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

Abstract

[Problem] To enable efficient transfer by a transfer means. [Solution] This information processing system comprises a determination unit that determines whether or not to restrict the reception of an on-demand transfer request, which is a request to transfer or collect a package on the same day, according to the operation status of a transfer means of a transfer target, which includes at least a person or a package, designated in a transfer plan for the transfer target.

Description

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

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

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been developed to enable transport personnel in charge of delivery work related to the delivery or collection of packages requested by a user to more efficiently deliver or collect the packages. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a logistics management system that manages information related to a logistics network and, based on the information, changes the operation plan of a circular service that circulates within an area to transport packages.

[0003] In addition, the practical application of mixed passenger and cargo transport, in which not only people but also luggage are transported on public transport such as buses or taxis, which have traditionally been used to transport people, is also being considered.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-52525

[0005] There is a need for technology that can further improve convenience in the transportation of cargo and people as described above.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide technology that contributes to further improving convenience in the transportation of luggage and people.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing system is provided that includes a determination unit that determines whether to restrict acceptance of an on-demand transport request, which is a request to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transport means for the transport object, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport object, including at least people or cargo.

[0008] In addition, according to the present disclosure, an information processing device is provided that includes a determination unit that determines whether to restrict acceptance of an on-demand transport request, which is a request to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transport means of the transport object, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport object, including at least people or cargo.

[0009] In addition, according to the present disclosure, a program is provided for causing a computer to function as a judgment unit that determines whether to restrict acceptance of an on-demand transport request, which is a request to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transport means of the transport object, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport object, including at least people or cargo.

[0010] In addition, according to the present disclosure, an information processing method executed by a computer is provided, which includes determining whether to restrict acceptance of on-demand transport requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transport means of the transport object, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport object, including at least people or cargo.

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to further improve the convenience in transporting people and luggage.

[0012] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transportation of a transportation object based on a transportation plan generated by the information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a requester terminal 10. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a server 20. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information on a transportation member held by a storage unit 220. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information on a transportation means held by a storage unit 220. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a transportation plan. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information on loading space for each transportation slot. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of confirmed transportation plans for each base station for transportation work held in a storage unit 220. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a transportation member terminal 30. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first determination method for restricting the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests by a determination unit 233. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation processing of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a subroutine of the determination processing by the first determination method of the determination unit 233. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of transportation member qualification information held by a storage unit 220 of the server 20. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the first determination method for restricting the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests by a determination unit 233. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second determination method by the determination unit 233 of whether to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests. A diagram illustrating another example of information on transport personnel held by the memory unit 220. A diagram illustrating an example of regular flight operation information held in the memory unit 220. A diagram illustrating another example of a list of confirmed transport plans for each base station for transport work held in the memory unit 220. A flowchart illustrating the flow of a subroutine of the determination process by the second determination method of the determination unit 233. A schematic diagram illustrating a third determination method by the determination unit 233 of whether to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests. A flowchart illustrating the flow of a subroutine of the determination process by the third determination method of the determination unit 233. An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20 according to this embodiment.

[0013] 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 determination unit that determines whether to restrict acceptance of on-demand transportation requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operational status of a transportation means for the transportation target, which is specified in a transportation plan for the transportation target including at least people or cargo. [Item 2] The information processing system according to Item 1, in which the determination unit determines whether to restrict acceptance of the on-demand transportation request depending on the operational status of a transportation staff member in charge of transporting the transportation target, which is specified in the transportation plan, in addition to the operational status of the transportation means. [Item 3] The information processing system according to Item 2, in which the determination unit determines to restrict acceptance of the on-demand transportation request when the operational status of either or both of the transportation means and the transportation staff member meets a predetermined condition. [Item 4] The information processing system according to Item 3, in which the determination unit identifies a time period during which the operational status of either or both of the transportation means and the transportation staff member meets the predetermined condition, and determines to restrict acceptance of on-demand transportation requests during the identified time period. [Item 5] The information processing system according to Item 1, wherein the on-demand transport request is a transport request requesting completion of transport or collection of the luggage within a certain time from the request time. [Item 6] The information processing system according to Item 3, wherein the determination unit acquires information on the available number of personnel indicating the base number of the transport personnel who can handle the transport work of the luggage related to the on-demand transport request, calculates an assigned number of personnel indicating the number of the transport personnel to whom the transport work of the transportation target has already been assigned based on the transport plan, and determines that the predetermined condition is met if the calculated assigned number of personnel is equal to or greater than the available number of personnel. [Item 7] The information processing system according to Item 6, wherein the determination unit acquires transport means personnel information indicating the number of the transport personnel required for the transport work using the transport means for each type of transport means, and calculates the assigned number of personnel based on the transport plan and the transport means personnel information.[Item 8] The information processing system according to Item 7, wherein the transportation plan includes information regarding time periods during which transportation work for the transportation target is to be performed, and the determination unit calculates the assigned number of personnel for each time period during which the transportation work is to be performed. [Item 9] The information processing system according to Item 6, wherein the determination unit acquires transportation personnel qualification information indicating whether the transportation personnel have the skills or qualifications to perform transportation work using the transportation means, and calculates the available number of personnel based on information about the transportation means specified in the transportation plan and the transportation personnel qualification information. [Item 10] The information processing system according to Item 3, wherein the transportation means includes a moving body that moves by manned operation by the transportation personnel, and the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the transportation means specified in the transportation plan includes the moving body. [Item 11] The information processing system according to Item 10, wherein the determination unit calculates the number of transfer operations per day for the moving body and the required time for each transfer operation based on the transfer plan in which the moving body is specified as the transfer means, and determines that the predetermined condition is met when at least one of the calculated number of transfer operations per day for the moving body or the required time for each transfer operation exceeds a reference value. [Item 12] The information processing system according to Item 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is met when the transfer means specified in the transfer plan includes a predetermined transfer means that has been set in advance. [Item 13] The information processing system according to Item 12, wherein the predetermined transfer means is set to a transfer means whose required time or travel distance for completing a transfer operation from a transfer start position to a transfer end position exceeds a reference value. [Item 14] The information processing system according to Item 12, wherein the predetermined transfer means is set to a mobile body capable of transferring a person as the transfer target. [Item 15] The information processing system according to Item 14, wherein a transportation means that transports people on a scheduled basis is set as the predetermined transportation means.[Item 16] The information processing system of item 1, further comprising: a generation unit that generates the transport plan for the luggage related to the on-demand transport request by specifying the autonomous mobile body as the transport means for the luggage related to the on-demand transport request; [Item 17] The information processing system of item 1, further comprising: a communication unit that receives a transport request for the transportation target or the on-demand transport request for the luggage from a terminal used by a user; and when it is determined that the on-demand transport request should be restricted, the determination unit performs processing to restrict the request operation for the on-demand transport request on the terminal used by the user. [Item 18] An information processing device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether to restrict acceptance of an on-demand transport request, which is a request to transport or collect luggage on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transportation means of the transportation target, which is specified in a transport plan for the transportation target including at least people or luggage. [Item 19] A program for causing a computer to function as a determination unit that determines whether to limit acceptance of on-demand transportation requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operational status of the transportation means of the transportation target, which is specified in a transportation plan for the transportation target, including at least people or cargo. [Item 20] An information processing method executed by a computer, which includes determining whether to limit acceptance of on-demand transportation requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operational status of the transportation means of the transportation target, which is specified in a transportation plan for the transportation target, including at least people or cargo.

[0014] 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.

[0015] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different letters or numbers after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral will be used to distinguish each of the multiple components.

[0016] <1. Overview> <1-1. Background> In recent years, due to a shortage of workers in the automobile transportation industry and a decrease in transportation demand due to population decline, ensuring the sustainability of logistics and delivery services for packages has become an issue in various regions, particularly depopulated areas. The same issue can be raised for transportation services for people, such as taxis.

[0017] Therefore, there is a growing demand for transportation services that can transport not only people (passengers) or luggage (cargo) separately, but also people and luggage together in a mixed cargo transport of passengers and cargo.

[0018] For example, by using buses (public buses, minibuses, etc.) that have traditionally been used for transporting people to carry both people and luggage, the bus driver can act as a transport staff member and provide luggage delivery services in addition to the traditional transportation services for people. Also, by using transport trucks that have traditionally been used for luggage delivery services to carry both people and luggage, the truck driver can act as a transport staff member and provide transportation services for people in addition to the traditional luggage delivery services.

[0019] In this way, by providing both passenger transport services and cargo delivery services, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the transport of each transport object. Therefore, it is necessary to build a system that can also handle such a transport service that combines passengers and cargo.

[0020] Therefore, 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 convenience in the transportation of luggage and people.

[0021] More specifically, an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention accepts requests for transport of objects including at least people or cargo, and generates a transport plan for the objects. Furthermore, after the generation, the information processing system determines, based on the confirmed transport plan, whether to limit the acceptance of new transport requests that specify same-day completion of the transport, depending at least on the operational status of the transport means used for the transport work. This further improves the convenience of transporting cargo and people.

[0022] <1-2. Overview of an Information Processing System According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention> First, an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system according to the present invention includes a requester terminal 10, a server 20, a transporter terminal 30, and a network 50. As shown in Fig. 1, the requester terminal 10, the server 20, and the transporter terminal 30 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network 50.

[0024] (Requester Terminal 10) The requester terminal 10 is an information terminal used by a requester who requests transportation of a transportation object. The requester terminal 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). For example, the requester terminal 10 may be a terminal owned by each of multiple requesting users. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the requester terminal 10A is a smartphone, and the requester terminal 10B is a personal computer. The requester terminal 10 may also be a terminal installed in a store or the like and shared by multiple requesting users.

[0025] The requester terminal 10 accepts an input of a transfer request for a transfer target from a requesting user. The requester terminal 10 may accept the input of a transfer request by, for example, an input operation by the requesting user performed on an application running on the requester terminal 10.

[0026] The transfer request includes, for example, the type of transfer object, the transfer start position, and the transfer end position. The transfer object type may be, for example, "person," "baggage," or "both person and baggage." If the transfer object is a person, the transfer start position and the transfer end position are the pick-up and delivery locations of the person. If the transfer object is baggage, the transfer start position and the transfer end position are the pick-up and delivery locations of the object.

[0027] The requester terminal 10 may also accept information on the name, quantity, and delivery destination of the purchased product included in a shopping order placed on the application as input information for the transfer request. In this case, the requester terminal 10 may accept the type of the purchased product to be transferred as a package and the delivery destination information as the transfer end location. Furthermore, the requester terminal 10 may use information indicating the location of a base or warehouse where the product of the web store that accepted the shopping order is stored as the transfer start location.

[0028] The transportation request may also include information specifying a time for delivery or collection of the transportation target. The information specifying the time may be information indicating a time frame selected from available transportation time frames presented as options on the application.

[0029] The transport request may also include an on-demand transport request, which is a request to deliver or collect the transport object on the same day. For example, an on-demand transport request may be a transport request that requests the completion of transport or collection of the transport object within a certain time period from the time of request acceptance (hereinafter also referred to as "request completion"), and may particularly be a transport request for which the time from the time of request acceptance to the completion of the request is shorter than that of other transport requests accepted by the system. An on-demand transport request may be a transport request for which the time interval between delivery time frames is set shorter than that of other transport requests accepted by the system (for example, regular transport requests with predetermined delivery schedules). Other transport requests accepted by the system may be, for example, requests for regular transport with a predetermined delivery schedule, or requests for transport using a different type of transport method than on-demand transport (more specifically, for example, if the on-demand transport is air transport using a mobile object that travels by air, such as a drone, the request may be for transport using a mobile object that travels by land; if the on-demand transport is transport using an unmanned mobile object, such as a drone, the request may be for transport using a manned mobile object; or if the on-demand transport includes a person as the transport target, the request may be for transport including luggage as the transport target. These are examples, and the reverse is also possible). When a time slot on the same day as the request date is selected as information specifying the delivery or collection time of the transport target during the input operation of the transport request, the requester terminal 10 accepts the transport request as an on-demand transport request. Furthermore, the requester terminal 10 may accept an input operation for an on-demand transport request when the type of transport target is luggage or includes luggage. Alternatively, the requester terminal 10 may accept an input operation for an on-demand transport request when the type of transport target is a person or includes a person.

[0030] The requester terminal 10 transmits to the server 20 transport request information indicating the content of the transport request that has been input.

[0031] (Server 20) The server 20 according to this embodiment is an example of an information processing device, and is a server that manages the transfer of transfer objects. The server 20 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a PC, or may be a cloud server.

[0032] Based on the transport request information received from the requester terminal 10, the server 20 generates a transport plan for a transport means to transport the transport object included in the transport request information. The transport plan includes, for example, information on the time frame for transporting the transport object. The server 20 may generate a transport plan for a transport means to transport the transport object based, for example, on whether the type of transport object is at least "person" or "cargo." The transport plan generated by the server 20 will be described in detail below.

[0033] The transportation means for which the transportation plan is generated is, for example, a mobile body used for delivering (delivering or collecting) luggage or for picking up and dropping off people. The mobile body may be a mobile body that transports both luggage and people, or a mobile body that transports only one of luggage or people.

[0034] For example, the mobile body may be a manned mobile body used by a transfer staff member in charge of the transfer. The manned mobile body may be a vehicle that travels on land (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a light van, a minivan, or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). However, the manned mobile body is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned mobile body may be an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that travels on waterways such as seaways and riverways.

[0035] Furthermore, the transportation means is not limited to a mobile body, and may be, for example, walking. When the transportation means is walking, the transportation staff may transport the object by loading it onto a cart (for example, a box cart or a cart). In this embodiment, an example in which the transportation means is a mobile body will be mainly described.

[0036] Furthermore, the mobile body according to this embodiment may include an unmanned mobile body that moves by autonomous control or remote control. For example, the unmanned mobile body may move by autonomous control using input information such as two positions, such as a start point (e.g., a transfer start position of the transfer target or a transfer start position of the unmanned mobile body) and an end point (e.g., a transfer end position of the transfer target), or three or more positions including a relay point (e.g., a baggage collection position in the case of a transfer involving baggage collection) and a return point (e.g., a position that is the same as the transfer start position of the unmanned mobile body or a different waiting position). Note that the input information used for autonomous control may also include various information such as other intermediate points and transfer routes.

[0037] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body may be moved by remote control using operation information remotely input by an administrator who manages the unmanned mobile body.

[0038] For example, 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.

[0039] Furthermore, the unmanned mobile body according to this embodiment is not limited to an air vehicle. For example, the unmanned mobile body may be a vehicle that travels on land, such as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or a ship that travels on waterways, such as seaways and riverways.

[0040] Furthermore, the manned and unmanned mobile bodies may be mobile bodies that are capable of traveling on at least two routes, including land, water, and air routes.

[0041] The server 20 may transmit transportation plan information, which is information related to the transportation plan generated for the transportation means described above, to the requester terminal 10. The transportation plan information may be information including, for example, the type of transportation means that will transport the transportation object and the time frame for transportation.

[0042] The requesting user may check the transportation plan information received by the requester terminal 10 and input whether or not to confirm the transportation of the transportation object indicated by the transportation plan information into the requester terminal 10. The requester terminal 10 transmits the input information indicating whether or not to confirm the transportation of the transportation object to the server 20.

[0043] The server 20 confirms the transport plan in accordance with information indicating whether to confirm the transport of the transport object received from the requester terminal 10. More specifically, when the server 20 receives information indicating that the transport of the transport object is to be confirmed by a confirmation operation on an application running on the requester terminal 10, the server 20 confirms the generated transport plan.

[0044] The server 20 also has a function of acquiring information on transportation means specified in a confirmed transportation plan and determining whether to limit the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests based on the operating status of each transportation means. Furthermore, the server 20 may acquire information on transportation personnel specified in a confirmed transportation plan and determine whether to limit the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests based on the operating status of the transportation means and transportation personnel. This allows the server 20 to limit the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests when it determines, based on a confirmed transportation plan, that transportation means or transportation personnel capable of handling same-day luggage transportation or collection cannot be secured.

[0045] The server 20 may determine whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests as described above for each base station that is the departure point of each transport means.

[0046] When the server 20 determines to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests, the server 20 may perform a process to restrict the acceptance of input of on-demand transport requests on the requester terminal 10. More specifically, for example, the server 20 may perform control so that a time frame for the same day as the request date is not displayed as a time frame that can be specified on an application in which the requesting user U inputs a transport request.

[0047] This allows the server 20 to prevent accepting an on-demand transport request from the requester terminal 10 in a situation where a transport means or transporter capable of responding to the on-demand transport request cannot be secured.

[0048] (Transportation Personnel Terminal 30) The transportation personnel terminal 30 is an information terminal used by a transportation personnel in charge of transporting the object to be transported, for which transportation has been requested by a client. For example, the transportation personnel may be a driver or assistant of a manned vehicle that is the transportation means for the object to be transported. Furthermore, if the vehicle that is the transportation means for the object to be transported is an unmanned vehicle that moves by autonomous control or remote control, the transportation personnel may be an administrator who manages the unmanned vehicle.

[0049] The transporter terminal 30 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PHS, a PDA, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the transporter terminal 30 is a smartphone.

[0050] The transfer person terminal 30 receives transfer instruction information based on a transfer plan determined by the server 20 for the transfer means to be used by the transfer person for the transfer. The transfer person transfers the transfer target in accordance with the transfer instruction information. Note that, when an unmanned mobile vehicle is responsible for the transfer of the transfer target, the transfer instruction information may be transmitted directly from the server 20 to the unmanned mobile vehicle having a communication function. In this case, the unmanned mobile vehicle that has received the transfer instruction information may autonomously transfer the transfer target based on the transfer instruction information.

[0051] (Network 50) The network 50 is a wired or wireless transmission path for information transmitted from devices connected to the network 50. For example, the network 50 may include public networks such as the Internet, a telephone network, or a satellite communication network, or various LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks) including Ethernet (registered trademark). The network 50 may also include a dedicated line network such as an IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network).

[0052] <1-3. Example of Transfer of Transfer Object by the Information Processing System> So far, an overview of the information processing system according to the present invention has been described. Here, an example of transfer of a transfer object by the information processing system according to the present invention will be described using Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of transfer of a transfer object based on a transfer plan generated by the information processing system according to the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows an example in which a mobile object M transports luggage or people between a base W and a stand BS designated as the transport end position of each transport object.

[0054] Each piece of luggage T is transported through multiple transport sections based on a transport plan generated by the server 20. Each transport section has two points, a transport start position and a transport end position, as its starting and ending points. In the example shown in Figure 2, a mobile object M departs from a base W and transports luggage T, such as luggage stored at the base W, with the transport end position being the stand BS.

[0055] Base W is an example of a location that serves as a base for transport operations, such as a logistics warehouse. Base W stores luggage that has been transported via other transport sections or luggage brought in by the requesting user U. Base W may also store luggage that has been collected based on a transport request requesting the collection of luggage.

[0056] Furthermore, the base W may be a storage facility for products ordered through a shopping order placed on an application running on the requester terminal 10. The requesting user U can purchase products in stock at the base W by placing a shopping order on the requester terminal 10. The server 20 generates a transportation plan for the ordered products, treating the ordered products as transportation targets of type "package." Alternatively, instead of or in addition to storing products, the base W may be a space where a person provides services that can be provided by a person dispatched in response to a shopping order placed on an application running on the requester terminal 10 (for example, services that can be provided by a person, such as haircuts, nail art, massages, and study support). The server 20 generates a transportation plan for a person corresponding to the ordered service, treating the person as a transportation target of type "person."

[0057] The stand BS is a location designated in the transportation plan as a relay point, a transportation start location, or a transportation end location for each transportation target. The stand BS is a location set in advance by the administrator of the server 20. When inputting a transportation request, the requesting user U may designate the stand BS as the delivery destination, collection location, or pick-up / drop-off location for the transportation target.

[0058] For example, stand BS1 shown in Fig. 2 is a location set within village V. A requesting user U residing in village V can request transportation of a person or a package to a location near his or her home by specifying stand BS1 as a delivery destination, a collection location, or a pick-up / drop-off location.

[0059] Furthermore, stand BS11 and stand BS12 are bus stops for mainline buses. In this way, stand BSs may be set as departure and arrival points for public transportation. Furthermore, stand BS21 is a point set in the garden of the residence of requesting user U. In this way, stand BSs may be set on private residential property or the like.

[0060] The transporter D views the transport instruction information for which he / she is responsible on the transporter terminal 30 and performs the transport work in accordance with the transport instruction information. The transporter D may be assigned a base W to which he / she belongs. The transporter D may perform the transport work within the jurisdiction area of ​​the base W to which he / she belongs.

[0061] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, three transfer personnel D, transfer personnel D1 to transfer personnel D3, belong to base W.

[0062] The mobile body M is a transport means used for transporting cargo T. The mobile body M may also be assigned a base W to which it belongs. In a transport plan for a transport target in the area under the jurisdiction of the base W, the server 20 may designate the mobile body M belonging to the base W as a transport means for transport in the area under its jurisdiction.

[0063] 2, a transporter D1 loads a baggage T1 onto a mobile vehicle M1, which is a microbus, from a base W to a stand BS1. After transporting the baggage T1 to the stand BS1, the transporter D1 drives the mobile vehicle M1 to return to the base W.

[0064] The transporter D2 operates a mobile vehicle M2 (for example, a mobile vehicle that functions like a mainline bus) that transports people on a scheduled schedule, departs from the base W, and transports people via multiple stands BS according to the route specified by the transport plan.

[0065] The transporter D3 operates the mobile unit M3, which is a drone, to transport the package T3, which is a purchased item in the shopping order placed by the requesting user U on the client terminal 10, to the stand BS21 in accordance with transport instructions based on the transport plan for the package T3. The transporter D3 performs a shipping operation to load the package T3 stored at the base W onto the mobile unit M3. Once the package T3 is loaded, the mobile unit M3 transports the package T3 to the stand BS21 by autonomous control. Note that the operation to start the autonomous control may be executed by the transporter D3 from a control terminal after the shipping operation, or may be executed remotely from a control terminal by another worker who has received information regarding the completion of the shipping operation.

[0066] When a requesting user U places a shopping order specifying same-day transportation of the products, the server 20 accepts the request for transportation of the products related to the shopping order as an on-demand transportation request. In this case, the server 20 generates a transportation plan that specifies a mobile unit M belonging to the base W, or a mobile unit M and a transporter D that can transport the package T3 on the same day depending on the operating status of the base W, as the transportation means and the responsible transporter for the package T3.

[0067] However, depending on the operating status of the mobile unit M and the transporter D, such as the transport slot for the mobile unit M belonging to the base W being filled or the transporter D belonging to the base W being busy with assigned transport work, a situation may arise in which a mobile unit M or transporter D capable of responding to an on-demand transport request cannot be secured.

[0068] Therefore, the server 20 according to this embodiment determines whether to restrict on-demand transport requests depending on the operating status of the mobile unit M belonging to the base W. The server 20 may make the determination depending on the operating status of the transporter D in addition to the operating status of the mobile unit M. If the server 20 determines to restrict on-demand transport requests, it controls the application running on the requester terminal 10 so that the requesting user U cannot select a time on the same day as the request date as a designated time for delivery, collection, or pick-up / drop-off.

[0069] The outline of the information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 10, the server 20, and the transporter terminal 30 that realize this information processing system will be described.

[0070] <2. Example of Functional Configuration> <2-1. Example of Functional Configuration of Requester Terminal 10> Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the requester terminal 10 has a communication unit 110, an operation display unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0071] (Communication Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is connected to the server 20 via the network 50 to communicate with the server 20 and transmits and receives data. For example, the communication unit 110 may transmit, to the server 20, transfer request information indicating a transfer request for a transfer target, based on an operation of the operation display unit 120 by the requesting user U.

[0072] (Operation display unit 120) The operation display unit 120 functions as an operation unit that is configured to be operated by the requesting user U to input instructions or information into the requester terminal 10, and as a display unit that presents various information by displaying it under the control of the control unit 130. For example, the requesting user U operates the operation display unit 120 to input a transfer request on an application. Transfer request information indicating the transfer request is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110.

[0073] The transfer request information includes, for example, a transfer target type, a transfer start position, and a transfer end position. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the requesting user U selects the transfer target type from "people," "baggage," or "both people and baggage" by performing a selection operation on the application.

[0074] In addition, if the type of transportation target is "both people and luggage," the transportation end locations of the transportation target person and the transportation target object may be different. This allows the requesting user U to have luggage picked up at a location other than the requesting user U's destination while being picked up or dropped off, improving convenience for the requesting user U and allowing the transportation staff to deliver the luggage at the same time, improving transportation efficiency.

[0075] The transfer start position and transfer end position are specified by inputting information that can identify the positions. The information that can identify the positions may be an address, coordinate information, or a position identification ID that is identification information for identifying a predetermined position. The predetermined position may be a mobile stand that has been registered in advance in the server 20 as a candidate for the transfer start position and transfer end position of the transfer target.

[0076] The information that can identify a location may be the name of a bus stop or station, or the name of a facility or building. The information that can identify a location may also be information obtained by the requesting user U selecting an arbitrary location from a map displayed by the operation display unit 120. The information that can identify a location may also be information provided by a known location search system.

[0077] The transfer request information may also include a designation of the quantity of items to be transferred. For example, if the items to be transferred include people, the number of people to be transferred may also be included. If the items to be transferred include luggage, the transfer request information may also include the number of items to be transferred, the size of the luggage (e.g., size 60), or the weight of the items to be transferred (e.g., 1 kg).

[0078] Furthermore, when the object to be transferred includes luggage, the transfer request information may include information about the object to be transferred, such as the name of the object to be transferred (food, miscellaneous goods, etc.), the type of luggage (temperature range type such as refrigerated goods or frozen goods), or whether the luggage is a sensitive item that requires careful handling. The sensitive item may be at least one of: upside down, no stacking allowed, perishable goods, or fragile goods.

[0079] Furthermore, if the transfer target includes a person, the transfer request information may include information for identifying the transfer target. The information for identifying the transfer target may be, for example, the name of the transfer target, the name of the transfer target within the service, a phone number, etc., or may include one or more of the transfer target ID, which is identification information of the transfer target, or account information of an external application. Note that, if the transfer target and the requesting user U are the same, the transfer target ID may be the same as the requester ID for identifying the requesting user U.

[0080] Furthermore, if the person to be transferred is a person, the transfer request information may include information on the walking status of the person to be transferred. For example, the walking status may indicate that the person to be transferred uses a wheelchair. Alternatively, or in addition, if the person to be transferred is a person, the transfer request information may include information on whether or not the person to be transferred needs support (assistance, assistance, etc., including physical support and linguistic support).

[0081] The transfer request information may also include a specification of the date or time to start transferring the transfer target. That is, the transfer request information may also include a specification of the date or time for collecting the luggage, or the date or time for picking up the person. The collection time and pick-up time may be a time frame with a range of time (e.g., from 12:00 to 13:00). Such a time frame during which the transfer is performed is also called a transfer frame. The transfer frame is divided into predetermined time periods, such as 15 minutes or 30 minutes for unmanned vehicles, and one hour for manned vehicles. The transfer request information may also include a specification to transfer as early as possible (i.e., as close to the requested time).

[0082] The information specifying the date or time to start transporting the transport object included in the transport request information may be input by selecting from one or more time slots presented as selectable time slots on an application running on the requester terminal 10.

[0083] If the specified date is the same as the request date of the transport request, the transport request is treated by the server 20 as an on-demand transport request.

[0084] The transport request information may also include a designation of a transport means for transporting the transport target. For example, if different fees apply to transport depending on the transport means, the requesting user U can designate a transport means taking into account the fee. Furthermore, if the person to be transported is the requesting user U, the requesting user U can designate a transport means taking into account the number of seats, riding comfort, etc. Furthermore, if the requesting user U is concerned about the transport target being transported by an unmanned vehicle, the requesting user U can designate a manned vehicle. In other words, the requesting user U can designate a transport means that suits their needs.

[0085] Note that not all of the above-mentioned transport request information needs to be entered by the requesting user U. For example, if the requesting user U's basic information has been set in advance in basic settings, the requesting user U may be omitted from entering the basic information when requesting transport. Furthermore, if the type of transport target is "people" or "both people and luggage," only transport means capable of transporting people may be selectable. For example, if the type of transport target is "people" or "both people and luggage," transport means that cannot transport people, such as drones, may be excluded from the transport means selection candidates in the application.

[0086] So far, we have explained the transfer request information indicating a transfer request that is input to the operation display unit 120. Such transfer request information is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110. The server 20 generates a transfer plan for the transfer means that will transfer the transfer object based on the transfer request information, and the communication unit 110 receives transfer plan information related to the transfer plan for the transfer means from the server 20.

[0087] The transportation plan information includes, for example, transportation means information, which is information about transportation means capable of transporting the transportation target for the transportation request information. The transportation means information includes, for example, the type of transportation means. The type of transportation means may be, for example, the type of moving body that is the transportation means.

[0088] The type of transportation means may be, for example, a "bus," a "light van," a "minivan," a "motorcycle," or a "drone." The type of transportation means may also be "walking." The transportation means information may also include information on the transportation slots in which the transportation means will perform transportation.

[0089] The operation display unit 120 displays the transport plan information. The operation display unit 120 then receives an input, such as a confirmation operation on an application, as to whether or not to confirm the transport of the transport target indicated by the transport plan information.

[0090] The transport means information may include information on multiple candidate transport means types. The operation display unit 120 accepts a selection of the desired transport means type from among the multiple candidate transport means types, for example, through a selection operation on the application.

[0091] The transport means information may also include multiple candidate transport slots for the transport means for transporting the transport target. The operation display unit 120 accepts the selection of a desired transport slot from among the multiple candidate transport slots, by a selection operation on the application or the like.

[0092] The operation display unit 120 may also display information about the transportation means for transporting the transportation object, which is received from the server 20 by the communication unit 110 and confirmed by the server 20 .

[0093] (Control Unit 130) The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the requester terminal 10. For example, the control unit 130 causes the communication unit 110 to transmit transport request information acquired by the operation display unit 120. The control unit 130 also causes the operation display unit 120 to display information received from the server 20 by the communication unit 110.

[0094] 2-2. Example of Functional Configuration of Server 20 An example of the functional configuration of the client terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 will be described.

[0095] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 20 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0096] (Communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 performs various communications with external terminals such as the requester terminal 10 and the transfer staff terminal 30. For example, the communication unit 210 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information such as transfer request information transmitted from the requester terminal 10. The communication unit 210 also transmits transfer instruction information generated by the generation unit 231 (described later) to the transfer staff terminal 30.

[0097] (Storage unit 220) The storage unit 220 stores programs and various data for operating the control unit 230. For example, the storage unit 220 may store each piece of transfer request information received by the communication unit 210. The storage unit 220 may store each piece of transfer request information in association with a request ID for identifying the transfer request information.

[0098] The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer target for each transfer request information for each transfer target. For example, the storage unit 220 stores information included in the transfer request information for each transfer target (item name, baggage type, information about the transfer target, size or weight, etc.). The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer target by linking it to a transfer target ID for identifying the transfer target.

[0099] The storage unit 220 also stores information included in the transfer request information (such as the number of people, names, or walking conditions) for each transfer recipient. The storage unit 220 also stores information about the transfer recipients, linking them with a transfer recipient ID for identifying the transfer recipient. The transfer recipient ID may be the same as the transfer recipient ID or the requester ID.

[0100] The storage unit 220 may also store registration information for the transferee linked to the transferee ID or the requesting user U linked to the requester ID. The registration information may include various basic information such as name, name within the service, email address, address, telephone number, age or generation, gender, address or residential area, and may also include account information for external applications. The storage unit 220 may also store the fare for each requesting user U or transferee, or the membership rank for determining the fare.

[0101] The storage unit 220 also stores information relating to transportation by transportation means. The storage unit 220 may store information relating to transportation for each of a plurality of transportation means available for transportation.

[0102] For example, the storage unit 220 may store, for each destination area, information on the transportation means and transportation personnel belonging to the transportation base that has jurisdiction over that area.

[0103] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of transfer member information stored in the storage unit 220. Transfer member information table TB1 is an example of information on transfer member D belonging to base W shown in FIG. 2. The example shown in FIG. 5 shows that three transfer members D with transfer member IDs: D001 to D003 belong to base W. In the following explanation, transfer member ID: D001 is assumed to be the transfer member ID of transfer member D1 shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, transfer member ID: D002 is assumed to be the transfer member ID of transfer member D2, and transfer member ID: D003 is assumed to be the transfer member ID of transfer member D3.

[0104] 6 is a diagram showing an example of transportation means information stored in the storage unit 220. Transportation means personnel information table TB2 is an example of information on mobile units M belonging to base W shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, transportation means personnel information table TB2 may include information on the base name, transportation means type, transportation means management number, type of transportation possible, whether operation is required, and the number of personnel. It may also include information on whether on-demand transportation is possible, as necessary.

[0105] 6 shows an example in which the mobile objects M belonging to the base W are one of three types of mobile objects: a microbus, a bus, and a drone. Note that the drone here refers to a drone that can move by autonomous control.

[0106] The information on whether or not operation is required indicates whether or not a transfer person is required to operate the transfer by each transfer means. The information on the number of personnel indicates the number of transfer people required to operate the transfer means.

[0107] For example, the operation requirement for the transportation means of type microbus and bus is "required." Also, the number of personnel is one in both cases. This indicates that when transporting by microbus and bus, one transportation staff member is required to operate the vehicle. In other words, when transporting by microbus and bus, one transportation staff member is required to operate the vehicle while the transport is being performed by the microbus or bus.

[0108] Furthermore, the operation requirement for a drone-type transport means is "partially required (at departure)." The number of personnel is one. This indicates that, in the case of a drone-based transport, one transporter is required to operate the transport only at departure. In other words, in the case of a drone-based transport shown in the transport means personnel information table TB2, one transporter is required to perform the transport work only at departure, but no transporter is required to operate the transport from the time the drone departs until it completes the transport and returns.

[0109] The storage unit 220 also stores a transport plan for the transport means. The transport plan includes, for example, information on the transport slot. The transport plan for the transport means may be generated for each transport slot. Here, the transport slot indicates a time slot during which the transport means (or a transporter who transports the transport target using the transport means) responds to a transport request.

[0110] For example, the transportation time available for a transportation means (or transportation personnel) in one day is divided into predetermined transportation slots. The transportation means (or transportation personnel) transports the transportation targets registered for each transportation slot at the time indicated by the transportation slot. The delivery slot of an unmanned vehicle may be registered with transportation targets to transportation end positions, such as 1 or 2. Furthermore, the delivery slot of a manned vehicle (or transportation personnel) may be registered with transportation targets to multiple transportation end positions, such as 5 to 10, but is not limited to this.

[0111] An example of a transportation plan will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a transportation plan. Fig. 7 shows a transportation plan for a transportation time slot from 10:00 to 12:00. In the example shown in Fig. 7, a transportation plan 400 includes operation information 410 and transportation target information 420.

[0112] The operation information 410 includes arrival and departure information 411, which is departure information and arrival information within the transportation slot. The arrival and departure information 411 includes a scheduled departure time, a scheduled arrival time, a departure location, and an arrival location. The scheduled departure time is the start time of the transportation slot. The scheduled arrival time is the end time of the transportation slot. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the arrival and departure information 411 includes information that the scheduled departure time is 10:00, the scheduled arrival time is 12:00, and the departure location and arrival location are base W.

[0113] Furthermore, the operation information 410 includes information 412 on the means of transportation for the transportation plan. The information 412 on the means of transportation includes an operation ID for identifying the operation within the transportation slot, the type of means of transportation, the transportation method, a means of transportation management number which is a number for identifying the means of transportation, the name of the transportation company which indicates the business which will transport the vehicle by the means of transportation, and a transporter ID which identifies the transporter in charge of the transport by the means of transportation. For example, if the means of transportation is a mobile vehicle, the means of transportation management number is a management number (e.g., a vehicle registration number) for identifying each mobile vehicle.

[0114] The transportation method indicates the type of transportation target to be transported by the transportation means. For example, the example in Figure 7 indicates that a transportation means will transport a mixture of people and luggage. Note that the information included in the transportation means information 412 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7, and may also include, for example, the name of the transportation staff.

[0115] The transfer target information 420 is information about the transfer target to be transferred by the transfer means within the time indicated by the transfer frame. The transfer target information 420 may include, for example, a portion of the transfer request information for the transfer target whose transfer has been confirmed. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the transfer target information includes the transfer target type, the name of the baggage of the transfer target, the number of people to be transferred, the transfer start location, and the transfer end location, which are part of the transfer request information. Note that the transfer start location and transfer end location included in the transfer target information 420 are not limited to the transfer start location and transfer end location included in the transfer request information. In cases in which the transfer target is transferred via multiple transfer means, the transfer start location and transfer end location included in the transfer target information 420 may be the transfer start location and transfer end location by the transfer means in the transfer plan.

[0116] The transfer target information 420 may also include a transfer target ID for identifying each transfer target for the transfer request. For example, Figure 7 shows an example in which, for a transfer request with a request ID of C002 and a transfer target type of "both people and luggage," T003-1 is assigned as the transfer target ID for identifying the transfer of the person who is the transfer target. Figure 7 also shows an example in which, for the transfer request, T003-2 is assigned as the transfer target ID for identifying the transfer of the luggage that is the transfer target.

[0117] Furthermore, if the transfer target is a regular service that is transferred periodically, the transfer target information 420 may include a regular ID for identifying the regular service.

[0118] In addition, the transfer objects to be transferred within the time indicated by the transfer frame are not limited to the transfer objects for the transfer request received by the communication unit 210, and for example, parcels related to parcel order requests, whose requests are managed by an external server, may also be managed as transfer objects.

[0119] The storage unit 220 may further store a transfer status 430 indicating the status of each transfer of the transfer target included in the transfer target information 420. Examples of the transfer status 430, as shown in FIG. 7 , include "In Work," indicating that the transfer target is being loaded, unloaded, or boarded or disembarked; "Before Transfer Started," indicating that the transfer target is not being transferred by the transfer means; and "Transfer Completed," indicating that the transfer of the transfer target has been completed at the transfer end location. Note that the transfer status 430 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7 . For example, if the transfer target cannot be handed over to the recipient and is being returned to the warehouse, the transfer status 430 may be "Returning." The transfer target information may be arranged from top to bottom in order according to the transfer route. In this case, the transfer status 430 may be configured to change to "Transfer Completed" in order from top to bottom as the request is completed.

[0120] So far, the transportation plan stored in the memory unit 220 has been described. The memory unit 220 also stores information about one or more loading spaces of each transportation means for which the transportation plan is managed. The transportation objects that can be loaded by a transportation means vary depending on the type of transportation means and the loading space of the transportation means. For example, a seat in a light van or bus can carry both luggage and people. On the other hand, a storage section (luggage compartment) such as a trunk of a light van or bus can carry only luggage. Furthermore, a storage section (luggage compartment) of a drone, bicycle, motorcycle, etc. can carry only luggage.

[0121] For each such loading space, the memory unit 220 stores whether the transportable objects that can be loaded are people only, luggage only, or both people and luggage, and the maximum amount of luggage or people that can be loaded.

[0122] For example, if the transportation means is a light van and seats are used to carry both luggage and passengers, the memory unit 220 stores that the seats can carry both passengers and luggage. The memory unit 220 may also store the maximum number of seats that can carry either luggage or passengers as the maximum number of luggage and passengers. The seats of the transportation means do not necessarily need to be managed as being capable of carrying luggage, but may be managed as being capable of carrying only passengers depending on the operation.

[0123] As another example, when the transportation means is a bus or the like and only luggage is loaded into a luggage compartment, the memory unit 220 stores that the luggage compartment can only carry luggage. The memory unit 220 also stores the maximum amount of luggage that can be loaded into the luggage compartment. Here, the maximum amount of luggage may be indicated by the number of pieces or by the capacity. The maximum amount of luggage may also be indicated by the weight.

[0124] The storage unit 220 stores, for each transfer slot, loading space information, which is information regarding the amount of transfer objects that can be loaded into the loading space of the transfer means for which the transfer plan is managed. The loading space information may be, for example, the number of seats that can accommodate the transfer objects (i.e., the number of empty seats) or the vacancy rate of the maximum capacity of the loading space that can accommodate the transfer objects. The loading space information may also be the weight of the transfer objects that can be loaded.

[0125] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of loading space information for each transportation slot. In FIG. 8, loading space information 440A for seats on a transportation means (e.g., a bus) and loading space information 440B for luggage compartments are shown for each transportation slot.

[0126] For example, the loading space information 440A indicates that the seats are "full," i.e., there are no vacant seats, for the transfer slot from 9:00 to 10:00. On the other hand, the loading space information 440A indicates that there is one vacant seat for the transfer slot from 11:00 to 12:00.

[0127] Furthermore, the loading space information 440B indicates that the luggage compartment is "full" during the transfer time slot from 9:00 to 10:00, i.e., there is no free space in the luggage compartment. On the other hand, the loading space information 440B indicates that there is free space in the luggage compartment of 20% of its maximum capacity during the transfer time slot from 10:00 to 11:00.

[0128] In addition, the memory unit 220 may store a list of transport plans that aggregates, for each base station for the same transport work, transport plans that specify a mobile body M or transporter D belonging to that base station from among the transport plans confirmed by a confirmation operation on the requester terminal 10.

[0129] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a list of confirmed transport plans for each base station for transport work, stored in memory unit 220. The transport plan list 500 for base station W shown in Fig. 9 is an example of a list of confirmed transport plans for a certain day at base station W shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 9, the transport plan list 500 for base station W may include information 510 on request content, information 520 on transport means, information 530 on responsible transport personnel, and information 540 on transport location.

[0130] (Control unit 230) The control unit 230 controls the overall operation of the server 20. For example, the control unit 230 controls the storage unit 220 to store information received from the client terminal 10 by the communication unit 210. In this embodiment, the control unit 230 has a function as a generation unit 231.

[0131] (Generation unit 231) The generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation target included in the transportation request information based on the transportation request information received by the communication unit 210. For example, the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation means that will transport the transportation target based on whether the transportation target type is a "person," a "baggage," or "both people and baggage."

[0132] More specifically, the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of loading the transportation object. Here, the generation unit 231 may generate the transportation plan based on information on the loading space for each transportation means for each transportation slot. That is, the generation unit 231 may generate a transportation plan for a transportation means capable of loading the transportation object into its loading space on the date or time at which the transportation of the transportation object is to start, which is included in the transportation request information.

[0133] Furthermore, if the transport request information includes a designation of a transport means for transporting the transport target, the generation unit 231 may generate a transport plan for the transport means.

[0134] Furthermore, when the transfer request information includes information on the object to be transferred, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for a transfer means determined in accordance with the information. For example, when the transfer request information includes information that the cargo type (e.g., temperature range type) of the object to be transferred is a refrigerated item, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan for a transfer means equipped with refrigeration equipment.

[0135] Furthermore, when the arrival time of a transportation means at an arrival location has been determined, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transportation means can transport the transportation target by the arrival time. When the generation unit 231 determines that the transportation means can transport the transportation target by the arrival time, the generation unit 231 may determine the transportation means as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated. For example, the generation unit 231 may determine, as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated, the transportation means that can arrive at the arrival location at the end time of the transportation slot if the transportation target is transported.

[0136] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may select multiple candidate transport means for transporting the transport target. For example, if there are multiple transport means that can load the transport target into the loading space on the date or time when the transport of the transport target is to start, which is included in the transport request information, the generation unit 231 may select the multiple transport means as candidate transport means.

[0137] When the generation unit 231 selects multiple candidates that can load the transportation target into the loading space, it may determine one transportation means for generating a transportation plan. For example, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transportation target can be transported by transportation that is performed regularly by the transportation means, i.e., transportation including regular flights. When the transportation target can be transported by transportation including regular flights, the generation unit 231 may determine the transportation means as the transportation means for which a transportation plan for the transportation means is generated.

[0138] Furthermore, the generation unit 231 may determine whether the transfer target can be transferred by a transfer according to an already confirmed transfer plan. If the transfer target can be transferred by a transfer according to an already confirmed transfer plan, the generation unit 231 may determine the transfer means as the transfer means for which a transfer plan for the transfer means is generated. With this configuration, the transfer means can be transferred by a transfer means that has already been determined to operate, thereby further improving the efficiency of transfer.

[0139] Furthermore, when the object to be transferred is a cargo, the generation unit 231 may determine an unmanned vehicle as the transfer means for which a transfer plan for the transfer means is generated, in preference to a manned vehicle. With this configuration, the object to be transferred can be transferred without human intervention, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the transfer.

[0140] Furthermore, when the type of transfer target is "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan in which only either the transfer target object or the transfer target person is transferred via multiple transfer means. Furthermore, when the type of transfer target is "both people and luggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan in which the transfer of the transfer target person and the transfer target object is started at the transfer start position by the same transfer means, and then each is transferred via a different transfer means.

[0141] Furthermore, when the type of the object to be transferred is "baggage" or "both people and baggage," the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan to transfer the object to be transferred to a collection point such as base W where baggage can be accumulated. Then, the generation unit 231 may generate a transfer plan to transfer the object to be transferred from the collection point to a transfer end position using another transfer frame or another transfer means.

[0142] The generation unit 231 may also generate a transportation plan for transferring the object to be transferred from the collection point to a business operator other than the business operator that manages transportation using this information processing system. With this configuration, even if the transportation end location is outside the jurisdiction of the transportation by the transportation means, the object can be transferred to the transportation end location by transferring the object to a business operator that has jurisdiction over the transportation end location. In this case, the transportation plan may include identification information for identifying the business operator or the person in charge at the delivery destination.

[0143] So far, the method for generating a transportation plan by the generation unit 231 has been described. When the generation unit 231 generates a transportation plan, transportation plan information, which is information related to the transportation plan, is sent to the requester terminal 10 by the communication unit 210. The transportation plan information may include transportation means information, which is information about transportation means capable of transporting the transportation object for the transportation request information. Furthermore, the transportation means information may include information about the transportation slot in which the transportation means will perform the transportation. Furthermore, the transportation plan information may include information such as transportation fees. The transportation fee may be a fixed fee, or may be determined according to the transportation distance, the weight of the transportation object, or the freight rate for each transportation object, etc.

[0144] The communication unit 210 then acquires information indicating whether or not to confirm transportation by the transportation means included in the transportation means information from the requester terminal 10 to which the movement plan information was sent. When the communication unit 210 acquires information indicating that transportation of the transportation target is to be confirmed, the control unit 230 confirms the transportation plan corresponding to the movement plan information. On the other hand, when the control unit 230 receives information from the requester terminal 10 indicating that transportation for the transportation plan information is not to be confirmed, or when a predetermined time has passed since the control unit 230 sent the transportation plan information, the control unit 230 does not confirm the transportation plan.

[0145] When the transportation plan is finalized, the communication unit 210 may transmit information about the transportation means for transporting the transportation object (such as the type of transportation means and transportation frame information) to the requester terminal 10.

[0146] Furthermore, when the control unit 230 confirms a transportation plan, it updates the information about the loading space of the transportation means stored in the storage unit 220 based on the quantity of transportation targets for the transportation plan. For example, suppose the control unit 230 confirms a transportation plan to transport one transportation target using a seat on the transportation means. In this case, the control unit 230 may update the information about the loading space of the seats on the transportation means in the transportation slot of the transportation plan so as to reduce the number of vacant seats by one.

[0147] In addition, when the information on the available loading space is indicated by the vacant rate of the maximum capacity of the loading space, the control unit 230 may calculate a new vacant rate based on the size of the object to be transported and update the information on the available loading space to the calculated result.

[0148] When the generation unit 231 determines multiple candidate transport means for transporting the object to be transported, the generation unit 231 generates transport plan information in which the transport means information includes information on the multiple candidate transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport means selected by the requester from the multiple candidate transport means from the requester terminal 10. The control unit 230 finalizes the transport plan for the selected transport means.

[0149] Furthermore, if the transport request information does not include a transport slot designation, the generation unit 231 may select candidate transport slots for the transport means that will deliver the transport object. In this case, the generation unit 231 generates transport plan information in which the transport means information includes information on candidate transport slots that can be used for transport by the transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport slot selected by the requesting user U from the candidate transport slots from the requester terminal 10. Based on the selection of the transport slot, the control unit 230 finalizes the transport plan for the transport means with the selected transport slot.

[0150] The generation unit 231 may select a candidate transport slot for each of a plurality of candidate transport means. In this case, the communication unit 210 acquires information on the transport means and transport slot selected by the requesting user U from the candidate transport slots from the requester terminal 10. Based on the selection of the transport means and transport slot, the control unit 230 finalizes a transport plan for the transport means and the transport slot.

[0151] The generation unit 231 also generates transport instruction information including transport work to be performed by the transport personnel based on the confirmed transport plan. The transport work includes work related to the transport of each transport target included in the transport plan from the transport start position to the transport end position by the transport means.

[0152] The transfer instruction information includes at least a portion of the information included in the transfer plan that is necessary for the transfer. On the other hand, information included in the transfer plan that is not necessary for the transfer may not be included in the transfer instruction information. For example, if the type of transfer target is "person" or "both person and cargo," information for identifying the person being transferred (such as name or telephone number) may not be included in the transfer instruction information from the perspective of privacy protection.

[0153] On the other hand, if the type of transfer target is "person" or "both person and baggage," it may be confirmed at the transfer start location whether the person to be transferred is a transfer target according to the transfer plan. This confirmation may be performed manually by a transfer staff member, or may be authenticated by an authentication function possessed by the transfer means or the transfer staff terminal 30. When such confirmation is performed, information for identifying the transfer target (such as name or telephone number) may be included in the transfer instruction information.

[0154] The communication unit 210 transmits the transportation instruction information generated by the generation unit 231 to the transportation staff terminal 30.

[0155] (Determination Unit 233) The determination unit 233 has a function of determining whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transfer requests, depending on the operating status of the transfer means of the transfer target, which is specified in the transfer plan.

[0156] Furthermore, the determination unit 233 may determine whether to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transfer requests based on the operating status of the transfer means as well as the operating status of the transfer personnel in charge of transferring the transfer target specified in the transfer plan.

[0157] For example, the determination unit 233 may restrict the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests when the operating status of either or both of the transportation means and the transportation staff satisfies a predetermined condition. Furthermore, the determination unit 233 may identify a time period during which the operating status of either or both of the transportation means and the transportation staff satisfies a predetermined condition, and determine that the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests should be restricted during the identified time period.

[0158] Here, the determination unit 233 according to this embodiment employs several determination methods to determine whether the operating status of either or both of the transport means and the transport staff satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0159] (First Determination Method) As an example of a determination method by the determination unit 233, the determination unit 233 may acquire information on the available number of personnel, which indicates the number of transfer personnel who can handle the transport work of the luggage related to the on-demand transport request. Furthermore, the determination unit 233 may calculate an assigned number of personnel, which indicates the number of transfer personnel to whom the transport work of the transfer target has already been assigned, based on the transport plan. The determination unit 233 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the calculated assigned number of personnel is equal to or greater than the available number of personnel.

[0160] The determination unit 233 may further acquire, for each type of transportation means, transportation means personnel information indicating the number of transportation personnel required for transportation work using the transportation means. In this case, the determination unit 233 may calculate the above-mentioned assigned number of people based on the confirmed transportation plan and the acquired transportation means personnel information.

[0161] The determination unit 233 may also acquire transferee qualification information indicating whether the transferee has the skills or qualifications to perform transfer work using the transfer means. In this case, the determination unit 233 may calculate the above-mentioned available number of personnel based on the information on the transfer means specified in the transfer plan and the transferee qualification information.

[0162] (Second determination method) As another example of a determination method by the determination unit 233, it may be determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied when the transportation means specified in the transportation plan includes a mobile body that moves by manned operation (hereinafter, manned mobile body).

[0163] The determination unit 233 may calculate the number of transfer operations per day for the manned mobile body and the required time for each transfer operation based on a transfer plan in which a manned mobile body is designated as the transfer means. The determination unit 233 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when at least one of the calculated number of transfer operations per day for the manned mobile body or the required time for each transfer operation exceeds a reference value.

[0164] (Third Determination Method) As another example of a determination method by the determination unit 233, it may be determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied when the means of transportation specified in the transportation plan include a predetermined transportation means that has been set in advance. The predetermined transportation means may be set as a transportation means for which the time or travel distance required to complete the transportation work from the transportation start position to the transportation end position exceeds a reference value.

[0165] For example, the predetermined transportation means may be set to a mobile body capable of transporting a person as a transportation target. More specifically, the predetermined transportation means may be set to a transportation means that operates on a scheduled schedule and transports people, such as the mobile body M3 (bus) shown in FIG.

[0166] Details of the method by which the determination unit 233 determines whether the operating status of either or both of the transport means and the transporter meets the predetermined conditions will be explained in more detail later in the operation example.

[0167] When the control unit 230 determines to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests, the control unit 230 may perform control processing to prevent the time period determined to be restricted from being presented as an option for delivery, collection, or pick-up time of the transportation target on the application running on the requester terminal 10. This allows the server 20 according to this embodiment to determine whether the transportation staff's operating status is sufficient to handle new on-demand transportation requests based on an already confirmed transportation plan. Therefore, the server 20 can prevent a situation from occurring in which an on-demand transportation request is accepted from the requesting user U even when there are no transportation staff available to handle the on-demand transportation request.

[0168] <2-3. Example of Functional Configuration of Transfer Personnel Terminal 30> Above, an example of the functional configuration of the server 20 has been described. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the transfer person terminal 30 will be described.

[0169] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the transporter terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the transporter terminal 30 has a communication unit 310, an operation display unit 330, and a control unit 320.

[0170] (Communication Unit 310) The communication unit 310 is connected to the server 20 via the network 50 for communication, and transmits and receives data. For example, the communication unit 310 receives transport instruction information from the server 20.

[0171] (Control unit 320) The control unit 320 controls the overall operation of the transfer staff terminal 30. For example, the control unit 320 causes the communication unit 310 to transmit transfer request information acquired by the operation display unit 330. The control unit 320 also causes the operation display unit 330 to display information received from the server 20 by the communication unit 310.

[0172] (Operation display unit 330) The operation display unit 330 functions as an operation unit that is configured to be operated by the transfer staff to input instructions or information into the transfer staff terminal 30, and as a display unit that displays various information under the control of the control unit 320. For example, the transfer staff performs the transfer work while checking the transfer instruction information displayed on the operation display unit 330.

[0173] The transfer staff operates the operation display unit 330 to input the execution status of the transfer work, and the execution status is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 310. The execution status may be, for example, "transfer completed" or "returning the object to be transferred." Here, the control unit 230 of the server 20 updates the transfer status stored in the memory unit 220 based on the execution status.

[0174] <3. Details of the Determination Process by the Determination Unit 233> An example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 10, the server 20, and the transporter terminal 30 that realize the information processing system according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the details of the method of determination by the determination unit 233 of the server 20 as to whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests will be described in detail. <3-1. First Determination Method> <3-1-1. Details of the Determination Process>

[0175] As a first determination method, the determination unit 233 according to this embodiment acquires information on the available number of personnel, which indicates the number of personnel capable of transporting luggage related to an on-demand transport request. Furthermore, the determination unit 233 calculates the assigned number of personnel, which indicates the number of personnel to whom the transport work of the transportation target has already been assigned, based on the transport plan. If the calculated assigned number of personnel is equal to or greater than the available number of personnel, the determination unit 233 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0176] The determination unit 233 may obtain, as the available number of personnel, the number of transport personnel belonging to base W who can handle the transport work of luggage related to the on-demand transport request, based on the transport personnel information table TB1 described above with reference to Fig. 5. In the example shown in Fig. 5, three transport personnel, namely transport personnel D1 (transport personnel ID: D001), transport personnel D2 (transport personnel ID: D002), and transport personnel D3 (transport personnel ID: D003), are shown to be transport personnel belonging to base W. Therefore, based on the transport personnel information table TB1, the determination unit 233 obtains that the available number of personnel is three.

[0177] Furthermore, the determination unit 233 calculates the number of assigned personnel, which indicates the number of transport personnel to whom the transport work of the transport target has already been assigned, based on the transport plan. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first determination method by the determination unit 233 regarding restrictions on the acceptance of on-demand transport requests. The operation status 600 of each transport slot shown in FIG. 11 indicates the transport slots to which transport work has been assigned to each of transport personnel D1 to D3 belonging to base W. Based on the transport plan, the determination unit 233 identifies the operation status 610 of transport personnel ID: D001, the operation status 620 of transport personnel ID: D002, and the operation status 630 of transport personnel ID: D003.

[0178] In the operation status 610 for transfer staff ID: D001, the transfer slot from 9:00 to 10:00 is shown as "Available." Furthermore, in the operation status 610 for transfer staff ID: D001, each transfer slot from 10:00 to 15:00 is shown as "Transporting." This indicates that transfer staff D1 has already been assigned a transfer job between 10:00 and 15:00, and is therefore unable to handle other transfer jobs. Furthermore, this indicates that there is no transfer job assigned between 9:00 and 10:00, and that if a new transfer job arises, he or she is available to handle it.

[0179] The determination unit 233 calculates the allocated number of people CL1 for each transfer slot based on the operation status 610 of transfer member ID: D001, the operation status 620 of transfer member ID: D002, and the operation status 630 of transfer member ID: D003.

[0180] In the example shown in Figure 11, the number of people allocated to the transfer slot from 12:00 to 13:00 is three. That is, the calculated number of people allocated for the time period from 12:00 to 13:00 is equal to or greater than the number of people that can be accommodated. In this case, the determination unit 233 determines that the predetermined condition is met for the transfer slot from 12:00 to 13:00, where the calculated number of people allocated is equal to or greater than the number of people that can be accommodated. Furthermore, the determination unit 233 determines that acceptance of on-demand transfer requests should be restricted for the time period from 12:00 to 13:00.

[0181] <3-1-2. Example of Operation Processing Using First Determination Method> The above describes the first determination method used by the determination unit 233. Next, an example of operation processing of the present information processing system when the determination unit 233 employs the first determination method will be described.

[0182] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation processing of the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0183] First, the determination unit 233 acquires a confirmed transportation plan for each base station (S101).

[0184] The determination unit 233 performs a determination process based on the transportation plan, determining whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests depending on the operating status of either or both of the transportation means and the transportation personnel (S103).

[0185] If it is determined in S103 that the acceptance of on-demand transfer requests is to be restricted (S105 / YES), the control unit 230 of the server 20 performs processing to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transfer requests (S107).

[0186] If it is not determined in S103 that the acceptance of on-demand transport requests is to be restricted (S105 / NO), f233 ends the series of processes. Note that f20 in this information processing system may repeat the operation process shown in FIG. 12 at regular intervals while accepting transport requests from fU and generating transport plans.

[0187] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a subroutine of the determination process by the first determination method of the determination unit 233. In S103 shown in FIG. 12, the determination unit 233 performs the determination process according to the flow shown in FIG.

[0188] First, the determination unit 233 acquires information on the number of people available (S201), and then calculates the number of people already assigned (S203).

[0189] The determination unit 233 determines whether the calculated number of allocated users is equal to or greater than the available number of users (S205).

[0190] If it is determined that the calculated number of allocated people is equal to or greater than the available number of people (S205 / YES), the determining unit 233 determines to limit the acceptance of on-demand transport requests (S207).

[0191] If it is determined that the calculated number of allocated people is not equal to or greater than the available number of people (S205 / NO), the determination unit 233 determines that there will be no restriction on the acceptance of on-demand transport requests (S209).

[0192] (Supplementary Note) The above has described the details of the first determination method by the determination unit 233 and an example of the operation processing of the information processing system using the first determination method. Note that the determination unit 233 may calculate the number of available personnel and the number of assigned personnel as follows in S201 and S203 described above.

[0193] When acquiring the available number of personnel, the determination unit 233 may further acquire transfer personnel qualification information indicating whether the transfer personnel has the skills or qualifications to perform transfer work using the transfer means. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of transfer personnel qualification information stored in the storage unit 220 of the server 20.

[0194] The transportation personnel qualification information table TB3 includes the name of the base of affiliation, transportation personnel ID, name, passenger transportation qualification, drone compatibility, and large bus driving qualification. The passenger transportation qualification is information indicating whether each transportation personnel is qualified to transport people (passengers) and receive compensation.

[0195] Drone compatibility is information that indicates whether each transporter has the skills or qualifications to perform transport work using a drone as a means of transport, and whether they are able to handle transport work in which a drone is specified as the means of transport.

[0196] The large bus driving qualification is information indicating whether each transporter holds the qualification to drive a large vehicle, such as a Class 2 large vehicle license.

[0197] In the example shown in Figure 14, transfer worker D1 with transfer worker ID D001 is not able to use drones, while transfer worker D2 with transfer worker ID D002 and transfer worker D3 with transfer worker ID D003 are able to use drones for transfer work.

[0198] When a transportation means designated as a means of transporting luggage related to an on-demand transportation request is set in advance, the determination unit 233 may obtain the number of transportation personnel who have the qualifications or skills to perform transportation work using that transportation means as the available number of personnel based on the transportation personnel qualification information table TB3.

[0199] For example, if the transportation means designated as the means for transporting luggage related to an on-demand transportation request is set to a drone, the determination unit 233 acquires the number of transportation personnel (2) who are drone-compatible as the available number of personnel based on the transportation personnel qualification information table TB3.

[0200] 15 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the first determination method for limiting the acceptance of on-demand transport requests by the determination unit 233. Note that the operating status 620 of transporter ID: D002 (transporter D2) and the operating status 630 of transporter ID: D003 (transporter D3) are as described above with reference to FIG. 11, and therefore redundant description will be omitted.

[0201] The determination unit 233 calculates the assigned number of personnel CL2 based on the operating status of transfer personnel D2 and D3 identified as drone-compatible in the transfer personnel qualification information table TB3. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the assigned number of personnel is calculated to be two for the transfer slots from 9:00 to 10:00 and from 12:00 to 13:00. In this case, the determination unit 233 determines that the assigned number of personnel is equal to or greater than the available number of personnel for the time slots from 9:00 to 10:00 and from 12:00 to 13:00. Therefore, the determination unit 233 determines to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transfer requests during the time slots from 9:00 to 10:00 and from 12:00 to 13:00.

[0202] As another method for calculating the available number of personnel, the determination unit 233 may further acquire, for each type of transportation means, transportation means personnel information indicating the number of transportation personnel required for transportation work using the transportation means. For example, the determination unit 233 may acquire, as the transportation means personnel information, the transportation means personnel information table TB2 described above with reference to FIG. 6.

[0203] In this case, the determination unit 233 can calculate the number of transport personnel required for transport work by each transport means for each transport slot, based on the transport means specified in the transport plan.

[0204] <3-2. Second Determination Method> <3-2-1. Details of Determination Process> Next, a second determination method for determining whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests by the determination unit 233 of the server 20 will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second determination method for determining whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests by the determination unit 233. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of transporter information stored in the storage unit 220. Here, as shown in FIG. 16, an example will be described in which transporter D201 performs transport work related to the operation of a regular service between base W and stand BS201 using a mobile unit M1 that is a microbus. Also, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, an example will be described in which there is only one transporter D201 belonging to base W, who is transporter D201 with a transporter ID of 201.

[0205] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of regular service operation information stored in the memory unit 220. The operation status 700 of each transportation slot shown in Fig. 18 is an example of operation information for a regular service of a mobile body M belonging to the base W at the base W shown in Fig. 16. The operation status 700 of each transportation slot may be set in advance by an administrator of the server 20 and stored in the memory unit 220. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 18, the operation status 700 of each transportation slot may include information 710 on the transportation means and information 720 on the number of flights and time.

[0206] The generation unit 231 of the server 20 may generate a transportation plan for the operation of the mobile body M as a regular service based on the operation status 700 of each transportation slot stored in the memory unit 220.

[0207] 19 is a diagram showing another example of a list of confirmed transport plans for each base station for transport work, which is stored in the storage unit 220. The transport plan list 500 for base station W shown in FIG. 19 is an example of a list of confirmed transport plans for a certain day at base station W shown in FIG. 16.

[0208] The example shown in Figure 19 shows a transportation plan for a regular service of mobile unit M2, which is a microbus, generated based on the operation status 700 of each transportation slot shown in Figure 18. The operation status 700 of each transportation slot shown in Figure 19 includes a transportation plan in which transportation staff D201 drives mobile unit M1, which is a microbus, to perform transportation work in three transportation slots: 9:00 to 11:00, 13:00 to 14:00, and 17:00 to 18:00.

[0209] In this way, when there is a transportation plan in which a manned vehicle (microbus) that requires transportation operation by a transportation staff (manned operation) is specified as the transportation means, the determination unit 233 may calculate the number of transportation operations per day for the manned vehicle and the required time for each transportation operation based on the transportation plan. In the example of the operation status 700 of each transportation slot shown in Figure 18, it can be understood that the vehicle M1 performs transportation operations three times per day, and that each transportation operation requires one hour.

[0210] The determination unit 233 may determine that a specified condition is met if at least one of the calculated number of transport operations per day for the manned mobile body or the time required for each transport operation exceeds a reference value.

[0211] For example, the reference value for the number of transport operations per day is assumed to be 2. In this case, in the example of the transport plan list 501 for base W shown in Fig. 19, the determination unit 233 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied because there are three microbus transport operations that require the transporter D201 to perform a moving operation.

[0212] Thus, when regular flights are scheduled, if there are a large number of regular flights, there is a high possibility that the transport personnel in charge of the transport work for the regular flights will not be able to handle the transport work related to on-demand transport requests, which are requests for same-day transport or collection. Alternatively, even if there are a small number of regular flights, it is possible that each trip will take a long time. Therefore, by performing the above-described determination process, the determination unit 233 can limit the acceptance of on-demand transport requests when it is difficult to respond to on-demand transport requests due to the transport personnel's operating status. Furthermore, such determination process by the determination unit 233 is particularly effective when there are few transport personnel D belonging to base W.

[0213] <3-2-2. Example of Operation Processing by Second Determination Method> The second determination method by the determination unit 233 has been described above. Next, an example of operation processing of the present information processing system when the determination unit 233 employs the second determination method will be described. Note that even when performing operation processing by the second determination method, the server 20 of the present information processing system starts operation in accordance with the flowchart described above with reference to FIG. 12 and performs operation processing of the subroutine related to the determination processing of S103.

[0214] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of a subroutine of the determination process by the determination unit 233 using the second determination method.

[0215] First, the determination unit 233 acquires information about the transportation means specified in the transportation plan (S301). Next, the determination unit 233 determines whether the acquired information about the transportation means includes a manned vehicle that moves by the movement operation of the transportation staff until the transportation is completed (S303).

[0216] If it is determined that the manned moving object moved by the movement operation of the transfer person is not included (S303 / NO), the determination unit 233 determines that the acceptance of the on-demand transfer request will not be restricted (S309). Then, the determination unit 233 ends this determination process.

[0217] If it is determined that the vehicle includes a manned moving object that is moved by the movement operation of a transfer person (S303 / YES), the judgment unit 233 determines whether the number of transfer operations (number of times) related to the manned moving object and the time required for the transfer operation exceed the standard (S305).

[0218] If it is determined that the number of trips and the time required for the transport work do not exceed the criteria (S305 / NO), the process proceeds to S309.

[0219] If it is determined that the number of trips and the time required for the transport work exceed the criteria (S305 / YES), the determination unit 233 determines to limit the acceptance of on-demand transport requests (S307).

[0220] <3-3. Third Determination Method> <3-3-1. Details of Determination Process> Next, a third determination method for determining whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests, performed by the determination unit 233 of the server 20, will be described. Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the third determination method for determining whether or not to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests, performed by the determination unit 233. As shown in Fig. 21 , this example describes an example in which a transporter D301 belonging to base W drives a mobile unit M2, which is a bus, to perform transport as a regularly scheduled means of transportation, departing from base W and making a loop via the bus stops at BS101 to BS106.

[0221] The server 20 of this information processing system generates a transportation plan for a transportation request for a transportation object whose type includes either people or cargo, or both. At this time, the transportation means specified by the generation unit 231 include transportation means such as public transportation that operates on schedule, as shown in Figure 21.

[0222] 21, when a transporter D301 uses a mobile unit M3 belonging to a base W to transport a circular bus that passes through multiple stations BS, the distance and time traveled by the circular bus may be longer than other one-off transport requests. In this case, even if another new on-demand transport request is received, it is predicted that it will be difficult for the mobile unit M3 and the transporter D301 to handle the transport work related to the on-demand transport request until the mobile unit M3 and the transporter D301 return to the base W.

[0223] Therefore, in this determination method, the determination unit 233 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the means of transportation specified in the transportation plan include a predetermined means of transportation that has been set in advance. The predetermined means of transportation may be a means of transportation whose required time or travel distance for completing the transportation task from the transportation start position to the transportation end position exceeds a reference value. Furthermore, the predetermined means of transportation may be a moving body that can transport people as the transportation target. For example, the predetermined means of transportation may be a transportation means that operates on a scheduled schedule and transports people, as shown in FIG. 21 .

[0224] As a result, the determination unit 233 can limit the acceptance of on-demand transportation requests when the transportation staff D is performing transportation work as a means of transportation to transport people on a scheduled basis. This determination method is also particularly effective when there are few transportation staff D belonging to the base W.

[0225] <3-3-2. Example of Operation Processing Using the Third Determination Method> The third determination method used by the determination unit 233 has been described above. Next, an example of operation processing of the information processing system when the determination unit 233 employs the third determination method will be described. Note that even when performing operation processing using the third determination method, the server 20 starts operation in accordance with the flowchart described above with reference to FIG. 12, and in the determination processing of S103, performs operation processing of a subroutine related to the third determination method as described below.

[0226] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of a subroutine of the determination process by the determination unit 233 using the third determination method.

[0227] First, the determination unit 233 acquires information on the transportation means specified in the transportation plan (S401). Next, the determination unit 233 determines whether the acquired information on the transportation means includes a predetermined transportation means that has been set in advance (S403).

[0228] If it is determined that the predetermined transport means is included (S403 / YES), the determining unit 233 determines to limit the acceptance of on-demand transport requests (S405).

[0229] If it is determined that the predetermined transport means is not included (S403 / NO), the determining unit 233 determines that there will be no restriction on the acceptance of on-demand transport requests (S405).

[0230] An example of the operation process of the information processing system when the determination unit 233 employs the third determination method has been described above with reference to FIG.

[0231] 4. Example of Hardware Configuration The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware of the server 20, which will be described below. Note that the hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the requester terminal 10 and the transporter terminal 30.

[0232] 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, the server 20 includes a control unit 230, a memory 92, a storage 93, a transmission / reception unit 94, an input / output unit 95, and the like, which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 96.

[0233] The control unit 230 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the server 20, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 91 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 93 and deployed in the memory 92 to perform various information processing as described above.

[0234] The memory 92 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 92 is used as a work area for the control unit 91, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the server 20 is started, various setting information, etc.

[0235] The storage 93 stores various programs such as application programs, etc. A database storing data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 93.

[0236] The transceiver 94 connects the server 20 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transceiver 94 may include a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0237] The input / output unit 95 includes information input devices such as a keyboard, microphone, and mouse, and output devices such as a display and speaker.

[0238] A bus 96 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0239] <5. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0240] For example, the steps in the processing of the operations of the requester terminal 10, the server 20, and the transporter terminal 30 according to this embodiment do not necessarily have to be processed in chronological order according to the order shown in the diagram. For example, the steps in the processing of the operations of the requester terminal 10, the server 20, and the transporter terminal 30 may be processed in an order different from the order shown in the diagram, or may be processed in parallel.

[0241] One or more computer programs can also be created to cause the hardware, such as the processor, ROM, and RAM, built into the requester terminal 10, the server 20, and the transporter terminal 30, to perform the functions of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Also provided is a computer-readable storage medium storing the one or more computer programs.

[0242] 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.

[0243] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 client terminal 110 communication unit 120 operation display unit 130 control unit 20 server 210 communication unit 220 storage unit 230 control unit 231 generation unit 233 determination unit 30 transporter terminal 310 communication unit 320 control unit 330 operation display unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: a determination unit that determines whether to restrict acceptance of on-demand transport requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transport means of the transport target, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport target, including at least people or cargo.

2. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether to restrict the acceptance of the on-demand transport request based on the operational status of the transport means as well as the operational status of the transport personnel in charge of transporting the transport object specified in the transport plan.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines to restrict acceptance of the on-demand transport request when the operating status of either or both of the transport means and the transporter satisfies a predetermined condition.

4. The information processing system of claim 3, wherein the determination unit identifies a time period during which the operating status of either or both of the transport means and the transport personnel satisfies the specified conditions, and determines that acceptance of on-demand transport requests will be restricted during the identified time period.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the on-demand transport request is a transport request for completing the transport or collection of the package within a certain time period from the requested time.

6. The information processing system of claim 3, wherein the determination unit acquires information on the available number of personnel, which indicates the base number of personnel available to transport the luggage related to the on-demand transport request; calculates an assigned number of personnel, which indicates the number of personnel to whom the transport work of the transport target has already been assigned based on the transport plan; and determines that the specified condition is met if the calculated assigned number of personnel is equal to or greater than the available number of personnel.

7. The information processing system described in claim 6, wherein the determination unit acquires, for each type of transportation means, transportation means personnel information indicating the number of transportation personnel required for transportation work using that transportation means, and calculates the assigned number of personnel based on the transportation plan and the transportation means personnel information.

8. The information processing system described in claim 7, wherein the transportation plan includes information regarding the time period during which transportation work for the transportation target is carried out, and the determination unit calculates the assigned number of people for each time period during which the transportation work is carried out.

9. The information processing system described in claim 6, wherein the determination unit acquires transfer personnel qualification information indicating whether the transfer personnel has the skills or qualifications to perform transfer work using the transfer means, and calculates the number of people available based on information on the transfer means specified in the transfer plan and the transfer personnel qualification information.

10. The information processing system of claim 3, wherein the transport means includes a moving body that moves under manned operation by the transporter, and the determination unit determines that the specified condition is met when the transport means specified in the transport plan includes the moving body.

11. The information processing system described in claim 10, wherein the determination unit calculates the number of transport operations per day for the mobile body and the time required for each transport operation based on the transport plan in which the mobile body is designated as the transport means, and determines that the specified condition is met when at least one of the calculated number of transport operations per day for the mobile body or the time required for each transport operation exceeds a reference value.

12. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the specified condition is satisfied when the means of transportation specified in the transportation plan includes a predetermined means of transportation that has been set in advance.

13. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined transport means is set to be a transport means whose required time or travel distance to complete the transport operation from the transport start position to the transport end position exceeds a reference value.

14. The information processing system according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined transportation means is set to a moving body capable of transporting a person as the transportation target.

15. The information processing system according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined transportation means is set to a transportation means that transports people on a scheduled basis.

16. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the transport means includes an autonomous moving body capable of moving by autonomous control, and further comprising a generation unit that designates the autonomous moving body as the transport means for the luggage related to the on-demand transport request and generates the transport plan for the luggage related to the on-demand transport request.

17. An information processing system as described in claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that receives a request for transport of the object to be transported or a request for on-demand transport of the luggage from a terminal used by a user, wherein the determination unit, when determining that the on-demand transport request should be restricted, performs processing to restrict the request operation for the on-demand transport request on the terminal used by the user.

18. An information processing device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether to restrict acceptance of on-demand transport requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transport means of the transport target, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport target, including at least people or cargo.

19. A program for causing a computer to function as a judgment unit that determines whether to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operating status of the transport means for the transport object, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport object, including at least people or cargo.

20. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: determining whether to restrict the acceptance of on-demand transport requests, which are requests to transport or collect cargo on the same day, depending on the operational status of the transport means of the transport object, which is specified in a transport plan for the transport object, including at least people or cargo.

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