JP6991470B2 - Computer programs, management equipment, unmanned driving equipment and servers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a computer program, a management device, an unmanned driving device and a server, and more particularly to a technique for realizing exchange of goods between a user and a store side via an unmanned driving device.

Due to recent advances in sensor accuracy and AI technology, devices such as vehicles and flying objects that can move autonomously have been put into practical use. There are various uses for such devices, but one of the application fields is logistics. For example, in the system described in Non-Patent Document 1, an autonomous vehicle is used to deliver a product from a drug store or a supermarket to a consumer.

http://www.zmp.co.jp/products/carriro-delivery, (Searched on September 15, 2017)

The application of autonomously movable devices to logistics has just begun, and various problems arise in implementing the system.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object thereof is to solve a problem in a system for realizing exchange of goods between a user and a store side via an unmanned transportation device, or to provide the system. It is in the provision of technology to improve.

One aspect of the invention relates to a computer program. This computer program is a computer program related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via the unmanned transportation device, and has a function of acquiring the destination designation of the unmanned transportation device from the user and the user . The terminal will be equipped with a function to display a screen on the display for the user to specify the place where the user and the unmanned transportation device meet.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components and those in which the components and expressions of the present invention are mutually replaced between devices, methods, systems, recording media storing computer programs, etc. are also aspects of the present invention. It is valid.

According to the present invention, it is possible to solve a problem in a system for realizing the exchange of goods between a user and a store side via an unmanned transportation device, or to improve the system.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the PDD system which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the mobile terminal of FIG. It is a chart which shows the flow from ordering of goods to the completion of delivery in a PDD system. It is a data structure diagram which shows an example of the database of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function and composition of the management server. It is a data structure diagram which shows an example of the site information holding part of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function and composition of a mobile terminal. It is a representative screen diagram of the order confirmation screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of a building designation screen displayed on a display. It is a representative screen diagram of the place time display screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the meeting place narrowing-down screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the arbitrary selection screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the NG reason display screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the meeting place setting screen displayed on the display. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processing in a PDD which has a registration mode. It is a representative screen diagram of the order refusal screen displayed on the display. It is a block diagram which shows the function and composition of the management server. It is a data structure diagram which shows an example of the image holding part of FIG. It is a data structure diagram which shows an example of the order control information holding part of FIG. It is a representative screen diagram of the top screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the approach notification screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the status notification screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the detailed text screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the reset inquiry screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the meeting place update screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the status notification screen when it is determined that the distance between the PDD and the meeting place is below the first change threshold value but is greater than or equal to the second change threshold value. It is a representative screen diagram of the status notification screen when it is determined that the distance between the PDD and the meeting place is less than the second change threshold value. It is a representative screen diagram of the status notification screen when it is determined that the PDD has arrived at the meeting place. It is a representative screen diagram of the transaction completion screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the management screen displayed on the display. It is a representative screen diagram of the approach notification screen displayed on the display of a mobile terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processing in a PDD system. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processing in a management server. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processing in a management server. It is a representative screen diagram of the management screen displayed on the display of the management server. It is a block diagram which shows the function and composition of the management server. It is a data structure diagram which shows an example of the user information holding part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the specific process in the sales promotion target specific part. It is a data structure diagram which shows an example of a size matching table. It is a representative screen diagram of the recommendation screen displayed on the display of the mobile terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processing in a management server.

Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings shall be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, some of the members that are not important for explanation in each drawing are omitted.

(Overall configuration and operation)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a PDD (Personal Delivery Devices) system 10 according to an embodiment. The PDD system 10 is a system that realizes the exchange of products 24 between the user 14 and the store 22 side via the PDD. The PDD system 10 includes a management server 12 that manages the PDD system 10, a mobile terminal 16 of the user 14, a store 22 that sells the product 24, and a PDD 20 that carries the product 24 and keeps luggage from the user 14. Be prepared. The management server 12, the mobile terminal 16, the store 22, and the PDD 20 are each connected to the network 18 and configured to be able to communicate with each other.

The network 18 includes a wired network or a wireless network or a combination thereof, and may include an Internet, an intranet, a LAN, a WAN, a WiFi, a Bluetooth®, a wireless telephone network, and the like. For example, the mobile terminal 16 communicates with the management server 12 via a wireless telephone network. Further, when the distance from the PDD 20 is short, the mobile terminal 16 communicates with the PDD 20 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

The store 22 may be a convenience store, a drug store, a supermarket, a restaurant, a department store, a discount store, a retail store, a stall, or the like. At the store 22, the store clerk can load the product 24 into the PDD 20, and the store clerk can collect the luggage that the PDD 20 has entrusted to the user 14. The store 22 includes a terminal (not shown) such as a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal, and the terminal is connected to the network 18. At least one PDD20 is deployed in the store 22, and the store 22 is one of the bases of the PDD20. The store 22 may be a building on the store 22 side such as a distribution warehouse or a factory.

The PDD 20 mediates the exchange of goods between the user 14 and the store 22 side. The PDD 20 stores items such as goods 24 to be delivered from the store 22 to the user 14 and luggage to be delivered from the user 14 to the store 22, and uses position information from positioning means such as GPS, a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor for the purpose. It is an unmanned transportation device that automatically moves to the ground. The automatic movement of the PDD 20 may be realized, for example, by using the automatic traveling technique used in the automatically traveling home delivery robot described in Non-Patent Document 1. The PDD 20 may move automatically under the control of the management server 12 or may move standalone without such control. Each PDD 20 has a plurality of storage spaces 26 capable of storing goods 24 and luggage.

Instead of the PDD 20, an air transport device such as a drone or an unmanned driving vehicle such as an unmanned delivery vehicle capable of traveling on a road (not a sidewalk) may be used.

The management server 12 is a server for managing the PDD system 10, and may be provided in the data center or in the store 22 depending on who the administrator is. The management server 12 acquires information about transactions performed via the PDD 20 and stores it in the database 40.

The mobile terminal 16 is a terminal of a user such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a smart watch. The user 14 of the mobile terminal 16 downloads and installs the PDD application program (hereinafter referred to as PDD application) according to the embodiment from the download site to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. Alternatively, the PDD application may be pre-installed on the mobile terminal 16. The PDD application is provided by the administrator of the PDD system 10. When the PDD application is executed by the mobile terminal 16, the mobile terminal 16 communicates with the management server 12 via the network 18 and realizes various functions. Hereinafter, the functions realized by the mobile terminal 16 (a processing unit such as a CPU) by executing the PDD application will be described as the functions of the mobile terminal 16. These functions are actually functions that the PDD application realizes on the mobile terminal 16. A stationary terminal such as a desktop computer may be used instead of the mobile terminal 16.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 16 of FIG. The mobile terminal 16 may be any terminal as long as the PDD application can be installed and executed, and may be, for example, a known mobile terminal. The mobile terminal 16 includes a memory 28, a processor 30, a communication interface 32, a display 34, and an input interface 36. Each of these elements is connected to bus 38 and communicates with each other via bus 38.

The memory 28 is a storage area for storing data and programs. The data or program may be permanently stored in the memory 28 or may be temporarily stored. In particular, the memory 28 stores the PDD application. The processor 30 may be a CPU that realizes various functions in the mobile terminal 16 by executing a program stored in the memory 28, particularly a PDD application. The communication interface 32 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the network 18. The display 34 is a device for displaying various information, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input interface 36 is a device for receiving input from the user. The input interface 36 includes, for example, a touch panel provided on the display 34, various input keys, and the like. The management server 12 and the POS may each have the same hardware configuration as the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing the flow from the ordering of the product 24 to the completion of delivery in the PDD system 10. The user 14 uses the mobile terminal 16 to browse a list of products 24 that can be ordered from the store 22. The user 14 selects a desired product 24, specifies a meeting place to meet with the PDD 20 (that is, the destination of the PDD 20), and selects a payment method. The mobile terminal 16 accepts information on the selected product 24, information on the designated meeting place, payment information on payment (S302), generates order information including the information, and generates order information including the information, via the network 18. And sends it to the management server 12 (S304). The management server 12 receives the order information and performs payment processing using the payment information included in the order information (S306). For example, if the user 14 chooses to pay by credit card, the payment information includes the credit card number and the payment process includes a process of obtaining approval from the credit card company.

When the payment process is completed, the management server 12 transmits a storage instruction for storing the selected product 24 in the PDD 20 to the POS of the store 22 via the network 18 (S308). Upon receiving the storage instruction, the POS displays information indicating the selected product 24 and information specifying the PDD 20 (and the storage space 26 of the storage destination) in which the product 24 should be stored on the display of the POS (). S310). The employee of the store 22 checks the display of the POS and stores the selected product 24 in the specified PDD 20. Here, the POS may be a portable POS terminal, and the employee may read the barcode of the selected product 24 to change the status to the status that the selected product 24 is stored in the PDD 20. Alternatively, the PDD may be provided with a camera or barcode function, and the barcode of the product 24 selected by the camera or barcode function may be read and the status may be changed in the same manner.

When the payment process is completed, the management server 12 generates a movement route of the PDD 20 including the meeting place included in the order information as a destination, and transfers the route information including the generated movement route to the PDD 20 via the network 18. Send (S312). The route information may include information that identifies the storage space 26 of the storage destination.

When the PDD 20 receives the route information, the PDD 20 sets a route based on the route information (S314). The PDD 20 waits until the product 24 is stored in the accommodation space 26 by the employee, and when the storage of the product 24 is confirmed (S316), the PDD 20 starts automatic traveling to move to the destination along the set route. .. During the automatic driving (S318), the PDD 20 measures its current position at any time and reports it to the management server 12 and the POS via the network 18 (S320). The reported current location may be used to control automatic driving by the management server 12 or may be displayed on the POS display to inform the employees of the store 22 of the location of the PDD 20. Further, the management server 12 may provide the current position of the PDD 20 to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18.

The PDD20 arrives at the set meeting place and waits there (S322). While waiting, the PDD 20 notifies the surroundings of its own identification information by short-range wireless communication. The user 14 goes to the meeting place with the mobile terminal 16. As a method of notifying the user 14 that the PDD 20 has arrived at the meeting place, for example, the current position of the PDD 20 is displayed on the display 34 of the mobile terminal 16, and the scheduled arrival time or the remaining time until the arrival of the PDD 20 is displayed on the display 34. This may be done, or the management server 12 that has received the arrival report from the PDD 20 may notify the mobile terminal 16 of the arrival of the PDD 20, or a combination thereof.

The mobile terminal 16 detects the identification information of the PDD 20 via short-range wireless communication (S324). The mobile terminal 16 transmits the authentication information of the user 14 to the PDD 20 via short-range wireless communication (S326). The PDD 20 receives the authentication information and performs user authentication using the received authentication information (S328). This user authentication may be performed by the PDD 20, the management server 12, or both of them by communicating with each other. FIG. 3 shows an example in which user authentication is completed by PDD20. In this case, the route information received by the PDD 20 from the management server 12 in step S312 includes the authentication information of the user 14.

If the user authentication is successful, the PDD 20 opens the storage space 26 in which the product 24 addressed to the user 14 is stored (S330). The product 24 is exchanged by the user 14 taking out the product 24 from the open storage space 26. After taking out the product 24, the user 14 closes the lid of the storage space 26. When the PDD 20 detects that the lid is closed, it starts automatic driving to move to the store 22 along the set route. During the automatic driving (S332), the PDD 20 measures its current position at any time and reports it to the management server 12 and the POS via the network 18 (S334). The PDD 20 arrives at the store 22 and stops at a predetermined stop position (S336). The PDD 20 transmits confirmation information confirming the completion of transfer to the management server 12 and the POS via the network 18 (S338). The confirmation information may be generated and transmitted when the PDD 20 is at the destination. Upon receiving the confirmation information, the management server 12 stores the transaction information related to the current transaction in the database 40 (S340).

In the example of FIG. 3, the case of adopting the electronic prepaid method has been described, but the electronic postpaid method may be adopted. In that case, after the completion of the transfer is confirmed, the payment process is performed by the management server 12. It may be done. Alternatively, a method may be adopted in which the PDD 20 hands the product 24 to the user 14 and instead takes the price of the product 24 from the user 14 and brings it back to the store 22.

In the example of FIG. 3, the case where the user 14 orders the product 24 has been described, but the same processing can be applied when the user 14 requests the collection of the cargo. The main difference from the example of FIG. 3 in this case is that the accommodation space 26 is empty when the PDD 20 heads for the destination, and the accommodation space 26 is the user 14 when the PDD 20 returns from the destination to the store 22. It is a point to hold luggage.

In the example of FIG. 3, the case where the management server 12 transmits the route information to the PDD 20 via the network 18 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the POS of the store 22 stores the route information from the management server 12 together with the storage instruction. The POS may set the route information in the PDD 20 via, for example, short-range wireless communication or WiFi.

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the database 40 of FIG. The database 40 contains the attributes of the user 14 who made the transaction, the delivery / collection classification, the ordered product 24, the number of the ordered product 24 or the collected package, and the date and time when the order is confirmed. , The position of the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14 when the order is confirmed, the date and time when the user 14 receives the product 24 from the PDD 20, and the position where the user 14 receives the product 24 from the PDD 20 (= designated meeting place). ), The PDD waiting time, which is the time from when the PDD 20 arrives at the meeting place until the user 14 takes out the product 24, the success / failure of the meeting, and the weather are held in association with each other.

According to the PDD system 10 according to the present embodiment, every time there is an order for a product 24 or a request for collection, information (meeting place) or an order for the place where the transaction was made is made in the database 40 of the management server 12. Information on the location is accumulated. Since the meeting place is the place where the PDD 20 directly hands the product 24 to the user 14, the accuracy as the place where the user 14 receives the product 24 is high. The administrator of the management server 12 can realize more effective product recommendation and marketing by processing the accumulated location information as big data.

For example, focusing on the fact that meeting places are accumulated along with the success or failure of receiving, the success rate of receiving can be calculated for each meeting place. Further, paying attention to the fact that the meeting place is accumulated together with the PDD waiting time, the time required for receiving can be calculated for each meeting place. In addition, for each meeting place, an index of user's ease of receiving can be calculated based on the success rate of receiving and the time required for receiving. The management server 12 can propose a meeting place candidate to the user 14 based on this index.

Alternatively, from the accumulated meeting place and order time, the place and time with a high probability of ordering can be calculated. The management server 12 can make recommendations for the product 24 based on the calculated location and time. For example, at the entrance of an office building, if it turns out that rice balls are given to users more frequently than in other places or at other times between 11:30 am and noon, then the office building It can be determined that it is effective to electronically distribute rice ball coupons to existing users between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.

Focusing on the accumulation of order dates and times, it is possible to predict the peak period of orders. In this case, the number of PDDs 20 arranged in the store 22 and the waiting place thereof can be adjusted for each time zone based on the predicted peak period.

The management server 12 may perform an incentive process for giving the user 14 an incentive to motivate the user 14 to immediately come to pick up the PDD 20 when the PDD 20 arrives at the meeting place. The incentive process may be, for example, a process of giving a coupon to a user 14 who has come to receive the coupon immediately, or a process of giving priority to the user 14 as a good user.

As a result of diligent studies on the above-mentioned PDD system 10, the present inventor has recognized that there are various problems in various phases of operation. Hereinafter, each problem and its solution means will be described.

(Example 1)
Phase: Order acceptance Issue: Specifying a meeting place As described in relation to step S302 in FIG. 2, the user 14 specifies a meeting place to meet with the PDD 20 when ordering the product 24. As a user interface for accepting the designation of the meeting place, it is conceivable that the PDD application displays an electronic map (hereinafter referred to as an electronic map) on the display 34 of the mobile terminal 16 and causes the user 14 to specify it on the electronic map. Be done. However, while currently available electronic maps allow you to specify a building, you cannot specify specific locations within the building's premises (entrance, back door, entrance, rest area, smoking area, etc.). Since the entrance is relatively suitable as a meeting place, it is possible to implement an implementation in which the entrance is automatically designated as the meeting place when a building is specified, but the electronic map specifies the location of the entrance. Such an implementation is currently difficult as it does not contain any information. Therefore, for example, it is necessary to devise ways to narrow down the meeting place to "Hachiko-mae" instead of "Shibuya Station".

Therefore, in this example, the electronic map and the map of the site of the building in the electronic map are associated and registered in the management server 12. When the user 14 designates a building in the electronic map as a meeting place, the PDD application acquires a map of the site of the building from the management server 12, adds a candidate for the meeting place to the acquired map of the site, and is a user. Presented at 14. As a result, the user 14 can narrow down the meeting place to the level of a specific place in the site of the building, and can increase the certainty of the meeting between the user 14 and the PDD 20.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functions and configurations of the management server 12 according to Example 1. Each block shown in FIG. 5 and other block diagrams can be realized by an element such as a computer CPU or a mechanical device in terms of hardware, and can be realized by a computer program or the like in terms of software. , It depicts a functional block realized by their cooperation. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art who have touched this specification that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by combining hardware and software.

The management server 12 includes an electronic map holding unit 42, a site information holding unit 44, a building designation reception unit 46, a building type determination unit 48, a meeting place designation reception unit 50, and a candidate update unit 52. The electronic map holding unit 42 holds an electronic map. Electronic maps include, for example, the wide area / detailed map database ZMAP provided by Zenrin Co., Ltd. and Google Inc. May be Google Map provided by. Instead of the electronic map holding unit 42, an API (Application Programming Interface) for acquiring an electronic map from another server may be used.

FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the site information holding unit 44 of FIG. The site information holding unit 44 includes a building ID that identifies the building, a type of building, a map of the site of the building, coordinates of candidate meeting places, a specified number of times, a set of images, a range of NG area, and a reason for NG. And are associated and held.

The building ID is an identifier that identifies the building registered in the electronic map. The types of buildings are, for example, office buildings, condominiums, single-family homes, apartments, schools, hospitals, and the like. The building type may be updated each time there is a registration by the user described later. The map of the site is an image file such as a bitmap format or a JPEG format. The meeting place candidates are either (1) manually set by the administrator of the PDD system 10, or (2) a place where the user 14 and the PDD 20 have actually met, or (3). Registered by the user 14 via the mobile terminal 16. The coordinates of the candidate meeting place are information for specifying the position of the candidate meeting place on the map of the site, for example, the coordinates of the candidate on the map of the site. The number of times a candidate for a meeting place is designated is the number of times the candidate has been selected as a meeting place so far. The image of the meeting place candidate is an image around the candidate taken by the PDD 20 or the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14 in the candidate. The range of the NG area indicates information specifying the range of the NG area when there is an NG area on the site where the meeting between the user 14 and the PDD 20 is restricted or prohibited. The NG reason indicates reason information indicating why the meeting is restricted or prohibited in the NG area. In the example of FIG. 6, on the site of the building ID "A11", there is an NG area in the range of "20 <x <30, 50 <y <55", and there is a staircase, so it is NG. It is shown that.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functions and configurations of the mobile terminal 16 according to Example 1. The mobile terminal 16 includes a transmission / reception unit 54, an input reception unit 56, and a display control unit 58.
The transmission / reception unit 54 exchanges information with the management server 12 via the network 18.
The input receiving unit 56 receives the input of the user 14 made to the input interface 36. For example, when the user 14 taps an object displayed on the display 34, the input receiving unit 56 acquires the tap position from the touch panel provided on the display 34 and collates the acquired position with the display position of the object. If both match, the tap is accepted as the designation of the object. Further, the input receiving unit 56 receives various instructions from the user 14 via the touch panel. The input reception unit 56 transmits information related to instructions and designations by the user 14 to the management server 12 via the transmission / reception unit 54.
The display control unit 58 acquires screen information for generating a screen from the management server 12 via the transmission / reception unit 54, and displays a predetermined screen on the display 34 according to the acquired screen information.

The functions and configurations of the mobile terminal according to the example other than the example 1 described later are the same as the functions and configurations of the mobile terminal 16 according to the example 1 shown in FIG. In Example 1, the mobile terminal 16 is basically in charge of input / output of information, and the processing of information is performed by the management server 12, but the information processing is not limited to this, and in Example 1 and other examples, the information processing in the management server 12 is performed. The PDD system 10 may be configured to perform all or any part of the above on the mobile terminal 16.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14, the narrowing down of the meeting place when accepting an order for a product from the user 14 will be described. FIG. 8 is a representative screen view of the order confirmation screen 60 displayed on the display 34. When the input receiving unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 receives the designation of a desired product from the user 14 on a product selection screen (not shown) or the like, the input receiving unit 56 transmits the information of the designated product to the management server 12 via the network 18. The management server 12 determines the content of the order confirmation screen 60 based on the designated product, generates order confirmation screen information which is screen information for generating the order confirmation screen 60, and generates the order confirmation screen information via the network 18. And sends it to the mobile terminal 16. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the order confirmation screen information, and displays the order confirmation screen 60 on the display 34 according to the acquired order confirmation screen information.

The order confirmation screen 60 has an order details display area 62, a meeting place designation button 64, and a scheduled meeting time area 66. In the order details display area 62, details such as the name, quantity, and price of the product designated by the user 14 are displayed. In the scheduled meeting time area 66, the scheduled time when the PDD 20 arrives at the designated meeting place is displayed. If the meeting place has not been decided yet, it is displayed in the scheduled meeting time area 66 that the scheduled time will be displayed after the meeting place is designated.

When the user 14 taps the meeting place designation button 64, the input receiving unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for designating the meeting place. The input receiving unit 56 transmits the instruction to the management server 12 via the network 18. Upon receiving the instruction, the building designation reception unit 46 of the management server 12 acquires an electronic map around the current position of the mobile terminal 16 from the electronic map holding unit 42, and uses screen information for generating the building designation screen 68. A certain building designation screen information is generated, and the information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the building designation screen information, and displays the building designation screen 68 on the display 34 according to the acquired building designation screen information.

FIG. 9 is a representative screen view of the building designation screen 68 displayed on the display 34. The building designation screen 68 has an address input area 70, a building type designation area 72, an OK button 76, and a map designation area 74. The address input area 70 is an area for the user 14 to input the address of the building that he / she wants to specify as the meeting place. The building type designation area 72 is an area for the user to specify or select the type of the building that the user 14 wants to designate as the meeting place. The building type designated area 72 is configured in a pull-down format consisting of options such as a house, an office building, an apartment, a condominium, and a school. The options of the building type designation area 72 correspond to the building type. For example, when the user 14 wishes to have a meeting in the office building in which he / she works, he / she inputs the address of the office building in the address input area 70 and selects "office building" from the pull-down menu of the building type designation area 72. do. Then, when the user 14 taps the OK button 76, the input reception unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for designating the address and type of the building. The input reception unit 56 transmits the information input in the address input area 70 and the type selected in the building type designation area 72 to the management server 12 via the network 18.

Alternatively, the user 14 may select a desired building from the electronic maps around the current position of the mobile terminal 16 shown in the map designated area 74. In the map designated area 74, the buildings that the user 14 has designated as the meeting place in the past are highlighted (indicated by hatching in FIG. 9). When the user 14 taps a building on the electronic map, the input reception unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for designating the building. The input reception unit 56 transmits the building ID of the designated building to the management server 12 via the network 18.

The building designation reception unit 46 of the management server 12 acquires (information input in the address input area 70 and the type selected in the building type designation area 72) or (building ID) from the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. .. When the acquired information is a building ID, the building designation reception unit 46 refers to the site information holding unit 44 and acquires the type of the building corresponding to the building ID. The building type determination unit 48 determines whether or not the acquired type satisfies the criteria regarding the size of the site. This criterion is, for example, whether the site is large or small. Since the site is small for single-family homes and apartments, there is a high probability that the meeting between users 14 and PDD20 will succeed without narrowing down the meeting place, while office buildings, condominiums and schools have large sites, so it is necessary to narrow down the meeting place. Will be. Therefore, the building type determination unit 48 classifies the types of buildings into groups with a wide site (office buildings, condominiums, schools, stations, etc.) and groups with a narrow site (houses, apartments, etc.), and groups with a wide range of acquired types. If it corresponds to, it is judged that the standard is satisfied, and if it corresponds to a narrow group, it is judged that the standard is not satisfied.

When it is determined that the criteria are not satisfied (= the site of the building is small), the building type determination unit 48 calculates the scheduled meeting time based on the position of the building designated as the meeting place. The building type determination unit 48 generates the place time display screen information which is the screen information for generating the place time display screen 78, and transmits the information to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the location / time display screen information, and causes the display 34 to display the location / time display screen 78 according to the acquired location / time display screen information.

FIG. 10 is a representative screen view of the place time display screen 78 displayed on the display 34. The place time display screen 78 has an order details display area 62, a fixed meeting place display area 80, and a fixed scheduled time display area 82. In the fixed meeting place display area 80, the meeting place and the type of the building designated by the user 14 and confirmed by the management server 12 are displayed. The scheduled meeting time calculated by the management server 12 is displayed in the fixed scheduled time display area 82.

When the building type determination unit 48 determines that the criteria are satisfied (= the building site is large), the meeting place designation reception unit 50 refers to the site information holding unit 44 and refers to the site corresponding to the designated building. The map, the information of the meeting place candidate, and the information of the NG area are acquired. Based on the acquired information, the meeting place designation reception unit 50 generates meeting place narrowing screen information, which is screen information for generating the meeting place narrowing screen 84, and transfers the information to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. Send. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the meeting place narrowing screen information, and displays the meeting place narrowing screen 84 on the display 34 according to the acquired meeting place narrowing screen information.

FIG. 11 is a representative screen view of the meeting place narrowing screen 84 displayed on the display 34. The meeting place narrowing screen 84 has a site map display area 86, a candidate image display area 88, and a new setting button 90. The site map of the designated building is displayed in the site map display area 86. In the site map display area 86, the candidate mark 94 and the performance index 92 are displayed in association with each position of the meeting place candidate. The candidate mark 94 is an icon or a graphical object indicating that it can be designated as a meeting place. The performance index 92 corresponds to the number of times the meeting place candidate has been designated as the meeting place so far, and is configured to display more black circles as the number of times increases. By looking at the site map display area 86, the user can grasp at a glance (1) where can be designated as a meeting place, and (2) how often each meeting place candidate is selected.

In the candidate image display area 88, an image around the meeting place candidate designated by the temporary selection frame 96 in the site map display area 86 is displayed. When the user 14 taps a candidate on the site map display area 86, the temporary selection frame 96 moves to the tapped candidate. Since the user 14 can see the image around each candidate by moving the temporary selection frame 96 among the candidates, the probability that an erroneous meeting place is specified can be reduced. In another embodiment, the images around all the candidates displayed in the site map display area 86 may be displayed on one screen. In this case, the listability is improved.

When the user 14 double-taps one candidate on the site map display area 86, the input reception unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for designating the meeting place. The input receiving unit 56 transmits the designated candidate to the management server 12 via the network 18. The meeting place designation reception unit 50 of the management server 12 receives the designated candidate and acquires it as a meeting place. At the same time, the candidate updating unit 52 accesses the site information holding unit 44 and updates the designated number of times corresponding to the designated candidate (for example, +1). The calculation of the scheduled meeting time and the display of the place time display screen are as described in FIG.

When the user 14 newly taps the setting button 90 on the meeting place narrowing screen 84, the display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 displays the optional selection screen 98 that enables arbitrary selection of the meeting place on the display 34.

FIG. 12 is a representative screen view of the optional selection screen 98 displayed on the display 34. The optional selection screen 98 has a site map display area 100 and an OK button 104. The user 14 moves the designated marker 102 to his / her desired place by a slide operation or the like in the site map display area 100, and taps the OK button 104. The input reception unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for designating the meeting place. The input receiving unit 56 transmits the position of the designated marker 102 on the site map when the OK button 104 is tapped to the management server 12 via the network 18. The meeting place designation reception unit 50 receives the position of the designated marker 102 and compares the received position with the range of the NG area. When the received position does not fall within the range of the NG area, the meeting place designation reception unit 50 acquires the received position as the meeting place. At the same time, the candidate updating unit 52 registers the received position in the site information holding unit 44 as a new candidate corresponding to the site map. The calculation of the scheduled meeting time and the display of the place time display screen are as described in FIG.

When the received position falls within the range of the NG area, the meeting place designation reception unit 50 refers to the site information holding unit 44 and acquires the NG reason. The meeting place designation reception unit 50 generates NG reason display screen information, which is screen information for generating the NG reason display screen 106, and transmits the information to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the NG reason display screen information, and displays the NG reason display screen 106 on the display 34 according to the acquired NG reason display screen information.

FIG. 13 is a representative screen view of the NG reason display screen 106 displayed on the display 34. On the NG reason display screen 106, the reason why the designation of the meeting place selected on the optional selection screen 98 is restricted or prohibited is displayed. When the user 14 taps the back button 108, the mobile terminal 16 causes the optional selection screen 98 to be displayed on the display 34 again.

In the examples of FIGS. 8 to 13, the case where the site map can be used has been described, but the site map may not be held in the management server 12 depending on the building. When the site map of the building designated on the building designation screen 68 shown in FIG. 9 is not registered in the site information holding unit 44 of the management server 12, and the building type determination unit 48 determines that the criteria are satisfied. In this case, the meeting place designation reception unit 50 generates the meeting place setting screen information which is the screen information for generating the meeting place setting screen 110 which enables arbitrary selection of the meeting place around the site, and the information is networked. It is transmitted to the mobile terminal 16 via 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the meeting place setting screen information, and displays the meeting place setting screen 110 on the display 34 according to the acquired meeting place setting screen information.

FIG. 14 is a representative screen view of the meeting place setting screen 110 displayed on the display 34. The meeting place setting screen 110 has a map designation area 112 and an OK button 116. An electronic map around the designated building (that is, a map around the site) is displayed in the map designated area 112. In the map designated area 112, the designated building is highlighted (indicated by hatching in FIG. 14). The user 14 moves the designated marker 114 to his / her desired location by a slide operation or the like in the map designated area 112, and taps the OK button 116. The input reception unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for designating the meeting place. The input receiving unit 56 transmits the position of the designated marker 114 on the electronic map when the OK button 116 is tapped to the management server 12 via the network 18. The meeting place designation reception unit 50 receives the position of the designated marker 114 and acquires the received position as the meeting place. The calculation of the scheduled meeting time and the display of the place time display screen are as described in FIG.

Alternatively, if the site map of the building designated on the building designation screen 68 shown in FIG. 9 is not registered in the site information holding unit 44 of the management server 12, the user 14 and the administrator of the PDD system 10 are used by voice communication or the like. May interact directly with the administrator and manually set the meeting place.

In the examples of FIGS. 8 to 13, the case where at least one meeting place candidate is already registered in the site information holding unit 44 has been described, but the meeting place candidate is still registered for the building or the like for which the site map has just been acquired. It may not be. When the meeting place candidate of the building designated in relation to FIG. 9 is not registered in the site information holding unit 44, the display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 is shown in place of the meeting place narrowing screen 84 shown in FIG. The optional selection screen 98 shown in 12 is displayed on the display 34.

When calculating the scheduled meeting time in the examples of FIGS. 8 to 13, the time required for the PDD 20 to travel on the public road is calculated from the electronic map. The travel time within the premises of the building is calculated based on the information of the past travel within the premises. For example, the average travel time may be calculated and used as the travel time within the site.

In the example of FIGS. 8 to 14, the case where the user 14 can set a new candidate for the meeting place on the display 34 of the mobile terminal 16 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the PDD 20 meets with the user 14 in a building for delivery of goods or collection of packages, the PDD 20 may accept the registration of candidate meeting places by the user 14. The mode in which the PDD 20 accepts the registration of the meeting place candidate is referred to as the registration mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes in the PDD 20 having a registration mode. The PDD 20 departing from the store 22 detects that it has arrived at the set meeting place (S102). The PDD 20 waits for the user 14 to specify the registration mode (S104). For example, the PDD 20 causes a display unit (not shown) to indicate that the registration mode can be set. Alternatively, the PDD 20 may have a registration mode setting button (not shown). If the registration mode is not specified within the specified period after the PDD20 arrives at the meeting place (N of S104), the PDD20 departs for the next destination if there is one, and returns to the store 22 if not. Is started (S118). When the designation of the registration mode is accepted (Y in S104), the PDD 20 shifts to the registration mode and moves according to the guidance by the user 14 (S106). The PDD 20 confirms whether or not the user 14 has instructed the candidate setting (S108), and if not, the process returns to step S106. Regarding the candidate setting instruction, for example, the PDD 20 causes a display unit (not shown) to display an area for receiving the candidate setting instruction. Alternatively, the PDD 20 may have a candidate setting button (not shown). When the instruction for setting the candidate is received (Y in S108), the PDD20 performs positioning by a positioning means such as GPS provided in the PDD20 (S110), and also performs imaging by an imaging means such as a camera provided in the PDD20 (S110). S112). The PDD 20 transmits the position information obtained in step S110 and the image obtained in step S112 to the management server 12 via the network 18 as information for identifying the meeting place candidate. The candidate updating unit 52 of the management server 12 registers the received location information and the image in the site information holding unit 44 as new candidate information. The PDD20 cancels the registration mode (S116). The PDD 20 departs for the next destination if there is one, and starts returning to the store 22 if not (S118).

According to this PDD 20, for example, in anticipation of the next delivery, the user 14 can be proposed to update or change the meeting place. Further, in the registration mode, the PDD 20 acquires a place that the user 14 has taken for a trial as a candidate for a meeting place, and registers the place in the management server 12. In this case, since the position of the candidate for the meeting place can be directly specified by the positioning means of the PDD 20, the position accuracy of the candidate can be improved as compared with the case of specifying by the positioning means of the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14.

(Example 2)
Phase: Order acceptance Issue: Elimination of unnatural orders As shown in FIG. 9 of Example 1, the user 14 can basically specify any place as a meeting place. In this case, there is a possibility that a place considerably distant from the current position of the user 14 is designated as a meeting place due to a misunderstanding of the user 14. This example provides a fail-safe mechanism for such situations.

In this example, the mobile terminal 16 is positioned using a positioning means such as GPS, and the current position obtained as a result of the positioning is included in the order information and transmitted to the management server 12. The management server 12 extracts the current position of the mobile terminal 16 and the position of the designated meeting place from the received order information. The management server 12 is screen information for generating an order refusal screen 118 indicating refusal of an order (delivery of goods 24 or collection of packages) when both extracted positions are separated from a predetermined standard. Rejection screen information is generated, and the information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the order refusal screen information, and displays the order refusal screen 118 on the display 34 according to the acquired order refusal screen information.

FIG. 16 is a representative screen view of the order refusal screen 118 displayed on the display 34. On the order refusal screen 118, for example, when the distance between the position of the meeting place designated by the building designation screen 68 shown in FIG. 9 of Example 1 and the current position of the mobile terminal 16 is larger than the threshold value, the order is placed. A message indicating refusal is displayed. When the user 14 taps the back button 120, the mobile terminal 16 causes the building designation screen 68 to be displayed on the display 34 again.

The distance threshold may be such that a person cannot move by ordinary transportation at the time of ordering. For example, if the current location indicates Osaka, a location in Tokyo is specified as the meeting place, the order time is 11:45, and the order content is rice balls, the user arrives at the meeting place during lunch time of the day. The order is rejected because it is almost impossible to do.

(Example 3)
Phase: Delivery of goods / Waiting at destination Issue: Notification of PDD status As described in relation to steps S318, S320, and S322 in FIG. 2, PDD20 moves to the destination along the set route. During the automatic driving, the current position of the self is measured and reported to the management server 12 via the network 18 at any time. When the PDD20 arrives at the set meeting place, it waits there. Here, it would be nice to be able to inform the user 14 of the approach of the PDD 20 and where the PDD 20 is actually located. By doing so, it is possible to encourage the user 14 to come to the meeting place on time, and it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the PDD 20 at the meeting place.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the functions and configurations of the management server 12 according to Example 3. The management server 12 includes an image holding unit 138, an electronic map holding unit 42, an order control information holding unit 152, an image acquisition unit 198, a privacy processing unit 200, a cancellation processing unit 190, and a PDD position acquisition unit 124. A distance determination unit 126, a notification control unit 128, a status notification screen generation unit 136, and a meeting place change processing unit 182 are provided.

The PDD 20 acquires surrounding images at any time between the time it departs from the store 22 and arrives at the meeting place and returns to the store 22, and the acquired images and the current position are managed by the management server via the network 18. Send to 12. The image acquisition unit 198 acquires an image sent from the PDD 20 via the network 18 and the current position, and registers the image in the image holding unit 138.

The privacy processing unit 200 reads an image from the image holding unit 138, performs predetermined privacy processing on the read image, and registers the processed image in the image holding unit 138. The privacy process is a process for protecting privacy, for example, when it is recognized that a person is shown in an image, a process that makes the whole or a part (for example, the head) of the person unidentifiable (for example). For example, blurring, blackening, mosaic, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, when it is recognized that the image shows an object that can identify an individual such as a house nameplate or a license plate, the process may be such that the object cannot be identified.

FIG. 18 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the image holding unit 138. The image holding unit 138 has a position (coordinates), an original PDD image which is an image obtained by the PDD20 capturing the surroundings at that position, an acquisition date and time of the original PDD image, and another image source regarding the position. The other source image, which is an image obtained from the above, the processed image obtained by performing privacy processing on the original PDD image, and the processing date and time of the privacy processing are held in association with each other. The original PDD image is the image itself received from the PDD 20. The other image source may be, for example, Google Street View. The image acquisition unit 198 acquires an image from another image source and registers it in the image holding unit 138 as another source image. For example, the image acquisition unit 198 may periodically refer to the image holding unit 138 to acquire and register another source image corresponding to a position where the original PDD image does not exist from another image source.

FIG. 19 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the order control information holding unit 152. The order control information holding unit 152 includes an order ID for specifying an order, an order time for receiving the order, an ID for the user 14 who placed the order, an ID for the PDD 20 carrying the ordered product 24, and the ordered product. The ID of the store 22 that loads 24 into the PDD20, the meeting place that is the destination of the PDD20, the approach threshold value, the set of change candidates and change thresholds of the meeting place, the estimated arrival time of the PDD20, and the PDD20. The planned route, the ordered products and their quantity, and the cancellation threshold are stored in association with each other. The set of change candidates and change thresholds of the meeting place may be dynamically set for each order, or may be preset in association with the meeting place. In the latter case, once the order meeting place is set, the change candidate corresponding to the order meeting place may be determined by referring to the unillustrated meeting place-change candidate database.

Hereinafter, the user interface provided to the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 29 during the automatic traveling of the PDD 20 and the standby at the meeting place. From the time the PDD 20 leaves the store 22 until it comes near the meeting place, the display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 basically displays the top screen 122 on the display 34.

FIG. 20 is a representative screen view of the top screen 122 displayed on the display 34. The top screen 122 does not include information on the current position of the PDD 20 described later, nor an image related to the current position. The PDD position acquisition unit 124 of the management server 12 acquires the current position of the PDD 20 from the PDD 20 via the network 18. The distance determination unit 126 determines whether or not the current position of the PDD 20 is within a predetermined range based on the meeting place of the PDD 20. Specifically, the distance determination unit 126 refers to the order control information holding unit 152, and acquires an approach threshold value, a change threshold value corresponding to the change candidate, and a cancellation threshold value. The distance determination unit 126 calculates the distance (straight line distance or distance) between the current position of the acquired PDD 20 and the position of the meeting place, and compares the calculated distance with each acquired threshold value. In this example, approach threshold value> change threshold value and approach threshold value> cancel threshold value.

The notification control unit 128 does not notify the approach of the PDD 20 while the distance calculated by the distance determination unit 126 is determined to be equal to or greater than the approach threshold value. In this case, the display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 causes the top screen 122 to be displayed on the display 34. Normally, the user 14 does not need to see the position of the PDD 20 or the surrounding image when the PDD 20 is near the store 22. Also, from the viewpoint of privacy protection, it is desirable to limit the presentation of unnecessary images.

When it is determined that the distance calculated by the distance determination unit 126 is below the approach threshold value, the notification control unit 128 is screen information for generating an approach notification screen 130 for notifying the user 14 of the approach of the PDD 20. The approach notification screen information is generated, and the information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the approach notification screen information, and displays the approach notification screen 130 on the display 34 according to the acquired approach notification screen information.

FIG. 21 is a representative screen view of the approach notification screen 130 displayed on the display 34. The approach notification screen 130 includes a message 132 for notifying the user 14 of the approach of the PDD 20. When the user 14 taps the display button 134, the input receiving unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 transmits a display instruction to the management server 12 via the network 18. The notification control unit 128 of the management server 12 receives the display instruction.

When the display instruction is received, the status notification screen generation unit 136 of the management server 12 refers to the image holding unit 138 and acquires the processed image corresponding to the current position of the PDD 20 acquired by the PDD position acquisition unit 124. .. The processed image acquired in this way is not the current image corresponding to the current position, but the past image corresponding to the current position. In other words, the processed image to be acquired is not the image currently acquired by the PDD20 delivering the goods 24 to the user 14 in the order, but another PDD20 or the PDD20 is in operation in another past order or the like. It is a processed image of the acquired image. When the processed image corresponding to the current position is not registered, the status notification screen generation unit 136 may acquire another source image if there is another source image. When there is neither a processed image corresponding to the current position nor another source image, the status notification screen generation unit 136 may acquire the original PDD image corresponding to the current position and perform privacy processing for use. If there is no original PDD image, processed image, or other source image corresponding to the current position, the status notification screen generation unit 136 does not have to acquire the image and instructs the PDD 20 to capture and send the surrounding image. May be issued.

The status notification screen generation unit 136 refers to the electronic map holding unit 42, and acquires a portion of the electronic map having a size that contains both the current position and the meeting place of the PDD 20. The status notification screen generation unit 136 acquires the current position of the PDD 20 from the PDD position acquisition unit 124. The status notification screen generation unit 136 refers to the order control information holding unit 152, and acquires the ID of the PDD20, the scheduled route, the meeting place, the product, the quantity, the estimated time of arrival, and the change candidate of the meeting place.

The status notification screen generation unit 136 generates status notification screen information, which is screen information for generating the status notification screen 140, based on the information acquired as described above. The status notification screen generation unit 136 transmits the status notification screen information to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the status notification screen information, and displays the status notification screen 140 on the display 34 according to the acquired status notification screen information.

FIG. 22 is a representative screen view of the status notification screen 140 displayed on the display 34. The status notification screen 140 has an image display area 142 and a position display area 144. In the image display area 142, the processed image corresponding to the current position of the PDD 20 is displayed. In the position display area 144, the meeting place 146, the planned route 148 of the PDD20, the current position 150 of the PDD20, the change candidates 156 and 158 of the meeting place, and the cancel button 154 are provided in accordance with the above electronic map portion. , Is displayed. In the position display area 144, the meeting place 146 and the change candidates 156 and 158 are displayed in different modes.

By looking at the status notification screen 140, the user 14 can grasp in detail where the PDD 20 that is coming nearby is actually, and in particular, by looking at the image display area 142, the user 14 can get a real feeling that the PDD 20 is now. be able to. Further, since the image displayed in the image display area 142 is a processed image, the problem of privacy is also reduced or eliminated.

When the user 14 taps the cancel button 154 on the status notification screen 140, the input receiving unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for canceling the order. The input receiving unit 56 transmits the instruction to the management server 12 via the network 18. Upon receiving the instruction, the cancellation processing unit 190 of the management server 12 executes the cancellation processing in a form in which no cancellation fee is charged.

When the user 14 taps the image display area 142 on the status notification screen 140, the display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 causes the display 34 to display the detailed text screen 160 that displays the details of the order in text.

FIG. 23 is a representative screen view of the detailed text screen 160 displayed on the display 34. The detailed text screen 160 has a text display area 162 and a position display area 144. The text display area 162 is displayed in place of the image display area 142, and displays the ID of the PDD 20, the product name and quantity related to the order, the meeting place (destination), and the estimated time of arrival in text. According to the detailed text screen 160, the user 14 can confirm the content of his / her order with one tap, that is, with a small amount of operation.

When the user 14 taps the first change candidate 156 on the status notification screen 140, the display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 displays the reset inquiry screen 164 inquiring whether the meeting place may be reset on the display 34. The same process is executed when the second change candidate 158 is tapped.

FIG. 24 is a representative screen view of the reset inquiry screen 164 displayed on the display 34. The reset inquiry screen 164 has an image display area 142, a position display area 144, and a reset inquiry area 166 superimposed and displayed on the position display area 144. In the reset inquiry area 166, a text 168 asking whether the tapped first change candidate 156 may be set as a new meeting place, a YES button 170, and a NO button 172 are displayed. When the user 14 taps the NO button 172, the screen transitions to the status notification screen 140 again. When the user 14 taps the YES button 170, the display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 displays the meeting place update screen 174 indicating that the first change candidate 156 is set as a new meeting place on the display 34.

FIG. 25 is a representative screen view of the meeting place update screen 174 displayed on the display 34. The meeting place update screen 174 has an image display area 142 and a position display area 144. In the position display area 144, the display that was originally the first change candidate 156 is updated to the meeting place 176, and the planned route 178 is also changed to correspond. A message 180 indicating that the meeting place has been changed is superimposed and displayed on the position display area 144. Along with displaying the meeting place update screen 174 on the display 34, the input receiving unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 receives a tap on the YES button 170 as an instruction for changing the meeting place. The input reception unit 56 transmits an instruction for changing the meeting place to the first change candidate 156 to the management server 12 via the network 18. Upon receiving the instruction, the meeting place change processing unit 182 of the management server 12 updates the order control information holding unit 152. That is, the meeting place change processing unit 182 replaces the meeting place of the corresponding order of the order control information holding unit 152 with a new meeting place (first change candidate 156) included in the instruction, and replaces the planned route with a new meeting place. Replace with a new scheduled route for your destination and replace your estimated arrival time with a new estimated time of arrival corresponding to your new meeting place. The meeting place change processing unit 182 transmits a new meeting place and a new planned route to the PDD 20 via the network 18. The PDD20 will continue to drive automatically toward the new meeting place received according to the new scheduled route received.

Returning to FIG. 22, the status notification screen generation unit 136 of the management server 12 periodically generates and transmits the status notification screen 140, for example, at predetermined time intervals (1 second interval, 10 second interval, 1 minute interval, etc.). repeat. The status notification screen generation unit 136 is shown in FIG. 22 while the distance calculated by the distance determination unit 126 is determined to be equal to or greater than the change threshold value when the status notification screen 140 is generated for the second and subsequent times. Only the display of the current position 150 of the status notification screen 140 is updated. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 causes the display 34 to display the currently updated current position 150.

In the example of FIG. 22, the first change candidate 156 and the second change candidate 158 correspond to the first change threshold value and the second change threshold value, respectively, and the first change threshold value> the second change threshold value. .. While it is determined by the distance determination unit 126 that the distance calculated is equal to or greater than the first change threshold value, both the first change candidate 156 and the second change candidate 158 are new meeting places on the status notification screen 140. Can be specified as.

It is assumed that the PDD 20 approaches the meeting place 146 from the state of FIG. 22 and it is determined that the distance calculated by the distance determination unit 126 is below the first change threshold value. In this case, the status notification screen generation unit 136 restricts or prohibits the redesignation of the meeting place on the status notification screen 140. When it is determined that the distance calculated by the distance determination unit 126 is lower than the first change threshold value but greater than or equal to the second change threshold value, the status notification screen generation unit 136 designates the first change candidate 156. The status notification screen 140 is updated to prohibit it. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 causes the display 34 to display the status notification screen 140 thus updated.

FIG. 26 is a representative screen view of the status notification screen 140 when it is determined that the distance between the PDD 20 and the meeting place is below the first change threshold value but is greater than or equal to the second change threshold value. The current position 150 of the PDD 20 is closer to the meeting place 146 than that of FIG. 22, and the first change candidate 184 cannot be designated accordingly. As an aspect indicating that the first change candidate 184 cannot be specified, for example, the first change candidate 184 may be displayed in a form different from that of the meeting place 146 and the second change candidate 158. Alternatively, the display of the first change candidate 184 may be simply stopped.

It is assumed that the PDD 20 further approaches the meeting place 146 from the state of FIG. 26, and it is determined that the distance calculated by the distance determination unit 126 is below the second change threshold value. In this case, the status notification screen generation unit 136 updates the status notification screen 140 so as to prohibit the designation of the second change candidate 158. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 causes the display 34 to display the status notification screen 140 thus updated.

FIG. 27 is a representative screen view of the status notification screen 140 when it is determined that the distance between the PDD 20 and the meeting place is below the second change threshold value. The current position 150 of the PDD 20 is closer to the meeting place 146 than that of FIG. 26, and accordingly, the second change candidate 186 cannot be designated in addition to the first change candidate 184.

In the status notification screen 140 of FIG. 22, since the current position 150 of the PDD 20 is away from the meeting place 146, the cancellation process related to the cancel button 154 is free of charge. On the other hand, on the status notification screen 140 of FIG. 27, since the current position 150 of the PDD 20 is close to the meeting place 146, cancellation is charged. Along with this, in the status notification screen 140 shown in FIG. 27, the cancel button 154 is replaced with the paid cancel button 188.

The status notification screen generation unit 136 updates the status notification screen 140 so as to replace the cancel button 154 with the paid cancel button 188 when it is determined that the distance calculated by the distance determination unit 126 is below the cancel threshold value. When the user 14 taps the pay cancel button 188 on the status notification screen 140 updated in this way, the input reception unit 56 of the mobile terminal 16 accepts it as an instruction for canceling the order. The input receiving unit 56 transmits the instruction to the management server 12 via the network 18. Upon receiving the instruction, the cancellation processing unit 190 of the management server 12 executes the cancellation processing in the form of a cancellation fee.

It is assumed that the PDD 20 approaches the meeting place 146 from the state shown in FIG. 27, and it is determined that the PDD 20 has arrived at the meeting place 146. In this case, the status notification screen generation unit 136 updates the status notification screen 140 so as to notify the arrival of the PDD 20 at the meeting place 146. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 causes the display 34 to display the status notification screen 140 thus updated.

FIG. 28 is a representative screen view of the status notification screen 140 when it is determined that the PDD 20 has arrived at the meeting place 146. In the position display area 144 of the status notification screen 140, a decorative display 192 for emphasizing the arrival of the PDD 20 and a message 194 notifying the arrival are displayed. The message 194 also displays the waiting time at the meeting place 146 of the PDD 20.

The user 14 can know the arrival of the PDD 20 from the status notification screen 140 shown in FIG. 28, and can more accurately grasp where the meeting place is by looking at the image display area 142.

When the management server 12 receives a signal indicating the completion of delivery of the product 24 from the PDD 20 or the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14 via the network 18, the transaction completion screen information is screen information for generating the transaction completion screen 196. Is generated and transmitted to the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. The display control unit 58 of the mobile terminal 16 acquires the transaction completion screen information, stops the display of the status notification screen 140, and displays the transaction completion screen 196 on the display 34 according to the transaction completion screen information.

FIG. 29 is a representative screen view of the transaction completion screen 196 displayed on the display 34. With the transaction completion screen 196, the user 14 can no longer see the image associated with the position of the PDD 20, but that is fine as the user 14 usually does not care about the return of the PDD 20. Also, from the viewpoint of privacy protection, it is desirable to limit the presentation of unnecessary images.

In this example, the case where the past privacy-processed image corresponding to the current position of the PDD 20 is used as the image to be displayed in the image display area 142 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the status notification screen generation unit 136 may acquire a surrounding image from the PDD 20 via a network and perform privacy processing on the acquired surrounding image in real time. In this case, the image display area 142 displays a privacy-processed image currently acquired by the PDD 20 delivering the product 24 to the user 14 in the order.

In this example, the case where the status notification screen 140 is displayed on the display 34 by using the PDD application has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the user 14 has registered an e-mail address in the management server 12, the notification control unit 128 sends a URL to the e-mail address of the user 14 related to the order when it is determined that the PDD 20 has approached the meeting place. You may send an email containing it. The URL identifies a Web page that displays the status notification screen 140. In this case, even if the user 14 has not launched the PDD application, the user 14 can be notified of the approach of the PDD 20.

(Example 4)
Phase: During product delivery Issue: Cooperation with delivery truck As explained in relation to steps S318, S320, and S322 in FIG. 2, PDD20 is performing automatic traveling to move to a destination along a set route. At any time, the current position of the self is measured and reported to the management server 12 via the network 18. In addition, in this example, the management server 12 also acquires the current position from the delivery truck loaded with inventories via the network 18. The delivery truck is usually used for transporting the goods 24 between the warehouse and the store 22 and for transporting the goods 24 between the stores 22. The delivery truck is configured so that the goods 24 can be exchanged with the PDD 20 manually or automatically.

The management server 12 has a display 202, and a management screen 204 including an electronic map and an operating status of the PDD 20 and a delivery truck is displayed on the display 202. The administrator looks at the management screen 204 displayed on the display 202 and manages the operation of the PDD 20 and the delivery truck.

FIG. 30 is a representative screen view of the management screen 204 displayed on the display 202. The management server 12 displays the operating status of the PDD 20 and the operating status of the delivery truck together on the electronic map based on the acquired current position of the PDD 20 and the acquired current position of the delivery truck. The management server 12 accepts the designation of the place where the PDD 20 and the delivery truck are scheduled to meet on the management screen 204.

The management screen 204 has an electronic map display area 206 and a detailed display area 208. In the electronic map display area 206, along with the electronic map, the current position 210 of the PDD 20, the planned route 212 of the PDD 20, the destination (meeting place) 214 of the PDD 20, the store 216 of the return destination of the PDD 20, and the current delivery truck. The position 218, the planned route 222 of the delivery truck, and the candidate 220 of the meeting place between the PDD 20 and the delivery truck are displayed. The detailed display area 208 displays the PDD information display area 224 displaying the ID and status of the PDD 20 displayed in the electronic map display area 206, and the ID and status of the delivery truck displayed in the electronic map display area 206. It has a truck information display area 226 and a PDD detailed display area 228 that displays the ID of the PDD20 selected in the PDD information display area 224, the product name and quantity related to the order, the destination, and the estimated time of arrival in text. .. The truck information display area 226 includes a link to a screen showing the inventory of delivery trucks. Candidate 220 may be determined by the management server 12 based on the current position and planned route of the PDD 20 and the current position and planned route of the delivery truck.

By looking at the management screen 204 shown in FIG. 30, the administrator determines whether it is beneficial to have the PDD 20 and the delivery truck meet. If it is useful, a place where the PDD20 and the delivery truck meet is determined, and a process for guiding both to the determined place is performed. For example, the management server 12 may send an instruction to set a new destination (= determined place) to the target PDD 20 via the network 18. Similarly, the management server 12 may transmit the same information to the delivery truck via the network 18, or the manager may give an instruction to the driver of the delivery truck directly by telephone or the like. When these instructions are completed, the management server 12 accepts the designation of the place where the PDD 20 and the delivery truck are scheduled to meet, and updates the display of the electronic map display area 206.

Alternatively, the administrator may specify the candidate 220 displayed in the electronic map display area 206 with a mouse or the like. In this case, the management server 12 accepts the designated candidate 220 as a place where the PDD 20 and the delivery truck are scheduled to meet. The process for guiding the target PDD20 and the delivery truck to the specified location is the same as described above.

According to this example, the manager can guide the delivery truck loaded with inventories to a predetermined point depending on the order status. As a result, by loading the product 24 on the PDD 20 at the relay location, faster delivery becomes possible.

In this example, the case where the management screen 204 is displayed on the display 202 of the management server 12 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the management screen 204 may be displayed on the POS of the store 22, or the mobile terminal of the user 14. It may be displayed on the display 34 of 16.

(Example 5)
Phase: Waiting at the destination Task: Identifying the PDD at the time of delivery As described in connection with step S322 of FIG. 2, the PDD 20 waits there when it arrives at the set meeting place. Here, when a plurality of PDD20s meet with the user 14 at the same meeting place and the same time zone, a situation may occur in which the user 14 cannot identify his / her own PDD20. Therefore, in this example, the color (painting) of the PDD 20 itself or the color of the light emitted by the light emitting means such as the LED included in the PDD 20 is used as the identification information of the PDD 20. For example, when a plurality of PDD20s wait at the same meeting place in the same time zone, the color of the light emitted by each PDD20 is adjusted so as not to overlap in a predetermined range (for example, a range of a radius of 100 m).

FIG. 31 is a representative screen view of the approach notification screen 230 displayed on the display 34 of the mobile terminal 16. The approach notification screen 230 corresponds to the approach notification screen 130 shown in FIG. On the approach notification screen 230, a message 132 for notifying the user 14 of the approach of the PDD 20 and a message 232 for notifying the color of the light emitted by the PDD 20 corresponding to the user 14 are displayed. By referring to the information displayed on the approach notification screen 230, the user 14 can easily identify his / her own PDD 20 even when a plurality of PDD 20s are waiting at the meeting place. In the example of FIG. 31, the user 14 recognizes the PDD20 emitting red light at the meeting place as its own PDD20. Here, the color of the light emitting means is used as the identification method, but it may be identified by the type of blinking timing.

In addition, other information that can be perceived by humans such as sound and shape may be used as the identification information.
Alternatively, the user 14 may easily identify the PDD 20 by recognizing the mutual distance between the plurality of PDD 20s at the meeting place and stopping at a predetermined distance. In this case, when it is determined that the PDD 20 has arrived at the destination, the PDD 20 includes means for performing a process for making itself stand by at a position avoiding the standby position of another PDD 20 at the destination. For example, PDD20 has means for performing peer-to-peer communication such as Bluetooth® and infrared communication. The PDD 20 cooperates with other PDD 20s by peer-to-peer communication to determine its own standby position.

Alternatively, when a situation may occur in which a plurality of PDD20s arrive at the same meeting place at the same time zone, the arrival time of the PDD20 having the later order time may be shifted.

(Example 6)
Phase: Waiting at the destination Problem: The user does not come to deliver As described in relation to step S322 of FIG. 2, the PDD20 waits there when it arrives at the set meeting place. Here, for some reason, the ordered user 14 may not come to the meeting place. In this example, the measures taken by the PDD system 10 in such a case will be described.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes in the PDD system 10. PDD20 arrives at the meeting place (S402). The PDD20 clocks the waiting time at the meeting place. When the PDD 20 and the user 14 meet before the waiting time exceeds the first threshold value (N in S404), a normal delivery process of the product 24 (for example, steps S328 and S330 in FIG. 3) occurs. When the waiting time exceeds the first threshold value without a meeting (Y in S404), the PDD 20 sends a confirmation message addressed to the user 14 via the network 18 via the management server 12 (S406). If the PDD 20 and the user 14 meet before the waiting time exceeds the second threshold value (> the first threshold value) (“with meeting” in S408), the normal delivery process of the product 24 occurs. If there is a response from the user 14 to the confirmation message before the wait time exceeds the second threshold (“responsive” in S408), the PDD 20 or management server 12 indicates that the response is not in time for the wait. It is determined whether or not the server is used (S410). In time (N in S410), the PDD 20 continues to wait and meets with the user 14. If it is not in time (Y in S410), the PDD 20 or the management server 12 performs a process for resetting the meeting place and the meeting time (S412). Alternatively, the PDD 20 or the management server 12 may cancel the order instead of such a resetting process. For example, if the PDD20 has another delivery destination, the resetting process may be a process of going around that destination first and resetting the scheduled route of the PDD20 so that it will be visited again on the way back, or the same at another date and time. Alternatively, it may be a process for delivering the same product at another meeting place.

When the waiting time exceeds the second threshold value (Y in S408) without a response or a meeting in step S408, the PDD 20 transmits a reconfirmation message addressed to the user 14 via the management server 12 via the network 18. (S414). If the PDD 20 and the user 14 meet before the waiting time exceeds the third threshold value (> the second threshold value) (“with meeting” in S416), the normal delivery process of the product 24 occurs. If there is a response from the user 14 to the reconfirmation message before the wait time exceeds the third threshold value (“Response” in S416), the PDD20 or the management server 12 determines that the response is not in time for the wait. It is determined whether or not it is indicated (S410).

When the waiting time exceeds the third threshold value (Y in S416) without any response or meeting in step S416, the PDD 20 or the management server 12 automatically calls the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14 (S418). When there is a response to the call (N in S420), the process proceeds to step S410. If there is no response to the call (Y in S420), PDD20 stops waiting at the meeting place, starts automatic movement to the next destination if there is one, and returns to store 22 if not. Start (S422). The management server 12 executes a penalty process for imposing a financial or procedural penalty on the user 14 (S424). The penalty process may be, for example, collection of a surcharge cancellation fee for cancellation without prior notice, or may be a process for rejecting the next and subsequent orders by registering the user in the blacklist.

In step S420, when there is no response to the automatic call, a manual confirmation may be triggered by inquiring to the administrator. In this case, the administrator determines whether or not the PDD 20 has returned by looking at the order status and the like, and calls the mobile terminal 16 as necessary.

(Example 7)
Phase: Order acceptance Issue: Notification to the other party at the time of delivery of the PDD of the gift As described in relation to step S302 of FIG. 2, when ordering the product 24, the user 14 specifies a meeting place to meet with the PDD 20. Here, as in the case of gift delivery, the orderer and the recipient of the product 24 may be different. In this case, the recipient does not necessarily know that the delivery will be done by PDD20. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism to notify a recipient different from the orderer that the delivery will be performed by the PDD20.

In this example, when the orderer and the recipient receive different orders, the management server 12 makes an inquiry to the recipient, and when the consent for the delivery by the PDD 20 is obtained, the management server 12 performs the delivery by the PDD 20. Normal delivery will be done without consent.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes in the management server 12. The management server 12 receives order information specifying a recipient different from the orderer from the orderer's terminal via the network 18 (S502). When the order is confirmed by the completion of the payment process, the management server 12 sends a consent confirmation message for inquiring whether or not to consent to the receipt to the recipient's terminal via the network (S504). As a method of specifying the recipient's terminal, for example, when the recipient is already registered in the PDD system 10, the recipient's terminal may be specified by the registration information. The management server 12 may send a consent confirmation message to the recipient's terminal when the recipient's terminal is online. If the e-mail address of the recipient's terminal is registered, the management server 12 may send a consent confirmation message to that address. Alternatively, if the recipient is not registered in the PDD system 10, the management server 12 may inquire of the orderer's terminal for the recipient's email address. Alternatively, when acquiring order information from the orderer, the orderer may be made to input information for identifying the terminal of the recipient.

The management server 12 receives a response to the consent confirmation message from the recipient's terminal via the network 18. If the response indicates disagreement (N in S506), or if the response to the consent confirmation message is not obtained within a predetermined period, the process for performing normal delivery is executed (S508). Normal delivery may be any delivery method other than delivery using PDD20.

When the response to the consent confirmation message indicates consent (Y in S508), the management server 12 starts a process for directing the PDD 20 to the destination corresponding to the recipient. The management server 12 determines whether or not the recipient is already registered in the PDD system 10, that is, whether or not the recipient has received delivery by the PDD system 10 (S510). For example, since the order control information holding unit 152 shown in FIG. 19 holds the order history, the management server 12 determines whether or not the recipient's ID is registered in the order control information holding unit 152. When the recipient is already registered (Y in S510), the management server 12 executes a process for delivery by PDD20 using the registered recipient information (S512). If the recipient is not registered (N in S510), the management server 12 performs delivery verification (S514). After that, the process proceeds to step S512.

(Example 8)
Phase: At the time of PDD failure Problem: Repair / recovery of PDD and delivery of products in the failed PDD Since the PDD20 runs automatically unattended, there is a problem in dealing with a failure during delivery or return. There are two problems, the first is how to recover the failed PDD20, and the second is how to deliver the goods 24 loaded on the failed PDD20. be.

The PDD 20 according to this example monitors the PDD 20 itself, and when a failure is detected, generates failure information indicating the detected failure location and the details of the failure, and transmits the failure information to the management server 12 via the network 18.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes in the management server 12. The management server 12 receives failure information from the PDD 20 via the network 18 (S602). The management server 12 includes a failure response holding unit (not shown) that holds failure information and failure level in association with each other in advance. The failure level is represented by, for example, four levels from level 1 to level 4. Level 1 is "business can be continued", level 2 is "returnable", level 3 is "evacuation on the spot", and level 4 is "power out soon". The administrator assigns one of Level 1 to Level 4 to the assumed failure content and failure location, and registers it in the failure response holding unit.

The management server 12 refers to the failure response holding unit and acquires the failure level corresponding to the received failure information (S604). The management server 12 determines whether or not the failed PDD 20 is self-propelled based on the acquired failure level (S606). For example, the management server 12 determines that it can run on its own if the failure level is level 1 or level 2. If the failure level is level 3 or level 4, the management server 12 determines that the vehicle cannot run on its own. When it is determined that the management server 12 can run on its own (Y in S606), the management server 12 transmits a return instruction to the failed PDD 20 via the network 18 (S608). When it is determined that the management server 12 cannot run on its own (N in S606), the management server 12 performs a collection process for collecting the failed PDD 20 by a collection means such as another PDD 20 or a delivery truck (S610). For example, the management server 12 transmits a collection instruction including the position of the failed PDD 20 to another PDD 20 waiting at the store 22 via the network 18. Upon receiving the collection instruction, the PDD 20 automatically travels to a designated position, connects the failed PDD 20 (wire connection, etc.), and takes it back to the store 22.

Alternatively, the management server 12 transmits a recovery instruction including the location of the failed PDD 20 to a nearby delivery truck via the network 18. The delivery truck that received the collection instruction presents the position of the failed PDD 20 to the driver by a navigation system or the like. The driver heads to the indicated position and loads the failed PDD20 onto the delivery truck.

The management server 12 performs an alternative delivery process for delivering the product 24 loaded on the failed PDD 20 to the user 14 (S612). For example, the management server 12 transmits an instruction for loading the same product 24 as the product 24 loaded on the failed PDD 20 on another PDD 20 to the store 22 via the network 18. At the same time, the management server 12 transmits the meeting place of the failed PDD 20 to the other PDD 20 via the network 18. The clerk of the store 22 loads the product 24 into the other PDD 20, and the other PDD 20 starts automatic driving to the designated meeting place.

Alternatively, the management server 12 transmits an alternative delivery instruction including the location of the failed PDD 20 and the meeting place of the failed PDD 20 to another PDD 20 waiting in the store 22 via the network 18. Upon receiving the alternative delivery instruction, the PDD 20 automatically travels to the position of the failed PDD 20, receives and stores the product 24 from the failed PDD 20, and automatically travels to the designated meeting place in place of the failed PDD 20. This is particularly effective when the product 24 loaded on the failed PDD 20 is a missing product or a unique product.

In this example, the failure level is determined by the management server 12, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the PDD 20 may report the failure level to the management server 12 after determining the failure level by the PDD 20.

(Example 9)
Phase: During delivery or return of goods Problem: Delivery of goods between PDDs As mentioned in Example 8, it is advantageous in various situations to deliver goods 24 between PDDs 20. For example, if the returning PDD20 having an empty accommodation space 26 and the PDD20 heading for the meeting place with the product 24 mounted in all the accommodation spaces 26 pass each other, the product 24 is changed from the latter PDD20 to the former PDD20. If you can pass some, the efficiency of delivery will improve.

In Example 8, the case where the PDDs 20 automatically deliver the product 24 to each other has been described. For this, it is necessary to provide a mechanism dedicated to delivery in the PDD20, which is a trade-off with cost. In this example, a case where a person transfers a product 24 between PDDs 20 in a place where a person is present, such as a convenience store, will be described. This alleviates cost issues at the cost of limited delivery locations.

FIG. 35 is a representative screen view of the management screen 234 displayed on the display 202 of the management server 12. The management screen 234 corresponds to the management screen 204 shown in FIG. The management screen 234 has an electronic map display area 236 and a detailed display area 238. In the electronic map display area 236, along with the electronic map, the current position 240 of the PDD20, the planned route 242 of the PDD20, the destination (meeting place) 244 of the PDD20, the store 246 of the return destination of the PDD20, and the meeting between the PDD20s. Candidate 248 locations and delivery stores 254 associated with Candidate 248 are displayed. The detailed display area 238 includes a PDD information display area 250 that displays the ID and status of the PDD 20 displayed in the electronic map display area 236, an ID of the PDD 20 selected in the PDD information display area 250, and a product name related to the order. It also has a PDD detailed display area 252 that displays the number, destination, and estimated time of arrival in text.

The management server 12 includes a transferable place holding unit (not shown) that holds the locations of a plurality of delivery stores 254 capable of transferring and receiving the product 24 between the PDDs 20. The management server 12 receives each current position from both the PDD20 (No. 63) being delivered and the PDD20 (No. 52) being returned via the network 18. The management server 12 selects a place where the two PDDs 20 should meet from a plurality of places held in the transferable holding unit based on the acquired current position. For example, the management server 12 selects the location of the delivery store 254 closest to one of the two received current locations among the locations held in the transferable location holding unit. The management server 12 selects the location of the delivery store 254 closest to the other of the two received current locations among the locations held in the transferable location holding unit. The management server 12 displays the two selected locations in the electronic map display area 236 as candidate 248 locations for meetings between PDDs 20.

When one of the displayed two location candidates 248 is specified, the management server 12 connects the PDD20 (No. 63) being delivered and the PDD20 (No. 52) being returned to each of the PDD20 (No. 52) via the network 18. And sends an instruction to go to the designated candidate 248. When the two PDDs 20 meet at the designated candidate 248, the management server 12 transmits an instruction including information specifying the delivery target product to the POS of the delivery store 254 via the network 18. Upon receiving the instruction, the POS displays a screen prompting the delivery of goods on the display. The clerk of the delivery store 254 looks at the screen and executes the delivery of the product 24 between the two PDD 20s. Here, the POS may be a portable POS terminal, and may be changed to the status that the selected product 24 is stored in the delivery destination PDD 20 by the employee reading the barcode of the selected product 24. Alternatively, the PDD may be provided with a camera or barcode function, and the barcode of the product 24 selected by the camera or barcode function may be read and the status may be changed in the same manner.

(Example 10)
Phase: In-delivery of goods / Waiting at destination Challenge: Effective sales promotion Each PDD20 has a plurality of storage spaces 26 capable of accommodating goods 24 and luggage. It is useless to leave the storage space 26 other than the storage space 26 for storing the ordered product 24 empty when the user 14 places an order and heads to the designated meeting place. In this example, a product matching the vacant accommodation space 26 or a product derived from the past order history of the target user is proposed to a user who can deliver on the determined route. In the following, the case where the product 24 related to the recommendation is loaded in the vacant storage space 26 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the user is proposed to collect the goods and the vacant storage space 26 is loaded with the luggage from the user. good.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing the functions and configurations of the management server 12 according to Example 10. The management server 12 includes a user information holding unit 256, an order control information holding unit 152, a destination / route determination unit 258, a sales promotion target specifying unit 260, a recommendation generation unit 262, and a recommendation distribution unit 264. ..

FIG. 37 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the user information holding unit 256 of FIG. 36. The user information holding unit 256 includes the user ID of the user 14, the terminal ID that identifies the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14, the e-mail address of the user 14, and the latest position of the mobile terminal 16 received from the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14. And, the previous meeting place which is the meeting place in the previous order of the user 14, the frequent meeting place which is the most frequently specified meeting place among the orders of the user 14, and the order placed in the past by the user 14 are specified. The order ID and the order ID are associated and held. The previous meeting place and the frequent meeting place are appropriately added and updated by the order information analysis unit (not shown) analyzing the order control information holding unit 152.

Returning to FIG. 36, the destination / route determination unit 258 receives the order information including the information of the product 24 selected by the user 14 and the information of the designated meeting place from the mobile terminal 16 via the network 18. .. The destination / route determination unit 258 extracts the meeting place information from the received order information and sets it as the destination of the PDD 20. The destination / route determination unit 258 uses a predetermined navigation algorithm to determine the route between the store 22 where the PDD 20 waits and the designated meeting place.

The sales promotion target identification unit 260 refers to the user information holding unit 256, and is a user who can meet with the PDD 20 based on the position of at least one of the destination and the route determined by the destination / route determination unit 258 (hereinafter,). , Called the promotion target user).

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the specifying process in the sales promotion target specifying unit 260. It is assumed that the destination / route determination unit 258 sets the destination 268 and the planned route 270. The sales promotion target specifying unit 260 sets a predetermined area based on the destination 268. In the example of FIG. 38, the sales promotion target specifying unit 260 sets a circular region 272 centered on the destination 268. The sales promotion target specifying unit 260 sets a predetermined area based on the planned route 270. In the example of FIG. 38, the sales promotion target specifying unit 260 sets the band region 274 centered on the planned route 270. The sales promotion target specifying unit 260 refers to the user information holding unit 256 and acquires the latest position of the user. If the latest location is not available, the promotional target identification unit 260 will acquire the previous meeting location. If the previous meeting place is not available, the promotional target identification unit 260 acquires the frequent meeting place. In FIG. 38, both the white circle and the black circle indicate the position of the user acquired as described above. The sales promotion target identification unit 260 compares the acquired user's position with the circular area 272 and the band area 274. When the position of the user falls within both the circular area 272 and the band area 274, the sales promotion target specifying unit 260 identifies the user as the sales promotion target user. If this is not the case, the promotion target identification unit 260 does not consider the user as the promotion target user. In the example of FIG. 38, the user corresponding to the position indicated by the black circle is specified as the sales promotion target user.

In addition, when the position of the user is included in at least one of the circle area 272 and the band area 274, the sales promotion target specifying unit 260 may specify the user as the sales promotion target user. Alternatively, the sales promotion target user may be specified by the inclusion relationship with respect to the circle area 272 without setting the band area 274. The sales promotion target user may be specified by the inclusion relationship with respect to the band area 274 without setting the circle area 272.

Returning to FIG. 36, the recommendation generation unit 262 generates recommendation information related to the sale of the product 24. In this example, the following two are adopted as the criteria for recommendation.
(1) Matching with the size of the empty accommodation space 26 (2) Matching with the order history of the sales promotion target user

(1) Regarding matching with the size of the empty storage space 26, the recommendation generation unit 262 summarizes whether or not the product 24 can be accommodated in the empty storage space 26 for each storage space 26 and for each product. Generate 276.

FIG. 39 is a data structure diagram showing an example of the size matching table 276. In the example of FIG. 39, there are five storage spaces, of which the product 24 is stored in the storage space “2”. The remaining accommodation spaces "1", "3", "4", and "5" are empty. The recommendation generation unit 262 compares the size of each of the empty storage spaces with the size of the product, and can accommodate the former if it is larger than the latter including the margin (“○”), otherwise it can accommodate. Register impossible ("x"). In the example of FIG. 39, since the product "1" is small, it can be accommodated in all of the accommodation spaces "1", "3", "4", and "5", while the product "11" is large and can be accommodated in the accommodation space "1". , "3", "4", "5" can only be accommodated in the largest accommodation space "5". The recommendation generation unit 262 refers to the size matching table 276 and identifies the product that can be accommodated as a candidate for the product to be promoted.

(2) Regarding matching with the order history of the sales promotion target user, the recommendation generation unit 262 acquires the past order history of the sales promotion target user specified by the sales promotion target identification unit 260 from the order control information holding unit 152. The recommendation generation unit 262 analyzes the acquired order history. Based on the analysis result, the recommendation generation unit 262 identifies the product to be promoted that matches the user to be promoted from the candidates for the product to be promoted specified above. For example, the recommendation generation unit 262 identifies from the order history a product that is highly likely to be purchased by the sales promotion target user by the scheduled delivery time of the product 24 stored in the storage space “2”. When the product so specified is a candidate for the product to be promoted, the recommendation generation unit 262 specifies the candidate as the product to be promoted. As a result, the identified product to be promoted can be accommodated in the empty accommodation space 26, and is in line with the preference of the user to be promoted.

The recommendation generation unit 262 includes information on the identified product to be promoted in the recommendation information. The recommendation generation unit 262 calculates a plurality of scheduled delivery times of different products to be promoted based on the destination and the route determined by the destination / route determination unit 258. The destination / route determination unit 258 determines the delivery charge for each of the plurality of calculated delivery scheduled times. The recommendation generation unit 262 includes the calculated plurality of scheduled delivery times and the determined delivery fee in the recommendation information.

The recommendation distribution unit 264 transmits the recommendation information generated by the recommendation generation unit 262 to the mobile terminal of the sales promotion target user specified by the sales promotion target identification unit 260 via the network 18. When the mobile terminal of the sales promotion target user has launched the PDD application, the recommendation distribution unit 264 may transmit the recommendation information using the terminal ID registered in the user information holding unit 256. Alternatively, the recommendation distribution unit 264 may send an e-mail containing the recommendation information to the e-mail address registered in the user information holding unit 256.

FIG. 40 is a representative screen view of the recommendation screen 278 displayed on the display 34 of the mobile terminal 16. The transmission / reception unit 54 of the mobile terminal 16 receives the recommendation information via the network 18. The display control unit 58 displays the recommendation screen 278 on the display 34 based on the received recommendation information. The recommendation screen 278 has a message display area 280 that displays a message recommending an order for a product, a product image display area 282 that displays an image of a product to be promoted, and product information such as the price and name of the product to be promoted. It has a product information display area 284 to be displayed, a delivery information display area 286 to display a delivery schedule time and a delivery charge candidate, and another user information display area 288. The candidates displayed in the delivery information display area 286 correspond to a plurality of scheduled delivery times and delivery charges obtained by the recommendation generation unit 262. In the other user information display area 288, the number of other users who refer to the recommendation screen 278 corresponding to the recommendation information is shown. This allows the user to understand that the promotion is limited in number and time.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes in the management server 12. The management server 12 determines the destination and the route related to the order (S702). The management server 12 identifies the sales promotion target user based on the determined destination and route (S704). The management server 12 confirms the empty storage space 26 of the PDD 20 for delivering the ordered product 24 (S706). When there is an empty accommodation space 26 (Y in S708), the management server 12 selects a product matching the size of the confirmed empty accommodation space 26 as a candidate for a product to be promoted (S710). The management server 12 narrows down the candidates obtained in step S710 by analyzing the order history of the sales promotion target user (S712). The management server 12 generates recommendation information including information on products to be promoted obtained as a result of the narrowing down in step S712, and transmits the recommendation information to the mobile terminal of the user to be promoted (S714). The management server 12 receives the order according to the recommendation information (S716). The process returns to step S706, and the management server 12 confirms the empty storage space 26 of the PDD 20 again. If there is an empty accommodation space 26, the above process is repeated, and if there is no empty accommodation space 26 (N in S708), the process ends.

According to this example, it is possible to carry out effective sales promotion to other users in the vicinity of the meeting place or the planned route according to the order of the product by the user 14. In particular, since products with a high probability of being in line with the intentions of other users are promoted, the probability of receiving an order can be increased. Further, on the administrator side, the empty storage space 26 of the PDD 20 can be reduced.

In this example, it may be complicated to promote each PDD delivery schedule, so the number of times in principle may be determined. Alternatively, it may be a mode in which the user independently accesses and uses it.

Further, in this example, the case where the management server 12 transmits the recommendation information to the mobile terminal 16 before the PDD 20 departs from the store 22 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the management server 12 transmits the recommendation information. After the PDD 20 departs, it may be transmitted to the mobile terminal of the sales promotion target user via the network 18. In this case, since the PDD 20 can be started without waiting for the response to the recommendation information, the operation of the PDD 20 can be expedited. Although this modification has not been requested yet, the PDD20 is launched by loading a product with a high probability of being purchased by the sales promotion target user on the PDD20. After starting, we will promote to the users targeted for sales promotion, such as "The water yokan will arrive in 5 minutes. It will be 100 yen after the discount. Free shipping. How about it?"

In this example, the case of recommending to the user 14 when the accommodation space 26 is free has been described, but the mode of recommendation is not limited to this. For example, the management server 12 may acquire information on the weather around the user 14, and if it is rain or snow, may propose a meeting place closer to the current position of the user 14 with a higher delivery charge. Alternatively, the management server 12 may propose a closer meeting place with a higher shipping charge if the goods ordered by the user 14 are heavier than the reference. Alternatively, the management server 12 may predict a product with a high probability of being ordered by the user 14 from the current position and the current time of the user 14 for a specific user 14 from the analysis result of the order control information holding unit 152. .. The management server 12 may recommend the predicted product before the user 14 places an order. For example, if the analysis of the order control information holding unit 152 reveals that the user 14 tends to order rice balls at around 11:30 every day, the management server 12 will use the mobile terminal 16 of the user 14 at around 11:25. Send a recommendation to buy rice balls. Further, if the analysis of the order control information holding unit 152 reveals that the user 14 tends to purchase stationery in bulk at the end of each month, the management server 12 issues a stationery coupon to the user 14 from several days before the end of the month. You may distribute it.

In this example, the case of making a recommendation to a user to be promoted has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the management server 12 may make a group recommendation to the same department of the company. In this case, the management server 12 may be configured so that a specific person in the group, for example, a newcomer, can receive the information. The management server 12 accepts the order and transmits the information (meeting place, time) for receipt to the terminal of the designated recipient (newcomer). In this case, the products can be delivered together, which improves efficiency. Here, even if the recommendation is made to the group, each group member will place the order and settlement, and only the receiving method, one of the group members, one of the group members who ordered this time, and the specific person of the group member will be selected. Determined by the group. The group decision means that, for example, the recipient set by the first orderer can be changed by the next orderer, and similarly, the subsequent orderer can change the recipient setting. .. When changing the recipient setting, it may be a process of performing prior confirmation to the person set as the recipient.

In the above-described embodiment, examples of the holding unit are a hard disk and a semiconductor memory. Further, based on the description of this specification, each part is divided into a CPU (not shown), an installed application program module, a system program module, a semiconductor memory for temporarily storing the contents of data read from the hard disk, and the like. What can be achieved is understood by those skilled in the art who have referred to this specification.

The configuration and operation of the PDD system 10 according to the embodiment have been described above. This embodiment is an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component and a combination of each process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

The embodiment may be expressed by the following items.
(PDD basic operation 0 (meeting place identification), <operation at the time of request reception>)
(Item 1)
A computer program related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between a user and a store via an unmanned transportation device.
A function to obtain the designation of the destination type of the unmanned transportation device from the user, and
A computer program to enable the terminal to display a screen on the display for the user to specify the place where the user and the unmanned transportation device meet when the specified type meets the criteria for the size of the site. ..
(Item 2)
The computer program according to item 1, wherein the screen includes a map of the site of the destination of the unmanned transportation device and at least one candidate meeting place displayed in connection with the map.
(Item 3)
The computer program according to item 2, wherein the screen includes an index indicating the number of times the candidate meets as a place where the candidate meets in association with the candidate.
(Item 4)
The computer program according to item 2 or 3, wherein the screen is associated with the candidate and includes an image around the candidate.
(Item 5)
If the specified type meets the criteria for site size and a map of the site of the destination of the unmanned transportation device is not available, the screen is the computer program according to item 1 including a map around the site. ..
(Item 6)
The screen is configured so that any place on the site can be designated as a meeting place.
The computer program is further
The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein when the place designated by the user on the screen satisfies the criteria for refusal of designation, the function of rejecting the designation is realized in the terminal.
(Item 7)
An unmanned transportation device that mediates the transfer of goods between the user and the store.
A transportation means that realizes automatic movement to the destination using the position information from the positioning means,
A reception means that accepts the user's specification of the registration mode,
An unmanned transportation device including an acquisition means for acquiring information for specifying an arrival place according to a user's guidance as information for specifying a candidate for a place where a user and an unmanned transportation device meet in a registration mode.
(Item 8)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition method for acquiring the designation of the destination type of the unmanned transportation device from the user's terminal via the network, and
Judgment means for determining whether the specified type meets the criteria for the size of the site,
A server including a transmission means for transmitting screen information to the terminal via the network to generate a screen for the user to specify a place where the user and the unmanned transportation device meet when it is determined to be satisfied. ..
(Item 9)
It is a terminal related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition method for acquiring the designation of the destination type of the unmanned transportation device from the user,
A terminal comprising a display control means for displaying a screen on the display for the user to specify a place where the user and the unmanned transportation device meet when the specified type meets the criteria for the size of the site.

(PDD basic operation 1 (PDD current position display), <operation when request is accepted>)
(Item 1)
A computer program related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between a user and a store via an unmanned transportation device.
The function to acquire the current position of the user's terminal and
A function that accepts the designation of the destination of the unmanned transportation device,
When the acquired current position and the specified destination are farther than a predetermined standard, the computer for realizing the function of displaying a screen indicating the refusal of the request for delivery of goods on the display on the terminal. program.
(Item 2)
It is a terminal related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition means for acquiring the current position of the user's terminal, and
A reception means that accepts the designation of the destination of the unmanned transportation device,
A terminal including a display control means for displaying a screen indicating refusal of a request for delivery of goods on a display when the acquired current position and the designated destination are farther than a predetermined standard.
(Item 3)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition means for acquiring the current position of the user's terminal from the terminal via a network, and
A reception means that accepts the designation of the destination of the unmanned transportation device from the terminal via the network, and
Judgment means for determining whether or not the acquired current position and the specified destination are farther than a predetermined standard, and
A server including a transmission means for transmitting information for rejecting a request for sending and receiving of goods to the terminal via the network when it is determined to be distant.

(PDD basic operation 1 (PDD current position display), <Transportation / Destination waiting operation>)
(Item 1)
A computer program related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between a user and a store via an unmanned transportation device.
A function to acquire an image corresponding to the current position of the unmanned transportation device obtained by using the positioning means provided in the unmanned transportation device, and
A computer program to realize the function to display the acquired image on the display and the terminal.
(Item 2)
The display function is a function of displaying the image on the display in association with an electronic map including at least one of the route of the unmanned transportation device, the current position of the unmanned transportation device, and the destination of the unmanned transportation device. The computer program according to item 1 including.
(Item 3)
The computer program according to item 1 or 2, wherein the image is displayed as one of the conditions that the current position of the unmanned transportation device is within a predetermined range based on the destination of the unmanned transportation device.
(Item 4)
The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 3, further realizing a function of stopping the display of the image on the terminal when the transfer of goods between the user and the unmanned transportation device is completed.
(Item 5)
The image is one of items 1 to 4, which is an image obtained by subjecting an image obtained by taking an image of the surroundings at the current position by an unmanned transportation device to a process for protecting privacy. The computer program described.
(Item 6)
The computer program according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the image is a past image corresponding to the current position of the unmanned transportation device.
(Item 7)
It is a terminal related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition means for acquiring an image corresponding to the current position of the unmanned transportation device obtained by using a positioning means provided in the unmanned transportation device, and an acquisition means.
A terminal provided with a display control means for displaying the acquired image on a display.
(Item 8)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
The first acquisition means for acquiring information about the current position of the unmanned transportation device from the unmanned transportation device via the network, and
A second acquisition means for acquiring an image that has been processed to protect privacy and that corresponds to the current position of the unmanned transportation device.
A server including a transmission means for transmitting an acquired image to a user's terminal via a network.
(Item 9)
A computer program related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between a user and a store via an unmanned transportation device.
When the current position of the unmanned transportation device obtained by using the positioning means provided in the unmanned transportation device and the destination of the unmanned transportation device are separated from a predetermined standard, the destination of the unmanned transportation device is used. A function that provides an interface that allows redesignation, and
A computer program for realizing a function of acquiring a new destination specified by the interface and a terminal.
(Item 10)
The interface presents possible destination candidates that can be specified.
The computer program according to item 9, wherein the acquired function includes a function of acquiring a candidate designated by the user as a new destination.
(Item 11)
Item 9 or 10 that further realizes the function of restricting or prohibiting the redesignation of the destination in the interface when the current position of the unmanned transportation device and the destination of the unmanned transportation device are closer than the predetermined reference. The computer program described in.
(Item 12)
It is a terminal related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
When the current position of the unmanned transportation device obtained by using the positioning means provided in the unmanned transportation device and the destination of the unmanned transportation device are separated from a predetermined standard, the destination of the unmanned transportation device is used. A means of providing an interface that allows redesignation, and
A terminal comprising an acquisition means for acquiring a new destination specified via the interface.
(Item 13)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
A determination means for determining whether or not the current position of the unmanned transportation device obtained by using the positioning means provided in the unmanned transportation device and the destination of the unmanned transportation device are separated from a predetermined reference.
A transmission means that, when determined to be distant, transmits information to the user's terminal over the network to provide an interface that allows the destination of the unmanned carrier to be redesignated.
A server including an acquisition means for acquiring a new destination designated via the interface from the terminal via a network.

(PDD basic operation 2 (cooperation with delivery truck), <management device>)
(Item 1)
It is a management device for managing a system that realizes the transfer of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
The first acquisition means for acquiring the current position of the unmanned transportation device from the unmanned transportation device via the network, and
A second acquisition means for acquiring the current position of a delivery vehicle capable of exchanging goods with an unmanned transportation device from the delivery vehicle via a network, and
A display control means for displaying the operating status of the unmanned transport device and the operating status of the delivery vehicle on an electronic map based on the current position of the acquired unmanned transportation device and the current position of the acquired delivery vehicle.
A management device provided with a reception means for accepting designation of a place where an unmanned transportation device and a delivery vehicle are scheduled to meet.
(Item 2)
As a management device for managing a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device,
The function to acquire the current position of the unmanned transportation device from the unmanned transportation device via the network, and
A function to acquire the current position of a delivery vehicle that can exchange goods with an unmanned transportation device from the delivery vehicle via a network, and
Based on the current position of the acquired unmanned transportation device and the acquired current position of the delivery vehicle, the function to display the operating status of the unmanned transportation device and the operating status of the delivery vehicle on an electronic map,
A computer program to realize the function of accepting the designation of the place where the unmanned transportation device and the delivery vehicle are scheduled to meet.

(PDD basic operation 3 (PDD delivery problem), <delivery standby operation>)
(Item 1)
A computer program related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between a user and a store via an unmanned transportation device.
A function to acquire information on the operating status of unmanned transportation equipment via a network, and
A computer program to realize a function to provide the user with the identification information of the unmanned transportation device corresponding to the user according to the acquired information, and to realize the terminal.
(Item 2)
An unmanned transportation device that mediates the transfer of goods between the user and the store.
A transportation means that realizes automatic movement to the destination using the position information from the positioning means,
When it is determined that the vehicle has arrived at the destination, the unmanned transportation device is provided with a standby means for performing a process for making the unmanned transportation device stand by at a position avoiding the standby position of another unmanned transportation device at the destination. ..
(Item 3)
It is a terminal related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
A means of acquiring information on the operating status of unmanned transportation equipment via a network,
A terminal provided with a means for providing a user with identification information of an unmanned transportation device corresponding to the user according to the acquired information.

(PDD basic operation 4 (absence problem when receiving PDD) <delivery standby operation>)
(Item 1)
An unmanned transportation device that mediates the transfer of goods between the user and the store.
A transportation means that realizes automatic movement to the destination using the position information from the positioning means,
Timekeeping means to measure the waiting time at the destination,
An unmanned driving device comprising a confirmation means that performs a process for confirming to the user when the waiting time exceeds a threshold value.
(Item 2)
The unmanned driving device according to item 1, further comprising a standby stopping means for performing a process for stopping the standby at the destination when it is determined that the confirmation cannot be obtained from the user.
(Item 3)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition method for acquiring the waiting time at the destination of an unmanned transportation device, and
A server comprising a confirmation means that performs a process for confirming to the user when the acquired wait time exceeds the threshold value.
(Item 4)
The server according to item 3, further comprising a penalty means for performing a process for imposing a penalty on the user when it is determined that the confirmation cannot be obtained from the user.
(Item 5)
The server according to item 3 or 4, further comprising a changing means for changing the route of the unmanned driving device so as to return to the destination when the response from the user to the confirmation is received.

(PDD basic operation 5 (gift PDD delivery) <operation at the time of request reception>)
(Item 1)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
A reception means that accepts requests for delivery of goods to the receiving user from the terminal of the requesting user via the network.
A transmission means for sending a message for inquiring whether or not to accept the request to the terminal of the receiving user via the network in response to the acceptance of the request.
A server comprising a processing means that performs processing to direct an unmanned carrier to a destination corresponding to a recipient user if the response to the transmitted message is consenting.
(Item 2)
If it is determined that there is no response to the sent message, or if the response to the transmitted message is disagreeable, the process for delivering the goods using a predetermined delivery method other than delivery using an unmanned carrier. The server according to item 1, further comprising means for performing the above.
(Item 3)
With additional retention means to keep delivery history
The server according to item 1 or 2 for performing delivery verification when the receiving user is not registered in the holding means.

(PDD basic operation 6 (operation at the time of failure))
(Item 1)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
A receiving means for receiving information indicating a failure of the unmanned transportation device detected by the unmanned transportation device from the unmanned transportation device via a network.
An acquisition method for acquiring a level indicating the degree of failure based on the received information,
A server including a determination means for determining whether or not failure handling processing is necessary according to the acquired level.
(Item 2)
The server according to item 1, wherein the failure handling process includes a process for transporting an article equivalent to an article loaded on the unmanned transport device in which a failure is detected by another unmanned transport device.
(Item 3)
The server according to item 1, wherein the failure handling process includes a process for transferring an article loaded in an unmanned transportation device in which a failure is detected to another unmanned transportation device and transporting the article.

(PDD basic operation 7 (delivery between PDDs))
(Item 1)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
A holding means that holds a plurality of predetermined places where goods can be exchanged between unmanned transportation devices, and
An acquisition method for acquiring the current position of each of two or more unmanned transportation devices via a network,
A server comprising a selection means for selecting a place where the two or more unmanned transportation devices should meet from a plurality of places held by the holding means based on the acquired current position.

(PDD basic operation 8 (sales promotion on PDD delivery decision route) <transportation / destination waiting operation>)
(Item 1)
It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
Determining means for determining the destination and route of unmanned transportation equipment,
Specific means of identifying users who can meet with unmanned carriers based on the location of at least one of the determined destinations and routes.
A server comprising a transmission means for transmitting recommendation information relating to the sale of goods or the collection of goods to a terminal of a specified user via a network.
(Item 2)
The unmanned transportation equipment has multiple storage spaces, each of which can accommodate goods, and has multiple storage spaces.
The server according to item 1, further comprising a means for including an article that can be accommodated in an empty accommodation space among a plurality of accommodation spaces of an unmanned transportation device as an article to be sold in the recommendation information.
(Item 3)
A means of calculating a plurality of different scheduled delivery times of the goods to be sold based on at least one of the determined destinations and routes.
The server according to item 1 or 2, further comprising means for including a plurality of calculated scheduled delivery times in the recommendation information.
(Item 4)
A means of determining the delivery charge for each of the calculated multiple scheduled delivery times,
The server according to item 3, further comprising a means for including the determined delivery charge in the recommendation information.
(Item 5)
Retention means to keep the delivery history,
The server according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising means for identifying an article to be sold corresponding to the specified user based on the history held in the holding means.
(Item 6)
The server according to item 5, wherein the transmission means transmits recommendation information related to the specified goods to be sold to the terminal of the specified user via a network after the unmanned transportation device accommodating the goods departs. ..

10 PDD system, 12 management server, 14 users, 16 mobile terminals, 18 networks, 20 PDD, 22 stores.

Claims (12)

A computer program related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between a user and a store via an unmanned transportation device.
A function to obtain the designation of the destination type of the unmanned transportation device from the user, and
When the specified destination type meets the criteria for the size of the site, the terminal realizes a function to display a screen on the display for the user to specify the place where the user and the unmanned transportation device meet. Computer program for. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the screen includes a map of the site of the destination of the unmanned transportation device and at least one candidate meeting place displayed in connection with the map. The computer program according to claim 2, wherein the screen includes an index indicating the number of times the candidates meet in association with the candidate. The computer program according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the screen is associated with the candidate and includes an image around the candidate. If the designated destination type meets the criteria for site size and a map of the site of the destination of the unmanned transportation device is not available, the screen includes a map around the site. The computer program described in. The screen is configured so that any place on the site can be designated as a meeting place.
The computer program is further
The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the place designated by the user on the screen meets the criteria for refusal of designation, the terminal realizes the function of rejecting the designation. The function to acquire the current position of the user's terminal and
A function that accepts the designation of the destination of the unmanned transportation device,
A claim that further realizes the function of displaying a screen showing the refusal of a request for delivery of goods on the display when the acquired current position and the designated destination are farther from a predetermined standard. The computer program according to any one of 1 to 5 . A function to acquire an image corresponding to the current position of the unmanned transportation device obtained by using the positioning means provided in the unmanned transportation device, and
The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further realizing a function of displaying the acquired image on a display and a terminal. A function to acquire information on the operating status of unmanned transportation equipment via a network, and
The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further realizes a function of providing the user with identification information of an unmanned transportation device corresponding to the user according to the acquired information, and further realizes the terminal. A function to generate order information including information on goods received from the user, information on destinations, and payment information on payment related to delivery and delivery of goods, and
The computer program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , further realizing a function of transmitting the generated order information to a server capable of communicating with an unmanned transportation device via a network, and further realizing the terminal. It is a server related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition method for acquiring the designation of the destination type of the unmanned transportation device from the user's terminal via the network, and
Judgment means for determining whether or not the designated type of destination meets the criteria for the size of the site.
When it is determined that the criteria are satisfied, a transmission means for transmitting screen information for generating a screen for the user to specify a place where the user and the unmanned transportation device meet, and a transmission means for transmitting the screen information to the terminal via the network. A server equipped with. It is a terminal related to a system that realizes the exchange of goods between the user and the store side via an unmanned transportation device.
An acquisition method for acquiring the designation of the destination type of the unmanned transportation device from the user,
A terminal provided with a display control means for displaying a screen on the display for the user to specify a place where the user and the unmanned transportation device meet when the specified type of destination meets the criteria for the size of the site. ..

Images