WO2022249319A1 - 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム - Google Patents

情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022249319A1
WO2022249319A1 PCT/JP2021/019971 JP2021019971W WO2022249319A1 WO 2022249319 A1 WO2022249319 A1 WO 2022249319A1 JP 2021019971 W JP2021019971 W JP 2021019971W WO 2022249319 A1 WO2022249319 A1 WO 2022249319A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
delivery
orders
items
air vehicle
order
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2021/019971
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
大貴 田中
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rakuten Group Inc
Original Assignee
Rakuten Group Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rakuten Group Inc filed Critical Rakuten Group Inc
Priority to JP2022529020A priority Critical patent/JP7208440B1/ja
Priority to US17/785,761 priority patent/US12462213B2/en
Priority to PCT/JP2021/019971 priority patent/WO2022249319A1/ja
Publication of WO2022249319A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022249319A1/ja
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping
    • G06Q10/0832—Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C13/00—Control systems or transmitting systems for actuating flying-control surfaces, lift-increasing flaps, air brakes, or spoilers
    • B64C13/02—Initiating means
    • B64C13/16—Initiating means actuated automatically, e.g. responsive to gust detectors
    • B64C13/18—Initiating means actuated automatically, e.g. responsive to gust detectors using automatic pilot
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D1/00—Dropping, ejecting, releasing or receiving articles, liquids, or the like, in flight
    • B64D1/22—Taking-up articles from earth's surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G61/00—Use of pick-up or transfer devices or of manipulators for stacking or de-stacking articles not otherwise provided for
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
    • G05D1/60—Intended control result
    • G05D1/644—Optimisation of travel parameters, e.g. of energy consumption, journey time or distance
    • G05D1/6445—Optimisation of travel parameters, e.g. of energy consumption, journey time or distance for optimising payload operation, e.g. camera or spray coverage
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D1/00—Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
    • G05D1/60—Intended control result
    • G05D1/656—Interaction with payloads or external entities
    • G05D1/667—Delivering or retrieving payloads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U10/00—Type of UAV
    • B64U10/10—Rotorcrafts
    • B64U10/13—Flying platforms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64U—UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES [UAV]; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR
    • B64U2101/00—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications
    • B64U2101/60—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons
    • B64U2101/64—UAVs specially adapted for particular uses or applications for transporting passengers; for transporting goods other than weapons for parcel delivery or retrieval
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D2105/00—Specific applications of the controlled vehicles
    • G05D2105/20—Specific applications of the controlled vehicles for transportation
    • G05D2105/28—Specific applications of the controlled vehicles for transportation of freight
    • G05D2105/285—Specific applications of the controlled vehicles for transportation of freight postal packages
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D2109/00—Types of controlled vehicles
    • G05D2109/20—Aircraft, e.g. drones
    • G05D2109/25—Rotorcrafts
    • G05D2109/254—Flying platforms, e.g. multicopters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a technical field such as a system for loading items included in each of multiple orders onto an unmanned air vehicle and delivering the items to a delivery destination.
  • an unmanned aerial vehicle 1 (unmanned air vehicle) holding a plurality of cargo stores the identification number of each cargo in association with the coordinates of each target position, and stores a plurality of cargoes from the departure position. It is disclosed to fly to the destination positions in sequence, release the hold of the cargo when reaching one of the destination positions, and move to the next destination position.
  • Patent Document 1 does not show the relationship between the maximum weight that can be loaded on an unmanned air vehicle and the total weight of multiple items loaded on the unmanned air vehicle. Therefore, it is not possible to efficiently determine whether or not the articles included in each of the multiple orders can be loaded and delivered on the unmanned air vehicle.
  • an information processing device and information processing device capable of efficiently determining whether or not it is possible to load and deliver items included in each of a plurality of orders on an unmanned air vehicle whose maximum loadable weight is determined.
  • a processing method and delivery system are provided.
  • the invention described in claim 1 executes predetermined information processing using a database that stores information about an unmanned air vehicle used for delivering goods and information about ordering goods.
  • a first calculation means for calculating the total weight of a plurality of articles to be loaded on the unmanned flying vehicle based on the weight of the articles included in each of the plurality of orders; determining means for determining whether or not the unmanned air vehicle can load and deliver the articles included in each of the plurality of orders by comparing the loadable weight and the total weight.
  • an information processing apparatus in which the delivery destinations specified in each of the plurality of orders are indicated in response to the judgment by the judgment means that the delivery is possible. It is characterized by further comprising transmitting means for transmitting delivery destination information to the unmanned mobile body.
  • a delivery route for delivering items included in each order is determined based on the delivery destination specified in each order.
  • the information processing apparatus wherein the weight of the article included in each of the plurality of orders and the relationship between the cruising distance of the unmanned air vehicle and the load weight of the unmanned aircraft are used. and further comprising a second calculation means for calculating the cruising range to be compared with the expected flight distance of the unmanned air vehicle, wherein the second calculation means calculates the number of items included in any of the orders at the delivery destination.
  • the cruising distance is calculated so as to increase the distance according to the weight that is reduced by being separated from the unmanned air vehicle. As a result, the cruising distance that takes into consideration the weight that decreases at each delivery destination is used, so more efficient delivery of goods can be realized.
  • the invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of orders whose delivery destinations are included in a delivery area scheduled to be flown by the unmanned air vehicle are specified.
  • a third specifying means is further provided, and the first calculating means calculates the weight of the plurality of articles to be loaded on the unmanned air vehicle based on the weights of the articles included in each of the plurality of orders specified by the third specifying means. It is characterized by calculating the total weight. As a result, orders to be delivered can be limited, so that more efficient delivery of goods can be achieved.
  • the invention according to claim 6 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of orders including a specified delivery time within a delivery time slot scheduled to be flown by the unmanned air vehicle are processed. Further comprising a fourth specifying means for specifying, wherein the first calculating means calculates a plurality of items to be loaded on the unmanned air vehicle based on the weight of each of the items included in each of the plurality of orders specified by the fourth specifying means. It is characterized by calculating the total weight of the article. As a result, orders to be delivered can be limited, so that more efficient delivery of goods can be achieved.
  • the invention according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a delivery destination is included in a delivery area scheduled to be flown by the unmanned air vehicle, and Based on the attribute of the goods included in each of the plurality of orders including the specified delivery time within the delivery time zone scheduled to fly by the aircraft, and the weather in the delivery area and the delivery time zone and further comprising a fifth identifying means for identifying a plurality of orders containing articles that are not affected by weather in the delivery area and the delivery time zone, wherein the first calculating means calculates the plurality of orders identified by the fifth identifying means. and calculating the total weight of the plurality of articles to be loaded on the unmanned air vehicle based on the weights of the articles included in each of the orders.
  • a delivery destination is included in a delivery area scheduled to be flown by the unmanned air vehicle, and Based on the attribute of the goods included in each of the plurality of orders including the specified delivery time within the delivery time zone scheduled to fly by the aircraft, and the weather in the delivery area
  • the invention according to claim 8 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a delivery destination is included in a delivery area scheduled to be flown by the unmanned air vehicle, and Based on the attributes of the articles included in each of the plurality of orders that include the specified delivery time within the delivery time slot scheduled to be flown by the aircraft and the article release method of the unmanned aircraft, It further comprises a sixth identification means for identifying a plurality of orders containing articles that are not affected by the unmanned air vehicle's article detachment method, wherein the first calculation means calculates the order for each of the plurality of orders identified by the sixth identification means. A total weight of a plurality of articles to be loaded on the unmanned air vehicle is calculated based on weights of the articles included. As a result, it is possible to prevent the quality of the article delivered to the delivery destination from deteriorating due to the influence of the article release method of the unmanned air vehicle.
  • the invention according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of articles to be loaded on the unmanned aircraft is based on the volumes of the articles included in each of the plurality of orders.
  • the determining means further comprises third calculating means for calculating a total volume of the articles, wherein the determining means compares the loadable volume of the unmanned flying object with the total volume so that the unmanned flying object receives the plurality of orders. It is characterized by determining whether or not it is possible to load and deliver the articles included in each. As a result, it is possible to efficiently determine whether or not it is possible to load and deliver the articles included in each of the plurality of orders on the unmanned air vehicle for which the maximum storable capacity has been determined.
  • the first calculation means determines which of the plurality of orders or based on the weights of the plurality of items included in one order
  • the determination means calculates the total weight of the plurality of items to be loaded on the unmanned air vehicle
  • the determining means determines the loadable weight of the unmanned air vehicle and the total weight of the items. It is characterized by determining whether or not the unmanned air vehicle can load and deliver a plurality of items included in the one order by comparing the weight and weight. As a result, it is possible to efficiently determine whether or not it is possible to load and deliver the articles included in one order to the unmanned air vehicle for which the maximum loadable weight is determined.
  • the determination means determines that the items are not deliverable
  • the plurality of items included in the order are divided into a plurality of times and delivered. It is characterized by further comprising determination means for determining delivery first and determining the delivery order of each of the items based on the attributes of each of the items.
  • the invention according to claim 12 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the determining means includes a delivery destination included in a delivery area scheduled to be flown by the unmanned flying object, and The delivery order of each of the articles is determined based on the weather in the delivery time zone in which the flight is scheduled by and the attributes of each of the articles. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the goods delivered to the delivery destination due to the influence of the weather in the delivery area and delivery time zone.
  • an information processing method performed by a computer that executes predetermined information processing using a database that stores information on an unmanned air vehicle used to deliver goods and information on orders for goods. calculating a total weight of a plurality of items to be loaded on the unmanned air vehicle based on weights of items included in each of a plurality of orders; and a loadable weight of the unmanned air vehicle and the total weight. and determining whether the unmanned air vehicle can load and deliver the items included in each of the plurality of orders by comparing the.
  • a fourteenth aspect of the invention provides a database for storing information on an unmanned air vehicle used for delivery of goods and information on an order for the goods, an acquisition unit for acquiring weights and weights of a plurality of items included in each of a plurality of orders and loaded on the unmanned air vehicle from the database; and weights of the plurality of items acquired by the acquisition unit. and a calculation unit that calculates the total weight of the plurality of items by accumulating the unmanned flying object is included in each of the plurality of orders by comparing the loadable weight of the unmanned flying object with the total weight. and a determination unit that determines whether or not it is possible to load and deliver an article that can be delivered.
  • the present invention it is possible to efficiently determine whether or not it is possible to load and deliver the articles included in each of a plurality of orders on an unmanned air vehicle for which the maximum weight that can be loaded is determined.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a delivery system S; FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline
  • 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a management server 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks in a control unit 23;
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of mixed-loading delivery availability determination processing executed by the control unit 23 of the management server 2.
  • FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of processing according to non-consolidated delivery in step S19 shown in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. It is a map showing the delivery area and the position of the delivery destination specified in the order.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of items included in orders or1 to or3 corresponding to delivery destinations d1 to d3, respectively;
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a comparative example between the total weight of articles and the loadable weight of UAV 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a comparison example between the total volume of articles and the loadable volume of UAV1;
  • FIG. 2 is a map showing delivery routes for delivering items included in an order;
  • FIG. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the delivery order of each of a plurality of items included in one order;
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a delivery system S.
  • the delivery system S includes unmanned aerial vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)”) 1a, 1b, 1c, . . .
  • UAVs 1a, 1b, 1c, . . . are collectively referred to as UAV1.
  • a UAV 1 is an example of an unmanned aerial vehicle used for delivering (carrying) goods, and is also called a drone or a multicopter.
  • the UAV 1 can fly according to remote control by an operator from the ground, or fly autonomously.
  • the management server 2 is an example of an information processing device that executes predetermined information processing using a database that stores information about the UAV 1 and information about ordering goods.
  • the UAV 1 is managed by a GCS (Ground Control Station).
  • GCS Gate Control Station
  • the GCS may be installed as an application in a control terminal operated by an operator, or may be systematized by the management server 2 or a server other than the management server 2, or the like.
  • the communication network NW is composed of, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network and its radio base stations.
  • Items that are loaded (loaded) on the UAV 1 as cargo are, for example, ordered items (eg, merchandise or home delivery items) ordered on an EC (Electronic commerce) site or home delivery site.
  • ordered items eg, merchandise or home delivery items
  • EC Electronic commerce
  • Such goods are delivered from the delivery base to the delivery destination specified in the order by the delivery requester (for example, the person who ordered the product).
  • the delivery destination is a place such as in front of the entrance of the house where the recipient lives (in front of the entrance) or in front of the entrance of the office where the recipient works.
  • the UAV 1 may leave the goods at a specific location (outdoors) at the delivery destination (this is called referred to as placement).
  • the place where the article is placed may be, for example, the ground in front of the doorway of a house or office (eg, concrete, dirt, gravel, or grass ground).
  • the delivery base is where the goods are loaded onto UAV1.
  • goods included in each of a plurality of orders are loaded on the UAV 1 (that is, mixed and consolidated) and delivered (this is referred to as "consolidated delivery")
  • consolidated delivery a case in which goods included in each of a plurality of orders are loaded on the UAV 1 (that is, mixed and consolidated) and delivered
  • divided delivery a case in which a plurality of items are divided and delivered in multiple batches.
  • quick and efficient delivery can be realized based on the loadable weight of the UAV 1 (also referred to as the aircraft payload) and the total weight of the multiple items loaded on the UAV 1. .
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the UAV1.
  • the UAV 1 includes a drive section 11, a positioning section 12, a communication section 13, a sensor section 14, a storage section 15, a control section 16, and the like.
  • the UAV 1 includes a battery (not shown) that supplies electric power to each part of the UAV 1, a rotor R (propeller) that is a horizontal rotating blade, a loading section H for loading articles, and the like.
  • the loading section H is capable of loading a plurality of articles. Articles may be loaded on the loading section H in a storage box. Inside the loading section H, a holding mechanism is provided for holding (that is, tethering) the article or its storage box.
  • the stacking unit H may be provided with a wire and a reel (winch) for sending out or winding up the wire.
  • the drive unit 11 includes a motor, a rotating shaft, and the like.
  • the drive unit 11 rotates a plurality of rotors using a motor, a rotating shaft, and the like that are driven according to control signals output from the control unit 16 .
  • the positioning unit 12 includes a radio wave receiver, an altitude sensor, and the like.
  • the positioning unit 12 receives radio waves transmitted from satellites of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) with a radio wave receiver, and detects the current horizontal position (latitude and longitude) of the UAV 1 based on the radio waves. Note that the current horizontal position of the UAV 1 may be corrected based on the image captured by the camera of the sensor unit 14 .
  • Position information indicating the current position detected by the positioning unit 12 is output to the control unit 16 .
  • the positioning unit 12 may detect the current position (altitude) of the UAV 1 in the vertical direction using an altitude sensor such as an air pressure sensor. In this case, the position information includes altitude information indicating the altitude of the UAV1.
  • the communication unit 13 is responsible for controlling communications performed via the communication network NW.
  • the sensor unit 14 includes various sensors necessary for flight control of the UAV1.
  • Various sensors include, for example, optical sensors, triaxial angular velocity sensors, triaxial acceleration sensors, and geomagnetic sensors.
  • the optical sensor is composed of, for example, a camera.
  • an optical sensor continuously senses (eg, captures) a real space within a range within the angle of view of a camera. Sensing information obtained by sensing by the sensor unit 14 is output to the control unit 16 .
  • the storage unit 15 is composed of a nonvolatile memory or the like, and stores various programs and data.
  • the storage unit 15 also stores the UAV body ID (Identifer).
  • the body ID is identification information for identifying the UAV1.
  • the control unit 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and executes various controls according to programs stored in the ROM (or storage unit 15). For example, the control unit 16 performs flight control to fly the UAV 1 to the delivery destination specified in the order. In this flight control, the position information acquired from the positioning unit 12, the sensing information acquired from the sensor unit 14, the delivery destination information, etc. are used to control the rotation speed of the rotor R, the position, attitude, and position of the UAV 1. Direction of travel is controlled. As a result, the UAV 1 can autonomously move to the delivery destination. During the flight of the UAV 1 , the position information of the UAV 1 and the body ID of the UAV 1 are sequentially transmitted from the communication unit 13 to the management server 2 .
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • the delivery destination information may be set in the UAV 1 together with the order ID, for example, at the delivery base, or may be transmitted together with the order ID from the management server 2 and set.
  • the order ID is identification information for identifying an order.
  • An item ID for identifying the item may be used instead of the order ID.
  • the delivery address information includes, for example, the delivery address ID of the delivery address specified in the order and the location information of the delivery address.
  • the delivery destination ID is identification information for identifying the delivery destination.
  • the location information of the delivery destination may be the address of the delivery destination or the location information (latitude and longitude) of the delivery destination.
  • control unit 16 is configured to release the articles loaded on the loading unit H from the UAV 1 in a state in which the UAV 1 is flying (flight state) or in a state in which the UAV 1 is landing (landing state).
  • the state in which the UAV 1 is flying means the state in which the UAV 1 is moving in the air (that is, moving horizontally, vertically, or diagonally), or the state in which the UAV 1 is hovering (hovering state).
  • Detachment control by the control unit 16 is performed, for example, by releasing (releasing) the holding of the article or its storage box from the holding mechanism and opening a door provided on the side surface or the bottom surface of the loading unit H.
  • the article or its storage box When detachment control is performed while the UAV 1 is in flight, the article or its storage box is dropped from the air above the delivery destination to the ground.
  • the wire may be sent out by the reel of the UAV 1 hovering over the delivery destination, thereby lowering the loading section H toward the ground.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the management server 2.
  • the management server 2 includes a communication section 21, a storage section 22, a control section 23, and the like.
  • the communication unit 21 controls communication performed via the communication network NW.
  • the communication unit 21 receives the position information and the body ID transmitted from the UAV 1 .
  • the management server 2 can recognize the current position of the UAV 1 from the position information of the UAV 1 .
  • the storage unit 22 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive or the like, and stores various programs and data.
  • an order management database (DB) 221, a UAV management database 222, and the like are constructed in the storage unit 22.
  • the order management database 221 and the UAV management database 222 may be composed of one database.
  • these databases may be constructed in a database server other than the management server 2 .
  • the order management database 221 is a database for managing information related to product orders.
  • the order management database 221 stores item IDs of items included in the order, order information, delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination specified in the order, item weight, item name (for example, product name), item size, The number of items, the attributes of the items, the recipient information of the items, the body ID of the UAV 1 that delivers the items, etc. are stored (registered) in association with each order.
  • the order information includes an order ID, user information of the delivery requester who placed the order, date and time of the order, specified delivery time (for example, time zone from 13:00 to 15:00), payment information, and the like.
  • the specified delivery time is specified by the delivery client or automatically set by the management server 2 .
  • the weight of an article may be the weight of one article or the weight of all the articles.
  • the size of the article is indicated by, for example, width (cm) ⁇ depth (cm) ⁇ height (cm), and may be the size of the storage box in which the article is stored.
  • the attributes of an item are, for example, whether the item is resistant to sunlight, whether the item is resistant to heat (eg, temperature above a threshold), and whether the item is resistant to humidity (eg, humidity above a threshold). , whether the article is resistant to wetness (e.g., rain or snow), whether it is resistant to static electricity (e.g., lightning), whether the article is resistant to impact, whether the article is fragile, whether the article is fresh At least one of whether the item is food, whether the item is perishable food, whether the item is a frozen item that melts over time, and the like.
  • the above "whether or not it is strong against" can be rephrased as "whether or not it is affected by".
  • the attribute of the item may be the category of the item.
  • the categories of articles are roughly divided into foods, beverages, clothing, medical supplies, daily necessities, tableware, electronic equipment, books, and the like. Further, food may be classified into frozen food (eg, ice cream), refrigerated food (eg, fresh food), processed food, prepared food, and the like.
  • frozen food eg, ice cream
  • refrigerated food eg, fresh food
  • the UAV management database 222 is a database for managing information about the UAV1.
  • the aircraft ID of UAV1, the loadable weight of UAV1, the loadable volume of UAV1, the cruising distance of UAV1, the article release method of UAV1, and the delivery schedule assigned to UAV1 are stored for each UAV1. They are stored (registered) in association with each other.
  • the loadable weight of the UAV1 is the maximum weight that can be loaded on the loading section H of the UAV1.
  • the loadable capacity of the UAV 1 is the maximum capacity that can be loaded on the loading section H of the UAV 1 (that is, the maximum capacity that can accommodate articles).
  • the cruising distance of the UAV 1 is the distance that the UAV 1 can continue to fly without charging, and is calculated in advance based on the capacity of the battery provided in the UAV 1 and the weight of the UAV 1 .
  • the relationship between the cruising distance of the UAV 1 and the load weight may be stored in the UAV management database 222.
  • the relationship between the cruising distance and the load weight may be defined by an arithmetic expression f(x) or by a table. This relationship is based on the fact that the cruising range of the UAV 1 decreases as the load weight of the UAV 1 increases, resulting in an increase in battery consumption.
  • the article release method indicates at least one of the item release in flight state and the item release in landing state that can be performed by UAV1. Furthermore, the release of the article in the flight state indicates at least one of dropping from the sky and dropping by the reel.
  • the delivery schedule of the UAV 1 includes, for example, delivery time zones and delivery areas permitted to fly by the flight management system. Delivery times are multiple times of the day, e.g. It should be divided into bands. One delivery time period may be represented by date and time, for example, 2021/6/1 10:00-12:00.
  • the delivery area is divided into a plurality of districts such as A district, B district, and C district, for example. One delivery area may have various sizes (areas).
  • the storage unit 22 stores weather map data representing the weather (in other words, the environment) in the delivery area and delivery time period in which the UAV 1 is scheduled to fly.
  • the weather map data is a map showing at least one of temperature information, humidity information, wind (wind speed and direction) information, and weather (clear, rain, snow, thunder) information in the delivery area and delivery time zone, For example, it may be a map for each predetermined unit of time from the present to the future after a predetermined time.
  • the weather forecast map data can be obtained from a weather observation server, a weather forecast server, or the like.
  • the control unit 23 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM or storage unit 22 .
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks in the control unit 23. As shown in FIG. By executing the above program, the control unit 23, as shown in FIG.
  • the UAV search unit 231 refers to the UAV management database 222 and searches for a UAV 1 that can fly according to the newly determined delivery schedule (including delivery area and delivery time period). That is, among the UAVs 1 (UAVs 1a, 1b, 1c, . The assigned UAV1 is retrieved. At this time, it is preferable to search for the UAV 1 having a cruising distance that matches the size of the delivery area included in the delivery schedule. Among the UAVs 1 searched by the UAV search unit 231, the UAV 1 used for delivering the goods is specified.
  • the order search unit 232 refers to the order management database 221 to search for unprocessed orders.
  • the order identification unit 233 identifies an order including one or more articles to be loaded on the UAV 1 among one or more orders hit by the search. For example, the order identification unit 233 identifies a plurality of orders whose delivery destinations are included in the delivery areas scheduled to be flown by the UAV 1 (that is, the delivery areas included in the delivery schedule). As a result, orders to be delivered can be limited, so that more efficient delivery of goods can be achieved.
  • the order identification unit 233 may identify a plurality of orders that include the specified delivery time within the delivery time period scheduled for flight by the UAV 1 (that is, the delivery time period included in the delivery schedule).
  • the order identification unit 233 identifies multiple orders whose delivery destinations are included in the delivery area scheduled to be flown by the UAV 1 and whose specified delivery time is included in the delivery time period scheduled to be flown by the UAV 1. do it.
  • the order identification unit 233 determines the influence of the weather in the delivery area and delivery time period based on the attributes of the items included in each of the plurality of orders and the weather in the delivery area and delivery time period where the UAV 1 is scheduled to fly. Multiple orders may be identified that contain items that will not be accepted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the goods delivered to the delivery destination due to the influence of the weather in the delivery area and delivery time zone.
  • an order includes multiple items, it may be desirable to require that all of these items be weather-proof items. For example, if the weather in the delivery area and delivery time indicates rainy weather, then orders that include wet-tolerant items are identified based on the attributes of the items included in the order.
  • a plurality of orders including items that are resistant to sunlight and heat are identified based on the attributes of the items included in the orders. Note that the weather in the delivery area where the flight is scheduled and the delivery time period are specified from the weather prediction map data.
  • the order identification unit 233 may identify a plurality of orders that include items that are not affected by the UAV1 item detachment method, based on the attributes of the item included in the order and the UAV1 item detachment method. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the goods delivered to the delivery destination due to the influence of the goods detachment method of the UAV 1 as much as possible.
  • one order includes multiple items, it is preferable that all of these items be items that are not affected by the item release method of UAV1. For example, if the item release method of UAV 1 indicates only dropping from the air, multiple orders containing impact-resistant items or non-fragile items are specified based on the attributes of the items included in the order.
  • a plurality of orders containing impact-resistant or non-fragile items may be identified based on the attributes of .
  • the total weight calculation unit 234 calculates the total weight of the multiple items to be loaded on the UAV 1 based on the weight of the items included in each of the multiple orders identified by the order identification unit 233 . That is, the total weight is calculated by accumulating the weight of each of the plurality of articles.
  • the total volume calculation unit 235 calculates the total volume of the multiple items to be loaded on the UAV 1 based on the volumes of the items included in each of the multiple orders identified by the order identification unit 233 .
  • the volume of an article can be determined from the size of the article. Note that the volume of an article may be the volume of a storage box in which the article is stored.
  • the delivery route specifying unit 236 specifies a delivery route for delivering items included in each order based on the delivery destination specified for each order specified by the order specifying unit 233. That is, based on the location information of the delivery destinations, a delivery route for returning the UAV 1 from the delivery base (delivery start point) via each delivery destination is specified.
  • the delivery route identification unit 236 may, for example, determine a delivery route in which the UAV 1 flies from the delivery base in the order of delivery destinations with earlier designated delivery times (that is, closer to the current time).
  • the scheduled flight distance identification unit 237 identifies the scheduled flight distance of the UAV 1 based on the delivery route identified by the delivery route identification unit 236 . That is, the scheduled flight distance when the UAV 1 flies along the delivery route is specified.
  • the cruising distance calculation unit 238 calculates the cruising distance of the UAV 1 based on the weight of the article included in each order identified by the order identifying unit 233 and the relationship between the cruising distance of the UAV 1 and the load weight. . For example, by inputting the gross weight calculated by the gross weight calculator 234 into the function x in the arithmetic expression f(x) that defines the relationship between the cruising distance of the UAV 1 and the load weight, the cruising distance of the UAV 1 is calculated. Note that the cruising range calculation unit 238 calculates the distance according to the weight of the item included in one of the orders identified by the order identification unit 233, which decreases when the item is separated from the UAV 1 at the delivery destination. It is preferable to calculate the cruising range so that . As a result, the cruising distance that takes into consideration the weight that decreases at each delivery destination is used, so more efficient delivery of goods can be realized.
  • the deliverability determination unit 239 compares the loadable weight of the UAV 1 with the total weight calculated by the total weight calculation unit 234 to determine whether the UAV 1 can load and deliver the items included in each of the multiple orders. Determine whether or not For example, if the total weight of the multiple items loaded on the UAV 1 is equal to or less than the loadable weight, it is determined that the UAV 1 can load and deliver the items included in each of the multiple orders. In addition, the delivery availability determination unit 239 compares the loadable volume of the UAV 1 with the total volume calculated by the total volume calculation unit 235, so that the UAV 1 can load and deliver items included in each of a plurality of orders.
  • the delivery feasibility determination unit 239 compares the scheduled flight distance specified by the scheduled flight distance specifying unit 237 and the cruising range calculated by the cruising range calculating unit 238, thereby determining whether the UAV 1 has received each of the plurality of orders. It may be determined that it is possible to load and deliver the goods included in the . As a result, it is possible to efficiently determine whether or not it is possible to load and deliver the articles included in each of the plurality of orders on the UAV 1 having a limited cruising range. For example, when the scheduled flight distance specified by the scheduled flight distance specifying unit 237 is less than or equal to the cruising range, it is determined that the UAV 1 can load and deliver the items included in each of the plurality of orders. Note that the cruising range (predetermined cruising range) stored in the UAV management database 222 may be used instead of the cruising range calculated by the cruising range calculation unit 238 .
  • the total weight calculation unit 234 calculates the number of items specified by the order specification unit 233.
  • the total weight of the articles to be loaded on the UAV 1 is calculated based on the weights of the plurality of articles included in any one of the orders of .
  • the deliverability determination unit 239 further compares the loadable weight of the UAV 1 with the total weight calculated by the total weight calculation unit 234 (that is, the total weight of multiple items included in one order).
  • the UAV 1 can load and deliver the items included in one order.
  • the total volume calculation unit 235 calculates the total volume of the items to be loaded on the UAV 1 based on the volumes of the items included in one of the orders identified by the order identification unit 233. You may In this case, the deliverability determination unit 239 further compares the loadable capacity of the UAV 1 with the total volume calculated by the total volume calculation unit 235 (that is, the total volume of the multiple items included in one order). Thus, it may be determined whether the UAV 1 can load and deliver the items included in one order.
  • the divided delivery processing unit 240 decides to divide the multiple items included in one order into multiple deliveries to the delivery destination. I do. As a result, even if a plurality of items included in one order cannot be loaded on the UAV 1 and delivered, the plurality of items can be divided into multiple deliveries. Then, the divided delivery processing unit 240 determines the order of delivery of each of the plurality of items included in one order based on the attributes of each of the plurality of items. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the article delivered to the delivery destination as much as possible.
  • the order of delivery is the order (order) in which items are delivered and arrive at the delivery destination, and is also called delivery priority.
  • the order of delivery may be expressed as “first”, “succeeding”, “first” (first to arrive), “second” (second to arrive), “third” (third to arrive). ) . . .
  • the delivery order of processed products is determined to be “preceding” (i.e., to be delivered in advance), and the delivery order of refrigerated and frozen foods is determined to be “subsequent” (i.e., subsequent delivery). (decided to do so). This is because if refrigerated foods or frozen foods are pre-delivered and placed at the delivery destination, the quality of the refrigerated foods or frozen foods may deteriorate.
  • the split delivery may be performed by one UAV1 or may be performed by multiple UAV1s.
  • the UAV 1a pre-delivers the "preceding" item to the delivery destination, returns to the delivery base, and then delivers the "subsequent" item to the delivery destination.
  • UAV 1a which is the preceding flight, pre-delivers the "preceding" goods to the delivery destination, and before UAV 1a returns, UAV 1b, the succeeding flight, delivers the "subsequent" goods to the delivery destination. become.
  • the divided delivery processing unit 240 determines the delivery of each of the plurality of articles based on the weather in the delivery area and delivery time period scheduled to be flown by the UAV 1 and the attributes of each of the plurality of articles included in one order. Decide on the order. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the quality of the goods delivered to the delivery destination due to the influence of the weather in the delivery area and delivery time zone. For example, if the weather in the delivery area and the delivery time period is sunny, the delivery order of the item that is resistant to sunlight among the plurality of items is determined to be "first".
  • the delivery order of the item that is vulnerable to getting wet among the plurality of items is determined to be "succeeding".
  • the temperature is 30°C or higher and the humidity is 80% or higher in the delivery area and during the delivery time, among the multiple items, items that are easily perishable (for example, foods that increase bacterial growth such as side dishes)
  • the delivery order is determined as "succeeding".
  • the delivery destination information transmission unit 241 transmits, to the UAV 1 via the communication network NW, delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination specified in the order determined by the delivery availability determination unit 239 to be deliverable.
  • the delivery destination information transmission unit 241 sends the order ID of each order and the order ID specified in each order.
  • the delivery destination information indicating the delivered destination is transmitted to the UAV 1 via the communication network NW.
  • the delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination specified in each of the plurality of orders is sent to the UAV 1. Can be set quickly.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of processing for deciding whether or not mixed-loading delivery is possible, which is executed by the control unit 23 of the management server 2 .
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of processing for non-consolidated delivery in step S19 shown in FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 5 is performed regularly or irregularly, and is performed before delivery of the ordered items is started.
  • the control unit 23 determines a delivery schedule including delivery time zones and delivery areas in which flights are permitted by, for example, an operation management system (step S1).
  • the control unit 23 (UAV search unit 231) refers to the UAV management database 222 and searches for a UAV 1 that can fly according to the delivery schedule determined in step S1 (step S2).
  • Information for example, loadable weight, loadable volume, cruising distance, cruising distance, etc. of UAV 1 hit by such a search is acquired from the UAV management database 222 by the control unit 23 (UAV search unit 231), and thereafter used in the processing of Incidentally, if the UAV1 is not hit by such a search, the processing shown in FIG. 5 ends.
  • control unit 23 refers to the order management database 221 and searches for unprocessed orders (step S3).
  • Information eg, delivery destination information, product weight, size, attributes, etc.
  • the search does not find any hits, the processing shown in FIG. 5 ends.
  • an order that satisfies the delivery conditions is an order that includes the delivery destination in the delivery area in the delivery schedule determined in step S1 and the specified delivery time in the delivery time slot in the delivery schedule.
  • an order that satisfies delivery conditions may be an order whose delivery destination is included in the delivery area in the delivery schedule, or an order whose delivery time is included in the delivery time slot in the delivery schedule.
  • step S4 If it is determined in step S4 that there are multiple orders that satisfy the delivery conditions (step S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are not a plurality of orders that satisfy the delivery conditions (there is one order) (step S4: NO), the process proceeds to a process corresponding to non-consolidated delivery (step S19). If there is no order that satisfies the delivery conditions, the process shown in FIG. 5 ends.
  • Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the delivery area and the location of the delivery destination specified in the order on a map.
  • the delivery base (delivery start point) Ba of UAV1 and the positions of seven delivery destinations d1 to d7 are shown on the map. It is included in area Ar.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of items included in orders or1 to or3 corresponding to delivery destinations d1 to d3, respectively.
  • order or1 includes frozen food (eg, ice cream)
  • order or2 includes electronic equipment and tableware
  • order or3 includes refrigerated food and processed food.
  • step S5 the control unit 23 identifies one UAV 1 used for delivery of goods from among the UAVs 1 hit by the search in step S2.
  • step S6 the control unit 23 (order identification unit 233) identifies a plurality of orders that satisfy the delivery conditions (step S6). For example, orders corresponding to each of the delivery destinations d1 to d3 shown in FIG. 7 are specified as orders that satisfy the delivery conditions. In this way, multiple orders that are matched for consolidated delivery are specified.
  • step S6 the control unit 23 determines the delivery area based on the attributes of the items included in each of the orders that satisfy the delivery conditions and the weather in the delivery area and delivery time period. and multiple orders containing items that are not affected by weather during the delivery window may be identified. For example, if the weather in the delivery area and delivery time period indicates that the weather is fine, in the example of FIG. 8, order or1 including frozen food that is susceptible to fine weather is excluded, and orders or2 and or3 are specified. If there is only one order including items that are not affected by weather, the process proceeds to step S19 corresponding to non-consolidated delivery. On the other hand, if there is no order containing items that are not affected by weather, the process shown in FIG. 5 ends.
  • step S6 the control unit 23 selects the item based on the attribute of the item included in each of a plurality of orders that satisfy the delivery conditions and the item release method of the UAV 1 specified in step S5.
  • Multiple orders may be identified that contain items that are not affected by the item release method of UAV1. For example, if only the drop from the air is indicated in the item release method of the UAV1 specified in step S5, in the example of FIG. Orders or1 and or3 are identified. If there is only one order containing an article that is not affected by the article removal method of UAV 1, the process proceeds to step S19 corresponding to non-consolidated delivery. On the other hand, if there is no order containing an item that is not affected by the item release method of UAV 1, the process shown in FIG. 5 ends.
  • control unit 23 calculates the total weight of the multiple items to be loaded on the UAV 1 specified in step S5 based on the weight of the items included in each of the multiple orders specified in step S6. A weight is calculated (step S7).
  • control unit 23 delivery feasibility determination unit 239) compares the loadable weight of the UAV1 specified in step S5 with the total weight calculated in step S7, so that the total weight of the goods is the loadable weight of the UAV1. It is determined whether or not the weight is equal to or less than the possible weight (step S8). Thereby, it is determined whether or not the UAV 1 can load and deliver the articles included in each of the plurality of orders.
  • step S8 If it is determined in step S8 that the total weight of the item is not equal to or less than the loadable weight of the UAV 1 (step S8: NO), it is determined that the item cannot be loaded and delivered, and the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if it is determined that the total weight of the item is equal to or less than the loadable weight of the UAV 1 (step S8: YES), it is determined that the item can be loaded and delivered (temporary determination at this point). , the process proceeds to step S10.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a comparison example between the total weight of articles and the loadable weight of the UAV1. In the example of FIG.
  • the total weight of the items included in orders or1 to or3 is 6 kg, and the loadable weight of UAV1 is 7 kg, so UAV1 can load and deliver the items included in orders or1 to or3 ( That is, it is tentatively determined that mixed loading is possible).
  • step S9 the control unit 23 executes the order narrowing process 1.
  • the control unit 23 specifies a plurality of orders by excluding any one of the plurality of orders specified in step S6 (that is, narrows down the orders). For example, orders containing the heaviest items of a plurality of orders may be excluded.
  • the process returns to step S7, and the identified plurality of orders are processed after step S7. is done.
  • the process proceeds to the process corresponding to the non-consolidated delivery shown in step S19.
  • step S10 the control unit 23 (total volume calculation unit 235) calculates step A total volume of a plurality of articles to be loaded on the UAV 1 identified in S5 is calculated.
  • the control unit 23 (delivery feasibility determination unit 239) compares the loadable volume of the UAV1 specified in step S5 with the total volume calculated in step S10, so that the total volume of the goods is the loadable volume of the UAV1. It is determined whether or not the volume is equal to or less than the available volume (step S11). Thereby, it is determined whether or not the UAV 1 can load and deliver the articles included in each of the plurality of orders.
  • step S11 If it is determined in step S11 that the total volume of the articles is not less than the loadable capacity of the UAV 1 (step S11: NO), it is determined that the articles cannot be loaded and delivered, and the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the total volume of the goods is equal to or less than the loadable capacity of the UAV 1 (step S11: YES), it is determined that the goods can be loaded and delivered (temporary determination at this point as well). , the process proceeds to step S13.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a comparison example between the total volume of articles and the loadable volume of the UAV1. In the example of FIG. 10, the total volume of the items included in orders or1 to or3 is 240 cm 3 and the loadable weight of UAV1 is 150 cm 3 , so UAV1 loads and delivers the items included in orders or1 to or3. It is tentatively determined to be unacceptable.
  • step S12 the control unit 23 executes an order narrowing process 2.
  • the control unit 23 specifies a plurality of orders by excluding any one of the plurality of orders specified in step S6 or the like. For example, among the multiple orders, the order containing the item with the largest volume (order or3 in the example of FIG. 10) may be excluded.
  • the process returns to step S10, and the processes after step S10 are performed for the specified plurality of orders.
  • the process proceeds to step S19 corresponding to the non-consolidated delivery.
  • step S13 the control unit 23 (delivery route specifying unit 236) determines a delivery route for delivering the items included in each order based on the delivery destination specified in each order specified in step S6. Identify.
  • FIG. 11 is a map showing delivery routes for delivering items included in an order. When all the orders d1 to d3 shown in FIG. 7 are specified, a delivery route R1 passing through the delivery destinations d1 to d3 is specified as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when orders d1 and d2 are identified by excluding only order d3 from orders d1 to d3 shown in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. will be identified.
  • control unit 23 (scheduled flight distance identification unit 237) identifies the scheduled flight distance of the UAV 1 identified in step S5 based on the delivery route identified in step S13 (step S14).
  • control unit 23 (the cruising distance calculating unit 238) calculates the weight of the item included in each order identified in step S6 and the like, and the relationship between the cruising distance and the load weight of the UAV 1 identified in step S5.
  • the cruising range of the UAV 1 is calculated (step S15). In other words, after an item included in any order is delivered to the delivery destination, the cruising distance is calculated taking into account the lightened weight of the item.
  • the cruising distance is It should be calculated.
  • control unit 23 compares the scheduled flight distance identified in step S14 with the cruising range calculated in step S15 to determine whether the scheduled flight distance of the UAV1 is the cruising range of the UAV1. It is determined whether or not the distance is less than the possible distance (step S16). Thereby, it is determined whether or not the UAV 1 can load and deliver the articles included in each of the plurality of orders. If it is determined that the scheduled flight distance of the UAV 1 is not less than the cruising range of the UAV 1 (step S16: NO), it is determined that the article cannot be loaded and delivered, and the process proceeds to step S17.
  • step S16 YES
  • the item can be loaded and delivered that is, the final determination.
  • a plurality of orders to be consolidated and delivered are identified, and the process proceeds to step S18.
  • step S17 the control unit 23 executes the order narrowing process 3.
  • the control unit 23 specifies a plurality of orders by excluding any one of the plurality of orders specified in step S6 or the like.
  • the order order or2 in the example of FIG. 11
  • the process returns to step S13, and the processes after step S13 are performed for the specified plurality of orders.
  • the process proceeds to step S19 corresponding to non-consolidated delivery.
  • step S18 the control unit 23 executes processing according to the consolidated delivery of the items included in each of the multiple orders identified as the consolidated delivery targets in step S16.
  • the control unit 23 assigns the delivery schedule determined in step S1 to the UAV1 specified in step S5, associates the delivery schedule with the aircraft ID of the UAV1, and assigns the delivery schedule.
  • the UAV management database 222 the control unit 23 assigns a plurality of orders identified as objects for consolidated delivery to the UAV 1 identified in step S5, and associates the order IDs of the respective orders with the aircraft IDs of the UAVs 1 for order management. Register in database 221 .
  • the control unit 23 (delivery destination information transmission unit 241) sends the order ID of each order and the delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination specified for each order to the communication network NW. to the UAV 1 specified in step S5. Then, the control unit 23 notifies the staff at the delivery base of the loading request for the articles included in each of the plurality of orders identified as the target of consolidated delivery. For example, information indicating the loading request may be transmitted to the terminal of the staff member. As a result, the staff picks and packs the items included in each of the multiple orders and loads them onto the UAV 1 assigned to the multiple orders. After that, the control unit 23 transmits a delivery start command to the UAV 1, and the UAV 1 starts flying toward the delivery destination specified in each order.
  • the control unit 23 identifies the UAV 1 that has not yet been assigned to the order among the UAVs 1 hit by the search in step S2 (step S191).
  • the control unit 23 selects the above-mentioned orders (including orders excluded in the narrowing processes 1 to 3) hit by the search in step S3 and not identified as consolidated delivery targets. , one order that satisfies the delivery conditions is specified (step S192).
  • step S192 as in step S6, the control unit 23 determines the delivery area and delivery based on the attributes of the item included in the order that satisfies the delivery conditions and the weather in the delivery area and delivery time period. Orders containing items that are not affected by weather during the time period may be identified. Alternatively, the control unit 23 selects an article that is not affected by the article removal method of the UAV 1 based on the attributes of the article included in the order that satisfies the delivery conditions and the article removal method of the UAV 1 specified in step S191. You may specify which orders contain.
  • control unit 23 calculates the total weight of the articles loaded on the UAV 1 identified in step S191 based on the weight of the articles included in the order identified in step S192 (step S193).
  • the order identified in step S192 may include only one item or may include multiple items.
  • control unit 23 compares the loadable weight of the UAV 1 specified in step S191 with the total weight calculated in step S193, so that the total weight of the goods is the loadable weight of the UAV 1. It is determined whether or not the weight is equal to or less than the possible weight (step S194). If it is determined that the total weight of the articles is not equal to or less than the loadable weight of the UAV 1 (step S194: NO), the process proceeds to step S198. On the other hand, if it is determined that the total weight of the articles is equal to or less than the loadable weight of the UAV 1 (step S194: YES), the process proceeds to step S195.
  • step S195 the control unit 23 (total volume calculation unit 235) calculates the total volume of the articles loaded on the UAV 1 identified in step S191 based on the volume of the articles included in the order identified in step S192. do.
  • the control unit 23 (delivery feasibility determination unit 239) compares the loadable volume of the UAV1 specified in step S191 with the total volume calculated in step S195 to determine that the total volume of the goods is the loadable volume of the UAV1. It is determined whether or not it is less than the available volume (step S196). If it is determined that the total volume of articles is not equal to or less than the loadable volume of UAV 1 (step S196: NO), the process proceeds to step S198. On the other hand, if it is determined that the total volume of the articles is equal to or less than the loadable volume of the UAV 1 (step S196: YES), processing corresponding to normal delivery is executed (step S197), and the processing proceeds to step S203.
  • step S198 the control unit 23 determines whether or not the order identified at step S192 includes a plurality of items. If it is determined that the order does not include a plurality of items (that is, only one item is included) (step S198: NO), processing corresponding to a delivery method other than UAV1 is executed (step S199), The process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if it is determined that a plurality of items are included in the order (step S198: YES), the control unit 23 (divided delivery processing unit 240) treats the order identified in step S192 as an order to be dividedly delivered. Then, a decision is made to distribute the plurality of items included in the order to the delivery destination in a plurality of times (that is, decide to split the delivery) (step S200).
  • control unit 23 determines the delivery order of each of the multiple items based on the attributes of each of the multiple items included in the order identified in step S192 (step S201).
  • control unit 23 determines the weather in the delivery area and delivery time period in the delivery schedule determined in step S1, and the attributes of each of the plurality of items included in the order identified in step S192. and the delivery order of each of the plurality of items may be determined.
  • the determined delivery order is registered in the order management database 221 in association with the item ID of each item.
  • FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the delivery order of each of multiple items included in one order.
  • the order of delivery for beverages and processed products that are not affected by sunny weather is determined to be "first”
  • the delivery order for frozen foods and side dishes that are easily affected by sunny weather is determined.
  • the order is determined to be "succeeding". In this case, the delivery is divided into two times, but the delivery may be divided into three times or more depending on the weight of the item.
  • the control unit 23 executes processing according to the divided delivery of the multiple items included in the order identified in step S192 (step S202).
  • the delivery schedule determined in step S1 is assigned to the UAV1 specified in step S191, and the delivery schedule is stored in the UAV management database 222 in association with the aircraft ID of the UAV1. sign up.
  • the control unit 23 allocates one order identified as a target of split delivery to the UAV 1 identified in step S191, associates it with the order ID of the order, and stores the body ID of the UAV 1 in the order management database. 221 registration.
  • the control unit 23 (delivery destination information transmission unit 241) transmits the order ID of the order, the delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination specified in the order, and the Information indicating the order of delivery is transmitted to the UAV 1 identified in step S191 via the communication network NW. Then, the control unit 23 notifies the staff at the delivery base of the loading request for these articles.
  • the UAV 1a identified in step S191 may be assigned a "preceding" item, and another UAV 1b may be assigned a "subsequent" item. good.
  • registration of delivery schedules and the like is performed for UAV1a and UAV1b.
  • the control unit 23 (delivery destination information transmission unit 241) transmits the order ID of the order, the delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination specified in the order, and the delivery order of the items assigned to each of the UAV 1a and UAV 1b.
  • the indicated information is transmitted to UAV1a and UAV1b via communication network NW.
  • the information indicating the delivery order of the items assigned to UAV1a is transmitted to UAV1a
  • the information indicating the delivery order of the items assigned to UAV1b is transmitted to UAV1b.
  • step S203 the control unit 23 determines whether or not there are unprocessed orders among the orders that were hit in the search in step S3 and were not identified as targets for consolidated delivery. If it is determined that there is an unprocessed order (step S203: YES), the process returns to step S191. As a result, the processing after step S191 is performed for the unprocessed order. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unprocessed order (step S203: NO), the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.
  • the total weight of a plurality of articles to be loaded on the UAV 1 is calculated based on the weights of the articles included in each of the plurality of orders, and the calculated total weight and the weight of the UAV 1 are calculated.
  • the UAV 1 is configured to determine whether or not it is possible to load and deliver the articles included in each of a plurality of orders. It is possible to efficiently determine whether or not it is possible to load and deliver articles included in each of a plurality of orders with different delivery destinations.
  • the plurality of articles included in one order are divided into multiple deliveries and delivered to the delivery destination. and the delivery order of each of the plurality of items included in one order is determined based on the attributes of each of the plurality of items included in one order, so the quality of the items delivered to the delivery destination deteriorates can be prevented as much as possible.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
  • Navigation (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
PCT/JP2021/019971 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム Ceased WO2022249319A1 (ja)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2022529020A JP7208440B1 (ja) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム
US17/785,761 US12462213B2 (en) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 Information processing device, information processing method, and delivery system
PCT/JP2021/019971 WO2022249319A1 (ja) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/JP2021/019971 WO2022249319A1 (ja) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022249319A1 true WO2022249319A1 (ja) 2022-12-01

Family

ID=84228555

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2021/019971 Ceased WO2022249319A1 (ja) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US12462213B2 (https=)
JP (1) JP7208440B1 (https=)
WO (1) WO2022249319A1 (https=)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024014086A1 (ja) * 2022-07-13 2024-01-18 株式会社日立製作所 積載物管理装置及び積載物管理方法

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7594065B1 (ja) 2023-08-30 2024-12-03 楽天グループ株式会社 配送管理装置、配送管理システム、配送管理方法及びプログラム
JP7627326B1 (ja) 2023-11-27 2025-02-05 楽天グループ株式会社 配送ルート設定装置、配送ルート設定方法、及びプログラム

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004083233A (ja) * 2002-08-28 2004-03-18 Honda Express Co Ltd 巡回集荷配送計画策定方法
JP2004244136A (ja) * 2003-02-12 2004-09-02 Eko Creatures:Kk 集配スケジュールの作成システムと評価システム
JP2004307210A (ja) * 2003-03-25 2004-11-04 Fujitsu Ltd 運行管理サーバおよび運行管理プログラム
JP2007008670A (ja) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-18 Canon Marketing Japan Inc 配送順決定装置および配送順決定方法およびプログラムおよび記録媒体
JP2009193515A (ja) * 2008-02-18 2009-08-27 Riraito:Kk 引越業務管理システム及び管理サーバ
JP2018039420A (ja) * 2016-09-08 2018-03-15 エスゼット ディージェイアイ テクノロジー カンパニー リミテッドＳｚ Ｄｊｉ Ｔｅｃｈｎｏｌｏｇｙ Ｃｏ．，Ｌｔｄ 無人飛行体、情報処理装置、及び記録媒体
JP2019006356A (ja) * 2017-06-28 2019-01-17 エスゼット ディージェイアイ テクノロジー カンパニー リミテッドＳｚ Ｄｊｉ Ｔｅｃｈｎｏｌｏｇｙ Ｃｏ．，Ｌｔｄ 飛行体、集荷支援装置、集荷制御方法、集荷支援方法、プログラム、及び記録媒体

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015160672A1 (en) * 2014-04-13 2015-10-22 Vishal Gupta Aerial parcel delivery
US10783478B2 (en) * 2016-03-30 2020-09-22 Paypal, Inc. Unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system
US20170323257A1 (en) * 2016-05-06 2017-11-09 Elwha Llc Systems and methods for adjusting a pick up schedule for an unmanned aerial vehicle
US10460279B2 (en) * 2016-06-28 2019-10-29 Wing Aviation Llc Interactive transport services provided by unmanned aerial vehicles
KR102340384B1 (ko) * 2017-03-30 2021-12-16 한국전자통신연구원 무인 배송 운영 방법 및 장치
JP2019131068A (ja) 2018-01-31 2019-08-08 株式会社イームズラボ 無人配送装置、その方法及びプログラム
US11348060B2 (en) * 2018-08-24 2022-05-31 International Business Machines Corporation Increasing cost benefit and energy efficiency with modular delivery drones in inclement weather
JP2020152519A (ja) * 2019-03-20 2020-09-24 本田技研工業株式会社 配送システム、配送方法及びプログラム
US11987422B2 (en) * 2019-05-09 2024-05-21 The Boeing Company Cargo containers
JP6841544B1 (ja) * 2020-06-08 2021-03-10 株式会社エアロネクスト 飛行体及びこれを用いた荷物の輸送方法

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004083233A (ja) * 2002-08-28 2004-03-18 Honda Express Co Ltd 巡回集荷配送計画策定方法
JP2004244136A (ja) * 2003-02-12 2004-09-02 Eko Creatures:Kk 集配スケジュールの作成システムと評価システム
JP2004307210A (ja) * 2003-03-25 2004-11-04 Fujitsu Ltd 運行管理サーバおよび運行管理プログラム
JP2007008670A (ja) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-18 Canon Marketing Japan Inc 配送順決定装置および配送順決定方法およびプログラムおよび記録媒体
JP2009193515A (ja) * 2008-02-18 2009-08-27 Riraito:Kk 引越業務管理システム及び管理サーバ
JP2018039420A (ja) * 2016-09-08 2018-03-15 エスゼット ディージェイアイ テクノロジー カンパニー リミテッドＳｚ Ｄｊｉ Ｔｅｃｈｎｏｌｏｇｙ Ｃｏ．，Ｌｔｄ 無人飛行体、情報処理装置、及び記録媒体
JP2019006356A (ja) * 2017-06-28 2019-01-17 エスゼット ディージェイアイ テクノロジー カンパニー リミテッドＳｚ Ｄｊｉ Ｔｅｃｈｎｏｌｏｇｙ Ｃｏ．，Ｌｔｄ 飛行体、集荷支援装置、集荷制御方法、集荷支援方法、プログラム、及び記録媒体

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024014086A1 (ja) * 2022-07-13 2024-01-18 株式会社日立製作所 積載物管理装置及び積載物管理方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPWO2022249319A1 (https=) 2022-12-01
US12462213B2 (en) 2025-11-04
US20240169304A1 (en) 2024-05-23
JP7208440B1 (ja) 2023-01-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP7012749B2 (ja) 情報処理装置
US12131656B2 (en) Transportation using network of unmanned aerial vehicles
US11851180B2 (en) Controlling a group of unmanned aerial vehicles for delivery of goods
JP7208440B1 (ja) 情報処理装置、情報処理方法、及び配送システム
US11787541B2 (en) Safeguarded delivery of goods by unmanned aerial vehicles
US11854109B2 (en) Utilization of a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles for delivery of goods
US11697498B2 (en) Launching unmanned aerial vehicles
US20210304130A1 (en) Configuring a system for delivery of goods by unmanned aerial vehicles
US11156010B1 (en) Method of distributing items from a tower via unmanned aircraft
CN105069595A (zh) 一种利用无人机实现的快递系统及方法
CN108229886A (zh) 无人机配送管理方法、装置和计算机储存介质
JP6843310B1 (ja) 航空機の制御を行う制御装置、及び制御方法
EP4198855A1 (en) Information processing device, method for determining an action to be implemented, and delivery system
US20230306355A1 (en) Dynamic flight path variation for unmanned aerial vehicles
JP6916255B2 (ja) 飛行システムにおける管理装置、管理方法、及びプログラム
JP7627326B1 (ja) 配送ルート設定装置、配送ルート設定方法、及びプログラム
US12400170B2 (en) Delivery control device, delivery control system, and delivery control method
JP7429255B2 (ja) 情報処理装置、物品受け渡しシステム、及び物品受け渡し場所決定方法
WO2025240299A1 (en) Fleet management of unmanned aerial vehicles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2022529020

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 17785761

Country of ref document: US

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 21942973

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 21942973

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 17785761

Country of ref document: US