Delivery system, delivery method, and program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a delivery system that suppresses redeliveries while considering the privacy of users.　A delivery system according to the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of detecting devices that are respectively installed in a plurality of residences of a housing complex to detect whether or not residents of the residences are present in the residences, and the locations of the residents in the residences; and a control device that determines, on the basis of detection information indicating the detection results of the detection devices, a time period in which the number of residences capable of taking delivery of packages in the housing complex is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, and that outputs delivery time period information indicating the determined time period, wherein, upon receiving delivery destination information indicating the delivery destinations of the packages, the control device determines, on the basis of the delivery destination information and the detection information, a delivery order in which to deliver the packages to the residences indicated by the delivery destination information, and outputs the determined delivery order.

Description

Delivery system, delivery method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a delivery system, a delivery method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absence / presence prediction method for predicting whether a person is present or absent in a predetermined building. This absence / presence prediction method acquires power data of the building at a first time, and acquires learning data obtained by learning, for each predetermined time period, a correspondence relationship between power data of the building before the first time and information indicating whether a person was actually present in the building. Then, the absence / presence prediction method predicts whether or not a person is present in the building based on the power data of the building at the first time and the learning data, generates absence / presence information indicating the prediction result, and outputs the absence / presence information to a predetermined terminal.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an information processing apparatus including a data processing unit that estimates whether a person is at home based on external feature information outside a residence.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-062765

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-086754

[0006] The present disclosure provides a delivery system, a delivery method, and a program that suppress redelivery while considering the user's privacy.

[0007] This specification incorporates the entire content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-048378, filed on March 24, 2025. The delivery system of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of detection devices respectively installed in a plurality of residences of an apartment complex, each detecting whether a resident of the residence is present in the residence and a location of the resident within the residence; and a control device that, based on detection information indicating a detection result of the detection devices, determines a time zone in which the number of residences that can accept delivery of packages in the apartment complex is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, and outputs delivery time zone information indicating the determined time zone; wherein when the control device receives delivery destination information indicating a delivery destination of the package, the control device determines a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, and outputs the determined delivery order.

[0008] The delivery method of this disclosure is a delivery method that causes a processor mounted on a control device to execute the following steps: determine a time period in the apartment building where the number of residences capable of receiving package deliveries exceeds a preset threshold, based on detection information output by detection devices, which are installed in multiple residences of an apartment building and detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the location of the resident within the residence; output delivery time period information indicating the determined time period; and, upon receiving delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package, determine a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information; and output the determined delivery order.

[0009] The program disclosed herein is a program that causes a processor mounted on a control device to execute the following processes: determining a time period in which the number of residences in the apartment complex that can be delivered to a package exceeds a preset threshold, based on detection information output by detection devices, which are installed in multiple residences in the apartment complex and detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the location of the resident within the residence; outputting delivery time period information indicating the determined time period; and, upon receiving delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package, determining a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information; and outputting the determined delivery order.

[0010] The delivery system, delivery method, and program described herein can reduce redelivery while respecting user privacy.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of the delivery system. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management table. Figure 3 shows an example of history information. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the sensing system. Figure 5 is for explaining the sensing of the detection target. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the detection device. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device.

[0012] (Knowledge and other information forming the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived this disclosure, there was a technology that predicted whether a person was in a building based on training data obtained by learning the correspondence between past power data of a building and information indicating whether a person was actually in the building at predetermined time intervals, and output presence / absence information indicating the result of the prediction. There was also a technology that estimated whether or not there was a person inside a building based on the external characteristics of the building. However, when delivering packages to a user's home, if the delivery person does not know whether the user is in a state where they can receive the package even if they are at home, the effect of reducing redeliveries is insufficient. The inventors discovered these problems and came to constitute the subject matter of this disclosure in order to solve these problems. Therefore, this disclosure provides a delivery system, delivery method, and program that can suppress redeliveries while taking into consideration the privacy of the user.

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some descriptions may be omitted to avoid unnecessary detail. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment) This embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0015] [1. Configuration of the Delivery System] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of the delivery system 1. The delivery system 1 includes a detection device 300, a communication device 70, and a control device 80 installed in an apartment building 5, as well as a management server 200 and a terminal device 500. The control device 80 and the management server 200 are connected via a network 3. Although Figure 1 shows one apartment building 5 as an example for simplification of the illustration, there are actually multiple apartment buildings 5 ​​in which the control device 80 is installed. Each control device 80 installed in multiple apartment buildings 5 ​​is connected to the management server 200 via the network 3. The management server 200 is a server managed and operated by, for example, a package delivery company.

[0016] Network 3 includes, for example, public networks such as the Internet, mobile communication networks, and satellite communication networks, as well as various LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks), including Ethernet®. Network 3 may also include dedicated network lines such as IP-VPNs (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Networks).

[0017] Apartment building 5 is a type of housing where multiple residences are separated within a single building, such as an apartment complex, condominium, or townhouse. Figure 1 shows the case where apartment building 5 has N residences, namely residence A, residence B, ..., residence N. N is any natural number.

[0018] The detection device 300 and communication equipment 70 are installed in each dwelling of the apartment building 5. More specifically, the detection device 300 and communication equipment 70 are installed in the dwellings of users registered with the management server 200. The detection device 300 and communication equipment 70 installed in dwelling A will be referred to as detection device 300A and communication equipment 70A. The same will apply to the detection devices 300 and communication equipment 70 installed in dwellings B, ..., N. Furthermore, when referring to detection devices 300A, 300B, ..., 300N collectively, they will be referred to as detection device 300. Similarly, when referring to communication equipment 70A, 70B, ..., 70N collectively, they will be referred to as communication equipment 70.

[0019] Multiple detection devices 300 are installed in each house. Each detection device 300 is installed in a partitioned space such as the living room, kitchen, toilet, and bathroom. This embodiment describes a case where multiple detection devices 300 are installed in a house, but the number of detection devices 300 installed in a house may be just one.

[0020] The detection device 300 detects whether or not there are residents in the residence. Furthermore, if residents are present in the residence, the detection device 300 detects their location within the residence. Since the detection device 300 is installed in each partitioned space, the location of residents within the residence can be detected by including the device identification information of the detection device 300 in the detection signal output by the detection device 300 upon detecting the presence of a person. When the detection device 300 detects the presence of a person, it transmits a first detection signal to the control device 80 via the communication device 70, which includes the device identification information set in the detection device 300 and detection information indicating that the presence of a person has been detected. When the presence of a person is no longer detected, the detection device 300 transmits a second detection signal to the control device 80 via the communication device 70, which includes the device identification information set in the detection device 300 and non-detection information indicating that the presence of a person is no longer detected.

[0021] At least one communication device 70 is installed in each dwelling. The detection device 300 and the communication device 70 constitute a sensing system 100. The communication device 70 is wirelessly connected to multiple detection devices 300, which are installed in multiple locations in each dwelling. The communication device 70 is also connected to the control device 80 by a communication cable 7, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable.

[0022] The control device 80 is connected to communication devices 70 installed in each of the houses A, B, ..., N via communication cables 7. The control device 80 is also connected to the management server 200 via the network 3.

[0023] [2. Configuration of the Control Device] The configuration of the control device 80 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The control device 80 includes a communication interface 81 and a processing unit 83, and is connected to the network 3. Hereinafter, the interface will be abbreviated as I / F.

[0024] The communication interface 81 includes, for example, a communication card such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), and is connected to the communication cable 7 and the network 3, respectively.

[0025] The processing unit 83 is a computer device comprising a processing storage unit 85 and a processing processor 87.

[0026] The processing memory unit 85 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The processing memory unit 85 stores a control program 85A executed by the processing processor 87, a management table 85B, apartment building information 85C, and history information 85D.

[0027] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management table 85B. The configuration of the management table 85B will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The management table 85B is a table for managing the detection devices 300 installed in a residence. Each record in the management table 85B includes device identification information that identifies the detection device 300, residence identification information that identifies the residence in which the detection device 300 is installed, and location information. The location information is, for example, information indicating the location within the residence in which the detection device 300 is installed, such as the living room, kitchen, or bathroom.

[0028] Apartment building information 85C includes map information about common areas within the apartment building, such as the layout of entrance doors, stairwells, elevator lobbies, and the layout of residences on each floor, as well as information such as the address of the apartment building. History information 85D is information that manages whether or not a resident is present in each residence of apartment building 5. Details of history information 85D will be described later with reference to Figure 3.

[0029] The processing unit 83 performs various processes by communicating data with the communication device 70 and the management server 200 through the execution of the control program 85A by the processing processor 87. These various processes include the first process, the second process, the third process, and the fourth process.

[0030] The first process is to determine whether or not there are residents in each dwelling in the apartment building 5. The processing unit 83 determines whether or not there are residents in the dwelling based on the first detection signal or the second detection signal output by the detection device 300.

[0031] The processing unit 83, upon receiving the first detection signal, determines that there is an occupant in the residence where the detection device 300, the source of the first detection signal, is installed. As described above, the first detection signal includes device identification information and detection information indicating that the presence of a person has been detected. By acquiring the device identification information contained in the first detection signal and obtaining residence information corresponding to the acquired device identification information from the management table 85B, it is possible to detect residences where an occupant is present.

[0032] The second detection signal also includes device identification information and non-detection information indicating that the presence of a person is no longer detected. The processing unit 83 acquires the device identification information included in the first detection signal and obtains the residence information corresponding to the acquired device identification information from the management table 85B. When the processing unit 83 receives the second detection signal from all detection devices 300 installed in the residence, it determines that there is no one in the residence.

[0033] The second process is to determine the location of a resident if one is present in the room. More specifically, it is to determine which of the multiple partitioned spaces within the dwelling the resident is in. This second process can be determined based on the first detection signal received from the detection device 300.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of history information 85D. The processing results of the first and second processes are stored in the processing storage unit 85 as history information 85D. The history information 85D includes residence identification information, status information, location information, and date and time information. Residence identification information is information that identifies each residence. Status information is information that indicates whether an inhabitant is present or absent in the residence indicated by the residence identification information. Location information is information that indicates the inhabitant's location within the residence when the inhabitant is present. Date and time information is information that indicates the date and time of detection. For example, if the status information is present and the location information is the living room, the date and time information indicates the date and time when it was detected that the inhabitant was in the living room. Also, if the status information is absent, the date and time information indicates the date and time when it was detected that the inhabitant was not present in the residence.

[0035] The third process is to determine, based on historical information 85D, the time period during which the number of residences that can be served by a delivery person 150 of a delivery company delivers a package to an apartment building 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold. For example, the processing unit 83 calculates the percentage of residents who are in their residences for each day of the week and each predetermined time period, based on the historical information 85D over a predetermined period. This predetermined time period is arbitrary and may be, for example, every hour or every three hours. The processing unit 83 determines the time period during which the value of the calculated percentage for each day of the week and each predetermined time period is equal to or greater than a threshold. The processing unit 83 sends time period information indicating the determined time period to the management server 200. Here, the processing unit 83 may select the time period with the highest percentage of residents who are in their residences and send time period information indicating the selected time period to the management server 200. Alternatively, the processing unit 83 may select multiple time periods during which the value is equal to or greater than a threshold and send time period information indicating the selected time periods to the management server 200.

[0036] Furthermore, as a third process, the processing unit 83 may calculate the number of deliverable residences based on the history information 85D which is the processing result of the first and second processes, and transmit the calculated number of residences to the management server 200.

[0037] The fourth process is to determine the delivery order when delivering packages to residences within the apartment complex 5 based on the received delivery address information. The processing unit 83 receives delivery address information indicating the delivery address of the package from the management server 200. The processing unit 83 determines the delivery order of the packages based on the apartment complex information 85C, the delivery address information, and the history information 85D.

[0038] For example, the processing unit 83 determines the delivery order that minimizes delivery time based on the delivery destination information and the apartment building information 85C. At this time, the processing unit 83 calculates the delivery order so that residences where residents are in the toilet or bathroom and cannot be immediately addressed are delivered later in the delivery order, based on the history information 85D. The processing unit 83 transmits the calculated delivery order information to the management server 200.

[0039] Furthermore, as a fourth process, the processing unit 83 may calculate a delivery end time at which the delivery person 150 completes delivery and the number of residences to which delivery cannot be made because residents are absent, and transmit information on the calculated delivery end time and the calculated number of residences to which delivery cannot be made to the management server 200. The management server 200 transmits the delivery end time and the number of residences to which delivery cannot be made to the terminal device 500 of the delivery person 150. By referring to the delivery end time and the number of residences to which delivery cannot be made, the delivery person 150 can estimate the time required to travel to the next delivery location, which can be useful for occasions such as redelivery of packages.

[0040] [3. Configuration of Management Server] The management server 200 includes a communication I / F 210 and a server control unit 230, and is connected to the network 3.

[0041] The communication I / F 210 includes a communication card such as a NIC, for example, and is connected to the network 3. The communication I / F 210 performs mutual data communication with the control device 80 via the network 3.

[0042] The server control unit 230 is a computer device including a server storage unit 240 and a server processor 250.

[0043] The server storage unit 240 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a ROM, and a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM. The server storage unit 240 also includes an auxiliary storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The server storage unit 240 stores a control program 241 executed by the server processor 250, communication information 243, and a delivery destination information table 245.

[0044] The communication information is communication information of the terminal device 500 possessed by the package delivery person 150. The communication information includes, for example, an IP address. The communication information may also be an email address of the delivery person 150 who possesses the terminal device 500.

[0045] The delivery destination information table 245 is a table in which information such as the address of the delivery destination of parcels delivered by a delivery company that manages this management server 200 is registered. In the delivery destination information table 245, the address and telephone number of the delivery destination, and the personal information of the recipient who receives the parcel are registered for each apartment complex 5.

[0046] The server control unit 230 executes various processes by causing the server processor 250 to execute the control program 241. For example, the server control unit 230 receives time slot information from the control device 80 installed in each apartment complex 5. The server control unit 230 selects a delivery person 150 who delivers a parcel to the corresponding apartment complex 5 based on the received time slot information. The server control unit 230 transmits time slot information indicating the delivery time slot of the apartment complex 5 for which the selected delivery person 150 is in charge of delivery to the terminal device 500 possessed by the delivery person 150.

[0047] When the delivery person 150 moves to the vicinity of the apartment complex 5 that he / she is in charge of delivering to, the delivery person 150 selects the application program installed in the terminal device 500 and causes the terminal device 500 to execute the application program. This application program is an application program that performs mutual data communication with the management server 200. The terminal device 500 activates the application program in accordance with the operation by the delivery person 150, and transmits a pre-delivery start notification including information on the apartment complex 5 to which the parcel is to be delivered and an acquisition request for delivery order information to the management server 200. When the management server 200 receives the pre-delivery start notification from the terminal device 500, the management server 200 transmits delivery destination information for delivering the parcel to the apartment complex 5 to the control device 80.

[0048] When the control device 80 receives the delivery destination information from the management server 200, the control device 80 determines the delivery order of parcels based on apartment complex information 85C, the delivery destination information, and history information 85D, and transmits the determined delivery order information to the management server 200. The management server 200 transmits the received delivery order information to the terminal device 500 of the corresponding delivery person 150.

[0049] [4. Sensing System Configuration] Figure 4 shows the configuration of sensing system 100A installed in residence A. Note that the configurations of sensing systems 100B, ..., 100N installed in the other residences B, ..., N are the same as sensing system 100A, so here we will describe the configuration of sensing system 100A as a representative example.

[0050] The sensing system 100A detects the state of the target object P present in a living space without using sensors, by utilizing multiple electrical equipment placed in the living room within the residence. Hereinafter, the space to which detection by the sensing system 100A is applied will be referred to as the target space 2. The target space 2 may be a closed space surrounded by walls and a ceiling, or it may be a space with open doors, windows, etc.

[0051] The subject space 2 illustrated in Figure 4 is an indoor space enclosed by a floor 21, a ceiling 22, and four walls 23, 24, 25, and 26. An electrical outlet 30, a lighting device 40, and a switch 50 are installed in the subject space 2.

[0052] Furthermore, power lines 15A, 15B, and 15C are drawn into the target space 2 from the distribution board 60. Power lines 15A, 15B, and 15C are, for example, wires laid concealed within the walls of the target space 2, and are power cables such as VVF cables and CV cables. Hereafter, when power lines 15A, 15B, and 15C are not distinguished, they will be referred to as power line 15. The distribution board 60 branches off the service drop line 68, which is connected to the commercial power supply, and connects it to power line 15.

[0053] The lighting device 40 is mounted on the ceiling 22. A ceiling socket 41 is fixed to the ceiling 22, and the lighting device 40 is mounted on the ceiling socket 41. The ceiling socket 41 is connected to the power line 15A, and the lighting device 40 is connected to the power line 15A by being mounted on the ceiling socket 41. The ceiling socket 41 may be of a form called a lighting rosette.

[0054] The switch 50 has a switch body 51 that is connected to the power line 15A. The switch 50 connects and disconnects the power line 15A between the lighting device 40 and the distribution board 60. When the switch 50 is on, power is supplied to the lighting device 40. When the switch 50 is off, the power supply to the lighting device 40 is cut off, and the lighting device 40 turns off.

[0055] Figure 4 shows two outlets 30: a first outlet 30a and a second outlet 30b. The first outlet 30a and the second outlet 30b are outlets (also called sockets) to which load equipment that operates on commercial power can be connected. For example, a single-phase 100V load is connected to the first outlet 30a and the second outlet 30b. The first outlet 30a is connected to the distribution board 60 by power line 15B, and the second outlet 30b is connected to the distribution board 60 by power line 15C.

[0056] The sensing system 100A includes a plurality of electrical equipment supplied with power and a detection control unit 340 that performs detection processing. The plurality of electrical equipment is arranged in the target space 2. The sensing system 100A detects the state of the target object P present in the target space 2 without using sensors, by using any two of the plurality of electrical equipment that have the function of transmitting and receiving radio waves. Hereinafter, the function of transmitting and receiving radio waves will also be referred to as the wireless function.

[0057] In this embodiment, the case in which the electrical equipment equipped with wireless functionality is the first outlet 30a and the second outlet 30b will be described, but it is also possible to use a switch 50 or a lighting device 40 as electrical equipment. Electrical equipment includes components, equipment, machinery, and devices that are connected to commercial power and permanently installed in a building. More specifically, electrical equipment includes switches, outlets, and other power wiring components. Electrical equipment also includes ventilation fans, lighting fixtures, intercoms, and other devices that consume power. Furthermore, electrical equipment includes distribution boards, building energy management devices, and other power control devices.

[0058] The object to be detected P may be either a living or non-living entity. For example, the object to be detected P may include a person, an animal, an autonomously moving robot, and other moving real objects. In the example in Figure 4, the object to be detected P is a person. The sensing system 100A detects at least one of the three-dimensional position, size, shape, posture, and movement of the object to be detected P as its state.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first outlet 30a and the second outlet 30b are located on opposing walls 23 and 25 of the target space 2, respectively. Furthermore, the height H1 from the floor 21 at the installation position of the first outlet 30a and the height H2 from the floor 21 at the installation position of the second outlet 30b are different from each other. Hereafter, when the first outlet 30a and the second outlet 30b are not distinguished, they will be referred to as outlet 30.

[0060] Each of the outlets 30 is configured to transmit and receive radio waves in a predetermined frequency band to each other, and the state of the target P in the target space 2 is detected by analyzing the state of the received radio waves.

[0061] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sensing of the detection target P by the sensing system 100A. Below, we will describe the case in which the first outlet 30a transmits radio waves and the second outlet 30b receives these radio waves. The radio waves transmitted by the first outlet 30a propagate within the target space 2 and reach the second outlet 30b after being reflected once or multiple times by hitting the walls of the target space 2 or the surfaces of real objects such as the detection target P present within the target space 2, or reach the other outlet 30 directly without undergoing any reflection.

[0062] In other words, the second outlet 30b receives a direct wave DW (dashed line in the figure), which is a radio wave transmitted from the first outlet 30a and reaching the second outlet 30b without reflection in the target space 2, and one or more indirect waves IW (dotted lines in the figure), which are radio waves that have arrived after one or more reflections in the target space 2. Although Figure 5 is shown in plan view, the radio wave transmitted from the first outlet 30a can also propagate in the direction of the floor 21 and ceiling 22, generating indirect waves IW.

[0063] Therefore, by analyzing the amplitude and / or phase of the received direct wave DW and indirect wave IW at the second outlet 30b, the three-dimensional position of the first outlet 30a, which is the source of the radio waves, the three-dimensional position of the detection target P present in the target space 2, and the three-dimensional surface shape can be obtained. When the second outlet 30b transmits radio waves and the first outlet 30a receives those radio waves, three-dimensional information of the target space 2 can be obtained at the first outlet 30a in the same manner as described above.

[0064] [5. Configuration of the Detection Device] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the detection device 300A(a) installed in dwelling 10A. The configuration of the detection device 300A(a) will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The first outlet 30a installed in dwelling A is equipped with the detection device 300A(a), and the second outlet 30b installed in dwelling A is equipped with the detection device 300A(b). Since the configurations of the detection device 300A(a) and the detection device 300A(b) are substantially the same, the explanation of the detection device 300A(a) will be given, and the explanation of the detection device 300A(b) will be omitted. Furthermore, since the configurations of the detection devices 300B, ... 300N installed in other dwellings 10B, ... 10N are the same as the configuration of the detection device 300A(a), the explanation of the detection device 300A(a) installed in dwelling A will be given, and the explanation of the configurations of the detection devices 300B, ... 300N installed in other dwellings 10B, ... 10N will be omitted.

[0065] The detection device 300A(a) includes a transmitter 310A(a), a receiver 320A(a), an array antenna 330A(a), and a detection control unit 340A(a).

[0066] The transmitter 310A(a) transmits radio waves of a predetermined frequency band to the target space 2 using the array antenna 330A(a). The receiver 320A(a) receives the radio waves of the predetermined frequency band transmitted to the target space 2 via the array antenna 330A(a). In this embodiment, the radio waves of the predetermined frequency band may be radio waves of the frequency band used in wireless Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark.

[0067] As described above, the array antenna 330A(a) can be configured as a single element in which multiple antenna elements are arranged in a row or in a grid. The antenna elements may be, for example, chip antennas, microstrip antennas, etc. With the array antenna 330A(a), the transmitter 310A(a) can transmit directional radio waves to the target space 2 in various directions. The receiver 320A(a) can receive radio waves from each antenna element of the array antenna 330A(a).

[0068] The detection control unit 340A(a) is a computer comprising a detection storage unit 350A(a) and a detection processor 360A(a) such as a CPU or MPU.

[0069] The detection storage unit 350A(a) stores programs and data. The detection storage unit 350A(a) stores the control program 355A(a). The detection storage unit 350A(a) has a non-volatile storage area. The detection storage unit 350A(a) also has a volatile storage area and constitutes the work area of ​​the detection processor 360A(a). The detection storage unit 350A(a) is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0070] The detection control unit 340A(a) instructs the transmitter 310A(a) to transmit radio waves in one or more directions toward the target space 2 via the array antenna 330A(a). The detection control unit 340A(a) also instructs the receiver 320A(a) to receive radio waves from the array antenna 330A(a). As described above, in this embodiment, the radio waves are radio waves in the frequency band used in wireless Wi-Fi (hereinafter also referred to as Wi-Fi radio waves). The detection control unit 340A(a) may perform Wi-Fi communication using the transmitter 310A(a) and receiver 320A(a) in accordance with the Wi-Fi communication standard.

[0071] Next, the detection control unit 340A(a) acquires radio wave state information, which is information about the state of the radio wave, based on the radio wave received by the receiver 320A(a). The radio wave state information may include, for example, information about the amplitude and / or phase of the radio wave received by each antenna element of the array antenna 330A(a). In this embodiment, the radio wave state information is channel state information (CSI) acquired based on the Wi-Fi radio wave, which is the radio wave received by the receiver 320A(a).

[0072] Next, the detection control unit 340A(a) analyzes the radio waves received by the receiver 320A(a) based on the acquired radio wave state information to estimate the state of the detection target P present in the target space 2. Specifically, the detection control unit 340A(a) analyzes the amplitude and / or phase state of the radio waves received by the receiver 320A(a) based on the radio wave state information to estimate the state of the detection target P present in the target space 2.

[0073] Alternatively, the detection control unit 340A(a) may estimate the state of the detection target P present in the target space 2 using an estimation model that has been trained on the relationship between the acquired radio wave state information and the state of the detection target P present in the target space 2. The machine learning can be performed using, for example, a deep learning method. This makes it possible to detect the state of the detection target P with higher accuracy and ease using an estimation model that has been trained on the relationship between the information-rich radio wave state information and the detailed state of the detection target P.

[0074] The detection control unit 340A(a) may store each acquired radio wave state information data in a time series. The detection control unit 340A(a) may extract the change region in the target space 2 from the time series changes in each data of the radio wave state information and estimate the state of the detection target P in the change region. This allows the detection process to be narrowed down to the change region in the target space 2, thus enabling faster detection.

[0075] The detection control unit 340A(a) may also store in advance, as reference channel information, radio wave state information when no detection target P exists in the target space 2, in the detection storage unit 350A(a), etc. The detection control unit 340A(a) can estimate the state of the detection target P present in the target space 2 using the difference between the current radio wave state information and the reference channel information.

[0076] Alternatively, the arrangement of electrical equipment in the target space 2 may be determined in advance during construction, and the arrangement information of each electrical equipment in the target space 2 may be stored in the detection storage unit 350A(a) beforehand. The detection control unit 340A(a) can use the above arrangement information as additional information to estimate the state of the detection target P. This makes it possible to further improve the detection accuracy regarding the state of the detection target P.

[0077] The estimation result of the state of the detection target P performed by the detection control unit 340A(a), i.e., the detection result, can be used for various purposes in accordance with the prior art. For example, the detection result can be transmitted to the remote control of an air conditioner or other device (not shown) in the target space 2 and used to turn the device on or off or to set its operation. Alternatively, the detection result can be transmitted to a predetermined server on the network 3 for purposes such as security of the house where the target space 2 is located, or monitoring and care for a person living in the target space 2.

[0078] The detection control unit 340A(a) separates and extracts information on the direct wave DW and indirect wave IW contained in the radio waves received by the receiver 320A(a) from the acquired radio wave state information. Based on the separated direct wave DW information, the detection control unit 340A(a) estimates the straight-line distance to the radio wave transmission source from the radio wave intensity of the direct wave DW. The detection control unit 340A(a) also estimates the incidence angles of the direct wave DW and indirect wave IW to the array antenna 330A(a) from information such as the phase of the radio waves received at each antenna element of the array antenna 330A(a). Then, from the estimated straight-line distance and incidence angle, the detection control unit 340A(a) estimates the three-dimensional position of the radio wave transmission source in the target space 2 and the extent of the target space 2. Here, the extent of the target space 2 may be, for example, the three-dimensional position of each wall surface of the target space 2.

[0079] In the sensing system 100A having the above configuration, the state of a target object present in the target space 2 within the building can be detected without using sensors, by using electrical equipment that can be distributed throughout the building. Furthermore, the detection control unit 340A(a) may estimate the state of the target object P by using the estimated three-dimensional position of the radio wave transmission source in the target space 2 and information on the extent of the target space 2 as additional information. This makes it possible to improve the detection accuracy regarding the state of the target object P.

[0080] [6. Operation of the Control Device] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 80. The operation of the control device 80 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 7. First, the processing unit 83 determines whether or not it has received a detection signal from the detection devices 300A to 300N installed in residences A to N, respectively (step S1). This detection signal includes a first detection signal and a second detection signal. If the processing unit 83 has not received a detection signal from the detection devices 300A to 300N (step S1 / NO), it proceeds to the determination in step S4.

[0081] When the processing unit 83 receives a detection signal (step S1 / YES), it performs a first process and a second process based on the received detection signal (step S2), and updates the history information 85D stored in the processing storage unit 85 (step S3).

[0082] If the received detection signal is a first detection signal, the processing unit 83 refers to the history information 85D of the residence 10 where the detection device 300 that transmitted the first detection signal is installed, and determines whether the status information of the residence 10 is absent or absent. If the status information of the residence 10 is absent, the processing unit 83 changes the status information from absent to occupied and obtains the installation location information of the detection device 300 that transmitted the first detection signal from the management table 85B. The processing unit 83 registers the installation location information obtained from the management table 85B as the location information. If the status information of the residence 10 is occupied, the processing unit 83 updates the location information to the installation location information obtained from the management table 85B.

[0083] Furthermore, if the received detection signal is a second detection signal, the processing unit 83 refers to the history information 85D of the residence 10 where the detection device 300 that transmitted the second detection signal is installed, and determines whether or not it has received a second detection signal from all the detection devices 300 installed in this residence 10. If the processing unit 83 receives a second detection signal from all the detection devices 300 installed in the residence 10, it determines that there are no residents in this residence and registers absence as the status information for the residence 10.

[0084] Next, the processing unit 83 determines whether the current time is the execution time of the pre-set third process (step S4). Also, if the processing unit 83 determines in step S1 that it has not received a detection signal (step S1 / NO), it proceeds to the process in step S4.

[0085] The processing unit 83 acquires history information 85D for a predetermined period from the processing storage unit 85 and executes a third process based on the acquired history information 85D (step S5). The processing unit 83 calculates the percentage of residents who are in their homes for each day of the week and predetermined time slot, and determines the time slots in which the calculated percentage is equal to or greater than a threshold. The processing unit 83 transmits time slot information indicating the determined time slots to the management server 200 (step S6).

[0086] Next, the processing unit 83 determines whether or not it has received delivery address information from the management server 200 (step S7). If the processing unit 83 has not received delivery address information (step S7 / NO), it returns to the determination in step S1.

[0087] When the delivery person 150 moves to the apartment building 5, which is the delivery destination, they start an application program installed on the terminal device 500 and operate the application program to send a request to the management server 200 from the terminal device 500 to obtain delivery order information. The management server 200 identifies the delivery person 150 from the identification information of the application program that sent this request and obtains the delivery destination information of the apartment building 5 that the identified delivery person 150 will deliver to. The management server 200 then transmits this information to the control device 80 installed in the apartment building 5 that the delivery person 150 will deliver to.

[0088] When the processing unit 83 receives delivery destination information from the management server 200, it executes a fourth process (step S8). Based on the delivery destination information received from the management server 200, the history information 85D obtained from the processing storage unit 85, and the apartment building information 85C, the processing unit 83 calculates a delivery order for delivering packages to the delivery destinations registered in the delivery destination information. For example, the processing unit 83 generates a delivery order in the second process such that the delivery order for residences where the occupant is in the toilet or bathroom is placed later.

[0089] When the processing unit 83 generates delivery order information, it transmits the generated delivery order information to the management server 200 (step S9). When the management server 200 receives the delivery order information from the control device 80, it transmits the received delivery order information to the terminal device 500 held by the delivery person 150. When the terminal device 500 receives the delivery order information from the management server 200, the delivery person 150 delivers the packages according to the delivery order information displayed on the terminal device 500.

[0090] [7. Effects of the Embodiment] The delivery system 1 of the embodiment comprises a detection device 300 and a control device 80. Multiple detection devices 300 are installed in each of the multiple residences 10 of the apartment building 5, and detect whether or not a resident of a residence 10 is inside the residence 10, and the location of the resident within the residence 10. Based on the detection information indicating the detection results of the detection device 300, the control device 80 determines the time period in the apartment building 5 when the number of residences 10 that can handle package delivery is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, and outputs delivery time period information indicating the determined time period. Furthermore, when the control device 80 receives delivery destination information indicating the destination of a package, it determines the delivery order for delivering packages to the residences 10 indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, and outputs the determined delivery order.Therefore, the information output by the control device 80 consists only of time period information and delivery order, and no personal information of users is output, so redelivery can be suppressed while considering the privacy of users using the delivery system.

[0091] The control device 80 includes a processing storage unit 85 that stores apartment complex information 85C, which includes the arrangement of multiple residences 10 within the apartment complex 5. The control device 80 determines the delivery order based on the apartment complex information 85C, delivery destination information, and detection information. Therefore, the delivery order can be determined based on the user's location within the residence 10 and the arrangement of the residences 10 within the apartment complex 5, thereby improving delivery efficiency and suppressing redeliveries.

[0092] The processing memory unit 85 stores first information indicating whether or not there is a resident in the residence, and second information indicating the resident's location within the residence if there is a resident inside. The control device 80 determines the delivery order such that the delivery order when the resident's location indicated by the second information is the toilet or bathroom comes later than the delivery order when the resident's location indicated by the second information is somewhere other than the toilet or bathroom. Therefore, the occurrence of situations where the resident is in the toilet or bathroom and cannot receive the package can be reduced, and redelivery can be suppressed.

[0093] The control device 80 calculates at least one of the delivery completion time and the number of residences that cannot be delivered, based on the apartment complex information 85C, the delivery destination information, and the detection information. Therefore, the convenience of the delivery person can be improved.

[0094] The detection device 300 outputs detection information at pre-set intervals, and the control device 80 stores the detection information input at each set interval as a detection history in the processing storage unit 85. Based on the detection history, the control device 80 determines the time period in which the number of residences that can be delivered to packages exceeds a pre-set threshold. Therefore, the accuracy of determining the time period in which the number of residences that can be delivered to packages exceeds a pre-set threshold can be improved.

[0095] The control device 80 refers to the detection history over a predetermined period, calculates the time periods for each residence on each day of the week when residents are absent, and determines the time periods when the number of residences available for package delivery exceeds a preset threshold based on the time periods for each residence calculated for each day of the week. Therefore, the accuracy of determining the time periods when the number of residences available for package delivery exceeds a preset threshold can be improved.

[0096] The detection device 300 includes a radio wave sensor, a PIR (Passive Infrared Ray) sensor, or a Wi-Fi sensor as a sensor. Therefore, it can accurately detect whether or not an inhabitant is inside the residence and the inhabitant's location within the residence.

[0097] The control device 80 is installed in the apartment building 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection information from the detection device 300 from being output outside the apartment building 5.

[0098] [8. Other Embodiments] Since each of the embodiments described above is for illustrative purposes of the technology in this disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. For example, in the embodiments described above, the case in which the processing unit 83 of the control device 80 executes the first, second, third, and fourth processes was described, but at least one of these first, second, third, and fourth processes may be executed by the management server 200.

[0099] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment described a case in which residents are detected using wireless Wi-Fi radio waves at the outlet 30, the location of residents within the residence may also be detected using radio wave sensors that use radio waves other than wireless Wi-Fi, or by PIR (Passive Infrared Ray).

[0100] Furthermore, the functional units of the control device 80 and management server 200 shown in Figure 1 represent functional configurations, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each functional unit be implemented individually, and it is certainly possible to have a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiment may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by software may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configuration of other parts of the projector can also be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0101] Furthermore, the processing units in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 are divided according to their main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the control device 80. The present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or named as shown in the flowchart of Figure 7. In addition, the processing of the control device 80 can be further divided into more processing units depending on the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided to include even more processing. Also, the processing order in the flowchart above is not limited to the example shown.

[0102] [9. Addendum] The above description of embodiments discloses the following technology.

[0103] (Technology 1) A delivery system comprising: a detection device installed in multiple residences of an apartment building to detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the location of the resident within the residence; and a control device that, based on the detection information showing the detection results of the detection device, determines a time period in the apartment building when the number of residences capable of receiving a package exceeds a preset threshold, and outputs delivery time period information indicating the determined time period, wherein when the control device receives delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package, it determines a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, and outputs the determined delivery order.

[0104] According to the delivery system of Technology 1, the control device outputs time-of-day information indicating the time period in which the number of residences that can be delivered to a package exceeds a preset threshold, based on detection information showing the detection results of the detection device. Upon receiving delivery destination information, the control device determines the delivery order based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, and outputs the determined delivery order. The information output by the control device consists only of time-of-day information and the delivery order, and no personal information of the user is output, thus making it possible to suppress redeliveries while respecting the user's privacy.

[0105] (Technical 2) The delivery system according to Technical 1, wherein the control device includes a storage unit that stores apartment complex information including the arrangement of the multiple residences within the apartment complex, and the control device determines the delivery order based on the apartment complex information, the delivery destination information, and the detection information.

[0106] According to the delivery system of Technology 2, the control device determines the delivery order based on apartment building information, delivery destination information, and detection information. Therefore, the delivery order can be determined based on the user's location within their residence and the arrangement of residences within the apartment building, thereby improving delivery efficiency and reducing redeliveries.

[0107] (Technical 3) The delivery system according to Technical 2, wherein the storage unit stores first information indicating whether or not there is a resident in the dwelling included in the detection information, and second information indicating the location of the resident within the dwelling if the resident is in the dwelling, and the control device determines the delivery order such that the delivery order when the location of the resident indicated by the second information is a toilet or bathroom comes later than the delivery order when the location of the resident indicated by the second information is a place other than the toilet or bathroom.

[0108] According to the delivery system of Technology 3, the delivery order is determined such that when the resident's location indicated by the second information is a toilet or bathroom, the delivery order is later than when the resident's location indicated by the second information is anywhere other than a toilet or bathroom. This reduces the occurrence of situations where residents are unable to receive packages because they are in the toilet or bathroom, and thus reduces the need for redelivery.

[0109] (Technical 4) The delivery system according to Technical 2, wherein the control device calculates at least one of the delivery completion time and the number of residences to which delivery is not possible, based on the apartment complex information, the delivery destination information, and the detection information.

[0110] According to the delivery system of Technology 4, at least one of the delivery completion time and the number of residences that could not be delivered is calculated. This improves the convenience for delivery personnel.

[0111] (Technical 5) The delivery system according to any one of Technical 1 to 4, wherein the detection device outputs the detection information at pre-set intervals, the control device includes a storage unit that stores the detection information input at each set interval as a detection history, and the control device determines, based on the detection history, the time period in which the number of residences that can be served by the package is equal to or greater than a pre-set threshold.

[0112] According to the delivery system of Technology 5, the detection device outputs detection information at set intervals, which is stored in the memory unit as historical information. The control device then uses this historical information to determine the time period in which the number of residences available for delivery exceeds a predetermined threshold. This improves the accuracy of determining the time period in which the number of residences available for delivery exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0113] (Technical 6) The delivery system according to Technical 5, wherein the control device refers to the detection history over a predetermined period, calculates the time periods for each day of the week when residents are absent for each residence, and determines the time periods in which the number of residences that can be served by packages is equal to or greater than a preset threshold based on the time periods for each day of the week calculated for each residence.

[0114] According to the delivery system of Technology 6, the control device refers to the detection history and calculates the time periods for each residence on each day of the week when residents are absent. Based on the information calculated by the control device, it determines the time periods when the number of residences that can be delivered exceeds a preset threshold. This improves the accuracy of determining the time periods when the number of residences that can be delivered exceeds a preset threshold.

[0115] (Technical 7) The delivery system according to any one of Technical 1 to 6, wherein the detection device comprises a radio wave sensor, a PIR (Passive Infrared Ray) sensor, or a Wi-Fi sensor.

[0116] According to the delivery system of Technology 7, since the detection device includes at least one of a radio wave sensor, a PIR sensor, and a Wi-Fi sensor, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the resident's location within the residence.

[0117] (Technical 8) The control device is a delivery system according to any one of Technical 1 to 7, installed in the apartment building.

[0118] According to the delivery system of Technology 8, the control device is installed in the apartment building. This prevents the detection information from the detection device from being output outside the apartment building.

[0119] (Technical 9) The delivery system according to any one of Technical 1 to 7, wherein the control device is a server device that receives the detection information output by the detection device via a network.

[0120] According to the delivery system of Technology 9, the functions provided by the control unit are implemented by the server unit. Therefore, there is no need to install a control unit in each apartment building, which can reduce the cost of implementing the delivery system.

[0121] (Technical 10) A delivery method in which a processor mounted on a control device is made to execute the following steps: determining a time period in which the number of residences in the apartment complex that can be delivered to a package is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, based on detection information output by detection devices which are installed in multiple residences in the apartment complex and which detect whether or not a resident is inside a residence and the location of the resident inside the residence; outputting delivery time period information indicating the determined time period; receiving delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package, determining a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information; and outputting the determined delivery order.

[0122] According to the processor of technology 10, based on detection information showing the detection results of the detection device, it outputs time zone information indicating the time period in which the number of residences that can be delivered to the package exceeds a preset threshold. Upon receiving delivery destination information, it determines the delivery order based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, and outputs the determined delivery order. The information output by the control device consists only of time zone information and the delivery order, and no personal information of the user is output, thus it is possible to suppress redelivery while respecting the user's privacy.

[0123] (Technical 11) A program that causes a processor mounted on a control device to execute the following processes: determining a time period in the apartment complex where the number of residences capable of receiving package deliveries exceeds a predetermined threshold, based on detection information output by detection devices, which are installed in multiple residences in the apartment complex and detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the location of the resident within the residence; outputting delivery time period information indicating the determined time period; and, upon receiving delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package, determining a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information; and outputting the determined delivery order.

[0124] According to the program of Technology 11, based on detection information showing the detection results of the detection device, time zone information is output indicating the time period in which the number of residences that can be delivered to the package exceeds a preset threshold. Upon receiving delivery destination information, the delivery order is determined based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, and the determined delivery order is output. The information output by the control device consists only of time zone information and the delivery order, and no personal information of the user is output, thus it is possible to suppress redelivery while respecting the user's privacy.

[0125] The delivery system, delivery method, and program described herein can be used by delivery companies for the purpose of delivering packages.

[0126] 1 Delivery system 2 Target space 3 Network 5 Apartment building 7 Communication cable 10 Residence 15, 15A, 15B, 15C Power line 21 Floor 22 Ceiling 23, 24, 25, 26 Wall 30 Outlet 30a First outlet 30b Second outlet 31 Outlet body 32 Terminal 40 Lighting device 41 Ceiling socket 50 Switch 51 Switch body 60 Distribution board 68 Service drop 70 Communication equipment 80 Control device 81 Communication I / F 83 Processing unit 85 Processing memory unit 85A Control program 85B Management table 85C Apartment building information 87 Processing processor 100 Sensing system 150 Delivery person 200 Management server 210 Communication I / F 230 Server control unit 240 Server memory unit 241 Control program 243 Communication information 245 Delivery destination information table 250 Server processor 300 Detection device 301 Outlet block 302 Cover 303 Antenna cover 305 Wire connection part 310 Transmitter 311 Mounting frame 312 Support member 320 Receiver 330 Array antenna 340 Detection control unit 350 Detection storage unit 355 Control program 360 Detection processor 500 Terminal device

Claims

1. A delivery system comprising: a detection device installed in multiple residences of an apartment building to detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the location of the resident within the residence; a control device that, based on the detection information showing the detection results of the detection device, determines a time period in the apartment building when the number of residences capable of receiving a package exceeds a preset threshold, and outputs delivery time period information indicating the determined time period; wherein, upon receiving delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package, the control device determines a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, and outputs the determined delivery order.

2. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a storage unit for storing apartment complex information including the arrangement of the plurality of residences within the apartment complex, and the control device determines the delivery order based on the apartment complex information, the delivery destination information, and the detection information.

3. The delivery system according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores first information indicating whether or not there is a resident in the dwelling included in the detection information, and second information indicating the location of the resident within the dwelling if the resident is in the dwelling, and the control device determines the delivery order such that the delivery order when the location of the resident indicated by the second information is a toilet or bathroom is later than the delivery order when the location of the resident indicated by the second information is a place other than the toilet or bathroom.

4. The delivery system according to claim 2, wherein the control device calculates at least one of the delivery completion time and the number of residences to which delivery is not possible, based on the apartment complex information, the delivery destination information, and the detection information.

5. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device outputs the detection information at pre-set intervals, the control device includes a storage unit that stores the detection information input at each set interval as a detection history, and the control device determines, based on the detection history, the time period in which the number of residences capable of receiving the package exceeds a pre-set threshold.

6. The delivery system according to claim 5, wherein the control device refers to the detection history over a predetermined period and calculates for each residence the time period on each day of the week when the residents are absent, and determines the time period on which the number of residences that can be served by package delivery is equal to or greater than a preset threshold based on the time period on each day of the week calculated for each residence.

7. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device comprises a radio wave sensor, a PIR (Passive Infrared Ray) sensor, or a Wi-Fi sensor.

8. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is installed in the apartment building.

9. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a server device that receives the detection information output by the detection device via a network.

10. A delivery method that causes a processor mounted on a control device to execute: a step of determining a time period in which the number of residences in the apartment building that can be delivered to a package exceeds a preset threshold, based on detection information output by detection devices, which are installed in multiple residences in an apartment building and detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the location of the resident inside the residence; a step of outputting delivery time period information indicating the determined time period; a step of receiving delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package and determining a delivery order for delivering the package to the residence indicated by the delivery destination information based on the delivery destination information and the detection information; and a step of outputting the determined delivery order.

11. A program that causes a processor mounted on a control device to execute the following: a process to determine a time period in which the number of residences in the apartment complex that can be delivered to a package exceeds a predetermined threshold, based on detection information output by detection devices, which are installed in multiple residences in the apartment complex and detect whether or not a resident is inside the residence and the location of the resident inside the residence; a process to output delivery time period information indicating the determined time period; a process to determine a delivery order for delivering packages to the residences indicated by the delivery destination information, based on the delivery destination information and the detection information, upon receiving delivery destination information indicating the destination of the package; and a process to output the determined delivery order.

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