JP2025008146A - Home delivery management system, control device, flying object, position designation unit, terminal, user device - Google Patents

Abstract

【assignment】
To reduce the burden on both the deliverer and recipient when using drones for home delivery.
SOLUTION
This home delivery management system includes an aircraft that delivers packages, a control device that instructs the aircraft of a destination, a location designation unit that instructs a landing location, and a terminal that links an identifier of the location designation unit to the package to be delivered.The home delivery management system delivers the package to the location of the location designation unit linked to the package of the delivery destination using the aircraft based on the time or time designated by the delivery destination.
[Selected figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a home delivery management system, a control device, an aircraft, a position designation unit, a terminal, and a user device.

For example, with the changes in social dynamics brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for mail order shopping and other services has increased, resulting in an increase in the volume of packages handled by the delivery industry. On the other hand, due to factors such as the aging of the workforce in the logistics industry, there will likely be a shortage of delivery personnel in the future, which will have an impact on social systems. In response to this shortage of delivery personnel, there are growing hopes for unmanned delivery using robots and other methods. In particular, delivery using flying objects such as drones is actively being tested, as it allows for efficient delivery in a short amount of time regardless of traffic conditions.

However, in order to switch all current parcel delivery operations to drone delivery, a large number of aircraft would need to be operated simultaneously, which is not easy to achieve not only from the perspective of controlling safe flights but also from the perspective of procuring a large number of drones. Furthermore, many technologies use predetermined drone ports as landing points for drones, which does not fully utilize the freedom of movement that drone delivery offers. Patent Document 1 shows technology that uses short-range signals from a terminal to guide the drone to its delivery destination, but because it is not possible to determine whether the drone can land or not, the package can only be handed over by being suspended from the air, and it cannot handle heavy packages.

In addition, in the home delivery business, an increase in redelivery packages due to recipients being absent has become an issue. From the delivery side, delivering the same package multiple times is not only a physical burden but also a heavy psychological burden for the delivery person. From the perspective of the package recipient, there is also the problem that they must be at home at the time of the redelivery request, and there is a wide range of time slots to specify, which means they are tied up for long periods of time.

Special table 2018-525756 publication

When using drones for home delivery, recipients are unable to freely set the drone's landing location, which causes inconvenience. In addition, when redelivering a package when the recipient is absent, for example, the delivery party has to carry the same package multiple times, which places a heavy physical and psychological burden, and the recipient is also burdened by not being able to freely set the pickup location or time, which poses an issue.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the following home delivery management system is provided. This home delivery management system includes an aircraft that delivers packages, a control device that instructs the aircraft of a destination, a position designation unit that instructs a landing position, and a terminal that links an identifier of the position designation unit to the package to be delivered. The home delivery management system then uses the aircraft to deliver the package to the location of the position designation unit linked to the package at the delivery destination based on the time or time specified by the delivery destination.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the following delivery management system is provided. This delivery management system includes an aircraft that delivers packages, a control device that instructs the aircraft of the destination, and a user device that stores an application used to instruct the delivery. The user device uses the application to determine whether the aircraft can land, and outputs the location of the delivery destination where it can land and the delivery time or delivery time to the control device. The delivery management system then uses the aircraft to deliver the package to the location communicated by the application, based on the delivery time or delivery time instructed by the delivery destination.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the following home delivery management system is provided. This home delivery management system includes an aircraft that delivers packages, a control device that instructs the aircraft of the destination, a location designation unit that is placed at the package receiving location, and a user device used to instruct the delivery. The user device presents a plurality of package receiving locations to the package recipient, and outputs the receiving location selected by the package recipient and the delivery time or delivery time to the control device. The control device sets the location designation unit linked to the receiving location as the delivery destination. The aircraft delivers the package to the location set in the location designation unit at the instructed delivery time or delivery time.

According to the present invention, the delivery party can leave the redelivery of the package to the drone, so basically each package only needs to be delivered once, greatly reducing the burden on the delivery party. The recipient can set the pickup time (or time of day) and pinpoint the location to receive the package, improving convenience. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be made clear in the description of the embodiment of the invention below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of parcel delivery. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a control device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a luggage management DB. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for redelivery to a package recipient. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a drone. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a redelivery method selection screen. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a position designation device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a position designation device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a terminal. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of a system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a position designation unit. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for redelivery to a package recipient. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for redelivery to a package recipient. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a landing position designation screen. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for redelivery to a package recipient. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a redelivery location designation screen.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is an example for explaining the present invention, and appropriate omissions and simplifications are made for clarity of explanation. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.
In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings.
As examples of various information, expressions such as "table", "list", and "queue" may be used, but the various information may be expressed in other data structures. For example, various information such as "XX table", "XX list", and "XX queue" may be expressed as "XX information". When explaining identification information, expressions such as "identification information", "identifier", "name", "ID", and "number" are used, but these are interchangeable.
When there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, they may be described by using the same reference numerals with different subscripts, or when there is no need to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted.
In the embodiment, the processing performed by executing a program may be described. Here, the computer executes the program by a processor (e.g., CPU, GPU), and performs the processing defined by the program while using a storage resource (e.g., memory) and an interface device (e.g., a communication port). Therefore, the subject of the processing performed by executing the program may be the processor. Similarly, the subject of the processing performed by executing the program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node having a processor. The subject of the processing performed by executing the program may be a calculation unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs a specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).
The program may be installed on the computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and a storage resource for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. In addition, in the embodiments, two or more programs may be realized as one program, and one program may be realized as two or more programs.

First Embodiment
The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11. Fig. 1 shows an example of a system configuration. As shown in Fig. 1, the home delivery management system includes a control device 1 that instructs redelivery by a drone, a drone 3 that delivers a package to a recipient, a location designation device 4 that is an example of a location designation unit and designates a drone landing position, a terminal 5 that has a function of linking a package carried by a delivery person to the location designation device, and a user device that stores an application 6 (sometimes called an app 6) that the recipient instructs on a redelivery method. In this example, the control device 1 is installed in a redelivery center 2.

An example of the flow of parcel delivery will be described with reference to FIG. 2. A delivery person delivers parcels in his/her assigned area (S101), and delivers parcels that the customer was unable to receive at that time to the redelivery center 2 (S102). When the recipient requests redelivery of the parcel using the app 6 or the like, he/she specifies whether the parcel is to be delivered by drone 3 or by a human (S103). If a human delivery is specified, the delivery person delivers the parcel again (S105). If a drone 3 is specified for delivery, the redelivery parcel is loaded onto the delivery drone 3 at the redelivery center 2 (S104), and the drone 3 is installed at a port where the drone 3 can take off and land. The control device 1 specifies the delivery destination and departure time for each drone 3 based on instructions from the customer (S106). The drone 3 departs based on the specification (S107), hands over the parcel to the customer, and then returns to the redelivery center 2 again (S108). After the drone 3 returns, it is charged and other maintenance is performed, and then it waits at the redelivery center 2 until it receives the next delivery instruction (S109).

An example of the functional configuration of the control device will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The control device 1 includes, as an example, a communication function 11 for communicating with a customer app and a drone, a maintenance function 12 for performing maintenance such as charging the drone, a drone selection function 13 for selecting a drone to deliver depending on the size of the package and the status of the delivery destination, a schedule formulation function 14 for formulating a travel route and departure time based on the drone's travel time and the specified delivery time, a destination designation function 15 for designating the delivery destination of the package, an operation management function 16 for managing the drone's departure instructions and operation status at any time, a drone recovery function 17 for recovering a drone that has completed delivery and returned to the redelivery center, thereby marking the drone as having been recovered, and a package management DB 18 for managing the status of the package and drone.

The control device 1 may realize these functions (11 to 17) by combining multiple modules. Alternatively, some functions may be realized using external services. For example, the traffic management function 16 may be realized using a service provided by a drone traffic management operator.

An example of the contents of the parcel management DB will be described with reference to Figure 4. In addition to the parcel information and delivery information required for normal home delivery operations, the parcel management DB 18 records the delivery method selected by the customer and the ID of the delivery means assigned accordingly. In the case of drone delivery, the ID of the location designation device that designates the landing location is also recorded.

With reference to Figure 5, an example of the procedure for redelivery to a recipient of a package will be described. If a package is delivered when the recipient is absent (S201), the delivery person will deliver an absence notice and a location designation device 4 to the recipient. The location designation device 4 is placed in a letterbox or newspaper box, or in front of the door, just like an absence notice. If the recipient is unable to receive the location designation device 4 due to theft or other reasons, the redelivery center 2 is notified of this via the app 6 or the like, and the recipient will take measures such as redelivery of the package or location designation device 4.

When the recipient receives the location designation device 4 and the absence notification (S202), they can use the app 6 to designate the redelivery method, delivery time, etc. (S203). The app 6 runs on a customer's user device (such as a smartphone or PC) and also serves as the recipient's identity verification.

When receiving the package, the recipient sets up the location designation device 4 in a position where the drone 3 can land (S205). The drone 3 lands at the position designated by the location designation device 4, and the recipient receives the package (S206). After receiving the package, the recipient loads the location designation device 4 onto the drone 3 (S207) and issues an instruction to launch. The instruction to launch can be given by pressing a button on the drone, by issuing an instruction through the app 6, or by automatically launching the drone a certain time after loading the location designation device 4. The drone 3 collects the location designation device 4 and returns to the redelivery center 2 (S208).

If the recipient requests redelivery by hand, the recipient returns the location designation device 4 when the delivery person redelivers the parcel (S204).

An example of the functional configuration of a drone performing redelivery will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The drone 3 performing redelivery has a luggage loading function 31 that loads the luggage to be delivered, a luggage handover function 32 that hands over the loaded luggage to the recipient, an automatic delivery function 33 that delivers the luggage to a location specified by the control device 1, an automatic return function 34 that returns to the redelivery center 2 after delivery, a communication function 35 that communicates with the redelivery center 2 and an organization that manages operations, and a landing site selection function 36 that selects a landing site specified by the location designation device 4 and lands there.

By paying an additional fee, the recipient can select a delivery method and a delivery time designation method. Next, an example of this selection method will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows an example of a redelivery method selection screen 19 in an application owned by the customer.

For example, if a customer feels uneasy about delivery by drone 3, they can choose to have the parcel delivered by a delivery person. In this case, however, an additional fee will be charged due to labor costs. Also, while the delivery time (delivery time) is usually specified as a time period, such as 10:00 to 12:00, drone delivery allows the customer to specify a specific time (delivery time). In this case, however, an additional fee will be charged because the drone 3's departure schedule must be set as a priority. In this way, the options available to the recipient and the associated costs are clearly displayed on the app 6 screen, allowing the recipient to receive their parcels flexibly.

The position designation device will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows an example of the position designation device 4 that determines the landing position of the drone in this embodiment, and Figure 9 shows its functional configuration diagram.

In this embodiment, the location designation device 4 includes, as an example, a landing point confirmation function 41 consisting of a shape sensor, a landing point display function 42 that shows the recipient the landing point by light, an aerial confirmation function 43 that confirms that the drone 3 can enter from the sky, and a beacon transmission function 44 that guides the drone 3 to the landing point.

When the location designation device 4 is installed by the recipient, it indicates to the recipient the landing point at the installation location using light or the like, and uses a shape sensor to determine whether the drone 3 can land at that landing point. If landing is possible, the location designation device 4 indicates this to the recipient, and when the drone 3 approaches, it guides the drone 3 to the landing point using a beacon. If it determines that landing is impossible, it notifies the recipient of this and encourages them to install the drone in a different location. The location designation device 4 also uses an aerial confirmation function 43 to check whether the drone 3 can enter from above the landing point, and similarly notifies the recipient of this. Examples of methods for aerial confirmation include using a camera to check for obstacles in the sky, and also checking the reception of GPS radio waves to confirm that the drone 3 is outdoors.

An example of a terminal held by a delivery person will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows a functional configuration diagram of an example of a terminal held by a delivery person. The terminal 5 has an ID reading function 51 that recognizes the ID of the package, a location designation device recognition function 52 that recognizes the ID of the location designation device 4, a linking function 53 that links the package and the location designation device 4, and a communication function 54 that notifies the control device 1 of the redelivery center 2 of the linking result.

When the recipient is absent and redelivery of the package is necessary, the delivery person delivers the location designation device 4 to the recipient. At this time, the delivery person reads the ID of the package to be delivered and the ID of the location designation device 4 delivered to the recipient using the terminal 5, and a process is performed to clarify the ID of the package to be delivered to this location designation device 4. The terminal 5 then notifies the control device 1 of the redelivery center 2 of the linking result.

The control device 1 records the result of this linking in the package management DB 18. This allows the redelivery center 2 to set which location designation device 4 the drone 3 should deliver the package to when issuing an instruction to redelive the package by the drone 3.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an example of a specific configuration of the home delivery management system in this embodiment will be described. The control device 1 is configured as an appropriate computer, and includes, for example, a processor 101, a storage device 102, and a communication device 103. The processor 101 is the entity that executes the specified processing, and is configured using an appropriate semiconductor device (for example, a CPU). The storage device 102 stores data such as programs used to execute the specified processing, and is configured using, for example, a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The communication device 103 is a configuration used for communication, and the control device 1 is capable of inputting and outputting data via the communication device 103.

The functions (11 to 17) of the control device 1 can be realized by appropriately using the various configurations described above, for example. Note that some functions may be realized by using external services. For example, the traffic management function 16 may be realized by using a service provided by a drone traffic management operator. Furthermore, the cargo management DB 18 may be built in an auxiliary storage device.

The drone 3 includes, for example, a processor 301, a storage device 302, a communication device 303, a flight device 304, a sensor device 305, a battery 306, and a beacon receiving device 307. The processor 301 is a device that executes a predetermined process, and is configured using an appropriate semiconductor device (e.g., a CPU). The storage device 302 stores data such as a program used to execute the predetermined process, and is configured using, for example, a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The communication device 303 is configured for communication, and the drone 3 is capable of inputting and outputting data via the communication device 303. The flight device 304 can be configured to include, for example, multiple propellers and multiple motors that drive each propeller. The flight device 304 may also include a controller that performs flight control based on the output from the processor 301. The sensor device 305 includes various sensors used for flight control, such as a GPS device, a camera, and a gyro sensor. The cargo is loaded appropriately, and the drone 3 may be formed with, for example, a storage section for storing the cargo.

Each of the functions (31 to 36) of the drone 3 can be realized, for example, by appropriately using the various configurations described above. The drone 3 may also have a function of detecting receipt of the package by the recipient. The drone 3 may, for example, be equipped with a weight sensor, and the processor 301 may determine whether the recipient has received the package based on data detected by the weight sensor before and after receipt of the package.

The location designation device 4 includes, for example, a processor 401, a storage device 402, a sensor device 403, an irradiation device 404, a battery 405, and a beacon transmission device 406. The processor 401 is a device that executes a predetermined process, and is configured using an appropriate semiconductor device (e.g., a CPU). The storage device 402 stores data such as a program used to execute the predetermined process, and is configured using, for example, a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The sensor device 403 includes, for example, a shape sensor, a GPS device, a camera, and the like. The irradiation device 404 is configured using, for example, an LED light source, and emits light that indicates the landing position to the recipient. The location designation device 4 may also indicate that the landing position is appropriate and that landing is possible, for example, by the irradiation mode of the irradiation device 404. The location designation device 4 may also prompt the recipient to install the location designation device 4 in another location, by the irradiation mode of the irradiation device 404.

The functions (41-44) of the position designation device 4 can be realized by appropriately using the various configurations described above, as an example. The position designation device 4 is equipped with a communication device and outputs position information to the control device 1 using the communication device, and the control device 1 may output instructions to the drone 3 based on the acquired position information of the position designation device 4. The position designation device 4 may also output data on the delivery destination address from data in the package management DB 18 to the drone 3, and the drone 3 may confirm the landing position above the delivery destination address and land.

The terminal 5 used by the delivery person includes, for example, a processor 501, a storage device 502, and a communication device 503. The functions (53, 54) of the terminal 5 can be realized by appropriately using the various configurations described above, for example. The terminal 5 may include an input device into which the delivery person inputs information, and this input device may be used to realize an ID reading function 51 that recognizes the ID of the package and a location designation device recognition function 52 that recognizes the ID of the location designation device 4. The terminal 5 may also include a reader that reads data stored in the code, and this reader may be used to realize the functions (51, 52) for packages with codes in which IDs are stored and for the location designation device 4.

The user device on which the app 6 used by the recipient is installed includes, for example, a processor 601, a storage device 602, a communication device 603, an input device 604, and an output device 605. The terminal 5 used by the delivery person and the user device may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, etc. Here, the input device and output device of the smartphone, tablet, etc. may be integrated with a touch panel, etc.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Note that the description of the same contents as those described above may be omitted. In the second embodiment, a sheet is used as the position designation unit instead of the position designation device 4. This sheet has an ID and is provided with a code corresponding to this ID.

An example of the position designation unit in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. When a sheet with a two-dimensional code is used as the position designation unit, it is lightweight and inexpensive, and therefore damage caused by theft and the like can be reduced. It also reduces the burden on the delivery person. After delivery is completed, the recipient can dispose of the two-dimensional code sheet 7, eliminating the need for collection. In addition, to avoid confusion between recipients, an ID can be written on each two-dimensional code sheet 7 in a format that the recipient can recognize, so that even if multiple packages arrive and multiple two-dimensional code sheets 7 are received, the recipient can individually specify the collection location for each package.

An example of the procedure for a recipient to receive a package in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 13. A package is delivered when the recipient is not at home (S301), and the delivery person delivers a notice of absence and a two-dimensional code sheet 7. When the recipient is not at home, the delivery person uses the terminal 5 to link the ID of the package to be delivered with the ID of the two-dimensional code sheet 7 delivered to the recipient.

The recipient then receives the two-dimensional code sheet 7 along with the absence notification as a means for designating the drone landing location (S302). If the recipient wishes to use drone delivery, they specify this (S303) and place the two-dimensional code sheet 7 at the desired delivery location (S305).

Next, the recipient uses the app 6 to determine whether the drone 3 can land at the seat installation location. First, the recipient reads the shape of the seat installation location using the app 6 and determines whether landing is possible (S306). Next, the recipient uses the app 6 to determine whether the drone 3 can enter from above the seat installation location (S307). The method of determination by the app in S306 and S307 can be, for example, a method of determination by image recognition based on data acquired by a camera. Note that this camera may be provided in a user device, and the user device may make the determination by image recognition. Alternatively, the data acquired by the camera may be output to the user device, and the user device may make the determination by image recognition.

The drone 3 lands on the sheet, the recipient receives the package (S308), and the recipient discards the two-dimensional code sheet 7 after the drone returns. If drone delivery is not selected and the delivery person delivers the package (S304), the two-dimensional code sheet 7 may be returned to the delivery person or disposed of by the recipient.

Although a sheet using a two-dimensional code has been described, appropriate modifications may be made. For example, a sheet with a one-dimensional code (barcode) instead of a two-dimensional code may be used as the position designation section.

The specific configuration of the control device 1, drone 3, etc. in this embodiment can be the same as in the first embodiment. The configuration may be changed as appropriate. For example, a sheet with a code is used as the position designation unit, and the position designation device 4 is not used, so the configuration related to the position designation device 4 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the drone 3 can select a landing location by recognizing an image of the code on the position designation unit using a camera. Therefore, the configuration related to sending and receiving a beacon may be omitted.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. Note that the same content as the above description may be omitted. In the third embodiment, a case where a redelivery location is specified by a recipient's app will be described. When a redelivery location is specified by an app, the delivery person does not need to deliver the location specification unit to the recipient. This eliminates the risk of theft and reduces delivery and collection costs.

An example of the system configuration in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the home delivery management system includes a control device 1 that instructs redelivery by drone, a drone 3 that delivers packages to customers, and a user device that stores an application 6 that allows the customer to instruct the redelivery method and the drone landing position. The control device 1 is installed in a redelivery center 2.

An example of the recipient's procedure for receiving luggage in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 15. Also, an example of the landing location designation screen of the recipient's app 6 is shown in FIG. 16.

When a package is delivered when the recipient is not at home (S401), the delivery person will leave a notice of absence. The recipient then receives the notice of absence (S402), and if the recipient wishes to use drone delivery, they can specify this (S403). If the recipient does not wish to use drone delivery, the recipient will receive the package from the delivery person who will redeliver it (S404).

When the recipient specifies a redelivery location in the app 6 (S405), they take an image of the desired pickup location. At that time, the app obtains the location coordinates from a GPS or similar device and displays them on a map, and the recipient can confirm and correct them. From the captured image, the app determines whether landing is possible and whether a drone can enter from the sky, and notifies the recipient of this possibility.

To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 16, the screen of the app 6 (more specifically, the screen of the user device, which is a smartphone on which the app 6 is installed in this embodiment) includes map information 61 including the acquired position coordinates and a captured image 62. The recipient takes an image of the desired receiving location and displays the captured image 62. The recipient then aligns a frame 63 with the desired landing location on the captured image 62 and presses a confirm button 64. Note that the user device may be equipped with a camera, and the captured image 62 may be acquired using the camera. Alternatively, data acquired by the camera may be output to the user device, and the captured image 62 may be acquired.

Then, the shape inside the frame 63 is read, and the app 6 determines whether landing is possible. If it is determined that landing is not possible, the app 6 outputs a message prompting the recipient to reset the landing position. If it is determined that landing is possible, the app 6 outputs a message to that effect, and the recipient photographs the sky. Here, the user device may be equipped with a camera, and photographs of the sky may be taken using the camera. Alternatively, the recipient may use an appropriate camera to photograph the sky, and the data acquired by the camera may be output to the user device.

Then, a determination is made as to whether the drone can enter, and the app 6 outputs the result. If it determines that the drone cannot enter, the app 6 outputs a message prompting the user to reset the landing position. Note that the determination by the app 6 can be made based on, for example, well-known image recognition.

If the app 6 determines that the location is suitable as a pickup location, the app 6 notifies the control device 1 of the redelivery center 2 of the coordinate information of the shooting location and the captured image 62. The control device 1 outputs the coordinate information and image information to the drone 3, and instructs the drone 3 on the landing location. Using image recognition technology, the drone searches (determines) a location at the specified coordinates that matches the captured image 62 specified as the landing location, and lands at that location (S406). Then, after delivering the package, the drone 3 returns to the redelivery center 2 (S407).

The specific configuration of the control device 1, drone 3, etc. in this embodiment can be the same as in the first embodiment. The configuration may be changed as appropriate. For example, since the location is specified using the app 6 and the location specification device 4 is not used, the configuration related to the location specification device 4 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the landing location can be selected by image recognition using an image acquired by the drone 3 using the camera and a captured image 62 acquired from the app 6. Therefore, the configuration related to the transmission and reception of a beacon may be omitted.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. Note that the description of the same contents as those described above may be omitted. In the fourth embodiment, a case where a desired redelivery location is selected from selectable locations will be described.

In this embodiment, the delivery company reserves a location within the delivery area where the drone 3 can land and installs a location designation unit (e.g., a location designation device 4, a sheet with a code). The recipient selects a convenient location from the available landing locations and notifies the control device 1 along with information such as the desired pick-up time (or time zone).

The control device 1 links the package to be delivered with a location designation unit installed at a location specified by the recipient, and instructs the drone 3 to deliver the package based on, for example, a time (or time period) specified by the recipient. The recipient receives the package from the drone 3 at the specified time (or time period) at that location. Because the recipient does not need to set a landing point for the drone 3 themselves, they can quickly receive the redelivered package even in areas where it is difficult to secure a landing place for the drone 3, such as urban areas or apartment complexes.

An example of the system configuration in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the home delivery management system includes a control device 1 that instructs redelivery by drone, a drone 3 that delivers packages to customers, and a location designation device 4, which is an example of a location designation unit and designates a drone landing position. The control device 1 is installed in a redelivery center 2. In this system, the location designation device 4 may be changed to a two-dimensional code sheet 7 (or a one-dimensional code sheet) that is also a location designation unit.

An example of the procedure for the recipient to receive the package in this embodiment is shown in Figure 18. Also, an example of the redelivery location designation screen is shown in Figure 19.

When a package is delivered when the recipient is not at home (S501), the delivery person delivers a notice of absence. The recipient then receives the notice of absence (S502), and if the recipient wishes to use drone delivery, the recipient specifies this and uses the redelivery location specification screen 8 to specify the desired time (S503). The recipient also selects the redelivery location from the specification screen (S505). If the recipient does not wish to use drone delivery, the recipient collects the package from the delivery person who will redeliver the package (S504).

The redelivery location designation screen 8 can be accessed from the recipient's app 6, PC (personal computer), etc. The recipient designates a convenient location for receiving the package from among the available delivery spots 81 displayed on the designation screen, and inputs the package ID listed on the absence notice and the desired delivery date and time. The input information is then sent to the control device 1, which instructs the drone 3 to deliver the package in accordance with the input information.

Then, the recipient goes to the location at the specified date and time to receive the package from the drone 3 (S506). After delivering the package, the drone 3 returns to the redelivery center 2 (S507).

The specific configuration of the control device 1, drone 3, etc. in this embodiment can be the same as in the first embodiment. Note that the configuration may be changed as appropriate. For example, the configuration of the system may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the position designation unit.

According to the above description of the embodiment, the delivery party can leave the redelivery of the package to the drone, so basically each package only needs to be delivered once, greatly reducing the burden on the delivery party. The recipient can set the pick-up time (or time of day) and pinpoint the location where the package will be picked up, improving convenience.

In addition, by limiting the use of drones to redelivery, the number of drones required to start providing the service can be reduced. Also, by handing over packages after the drone has landed, a wider variety of packages can be transported compared to delivery in the air.

In addition, it will contribute from a social perspective by reducing the psychological burden on delivery personnel. It will also contribute from an economic perspective by reducing the cost of redelivery.

According to the above embodiment, the following delivery management system is provided as an example. This delivery management system includes an aircraft (drone 3) that delivers packages, a control device 1 that instructs the aircraft on its destination, a location designation unit (e.g., a location designation device 4, a sheet with a code) that instructs the aircraft on its landing position, and a terminal 5 that links an identifier of the location designation unit to the package to be delivered, and the aircraft 3 delivers the package to the location of the location designation device 4 linked to the package based on the time (or time zone) instructed by the delivery destination.

According to this, when a recipient is not at home during a parcel delivery operation, the recipient secures a landing position for the drone, and the delivery person delivers a location designation unit for guiding the drone to the recipient along with a delivery slip, thereby realizing an automatic redelivery system using drones.

As an example, the following delivery management system is provided. This delivery management system includes an aircraft (drone 3) that delivers packages, a control device 1 that instructs the aircraft on its destination, and a location designation application 6 that instructs the aircraft on its landing location. The application 6 held by the recipient of the package determines whether the aircraft can land and communicates to the control device 1 the location of the delivery destination where it can land and the desired delivery time (or desired delivery time zone). The control device 1 instructs the aircraft to depart based on the time (or time zone) instructed by the delivery destination, and the aircraft delivers the package to the delivery destination communicated by the application 6.

This will realize an automatic redelivery system that allows recipients to set the landing location and delivery time (or delivery time) using a location-designated app.

As an example, the following delivery management system is provided. This delivery management system includes an aircraft (drone 3) that delivers packages, a control device 1 that instructs the aircraft on its destination, and a location designation unit (e.g., a location designation device 4, a sheet with a code) that instructs the aircraft on its landing location. The recipient of the package selects a desired pickup location from options presented on the delivery management system, the control device 1 sets the location designation unit linked to the selected pickup location as the delivery destination, and the aircraft delivers the package to the location specified by the location designation unit based on the instructed time (or time zone).

This will realize an automatic redelivery system that can use a drone to deliver parcels from a receiving location where a location designation unit has been placed in advance to a receiving location selected by the recipient.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modified examples and equivalent configurations within the spirit of the appended claims. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. Also, for example, other configurations may be added to, deleted from, or replaced with part of the configuration of the embodiments.

1 Control device 2 Redelivery center 3 Drone 4 Location designation device 5 Terminal 6 Application 7 Two-dimensional barcode sheet 8 Redelivery location designation screen 18 Package management DB
19 Redelivery method selection screen

Claims (15)

A home delivery management system,
An aircraft that delivers luggage;
A control device that instructs the aircraft on its destination;
A position designation unit that designates a landing position;
a terminal that links the identifier of the location specification unit with the package to be delivered;
Equipped with
The home delivery management system includes:
Delivering the package to a location specified by a location designation unit associated with the package by using an aircraft based on a time or a time designated by the package recipient;
A home delivery management system characterized by the above. The home delivery management system according to claim 1,
The position designation unit is
A position designation device that determines whether the aircraft is able to land and guides the aircraft to a landing position.
A home delivery management system characterized by the above. The home delivery management system according to claim 1,
The position designation unit is
A code corresponding to the identifier is provided;
The flying object is
The code is confirmed from the air, the aircraft recognizes the landing position, lands there and delivers the package.
A home delivery management system characterized by the above. The home delivery management system according to claim 1,
After delivering the package, the recipient can mount the location designation unit on the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to return home.
A home delivery management system characterized by the above. A home delivery management system,
An aircraft that delivers luggage;
A control device that instructs the aircraft on its destination;
A user device that stores an application used for instructing delivery;
Equipped with
The user device includes:
Using the application, determine whether the aircraft can land, and output the location of the delivery destination where landing is possible and the delivery time or delivery time slot to a control device;
The home delivery management system includes:
Delivering the package to the location communicated by the application using an aircraft based on the delivery time or delivery time instructed by the delivery destination;
A home delivery management system characterized by the above. An aircraft that delivers luggage;
A control device that instructs the aircraft on its destination;
A location designation unit disposed at a baggage receiving location;
A user device used to give delivery instructions;
Equipped with
The user device includes:
presenting a plurality of locations for receiving the package to the recipient of the package, and outputting the location for receiving the package selected by the recipient of the package and the delivery time or delivery time slot to the control device;
The control device includes:
A location designation unit associated with the receiving location is set as a delivery destination,
The flying object is
Deliver the package to the location specified in the designated location section at the designated delivery time or delivery time;
A home delivery management system characterized by the above. A control device included in the home delivery management system described in claim 1 that instructs the flying object on the delivery destination and departure time of the package and manages the process from the destination to the return of the flying object. A control device included in the home delivery management system described in claim 5, which instructs the flying object on the delivery destination and departure time of the package and manages the process from the destination to the return of the flying object. A control device included in the home delivery management system described in claim 6, which instructs the flying object on the delivery destination and departure time of the package and manages the process from the destination to the return of the flying object. An air vehicle included in the home delivery management system described in claim 5, which automatically delivers packages to destinations according to instructions from a control device and automatically returns after delivery is complete. An air vehicle included in the home delivery management system described in claim 6, which automatically delivers packages to destinations according to instructions from a control device and automatically returns after delivery is complete. A location designation unit included in the home delivery management system described in claim 1 that can be installed at any location and is used to guide an aircraft that delivers packages to the installation location. A terminal included in the home delivery management system according to claim 1, which links the package to a location designation unit at which the package is delivered to the recipient. A user device included in the home delivery management system described in claim 5, which stores an application having a function to determine whether an aircraft can land and enter when specifying delivery of a package, and a function to determine the landing position of the aircraft and notify the control device. The control device included in the home delivery management system described in claim 6 sets the location designation unit installed at the receiving location selected by the recipient of the package as the delivery destination for the flying object.

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