Delivery management device, delivery management method, and recording medium

Abstract

A delivery management device according to the present invention comprises an information management unit and a control information transmission unit. The information management unit uses an output of a sensor provided at a delivery destination to set and manage delivery availability information indicating whether a package may be delivered to the delivery destination. The control information transmission unit transmits, to a flying body for delivery, control information for controlling the operation of the flying body on the basis of the delivery availability information of the delivery destination, according to acquisition of arrival information indicating that the flying body has arrived at the delivery destination.

Description

Delivery management device, delivery management method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery management device, a delivery management method, and a recording medium.

[0002] A technique for managing the delivery of a load using a flying object such as a drone is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. The server device described in Patent Document 1 below performs operations including the following (1) to (3). (1) Detect the presence or absence of a place where the conveyed object is placed at the conveyance destination. (2) Determine whether or not the situation allows the drone that conveys the conveyed object to separate and place the conveyed object at the conveyance destination. (3) When it is determined that the situation does not allow the conveyed object to be separated and placed, determine a standby airspace and a standby time for the drone to wait, and issue an instruction related to the standby.

[0003] International Publication No. 2019 / 146576

[0004] Flying objects such as drones generate noise during flight. Therefore, even when the situation allows the load to be placed at the delivery destination, depending on the timing, the noise emitted from the flying object may cause problems for the people at the delivery destination.

[0005] An example of the object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables the delivery of a load at a timing preferable for the people at the delivery destination when delivering the load using a flying object in view of the above-described problems.

[0006] A first delivery management device in one aspect of this disclosure includes: information management means for setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination; and control information transmission means for transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination. A second delivery management device in one aspect of this disclosure includes: information management means for setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination based on user-specified information input via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination; and control information transmission means for transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.

[0007] A first delivery management method in another aspect of the present disclosure includes a computer generating and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to the delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination when arrival information is obtained indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination. A second delivery management method in another aspect of the present disclosure includes a computer setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to the delivery destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination when arrival information is obtained indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.

[0008] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first recording medium, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including generating and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to the delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft that controls the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination. In another aspect of this disclosure, the second recording medium, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to the delivery destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft that controls the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.

[0009] According to one example of this disclosure, a technology is provided that enables the delivery of a package using an aircraft at a time convenient for the recipient.

[0010] This figure shows a first example of the functional configuration of the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that implements the delivery management device in this disclosure. This flowchart shows a first example of the processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure. This flowchart shows a second example of the processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates an example of the operation of the information management unit in this disclosure. This figure shows an example of information that defines the correspondence between the status at the delivery destination and the setting of delivery feasibility information. This figure illustrates another example of the operation of the information management unit in this disclosure. This figure illustrates another example of the operation of the information management unit in this disclosure. This figure illustrates another example of the operation of the information management unit in this disclosure. This figure outlines the flow of setting delivery feasibility information based on user-specified information. This figure illustrates an exemplary flow of delivery by an aircraft that cooperates with the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates an exemplary flow of delivery by an aircraft that cooperates with the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates an exemplary flow of delivery by an aircraft that cooperates with the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates an exemplary flow of delivery by an aircraft that cooperates with the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates a second example of the functional configuration of the delivery management device in this disclosure. This flowchart shows a third example of processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure. This flowchart shows a fourth example of processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure.

[0011] The embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the drawings are associated with one or more embodiments. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Unless otherwise specified, in each block diagram, each block represents a functional unit configuration, not a hardware unit configuration. When elements such as blocks in the diagrams are linked by arrows, the direction of the arrows is merely to make the flow of information easier to understand. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrows does not limit the direction of communication (one-way communication / two-way communication).

[0012] Furthermore, in the following description, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: the device retrieving data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and the device inputting data or information output from another device into its own device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading data from another device or storage medium. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is delivered (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Moreover, "acquisition" may also mean selecting and acquiring data or information from among the received data or information, or selecting and receiving data or information that has been delivered.

[0013] • First Embodiment <Example of Functional Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing a first example of the functional configuration of a delivery management device in this disclosure. The delivery management device 10 illustrated in this figure comprises an information management unit 110 and a control information transmission unit 120.

[0014] The information management unit 110 manages information indicating whether or not it is permissible to deliver a package to the delivery destination 30 (hereinafter also referred to as "delivery eligibility information"). The information management unit 110 sets and manages delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not it is permissible to deliver a package to the delivery destination 30 using the output of one or more sensors 310 installed at the delivery destination 30.

[0015] The sensor 310 in this disclosure is any sensor that converts an observable physical quantity into an electrical signal. While not particularly limited, the sensor 310 includes at least one of the following: a camera (image sensor) for photographing the interior of the delivery destination 30, a microphone for collecting sound from inside the delivery destination 30, and a sensor (door open / close sensor) for detecting the opening and closing of a door located in the delivery destination 30. Furthermore, the sensor 310 in this disclosure includes various sensors for detecting a person present inside the delivery destination 30. While not particularly limited, the sensors for detecting a person include the aforementioned camera (image sensor) and / or infrared sensor.

[0016] The control information transmission unit 120 transmits control information to the aircraft 20 to control its operation when it receives information (hereinafter also referred to as "arrival information") indicating that the aircraft 20 used to deliver packages has arrived at the delivery destination 30. Here, the control information transmission unit 120 generates the control information based on the delivery feasibility information managed for the target delivery destination 30.

[0017] <Example Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that implements the delivery management device in this disclosure.

[0018] The computer 1000 illustrated in this figure includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0019] Bus 1010 is a data transmission path for the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0020] Processor 1020 includes components such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

[0021] Memory 1030 is a main memory device implemented as Random Access Memory (RAM), etc.

[0022] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device implemented as a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), memory card, or Read Only Memory (ROM). The storage device 1040 stores at least a program module that implements the functions of the delivery management device 10 described above (information management unit 110 and control information transmission unit 120).

[0023] The processor 1020 realizes the functions corresponding to the program modules read from the storage device 1040 by loading them into the memory 1030 and executing them. For example, the processor 1020 realizes the functions of the information management unit 110 as described in this disclosure by reading the program module corresponding to the information management unit 110 into the memory 1030 and executing it. Similarly, the processor 1020 realizes the functions of the control information transmission unit 120 as described in this disclosure by reading the program module corresponding to the control information transmission unit 120 into the memory 1030 and executing it. This operation of the processor 1020 is common to all embodiments included in this disclosure.

[0024] The program module described above may be recorded on a recording medium other than the storage device 1040. The recording medium for recording the program module includes any medium usable by a non-temporary, tangible computer 1000. The recording medium for recording the program module may have program code embedded in it that can be read by the computer 1000 (processor 1020).

[0025] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (delivery management device 10) to various devices. The term "various devices" here is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, input devices such as keyboards, touch panels and mice, and output devices such as displays and speakers.

[0026] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (delivery management device 10) to a network. This network includes, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN). The network interface 1060 supports various wireless and wired communication standards. The computer 1000 (delivery management device 10) establishes communication with other devices on the network via the network interface 1060. For example, the computer 1000 (delivery management device 10) is communicatively connected via the network interface 1060 to an aircraft 20 that has arrived near the delivery destination 30 and to various sensors 310 installed at the delivery destination 30. Also, for example, the computer 1000 (delivery management device 10) is communicatively connected via the network interface 1060 to various devices (not shown) installed at the delivery destination 30 (such as communication devices and home appliances used by people at the delivery destination).

[0027] Furthermore, the computer 1000 (delivery management device 10) may be connected to the aforementioned "various devices" via the network interface 1060.

[0028] <Example of operation of the delivery management device> Below, an example of the operation of the delivery management device in this disclosure will be explained using Figures 3 and 4.

[0029] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates the processing of managing delivery feasibility information.

[0030] First, the information management unit 110 communicates with the sensor 310 installed at the delivery destination 30 and collects the output of the sensor 310 (step S102). The information management unit 110 may communicate with the sensor 310 at all times to collect the output of the sensor 310, or it may communicate with the sensor 310 at arbitrary times (for example, at regular intervals) to collect the output of the sensor 310.

[0031] The information management unit 110 determines whether or not to deliver the package to the delivery destination 30 based on the output of the sensor 310 collected in step S102 (step S104). Details of this determination process will be described later.

[0032] Here, let's assume that the information management unit 110 determines, based on the output collected from the sensor 310, that "it is possible to deliver the package to the delivery destination 30" (Step S104: YES). In this case, the information management unit 110 sets the information indicating that it is possible to deliver the package as the delivery feasibility information for the delivery destination 30 (Step S106).

[0033] On the other hand, suppose the information management unit 110 determines, based on the output collected from the sensor 310, that "delivery of the package to destination 30 is not possible" (step S104: NO). In this case, the information management unit 110 sets information indicating that delivery of the package is not possible as delivery feasibility information for destination 30 (step S108). For example, the information management unit 110 stores the delivery feasibility information in a storage device 1040 or a network database (not shown) in association with information that can identify destination 30. The delivery feasibility information stored in the storage device 1040 or the network database (not shown) is updated as needed based on changes in the output of the sensor 310 or other information.

[0034] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates the process of transmitting control information.

[0035] First, the control information transmission unit 120 monitors whether the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S202). If the aircraft 20 has not arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S202: NO), the control information transmission unit 120 continues monitoring. On the other hand, if the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S202: YES), the control information transmission unit 120 executes the process in step S204. Here, the control information transmission unit 120 can detect that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 based on whether or not it has been able to obtain information (arrival information) indicating that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. Details of this arrival information will be described later.

[0036] When it is determined that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S202: YES), the control information transmission unit 120 obtains delivery eligibility information for the delivery destination 30 to which the aircraft 20 has arrived (step S204). The delivery eligibility information for the target delivery destination 30 is set in advance as illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 3. The control information transmission unit 120 obtains the delivery eligibility information for the delivery destination 30 from the storage device 1040 or a database on the network (not shown).

[0037] The control information transmission unit 120 generates control information for the aircraft 20 based on the delivery feasibility information acquired in step S204 (step S206). For example, suppose the acquired delivery feasibility information indicates that "delivery of the package is not possible." In this case, the control information transmission unit 120 generates control information to control the aircraft 20 so as not to deliver the package to destination 30. As one example, the control information transmission unit 120 generates a control signal that controls the aircraft to interrupt the delivery of the package to destination 30 and return to the base. As another example, if the aircraft 20 is carrying packages destined for destinations other than destination 30, the control information transmission unit 120 may generate a control signal that controls the aircraft to interrupt the delivery of the package to destination 30 and move to another destination. Also, suppose the acquired delivery feasibility information indicates that "delivery of the package is possible." In this case, the control information transmission unit 120 generates a control signal that controls the aircraft 20 to deliver the package to destination 30.

[0038] Then, the control information transmission unit 120 transmits the control information generated in step S206 to the aircraft 20 (step S208). In step S208, the aircraft 20 performs autonomous flight based on the control information provided by the delivery management device 10 (control information transmission unit 120). For example, suppose the aircraft 20 acquires control information indicating that "delivery of the package to destination 30 is possible." In this case, the aircraft 20 controls the motor that adjusts the rotation amount of the propeller and the arm that grips the package to place the package within the premises of destination 30. After placing the package at destination 30, the aircraft 20 begins flying toward a predetermined logistics base or another destination. On the other hand, suppose the aircraft 20 acquires control information indicating that "delivery of the package to destination 30 is not possible." In this case, the aircraft 20 interrupts the delivery of the package to destination 30. In other words, the aircraft 20 skips the control operations required to deliver the package to the delivery destination 30 and begins flying towards a designated logistics hub or another delivery destination.

[0039] As illustrated above, the delivery management device in this disclosure uses the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination to set and manage information (delivery eligibility information) indicating whether or not the package should be delivered to that destination. Furthermore, the delivery management device in this disclosure controls the aircraft to either complete the delivery of the package to the destination or interrupt the delivery of the package to the destination, according to the delivery eligibility information managed for the destination. Through such control, packages delivered by the aircraft are delivered at an appropriate time for the person at the destination. In other words, this disclosure provides a delivery management device that solves the problem of "enabling the delivery of packages at a time favorable to the person at the destination when using an aircraft to deliver packages." Furthermore, this disclosure provides a delivery management method executed by the delivery management device (computer), and a program for realizing each function of the delivery management method (computer). Furthermore, this disclosure provides a computer-readable recording medium for recording the program.

[0040] The following describes a detailed example of a delivery management device in this disclosure.

[0041] <Method for setting delivery eligibility information> As an example, the information management unit 110 is configured to determine whether the situation at the delivery destination 30 meets pre-set conditions based on the output of a sensor 310 installed at the delivery destination 30, and to automatically set delivery eligibility information based on the result of that determination. A specific example of the operation of the information management unit 110 will be explained below with reference to a schematic diagram.

[0042] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the information management unit in this disclosure. In the example shown in this figure, a camera C is provided at the delivery destination 30 to photograph the child. This camera C is an example of the sensor 310 described above. In the example shown in this figure, the person (child) within the imaging range of camera C is asleep. In this case, the information management unit 110 recognizes the situation at the delivery destination 30 as "the child is asleep" from the output (image data) of camera C, for example, by using an image recognition model trained with any machine learning technique. The information management unit 110 then refers to definition information (e.g., Figure 6) that defines the conditions for setting delivery feasibility information and determines the setting of delivery feasibility information (delivery possible / delivery impossible) corresponding to the situation at the delivery destination 30 recognized from the output of camera C.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of information defining the correspondence between the status at the delivery destination and the settings for delivery feasibility information. Definition information like that exemplified in Figure 6 is stored separately for each delivery destination 30 in a storage area accessible by the information management unit 110 (for example, a storage device 1040 or a database on a network, not shown). The definition information like that exemplified in Figure 6 can be arbitrarily registered or modified by the person at the delivery destination 30. For example, if the person at the delivery destination 30 inputs information to change or register the definition information using their communication device (not shown), the information management unit 110 updates the definition information for the delivery destination 30 (changes, adds, or deletes the definition information) based on the input information.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 6, the delivery availability information corresponding to the situation of "the child is sleeping" is "delivery not available". Therefore, in the example of FIG. 5, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery availability information regarding the delivery destination 30 to "delivery not available" according to the situation of the person at the delivery destination 30 recognized from the output of the camera C. Specifically, the information management unit 110 stores the delivery availability information indicating that it is "delivery not available" regarding the delivery destination 30 in a predetermined storage unit (delivery availability information storage unit 112).

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the information management unit in the present disclosure. In the example of this figure, a door sensor S1 for monitoring the usage status of the changing room is provided at the delivery destination 30. This door sensor S1 is an example of the above-described sensor 310. The information management unit 110 identifies, for example, the locked state of the changing room from the output of the door sensor S1, and recognizes whether the changing room is in use according to the identification result of the door locked state. Also, when the door sensor S1 is an infrared sensor, the information management unit 110 may recognize whether there is a person inside the room based on the infrared detection result of the door sensor S1. In the example of this figure, the door sensor S1 outputs a signal indicating that the door of the changing room is locked. The information management unit 110 recognizes the situation of "the changing room is in use" as the situation at the delivery destination 30 based on the output of the door sensor S1. Then, the information management unit 110 refers to the definition information (e.g., FIG. 6) that defines the conditions regarding the setting of the delivery availability information, and determines the setting (delivery possible / delivery not available) of the delivery availability information corresponding to the situation at the delivery destination 30 recognized from the output of the door sensor S1.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 6, the delivery availability information corresponding to the situation of "the changing room is in use" is "delivery not available". Therefore, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery availability information regarding the delivery destination 30 to "delivery not available" according to the situation of the person at the delivery destination 30 recognized from the door sensor S1. Specifically, the information management unit 110 stores the delivery availability information indicating that it is "delivery not available" regarding the delivery destination 30 in a predetermined storage unit (delivery availability information storage unit 112).

[0047] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the information management unit in the present disclosure. In the example of this figure, a door sensor S2 for monitoring the usage status of the toilet is provided at the delivery destination 30. This door sensor S2 is an example of the above-described sensor 310. The information management unit 110 identifies the locked state of the toilet door from the output of the door sensor S2, for example, and recognizes whether the toilet is being used according to the identification result of the locked state of the door. Also, when the door sensor S2 is an infrared sensor, the information management unit 110 may recognize whether a person is present inside the toilet based on the infrared detection result of the door sensor S2. In the example of this figure, the door sensor S2 is outputting a signal indicating that the toilet door is not locked. The information management unit 110 recognizes, based on the output of the door sensor S2, that the situation at the delivery destination 30 is that "the toilet is not in use." Then, the information management unit 110 refers to the definition information (e.g., FIG. 6) that defines the conditions regarding the setting of the delivery availability information, and determines the setting (deliverable / non-deliverable) of the delivery availability information corresponding to the situation at the delivery destination 30 recognized from the output of the door sensor S2.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 6, the delivery availability information corresponding to the situation that "the toilet is not in use" is "deliverable." Therefore, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery availability information regarding the delivery destination 30 to "deliverable" according to the situation of the person at the delivery destination 30 recognized from the door sensor S2. Specifically, the information management unit 110 stores the delivery availability information indicating that the delivery destination 30 is "deliverable" in a predetermined storage unit (delivery availability information storage unit 112).

[0049] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the information management unit in this disclosure. In this example, the delivery destination 30 is equipped with an open / close sensor S3 that monitors the open / closed state of a window in a specific room (for example, a room close to the delivery location of the package that is expected to be greatly affected by sound and wind emitted from the aircraft 20). This open / close sensor S3 is an example of the sensor 310 described above. The open / close sensor S3 detects, for example, the physical contact state between the window and the window frame and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected contact state. The information management unit 110 recognizes, for example, the open / closed state of the window in the specific room from the output of the open / close sensor S3. In this example, the open / close sensor S3 outputs a signal indicating that the window is open. Based on the output of the open / close sensor S3, the information management unit 110 recognizes the situation at the delivery destination 30 as "the window in the specific room is open". The information management unit 110 then refers to definition information (e.g., Figure 6) that defines the conditions for setting delivery feasibility information, and determines the setting of delivery feasibility information (delivery possible / delivery impossible) corresponding to the situation at the delivery destination 30 recognized from the output of the opening / closing sensor S3.

[0050] In the example in Figure 6, the delivery eligibility information corresponding to the situation "the window of a specific room is open" is "delivery not possible". Therefore, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery eligibility information for the delivery destination 30 to "delivery not possible" according to the status of the specific room at the delivery destination 30 recognized by the opening / closing sensor S3. Specifically, the information management unit 110 stores the delivery eligibility information indicating that delivery is not possible for the delivery destination 30 in a predetermined storage unit (delivery eligibility information storage unit 112).

[0051] Furthermore, if multiple sensors 310 are installed at the delivery destination 30, the information management unit 110 can determine whether the situation at the delivery destination 30 meets pre-set conditions for each of the multiple outputs obtained from the multiple sensors 310. In this case, the information management unit 110 is configured to automatically set delivery feasibility information based on the multiple determination results based on the multiple outputs obtained from the multiple sensors 310.

[0052] For example, suppose that camera C as illustrated in Figure 5, door sensor S1 as illustrated in Figure 7, and door sensor S2 as illustrated in Figure 8 are installed at the delivery destination 30 as "multiple sensors 310". Also, suppose that the output of camera C as illustrated in Figure 5, the output of door sensor S1 as illustrated in Figure 7, and the output of door sensor S2 as illustrated in Figure 8 are as shown in each figure.

[0053] In this case, the information management unit 110 recognizes the situation that "the child is sleeping" as the first situation at the delivery destination 30 from the output (image data) of camera C, for example, by using an image analysis model that has been built in advance using machine learning. The information management unit 110 also recognizes the situation that "the changing room is being used" as the second situation at the delivery destination 30 from the output of door sensor S1. Furthermore, the information management unit 110 recognizes the situation that "the toilet is not being used" as the third situation at the delivery destination 30 from the output of door sensor S2.

[0054] The information management unit 110 then refers to the definition information illustrated in Figure 6 and determines the settings for the delivery feasibility information corresponding to the first, second, and third situations described above as "delivery not possible," "delivery not possible," and "delivery possible," respectively. In this case, since not all of the multiple judgment results are "delivery possible," the information management unit 110 selects "delivery not possible" as the final setting for the delivery feasibility information regarding the delivery destination 30. The information management unit 110 then stores the delivery feasibility information indicating that delivery is "not possible" for the delivery destination 30 in a predetermined storage unit (delivery feasibility information storage unit 112). In this way, by making a multifaceted judgment on the situation at the delivery destination 30 using the outputs of multiple sensors 310, the accuracy of the delivery management device 10 in determining whether or not it is possible to deliver a package to the delivery destination 30 is improved.

[0055] As another example, the information management unit 110 may determine whether the conditions regarding the attributes of the package to be delivered by the aircraft 20 are met, and set delivery feasibility information based on the result of that determination. For example, if the package to be delivered by the aircraft 20 has attributes related to the environment in which it should be stored, such as "refrigerated storage" or "frozen storage," the information management unit 110 sets the delivery feasibility information to "deliverable" on the condition that a person is present at the delivery destination 30. The information management unit 110 can determine whether a person is present or not by, for example, analyzing the video output from a camera that takes pictures inside the delivery destination 30. In this way, it becomes less likely that the contents of a package that requires "refrigerated storage" or "frozen storage" will spoil as a result of being left unattended after delivery without being stored in an appropriate environment.

[0056] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may add the attributes of the person present at the delivery destination 30 as an additional condition. For example, the information management unit 110 may acquire information such as the facial features and height of the person present at the delivery destination 30 to estimate the person's age, and set the delivery eligibility information to "delivery possible" as an additional condition that the person's age is above a certain level (for example, 15 years or older). In this way, if the delivery destination 30 is only present with a person who is considered unlikely to be able to receive the package delivered by the aircraft 20 (for example, a "child"), the delivery of the package can be postponed. As a result, the problems described above become less likely to occur.

[0057] As yet another example, the information management unit 110 may be configured to set delivery eligibility information based on information specifying whether delivery is possible (hereinafter referred to as "user-specified information") that is entered via a communication device used by the person at the delivery destination (hereinafter also referred to as "user device"). Figure 10 is a diagram that schematically illustrates the flow of setting delivery eligibility information based on user-specified information. As shown in Figure 10, the person at the delivery destination 30 enters information (user-specified information) via the user device 40 that specifies whether to set "delivery possible" or "delivery impossible" as the delivery eligibility information. When the information management unit 110 obtains the user-specified information entered via the user device 40, it sets the delivery eligibility information for the delivery destination 30 according to that user-specified information. For example, suppose the user-specified information obtained via the user device 40 specifies "delivery possible". In this case, the information management unit 110 stores the delivery eligibility information indicating that delivery is possible for the delivery destination 30 in a predetermined storage unit (delivery eligibility information storage unit 112). On the other hand, suppose the user-specified information obtained via the user device 40 is information indicating "delivery not possible". In this case, delivery eligibility information indicating "delivery not possible" for the delivery destination 30 is stored in a predetermined storage unit (delivery eligibility information storage unit 112). By doing so, the person at the delivery destination 30 can arbitrarily set the delivery eligibility information according to their own intentions, which is expected to improve usability.

[0058] In the “further alternative example” described above, the sensor 310 does not need to be provided at the delivery destination 30. In this case, the delivery management device 10 sets and manages delivery feasibility information based on user-specified information input via a communication device (user device) used by the person receiving the package. In this case, the control information transmission unit 120, upon acquiring arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30, transmits control information to the aircraft 20 that controls the operation of the aircraft 20 based on the delivery feasibility information of the delivery destination 30 set according to the user-specified information. Even with this configuration, packages delivered by the aircraft are delivered at an appropriate time for the person receiving the package. In other words, an alternative delivery management device is provided that solves the problem of “enabling delivery of packages at a time favorable to the person receiving the package when using an aircraft to deliver the package.” Furthermore, according to this disclosure, an alternative delivery management method executed by the alternative delivery management device (computer) and an alternative program for realizing each function of the alternative delivery management method (computer) are provided. Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium for recording the alternative program is provided.

[0059] <Detailed Example of Arrival Information> As an example, the arrival information used by the control information transmission unit 120 is generated based on the output of sensors for autonomous flight control mounted on the aircraft 20 (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, camera, barometric pressure sensor, etc.). For example, position information indicating the latitude / longitude of the aircraft 20 is generated based on the output of the GPS sensor and camera. Altitude information indicating the altitude of the aircraft 20 is also generated based on the output of the barometric pressure sensor. The control information transmission unit 120 can use the position information and altitude information of the aircraft 20 generated in this way as information to determine whether the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. For example, the control information transmission unit 120 can determine that arrival information has been acquired if it can confirm that the position information generated based on the output of the GPS sensor and camera matches the address information of the delivery destination 30 that has been registered in advance, within a range that includes a certain degree of error. Furthermore, if the delivery destination 30 is located in a high-rise building, the control information transmission unit 120 may also utilize the altitude information generated based on the output of the barometric pressure sensor. For example, the control information transmission unit 120 can determine that arrival information has been acquired when it can further confirm that the altitude information obtained from the barometric pressure sensor and the information indicating the floor (height) where the pre-registered delivery destination 30 is located match within a certain range of error.

[0060] As another example, if a wireless communication device is installed on the exterior of the delivery destination 30, the arrival information used by the control information transmission unit 120 may be information indicating whether wireless communication has been established between the wireless communication device and the aircraft 20. Here, the establishment of wireless communication between the wireless communication device installed on the exterior of the delivery destination 30 and the aircraft 20 means that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. Therefore, the control information transmission unit 120 may acquire information indicating that wireless communication has been established between the wireless communication device installed on the exterior of the delivery destination 30 and the aircraft 20 as the arrival information described above.

[0061] <Method of transmitting control information> When the aircraft 20 that delivers the package arrives at the delivery destination 30, the control information transmission unit 120 generates control information to control the flight operation of the aircraft 20 based on the delivery feasibility information managed for the delivery destination 30, and transmits the control information to the aircraft 20.

[0062] As an example, the control information transmission unit 120 transmits control information to the aircraft 20 via a network (not shown) (for example, a carrier line provided by a telecommunications carrier).

[0063] As another example, if a wireless communication device is provided on the exterior of the delivery destination 30, the control information transmission unit 120 may transmit control information to the aircraft 20 via the wireless communication device, assuming that the aircraft 20 is equipped with a wireless communication module.

[0064] <Flow of delivery by aircraft> Figures 11 to 14 will be used to explain how the aircraft operates. Figures 11 to 14 are diagrams that exemplify the flow of delivery by an aircraft that works in conjunction with the delivery management device in this disclosure.

[0065] First, as shown in Figure 11, the aircraft 20 approaches the delivery destination 30 using the detection results of the onboard sensors (GPS sensor, camera, barometric pressure sensor, etc.) and the communication position mark 330 provided at the delivery destination 30.

[0066] The communication position mark 330 is a mark that indicates a reference point for determining the position (hereinafter also referred to as the "communication position") where the aircraft 20 should remain when communicating with the radio communication device 320. The communication position mark 330 has a predetermined arbitrary design (color, pattern, etc.). In the example shown in this figure, the communication position mark 330 is provided on the surface of the radio communication device 320. Note that the location where the communication position mark 330 is provided is not limited to the example shown in this figure.

[0067] In this scenario, a relatively large propeller and a powerful motor are required for the aircraft 20 delivering the package to ensure stable lift and thrust. Generally, the noise emitted from the aircraft 20 increases in proportion to the size of the propeller and the power of the motor. Therefore, if the aircraft 20 remains close to the delivery destination 30, noise problems (for example, waking a sleeping child) may occur. For this reason, the communication location should be far enough away from the delivery destination 30 that the noise emitted from the aircraft 20 is difficult for people at the delivery destination 30 to hear. For example, as shown in Figure 12, by keeping the aircraft 20 at a certain distance from the delivery destination 30, the noise emitted from the aircraft 20 becomes difficult for people at the delivery destination 30 to hear. The reference value for the distance used to determine the communication location is set to an appropriate value within the range of the communication range according to the wireless communication standard supported by the wireless communication device 320, and is defined within the flight control program of the aircraft 20. For example, the reference value for the distance related to communication location can be set within the range of 70 cm to 10 m. Here, the distance of "70 cm" is the approximate maximum value of the communication range in a common non-contact communication standard (e.g., the international standard ISO 15693). The distance of "10 m" is the approximate maximum value of the communication range in a common short-range wireless communication standard (e.g., Bluetooth®).

[0068] The aircraft 20 determines whether or not it has reached the aforementioned communication location using the detection result of the communication location mark 330. For example, the aircraft 20 analyzes the in-flight images taken by its onboard camera and obtains the position and size of the communication location mark 330 in the images. Then, the aircraft 20 estimates the distance between the aircraft 20 and the communication location mark 330 based on the position and size of the communication location mark 330 in the images. When the estimated distance matches the aforementioned reference value, the aircraft 20 determines that it has reached the communication location.

[0069] Upon determining that it has reached the communication location, the aircraft 20 establishes wireless communication with the wireless communication device 320, as shown in Figure 12. Information indicating that wireless communication has been established between the aircraft 20 and the wireless communication device 320 is transmitted to the control information transmission unit 120 as arrival information indicating that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. Upon receiving the arrival information, the control information transmission unit 120 transmits control information to the aircraft 20 according to the delivery feasibility information of the delivery destination 30. Based on the control information obtained via the wireless communication device 320, the aircraft 20 decides whether to continue delivering the package to the delivery destination 30 or to temporarily postpone the delivery of the package to the delivery destination 30.

[0070] Although not shown in the diagram, if the aircraft 20 can connect to a network such as a carrier line provided by a telecommunications carrier, the control information transmission unit 120 may acquire the aircraft's position information and altitude information via the network. In this case, the control information transmission unit 120 can determine whether the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 based on the aircraft's position information and altitude information. If it is determined that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30, the control information transmission unit 120 may transmit control information to the aircraft 20 via a network (not shown). In this case, the wireless communication device 320 does not need to be installed at the delivery destination 30.

[0071] The delivery availability information for the delivery destination 30 indicates that it is "delivery possible." When control information corresponding to this delivery availability information is obtained, the aircraft 20 delivers the package to the delivery destination 30, as shown in Figure 13. Here, the aircraft 20 identifies the location where the package should be placed based on the detection result of the delivery location mark 340 provided at the delivery destination 30. The delivery location mark 340 is a mark indicating the placement location of the package to be delivered, and has different characteristics (design) from the communication location mark 330. For example, the aircraft 20 analyzes the in-flight images taken by the onboard camera to detect the delivery location mark 340. The aircraft 20 flies using the detection result of the delivery location mark 340 and brings the package close to the location where the delivery location mark 340 is provided. After that, the aircraft 20 releases the arm that is gripping the package and places the package at the location where the delivery location mark 340 is provided.

[0072] Although not shown in the diagram, multiple delivery location markers 340 may be provided at the delivery destination 30. For example, if the delivery destination 30 is a detached house, multiple delivery location markers 340 (multiple delivery locations) may be provided in multiple places such as in front of the entrance, on the balcony, and in the courtyard. In this case, the control information transmission unit 120 is configured to select a preferred delivery location from among the multiple delivery locations and notify the aircraft 20. For example, if the package delivered by the aircraft 20 is an expensive item and therefore at high risk of theft, the control information transmission unit 120 will avoid the delivery location in front of the entrance and select a location that is less likely to be seen by third parties, such as a balcony or courtyard, as the delivery location. Alternatively, for example, the control information transmission unit 120 may select an appropriate delivery location (a delivery location with space greater than or equal to the size of the package) based on the size of the package delivered by the aircraft 20.

[0073] On the other hand, if the delivery status information for destination 30 indicates that delivery is not possible, and control information corresponding to this delivery status information is obtained, the aircraft 20 will temporarily postpone the delivery of the package to destination 30, as shown in Figure 14. For example, if there are no packages to be delivered to other destinations, the aircraft 20 will return to the designated logistics center. If there are packages to be delivered to other destinations, the aircraft 20 will begin moving to those destinations.

[0074] ・Second Embodiment <Example of Functional Configuration> Figure 15 is a diagram showing a second example of the functional configuration of the delivery management device in this disclosure. The delivery management device illustrated in this figure includes an information management unit 110 and a control information transmission unit 120, as well as a notification unit 130.

[0075] The notification unit 130, upon receiving arrival information indicating that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30, checks the operating status of the output device 50 installed at the delivery destination 30. Based on the operating status of the output device 50 installed at the delivery destination 30, the notification unit 130 outputs a predetermined notification to the output device 50 or to a communication device (user device 40) used by a person at the delivery destination 30.

[0076] In the example shown in this figure, the information management unit 110 acquires response information to notifications output by the notification unit 130. The response information indicates whether or not to permit the delivery of the package by the aircraft 20, and is entered by the person at the delivery destination 30. The information management unit 110 acquires the response information, for example, via the output device 50 or user device 40 that outputs the aforementioned notifications. The information management unit 110 is configured to set delivery permission information based on the acquired response information.

[0077] <Example of operation of the delivery management device> Below, an example of the operation of the delivery management device in this disclosure will be explained with reference to Figure 16.

[0078] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure illustrates processing that outputs a predetermined notification and processing that manages delivery feasibility information based on response information to said notification. In this example, a television is used as an example of an output device.

[0079] First, the control information transmission unit 120 monitors whether the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S302). If the aircraft 20 has not arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S302: NO), the control information transmission unit 120 continues monitoring. On the other hand, if the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S302: YES), the control information transmission unit 120 executes the process in step S304. Here, the control information transmission unit 120 can detect that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 based on whether or not it has been able to obtain information (arrival information) indicating that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. This step S302 is the same as the process in S202 in Figure 4.

[0080] When it is determined that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S302: YES), the control information transmission unit 120 notifies the notification unit 130 that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. In response to the notification from the control information transmission unit 120, the notification unit 130 obtains information indicating the operating status of the television at the delivery destination 30 (step S304).

[0081] If the television is able to connect to a network, the notification unit 130 can obtain information indicating the operating status of the television via the network. Alternatively, the notification unit 130 may obtain information indicating the operating status of the television (whether or not the person at the delivery destination 30 is watching the television) by analyzing the video footage from a camera that is filming the location where the television is installed at the delivery destination 30.

[0082] The notification unit 130 determines whether the person at the delivery destination 30 is watching television based on the information indicating the television's operating status obtained in step S304 (step S306). If the person at the delivery destination 30 is not watching television (step S306: NO), the following steps are skipped.

[0083] If the person at the delivery destination 30 is watching television (step S306: YES), the notification unit 130 outputs a predetermined notification to the television or the user device 40 used by the person at the delivery destination 30 (step S308). For example, the notification unit 130 displays a message on the television or the display of the user device 40 asking the person at the delivery destination 30 whether or not to accept the package from the aircraft 20 that has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (whether or not to authorize the delivery of the package by the aircraft 20).

[0084] The information management unit 110 acquires response information to notifications output to the television or user device 40 (step S310). For example, after the person at the delivery destination 30 confirms the notification output to the television or user device 40 in step S308, they input response information to the television or user device 40 indicating whether or not they authorize the delivery of the package by the aircraft 20. The information input here is transmitted to the information management unit 110.

[0085] When the information management unit 110 receives response information input via the television or user device 40, it sets the delivery availability information for the delivery destination 30 based on that response information (step S312). Specifically, if response information indicating permission to deliver the package is received, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery availability information for the delivery destination 30 to "delivery possible". On the other hand, if response information indicating that permission to deliver the package is not received, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery availability information for the delivery destination 30 to "delivery impossible".

[0086] In this way, by confirming with the person at the delivery destination 30 whether or not to authorize the delivery of the package, the package can be delivered at an appropriate time for that person. Furthermore, even if a predetermined notification is not output, control information corresponding to the delivery feasibility information of the delivery destination 30, which is recognized by the output of the sensor 310 installed at the delivery destination 30, is transmitted to the aircraft 20, similar to the embodiment described above. Therefore, the same effects as those described in the embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0087] <Variation> If an appropriate storage environment is specified for the cargo delivered by the aircraft 20, problems may arise if that appropriate storage environment is unavailable. For example, if items requiring refrigeration or freezing are delivered as cargo, and there is no space in the refrigerator or freezer compartment, the items may spoil. The delivery management device may have a configuration that avoids such problems.

[0088] For example, the notification unit 130 may be configured to output a predetermined notification to a person at the delivery destination 30 to confirm whether or not to authorize the delivery of a package if the package delivered by the aircraft 20 is an item that requires refrigeration or freezing. As an example, suppose the package delivered by the aircraft 20 is an item that requires refrigeration or freezing, and the storage status of the refrigerator at the delivery destination 30 meets the criteria. In such a case, the notification unit 130 is configured to notify a communication device located at the delivery destination 30 of the storage status of the refrigerator. Here, the "communication device located at the delivery destination 30" may be the output device 50 (television, etc.) illustrated in Figure 15, or the user device 40.

[0089] In this case as well, the information management unit 110 acquires response information to the notification output by the notification unit 130. The response information is information indicating whether or not to permit the delivery of the package by the aircraft 20, and is entered by the person at the delivery destination 30. The information management unit 110 acquires the response information, for example, via the output device 50 or user device 40 that outputs the aforementioned notification. The information management unit 110 is configured to set delivery permission information based on the acquired response information.

[0090] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the delivery management device in this modified example will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a flowchart of a fourth example of processing performed by the delivery management device in this disclosure. This figure shows another example of processing that manages delivery feasibility information based on response information to a predetermined notification.

[0091] First, the control information transmission unit 120 monitors whether the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S402). If the aircraft 20 has not arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S402: NO), the control information transmission unit 120 continues monitoring. On the other hand, if the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S402: YES), the control information transmission unit 120 executes the process of step S404. Here, the control information transmission unit 120 can detect that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 based on whether or not it has been able to obtain information (arrival information) indicating that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. This step S402 is the same as the process of S302 in Figure 4 and the process of step S302 in Figure 16.

[0092] When it is determined that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30 (step S402: YES), the control information transmission unit 120 notifies the notification unit 130 that the aircraft 20 has arrived at the delivery destination 30. In response to the notification from the control information transmission unit 120, the notification unit 130 obtains information indicating the storage status of the refrigerator located at the delivery destination 30 (step S404). The information indicating the storage status of the refrigerator is generated, for example, by analyzing images from a camera that takes pictures inside the refrigerator. If the refrigerator is connectable to a network, the notification unit 130 can obtain information indicating the storage status of the refrigerator via the network.

[0093] After acquiring information indicating the storage status of the refrigerator, the notification unit 130 outputs a predetermined notification to a television or a user device 40 used by the person at the delivery destination 30 (step S406). For example, the notification unit 130 outputs information indicating the storage status of the refrigerator and a message to the person at the delivery destination 30 to confirm whether or not they will accept the delivered package (a package that requires refrigeration or freezing) to a communication device located at the delivery destination 30 (for example, a television or user device 40).

[0094] The subsequent steps S408 and S410 are the same as steps S310 and S312 in Figure 16, respectively.

[0095] The information management unit 110 acquires response information to notifications output to the television or user device 40 (step S408). For example, the person at the delivery destination 30 checks the notification output to the television or user device 40 in step S308 (a notification including information indicating the storage status of the refrigerator) and considers whether or not to accept the delivered package. After that, the person at the delivery destination 30 inputs response information to the television or user device 40 indicating whether or not to authorize the delivery of the package by the aircraft 20. The information input here is transmitted to the information management unit 110.

[0096] When the information management unit 110 receives response information input via the television or user device 40, it sets the delivery availability information for the delivery destination 30 based on that response information (step S410). Specifically, if response information indicating permission to deliver the package is received, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery availability information for the delivery destination 30 to "delivery possible". On the other hand, if response information indicating that permission to deliver the package is not received, the information management unit 110 sets the delivery availability information for the delivery destination 30 to "delivery impossible".

[0097] In this modified example, the information management unit 110 may be configured to communicate with the refrigerator as needed to collect information indicating the storage status and to automatically set and update delivery feasibility information for packages that require refrigeration or freezing. In this case, the control information transmission unit 120 obtains information indicating the attributes of the package being delivered (refrigerated / frozen, etc.) from the aircraft 20, etc., and transmits control information corresponding to the delivery feasibility information corresponding to those attributes to the aircraft 20. In this modified example, the information management unit 110 may also obtain information indicating the temperature conditions or sunlight conditions of the package delivery location (the location where the delivery location mark 340 is provided) and set the delivery feasibility information. For example, if the temperature or light intensity (light strength) measured at the package delivery location exceeds a predetermined threshold, delivery feasibility information may be set to make the package that requires refrigeration or freezing undeliverable. The temperature threshold is not particularly limited, but it is set to 15°C or less for packages that require refrigeration and 10°C or less for packages that require freezing. The light intensity threshold is not particularly limited, but it is set to 1000 lux or less per unit area.

[0098] According to the configuration of this modified example, a package that requires "refrigeration or freezing" can be received by the recipient at the appropriate time.

[0099] While the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate. Furthermore, various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure are possible, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] Furthermore, while the flowcharts used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in sequence, the execution order of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order in which they are described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that it does not impair the content.

[0101] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: 1. A delivery management device comprising: information management means for setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination using the output of a sensor provided at the delivery destination; and control information transmission means for transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination. 2. The delivery management device according to 1, wherein the control information transmission means transmits the control information to the aircraft via a wireless communication device provided at the delivery destination. 3. The delivery management device according to 1 or 2, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a camera for photographing the interior of the delivery destination, a microphone for collecting sound from inside the delivery destination, and a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided at the delivery destination. 4. The information management means determines whether or not the status of the delivery destination satisfies pre-set conditions based on the output of the sensor, and automatically sets the delivery eligibility information based on the result of the condition determination. A delivery management device according to any one of the above (3) to (4). 5. The information management means determines whether the conditions are met based on each of the multiple outputs obtained from the multiple sensors when the delivery destination is equipped with multiple sensors, and sets information indicating that the package can be delivered as the delivery feasibility information when it is determined that the conditions are met for all of the multiple outputs, according to the delivery feasibility information according to (4). 6. The information management means sets the delivery feasibility information with the condition that a person is present inside the delivery destination when the package is an item that requires refrigeration or freezing, according to the delivery feasibility information according to (4) or (5).7. A delivery management device according to any one of 1 to 6, further comprising notification means that outputs a predetermined notification to the output device or a user device used by a person at the delivery destination based on the operating status of the output device installed at the delivery destination in response to the acquisition of the arrival information, wherein the information management means acquires response information via the output device or the user device indicating whether or not to permit the delivery of the package by the aircraft, and sets the delivery permission information based on the response information. 8. A delivery management device according to any one of 1 to 6, further comprising notification means that, when the package is an item requiring refrigeration or freezing, and the storage status of the refrigerator installed at the delivery destination meets the criteria, notifies a communication device located at the delivery destination of information indicating the storage status in response to the acquisition of the arrival information, wherein the information management means acquires response information via the communication device indicating whether or not to permit the delivery of the package by the aircraft, and sets the delivery permission information based on the response information. 9. A delivery management device according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein the information management means sets the delivery permission information based on user-specified information input via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination. A delivery management device as described in any one of the above (10) to (8). 10. A delivery management method comprising: a computer generating and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination; and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination. 11. A program that causes a computer to perform operations including generating and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination; and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.12. A delivery management device comprising: information management means for setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination; and control information transmission means for transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination. 13. A delivery management method comprising a computer setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the delivery aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination. 14. A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package can be delivered to a destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by the person to whom the package is to be delivered, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft that controls the operation of the aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the destination.

[0102] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 9, which are subordinate to Appendice 1 (delivery management device) described above, may also be subordinate to Appendice 10 (delivery management method) and Appendice 11 (program) in the same way as Appendices 2 to 9. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1, 10, and 11, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, without departing from the embodiments described above. For example, some or all of the configurations described as Appendices 2 to 9 may be subordinate to the delivery management device of Appendice 12, the delivery management method of Appendice 13, and the program of Appendice 14, without departing from the embodiments described above.

[0103] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-008991, filed on 22 January 2025, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0104] 10 Delivery Management Device 1000 Computer 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage Device 1050 Input / Output Interface 1060 Network Interface 110 Information Management Unit 112 Delivery Feasibility Information Storage Unit 120 Control Information Transmission Unit 130 Notification Unit 20 Aircraft 30 Delivery Destination 310 Sensor 320 Wireless Communication Device 330 Communication Location Mark 340 Delivery Location Mark 40 User Device 50 Output Device

Claims

1. A delivery management device comprising: an information management means for setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package can be delivered to a delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination; and a control information transmission means for transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft that controls the operation of the aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.

2. The delivery management device according to claim 1, wherein the control information transmission means transmits the control information to the aircraft via a wireless communication device provided at the delivery destination.

3. The delivery management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a camera for photographing the interior of the delivery destination, a microphone for collecting sound from inside the delivery destination, and a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided at the delivery destination.

4. The delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information management means determines whether the status of the delivery destination satisfies pre-set conditions based on the output of the sensor, and automatically sets the delivery feasibility information based on the result of determining the conditions.

5. The delivery management device according to claim 4, wherein, if a plurality of sensors are installed at the delivery destination, the information management means determines whether the condition is met based on each of the plurality of outputs obtained from the plurality of sensors, and if it is determined that the condition is met for all of the plurality of outputs, it sets information indicating that the package can be delivered as the delivery feasibility information.

6. The delivery management device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the information management means sets the delivery feasibility information on the condition that a person is present inside the delivery destination when the package is an item that requires refrigeration or freezing.

7. A delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising notification means that outputs a predetermined notification to an output device or a user device used by a person at the delivery destination based on the operating status of an output device provided at the delivery destination in response to the acquisition of the arrival information, wherein the information management means acquires response information via the output device or the user device indicating whether or not to permit the delivery of the package by the aircraft, and sets the delivery permission information based on the response information.

8. A delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the package is an item that requires refrigeration or freezing and the storage status of a refrigerator at the delivery destination meets the criteria, the device includes a notification means that notifies a communication device located at the delivery destination of information indicating the storage status in response to the acquisition of the arrival information, the information management means acquires response information via the communication device indicating whether or not to permit the delivery of the package by the aircraft, and sets the delivery permission information based on the response information.

9. The delivery management device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the information management means sets the delivery feasibility information based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by the person at the delivery destination.

10. A delivery management method comprising: a computer generating and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package can be delivered to a delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination; and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft to control the operation of the aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.

11. The delivery management method according to claim 10, further comprising the computer transmitting the control information to the aircraft via a wireless communication device provided at the delivery destination.

12. The delivery management method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a camera for photographing the interior of the delivery destination, a microphone for collecting sound from inside the delivery destination, and a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided at the delivery destination.

13. A delivery management method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising the following: the computer determines, based on the output of the sensor, whether the status of the delivery destination meets pre-set conditions, and automatically sets the delivery feasibility information based on the determination result of the conditions.

14. A recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to perform operations including generating and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package can be delivered to a delivery destination using the output of a sensor installed at the delivery destination, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft that controls the operation of the aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.

15. The recording medium according to claim 14, wherein the operation includes transmitting the control information to the aircraft via a wireless communication device provided at the delivery destination.

16. The recording medium according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a camera for photographing the interior of the delivery destination, a microphone for collecting sound from inside the delivery destination, and a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of a door provided at the delivery destination.

17. The recording medium according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the operation includes determining whether the status of the delivery destination satisfies pre-set conditions based on the output of the sensor, and automatically setting the delivery feasibility information based on the result of determining the conditions.

18. A delivery management device comprising: an information management means for setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination; and a control information transmission means for transmitting control information to a delivery aircraft that controls the operation of the aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination.

19. A delivery management method comprising: a computer setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a delivery destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by a person at the delivery destination; and, upon obtaining arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the delivery destination, transmitting control information to the aircraft to control the operation of the aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the delivery destination.

20. A recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to perform operations including setting and managing delivery eligibility information indicating whether or not a package may be delivered to a destination based on user-specified information entered via a user device used by a person at the destination of the package, and transmitting control information to the delivery aircraft that controls the operation of the aircraft based on the delivery eligibility information of the destination, in response to the acquisition of arrival information indicating that the delivery aircraft has arrived at the destination.

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