US 12,240,602 B2
Logistics system, logistics management method, and computer-readable medium that stores logistics management program
Daiki Tanaka, Tokyo (JP); Toshiaki Tazume, Tokyo (JP); and Takayoshi Inuma, Tokyo (JP)
Assigned to Rakuten Group, Inc., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by RAKUTEN GROUP, INC., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Aug. 18, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/890,657.
Claims priority of application No. 2021-136399 (JP), filed on Aug. 24, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0067113 A1, Mar. 2, 2023
Int. Cl. B64C 39/02 (2023.01); G06Q 10/08 (2024.01); G06Q 10/083 (2023.01); G08G 5/00 (2006.01); B64U 50/19 (2023.01); B64U 101/60 (2023.01)
CPC B64C 39/024 (2013.01) [G06Q 10/083 (2013.01); G08G 5/0069 (2013.01); B64U 50/19 (2023.01); B64U 2101/60 (2023.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A logistics system, comprising:
one or more computers configured to execute a logistic management program, the logistics management program comprising:
energy remaining amount identifying code configured to cause the one or more computers to obtain or estimate an energy remaining amount of an unmanned vehicle subsequent to delivery of an item to a delivery address, the unmanned vehicle being driven by energy supplied from an energy source;
range setting code configured to cause the one or more computers to set a pickup possible range according to the energy remaining amount, the pickup possible range being used to select pickup location candidates where the unmanned vehicle is able to pick up an item and return to a station of the unmanned vehicle on a return path without a recharge of the energy source, the return path including the delivery address as a start point and including the station as an end point;
pickup location determining code configured to cause the one or more computers to determine a pickup location from the pickup location candidates located in the pickup possible range; and
delivery instruction code configured to cause the one or more computers to instruct the unmanned vehicle to move to the pickup location, whereby the unmanned vehicle begins to move toward the pickup location.