JP7713686B2 - 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.

Technologies related to online electronic commerce (EC) sites such as online shopping and online electronic commerce on EC applications have been provided. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an EC site management device that extracts recommended products by considering multiple perspectives such as customer attributes, access logs, and related product information, and presents them to customers.

JP 2008-282132 A

The technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is said to be able to display customer-specific product information that takes into account various perspectives on a user terminal, but does not take into account perspectives related to delivery.

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. In this context, experimental operation of an information processing system that delivers items (cargo) such as goods ordered by users on EC sites and the like using mobile objects has begun. In such an information processing system, although it is assumed that multiple mobile objects are the targets of delivery control, since this is an experimental operation, virtual delivery items (e.g., daily necessities, food, etc.) are set within the range that can be loaded onto one mobile object. However, in reality, users do not place orders while being conscious of the load capacity of one mobile object, and usually order the desired amount of the desired item at the desired time, so there is no predictability as to whether the items will fit into one mobile object.

On the other hand, high delivery efficiency reduces delivery costs (and therefore delivery fees), so loading many packages onto one mobile vehicle is desirable for both service providers and users. However, as mentioned above, considering the variation in package sizes, it is difficult to determine how much space is remaining on the mobile vehicle, so operation with high loading efficiency is desirable.

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 including a storage container type setting unit that sets storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume of the storage container for storing the purchased product of the user based on purchased product information selected by the user, a residual space calculation unit that calculates residual space information indicating the remaining space in the storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of a storage space that stores one or more of the storage containers and the set storage container type information, and a mixed object extraction unit that extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the 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 a hardware configuration of the user terminal of 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 . 4 is an example of a display screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is an example illustrating calculation of a remaining space according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 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. 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 storage container type setting unit that sets storage container type information indicating a type of a storage container for storing the purchased product of the user by volume based on purchased product information selected by the user;
a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage vessels and the set storage vessel type information;
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 item information includes recommended product information indicating products that are recommended for additional purchase by the user.
3. The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2.
[Item 4]
The mixed loading object information includes advertising item information,
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 history 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 purchase information of the user.
6. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 5.
[Item 7]
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.
7. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 6.
[Item 8]
The mixed item information includes regular purchase product information of the user or other users associated with the user.
8. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 7.
[Item 9]
The mixed loading target information includes information on desired items indicating items provided by other users.
9. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 8.
[Item 10]
The mixed loading target extraction unit extracts the desired product information based on the desired product upper limit price information set by the other user.
10. The information processing system according to item 9,
[Item 11]
The mixed-loading object information includes delivery information regarding deliveries of other users.
11. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 10.
[Item 12]
a data management unit that receives a selection of scheduled delivery time information regarding delivery from the user before the user selects the purchased item, and updates delivery information;
12. The information processing system according to any one of items 1 to 11.
[Item 13]
a storage container type setting unit that sets storage container type information indicating a type of a storage container for storing the purchased product of the user by volume based on purchased product information selected by the user;
a remaining space calculation unit that calculates remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage vessels and the set storage vessel type information;
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 14]
A step of setting, by a storage container type setting unit, storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing the purchased product of the user by volume based on the purchased product information selected by the user;
calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage vessels and the set storage vessel type information;
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 15]
A step of setting, by a storage container type setting unit, storage container type information indicating a type of storage container for storing the purchased product of the user by volume based on the purchased product information selected by the user;
calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, remaining space information indicating a remaining space in the storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating a volume of a storage space that stores one or more storage vessels and the set storage vessel type information;
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 and one or more user terminals 2. The management server 1 and the user terminals 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network. 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 multiple user terminals 2 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>
3 is an information processing device owned by a user, such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, mobile phone, PHS, PDA, etc., and the user terminal 2 also includes a control unit 20, memory 21, storage 22, transmission/reception unit 23, 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 management server 1 described above, 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 includes an information transmission/reception unit 100, a screen information generation unit 110, a data management unit 120, a product purchase management unit 130, and a delivery management unit 150 as functional units. The product purchase management unit 130 includes a storage container type setting unit 131. The delivery management unit 150 includes a remaining space calculation unit 151 and a mixed load object extraction unit 152. The storage 12 includes various databases, such as a user information storage unit 121, a product information storage unit 122, a delivery item information storage unit 123, and a delivery information storage unit 124.

The user information stored in the user information storage unit 121 may include, for example, basic information about the user (user's name, username, email address, address, telephone number, etc.), user identification information, payment information (credit card information, etc.), external application account information, purchased product information (including purchase cost information), purchase history information, desired product information (so-called favorite registration product information or wish list product information, which may contain information that is partially or completely the same as the product information described below), and regular purchase product information (described below), but is not limited to these.

Product information stored in the product information storage unit 122 may include, for example, product identification information, product name information, manufacturer name information, seller name information, product category information (food, beverages, alcoholic beverages, sweets, household goods, cosmetics, etc.), price information, size information (depth, width, height), weight information, controlled temperature range information, and information on whether or not the product can be loaded above or below (information on whether or not the product can be loaded above or below), 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, 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), delivery cost information, etc., but is not limited to these.

The delivery information stored in the delivery information storage unit 124 may include, for example, delivery identification information, user identification information, remaining space information, delivery mixed 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 125 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 an external device (e.g., a user terminal 2, etc.) that is directly or indirectly connected to the management server 1 at least via a network, and receives various information (including requests) from the external device.

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. Predetermined processes in the data management unit 120 include, for example, a usage registration process that assigns user identification information to a user in response to a usage registration request and user information received from the user terminal 2 and stores and manages the user information in the user information storage unit 121, a product presentation process that refers to the product information storage unit 122 in response to a product viewing request from the user terminal 2 and presents product list information (see FIG. 6), a purchased product information update process (including a process of updating the purchased product confirmation area 620) that updates purchased product information linked to the user identification information in response to a selection operation on the product display area 610 of the product list information as exemplified in FIG. 6, and a user confirmation process based on the purchased product information. This includes various processes such as, but not limited to, a storage container setting process that sets storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume for storing the user's purchased products (including products to be purchased), a remaining space calculation process that calculates the remaining space in the storage space based on reference storage space volume information indicating the volume of the storage space that stores one or more storage containers and the set storage container type information, a mixed object extraction process that extracts mixed objects corresponding to the remaining space in the storage space, a purchase process (payment process, etc.) for purchasing products included in the purchased product information, and a delivery information update process that updates (including additions) delivery mixed object information included in the delivery information.

The product purchase management unit 130 executes predetermined processes related to product purchases and manages predetermined information related to product purchases. For example, the product purchase management unit 130 executes purchase processing including predetermined procedural processing based on purchased product information (including information on products to be purchased such as a so-called virtual shopping cart) selected by the user from a product list or the like presented in an e-commerce application (including the case where a web browser is used) executed on the user terminal 2, and manages purchase history information (product ID, purchase date, purchase amount, etc.) linked to user identification information (so-called user ID).

The storage container type setting unit 131 sets storage container type information indicating the type of storage container for each volume for storing the user's purchased products based on the purchased product information linked to the user identification 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 a 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, the storage container type information is set so that the type of storage container for storing the purchased products can be identified. 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).

In order to set the storage container type information, the storage container type setting unit 131 first reads at least size information (depth, width, height) corresponding to each purchased product (including products after purchase processing and products to be purchased) by referring to the product information storage unit 122 based on the purchased product information linked to the user identification information, and selects an appropriate storage container type by virtually storing the purchased products in a container of each storage container type using a known boxing calculation algorithm for storing a specified object in a space of a specified volume. The appropriate storage container type here is preferably a storage container type of the smallest size that can store the purchased products from the viewpoint of the efficiency of subsequent storage in the storage space, but it is not limited to the smallest, and may be a storage container type that is one to two sizes larger than the smallest size that can be stored, taking into account size errors due to individual differences in the products and cushioning materials (such as foam cushioning materials and vinyl cushioning materials filled with air). In addition, the selection of the storage container type is not limited to the selection of one storage container, and may be the selection of multiple storage containers. For example, if the purchased items include items that are strictly prohibited from being stacked, in order to reliably prevent stacking, the storage container in which the prohibited items are stored may be set as a separate storage container that is strictly prohibited from being stacked, and may be determined to be stored in the upper part of the storage space.Otherwise, for example, in consideration of the load on the moving body, two storage containers with the same or nearest volumes, or two storage containers with the same or nearest weights may be selected so as to avoid bias in the center of gravity or to divide the delivery into two, or when the volume of the purchased items exceeds the storage space, two storage containers may be selected, one with approximately the same volume as the reference storage space volume and one that can store the remaining purchased items.

The delivery management unit 150 updates information in the delivery information storage unit 123, such as adding delivery identification information and associating user identification information, in response to a request from the user, for example, before or after product selection or payment, and updates information in the delivery information storage unit 124, such as adding delivery identification information and associating user identification information.

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 that stores one or more storage vessels and the storage vessel type information set by the storage vessel type setting unit 131. The method of calculating the residual space is to calculate the residual space using 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 can be a volume value that is easy to convert to the storage vessel type, especially when the storage vessel type is specified for each specified volume with respect to the reference storage space volume according to a specified rule as described above. In other words, the residual space information can also be residual converted storage vessel type information that converts the residual space to the storage vessel type, and the conversion makes it easier to make the comparison described below.

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 is explained using FIG. 7. 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 virtual 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 virtually stored here, the delivery is stored in an unused storage space, so the remaining space information is updated to "2/3" by subtracting 1/3 from 1, and the remaining equivalent 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 virtually stored again, the remaining space information is updated to "1/3" by subtracting 1/3 from 2/3, since the delivery (N0001) is to be stored in the storage space already containing it, and the remaining 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 carried out, particularly when the depth, width, or height of the storage space is divided by a predetermined number, as in the example. Note that, as mentioned above, a more advanced calculation of the remaining space is possible using a known packing calculation algorithm.

Next, an example of information (particularly remaining space information) stored in the delivery information storage unit 124 will be shown using FIG. 8. 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. Therefore, 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).

Next, 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 of the above-mentioned "S100" and one "S050" (for example, when the volume of the purchased product exceeds the storage space) are stored as the storage container type information, so 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).

Finally, in the delivery identification information "0007," the linked delivery information is "N0007" and the user information is "U0013," but since the storage container type information is not linked (for example, a product is being selected for purchase), the remaining space information remains "1" (the remaining converted storage container type information is "S100," which indicates a container type that is approximately the same as the reference storage space volume).

In this way, the remaining space calculation unit 151 can calculate the remaining space 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 set by the storage container type setting unit 131. 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 the mixed items to be mixed in the remaining space. This will be described in detail below.

The mixed object extraction unit 152 extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space. More specifically, the mixed object extraction unit 152 extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects 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. That is, in comparison with the remaining equivalent storage vessel type information corresponding to the remaining space, mixed object information corresponding to storage vessel type information with a volume equal to or less than that indicated by the storage vessel type is extracted. A plurality of residual equivalent containment vessel types corresponding to the residual space may be selectable, and for example, the containment vessel type setting unit 131 may calculate combination information of residual equivalent containment vessel types corresponding to the residual 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 residual space of 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 (particularly, list information) may be presented via an application on the user terminal 2, for example. 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 based on the storage container type of the selected product (for example, if three mixed objects of storage container type 1/8 are selected for a remaining space of 1/2, volumes larger than storage container type 1/8 cannot be selected, or if a mixed object of storage container type 1/3 is selected, volumes larger than storage container type 1/6 cannot be selected), a process may be executed to make the mixed object information corresponding to the storage container type that cannot be stored unselectable (for example, by graying it out to restrict the selection operation or by not displaying it in the list information). Various types of mixed objects can be mixed objects, and examples are given below.

<Example 1 of mixed load items>
The mixed object information may include recommended product information indicating a recommended product that is recommended to be selected as an additional purchased product. That is, the mixed object extraction unit 152 extracts, as mixed object information, recommended product information indicating a recommended product that can be stored in the remaining space based on converted storage container type information converted from volume information included in the product information and residual space information corresponding to the remaining space (particularly residual converted storage container type information). In addition, the mixed object extraction unit 152 may refer to at least one of product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of products purchased in the past by referring to purchase history information included in the user information, and extract one or more product information including the corresponding information as mixed objects. In addition, the mixed object extraction unit 152 may refer to at least one of product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of the purchase-desired product information included in the user information instead of the purchase history information.

The mixed object extraction unit 152 may also set the repurchase notification time for previously purchased products by referring to purchase history information included in the user information, and present only products whose repurchase notification time is close to the current date or the scheduled delivery date, or present them preferentially. Here, "presented preferentially" means, for example, that the display order is set early, and more specifically, in the case of vertical scrolling, the product may be displayed at the top of the display area, or may be displayed early when advancing the provided product information displayed in order by swiping, etc. The method for setting the repurchase notification time for previously purchased products may be a known method, and may be set based on the date when a predetermined amount of the content of the previously purchased product is calculated based on the assumption that a predetermined number of the product will be consumed at a predetermined cycle, or, in the case of multiple purchases, may be set based on the past repurchase period, for example, by taking the average value.

Furthermore, the user information referencing purchase history information, purchase request product information, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as "purchase history information, etc.") is not limited to user information corresponding to user identification information linked to purchase product information (or linked to delivery information), but may be user information corresponding to other user identification information associated with the user identification information. The other user identification information may be, for example, cohabiting user identification information set as a family member or partner, or proxy request user identification information in which the user is set as a proxy receiving user. In this example, for the association, for example, a process of registering the other user's identification information may be executed on the user's application, and/or a process of selecting whether or not to allow association with the user's identification information may be executed on the other user's application. The other user's recommended product information extracted by referring to the purchase history information linked to the other user's identification information may be presented to the own user's terminal together with the own user's recommended product information of the user linked to the purchased product information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "own user" as a term that is opposite to the other user). Following the step of selecting the own user's recommended product information, if there is a product in the other user's recommended product information that can be stored in the remaining space minus the storage container type corresponding to the purchased product information selected in the selection step, a selection step of the other user's recommended product information may be started. The selection step of the other user's recommended product information may be started in the own user's terminal, or may be started in the other user's terminal based on a request for permission to select from the other user transmitted from the own user's terminal.

In this way, by extracting recommended product information that is recommended as an additional purchase item, taking into account the remaining space left over in the storage space at the time of delivery, it becomes possible to recommend products that take into account the delivery unit (i.e., the number of deliveries determined based on whether it fits within the standard storage space volume), and thus it becomes possible to recommend products that have a small number of delivery units (i.e., delivery costs can be reduced). Furthermore, by referencing the purchase history information of the user or other users, more accurate recommendations are possible, and in particular, by referencing the purchase history information of other users, it is possible to achieve the effect of reducing not only the delivery unit within the user's own range, but also the delivery unit including other users.

<Example 2 of mixed load items>
The mixed object information may include advertising item information associated with the user's own identification information or the other user identification information, which indicates advertising items to be provided to the user's own user or the other user. That is, the mixed object extraction unit 152 extracts advertising item information indicating advertising items that can be stored in the remaining space as mixed object 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) corresponding to the remaining space. 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, alcohol, sweets, household goods, cosmetics, etc.), converted storage container type information (which may be stored in advance or may be converted from advertising item size information and stored when extracting the mixed object information), advertiser information, etc.

In this example, the mixed object 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 object information, or the user may select and set the advertising item category information and advertiser information to be extracted on the application. In addition, the unit may refer to purchase history information included in the user information and at least one of product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of previously purchased items, and extract one or more pieces of advertising item information including the corresponding advertising item category information and advertiser information as mixed objects.

Furthermore, similar to Example 1 of the mixed object, the user information referring to the purchase history information is not limited to the user information corresponding to the user identification information linked to the purchased product information (or linked to the delivery information), but may be other user identification information associated with the user identification information. The other user's advertising item information extracted by referring to the purchase history information linked to the other user's identification information may be presented to the own user's terminal together with the own user's advertising item information, or following the selection step of the own user's advertising item information (including the selection step by the own user or the selection step by the mixed object extraction unit 152), if there is an advertising item in the other user's advertising item information that can be stored in the remaining space minus the storage container type corresponding to the advertising item information selected in the selection step, a selection step of the other user's advertising item information may be started. The selection step of the other user's advertising item information may be started in the own user's terminal, or may be started in the other user's terminal based on the other user's selection permission request transmitted from the own user's terminal.

In addition, the mixed object extraction unit 152 may refer to at least one of the product category information, manufacturer information, and seller information of the desired product information included in the user information of the user or another user, instead of the purchase history 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 3 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) corresponding to the remaining space. 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 the mixed object information is extracted), scheduled regular delivery delivery date information (for example, what day of each month regular delivery, etc.).

In this example, the mixed-item extraction unit 152, for example, references scheduled regular delivery date information, and extracts as mixed-item information regular purchased products whose scheduled regular delivery date is within a predetermined period of the scheduled delivery date of the purchased product (for example, arriving at the nearest collection point within one week of the scheduled delivery date). A user linked to the purchased product 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 user terminal, 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 predetermined period of time relative to the scheduled delivery date of the purchased product) may be set by the user linked to 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 4 of mixed load items>
The mixed object information may include information on desired items linked to other user identification information, which indicates items desired by other users to be provided 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 residual space information corresponding to the residual space (particularly residual 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 the item can be loaded up or 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. 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 object extraction unit 152 presents, in the form of a list on the user 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 associated with the purchased product selects one or more desired product information to be delivered together in this delivery from the desired product information list presented on the user terminal, taking into consideration the remaining space. In addition, for desired products that specify a particular user (especially for gift purposes, etc.), for example, product information including price information within the upper limit indicated by the desired product upper limit price information set by another user may be extracted and presented as a list.

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 object extraction unit 152 may extract at least one of the mixed objects listed above, for example. For example, the types of objects that can be mixed may be set in advance on the system, or the user may be able to display and select the objects that he or she wishes to mix. Alternatively, the user may set information about the objects he or she wishes to mix as user information in advance, and the objects may be automatically extracted based on the settings. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when viewing the mixed object 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. 9. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of processing of the information processing system of Fig. 1 .

Here, as a pre-processing step for using a service provided by this information processing system, the user or worker accesses the management server 1 using an application (including a web browser) or the like, and if using the service for the first time, may log in by performing a user registration process, or if an account has already been obtained, the service may be made available by logging in after undergoing a predetermined authentication process, 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 identification information (ID) to make the service available.

After this login authentication, service use begins via an application (including a web browser), etc., but in this example, a mode is described in which a planned delivery time (e.g., a planned delivery time zone) is specified first. This is particularly suitable for immediate delivery, and makes it possible to more reliably deliver the purchased item at the delivery time desired by the user. In other words, when a user specifies a planned delivery time after selecting a purchased item, there may be cases where the user's desired planned delivery time is not available. In particular, with immediate delivery, it is highly likely that the user wants to obtain the item in a hurry, and the user experience is not good if the desired planned delivery time is not available after product selection. Note that this is not limited to immediate delivery, and there may be cases where the desired planned delivery time is not available after selecting a purchased item, regardless of the delivery method.

First, as shown in FIG. 10, a list of scheduled delivery time information 910 (e.g., a list of scheduled delivery time information for a predetermined period selected by the user) is displayed on the application of the user terminal 2, the user is allowed to select the desired scheduled delivery time information, and the selected scheduled delivery time information is transmitted to the management server 1 in response to a decision operation in the scheduled delivery time decision area 920 (step S101). In this display example, the scheduled delivery time information "10:00-10:15" is selected by the user and changed to a display different from the scheduled delivery time information in an unselected state, and the scheduled delivery time information "10:30-10:45" is changed to a non-display state as it has already been reserved by another user. Note that the "scheduled delivery time information" referred to here may be scheduled delivery time information that may be included in the delivery information, but may also be a differential scheduled delivery time calculated from the difference between the scheduled delivery time information and the current time (for example, if the scheduled delivery start time is "10:00" and the current time is "9:30", the differential scheduled delivery time is "30 minutes later"). In addition, if another user has sent the same scheduled delivery time information to the management server 1 before the user's decision operation, making the corresponding scheduled delivery time information unavailable for selection, a notification may be presented to the subsequent user to prompt them to select again.

In this way, by selecting the scheduled delivery time before selecting the purchased product, there is no case where the desired scheduled delivery time is not available after selecting the purchased product. In this example, the scheduled delivery time is selected at this timing (S101), but this is not limited to this. In cases where it is expected that there will be many cases where the purchase is not urgent, the selection of the scheduled delivery time (for example, similar to FIG. 10) may be performed after selecting the purchased product. Before starting step S101, a pre-step may be added in which the user selects a "pre-selection mode" (more specifically, for example, "immediate delivery mode") in which the scheduled delivery time is selected before selecting the purchased product, and a "post-selection mode" (more specifically, for example, "normal delivery mode") in which the scheduled delivery time is selected after selecting the purchased product. Which of these modes is to be selected may be associated with the user identification information in advance and settable. In addition, if the product can be mixed with other users' deliveries based on the extraction by the mixed-in item extraction unit 152 (see Example 5 above), the user may be asked whether the scheduled delivery time of the other users to be mixed in is acceptable before step S101 or instead of step S101. However, if you select to mix the purchased items with other users' deliveries at this time, you can only select items for the remaining space of the other users as purchased item information. If you want to avoid this, instead of or in addition to the above timing, you can extract only the delivery information of other users who have remaining space available to store the storage container type corresponding to the purchased items at the timing of step S108 described below. At this time, if the scheduled delivery time has been selected in advance, the reserved scheduled delivery time may be released to match the selection of the other users to be mixed.

Next, the data management unit 120 (particularly the delivery management unit 150) of the management server 1 generates new delivery identification information based on the scheduled delivery time information received from the user terminal 2, and updates the information by associating and storing the scheduled delivery time information with the user identification information, etc. (S102). Note that instead of generating new delivery identification information, delivery identification information may be assigned in advance to each scheduled delivery time information, for example, and used to manage data.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the user searches for a product based on the product category and product name, and the corresponding product information is sent to the user terminal 2, and, for example, a list of product information is displayed on the user terminal 2 (step S103).

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, in response to a purchase product selection operation via the product display area 610 of the product list information on the application of the user terminal 2, the selected product information is transmitted to the management server 1 (step S104). Note that the selection operation in the product display area 610 of the product list information may be a purchase product selection operation, or the purchase product selection operation may be possible within the product detail information screen that is displayed after selecting the product display area 610, but is not limited to these.

Next, the data management unit 120 (particularly the product purchase management unit 130) of the management server 1 updates the purchased product information linked to the user identification information based on the selected product information received from the user terminal 2 (step S105). The total amount to be paid for the purchased products may be displayed in the purchased product confirmation area 620, in which case the total amount to be paid may be calculated and updated in response to the selection operation. Furthermore, the storage vessel type setting unit 131 may set current storage vessel type information indicating which storage vessel type is currently set in response to the purchased product information at the time of the selection operation, and the current storage vessel type information may be displayed in the current storage vessel type information display area 630. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to displaying the current storage vessel type information, the remaining space information calculated by the remaining space calculation unit 151 may be displayed.

Here, a case will be described in which the current storage container type information set by the storage container type setting unit 131 exceeds the reference storage space volume information, or the remaining space information calculated by the remaining space calculation unit 151 exceeds 0 and becomes negative, that is, the case in which it is determined that the storage space is insufficient to store the purchased product with the currently set reference storage space volume. As an example, when it is determined that the storage space is insufficient, a configuration may be used in which the user restricts the user from proceeding to the next purchase processing step (payment processing step), and when it is no longer determined that the storage space is insufficient (i.e., when it is determined that the storage space is sufficient) by reducing the purchased product information associated with the user identification information by returning part of the purchased product information to a non-selected state, the restriction on the next step may be lifted. At this time, the size information included in the product information may be referenced to present to the user non-selection recommended product information indicating products that are recommended to be deselected in order to lift the restriction. As another example, when scheduled delivery time information has been selected in advance, the scheduled delivery time information selection step exemplified in FIG. 9 may be executed again in order to select additional scheduled delivery time information. Note that the number of deliveries corresponding to each scheduled delivery time information is not limited to one, so if the number of deliveries is two or more and there is availability, the same scheduled delivery time information may be additionally selected. When selecting scheduled delivery time information after selecting a product to purchase, information indicating that two or more scheduled delivery time information must be selected for the current purchased product information (for example, "two scheduled delivery time information must be selected") may be presented.

In addition to cases where it is necessary to select multiple scheduled delivery time information because it is determined that there is insufficient storage space, it is also possible to handle cases where it is necessary to select multiple scheduled delivery time information, such as when the weight information of the purchased product information exceeds the reference weight information for one delivery, when there are multiple types of management temperature range information for the purchased product information (especially when there are hot products and frozen products), and when it is determined that there is insufficient storage space based on the vertical loading capability information of the purchased product information (for example, when there are two storage containers with storage container type information of "1/2" and both storage containers contain products whose vertical loading capability information indicates "not stackable", and side-by-side storage is not possible).

Next, the data management unit 120 executes a purchase process (e.g., a payment process) to purchase the purchase product corresponding to the purchase product information linked to the user identification information, such as by performing a confirm operation on the purchase product confirmation area 620 (S106). Note that in step 108 described below, if recommended product information is presented that recommends additional purchase as a mixed item, a similar purchase process may be executed again after step S108. Also, this step S106 may be omitted, and the purchase process may be executed only after step S108.

Next, the remaining space calculation unit 151 calculates the remaining 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 and the storage container type information corresponding to the purchased product set by the storage container type setting unit 131 (S107).

If it is determined in step S107 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 S108)), the flow of the e-commerce service on the application is terminated. The purchased items are then stored in a storage container of the corresponding storage container type, the storage container is stored in a storage space corresponding to the scheduled delivery time, and the storage container is delivered to the user.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 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 object extraction unit 152 extracts mixed object information indicating mixed objects that can be stored in the remaining space of the target storage space (S108). More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, the mixed object display areas 1010, 1011, etc. of the mixed object information are displayed in a list, and the mixed object information is determined in response to a mixed object selection operation via the mixed object display area 1010, etc. of the mixed object list information, the determined mixed object 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 object information included in the delivery information. Alternatively, instead of presenting the information as a list of mixed objects, a predetermined number of mixed objects extracted by the mixed object extraction unit 152 may be presented as options on the user terminal 2 by referring to user information such as the user's purchase history information, or by referring to information on desired mixed objects previously set by the user, and the mixed objects may be determined by having the user select the mixed objects, or a predetermined number of mixed objects extracted by the mixed object extraction unit 152 may be presented on the user terminal 2 as a mixed object confirmation notice, and the user may select whether or not to mix the mixed objects, and the mixed objects to be mixed in the user's delivery may be determined by the system without user operation from among the storable mixed objects extracted by the mixed object extraction unit 152, and depending on the determination, the determined mixed 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 object information included in the delivery information.

Furthermore, the product list display of mixed objects 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 with priority. Furthermore, the mixed object selection operation may be a selection operation in the mixed object display area 1010 etc. of the mixed object list information, or a mixed object selection operation may be possible within a mixed object detailed information screen that is displayed after selecting the mixed object display area 1010 etc., but is not limited to these.

In particular, when performing payment processing after step S108, if the mixed object information is advertising item information, in consideration of the nature of advertising, at least a part of the shipping fee indicated by the shipping fee information related to the user's delivery or the purchase fee indicated by the purchase fee information may be reduced and payment processing may proceed, and/or a predetermined benefit (e.g., refund processing, point grant processing, etc.) 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 given. 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 shipping fee indicated by the shipping fee information related to the user's delivery may be apportioned (e.g., divided into two) to the other user at a predetermined ratio, and the shipping fee information after apportionment may be linked to each other and stored, and each user may perform payment processing respectively, or the shipping fee information for one delivery linked to the user may be linked to the other user and stored, and payment processing may be performed by the other user.

The purchased items are then stored in a storage container of the corresponding storage container type, and the storage container containing the purchased items and the storage container containing the mixed items are stored in the storage space corresponding to the scheduled delivery time, and are 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 (4)

a remaining space calculation unit that calculates, based on purchased product information received in response to a purchase product selection operation by a user via a product display area, remaining space information indicating a remaining space within a storage space for storing a storage container that stores the purchased product of the user, the storage space being an autonomously controlled flying vehicle for transporting the purchased product;
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: a remaining space calculation unit that calculates, based on purchased product information received in response to a product selection operation by a user in a product display area, remaining space information indicating a remaining space within a storage space for storing a storage container that stores the purchased product of the user, the storage space being an autonomously controlled flying object for transporting the purchased product;
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: A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, residual space information indicating a remaining space within a storage space for storing a storage container for storing the purchased product of the user, the storage space being an autonomously controlled flying object for transporting the purchased product, based on purchased product information received in response to a product selection operation by the user in the product display area;
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: A step of calculating, by a remaining space calculation unit, residual space information indicating a remaining space within a storage space for storing a storage container for storing the purchased product of the user, the storage space being an autonomously controlled flying object for transporting the purchased product, based on purchased product information received in response to a product selection operation by the user in the product display area;
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: