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

Abstract

[Problem] To enable efficient transfers by a transfer means. [Solution] This information processing system comprises an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether at least a person and whether a package is included in the type of a transfer target, and a determination unit that determines a transfer route of a transfer means for transferring the transfer target, the transfer route including, as a destination, a location set in advance according to the type.

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided, which includes an acquisition unit that acquires information on whether the type of object to be transported includes at least a person and whether it includes luggage, and a determination unit that determines a transport route of a transport means for transporting the object to be transported, the route including a predetermined location as a destination depending on the type.

[0007] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, an information processing method executed by a computer is provided, which includes the steps of acquiring information on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or a cargo, and determining a transport route for a transport means to transport the object to be transported, depending on the type, which includes a location that is predetermined for the type as a destination.

[0008] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, a program is provided to cause a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires information on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or a cargo, and a determination unit that determines a transport route of a transport means for transporting the object to be transported, depending on the type, and that includes a location that is predetermined for the type as a destination.

[0009] As described above, according to the present invention, efficient transportation by the transportation means is possible.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a transport means managed by the information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a requester terminal 10. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a server 20. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of determination of a transport means by a determination unit 231 when the type of transport target represented by the request target type includes a person. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of determination of a transport means by a determination unit 231 when the type of transport target represented by the request target type does not include a person. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of operation processing by the server 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a server 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of task information managed by a task management unit 431. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of operation processing by the server 40 according to the second embodiment.

[0011] The details of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and explained. An information processing system according to the embodiments of the present invention has the following configuration: [Item 1] An information processing system including: an acquisition unit that acquires information on whether the type of a transfer object includes at least a person and baggage; and a determination unit that determines a transfer route of a transfer means for transferring the transfer object, the transfer route including a predetermined location as a destination, depending on the type. [Item 2] The information processing system according to item 1, wherein the type includes a person, baggage, or both a person and baggage. [Item 3] The information processing system according to item 2, wherein the determination unit determines the transfer route to be a route including a predetermined first location as a destination, when the type is a person or both a person and baggage. [Item 4] The information processing system according to item 3, wherein the first location is a public transportation stop. [Item 5] The information processing system according to item 3, wherein the determination unit determines the transfer route to be a route heading to a predetermined second location without passing through the first location, when the type is baggage. [Item 6] The information processing system according to Item 5, wherein the determination unit determines the transfer route to be a route that passes through the first location and heads toward the second location when the type is a person or both a person and luggage. [Item 7] The information processing system according to Item 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a transfer start location of the transfer object or identification information for identifying a requester requesting transfer of the transfer object, and when the type is both a person or a person and luggage, the determination unit determines the transfer route to be a route that includes as a destination a first location among a plurality of first locations that is set in advance according to the transfer start location or the identification information. [Item 8] The information processing system according to Item 2, further comprising a task management unit that manages tasks related to the transfer of the transfer object performed by the transfer means and determines an execution order of the tasks, and when the type is both a person or both a person and luggage, the task management unit determines to execute a sending task that is a task of sending the person to a predetermined first location after a pick-up task that is a task of picking up the person who is the transfer object with the transfer means.[Item 9] The information processing system of item 8, wherein the task management unit restricts execution of a task other than the sending task after the pick-up task. [Item 10] The information processing system of item 8 or 9, wherein, when the type is luggage, the task management unit determines to execute a collection task, which is a task of collecting the luggage to be transported by the transportation means, followed by a delivery task, which is a task of delivering the luggage to a predetermined second location different from the first location. [Item 11] The information processing system of item 10, wherein, when the acquisition unit acquires information regarding the transportation of a transportation target other than the luggage to be collected in the collection task, the task management unit determines whether to permit execution of a task related to information regarding the transportation, other than the delivery task, after the collection task. [Item 12] The information processing system of item 5, wherein the second location is a departure and arrival location of multiple transportation means managed by the same administrator. [Item 13] The information processing system of item 12, wherein the multiple transportation means include an unmanned vehicle and a manned vehicle. [Item 14] An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: a step of acquiring information on whether the type of transfer object is at least a person or a baggage, and a step of determining a transfer route of a transfer means for transferring the transfer object, the transfer route including a place preset for the type as a destination, according to the type. [Item 15] A program for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires information on whether the type of transfer object is at least a person or a baggage, and a determination unit that determines a transfer route of a transfer means for transferring the transfer object, the transfer route including a place preset for the type as a destination, according to the type.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] <<1. Overview of an Information Processing System According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention>> First, an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention (first embodiment) will be described. The information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention achieves efficiency by treating people and luggage as transportation targets, thereby balancing the transportation of luggage and people (delivery (delivery and collection) of luggage and picking up and dropping off people). In the following description, when the transportation target is a person, the transportation target will also be referred to as a transportation target person. Furthermore, when the transportation target is luggage, the transportation target will also be referred to as a transportation target object.

[0015] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of an information processing system according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system according to the present invention includes a client terminal 10, a server 20, and a network 50. As shown in Fig. 1, the client terminal 10 and the server 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via the network 50.

[0016] (Requester Terminal 10) The requester terminal 10 is an information terminal used by a requester who requests transportation of a transportation object. The requester terminal 10 is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal handy-phone system (PHS), or a personal digital assistant (PDA). For example, the requester terminal 10 may be a terminal owned by each of multiple requesters. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the requester terminal 10A is a PC, and the requester terminal 10B is a tablet terminal. The requester terminal 10 may also be a terminal installed in a store or the like and shared by multiple requesters.

[0017] The requester terminal 10 accepts a request for transportation of a transportation object from a requester via input operations on an application, etc. The transportation request includes, for example, a request object type indicating the type of transportation object included in the transportation request and a transportation start location specification. The request object type includes information on whether the type of transportation object includes at least people or luggage. The request object type may be, for example, "people," indicating that the type of transportation object includes only people, "baggage," indicating that the type of transportation object includes only luggage, or "both people and luggage," indicating that the type of transportation object includes both people and luggage. If the transportation object is a person, the transportation start location is the location where the transportation object is picked up. If the transportation object is luggage, the transportation start location is the location where the transportation object is collected.

[0018] The requester terminal 10 transmits to the server 20 transfer request information indicating the content of the input transfer request for the transfer object.

[0019] Each of the transportation targets requested to be transported by each transportation request is transported from the transportation start location included in the transportation request to a transportation end location that is preset according to the type of the transportation target. For example, the transportation target is transported to a drop-off location that is the transportation end location. The drop-off location is an example of a first location.

[0020] The drop-off location is arbitrarily set by an administrator of the server 20 or the like. The drop-off location may be set according to the design, and may be, for example, a public transportation stop such as a bus stop, a train station, or a terminal for a ship or an airplane. This allows the user to head to the public transportation stop even if there is no public transportation stop within walking distance of the user's residence. The drop-off location may also be a public facility such as a library or a hospital, a retail store such as a supermarket or a department store, or an entertainment facility such as a movie theater or an amusement park. In this embodiment, an example in which the drop-off location is a bus stop will be mainly described.

[0021] After the transportation means used to transport the person to the drop-off location has finished transportation, it heads back to the starting point of the transportation means' operation, which is the end point of the transportation route.

[0022] Meanwhile, the object to be transferred is transferred to a loading location, which is a predetermined transfer end position. The loading location is an example of a second location. Like the drop-off location, the loading location may be arbitrarily set by an administrator of the server 20, for example. The loading location may be, for example, a cargo collection point such as a warehouse. The loading location may also be the starting point of operations for multiple means of transportation managed by an operations manager.

[0023] When the loading location and the starting point of the transportation means are different, the transportation means used to deliver the object to be transported to the loading location will head to the starting point of the transportation means' operation, which is the end point of the transportation route, after the delivery. When the starting point of the transportation means' operation is the loading location, the transportation means will use the loading location as the end point of the transportation route. In this embodiment, an example will be mainly described in which the loading location is a warehouse, which is the starting point of the operation of multiple transportation means and a collection point for luggage.

[0024] The object to be transported is delivered from the loading location to the final destination. The location of the destination may be included in the transport request. A slip with the destination written on it may be attached to the object to be transported by the requester, or may be handed over to a transporter in charge of transporting the object by transport means at the same time as the object to be transported. The destination may also be verbally communicated to the transporter at the time of collection.

[0025] (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.

[0026] The server 20 is an information processing device that manages information about transportation means. The server 20 may manage information about multiple transportation means that operate from the same starting point, such as a warehouse or bus terminal. By having the server 20 manage information about multiple transportation means, the management efficiency of an operations manager who manages the operation of multiple transportation means is improved. Public transportation such as buses or trains may operate on schedule from the starting point of the transportation means whose information is managed by the server 20. Furthermore, there may be multiple starting points of the transportation means whose information is managed by the server 20.

[0027] The server 20 determines the transportation means for transporting the object to be transported included in the transportation request information and the transportation route of the transportation means based on the transportation request information received from the requester terminal 10. The server 20 determines the transportation route of the object to be transported based on information on whether the requested object type includes at least a person or includes luggage. For example, if the requested object type includes a person, that is, if the requested object type is "person" or "both people and luggage," the server 20 determines the transportation route to be a route that includes a preset drop-off location as a destination.

[0028] In addition, if the type of transportation object does not include people, i.e., if the transportation type is "luggage," the server 20 determines the transportation route to be a route that does not pass through the drop-off location and heads toward the luggage storage location.

[0029] The transportation means for which the transportation route is generated is, for example, a mobile body used for at least one of delivering (delivering and collecting) packages and transporting people.

[0030] For example, the mobile body may be a manned mobile body used by a transporter in charge of transport. The manned mobile body may be a vehicle that travels on land (for example, a passenger car, a light truck, a light van, a minivan, or other freight vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a kick scooter, etc.). However, the manned mobile body is not limited to a vehicle. For example, the manned mobile body may be an aircraft that flies in the air, or a ship that travels on a waterway such as a seaway or a riverway.

[0031] Furthermore, the transportation means is not limited to a mobile body, and may be, for example, walking. When the transportation means is walking, the transportation person may transport the object by loading it onto a cart (for example, a box cart or a cart). In this embodiment, an example in which the transportation means is a mobile body will be mainly described.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] For example, the unmanned moving body may be an air vehicle, such as a drone that flies autonomously or a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that flies under remote control by an administrator.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The server 20 may transmit the transportation means information, which is information related to the transportation means described above, to the requester terminal 10. The transportation means information may include, for example, the type of transportation means used to transport the object to be transported and the time frame for the transportation.

[0038] (Network 50) The network 50 is a wired or wireless transmission path for information transmitted from devices connected to the network 50. For example, the network 50 may include public network such as the Internet, a telephone network, or a satellite communication network, or various LANs (Local Area Networks) including Ethernet (registered trademark), WANs (Wide Area Networks), etc. The network 50 may also include a dedicated network such as an IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network).

[0039] So far, an overview of the information processing system according to the present invention has been described. Here, an example of transport of luggage using the information processing system according to the present invention will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of transport means managed by the information processing system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example in which transportation is performed by mobile objects, such as a vehicle M, a drone D, and a bus B, between multiple residential areas V, such as multiple settlements in a depopulated area, and a warehouse WH, which is a collection point for luggage L.

[0040] Multiple mobile objects, such as vehicle M, drone D, and bus B, operate from a warehouse WH as their starting point. For example, vehicle M travels from warehouse WH to each residential area V to pick up and drop off people or deliver packages. Drone D travels from warehouse WH to residential area V to deliver packages. Bus B departs from warehouse WH and stops at bus stops BS1 and BS2 to transport people or packages.

[0041] The server 20 (not shown) manages information on such a plurality of moving bodies. However, the bus B may operate on a fixed schedule, and the information on the bus B may not be managed by the server 20.

[0042] Although an example in which the multiple moving bodies are different types of moving bodies has been described here, the server 20 may manage information on multiple moving bodies of the same type. For example, the server 20 may manage information on each of the multiple vehicles M.

[0043] A requester R uses a requester terminal 10 to request transportation of a transportation object by a mobile object managed by the server 20. For example, a requester R1 uses a requester terminal 10A to input a transportation request in which the transportation start position is a point within a residential area V1 and the transportation object is a person (requester R1). Also, a requester R2 uses a requester terminal 10B to input a transportation request for a package L, the transportation start position of which is a point within a residential area V2.

[0044] The point within the residential area V may be a location (place, address, coordinates, etc.) specified by the requester R, and may be, for example, a location indicating the house H of the requester R, a landmark building, a parking lot, etc. Furthermore, the point within the residential area V may be a stopping point (hereinafter also referred to as a stand) of a mobile object within the residential area V, which is registered in advance in the server 20 as a candidate transfer start position for the transfer target.

[0045] The server 20 may determine the transportation means for transporting the object to be transported based on the transportation request information received from the requester terminal 10. For example, the server 20 may determine the transportation means corresponding to a transportation request for the requester R1 to be the vehicle M. The server 20 may also determine the transportation means corresponding to a transportation request for the baggage L to be the drone D.

[0046] This allows the requester R1 to travel from a location within the residential area V1 to a first location that has been set in advance. The drop-off location in the example of Figure 2 may be, for example, the bus stop BS1 that is closest to the location within the residential area V1, or may be a location other than the bus stop BS1, as described above.

[0047] Furthermore, requester R2 can send package L from a location within residential area V2. The collected package L is delivered to a predetermined package storage location and then delivered to the delivery destination. The package storage location may be, for example, a warehouse WH, which is a collection point. Delivery to the delivery destination may be performed by a transport means whose operation is managed by server 20, or may be transported to an area outside the management of server 20 by another transport means.

[0048] In the example described using Figure 2, the starting location for the person to be transferred is a point within the residential area V, but the starting location for the person to be transferred may be any location specified by the requester R (for example, bus stop BS, etc.).

[0049] <<2. Example of Functional Configuration According to This Embodiment>> <2-1. Example of Functional Configuration of Requester Terminal 10> The outline of the information processing system according to this embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of the functional configuration of the requester terminal 10 will be described.

[0050] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the client terminal 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the client terminal 10 has a communication unit 110, an operation display unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0051] (Communication Unit 110) The communication unit 110 is connected to the server 20 via the network 50 to communicate with the server 20 and transmits and receives data. For example, the communication unit 110 may transmit, to the server 20, transfer request information indicating a transfer request for a transfer target, based on an operation of the operation display unit 120 by a requester.

[0052] (Operation display unit 120) The operation display unit 120 functions as an operation unit that is configured to be operated by the requester to input instructions or information into the requester terminal 10, and as a display unit that presents various information by displaying it under the control of the control unit 130. For example, the requester operates the operation display unit 120 to input a transfer request on an application. Transfer request information indicating the transfer request is transmitted to the server 20 by the communication unit 110.

[0053] The transfer request information includes, for example, a type of requested object and a designation of a transfer start location. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the requester selects the type of requested object from among "people," "baggage," or "both people and baggage" by a selection operation on the application.

[0054] The transfer start position is specified by inputting information that can identify the position. The information that can identify the position 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 station that has been registered in advance in the server 20 as a candidate transfer start position for the transfer target.

[0055] The information that can identify a location may be the name of a bus stop or station, or the name of a facility or building. The information that can identify a location may also be information obtained by the requester selecting an arbitrary location from a map displayed by the operation display unit 120. The information that can identify a location may also be information provided by a known location search system.

[0056] The transfer request information may also include information indicating the location of the delivery destination of the object to be transferred. The delivery destination location is specified by inputting information specifying the location, similar to the transfer start location.

[0057] 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 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] Furthermore, if the transfer target includes a person, the transfer request information may include information for identifying the transfer target. The information for identifying the transfer target may be, for example, the name of the transfer target, the name of the transfer target within the service, a telephone number, etc., or may include one or more of the transfer target ID, which is identification information of the transfer target, or account information of the external application. Note that, if the transfer target and the requester are the same, the transfer target ID may be the same as the requester ID for identifying the requester.

[0060] Furthermore, if the person to be transferred is a human, the transfer request information may include information about the person to be transferred, such as the person's walking status. For example, the walking status may indicate that the person to be transferred uses a wheelchair. Alternatively or in addition, the information about the person to be transferred may include information about whether the person to be transferred needs support (assistance, assistance, etc., including physical support and linguistic support).

[0061] 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).

[0062] The transport request information may also include a designation of a transport means for transporting the person to be transported. For example, if different fees apply to transport depending on the transport means, the requester can designate a transport means taking into consideration the fee. Furthermore, if the person to be transported is the requester, the requester can designate a transport means taking into consideration the number of seats, riding comfort, etc. Furthermore, if the requester is concerned about the person to be transported being transported by an unmanned vehicle, the requester can designate a manned vehicle. In other words, the requester can designate a transport means that meets their needs.

[0063] Note that the requester does not necessarily have to input all of the information in the above-mentioned transport request information. For example, if the requester's basic information has been set in advance in basic settings, the requester may omit the task of inputting the basic information when requesting transport. Furthermore, if the type of request target is "people" or "both people and cargo," only transport means capable of transporting people may be selectable. For example, if the type of request target is "people" or "both people and cargo," transport means incapable of transporting people, such as drones, may be excluded from the transport means selection candidates in the application.

[0064] So far, we have explained the transfer request information indicating a transfer request input to the operation display unit 120. Such transfer request information is sent to the server 20 by the communication unit 110. The server 20 determines the transfer means for transferring the transfer object based on the transfer request information. Then, the server 20 determines the transfer route of the transfer means. The communication unit 110 receives transfer means information related to the transfer means from the server 20.

[0065] The operation display unit 120 displays the transport means information and 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 means information.

[0066] 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. 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."

[0067] The transportation means information may also include information on the transportation slot in which the transportation means will transport the goods.

[0068] The transportation means information may include information on multiple candidate types of transportation means. In this case, the operation display unit 120 accepts a selection of the type of transportation means desired for transportation from among the multiple candidate types of transportation means, for example, by a selection operation on the application.

[0069] The transport means information may also include multiple candidate transport slots for the transport means for transporting the transport target. In this case, the operation display unit 120 accepts the selection of the desired transport slot from among the multiple candidate transport slots, by a selection operation on the application or the like.

[0070] The operation display unit 120 may also display transportation means information received from the server 20 by the communication unit 110 and confirmed by the server 20 .

[0071] (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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 20 has a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0074] (Communication Unit 210) The communication unit 210 performs various communications with external terminals such as the requester terminal 10. For example, the communication unit 210 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires information such as transport request information transmitted from the requester terminal 10.

[0075] (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.

[0076] The storage unit 220 may also store information about the transfer target for each transfer request information for each transfer target. For example, the storage unit 220 may store 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 may also store information included in the transfer request information for each transfer target person (number of people, name, walking status, etc.).

[0077] The storage unit 220 may also store registration information for transferees linked to transferee IDs or requesters linked to requester IDs. The registration information may include various basic information such as name, name within the service, email address, address, telephone number, age or generation, gender, address or residential area, and may also include account information for external applications. The storage unit 220 may also store fares for each requester or transferee, or membership ranks for determining fares.

[0078] 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.

[0079] For example, the storage unit 220 stores the transport route of the transport means. The storage unit 220 may store the transport route for each time slot. The transport slot indicates a time slot in which the transport means (or a transporter who transports the object to be transported using the transport means) responds to the transport request.

[0080] For example, the transportation response time of a transportation means (or transportation person) in one day is divided into predetermined transportation slots. The transportation means (or transportation person) transports the transportation target registered for each transportation slot at the time indicated by the transportation slot. The delivery slot of an unmanned mobile body may be registered with transportation targets to transportation end positions, such as 1 or 2. Furthermore, the delivery slot of a manned mobile body (or transportation person) may be registered with transportation targets to multiple transportation end positions, such as 5 to 10, but is not limited to this.

[0081] The storage unit 220 may also store information for the determination unit 231 (described later) to determine the transportation route of the transportation means. For example, the storage unit 220 may store a drop-off location that is included in the destinations on the transportation route when transporting the transportation target person.

[0082] Furthermore, the storage unit 220 may store a plurality of drop-off locations. The storage unit 220 may store, for a plurality of drop-off locations, information on the transportation start position and the drop-off location in association with each other.

[0083] For example, the storage unit 220 may store the area to which the transfer start position belongs and the drop-off location in association with each other. The area may be set arbitrarily, and may be, for example, each residential area V shown in FIG. 2. Which residential area V the transfer start position belongs to may be determined based on the address of the transfer start position, or may be set in advance. Furthermore, when the transfer start position is specified from among multiple gas stations, the storage unit 220 may store the gas station and the drop-off location in association with each other. The multiple gas stations may be located in the same area, or may be located in different areas.

[0084] Furthermore, the storage unit 220 may store a requester ID or a transfer recipient ID and a transfer location in association with each other for a plurality of transfer locations. In this case, the storage unit 220 may further store a transfer start position corresponding to the requester ID or the transfer recipient ID. In this case, the transfer request information may not include the transfer start position. The transfer start position corresponding to the requester ID or the transfer recipient ID may be input in advance by the requester operating the operation display unit 210 of the requester terminal 10, and may be acquired by the communication unit 210 of the server 20, for example.

[0085] (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 determination unit 231.

[0086] (Determination unit 231) The determination unit 231 may determine a transportation means for transporting a transportation target included in the transportation request information, based on the transportation request information received by the communication unit 210. For example, the determination unit 231 may determine that the transportation means corresponding to the transportation target is a transportation means capable of loading the transportation target. As a more specific example, in a case where a light van capable of loading people and a drone incapable of loading people are managed as transportation means, and the transportation target is a person, the determination unit 231 may determine that a light van capable of loading people is the transportation means for the transportation target.

[0087] Furthermore, when the transfer request information includes a designation of a transfer means for transferring the transfer target, the determination unit 231 may determine the transfer means corresponding to the transfer target as the designated transfer means.

[0088] Furthermore, when the transfer request information includes information on the person to be transferred or information on the object to be transferred, the determination unit 231 may determine the transfer means corresponding to the object to be transferred according to the information. For example, when the transfer request information includes information that the cargo type (e.g., management temperature range type) of the object to be transferred is a refrigerated item, the determination unit 231 may determine the transfer means corresponding to the object to be a transfer means equipped with refrigeration equipment.

[0089] Furthermore, the determination unit 231 may determine a transport means corresponding to the transfer target according to the type of the transfer target included in the transfer request information. For example, if the type of the transfer target is "baggage," the determination unit 231 may determine an unmanned moving body such as a drone as the transport means corresponding to the transfer target. Furthermore, if the type of the transfer target is "person" or "both person and baggage," the determination unit 231 may determine a manned moving body such as a vehicle as the transport means corresponding to the transfer target. This simplifies the determination process by the determination unit 231.

[0090] Furthermore, the determination unit 231 may determine a transport means corresponding to the object to be transferred according to the transfer start position included in the transfer request information. The determination unit 231 may determine the transport means corresponding to the object to be transferred as a transport means corresponding to the area to which the transfer start position of the object to be transferred belongs or the stand that is the transfer start position. In this case, the correspondence between the information on the transfer start position and the transport means is stored in advance in the storage unit 220.

[0091] In addition, if the means of transportation managed by the server 20 is only one mobile body, the determination unit 231 does not need to perform the process of determining the means of transportation, and only needs to determine the transportation route for the mobile body as described below.

[0092] So far, the determination unit 231 has been described as to how the determination unit 231 determines the transport means for transporting the transport target included in the transport request. The determination unit 231 determines the transport route of the transport means. The determination unit 231 determines the transport route of the transport means based on the transport request information acquired by the communication unit 210. For example, the determination unit 231 determines the transport route based on the requested target type included in the transport request information. More specifically, the determination unit 231 determines the transport route to be a route that includes, as a destination, a location that is preset according to the type of transport target represented by the requested target type.

[0093] If the type of transportation target represented by the requested target type includes a person, that is, if the requested target type is either "person" or "both people and luggage," the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of the transportation means to be a route that includes the drop-off location as a destination.

[0094] More specifically, when the type of request target is either "people" or "both people and luggage," the decision unit 231 may set the transport route of the transport means to a route that departs from the starting point of the operation of the transport means, passes through the transport start position and disembarkation location included in the transport request information, and heads toward (returns to) the starting point of the operation of the transport means.

[0095] In addition, when a plurality of drop-off locations are set in advance in the storage unit 220, the determination unit 231 may determine the transfer route of the transfer means as a route that includes the drop-off location set in advance according to the transfer start location included in the transfer request information. This allows the determination unit 231 to determine a transfer route that includes a drop-off location that is suitable for each transfer start location, thereby improving delivery efficiency.

[0096] Furthermore, the determination unit 231 may determine the transportation route of the transportation means to be a route that includes a drop-off location that is set in advance according to the requester ID or the transfer recipient ID included in the transportation request information. This allows the determination unit 231 to determine a transportation route that includes a drop-off location that is suitable for each requester or each transfer recipient, thereby improving delivery efficiency.

[0097] Furthermore, if a transfer start location corresponding to the requester ID or transfer recipient ID is pre-stored in the storage unit 220, the determination unit 231 may determine the transfer start location of the transfer recipient as the pre-set transfer start location and determine a transfer route for the transfer means that includes the transfer start location. As a result, as long as the transfer request information includes at least the requester ID or the transfer recipient ID, the determination unit 231 can determine the transfer route for the transfer means. This allows the determination unit 231 to determine a transfer route that includes a transfer start location and drop-off location that is suitable for each requester or transfer recipient, thereby improving delivery efficiency. Furthermore, convenience for the requester is improved because the requester needs to input less information for each transfer request.

[0098] 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of determination of a transportation means by the determination unit 231 when the type of transportation target represented by the request target type includes a person. A requester R uses the requester terminal 10 to transmit transportation request information in which the request target type is "person." For example, the requester R inputs transportation request information including the fact that the transportation target is the requester R and the transportation start location is stand S. It is assumed here that bus stop BS is stored in the memory unit 220 as the drop-off location corresponding to stand S.

[0099] The determination unit 231 determines the transportation means to be vehicle M based on the transportation request information. Then, the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of vehicle M. Because the types of transportation targets represented by the requested object type include people, the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of vehicle M to be a route that starts from warehouse WH, which is the starting point of vehicle M's operation, passes through stand S and bus stop BS, which is the disembarkation location, and returns to warehouse WH. Vehicle M transports requester R from stand S to bus stop BS.

[0100] The above has described the process of determining a transfer route by the determination unit 231 when the type of transfer target represented by the request target type includes a person. On the other hand, when the type of transfer target represented by the request target type does not include a person, that is, when the request target type is "baggage," the determination unit 231 may determine the transfer route to be a route that does not pass through the drop-off location and heads toward the baggage storage location.

[0101] More specifically, when the requested object type is "luggage," the determination unit 231 may set the transport route of the transport means to a route that departs from the starting point of the transport means' operation, passes through the transport start position and cargo storage location included in the transport request information, and returns to the starting point of the transport means' operation.

[0102] In addition, if the starting point of the transportation means' operation is a cargo storage location, the determination unit 231 sets the transportation route of the transportation means to a route that departs from the starting point of the transportation means' operation, passes through the transportation start position included in the transportation request information, and returns to the starting point of the transportation means' operation.

[0103] 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of determination of a transportation means by the determination unit 231 when the types of transportation targets indicated by the request target type do not include people. A requester R transmits transportation request information in which the request target type is "baggage" using the requester terminal 10. For example, the requester R inputs transportation request information including that the transportation target is baggage L and that the transportation start position is stand S.

[0104] The determination unit 231 determines the transportation means to be vehicle M based on the transportation request information. Then, the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of vehicle M. Because the types of transportation targets represented by the requested target type do not include people, the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of vehicle M to be a route that starts from warehouse WH, which is the starting point of operation of vehicle M, passes through stand S, and returns to warehouse WH, which is the loading location. In this way, when the types of transportation targets represented by the requested target type do not include people, the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of vehicle M to be a route that does not pass through bus stop BS, which is the drop-off location corresponding to stand S, as described with reference to FIG. 5 .

[0105] In this way, by determining a transport route that includes a predetermined location as a destination depending on the type of transport object included in the transport request information, the determination unit 231 can easily determine an efficient transport route.

[0106] <<3. Example of Operation Processing According to This Embodiment>> An example of the functional configuration according to this embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of operation processing according to this embodiment will be described.

[0107] Here, the requester accesses the server 20 using an application (including a web browser) provided by the information processing system, and if using the service for the first time, may log in by performing a user registration process. If an account has already been obtained, the service may be made available by logging in after undergoing predetermined authentication, such as entering a requester ID or transferee ID and a password. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the requester terminal 10 may be used as the requester ID or transferee ID to make the service available. After this login authentication, service use begins via an application (including a web browser), etc.

[0108] 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the flow of operation processing by the server 20 according to this embodiment. First, the communication unit 210 receives transport request information from the requester terminal 10 (S101).

[0109] Next, the determination unit 231 determines the transportation means for the transportation target included in the transportation request information based on the transportation request information received by the communication unit 110. Then, the determination unit 231 determines whether or not a person is included in the type of transportation target represented by the request target type included in the transportation request information (S102).

[0110] If the type of transportation target represented by the request target type includes a person (YES in S102), the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of the determined transportation means to be a route that passes through the drop-off location (S103), and ends the process. Here, the drop-off location may be a drop-off location corresponding to the transportation start position included in the transportation request information.

[0111] On the other hand, if the type of transportation target represented by the requested target type does not include people (S102 / NO), the determination unit 231 determines the transportation route of the determined transportation means to be a route to the loading location without passing through the drop-off location (S104), and terminates the processing.

[0112] <<4. Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a server 40 instead of the server 20 of the information processing system according to the first embodiment described above. The server 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an example of an information processing device that manages tasks related to the transportation of transportation objects by each transportation means.

[0113] Here, the configuration of the information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention that is different from the configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment described above will be mainly described, and a detailed description of the configuration that is the same as the configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment will be omitted. For example, the configuration of the client terminal 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] <4-1. Example of Functional Configuration of Server 40> The server 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the server 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the server 40 has a communication unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a control unit 430. Here, the functions of the communication unit 410 and the storage unit 420 are substantially the same as those of the communication unit 210 and the storage unit 220 according to the server 20 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] (Control Unit 430) The control unit 430 controls the overall operation of the server 40. In this embodiment, the control unit 430 has a function as a task management unit 431.

[0116] (Task management unit 431) The task management unit 431 manages the transfer of transfer objects by each transfer means as a task. The task management unit 431 may manage tasks for the transfer of transfer objects by each transfer means for each time slot, for example. The task management unit 431 functions as a determination unit that determines the transfer means to transfer the transfer objects included in the transfer request information based on the transfer request information received by the communication unit 210, in a manner similar to that of the determination unit 231 according to the first embodiment described above. Then, the task management unit 431 generates tasks to be executed using the determined transfer means for the transfer of the transfer objects included in the transfer request information, in accordance with the transfer request information. The task management unit 431 also determines the execution order of the generated tasks.

[0117] For example, when the requested object type included in the transport request information indicates that the type of transport target includes a person, that is, when the requested object type is "person" or "both person and baggage," the task management unit 431 generates and manages a pickup task, which is a task for transporting the person to be transported. The pickup task includes a pick-up task for moving from the starting point to pick up the person at the transport start position, and a sending task for transporting the person from the transport start position to the drop-off location.

[0118] Here, the task management unit 431 determines that a sending task for the person to be transferred is to be executed after the pick-up task for the person to be transferred. The task management unit 431 then restricts the task to be executed after the pick-up task for the person to be transferred from being a task other than the sending task for the person to be transferred. Specifically, the task management unit 431 may prohibit a task for transfer request information different from the transfer request information corresponding to the pick-up task and the sending task from being executed after the pick-up task. Alternatively, the task management unit 431 may restrict the task to be executed after the pick-up task for the person to be transferred to being only a pick-up task (prohibiting a package collection / delivery task). By implementing such restrictions, the pick-up task is executed with priority, thereby improving convenience for the person to be transferred.

[0119] Furthermore, when the requested object type included in the transfer request information indicates that the type of transfer object includes baggage, that is, when the requested object type is "baggage" or "both people and baggage," the task management unit 431 may generate and manage collection and delivery tasks, which are tasks for transferring the objects to be transferred. The collection and delivery tasks include a collection task for moving from a starting point to collect baggage at a transfer start position, and a delivery task for delivering baggage from the transfer start position to a baggage storage location.

[0120] The task management unit 431 determines that a delivery task for the object to be transferred is to be executed after a collection task for the object to be transferred.

[0121] More specifically, when the requested object type is "baggage," the task management unit 431 may determine to execute a delivery task for the object to be transferred after executing a collection task for the object to be transferred.

[0122] On the other hand, if the requested target type is "both people and luggage," the task management unit 431 determines to simultaneously execute a pick-up task for the person to be transferred and a collection task for the object to be transferred. Then, it may determine to execute a sending task for the person to be transferred after the pick-up task and the collection task, and then execute a delivery task for the object to be transferred.

[0123] Furthermore, the task management unit 431 may determine whether or not to execute a task other than the delivery task for the transfer object after the collection task for the transfer object. For example, when the communication unit 410 acquires transfer request information for a transfer object other than the transfer object to be collected in the collection task, the task management unit 431 may determine whether or not to execute a task related to the transfer request information, such as a pick-up task or a collection task, after the collection task.

[0124] When a task to be executed next after a collection and delivery task for a transfer object has not been determined, the task management unit 431 may determine to execute another task after the collection task included in the collection and delivery task for the transfer object. On the other hand, when a task to be executed next after a collection and delivery task for a transfer object has been determined, the task management unit 431 may determine not to execute another task after the collection task included in the collection and delivery task for the transfer object. Note that when a task to be executed next after a collection and delivery task for a transfer object has been determined, the task management unit 431 may manage the collection and delivery task in a state in which adding a task after the collection and delivery task is prohibited.

[0125] Furthermore, if the task management unit 431 determines that another task can be executed within the time frame, it may decide to execute the other task after the collection task of the object to be transferred. On the other hand, if the task management unit 431 determines that another task cannot be executed within the time frame, it may decide not to execute the other task after the collection task of the object to be transferred.

[0126] When a new collection / delivery task is added by the task management unit 431 determining that another task is to be executed next to a collection task for a transfer object, the transfer object of the already managed collection task and the transfer object of the new collection task are simultaneously delivered to the loading location. Therefore, this configuration improves delivery efficiency. Furthermore, when a new transportation task is added by the task management unit 431 determining that another task is to be executed next to a collection task for a transfer object, the convenience of the transportation task for the transfer object is improved.

[0127] Furthermore, when new transport request information is acquired, the task management unit 431 may determine whether or not to execute a task for the new transport request information after the sending task or delivery task that is already being managed.

[0128] When there is no task following a sending task or delivery task that is already being managed, the task management unit 431 may determine whether to execute a task for new transport request information following the sending task or delivery task. On the other hand, when there is a task following a sending task or delivery task that is already being managed, the task management unit 431 may prohibit the execution of a task for new transport request information following the sending task or delivery task.

[0129] Furthermore, if the task management unit 431 determines that a task for new transport request information can be executed within the time frame, it may decide to execute the task for the new transport request information after the sending task or delivery task that is already being managed. On the other hand, if the task management unit 431 determines that a task for the new transport request information cannot be executed within the time frame, it may decide not to execute the task for the new transport request information after the sending task or delivery task that is already being managed.

[0130] The task management unit 431 manages task information including information on each task and the execution order of the tasks. An example of the task information managed by the task management unit 431 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the task information managed by the task management unit 431. The task information 400 is stored in the storage unit 420, and its generation and updating are managed by the task management unit 431.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 9 , the task information 400 includes, for each task, an identification number (task number), a task name, a corresponding request target type, a corresponding transfer target type, a corresponding request ID, a task start position, a task end position, an execution order, a status, and whether the task can be added.

[0132] 9, the task management unit 431 manages the transport tasks for the transport requests with the request IDs "001" and "002." Because the request object type of the transport request with the request ID "001" is "both people and luggage," the task management unit 431 generates and manages a pick-up task and a drop-off task for the person to be transported, and a collection task and a delivery task for the item to be transported.

[0133] The task management unit 431 also determines that the pick-up task and the collection task are to be executed simultaneously (execution order "1").Then, the task management unit 431 determines that the sending task is to be executed after the pick-up task and the collection task (execution order "2"), and the task management unit 431 also determines that the delivery task is to be executed after the sending task (execution order "3").

[0134] Since the requested object type of the transfer request with the request ID "002" is "baggage," the task management unit 431 generates and manages a collection task and a delivery task for the object to be transferred.

[0135] The task management unit 431 sets each transfer start position included in each transfer request information to the task end position of the pick-up task and the collection task, and the task start position of the sending task and the delivery task. In addition, the task management unit 431 sets the task end position of the sending task and the delivery task to a location according to the type of the transfer target.

[0136] The task end position of the transfer task is the drop-off location described in the first embodiment. If multiple drop-off locations are set in advance in the storage unit 220, the task management unit 431 sets the task end position to a preset one according to the transfer start position included in the transfer request information. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the task end position of a task with task number "003" is set to "Bus Stop A," which corresponds to "Stand A," the task start position (transfer start position).

[0137] The task end location of the delivery task is the loading location described in the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the task end locations of the tasks with task numbers "004" and "006" are set to the loading location "warehouse."

[0138] The task start positions of the pick-up task and the collection task are set appropriately according to the task end positions immediately before the pick-up task and the collection task in the task execution order.

[0139] As explained above, the task management unit 430 manages task information 400, which includes the task start position and task end position of each task, and the task execution order. By generating tasks in this manner, the task management unit 431 can also be said to have the function of a determination unit that determines the transport route of the transport means. More specifically, by setting the task end positions of the sending task and delivery task to locations according to the type of transport target, the task management unit 431 can be said to determine the transport route that includes the location as a destination.

[0140] Returning to the description of the task information 400, the status included in the task information 400 indicates the execution status of each task. Examples of the status are "in progress", which indicates that the transfer task is being executed, "before transfer", which indicates that the transfer object has not yet been transferred by the transfer means, and "completed", which indicates that the transfer task of the transfer object has been completed at the transfer end position, as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0141] The status may be updated by the communication unit 410 receiving status information from an information terminal used by a transporter in charge of transporting the transport means. In addition, the status may be automatically updated according to the location information obtained by the communication unit 410 of each transport means.

[0142] Furthermore, the task addition possibility included in the task information 400 indicates whether a task (another task) for newly received transfer request information can be added next to the task corresponding to the task addition possibility in the determined execution order. If the task addition possibility is "possible," the task management unit 431 performs a process of determining whether to execute the task for newly received transfer request information next to the task. If the task addition possibility is "not possible," the task management unit 431 prohibits the task for newly received transfer request information from being executed next to the task.

[0143] 9 , the task management unit 431 prohibits adding a task with transfer request information different from the transfer request information corresponding to the pick-up task next to the pick-up task. Therefore, the task management unit 431 manages the task addition permission as "prohibited" for the tasks with task numbers "001" and "002."

[0144] 9, if a task is already placed after a sending task or a delivery task, the task management unit 431 prohibits the execution of another task after the sending task or the delivery task. Therefore, the task management unit 431 manages the tasks with task numbers "003" and "004" so that the task addition permission is "prohibited."

[0145] 9, if there is no task following the collection and delivery task of the object to be transferred, the task management unit 431 determines whether or not to execute another task following the collection task included in the collection and delivery task of the object to be transferred. Therefore, for the collection task with task number "005," the task management unit 431 manages the possibility of adding a task as "possible" because there is no task following the collection and delivery task including the collection task.

[0146] 9, if there is no task following a sending task or a delivery task, the task management unit 431 allows another task to be executed following the sending task or the delivery task. Therefore, the task management unit 431 manages the task with task number "006" as "allowed" for adding a task.

[0147] Up to this point, an example has been described in which the types of tasks managed by the task management unit 431 are pick-up and drop-off tasks and collection and delivery tasks, but the task management unit 431 may also manage other tasks.

[0148] For example, the task management unit 431 may further manage a return task that returns to the starting point of the transportation means' operation. The return task may be managed, for example, so that it is the last task to be executed within a time frame. The task start position of the return task is set to the task end position of the task that was determined to be executed immediately before. The task end position of the return task is set to the starting point of the transportation means' operation. Note that if the starting point of the transportation means' operation is a loading location, the return task may be included in the delivery task. In other words, if the delivery task is the last task to be executed within a time frame, the return task is omitted.

[0149] <4-2. Example of Operation Processing According to Second Embodiment> An example of the functional configuration according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of operation processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the flow of operation processing by the server 40 according to this embodiment.

[0150] First, the communication unit 410 receives transfer request information from the requester terminal 10 (S201). Next, the task management unit 431 determines the transfer means for the transfer target included in the transfer request information based on the transfer request information received by the communication unit 110. Then, the task management unit 231 determines whether the type of transfer target represented by the request target type included in the transfer request information includes a person (S202).

[0151] If the type of transportation target represented by the requested object type does not include people (S202 / NO), that is, if the requested object type is "baggage," the task management unit 431 generates a collection and delivery task including a collection task and a delivery task as a task for the determined transportation means (S203).

[0152] On the other hand, if the type of transportation target represented by the requested object type includes a person (S202 / YES), that is, if the requested object type is "person" or "both person and luggage," the task management unit 431 generates a pick-up and drop-off task including a pick-up task and a drop-off task as a task for the determined transportation means (S204).

[0153] Next, the task management unit 431 determines whether or not the type of transfer target indicated by the request target type included in the transfer request information includes cargo (S205).

[0154] If the type of transportation object represented by the requested object type includes luggage (S205 / YES), that is, if the requested object type is "both people and luggage," the task management unit 431 generates a collection and delivery task including a collection task and a delivery task as a task for the determined transportation means (S206).

[0155] If the type of transfer target indicated by the requested target type does not include cargo (S205 / NO), that is, if the requested target type is "person", or after S206, the process proceeds to S207.

[0156] The task management unit 431 prohibits adding a new task after the pick-up task (S207). That is, the task management unit 431 manages whether or not a task can be added to the pick-up task as "not allowed."

[0157] <<4. Hardware Configuration Example>> The information processing described above is realized by cooperation between software and the hardware described below of the server 20. Note that the hardware configuration described below can also be applied to the client terminal 10 and the server 40.

[0158] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11 , the server 20 includes a control unit 230, a memory 31, a storage 32, a transmission / reception unit 33, an input / output unit 34, and the like, which are electrically connected to one another via a bus 35.

[0159] The control unit 230 is a computing device that controls the overall operation of the server 20, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing, etc. For example, the control unit 230 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 32 and deployed in the memory 31 to perform various information processing as described above.

[0160] The memory 31 includes a main memory configured with a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory configured with a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The memory 31 is used as a work area for the control unit 230, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the server 20 is started up, various setting information, and the like.

[0161] The storage 32 stores various programs such as application programs, etc. A database that stores data used in each process may be constructed in the storage 32.

[0162] The transceiver 33 connects the server 20 to a network and / or a blockchain network. The transceiver 33 may include a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0163] The input / output unit 34 includes information input devices such as a keyboard, a microphone, and a mouse, and output devices such as a display and a speaker.

[0164] The bus 35 is commonly connected to the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals and various control signals.

[0165] <<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.

[0166] It is also possible to create a computer program that causes hardware such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the client terminal 10, server 20, and server 40 to perform functions equivalent to those of the above-mentioned configurations of the client terminal 10, server 20, and server 40.

[0167] 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 determination unit 40 server 410 communication unit 420 storage unit 430 control unit 431 task management unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information on whether the type of object to be transferred includes at least a person or baggage; and a determination unit that determines a transfer route for a transfer means for transferring the object to be transferred, the route including a predetermined location as a destination according to the type.

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

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines the transport route to be a route that includes a predetermined first location as a destination when the type is a person or both a person and a baggage.

4. The information processing system of claim 3, wherein the first location is a public transportation stop.

5. An information processing system as described in claim 3, wherein, when the type is baggage, the determination unit determines the transfer route to be a route that does not pass through the first location but heads toward a predetermined second location.

6. An information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines the transfer route to be a route that passes through the first location and heads toward the second location when the type is a person or both a person and a baggage.

7. The information processing system of claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the transfer start location of the transfer object or identification information for identifying the requester requesting the transfer of the transfer object, and the determination unit, when the type is a person or both a person and luggage, determines the transfer route to be a route that includes as a destination a first location among the multiple first locations that is preset according to the transfer start location or the identification information.

8. The information processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a task management unit that manages tasks related to the transportation of the object to be transported performed by the transportation means and determines the order in which the tasks are to be executed, and when the type is a person or both a person and cargo, the task management unit determines that a sending task, which is a task of sending the person to a predetermined first location, should be executed after a pick-up task, which is a task of picking up the person who is the object to be transported by the transportation means.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the task management unit restricts execution of a task other than the sending task following the pick-up task.

10. The information processing system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the task management unit determines, when the type is luggage, to execute a collection task, which is a task of collecting the luggage to be transported using the transportation means, followed by a delivery task, which is a task of delivering the luggage to a predetermined second location different from the first location.

11. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the second location is a departure and arrival location for a plurality of transportation means managed by the same administrator.

12. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of transportation means includes unmanned vehicles and manned vehicles.

13. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: a step of acquiring information on whether the type of object to be transported is at least a person or a cargo; and a step of determining, according to the type, a transport route for a transport means for transporting the object to be transported, the route including a location preset for the type as a destination.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as: an acquisition unit that acquires information on whether the type of object to be transferred is at least a person or a cargo; and a determination unit that determines a transfer route of a transfer means for transferring the object to be transferred, depending on the type, and that includes a location that is preset for the type as a destination.

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