display may include a display of a travel route from the current location of each registered user U who has been notified of the recruitment to the transportation start point of the transportation task related to the notification.

[0138] The current location of each registered user U who has been notified of the recruitment may be current location information included in the transfer target TU1 stored in the storage unit 220. Alternatively, the current location of each registered user U may be acquired in real time by the notification unit 233 requesting location information from the information terminal 30 via the communication unit 210 at the start of the process of generating the recruitment notification by the notification unit 233.

[0139] The route display may also include a display of the travel route of each registered user U who has been notified of the recruitment, from the transport end location of the currently determined transport task to the transport start point of the transport task related to the notification.

[0140] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a route display generated by the notification unit 233. A travel route screen 620 shown in Fig. 5 includes a current position display CL1 and a transfer start position S1.

[0141] The current location display CL1 indicates the current location of the registered user U who has been notified of the recruitment. The transfer start location S1 indicates the transfer start location of the transfer task for which recruitment is being notified on the recruitment notification screen 610 of FIG.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 5, the notification unit 233 may display the movement route from the current position display CL1 to the transfer start position S1.

[0143] In addition, when the notification unit 233 detects an operation of pressing the route display button B1 on the recruitment notification screen 610 in Figure 4, it may generate a recruitment notification so that the display screen on the information terminal 30 transitions from the recruitment notification screen 610 to the travel route screen 620.

[0144] By the notification unit 233 generating a route display such as the travel route screen 620, the registered user U who has been notified of the recruitment can more easily decide whether or not to apply for the recruitment.

[0145] The recruitment notification may also include information specifying the start time of the transfer of the transfer target. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the recruitment notification screen 610 includes a display M4 of the transfer start time (scheduled pick-up time) of the transfer target. The transfer start time may be information indicating a time period with a predetermined range, such as from 10:00 to 10:15, as in display M4.

[0146] The notification unit 233 may generate information specifying the transfer start time of the transfer target based on information about the transfer target stored in the storage unit 220.

[0147] For example, the notification unit 233 may predict the time when the mobile body 10, which transports the transport target to the transport start position S1, will arrive at the transport start position S1. The notification unit 233 may set a time period after the predicted arrival time of the mobile body 10 at the transport start position S1 as the transport start time.

[0148] Furthermore, when the information on the transfer target includes handling precautions for the transfer target, the notification unit 233 may generate information specifying the transfer start time. For example, when the transfer target is a refrigerated item, the notification unit 233 may specify the transfer start time so that the transfer of the transfer target to the transfer end position D1 begins within a predetermined time after the transfer target arrives at the transfer start position S1.

[0149] In addition, the recruitment notification may include information indicating the transportation end location of the transportation target. In the example shown in Figure 4, the recruitment notification screen 610 includes a display M5 as information indicating the transportation end location (delivery destination) of the transportation target.

[0150] Information indicating the transfer end location of the transfer object may be displayed for each type of luggage. In the example shown in FIG. 4, display M5 indicates the transfer end location for each type of transfer object. "Delivery destination 1" in display M5 indicates the address of the transfer end location of the luggage. Furthermore, "Delivery destination 2" in display M5 indicates the address of the transfer end location of the person (passenger).

[0151] The transfer end position of the transfer object may be displayed by pointing to the corresponding point on the map image. For example, the route display described above with reference to FIG. 5 may include a display showing the transfer end position for each type of transfer object.

[0152] Furthermore, the route display may include a display of the movement route from the transfer start position to the transfer end position.

[0153] In the example of the movement path screen 620 shown in FIG. 5 , the transfer end position D1 indicates the transfer end position of the package (delivery destination 1). Furthermore, the transfer end position D2 indicates the transfer end position of the person (delivery destination 2). Furthermore, as indicated by the dotted line on the movement path screen 620, the notification unit 233 may generate a display of the movement path from the transfer start position S1 to the transfer end position D1. Furthermore, the notification unit 233 may generate a display of the movement path from the transfer end position D1 to the transfer end position D2.

[0154] The notification unit 233 generates a route display to a different transfer end position for each type of luggage, allowing the registered user U to visually confirm the transfer route for the transfer task for which the recruitment has been notified. This allows the registered user U to more easily understand the transfer start position and transfer end position for the transfer task for which the recruitment has been notified. This makes it easier for the registered user U to decide whether or not to respond to the recruitment of a transfer person for each transfer task.

[0155] The notification unit 233 may also generate a notification of the transfer plan generated by the determination unit 235, which will be described later. The notification of the transfer plan may be transmitted from the communication unit 210 to the information terminal 40 used by the transfer staff member who transfers the transfer target to the transfer start position S1.

[0156] (Decision Unit 235) The decision unit 235 has a function of, when a transfer request for a transfer target is received by the communication unit 210, generating a transfer plan for the transfer of the transfer target.

[0157] The transportation plan is a plan for transporting the transportation target while relaying it through multiple transportation sections, and includes information specifying the transportation person and transportation means for each transportation section. The determination unit 235 may store the generated transportation plan in the communication unit 210.

[0158] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transportation plan generated by the determination unit 235. Fig. 6 shows an example of a transportation plan for the transportation section from the relay point BS to the transportation start position S1 shown in Fig. 1 .

[0159] The transportation plan table P1 is a table showing a transportation plan generated by the determination unit 235. The transportation plan table P1 includes the transportation target ID, type, quantity / number of people, transportation staff ID, transportation frame, transportation start position, transportation end position, final destination, transportation means, and handling after arrival.

[0160] The transfer target ID is identification information for distinguishing each transfer target for which the information processing device 20 has accepted a transfer request. The type is information indicating the type of each transfer target. Furthermore, the quantity / number of people is information indicating the quantity of each transfer target.

[0161] In the example shown in Figure 6, the type of transfer object with transfer object ID 123-4567 is luggage, and the quantity is 1. Furthermore, transfer objects with transfer object IDs 234-5678-A and 234-5678-B indicate transfer objects of different types that were applied for simultaneously by the same requester. The type of transfer object with transfer object ID 234-5678-A is people, and the number of people is 1. The type of transfer object with transfer object ID 234-5678-B is luggage, and the quantity is 1.

[0162] The transfer staff ID is an example of identification information indicating the transfer staff instructed by the determination unit 235 to be in charge of transfer for the transfer section in which each transfer target is located.

[0163] The transportation slot is information indicating a time period registered as a transportation schedule for each transportation target within the transportation slots of each transportation member or mobile body 10. In this specification, the transportation slot refers to a time period during which transportation by each transportation means, such as the transportation member or mobile body 10, is possible.

[0164] 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a transfer slot according to this embodiment. For example, the daily transfer schedule DS of the mobile body 10 (or transfer staff) is divided into predetermined transfer slots (e.g., 15 minutes), and the mobile body 10 (or transferee) transfers the transfer target T registered for each transfer slot at the time indicated by the transfer slot. Such a combination of transfer schedule DS and transfer slot may be set for each of multiple candidate transfer points (transfer start position S1).

[0165] For example, a transportation plan DS set for a certain transferable point (such as the transfer start position S1 shown in Figure 1) may include two types of "full" transportation slots (hereinafter referred to as "full slots DF"), which indicate that the transportation schedule by the mobile body 10 (or the transportation personnel) is already filled, and "empty" transportation slots (hereinafter referred to as "empty slots DE"), which indicate that there are openings in the transportation schedule by the mobile body 10 (or the transportation personnel).

[0166] Returning to Figure 6, we will continue to explain the example of the transportation plan. The transportation start position is information that indicates the transportation start position of one of multiple transportation sections included in the overall transportation plan from the departure point of each transportation target to the final destination. The transportation end position is information that indicates the transportation end position of that transportation section. The final destination is information that indicates the point of the final destination of each transportation target.

[0167] The transportation means is information indicating the transportation means used by the transportation staff in the transportation section from the transportation start position to the transportation end position shown in each row of the transportation plan table P1.

[0168] Handling after arrival is an example of information instructing how the transfer target should be handled after arriving at the point indicated by the transfer end position of each row. In the example shown in Figure 6, for all transfer target IDs, an instruction is specified to hand over the transfer target to a transfer person as the handling after arriving at the transfer start position S1. This indicates an instruction to hand over the transfer target that has been transferred to the transfer start position S1 to the registered user U who has been determined to be the transfer person for the transfer section from the next transfer start position S1 to the transfer end position D.

[0169] The determination unit 235 may generate, for each transfer target or transfer request, a plan for transferring a transfer target for which a transfer request has been accepted from a departure point to a final destination via multiple transfer sections, as shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the determination unit 235 may generate a transfer plan for each transfer target by specifying a transfer means or a transfer person for each of the multiple transfer sections that will relay the transfer target.

[0170] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 may generate transport instruction information for instructing the mobile body 10 or the transporter on information such as the transport start position, the transport end position, or the transport route based on the generated transport plan. The information processing device 20 may transmit the generated transport instruction information directly to the mobile body 10, or may transmit it to an information terminal 40 used by the transporter using the mobile body 10. The mobile body 10 or the transporter performs the transport work of the transport object T in accordance with the transport instruction information.

[0171] The selection unit 231 performs a selection process to select candidates for the transportation manager from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D based on the transportation plan generated by the determination unit 235.

[0172] In addition, when the determination unit 235 receives notification from the information terminal 30 that a registered user U, who has been selected by the determination unit 235 as a candidate for transporting from the transport start position S1 to the transport end position D, has responded to the recruitment, the determination unit 235 determines that the registered user U will be the transporter for the transport target.

[0173] In addition, the decision unit 235 may generate a transportation plan to the end location of the transportation of the transportation target using a transportation means other than that used by the registered user U selected as a candidate to transport the transportation target, based on the fact that the registered user U selected as a candidate to transport the transportation target did not respond to the recruitment.

[0174] For example, in the example shown in transportation plan table P1 in Figure 6, a transportation plan has been generated for a transportation object with transportation object ID 123-4567, in which the object is transported by a transportation member with transportation member ID 0100 from relay point BS1 to transportation start position S1, and then handed over to registered user U, who has been selected as the transportation person in charge of the transportation section from transportation start position S1 to transportation end position D. However, suppose that communication unit 210 has not received a notification responding to the recruitment of a transportation person for transportation object ID 123-4567 from transportation start position S1 to transportation end position D1.

[0175] In this case, the determination unit 235 generates a transportation plan for transporting the transportation target with the transportation target ID 123-4567 from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D1 by a transportation means other than transportation by the registered user U. For example, the determination unit 235 may refer to the transportation frame of the drone that transports the transportation target ID 123-4567 from the relay point BS1 to the transportation start position S1, or the transportation member with the transportation member ID 0100, and determine whether the drone or the transportation member ID 0100 is also capable of transporting the transportation section from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D1.

[0176] Alternatively, the selection unit 231 may change the transportation start time zone of the transportation target in the transportation section from the transportation start position S1 to the transportation end position D1, and perform processing to reselect a candidate for transportation. When the communication unit 210 receives a notification that the registered user U of the reselected candidate has responded to the recruitment for transportation person, the determination unit 235 may determine the registered user U as the transportation person.

[0177] An example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to Fig. 2. Note that the above description using Fig. 2 is merely an example, and the configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0178] The information processing device 20 according to this embodiment may further include, for example, an input unit that accepts input of information by an operator of the information processing device 20, a display unit that displays various types of information, and the like.

[0179] The configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment can be flexibly modified according to the specifications and operation.

[0180] 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment includes a communication unit 310, a control unit 330, an operation display unit 350, and a position measurement unit 370.

[0181] (Communication Unit 310) The communication unit 310 performs various communications with the information processing device 20.

[0182] For example, the communication unit 310 receives a notification of a recruitment for transportation personnel from the information processing device 20. Furthermore, the communication unit 310 transmits to the information processing device 20 a notification that the registered user U has responded to the recruitment, based on an operation of the operation display unit 350 by the registered user U.

[0183] (Control unit 330) The control unit 330 controls the overall operation of the information terminal 30. For example, the control unit 330 controls the transmission and reception of various information by the communication unit 310. For example, the control unit 330 of the information terminal 30 causes the communication unit 310 to transmit information regarding the execution status of the currently determined service of the registered user U, which is input via the operation display unit 350, to the information processing device 20.

[0184] (Operation Display Unit 350) The operation display unit 350 functions as an operation unit that can accept various operations by the registered user U.

[0185] For example, the operation display unit 350 accepts an input operation by the registered user U of information regarding the execution status of the transfer task of the transfer target T. Furthermore, the registered user U can respond to the notification of the recruitment of transfer personnel by operating the operation display unit 350. The operation of responding to the notification of the recruitment of transfer personnel may be, for example, an operation of pressing the apply button B2 displayed on the operation display unit 350.

[0186] The function of the operation display unit 350 as an operation unit may be realized by, for example, a touch panel or a keyboard. The function of the display unit may be realized by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. The function of the display unit and the function of the operation unit may be configured separately.

[0187] The information terminal 30 may also be equipped with a microphone not shown in Fig. 8, in which case the registered user U may use the microphone to input by voice the execution status of the transport task for the transport target T. The information terminal 30 may also be equipped with a speaker not shown in Fig. 8, in which case the registered user U may confirm the notification of the recruitment of transport personnel and information regarding the transport task by voice output from the speaker.

[0188] (Positioning Unit 370) The positioning unit 370 has a function of calculating the absolute or relative position of the information terminal 30. For example, the positioning unit 370 may detect the current position based on an externally acquired signal. For example, the positioning unit 370 may detect the current position using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which receives radio waves from an artificial satellite and detects the current position of the information terminal 30. In addition to GNSS, other methods of detecting the position may be used, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), transmission and reception with a mobile phone, PHS, smartphone, or the like, or short-range communication. The positioning unit 370 may also estimate information indicating a relative change in the position of the information terminal 30 based on the detection results of an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or the like.

[0189] An example of the functional configuration of the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to Fig. 8. Note that the above description using Fig. 8 is merely an example, and the configuration of the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment is not limited to this example.

[0190] The configuration of the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment can be flexibly modified according to the specifications and operation.

[0191] The configuration of the information terminal 30 described above can also be applied to the information terminal 40 .

[0192] 3. Operation Example Next, an operation example of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0193] In addition, FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which the information processing device 20 selects the registered user U as a candidate for transporting the transporter for at least a part of the transport section as a transport plan for the transport target for which a transport request has been made.

[0194] First, when the communication unit 210 of the information processing device 20 receives a transfer request for a transfer object, the decision unit 235 generates a transfer plan for the transfer object (S104).

[0195] Next, the selection unit 231 selects a candidate for the transportation person in charge of the transportation section for which transportation by registered user U is specified from the generated transportation plan (S108).

[0196] The notification unit 233 generates a notification of recruitment of a transporter (S116).

[0197] The notification unit 233 causes the communication unit 210 to send a notification of recruitment of a transportation person to the information terminal 30 used by the registered user U who has been determined as a candidate for transportation person (S120).

[0198] If the communication unit 210 receives a notification that a registered user U selected as a candidate has responded to the recruitment (S124 / YES), the determination unit 235 determines the candidate registered user U who responded to the recruitment as the person in charge of transportation (S128).

[0199] If the communication unit 210 does not receive notification that the registered user U selected as a candidate has responded to the recruitment (S124 / NO), the decision unit 235 regenerates a transportation plan to transport the transportation target to the final destination by means other than transportation by the registered user U selected as a candidate in S108 (S132).

[0200] The information processing device 20 notifies each person in charge of transportation of the transportation instruction information based on the transportation plan (S136).

[0201] An example of the operation of the information processing system according to this embodiment has been described above with reference to Fig. 9 . The information processing device 20 according to this embodiment may generate a transportation plan in which the transportation target is transported only by the mobile body 10. In this case, the information processing device 20 may proceed to S136 after processing S104 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 9 . The information processing device 20 according to this embodiment may determine the transportation sections along which the transportation target is transported and the transportation means for each transportation section, depending on the availability of transportation slots for the mobile body 10 or the transportation personnel, etc.

[0202] 4. Modifications Next, modifications of the information processing system according to the present embodiment described above will be described.

[0203] (First variant) As a first variant, when there are multiple different transfer targets with the same transfer start position, the determination unit 235 of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment may determine the transfer target to which the candidate transfer person is assigned as the transfer person depending on the length of the transfer section of each transfer target.

[0204] The selection unit 231 may, for example, determine a transportation person for a transportation target having a longer transportation distance from among the registered users U determined as candidates.

[0205] 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the information processing system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, there are multiple transfer objects T that travel from the same transfer start position S1 to a transfer end position D located within the same transfer area A1 as their final destination. Furthermore, the final destination of transfer object T1 is transfer end position D1, the final destinations of transfer objects T2 and T3 are transfer end position D3, and the final destination of transfer object T4 is transfer end position D2.

[0206] The information processing device 20 selects from the registered users U candidates for transportation personnel for the transportation section from the transportation start position S1, which is a delivery point of the mobile object 10, to the transportation end position D. Of the selected candidate registered users U, only registered user U1 responds to the recruitment for transportation personnel. Furthermore, it is assumed that the transportation means of registered user U1 can carry up to two pieces of luggage. In other words, of transportation targets T1 to T4 arriving at the transportation start position S1, the registered user U who responded to the recruitment can transport up to two pieces of luggage.

[0207] In this case, the selection unit 231 in this modified example may assign a registered user U who responded to the recruitment to be responsible for transporting the transport object T with the longer transport distance among the transport objects T to be delivered from the transport start position S1 to each of the transport end positions D1 to D3.

[0208] 10 , the selection unit 231 assigns registered user U1 to be in charge of transporting transfer target T1 and transfer target T4 to transfer end position D1, which is the farthest from transfer start position S1 among transfer end positions D1 to D3, and to transfer end position D2, which is the next farthest from transfer start position S1 after transfer end position D1. Furthermore, the determination unit 235 modifies the transport plan for mobile unit 10B to transport transfer target T2 and transfer target T3 to transfer start position S1, and generates a transport plan for mobile unit 10B to transport transfer target T2 and transfer target T3 to transfer end position D3, which is the final destination. The notification unit 233 generates transport instruction information based on the modified transport plan and notifies the information terminal 40 via the communication unit 210.

[0209] According to this modified example, when the number of registered users U who responded to the recruitment of transportation personnel or the quantity that can be transported is insufficient for the number of transportation targets, the information processing device 20 assigns registered users U to transportation personnel, giving priority to transportation targets for transportation sections with longer distances. Furthermore, for transportation targets to which transportation personnel cannot be assigned due to an insufficient number of registered users U who responded to the recruitment or an insufficient quantity that can be transported, the information processing device 20 changes the transportation means to transportation by the mobile body 10.

[0210] As a result, even if the information processing device 20 is unable to secure personnel for the registered user U to be assigned to a transportation section designated for transportation by the registered user U in the transportation plan initially generated by the information processing device 20, the information processing device 20 can flexibly change the transportation plan to transport the transportation target T to the final destination. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 assigns a registered user U in response to the recruitment to be in charge of transportation for a transportation section with a longer distance among transportation targets that start transportation from the same transportation start position S1. In other words, the transportation plan is changed to assign transportation personnel so that the distance traveled by the mobile unit 10 is as short as possible. Therefore, even if there is a transportation section to which transportation by the registered user U is not assigned, the transportation target T can be transported while minimizing the impact on the transportation plan of the mobile unit 10.

[0211] (Second variant) Alternatively, as a second variant, when there are multiple transport targets that have the same transport start position but different transport end positions, the decision unit 235 may assign a registered user selected as a candidate to be responsible for transporting the transport target with the shorter transport distance.

[0212] 5. Hardware Configuration Example An embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, a hardware configuration example common to the information processing device 20 and information terminal 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware of the information processing device 20 described below. Note that the hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the information terminal 30 and the information terminal 40.

[0213] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11 , the information processing device 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.

[0214] The control unit 230 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the information processing device 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 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.

[0215] The memory 31 includes a main memory configured as a volatile storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and an auxiliary memory configured as a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD). The memory 31 is used as a work area for the control unit 230, and also stores a basic input / output system (BIOS) that is executed when the information processing device 20 is started up, various setting information, and the like.

[0216] 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.

[0217] The transmission / reception unit 33 connects the information processing device 20 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transmission / reception unit 33 may include a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0218] 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.

[0219] The bus 35 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0220] <6. Supplementary Information> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present invention 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.

[0221] For example, in the above embodiment, the selection unit 231 selects, as a candidate for transport, a registered user U who is estimated to be able to transport the transport target T from the transport start position S to the transport end position D, based on information about the registered user U, such as the registered user U's current location, the registered user U's means of transportation, and the registered user U's determined transport task status. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the selection unit 231 may acquire in advance transporter acceptance conditions indicating the conditions under which each registered user U can accept the role of transporter. Possible transporter acceptance conditions include, for example, the area in which each registered user U can perform transportation, or the time period in which each registered user U can accept the role of transporter without receiving a recruitment notification.

[0222] In this case, the information processing device 20 may immediately determine a user who satisfies the above-mentioned conditions for being able to accept transportation as the transportation person in charge, without notifying the registered users U selected as candidates for transportation. At this time, the notification unit 233 may send a notification from the communication unit 210 to the information terminal 30 that the user has been determined to be the transportation person in charge.

[0223] This allows the information processing device 20 to immediately select one of the registered users U as the person in charge of transportation without waiting for the registered users U to respond to the recruitment. Also, the registered users U can automatically apply for transportation tasks that meet the conditions for which they can respond to the recruitment. Therefore, convenience for the registered users U is also improved.

[0224] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the registered user U is primarily responsible for transporting the transport object T from the transport start position S1 to the final destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The registered user U may also be responsible for transport tasks such as collecting luggage from the requester of the transport or picking up and dropping off people. In this case, the registered user U may transport the transport object T from the designated pickup location or designated pick-up location of the requester of the transport to a relay point BS such as a warehouse or drone stand.

[0225] In the above embodiment, an example in which a call is made to an unspecified number of registered users U has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The registered user U may be a single user, and the selection process will select a single user. In this case, the application button B2 in FIG. 4 will be a button indicating whether or not the request can be responded to (such as a respondent button or an incompatible button). If the registered user U is unable to respond for some reason and presses the incompatible button, the configuration will be the same as the example in which the call was not responded to above.

[0226] Furthermore, the steps in the processing of the operation of the information processing device 20 and the information terminal 30 according to this embodiment do not necessarily need to be processed in chronological order according to the order shown in the explanatory diagrams. For example, the steps in the processing of the operation of the information processing device 20 and the information terminal 30 may be processed in an order different from the order shown in the explanatory diagrams, or may be processed in parallel.

[0227] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present invention may achieve other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above-described effects.

[0228] It is also possible to create a computer program that causes hardware such as a processor, ROM, and RAM built into the information processing device 20 and the information terminal 30 to perform functions equivalent to those of the respective configurations of the information processing device 20 and the information terminal 30 described above.

[0229] 20 Information processing device 210 Communication unit 220 Storage unit 230 Control unit 231 Selection unit 233 Notification unit 235 Decision unit 30 Information terminal 310 Communication unit 330 Control unit 350 Operation display unit 370 Position measurement unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising a selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from among pre-registered users, candidates for a transfer person who will transfer the transfer object from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, based on whether the type of the transfer object is at least a person or a cargo.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the types include people, luggage, and both people and luggage.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit performs the selection process based on quantity information indicating the amount of the object to be transferred.

4. The information processing system described in claim 3, wherein the selection unit performs the selection process based on information about the registered user, and the information about the registered user includes information indicating the registered user's means of transportation and qualification information indicating whether the registered user or the registered user's means of transportation meets the conditions for being able to transport people.

5. The information processing system of claim 4, wherein the selection unit selects the candidate from among the registered users associated with the qualification information that meets the conditions for being able to transport a person when the type of the object to be transported is either a person or both a person and cargo.

6. An information processing system as described in claim 5, wherein the selection unit selects the candidate from among the registered users associated with the means of transportation capable of carrying the object to be transported, based on the quantity information for each type of object to be transported.

7. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the information about the registered user further includes one or more of the area in which the registered user is available to take on transportation responsibilities, the location information of the registered user, information about the transportation tasks that the registered user has already decided on, and information about the time periods in which the registered user is available to take on transportation responsibilities.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that generates a notification to the registered users selected as the candidates, informing them of the recruitment of a transportation manager.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the notification unit transmits a notification of the recruitment to a terminal used by the registered user.

10. The information processing system according to claim 8, further comprising a determination unit that determines the person in charge of transferring the transfer target based on whether or not the registered user selected as the candidate has responded to the recruitment.

11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit determines the registered user selected as the candidate to be in charge of transporting the transfer target based on the registered user responding to the recruitment.

12. The information processing system described in claim 10, wherein the decision unit generates a transportation plan for the transportation target to the transportation end position using a transportation means other than that used by the registered user selected as the candidate, based on the candidate's failure to respond to the recruitment.

13. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the transportation plan is a plan for transporting the object to be transported by relaying it through multiple transportation sections, and includes transportation instruction information that indicates either the person in charge of transportation or the transportation means for each transportation section, or both.

14. The information processing system of claim 10, wherein when there are multiple transfer targets that are transferred from the same transfer start position to different transfer end positions, the determination unit determines the transfer target to which the candidate registered user will be assigned as the transfer person in charge, based on the length of the transfer section from the transfer start position to the transfer end position of each of the multiple transfer targets.

15. The information processing system of claim 14, wherein the determination unit determines the person in charge of transporting the object having the longer distance from the transfer start position to the transfer end position among multiple objects of transport that have the same transfer start position and different transfer end positions from the candidate registered users.

16. The information processing system of claim 14, wherein the determination unit determines, from among multiple transfer targets having the same transfer start position and different transfer end positions, the person in charge of transferring the transfer target having the shorter distance from the transfer start position to the transfer end position from the candidate registered users.

17. The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the notification unit generates transport instruction information based on the transport plan, and notifies the transport plan and the transport instruction information to a terminal used by a transport person in charge of each of the transport sections.

18. An information processing device comprising: a selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from among pre-registered users, candidates for a transfer person who will transfer the transfer object from the transfer start position to the transfer end position, based on whether the type of the transfer object is at least a person or luggage.

19. A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device having a selection unit that performs a selection process to select, from among pre-registered users, candidates for transfer personnel who will transfer an object to be transferred from a transfer start position to a transfer end position, based on whether the object to be transferred is at least a person or a cargo.

20. An information processing method executed by a computer, including a processor performing a selection process to select, from among pre-registered users, candidates for transport personnel who will transport the object to be transported from the transport start position to the transport end position, based on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or luggage.

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