JP7600880B2 - Server, distribution system and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a server, a delivery system, and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses technology for a stationary parcel receiving box that can store multiple parcels in sequence, rationally, safely and securely, and prevents unauthorized removal and tampering.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-94153

In Patent Document 1, when a user deposits a parcel in a parcel receiving box, when the user wishes to collect the parcel again, the user must return to the location where the parcel receiving box is installed and collect the parcel. For this reason, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration what to do if the user is unable to return to the location where the parcel receiving box is installed, resulting in a problem of lack of convenience.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a server, delivery system, and program that provide high convenience.

The server according to the present disclosure includes a processor configured to acquire the current location of a first delivery unit including a first cart containing one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and a first drive unit that can be freely connected to the first cart and tow the first cart to travel autonomously, and a pickup location for the piece of luggage designated by the user, and to cause the first drive unit to tow the first cart to move to the pickup location based on the current location and the pickup location.

The delivery system according to the present disclosure also includes a first delivery unit having a first cart that contains one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user, and a first drive unit that can be freely connected to the first cart and tow the first cart to travel autonomously, and a server having a processor configured to control the destination of the first delivery unit, and the processor acquires the current position of the first delivery unit and a pickup location for the luggage designated by the user, and causes the first drive unit to pull the first cart to move to the pickup location based on the current position and the pickup location.

The program according to the present disclosure also causes a processor to acquire the current position of a first delivery unit including a first cart containing one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and a first drive unit that can be freely connected to the first cart and tow the first cart to travel autonomously, and a pickup location for the piece of luggage designated by the user, and to cause the first drive unit to tow the first cart to move to the pickup location based on the current position and the pickup location.

This disclosure has the effect of reducing unnecessary deliveries.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a delivery unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the drive unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the cart according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a communication terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of a process executed by a server according to an embodiment.

The drive unit, cart, delivery unit, delivery system, program, and delivery method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[Outline of the delivery system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a delivery system according to one embodiment. The delivery system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of autonomously travelling drive units 2 ₁ to 2 _n (n=an integer of 3 or more) (hereinafter, when referring to any of the plurality of drive units 2 ₁ to 2 _n , it will be simply referred to as "drive unit 2"); a plurality of carts 3 ₁ to 3 _m (m=an integer of 3 or more) that can be moved by being towed by the drive units 2 (hereinafter, when referring to any of the plurality of carts 3 ₁ to 3 _m , it will be simply referred to as "cart 3"); a plurality of delivery units 4 ₁ to 4 _i (i=an integer of 3 or more) including the drive units 2 and carts 3 (hereinafter, when referring to any of the plurality of delivery units 4 ₁ to 4 _i , it will be simply referred to as "delivery unit 4"); a communication terminal 5 held by a user; and a server 6 that manages each part of the delivery system 1. The drive units 2, carts 3, communication terminals 5, and server 6 all have communication functions and are configured to be able to communicate with each other through a network NW. This network NW is composed of, for example, an Internet network, a mobile phone network, and the like.

[Outline of delivery unit configuration]
First, a description will be given of a schematic configuration of the delivery unit 4. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the delivery unit 4. The delivery unit 4 includes a drive unit 2 and a cart 3.

In the following, when explaining the arrangement of each component of the delivery unit 4, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are used. The front-rear direction is the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The left-right direction is the lateral direction of the trolley 3 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trolley 3. The up-down direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the trolley 3, and coincides with the height direction of the trolley 3. When the delivery unit 4 is placed horizontally, the front-rear direction and left-right direction are horizontal, and the up-down direction is vertical.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 2 is generally cylindrical, and drive wheels 20 are driven by driving force supplied from a drive mechanism such as a motor. The drive unit 2 also travels autonomously based on the detection results of various sensors, which will be described later. The drive unit 2 is also freely connectable to a trolley 3, and connects to the trolley 3 to move by towing the trolley 3. The drive unit 2 connects to the trolley 3 specified by the server 6 according to instruction information and a travel route input from the server 6, and tows and moves the connected trolley 3 to a receiving location specified by the server 6.

2, the trolley 3 includes a main body 30 having an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and a sorting mechanism 31. The main body 30 of the trolley 3 can be connected to the drive unit 2, and is towed by the drive unit 2 to move. The main body 30 has a space D1 capable of accommodating luggage 100, and this space D1 accommodates multiple luggage 100 or a rack 41 (Rack) or chest (Chest) in which multiple luggage 100 is accommodated. The sorting mechanism 31 also has a delivery port 311 having an openable and closable shutter 311a. The sorting mechanism 31 accepts luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility such as a micro-palette through the delivery port 311. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the cargo 100 received at the delivery port 311 in three axial directions (front-back, left-right, and up-down) relative to the surface on which the main body 30 is placed, and transports it to a specified location within the space D1 or to a position within a specified rack 41.

In the delivery unit 4 configured in this manner, the drive unit 2 connects to the trolley 3 specified by the server 6, and tows and moves the connected trolley 3 to the specified receiving location. After that, when the server 6 inputs instruction information to the drive unit 2 to tow another trolley 3 after the delivery unit 4 arrives at the receiving location, the drive unit 2 disconnects from the trolley 3 and moves to the location specified by the server 6.

[Functional configuration of the drive unit]
Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the drive unit 2. The drive unit 2 shown in Fig. 3 includes a drive section 21, a sensor group 22, an illumination section 23, a battery 24, a connection section 25, a communication section 26, a memory section 27, a display section 28, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 29.

The drive unit 21 is composed of a motor, gears, etc. Under the control of the ECU 29, the drive unit 21 supplies driving force to the drive wheels 20 (see Figure 2) of the drive unit 2 based on the power supplied from the battery 24.

The sensor group 22 is composed of a sensor for realizing automatic driving, an imaging device for imaging the surroundings including the traveling direction of the drive unit 2, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor for detecting the position information of the drive unit 2, and a sensor for detecting the remaining charge of the battery 24. Specifically, the sensor group 22 is composed of 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is composed of an imaging device including an optical system for imaging the surroundings of the drive unit 2 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that generates image data by receiving a subject image formed by the optical system. Furthermore, the sensor group 22 is composed of a tester and a temperature sensor that detect the remaining charge (SOC), temperature, SOH (State of Health), voltage value, and current value of the battery 24. The sensor group 22 outputs various detection results to the ECU 29.

The lighting unit 23 is provided in an annular shape so as to follow the shape of the left and right drive wheels 20 of the drive unit 2 (see FIG. 2 for example). The lighting unit 23 emits light in a predetermined wavelength band under the control of the ECU 29. The lighting unit 23 is configured using an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source. The lighting unit 23 functions as one or more of a lighting fixture, a turn signal, and a hazard lamp by emitting light in a predetermined wavelength band, for example, red, blue, green, orange, etc. under the control of the ECU 29. Furthermore, the lighting unit 23 can emit light of different wavelengths for each predetermined area along the shape of the drive wheels 20 under the control of the ECU 29.

Battery 24 is configured using a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Battery 24 stores high-voltage DC power for driving drive unit 21. Battery 24 can be electrically connected to a charging device (not shown) via a charging port (not shown), and is charged with external power supplied from this charging device.

The coupling unit 25 connects to the bogie 3 under the control of the ECU 29. Specifically, the coupling unit 25 is connected to a connection unit provided on the bogie 3, which will be described later, to couple to the bogie 3. The coupling unit 25 is configured using, for example, a single-axis coupler or a dual-axis coupler. Note that the coupling unit 25 may also be configured using, for example, an electromagnet, etc., as long as it can be connected to the bogie 3.

Under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 transmits various data to the server 6 through the network NW and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 29, the communication unit 26 obtains instruction information including towing information for towing a specified trolley 3 from the server 6, the stopping position of the trolley 3, and information on the towing destination of the trolley 3, and outputs the obtained instruction information to the ECU 29. The communication unit 26 is configured using a communication module capable of transmitting and receiving various information, etc.

The memory unit 27 stores various information related to the drive unit 2. The memory unit 27 stores the CAN data of the drive unit 2 input from the ECU 29, various programs executed by the ECU 29, etc. The memory unit 27 is configured using a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory unit 27 also has a program memory unit 271 executed by the drive unit 2, and a drive unit information memory unit 272 that stores drive unit information that identifies the drive unit 2. Here, the drive unit information includes identification information (e.g., a unit ID) that identifies the drive unit 2, the vehicle model of the drive unit 2, the remaining battery power, the load capacity that can be towed, etc.

The display unit 28 displays images, videos, and text information under the control of the ECU 29. The display unit 28 is configured using a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

The ECU 29 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 29 controls each part of the drive unit 2. For example, the ECU 29 uses the detection results of the sensor group 22, etc. to control the drive unit 21 to autonomously drive the drive unit 2 toward a receiving location according to instruction information input from the server 6. The ECU 29 also determines whether the trolley 3 meets a predetermined condition based on the status information of the trolley 3, and if the trolley 3 meets the predetermined condition, moves to the installation location where the trolley 3 is installed, connects with the trolley 3, and then tows and moves the trolley 3. In one embodiment, the ECU 29 functions as a processor.

[Functional configuration of the trolley]
Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the dolly 3. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the dolly 3. Note that, hereinafter, the functional configuration will be described in the case where a dolly is used as the dolly 3.

The trolley 3 shown in FIG. 4 includes a sorting mechanism 31, an acquisition unit 32, a connection unit 33, a communication unit 34, a sensor group 35, a battery 36, a memory unit 37, a temperature adjustment mechanism 38, and an ECU 39.

The sorting mechanism 31 is movable in three axial directions relative to the surface on which the main body 30 is placed, and receives luggage 100 from a user or a small logistics mobility vehicle through the delivery port 311 under the control of the ECU 39. Furthermore, the sorting mechanism 31 transports the received luggage 100 to a rack 41 (described later) or the like housed within the space D1 of the main body 30. The detailed configurations of the sorting mechanism 31 and the rack 41 will be described later.

The acquisition unit 32 acquires the luggage information attached to the luggage 100 and outputs the acquired luggage information to the ECU 39. Here, the luggage information is a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)), or an IC tag that stores information such as the sender, delivery address, and recipient. The acquisition unit 32 is configured using a reader capable of reading one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, or IC tags, such as an imaging device or an IC tag reader.

The connection part 33 can be connected to the coupling part 25 of the drive unit 2, and is connected to the coupling part 25 of the drive unit 2 under the control of the ECU 39.

Under the control of the ECU 39, the communication unit 34 transmits various data, such as luggage information and location information, to the server 6 through the network NW, and receives various data from the server 6. For example, under the control of the ECU 39, the communication unit 34 acquires luggage information of the luggage 100 input from the server 6, and outputs the acquired luggage information to the ECU 39. The communication unit 34 is configured using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

The sensor group 35 is composed of various sensors for enabling the vehicle to travel when towed by the drive unit 2, an imaging device for capturing images of the surroundings including the direction of travel of the cart 3, a GPS sensor for detecting the position information of the cart 3, and a sensor for detecting the remaining charge of the battery 36. Specifically, the sensor group 35 is composed of 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc.

The battery 36 is configured using a fuel cell and a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The battery 36 outputs power to drive the cart 3. For example, the battery 36 generates power using hydrogen supplied from an FC tank (not shown).

The memory unit 37 stores various information related to the trolley 3. The memory unit 37 stores the CAN data of the trolley 3 input from the ECU 39, various programs executed by the ECU 39, and the like. The memory unit 37 is configured using DRAM, ROM, flash memory, HDD, SSD, and the like. The memory unit 37 also has a program memory unit 371 executed by the trolley 3, and a trolley memory unit 372 that stores trolley information. Here, the trolley information includes identification information (e.g., trolley ID) that identifies the trolley 3, the type of the trolley 3 (e.g., trolley, trash can, vending machine, wheelchair, container, trailer, and camper), the weight of the trolley 3, the load capacity that the trolley 3 can carry, the shape of the trolley 3, and the use of the trolley 3 (e.g., delivery or store), etc.

The temperature adjustment mechanism 38 adjusts the temperature of the luggage 100 under the control of the ECU 39. The temperature adjustment mechanism 38 is configured using, for example, a heat pipe or a Peltier element.

The ECU 39 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU. The ECU 39 controls each part that constitutes the bogie 3.

[Functional configuration of communication terminal]
Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the communication terminal 5. FIG.

The communication terminal 5 shown in FIG. 5 includes a first communication unit 51, a second communication unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, a position acquisition unit 55, an imaging unit 56, a third communication unit 57, a memory unit 58, and a terminal control unit 59.

The first communication unit 51 receives various information from the trolley 3 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received information to the terminal control unit 59. The first communication unit 51 is configured using a communication module capable of, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like.

The second communication unit 52 receives various information from the trolley 3 or the server 6 under the control of the terminal control unit 59, and outputs the received information to the terminal control unit 59. The second communication unit 52 is configured using a communication module capable of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and the like.

The display unit 53 displays various information under the control of the terminal control unit 59. The display unit 53 is configured using a display panel such as a liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL) panel.

The input unit 54 receives input of various operations by the user and outputs signals corresponding to the received operations to the terminal control unit 59. The input unit 54 is configured using a touch panel, switches, buttons, etc.

The position acquisition unit 55 acquires the position of the communication terminal 5 and outputs the acquired position to the terminal control unit 59. The position acquisition unit 55 is realized using a GPS sensor or the like.

Under the control of the terminal control unit 59, the imaging unit 56 generates image data by capturing an image of a subject, and outputs this image data to the terminal control unit 59. The imaging unit 56 is realized using one or more optical systems and a CCD or CMOS image sensor that generates image data by capturing an image of a subject formed by the optical system.

Under the control of the terminal control unit 59, the third communication unit 57 communicates with the server 6 via the network NW and outputs to the server 6 the package information regarding the package 100 set by the user via the input unit 54. The third communication unit 57 is configured using a communication module capable of implementing communication standards via mobile phone lines, such as the 4th generation mobile communication system (4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication System)) and the 5th generation mobile communication system (5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System)).

The storage unit 58 stores various information related to the communication terminal 5 and various programs executed by the communication terminal 5. The storage unit 58 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an SSD, a memory card, etc.

The terminal control unit 59 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU. The terminal control unit 59 controls each part of the communication terminal 5.

[Server Functional Configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of the server 6 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 6. The server 6 shown in Fig. 6 includes a communication unit 61, an input unit 62, a display unit 63, a storage unit 64, a delivery unit information database 65 (hereinafter referred to as "delivery unit information DB 65"), a fee information database 66 (hereinafter referred to as "fee information DB 66"), a parcel information database 67 (hereinafter referred to as "parcel information DB 67"), a user information database 68 (hereinafter referred to as "user information DB 68"), and a server control unit 69.

Under the control of the server control unit 69, the communication unit 61 communicates with the drive unit 2, the cart 3, and the communication terminal 5 via the network NW. The communication unit 61 is configured using a communication module, etc.

The input unit 62 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 62 accepts input of operations by an operator and outputs operation information corresponding to the accepted operations to the server control unit 69.

The display unit 63 is configured using an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, etc. The display unit 63 displays various information under the control of the server control unit 69.

The storage unit 64 stores various information related to the server 6. The storage unit 64 also has a program storage unit 641 that stores various programs executed by the server 6. The storage unit 64 is realized using a DRAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an SSD, an HDD, a memory card, etc.

The delivery unit information DB65 stores delivery unit information that associates the identification information, location information, battery information, and drive unit status information of each of the multiple drive units 2 and multiple carts 3. Here, the delivery unit status information is whether or not there is a current task, for example, whether or not the drive unit 2 is towing the cart 3, the destination of the drive unit 2, whether or not it is moving toward a receiving location, whether or not it is lit as a light, etc. The delivery unit information DB65 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The fee information DB 66 stores fee information based on the distance traveled by the delivery unit 4, the time the parcel 100 was deposited, the type of parcel 100, the weight of the parcel 100, and the size of the parcel 100. The fee information DB 66 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The luggage information DB67 stores luggage information that associates information indicating whether or not the luggage 100 is permitted to be shared, the type (e.g., frozen food, fresh vegetables, fragile items), weight, size, the user's name information, and the user's contact information. The luggage information DB67 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The user information DB68 stores user information that associates the user's name information, the user's contact information, package information of the package 100 that the user has left with the delivery unit 4, and the user's schedule information. The schedule information includes the date and time of the user's visit, the date and time of the user's accommodation, the address, working hours at the workplace, etc. The user information DB68 is configured using a HDD, SSD, etc.

The server control unit 69 is configured using a memory and a processor having hardware such as a CPU, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The server control unit 69 controls each unit that configures the server 6. The server control unit 69 also acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the parcel 100 has been deposited by the user and the pickup location for the parcel 100 designated by the user, and causes the drive unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 to pull the cart 3 to move it to the pickup location based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the pickup location for the parcel 100 designated by the user. In one embodiment, the server control unit 69 functions as a processor.

[Server processing]
Next, the process executed by the server 6 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process executed by the server 6. In the following, the delivery unit 4 where the user deposits the package 100 will be referred to as delivery unit ₄₁ (first delivery unit), and the delivery unit 4 that shares the package 100 (described later) will be referred to as delivery unit ₄₂ (second delivery unit).

7, the server control unit 69 judges whether the cart 3 ₁ of the delivery unit 4 ₁ has received the parcel 100 from the user (step S101). If the server control unit 69 judges that the cart 3 ₁ of the delivery unit 4 ₁ has received the parcel 100 from the user (step S101: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S102, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 judges that the cart 3 ₁ of the delivery unit 4 ₁ has not received the parcel 100 from the user (step S101: No), the server 6 ends this process.

In step S102, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location of the delivery unit ₄₁ where the user has deposited the parcel 100, the parcel information on the parcel 100, the receiving location designated by the user to receive the parcel 100, the scheduled receiving time of the parcel 100 at the receiving location, and the destination of the other delivery unit _42. Specifically, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location detected by the sensor group 35 of the delivery unit ₄₁ where the user has deposited the parcel 100, and the parcel information on the parcel 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 32, via the communication unit 61. Furthermore, the server control unit 69 acquires the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user and the scheduled receiving time of the parcel 100 at the receiving location, which are input to the input unit 54 of the communication terminal 5, via the communication unit 61. Furthermore, the server control unit 69 acquires the destination of the other delivery unit ₄₂ located within a predetermined area (for example, within 1 km x 1 km) from the current location of the delivery unit ₄₁ , via the communication unit 61. The server control unit 69 may obtain from the delivery unit information DB 65 the destinations of other delivery units ₄₂ located within a predetermined area (for example, within 1 km x 1 km) from the current location of the delivery unit ₄₁ .

Next, the server control unit 69 judges whether the parcel 100 that the user has deposited in the delivery unit 4 ₁ can be shared with the dolly 3 ₂ of the delivery unit 4 ₂ based on the receiving location designated by the user, the parcel information of the parcel 100, and the destination of the delivery unit 4 ₂ (step S103). Specifically, the server control unit 69 judges whether the parcel information contains permission information permitting the sharing of the parcel 100, and if the permission information permitting the sharing of the parcel 100 is contained, judges whether the receiving location designated by the user and the destination of the delivery unit 4 ₂ are the same. If the server control unit 69 judges that the parcel information of the parcel 100 contains permission information permitting the sharing of the parcel ₁₀₀ and that the receiving location designated by the user and the destination of the delivery unit 4 ₂ are the same, it judges that the parcel 100 that the user has deposited in the delivery unit 4 1 can be shared with the dolly _{3 2} of the delivery unit 4 ₂ . If the server control unit 69 determines that the package 100 that the user has left with the delivery unit 4 ₁ can be shared with the dolly 3 ₂ of the delivery unit 4 ₂ (step S103: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S104, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 determines that the package 100 that the user has left with the delivery unit 4 ₁ cannot be shared with the dolly 3 ₂ of the delivery unit 4 ₂ (step S103: No), the server 6 proceeds to step S105, which will be described later.

In step S104, the server control unit 69 controls the sorting mechanism 31 (first sorting mechanism) of the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the sorting mechanism 31 (second sorting mechanism) of the delivery unit 4 ₂ via the communication unit 61 to transport the parcel 100 that the user has deposited in the delivery unit 4 ₁ to the delivery unit 4 _{2. As a result, the parcel 100 that the user has deposited in the delivery unit 4 1 is} delivered to the receiving location designated by the user together with other parcels 100 in the delivery unit 4 _2. After step S104, the server 6 proceeds to step S105, which will be described later.

Next, the server control unit 69 moves the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ via the communication unit 61 toward the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user (step S105). In this case, the server control unit 69 outputs instruction information to the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ to move toward the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user. In this case, the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ moves toward the receiving location of the parcel 100 designated by the user according to the instruction information input from the server 6. Furthermore, the server control unit 69 outputs instruction information to the dolly 3 ₁ of the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the dolly 3 ₂ of the delivery unit 4 ₂ to adjust the temperature of the parcel 100 based on the parcel information of the parcel 100 deposited by the user. For example, based on the luggage information of the luggage 100 deposited by the user, if the luggage 100 is fresh vegetables or frozen food, the server control unit 69 outputs instruction information to the cart _3-1 of the delivery unit _4-1 or the cart _3-2 of the delivery unit _4-2 to cool the luggage 100. In this case, the ECU 39 of each of the delivery units _4-1 and _4-2 controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 38 according to the instruction information input from the server 6 to cool the luggage 100.

Then, the server control unit 69 judges whether or not change information to change the pickup location or scheduled pickup time of the package 100 has been input from the user's communication terminal 5 via the communication unit 61. If the server control unit 69 judges that change information to change the pickup location of the package 100 has been input from the user's communication terminal 5 (step S106: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S107, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 judges that change information to change the pickup location of the package 100 has not been input from the user's communication terminal 5 (step S106: No), the server 6 proceeds to step S109, which will be described later.

In step S107, the server control unit 69 changes the destination and scheduled receipt time of the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₁ based on the change information. Specifically, the server control unit 69 outputs destination change information, which changes the receipt location or scheduled receipt time changed by the user, to the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 _{1 via the communication unit 61} .

Next, the server control unit 69 determines whether the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ has arrived at the receiving location designated by the user based on the position information detected by the sensor group 22 of the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the sensor group ₂₂ of the delivery unit 4 1 (step S108). If the server control unit 69 determines that the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ has arrived at the receiving location designated by the user (step S108: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S109, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 determines that the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ has not arrived at the receiving location designated by the user (step S108: No), the server 6 returns to step S106.

In step S109, the server control unit 69 determines whether or not the user has received the package 100 from the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ at the receiving location via the communication unit 61. If the server control unit 69 determines that the user has received the package 100 from the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ at the receiving location (step S109: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S113, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 determines that the user has not received the package 100 from the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ at the receiving location (step S109: No), the server 6 proceeds to step S110, which will be described later.

In step S110, the server control unit 69 judges whether or not a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has passed since the scheduled receipt time of the parcel 100 after the delivery unit 4 ₁ or delivery unit 4 ₂ arrives at the user's receipt location. If the server control unit 69 judges that the predetermined time has passed since the scheduled receipt time of the parcel 100 (step S110: Yes), the server 6 proceeds to step S111, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the server control unit 69 judges that the predetermined time has not passed since the scheduled collection time of the parcel 100 (step S110: No), the server 6 returns to step S109.

In step S111, the server control unit 69 obtains the user's schedule information from the user information DB 68.

Next, the server control unit 69, via the communication unit 61, instructs the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ to move to the user's destination and deliver the luggage 100 (step S112). Specifically, the server control unit 69 delivers the luggage 100 deposited by the user by moving the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the delivery unit 4 ₂ to the user's destination, such as a hotel or tourist spot, based on the user's schedule information, and delivers the luggage 100 deposited by the user. This makes it possible to prevent the user from forgetting to pick up the luggage 100 and to improve convenience. After step S112, the server 6 proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the server control unit 69 calculates the fee to be charged to the user. Specifically, the server control unit 69 calculates the fee to be charged to the user based on the fee information stored in the fee information DB 66, the distance based on the location where the user deposited the baggage 100 and the pick-up location, and the time from the deposit time of the baggage 100 to the pick-up time of the baggage 100. In this case, if multiplier is applied to the baggage 100, the server control unit 69 calculates the amount obtained by multiplying the calculated fee by a coefficient corresponding to the multiplier as the fee to be ultimately charged to the user.

Then, the server control unit 69 outputs the fee calculated in step S111 to the user's communication terminal 5 via the communication unit 61 (step S114). After step S114, the server 6 ends this process.

According to the embodiment described above, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the package 100 has been deposited by the user and the pickup location for the package 100 designated by the user, and causes the drive unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 to pull the cart 3 to move it to the pickup location based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the pickup location for the package 100 designated by the user. This provides high convenience to the user.

According to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires the scheduled receipt time of the parcel 100 at the user's receiving location, and moves the parcel 100 to the drive unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 so that it arrives at the scheduled receipt time. This allows the user to receive the parcel 100 that was left with the delivery unit 4 at the receiving location at the scheduled receipt time.

According to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires the destination of the delivery unit 4 ₂ and baggage information including at least whether or not the user's baggage 100 is permitted to be shared, and if the user's baggage 100 is permitted to be shared and the receiving location is the same as the destination of the delivery unit 4 ₂ , the sorting mechanism 31 is controlled to transport the user's baggage 100 from the cart 3 ₁ of the delivery unit 4 ₁ to the cart 3 ₂ of the delivery unit 4 ₂ , and the drive unit 2 ₂ of the delivery unit 4 ₂ tows the cart 3 ₂ to move it to the receiving location. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary deliveries.

According to one embodiment, when the server control unit 69 receives change information from a user to change the receiving location, the driving unit 2 ₁ of the delivery unit 4 ₁ or the driving unit 2 ₂ of the delivery unit 4 ₂ is moved to the new receiving location based on the change information. This allows the user to receive the package 100 at the new location even if the receiving location is changed for various reasons.

According to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 calculates the fee to be charged to the user based on the location where the user deposits the package 100 on the cart 3 of the delivery unit 4, the pickup location, the deposit time when the user deposits the package 100 on the cart 3, and the pickup time when the user receives the package 100 at the pickup location, and outputs this fee to the communication terminal 5 owned by the user. This allows the fee to be charged to the user.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires luggage information regarding the luggage 100 deposited by the user, and adjusts the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism 38 based on this luggage information. This allows the luggage 100 to be deposited at the delivery unit 4 regardless of the type of luggage 100.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, if the parcel 100 is not received within a predetermined time after the delivery unit 4 arrives at the receiving location, the server control unit 69 acquires the user's schedule information and moves the delivery unit 4 to the destination the user is visiting based on the schedule information. This ensures that the parcel 100 is delivered even if the user forgets to receive the parcel 100.

In one embodiment, the server control unit 69 acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the parcel 100 has been deposited by the user and the location of receipt of the parcel 100 designated by the user, and causes the drive unit 2 of the delivery unit 4 to tow the cart 3 to move to the location of receipt based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the location of receipt of the parcel 100 designated by the user. However, this is not limited to this, and the ECU 29 of the drive unit 2 may perform this, for example. In this case, the ECU 29 of the drive unit 2 acquires the current location of the delivery unit 4 where the parcel 100 has been deposited by the user and the location of receipt of the parcel 100 designated by the user via the server 6, and then tows the cart 3 to move to the location of receipt based on the current location of the delivery unit 4 and the location of receipt of the parcel 100 designated by the user. As a result, the user can obtain high convenience.

Other Embodiments
In addition, in one embodiment, the above-mentioned "unit" can be read as a "circuit" etc. For example, a control unit can be read as a control circuit.

The program executed by the delivery system of one embodiment is provided as file data in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), USB medium, or flash memory.

The program executed by the delivery system of one embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network.

Note that in the explanation of the flowcharts in this specification, the order of processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue." However, the order of processing required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed as long as there are no contradictions.

Further advantages and modifications may be readily derived by those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Reference Signs List 1 Delivery system 2 Drive unit 3 Cart 4 Delivery unit 5 Communication terminal 6 Server 61 Communication unit 62 Input unit 63 Display unit 64 Storage unit 65 Delivery unit information DB
66 Fee information DB
67 Baggage information DB
68 User information DB
69 Server control unit NW Network

Claims (15)

Acquire a current location of a first delivery unit including a first cart containing one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and a first drive unit that is connectable to the first cart and capable of autonomously traveling by towing the first cart, and a receiving location of the pieces of luggage designated by the user;
a processor configured to cause the first drive unit to tow the first dolly to the receiving location based on the current location and the receiving location ;
The first carriage includes:
A first sorting mechanism capable of sorting luggage is provided,
The processor,
Acquire the destination of a second delivery unit including a second cart that stores luggage different from the luggage deposited by the user and has a second sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage, and a second drive unit that is freely connectable to the second cart and can tow the second cart to travel autonomously, and luggage information including at least whether or not the luggage deposited by the user is permitted to be shared;
When sharing of the baggage deposited by the user is permitted and the receiving location is the same as the destination, control the first sorting mechanism and the second sorting mechanism to transport the baggage deposited by the user from the first cart to the second cart;
causing the second drive unit to pull the second cart to move to the receiving location;
server. 2. The server of claim 1 ,
The processor,
when change information for changing the receiving location is acquired from the user, the first driving unit is moved to the changed receiving location based on the change information;
server. 3. The server according to claim 1 ,
The processor,
Calculate a fee to be charged to the user based on a location where the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, the pick-up location, a deposit time when the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, and a pick-up time when the user received the baggage at the pick-up location;
outputting the fee to a communication terminal owned by the user;
server. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The first carriage includes:
The baggage storage device further includes a temperature adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature of the baggage stored therein;
The processor,
Acquire baggage information regarding baggage entrusted by the user;
adjusting the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism based on the luggage information;
server. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The processor,
If the parcel is not received within a predetermined time after the first delivery unit arrives at the receiving location, schedule information of the user is acquired;
moving the first drive unit to a destination to be visited by the user based on the schedule information;
server. A first delivery unit including: a first cart that stores one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and has a first sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage ; and a first drive unit that is connectable to the first cart and can autonomously travel by towing the first cart;
A second delivery unit including: a second cart having a second sorting mechanism capable of storing luggage different from the luggage deposited by the user and sorting the luggage; and a second drive unit that is freely connectable to the second cart and capable of autonomously traveling by pulling the second cart;
A server having a processor configured to acquire a current location of the first delivery unit and a receiving location of the package designated by the user, and to cause the first drive unit to pull the first dolly and move it to the receiving location based on the current location and the receiving location ;
Equipped with
The processor,
Obtaining a destination of the second delivery unit and baggage information including at least whether or not the baggage entrusted by the user is permitted to be shared;
When sharing of the baggage deposited by the user is permitted and the receiving location is the same as the destination, control the first sorting mechanism and the second sorting mechanism to transport the baggage deposited by the user from the first cart to the second cart;
causing the second drive unit to pull the second cart to move to the receiving location;
Delivery system. 7. The delivery system of claim 6 ,
The processor,
when change information for changing the receiving location is acquired from the user, the first driving unit is moved to the changed receiving location based on the change information;
Delivery system. A delivery system according to claim 6 or 7 ,
The processor,
Calculate a fee to be charged to the user based on a location where the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, the pick-up location, a deposit time when the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, and a pick-up time when the user received the baggage at the pick-up location;
outputting the fee to a communication terminal owned by the user;
Delivery system. A delivery system according to any one of claims 6 to 8 ,
The first carriage includes:
The baggage storage device further includes a temperature adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature of the baggage stored therein;
The processor,
Acquire baggage information regarding baggage entrusted by the user;
adjusting the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism based on the luggage information;
Delivery system. A delivery system according to any one of claims 6 to 9 ,
The processor,
If the parcel is not received within a predetermined time after the first delivery unit arrives at the receiving location, schedule information of the user is acquired;
moving the first drive unit to a destination to be visited by the user based on the schedule information;
Delivery system. The processor:
Acquire a current location of a first delivery unit including a first cart that accommodates one or more pieces of luggage entrusted by a user and has a first sorting mechanism capable of sorting the pieces of luggage , and a first drive unit that is connectable to the first cart and can tow the first cart to travel autonomously, and a receiving location of the pieces of luggage designated by the user;
causing the first drive unit to pull the first cart to move it to the receiving location based on the current location and the receiving location ;
Acquire the destination of a second delivery unit including a second cart that stores luggage different from the luggage deposited by the user and has a second sorting mechanism capable of sorting the luggage, and a second drive unit that is freely connectable to the second cart and can tow the second cart to travel autonomously, and luggage information including at least whether or not the luggage deposited by the user is permitted to be shared;
When sharing of the baggage deposited by the user is permitted and the receiving location is the same as the destination, control the first sorting mechanism and the second sorting mechanism to transport the baggage deposited by the user from the first cart to the second cart;
causing the second drive unit to pull the second cart to move to the receiving location;
A program to make that happen. The program according to claim 11 ,
The processor,
when change information for changing the receiving location is acquired from the user, the first driving unit is moved to the changed receiving location based on the change information;
A program to make that happen. The program according to claim 11 or 12 ,
The processor,
Calculate a fee to be charged to the user based on a location where the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, the pick-up location, a deposit time when the user deposited the baggage on the first cart, and a pick-up time when the user received the baggage at the pick-up location;
outputting the fee to a communication terminal owned by the user;
A program to make that happen. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13 ,
The first carriage includes:
The baggage storage device further includes a temperature adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the temperature of the baggage stored therein;
The processor,
Acquire baggage information regarding baggage entrusted by the user;
adjusting the temperature by the temperature adjustment mechanism based on the luggage information;
A program to make that happen. The program according to any one of claims 11 to 14,
The processor,
If the parcel is not received within a predetermined time after the first delivery unit arrives at the receiving location, schedule information of the user is acquired;
moving the first drive unit to a destination to be visited by the user based on the schedule information;
A program to make that happen.

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