JP7659779B2 - Information processing system, server, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, a server, an information processing method, and a program.

In recent years, autonomously controlled mobile objects, such as flying objects such as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and running objects such as unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), have begun to be used in industry. Patent Document 1 discloses the delivery of deliveries by flying objects.

JP 2021-160887 A

In this type of delivery system, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is assumed that multiple moving objects are the targets of delivery control, but in the demonstration experiment, virtual delivery packages (e.g., daily necessities, food, etc.) are set up within the range that can be loaded onto one moving object, and test delivery flights are made at times when the predetermined route can be flown.

However, in reality, users do not place orders while considering the loading capacity of a single mobile object, but rather usually order the desired amount of desired items at the desired timing, and therefore there is no predictability as to how much will fit into a single mobile object (in other words, how much storage space is remaining in the mobile object's mounting section, etc.). On the other hand, it is known that high delivery efficiency reduces delivery costs (and therefore delivery fees), so loading many packages onto a single mobile object is desirable for both service providers and users. These issues are not limited to mobile objects, but are similar to conventional delivery methods.

The present invention has been made in light of this background, and aims to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that uses storage container type identification information to standardize and manage deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) to make it easier to grasp the overall volume of deliveries and enable efficient storage in a variety of storage spaces.

The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problem is an information processing system that includes a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating the remaining space in a storage space based on storage container type information indicating the type of storage container by volume that stores deliveries to users and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers, and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of a target storage space.

According to the present invention, by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that makes it easy to grasp the overall volume of deliveries and enables efficient storage in various storage spaces.

1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the management server of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal and the worker terminal shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the management server of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of the storage in FIG. 2 . 13 is an example illustrating calculation of a remaining space according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a block diagram showing the structure of a delivery information storage unit in FIG. 5. 1 is a flowchart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described below. An information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration.
[Item 1]
a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing delivery items to a user by volume and reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers;
and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space.
An information processing system comprising:
[Item 2]
The containment vessel type information is made identifiable based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment vessel volume as a reference containment vessel volume by a predetermined number.
2. The information processing system according to item 1,
[Item 3]
The mixed loading object information includes advertising item information,
3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.
[Item 4]
The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase history information of the user.
4. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 3.
[Item 5]
The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase information of the user.
5. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 4.
[Item 6]
The mixed object extraction unit further refers to at least one of purchase history information and purchase request information of other users associated with the user.
6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5.
[Item 7]
The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.
7. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 6.
[Item 8]
The mixed loading target information includes information on desired items indicating items provided by other users.
8. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7.
[Item 9]
a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating a residual space in the storage space based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container that stores delivery items to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating a type of storage container for each volume of one or more storage containers;
and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space.
A server comprising:
[Item 10]
A step of calculating residual space information indicating a residual space in the storage space by a residual space calculation unit based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing delivery items to a user and reference storage space volume information indicating a type of storage container for storing one or more storage containers by volume;
and extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space.
23. An information processing method comprising:
[Item 11]
A step of calculating residual space information indicating a residual space in the storage space by a residual space calculation unit based on storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing deliveries to users by volume and reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space for storing one or more storage containers;
extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space;
A program characterized by:

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, an information system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference symbols and names, and duplicated descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. Furthermore, the features shown in this embodiment are applicable to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

<Configuration>
1, the information processing system in this embodiment includes a management server 1, one or more user terminals 2, and one or more user terminals 2. The management server 1, the user terminals 2, and the worker terminals 3 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example and is not limited thereto.

<Management Server 1>
2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the management server 1. Note that the illustrated configuration is an example, and the management server 1 may have other configurations.

As shown in the figure, the management server 1 is connected to one or more user terminals 2 and one or more worker terminals 3 and constitutes part of the system. The management server 1 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer, or may be logically realized by cloud computing.

The management server 1 includes at least a control unit 10, a memory 11, a storage 12, a transmission/reception unit 13, an input/output unit 14, etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 15.

The control unit 10 is a computing device that controls the operation of the entire management server 1, controls the transmission and reception of data between each element, and performs information processing necessary for application execution and authentication processing. For example, the control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and/or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and executes programs for this system stored in the storage 12 and deployed in the memory 11 to perform various information processing operations.

Memory 11 includes a main memory consisting of a volatile storage device such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory consisting of a non-volatile storage device such as a flash memory or HDD (Hard Disc Drive). Memory 11 is used as a work area for processor 10, and also stores the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) that is executed when management server 1 is started, various setting information, etc.

Storage 12 stores various programs such as application programs. A database that stores data used for each process may be constructed in storage 12.

The transmitter/receiver 13 connects the management server 1 to the network and the blockchain network. The transmitter/receiver 13 may be equipped with a short-range communication interface for Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

The input/output unit 14 includes information input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and output devices such as a display.

Bus 15 is commonly connected to each of the above elements and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

<User Terminal 2, Worker Terminal 3>
The user terminal 2 shown in Fig. 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, PDA, etc., owned by a user, and the user terminal 2 also includes a control unit 20, a memory 21, a storage 22, a transmission/reception unit 23, an input/output unit 24, etc., which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 25. Since the main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the above-mentioned management server 1, detailed explanations of each element will be omitted. In addition, the worker terminal 3 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, PDA, etc., owned by a worker who manages deliveries at a collection point, etc., and since the main functions of each element can be configured in the same way as the above-mentioned user terminal 2, detailed explanations of each element will be omitted.

<Management server functions>
Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating functions implemented in the control unit 10 of the management server 1, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating information stored in the storage 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 of the management server 1 has, as functional units, an information transmission/reception unit 100, a screen information generation unit 110, a data management unit 120, and a delivery management unit 150. The delivery management unit 150 includes a remaining space calculation unit 151 and a mixed loading target extraction unit 152. The storage 12 includes various databases, such as a user information storage unit 121, a delivery item information storage unit 122, a delivery information storage unit 123, and a mixed loading target information storage unit 124.

The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may be, for example, basic information of the user (user's name, username, email address, address, telephone number, etc.), user identification information, external application account information, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, when electronic commerce is conducted on this information processing system or on an external system that transmits or receives related information and cooperates with this information processing system, the user information may include payment information (credit card information, etc.), purchased product information (including purchase cost information), purchase history information, desired product information (so-called favorite registration product information, wish list product information, etc.), regular purchase product information (described later), etc.

The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 122 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, temperature control zone information, top/bottom loading availability information (top loading availability information or bottom loading availability information), scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, etc., but is not limited to these.

The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, delivery item identification information, remaining space information, mixed load item information, and the like, and may also include, but is not limited to, storage container type information, weight information, controlled temperature range information, scheduled delivery time information (scheduled delivery start time information, scheduled delivery end time information, scheduled delivery time zone information), delivery cost information, and the like, which are linked to the delivery item identification information.

The mixed item information stored in the mixed item information storage unit 124 may vary depending on the mixed item being registered, but may include, for example, but is not limited to, mixed item identification information, storage container type information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, top/bottom loading availability information (top loading availability information or bottom loading availability information), etc.

The information transmission/reception unit 100 transmits various information (including requests) to external devices (e.g., user terminal 2, worker terminal 3, etc.) that are directly or indirectly connected to the management server 1 at least via a network, and receives various information (including requests) from external devices.

The screen information generating unit 110 generates screen information to be displayed via the user interface of the user terminal 2 or the worker terminal 3. The screen information may be user interface screen information generated by arranging various images and text based on a predetermined layout rule using, for example, image and text data stored in the storage 12 as material. The screen information generating unit 110 may be a functional unit executed by the control unit 20 by an application (including a web browser) stored in each user terminal 2, etc. That is, information required to generate a user interface screen, such as image data, may be transmitted from the management server 1, and a user interface screen may be generated based on the required information based on a predetermined layout rule by an application on the user terminal 2, etc., and displayed on the user terminal 2. The processing related to the screen information generating unit 110 may also be executed by a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

The data management unit 120 performs data management such as transmitting various information received by the information transmission/reception unit 100 to various functional units and acquiring various information from various functional units. The predetermined processing in the data management unit 120 includes, but is not limited to, various processing such as a residual space calculation processing that calculates the residual space in the storage space based on user delivery information including storage container type information indicating the type of storage container by volume that stores delivery items to the user and reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage containers, a mixed object extraction processing that extracts mixed objects corresponding to the residual space in the storage space, and a delivery information update processing that updates (including additions) delivery mixed object information included in the delivery information.

The shape of the storage container is, for example, a three-dimensional container with a geometric shape, and is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped (including a cube) in consideration of storage in the storage space and stacking. The material of the storage container may be any material, such as paper, plastic, metal, etc., and in particular, cardboard made of paper or cardboard made of plastic is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of production and weight. Here, in the present invention, storage container type information is set so that the type of storage container can be identified for stored items such as deliveries. The containment vessel type may be, for example, a plurality of containment vessel volume types set to be identifiable from one another based on a volume obtained by dividing a predetermined containment space volume as a reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) (for example, a plurality of containment vessel volume types set to be identifiable for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the reference containment space volume by a predetermined number (e.g., an integer) and multiplying the result by a number equal to or smaller than the predetermined number (e.g., 1/3, 2/3, 1, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, etc.), or a plurality of containment vessel volume types set to be identifiable for each containment vessel volume divided by a predetermined number (for example, which may be an integer, and in particular may be the nth power of 2 (n is an integer and may include 0)), but is not limited thereto). More specifically, the volume of the storage vessel may be, for example, when the reference storage space volume is divided by 4 (i.e., 1/4), the volume of the storage vessel may be obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 4, or the volume of the storage vessel may be obtained by dividing two of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by 2.

The reference storage space volume does not have to be the same as the specified storage space volume, but may be substantially the same (approximately the same) volume, and may be a volume subtracted by the amount of excess space (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) required in particular in consideration of the work of storing the container in the storage space, or, if a partition is provided inside the storage container, may be a volume subtracted by the partition (e.g., a few millimeters or centimeters) (or the storage space may be substantially the same volume as the reference storage space volume, but larger by the amount of the partition).

The storage space for storing the user's stored items and/or the storage space that is the target of the reference storage space volume may be any space having a predetermined volume, but is preferably a storage space for receiving stored items. More specifically, it may be, for example, an installation used by the user, such as a storage space for the user, a delivery box with a smart lock installed in an individual home or a delivery box installed in a common area for a condominium (the position of the space may be determined in advance by linking it to information related to the user, or it may be a position where the package is stored by the delivery person by linking it to information related to the user), a shelf, locker, private mailbox, cooler box, etc. that does not involve electrical locking and unlocking control. In addition, the storage space for delivery may be the reference, or it may be a delivery item storage section of a mobile body for delivering packages (such as a mobile body such as a UAV or UGV, especially an autonomously controlled mobile body), a loading platform used by a delivery person for delivery (for example, a truck loading platform, a rear box of a motorcycle, a box cart, a basket cart, etc.), a mobile body such as a delivery bag, etc. Furthermore, the space having a predetermined volume may be a space with fixed lengths in the depth, width, and height directions as described above, but it may also be a space with a volume in which the height length is set virtually for an area with fixed lengths in the depth and width directions, such as a pallet, that is, a space with a volume in which a portion of the length in the depth, width, and height directions is set virtually. However, this is not limited to these. Furthermore, the storage space to be stored and the reference storage space may be the same, or the storage space to be stored may be the size of the reference storage space multiplied by a predetermined number (especially an integer).

The delivery management unit 150 performs information registration such as adding delivery identification information in the delivery information storage unit 123 and associating with user identification information in response to, for example, delivery acceptance processing such as reading an identification code attached to a delivery item (e.g., reading a two-dimensional barcode, RFID tag, NFC, etc.) using a reader (e.g., a reader operated by a worker, a stationary reader, or a reader attached to a work robot (particularly an autonomously controlled work robot)), inputting stored item information about the stored item by a worker, etc., purchasing processing by a user in an e-commerce transaction, and processing to specify a scheduled delivery time.

The residual space calculation unit 151 calculates the residual space (so-called free space) in the target storage space based on the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space storing one or more storage containers and the storage container type information acquired according to the delivery information (i.e., including the storage container type information as delivery item information linked to the delivery information). The residual space is calculated by a known packing calculation algorithm for storing a specified object in a space of a specified volume. Here, the calculation result of the residual space is a volume value that is easy to convert the residual space to the storage container type, particularly when the storage container is specified for each specified volume with respect to the reference storage space volume according to a specified rule as described above, and it may be easy to obtain the residual converted storage container type information by converting the residual space to the storage container type. In particular, when the storage space includes a plurality of storage vessel volume types that are identifiable for each storage vessel volume obtained by dividing any one of the depth, width, or height of the storage space by a predetermined number and multiplying it by a number smaller than the predetermined number, as described above, or when the storage space includes a plurality of storage vessel volume types that are identifiable for each storage vessel volume divided by a predetermined number, the calculation of the remaining space in the storage space becomes easier. In addition, when the storage space is divided by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage vessel types, the delivery information storage unit 123 stores divided area identification information that is identifiable for each area divided by partitions or the like in the target storage space and corresponding storage vessel type information that corresponds to the divided area identification information, linked to the storage space identification information, and the remaining space calculation unit 151 may use the storable divided area identification information as the remaining space information.

Here, a simplified example of calculating the remaining space when the type of containment vessel is specified for each predetermined volume relative to the reference containment space volume will be explained using Figure 6. The containment vessel is exemplified for a number of types of containment vessel volume (e.g., 1/3, 2/3, 1) that are set identifiably for each containment vessel volume obtained by dividing the height by 3 relative to the reference containment space volume and multiplying the result by a number equal to or less than 3.

First, in the storage space linked to the delivery identification information "0001", the user information "U0001" is linked. When a delivery (delivery information "N0001") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") that is one-third of the standard storage space volume is stored here, the delivery is stored in an unused storage space, so the remainder information is updated to "2/3" by subtracting 1/3 from 1, and the remainder conversion storage container type information is updated to indicate two "S033"s and/or one "S066 (storage container type indicating a container that is two-thirds of the standard storage space volume)."

Similarly, when a delivery (delivery information "N0010") stored in a container (storage container type "S033") with a capacity of one-third of the standard storage space is to be further stored, since the delivery (N0001) is to be further stored in the storage space already containing it, the residual information is updated to "1/3" by subtracting 1/3 from 2/3, and the residual equivalent storage container type information is updated to indicate one "S033".

The remaining space can be calculated in this manner, and can be more easily executed if, as shown in the example, any of the depth, width, or height of the storage space is divided by a predetermined number. Note that, as described above, a more advanced calculation of the remaining space is possible using a known packing calculation algorithm, and in this case, the storage positions of the deliveries that have already been stored may also be reorganized.

In addition, in the case where the storage space is divided into divided areas by partitions or the like to correspond to one of the storage container types, rather than being stored in a common area within the storage space corresponding to the delivery as in the above example, the residual space information may be divided area identification information to which no stored items are associated, and the residual equivalent storage container type information may be corresponding storage container type information to which no stored items are associated. Note that the position of the partition may be movable, and the corresponding storage container type information may be changeable (e.g., changing from two "S033"s to "S066", or vice versa), and instead of or in addition to one corresponding storage container type information to which each divided area identification information corresponds (e.g., "S066"), multiple corresponding storage container type information (two "S033") may be associated.

Next, an example of information (particularly remaining space information) stored in the delivery information storage unit 123 will be shown using FIG. 7. First, in the delivery identification information "0001," the linked delivery item information is "N0001," the user information is "U0001," and one storage container type information "S025" indicating a container type that is one-quarter of the reference storage space volume is stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "3/4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S075" indicating a container type that is three-quarters of the reference storage space volume).

Next, in the delivery identification information "0002," the linked delivery information is "N0002," the user information is "U0011," and one storage container type information "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume, is stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "1/2" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S050," which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume).

Next, in the delivery identification information "0003," the linked delivery item information is "N0003," the user information is "U0005," and one storage container type information "S100" is stored, which indicates a container type that is approximately the same as the reference storage space volume. Therefore, the remaining space information is calculated as "0" (i.e., there is no free space).

Next, in the delivery identification information "0004," the linked delivery item information is "N0004," the user information is "U0003," and the storage container type information shows that one of the above-mentioned "S025" (for example, the top/bottom loading possibility information indicates that top loading is strictly prohibited) and one "S050" are stored, so the remaining space information is calculated as "1/4" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S025," which indicates a container type that is one-quarter of the standard storage space volume).

Finally, in the case of the delivery identification information "0005" and "0006", the linked delivery information is "N0005" and "N0006", the user information is "U0009", and it is shown that one "S100" and one "S050" are stored as the storage container type information, and therefore the remaining space information is calculated as "0" and "1/2". In this case, it can be said that the effective remaining space for the current delivery to the user with user information "U0009" is "1/2" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S050", which indicates a container type that is half the standard storage space volume).

In this way, the remaining space calculation unit 151 can calculate the remaining space in the target storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers, and storage container type information indicating the type of storage container that stores deliveries to users. In particular, by setting identification information that can be identified for each storage container volume obtained by dividing a predetermined number by a predetermined storage space volume as the reference storage space volume as the storage container type information, it becomes possible to efficiently store deliveries in the storage space like a puzzle, and the remaining space volume can be clarified as the remaining converted storage container type information. Using this, it becomes possible to extract mixed items to be mixed in the remaining space. This will be described in detail below.

The mixed load target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed load target information indicating mixed load targets that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. More specifically, the mixed load target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed load target information indicating mixed load targets that can be stored, for example, based on remaining space information (particularly, remaining equivalent storage vessel type information) corresponding to the remaining space of the target storage space. In other words, compared with the storage vessel type corresponding to the remaining space, mixed load target information corresponding to a storage vessel type with a volume equal to or less than that indicated by the storage vessel type is extracted. A plurality of types of containment vessels corresponding to the remaining space may be selectable, and for example, the remaining space calculation unit 151 may calculate combination information of the types of containment vessels corresponding to the remaining space, and extract mixed object information of the containment vessel type corresponding to the combination information (for example, a combination in which two mixed objects of containment vessel type 1/4 can be stored for a remaining space 1/2, a combination in which one mixed object of containment vessel type 1/4 and two mixed objects of containment vessel type 1/8 can be stored, a combination in which four mixed objects of containment vessel type 1/8 can be stored, etc.). The mixed object information may be presented (particularly, list information) via an application on the user terminal 2, for example, or may be presented (particularly, list information) via an application on the worker terminal 3. When the worker selects the mixed object information, the selected mixed object information may be transmitted from the data management unit 120 to the user terminal 2, and a permission confirmation process for the mixed object information may be executed on the user's application, and when the data management unit 120 receives information indicating permission, the information may be confirmed as the mixed object information for delivery. Furthermore, for example, when two or more mixed objects can be selected using combination information, if a storage container type that cannot be stored is determined according to the storage container type of the selected product (for example, a volume larger than the storage container type 1/8 cannot be selected because three mixed objects of storage container type 1/8 are selected with respect to the remaining space 1/2, or a volume larger than the storage container type 1/6 cannot be selected because a mixed object of storage container type 1/3 is selected), a process of making the mixed object information corresponding to the storage container type that cannot be stored unselectable (for example, graying out to restrict the selection operation, not displaying in the list information, etc.) may be executed. The mixed object may be various objects, and examples are given below.

<Example 1 of mixed load items>
The mixed loading target information may include advertising item information linked to the user's own user identification information or the other user identification information, which indicates advertising items provided to the user (also referred to as the "own user" when distinguishing from the "other user") or the other user. That is, the mixed loading target extraction unit 152 extracts advertising item information indicating advertising items that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed loading target information based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the advertising item information and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The advertising item information may include, for example, advertising item identification information, advertising item size information (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, vertical loading availability information, advertising type (samples, paper advertisements (flyers, leaflets, etc.), etc.), advertising item category information (food, beverages, alcoholic beverages, sweets, household goods, cosmetics, etc.), converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from the advertising item size information and stored when extracting the mixed loading target information), advertiser information, etc.

Here, the other user is a user corresponding to the other user identification information associated with the user's own user identification information. The other user identification information may be, for example, the identification information of a cohabiting user set as a family member or partner, or the identification information of a proxy user set by the user as a proxy receiving user. In this example, for this association, for example, a process of registering the other user's identification information may be executed on the user's own application, and/or a process of selecting whether or not to permit association with the user's identification information may be executed on the other user's application.

In this example, the mixed target extraction unit 152 may, for example, randomly extract advertising item information to be mixed from advertising item information including converted storage container type information that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed target information, or the user or operator may select and set the advertising item category information and advertiser information to be extracted on the application. In addition, if purchase history information linked to the user's own information or other user information is available for reference, the purchase history information may be referenced to at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of previously purchased products, and one or more pieces of advertising item information including the corresponding advertising item category information and advertiser information may be extracted as mixed targets.

In addition, when the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 is able to refer to purchase-requested product information linked to the user information of the user or another user instead of the purchase history information, the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 may refer to at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of the purchase-requested product information.

In this way, by extracting advertising item information while taking into account the remaining space left over in the storage space at the time of delivery, it becomes possible to select advertising items taking into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether the item fits within the standard storage space volume). Also, by referring to the purchase history information of the user or other users, it becomes possible to obtain more accurate advertising effectiveness.

<Example 2 of mixed load items>
The mixed object information may include regular purchase product information linked to the user's own identification information or other user identification information, which indicates regular purchase products that the user's own user or other users have registered in advance in association with each identification information. That is, the mixed object extraction unit 152 extracts regular purchase product information indicating regular purchase products that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed object information based on the converted storage container type information corresponding to the regular purchase product information linked to the user's own identification information or other user identification information and the remaining space information (particularly the remaining converted storage container type information). The regular purchase product information may include, for example, product identification information, product size (depth, width, height), weight information, management temperature zone information, vertical loading availability information, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from the product size and stored when extracting the mixed object information), scheduled regular delivery delivery date information (for example, what day of each month regular delivery, etc.).

In this example, the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152, for example, references scheduled regular delivery date information, and extracts as mixed-loading target information regular purchased products whose scheduled regular delivery date is within a specified period of the scheduled delivery date of the user's delivery item (for example, arriving at the nearest collection point within one week of the scheduled delivery date). The user or worker selects one or more regular purchased products to be delivered together in this delivery from the list of regular purchased product information presented on the application, taking into consideration the remaining space. The selected regular purchased products are held for delivery at a collection point or the like, and are stored in a storage space in conjunction with the delivery of the purchased product and delivered together. The period for which the regular purchased product is held for delivery (i.e., the specified period of time relative to the scheduled delivery date of the purchased product) may be set by the user associated with the target regular purchased product information.

In this way, by extracting regular purchase product information while taking into account the remaining space in the storage space at the time of delivery, it becomes possible to deliver regular purchase products at a time that takes into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether or not the product fits within the standard storage space volume).

<Example 3 of mixed load items>
The mixed object information may include information on desired items linked to other user identification information, which indicates items that other users wish to provide to a designated user or a desired user. That is, the mixed object extraction unit 152 extracts, as mixed object information, information on desired items that can be stored in the remaining space, based on converted storage container type information corresponding to the desired item information linked to the other user identification information and the remaining space information (particularly, the remaining converted storage container type information). The desired item information may include, for example, provided item identification information, provided item size, weight information, management temperature zone information, information on whether or not it can be loaded up and down, converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance, or may be converted from the provided item size and stored when the mixed object information is extracted), provided item registration date information, and the like, and may be registered as mixed object information by other users. The desired item may be, for example, a gift (present) for a specified recipient, or a donation or a share item for which no recipient is specified.

In this example, the mixed load target extraction unit 152 presents, in the form of a list or the like, on the user terminal or worker terminal, the desired product information (associated with the user identification information and/or open information not associated with specific identification information) indicating the converted storage container type information that can be stored in the remaining space. The user or worker selects one or more desired product information to be delivered together in this delivery from the list of desired product information presented on the application, taking into consideration the remaining space.

In this way, by extracting information on items requested by other users while taking into account the remaining space in the storage space at the time of delivery, it becomes possible to deliver items requested by other users at a timing that takes into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether the items will fit within the standard storage space volume).

The mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 may extract at least one of the mixed-loading targets in the above examples, for example. For example, the types of targets that can be mixed may be set in advance on the system, or the user may be able to display and select the targets that he or she wishes to mix. Alternatively, the user may set information about the targets that he or she wishes to mix as user information in advance, and the targets may be automatically extracted based on the settings. Alternatively, as exemplified in FIG. 8, when viewing the mixed-loading target list information, the objects to be viewed may be selected by sorting or rearranging.

<Processing flow>
The flow of processing of the information processing method executed by the information processing system of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of processing of the information processing system of Fig. 1 .

Here, the user or worker provided by this information processing system accesses the management server 1 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and when using the service for the first time, they may log in by performing a user registration process, or if they have already obtained an account, they may be able to use the service by logging in after undergoing a specified authentication, such as entering an ID and password. Note that instead of an account, a unique application ID associated with an application downloaded to the user terminal 2 or worker terminal 3 may be used as user identification information (ID) to make the service available. After this login authentication, use of the service begins via an application (including a web browser) or the like.

First, in this example, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new delivery identification information and delivery identification information in response to delivery acceptance processing, such as reading an identification code attached to a delivery by a reader, and registers the delivery information and delivery information (S101).

Next, the residual space calculation unit 151 calculates the residual space information in the target storage space based on the reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers and the storage container type information acquired according to the delivery information (i.e., including the storage container type information as delivery item information linked to the delivery information), and executes an update of the corresponding delivery information (S102). In particular, if the residual space information is residual converted storage container type information that converts the residual space into a storage container type, the comparison described below will be easier.

If it is determined in step S102 that there is insufficient remaining space (for example, there is no remaining space to accommodate a storage container of the smallest storage container type (particularly the smallest converted storage container type for the objects that can be extracted as mixed load objects in step S104)), this flow is terminated. After that, if the delivery item has already been stored in a storage container that corresponds to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is, and if it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of a storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item, etc., and then stored in the storage space, and delivered to the user.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that there is sufficient remaining space (for example, there is at least enough remaining space to accommodate a storage container of the smallest storage container type), the mixed-loading target extraction unit 152 extracts mixed-loading target information indicating mixed-loading targets that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space (S104). More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, for example, the mixed-loading target display areas 1010, 1011, etc. of the mixed-loading target information are displayed in a list on the user's or worker's application, and the mixed-loading target information is determined in response to a mixed-loading target selection operation via the mixed-loading target display area 1010, etc. of the mixed-loading target list information, the determined mixed-loading target information is transmitted to the management server 1, and the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) updates (including adds) the delivery mixed-loading target information included in the delivery information. Alternatively, instead of presenting it as a list of mixed-loading objects, a predetermined number of mixed-loading objects extracted by the mixed-loading object extraction unit 152 may be presented as options on a user's or worker's application by referring to user information such as the user's purchase history information, or by referring to information on desired mixed-loading objects previously set by the user, and the mixed-loading objects may be determined by having the user or worker select the mixed-loading objects, or a predetermined number of mixed-loading objects extracted by the mixed-loading object extraction unit 152 may be presented as a mixed-loading confirmation notice on a user's or worker's application by having the user or worker select whether or not to mix the mixed-loading objects, and the mixed-loading objects to be mixed in the user's delivery may be determined by the system from among the storable mixed-loading objects extracted by the mixed-loading object extraction unit 152, without the intervention of a user operation or an operator operation, and depending on the determination, the determined mixed-loading object information is sent to the management server 1, as described above, and the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) updates (including adds) the delivery mixed-loading object information included in the delivery information. In addition, even if the mixed loading object information is selected on the worker's application, the mixed loading confirmation notice may be presented to the user to select whether or not to mix the items, and the delivery mixed loading object may be determined. In addition, when the delivery mixed loading object is determined on the user's application or on this system, the delivery mixed loading object information may be displayed on the worker's terminal 3 so that the worker can check it during storage work. Furthermore, based on the delivery mixed loading object information, storage work equipment (storage work robot, storage work arm, storage work movable platform, etc.) for storing the delivery items may be autonomously controlled to remove the delivery mixed loading object from the delivery item management space (e.g., a shelf, etc.) and store it in the storage space.

Furthermore, the product list display of the mixed object may be appropriately set by the user using a mixed object display information setting unit such as a display target specification unit 1040 (e.g., checkbox or pull-down format) that selects which type of mixed object to display and a display order specification unit 1050 that selects which type of mixed object to display preferentially. Here, "display with priority" means, for example, that the display order is set early, and more specifically, in the case of vertical scrolling, it may be displayed at the top of the display area, or when advancing the provided product information displayed in order by swiping, etc., it may be displayed at the beginning. In addition, the selection operation in the mixed object display area 1010, etc. of the mixed object list information may be the mixed object selection operation, or the mixed object selection operation may be possible in the mixed object detailed information screen that is displayed after selecting the mixed object display area 1010, etc., or it is not limited to these.

In particular, when performing a payment process for the delivery fee after step S104, if the mixed object information is advertising item information, in consideration of the nature of advertising, at least a part or all of the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be reduced and the payment process may proceed, and/or a predetermined benefit (for example, a refund process or a point grant process) may be given to the user. The system may execute a billing process to the advertiser for the reduced amount or the amount of the benefit. In addition, if the mixed object information is information on an item (particularly a gift) desired by another user who has specified the user, the delivery fee indicated by the delivery fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (for example, divided into two) to the other user at a predetermined ratio, and the delivery fee information after apportionment may be linked to each other and stored, and each user may perform the payment process, or the delivery fee information for one delivery linked to the user may be linked to the other user and stored, and the payment process may be performed by the other user.

After that, if the delivery item has already been stored in a storage container that corresponds to this system, it is stored in the storage space as is. If it has not yet been stored, it is stored in a storage container of a storage container type calculated by the data management unit 120 based on the volume information of the delivery item, and then stored in the storage space. Furthermore, the selected mixed items are stored in the remaining space of the storage space, and the delivery item is then delivered to the user.

As described above, by standardizing and managing deliveries (e.g., cargo such as luggage) using storage container type identification information, it is possible to provide an information processing system, server, information processing method, and program that makes it easier to grasp the overall volume of deliveries and enables efficient storage in a variety of storage spaces.

The above-described embodiment is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents.

1 Management server 2 User terminal

Claims (9)

a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store deliveries to users;
a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space,
The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.
An information processing system comprising: The mixed loading object information includes advertising item information,
2. The information processing system according to claim 1 . The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase history information of the user.
3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to purchase information of the user.
4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system. The mixed object extraction unit further refers to at least one of purchase history information and purchase request information of other users associated with the user.
5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is a data processing system. The mixed loading target information includes information on desired items indicating items provided by other users.
6. An information processing system according to claim 1, wherein: a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space that stores one or more storage containers that store deliveries to users;
a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of a target storage space,
The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.
A server comprising: A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space for storing one or more storage containers for storing deliveries to users;
extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space;
The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.
23. An information processing method comprising: A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in a storage space for storing one or more storage containers for storing deliveries to users;
extracting, by a mixed object extraction unit, mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in a remaining space of the target storage space;
The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.
A program characterized by:

Images