Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, etc. allowing a user to easily determine benefit of cargo consolidation.SOLUTION: There is provided an information processing system. The information processing system includes a processor. The processor is configured to be able to execute the following steps: a receiving step of receiving information relating on departure and destination locations of first packages to be transported, and information on departure and destination locations of second packages to be transported together with the first packages; a first display control step of displaying a map representing geographical locations; and displaying the geographical locations of the departure and destination locations of the first package and the departure and destination locations of the second package on a same map based on the information received in the receiving step,.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, efforts have been made to improve the loading rate when transporting cargo by trucks, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cargo and vehicle request server that can eliminate empty space on trucks and improve loading efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-213257 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the development of logistics, the number of cases where packages are to be shipped is increasing. In this context, it is sometimes desirable to efficiently determine which packages should be mixed together on a truck or the like.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an information processing system etc. that makes it easy to determine the usefulness of consolidating cargo. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing system. The information processing system includes a processor. The processor is configured to be able to execute the following steps. In the reception step, information relating to the departure and arrival points of a first piece of luggage to be transported and information relating to the departure and arrival points of a second piece of luggage to be transported together with the first piece of luggage are received. In the first display control step, a map representing geographical positions is displayed. Based on the information received in the reception step, the geographical positions of the departure and arrival points of the first piece of luggage and the departure and arrival points of the second piece of luggage are displayed on the same map.

[0007] According to the above aspect, an information processing system or the like is provided that makes it easy to determine the benefit of consolidating cargo. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an information processing system 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server device 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a carrier terminal 50. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control unit of each device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of information processing. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of a display screen displayed on a carrier terminal 50. [Figure 7] 13 is a display screen showing information about mixed cargo. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a map that can be used in the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first object and a second object. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining one aspect of an object. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an activity diagram illustrating an example of information processing. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a map that can be used in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the various features shown in the following embodiment can be combined with each other. In addition, in describing the present embodiment, regions in Japan may be shown, but this display does not necessarily correspond to the positional relationship of the real regions.

[0010] The information processing system of this embodiment is as follows. An information processing system, A processor is provided. The processor is configured to execute the following steps: In the reception step, information regarding a departure and arrival point of a first piece of luggage to be transported and information regarding a departure and arrival point of a second piece of luggage to be transported together with the first piece of luggage are received; In the first display control step, a map representing a geographical location is displayed; An information processing system that displays the geographical positions of the departure and arrival points of the first luggage and the second luggage on the same map based on the information received in the reception step.

[0011] Incidentally, the program for realizing the software appearing in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided so as to be downloadable from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0012] In addition, in this embodiment, the term "unit" may include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, in this embodiment, various information is handled, and this information is represented, for example, by physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, high and low signal values ​​as a binary bit group consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculation can be performed on the circuit in the broad sense.

[0013] In addition, a circuit in the broad sense is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. In other words, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0014] 1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1. Fig. 1 shows an overview of each device included in the information processing system 1 and users who use these devices. Each overview will be explained as appropriate with reference to other figures.

[0016] The information processing system 1 is typically used to manage a first package and a second package mixed with the first package. In this embodiment, the description will be continued assuming that the first package is owned by a first consignor U1 and the second package is owned by a second consignor U2.

[0017] In addition, this embodiment will be described assuming that a carrier U4 transporting the first and second packages makes a transportation plan for each package. Note that Fig. 1 also shows a third shipper U3 who is the shipper of a third package transported as a return trip (also called a "return trip") of the first package.

[0018] In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 includes a communication line 2, a server device 10, a first consignor terminal 20, a second consignor terminal 30, a third consignor terminal 40, and a carrier terminal 50. Note that the system exemplified as the information processing system 1 is made up of one or more devices or components. Therefore, even the server device 10 alone is an example of a system.

[0019] The communication line 2 includes the Internet and the like, and mediates data exchange between devices connected to the line. A server device 10 is connected to the communication line 2 via a wire, and a first shipper terminal 20, a second shipper terminal 30, a third shipper terminal 40, and a carrier terminal 50 are connected wirelessly. The connection of each device to the communication line 2 may be wired or wireless. The server device 10 may support matching related to transportation while exchanging data with the first shipper terminal 20, the second shipper terminal 30, the third shipper terminal 40, and the carrier terminal 50. The execution of such matching support may be conditional on each terminal logging in to a specified site.

[0020] The first consignor terminal 20 is a terminal having the first consignor U1 as a user. The second consignor terminal 30 is a terminal having the second consignor U2 as a user. The third consignor terminal 40 is a terminal having the third consignor U3 as a user. The first consignor terminal 20, the second consignor terminal 30, and the third consignor terminal 40 are mainly used to input and output information related to the transportation of luggage. In this specification, the "consignor" refers to a business owner or individual who has luggage to be transported. The consignor may own the luggage to be transported, or may transfer ownership to a third party, or may not own the luggage from the beginning and transport luggage requested by a third party. Note that the first consignor U1, the second consignor U2, and the third consignor U3 are shown as individual units in FIG. 1, but may be two or more business owners, individuals, etc.

[0021] Moreover, the carrier terminal 50 is a terminal having a carrier U4 as a user. The carrier U4 is a business owner or an individual who owns a vehicle (typically including a truck) capable of transporting luggage. The carrier U4 can create a transportation plan for each luggage while taking into consideration the various information output by the server device 10. That is, in this embodiment, the contents output by the server device 10 are typically displayed on the carrier terminal 50, and the above-mentioned transportation plan can be formulated by the carrier U4 connected to this carrier terminal 50.

[0022] 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of server device 10. Server device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a bus 14. Bus 14 electrically connects the various units included in server device 10.

[0023] (Control unit 11) The control unit 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 11 is a computer that realizes various functions related to the information processing system 1 by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 12. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 12 can be specifically realized by the control unit 11, which is an example of hardware, and executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 11. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 11 is not limited to being single, and may be implemented with multiple control units 11 for each function. Also, a combination of these may be used.

[0024] (Storage unit 12) The storage unit 12 stores various pieces of information defined by the above description. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs and the like related to the information processing system 1 executed by the control unit 11, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the program calculations. The storage unit 12 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the information processing system 1 executed by the control unit 11.

[0025] (Communications Department 13) The communication unit 13 is configured to be able to transmit various electrical signals from the server device 10 to external components. The communication unit 13 is also configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from the external components to the server device 10. More preferably, the communication unit 13 has a network communication function, and may be implemented so that various information can be communicated between the server device 10 and external devices via the communication line 2.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the carrier terminal 50. The carrier terminal 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, an input unit 54, an output unit 55, and a bus 56. The bus 56 electrically connects the various units included in the carrier terminal 50. The control unit 51, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 may have different specifications, models, and the like from the control unit 51, the storage unit 52, and the communication unit 53 shown in Fig. 2, but are the same hardware.

[0027] (Input section 54) The input unit 54 includes keys, buttons, a touch screen, a mouse, etc., and receives input from the user. The input unit 54 may also have a microphone and receive voice input from the user.

[0028] (Output section 55) The output unit 55 outputs various information in a manner that can be recognized by the user. The output unit 55 typically includes a display, a speaker, etc. That is, the display displays visual information generated in a manner that can be recognized by the user, such as a screen, an image, an icon, text, etc., on a display surface, and the speaker outputs sound including voice.

[0029] The hardware configuration of the first consignor terminal 20, the second consignor terminal 30, and the third consignor terminal 40 is exemplified as being similar to the hardware configuration of the above-mentioned carrier terminal 50. That is, the first consignor terminal 20, the second consignor terminal 30, and the third consignor terminal 40 may have various configurations (control unit, memory unit, communication unit, input unit, output unit, and bus) shown in Fig. 3, but the description will be omitted here for the sake of simplicity.

[0030] 2. Functional configuration In this section, the functional configuration of this embodiment will be described. As described above, information processing by software stored in the storage unit of each device is specifically realized by a control unit, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit included in the control unit can be executed. The information processing system 1 of this embodiment includes a processor (control unit 11) capable of executing each step executed by each unit shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of each device. The control unit 11 of the server device 10 includes a reception unit 111, a display control unit 112, a selection unit 113, and a memory management unit 114. On the other hand, the control unit 51 of the carrier terminal 50 includes a user display unit 511, an operation reception unit 512, and an information generation unit 513.

[0032] The reception unit 111 is configured to be able to execute a reception step. In the reception step, the reception unit 111 receives various information triggered by the terminal operation of each user. Typically, the reception unit 111 receives information on the departure and arrival points of a first package to be transported and information on the departure and arrival points of a second package to be transported together with the first package from a transport company U4 or the like. Details of this information processing will be described later.

[0033] The display control unit 112 is configured to be able to execute a display control step. In the display control step, the display control unit 112 generates various display information and controls display contents that can be viewed by the user. The display information may be information itself generated in a form that can be viewed by the user, such as a screen, an image, an icon, text, etc., or may be rendering information for displaying a screen, an image, an icon, text, etc. on various terminals. In this embodiment, the display control unit 112 displays a map representing a geographical position as a first display control step. In this first display control step, the geographical positions of the departure and arrival points of the first luggage and the departure and arrival points of the second luggage are displayed on the same map based on the information accepted in the reception step. In another aspect, the display control unit 112 displays information about the second luggage selected by the selection unit 113 described later on a screen that can be viewed by the user as a second display control step. Details of these information processes will be explained later.

[0034] The selection unit 113 is configured to be able to execute a selection step. In the selection step, the selection unit 113 selects predetermined information based on given information. As an example, in the first selection step, the selection unit 113 selects information about a second parcel that can be mixed with the first parcel based on information about the first parcel. In another aspect, in the second selection step, the selection unit 113 selects information about a third parcel that can be transported on a return flight after the arrival of the first parcel based on information about the first parcel. Details of these information processes will be explained later.

[0035] The memory management unit 114 is configured to be able to execute a memory management step. In the memory management step, the memory management unit 114 manages various pieces of information to be stored that are related to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment. Typically, the memory management unit 114 is configured to store various pieces of information including attributes of the first shipper U1, the second shipper U2, the third shipper U3, and the carrier U4, and input and output items generated in the process of information processing in a memory area. This memory area is exemplified by the memory unit 12 of the server device 10 and the memory units of various terminals, but this memory area does not necessarily have to be within the system of the information processing system 1, and the memory management unit 114 can also manage various pieces of information to be stored in an external storage device or the like.

[0036] The user display unit 511 of the carrier terminal 50 displays a system screen indicated by the screen data transmitted from the server device 10. The operation reception unit 512 receives operations by a user (such as carrier U4) using the carrier terminal 50. The information generation unit 513 generates predetermined information, for example, based on the user's operation received by the operation reception unit 512. Although not shown in detail in FIG. 4, each of the control units of the first shipper terminal 20, the second shipper terminal 30, and the third shipper terminal 40 may include a user display unit, an operation reception unit, and an information generation unit, similar to the control unit 51 of the carrier terminal 50. The functions that each unit can perform may be similar to those described for the carrier terminal 50.

[0037] 3. Information Processing In this section, each step of the information processing method executed by the above-mentioned information processing system 1 will be described while showing a typical example.

[0038] 5 is an activity diagram showing an example of information processing. The information processing shown in FIG. 5 is performed by the server device 10 exchanging data and information with the carrier terminal 50.

[0039] In the information processing shown in Fig. 5, first, a search for package information is performed via the carrier terminal 50 (activity A101). This search is typically performed via a display screen D1 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an example of a display screen shown on the carrier terminal 50.

[0040] That is, in the area R1 of the display screen D1, search conditions for the cargo that the carrier U4 is to transport can be set. In Fig. 6, an example is shown in which the starting point of the transport (Osaka or Kyoto) and the destination of the transport (Tokyo, Kanagawa, or Saitama) are set as search conditions. Note that such geographical conditions of the starting point and the destination may be set for each prefecture as shown in Fig. 6, or may be set for each region (Kinki region, Kanto region, etc.) or for each city, ward, town, or village.

[0041] Other search conditions shown in area R1 include the departure and arrival date (time), freight charge, luggage weight, and the type of vehicle desired by the shipper. When a carrier U4 comes across this search screen, the carrier U4 can enter the specified search conditions and then perform a search for luggage by pressing button BT1, for example by clicking. The search conditions that have been set can also be saved by pressing button BT2. Search conditions saved in this way can be read out thereafter as needed by carrier U4.

[0042] When button BT1 is pressed as described above, the search results are displayed (activities A102, A103). Specifically, in area R2 of FIG. 6, transportation cases of various cargo are displayed as search results. Here, a "transportation case" is a case in which a shipper (such as first shipper U1) requests a carrier (such as carrier U4) to transport his / her own cargo to a specified location. Such transportation cases usually involve a fee from the shipper to the carrier for each specified task. In addition, such transportation cases can be registered by the shipper (such as first shipper U1) in the system operated by server device 10.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of information regarding each transportation case, including company name, date and location of dispatch (departure date and time / origin), date and location of arrival of the cargo (arrival date and time / destination), freight charge, whether or not loading can be combined (combined loading), cargo weight, required vehicle type (vehicle type), type of cargo (cargo type), whether or not driver work is required (driver work), and remarks.

[0044] In addition, in this embodiment, if there is a "recommended mixed-loading flight" or a "recommended return flight" for each transportation case, these are configured to be displayed. That is, when focusing on a transportation case for a certain load (first load), it may be preferable to mix the load (first load) with loads (second loads) related to another transportation case and head to the destination. The loading and unloading order of the first load and the second load can be set as appropriate, but as an example, a mode in which the transportation route moves in the order of the departure point of the first load, the departure point of the second load, the arrival point of the second load, and the arrival point of the first load is exemplified. In this embodiment, if there is a transportation case for which it is preferable to mix the loads in this way, a specific transportation case can be recommended as a "recommended mixed-loading flight".

[0045] On the other hand, when focusing on a transportation case for a certain parcel (first parcel), it may be preferable to finish transporting that parcel (first parcel) (after the arrival of the certain parcel) and then load a parcel (third parcel) related to another transportation case and return to the departure point of the certain parcel (first parcel). In this embodiment, the transportation of parcels from the completion of the transportation of a certain transportation case to the return to the departure point is called a "return trip" or "return trip", and when there is a transportation case that is preferable as a return trip (return trip), a specific transportation case can be recommended as a "recommended return trip".

[0046] Explaining based on Fig. 6, the transportation case presented by company name XX4 is a case of transporting a specific cargo (material; first cargo) from Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture to Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, and it is shown that there are two transportation cases related to cargo (second cargo) that is preferably mixed with this cargo (see point 61 in Fig. 6). Similarly, it is shown that there are two transportation cases related to cargo (third cargo) that is preferably transported as a return flight (return flight) for the transportation case presented by company name XX4 (see point 62 in Fig. 6). That is, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment may be configured to display the number of transportation cases that are candidates for mixed cargo and / or return flights.

[0047] In addition, such a recommendation of a mixed-loading flight can be achieved by the function of the selection unit 113 of the server device 10. That is, the selection unit 113 can select information on a second baggage that can be mixed with the first baggage based on information on the first baggage as a first selection step. That is, the selection unit 113 can select a second baggage that is a candidate for mixed loading with the first baggage based on a predetermined condition for a transportation case of a certain baggage (first baggage). This predetermined condition may be various conditions such as geographical conditions, time conditions, baggage contents, and baggage weight conditions. In addition, whether the baggage to be loaded as the second baggage is compatible with the vehicle type used by the carrier U4 may be adopted as part of the selection conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, the selection unit 113 may select information on the second baggage based on at least information on the departure and arrival points of the first baggage as a first selection step. That is, taking the transportation case presented by company name XX4 as an example, the selection unit 113 can select a transportation case (transportation case related to the second shipment) whose departure point is close to the departure point of the first shipment (Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture) and whose destination is close to the destination of the first shipment (Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture).

[0048] In addition, the first selection step may be configured to select information on the second parcel that can be mixed without using a toll road. That is, if a toll road is used only for mixing the second parcel, it is assumed that the carrier U4 will bear extra costs. To avoid such a situation, the selection unit 113 may be configured to select information on the second parcel that can be mixed without using a toll road. The toll road may not be included in the transportation route of the first parcel. In other words, the use of a toll road for the transportation case of this embodiment (particularly the transportation case related to the first parcel) is not prevented, but the use of a toll road only for mixing may be restricted. Here, only for mixing may be, for example, going from the origin of the first parcel to the origin of the second parcel, going from the destination of the second parcel to the destination of the first parcel, or going from the destination of the first parcel to the destination of the second parcel.

[0049] Furthermore, this first selection step may select a transportation case for the second luggage by referring to a distance unit price for transportation. Here, when assuming a mode in which transportation is performed in the order of the origin of the first luggage, the origin of the second luggage, the arrival of the second luggage, and the arrival of the first luggage, the following formula (1) and formula (2) are compared, and the transportation case for the second luggage may be selected under the condition that formula (2) is larger in value. Cost of first shipment / Distance between first shipment's origin and destination (1) (Freight charge for the first package + Freight charge for the second package) / (Distance from the origin of the first package to the origin of the second package + Distance between the origin and destination of the second package + Distance from the destination of the second package to the destination of the first package) (2)

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, the information on the second parcel may be configured to be grasped by the user in a predetermined manner. In an exemplary embodiment, when the portion 61 in FIG. 6 is pressed by a click operation or the like, a transition to the display screen D2 in FIG. 7 is made. That is, in this embodiment, a display screen including a predetermined map is displayed by designating the second parcel via the carrier terminal 50 (activities A104 to A107). In other words, in this embodiment, information on the departure and arrival points of the first parcel to be transported and information on the departure and arrival points of the second parcel to be transported together with the first parcel can be received by such a predetermined operation by the user, and the display control unit 112 of the server device 10 can generate predetermined output contents (visual information) based on the contents.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a display screen showing information about a mixed shipment. In the display screen D2 of Fig. 7, details of two transportation cases related to a second shipment to be mixed with the first shipment are displayed, together with a transportation case related to a first shipment designated by the carrier U4.

[0052] That is, the display screen D2 in FIG. 7 displays two transportation cases (XY1, XY2) recommended as mixed cargo, together with information such as the arrival and departure dates and times, freight charges, and details of the cargo. In the example in FIG. 7, the total freight charges for the transportation case related to the first cargo and the transportation case related to the second cargo are also displayed. Furthermore, the display screen D2 in FIG. 7 displays maps (maps MP1, MP2) that represent geographical positions. The maps display the geographical positions of the departure and arrival points of the first cargo and the second cargo.

[0053] Specifically, in the case where the transportation case regarding the second baggage is XY1, the map MP1 displays the origin of the first baggage in Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture, and the destination of the first baggage in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, with pins marked A. The map MP1 also displays the origin of the second baggage in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and the destination of the second baggage in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, with pins marked B. That is, in this embodiment, the map MP1 displays the geographical positions of the origin and destination of the first baggage and the origin and destination of the second baggage on the same map. By adopting such a mode, a user (such as the carrier U4) who comes across this display screen D2 can easily grasp the location information regarding the mixed cargo and can easily determine the usefulness of mixed cargo.

[0054] In FIG. 7, the departure and arrival points of the first and second luggage are displayed by pins, but various modes can be adopted for displaying the departure and arrival points. For example, an object (such as a point, a figure, or a pattern) instead of a pin may be displayed on a map, or text information that allows the user to recognize the departure and arrival points may be displayed. In FIG. 7, the departure and arrival point of the first luggage is displayed by a pin marked A, and the departure and arrival point of the second luggage is displayed by a pin marked B, but various other methods may be adopted to distinguish between information about the first luggage and information about the second luggage. For example, a mode can be adopted in which the content showing the information about the departure and arrival point of the first luggage and the content showing the information about the departure and arrival point of the second luggage are displayed in different colors or with different objects.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, various information may be displayed on the map. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more objects indicating a range of geographical positions that are candidates for at least one of the origin and destination of the second luggage may be displayed on the map. In the display screen D2 of FIG. 7, objects OBJ11 and OBJ12 are displayed in the map MP1, and objects OBJ13 and OBJ14 are displayed in the map MP2. As shown in FIG. 7, the shape of at least one of the objects may be a sector centered on at least one of the geographical positions of the origin and destination of the first luggage. That is, the object displayed on such a map makes it easier for a user (such as a carrier U4) who comes into contact with the display screen D2 to determine an area (range) where it is effective to mix luggage. This point can be explained as follows by taking an example of a sector-shaped object as shown in FIG. 7. That is, when traveling from the origin of the first luggage to the destination of the first luggage, if the vehicle travels in the opposite direction from the origin to the destination, a loss of time and fuel will occur. In contrast, if the departure point of the second package is in an area that belongs to a sector that opens toward the destination, with the departure point at the center, it becomes easier to consolidate packages while suppressing such losses of time and fuel. The same can be said about the landing point of the first package. That is, since it is often undesirable to return to the landing point of the first package after arriving at the landing point of the second package, which is further away than the landing point, the object indicated by object OBJ12 can be said to be an object that takes such points into consideration and represents the landing point of the second package.

[0056] Although FIG. 7 shows a sector with a central angle of approximately 180°, the angle of the central angle is not limited to this. As an example, the central angle of the sector object may be set in the range of 20 to 300°, in the range of 60 to 240°, or in the range of 90 to 210°. The radius of the sector object may also be set arbitrarily. As an example, the distance obtained by multiplying the distance between the departure and arrival points of the first baggage by a predetermined coefficient may be set as the radius of the sector object.

[0057] Each map shown on the display screen D2 may be configured as follows. That is, information on the departure and arrival route of the first luggage and / or the departure and arrival route of the second luggage may be displayed on the map. The maps MP1 and MP2 shown in FIG. 7 show a state in which the departure point of the first luggage, the departure point of the second luggage, the arrival point of the second luggage, and the arrival point of the first luggage are connected by straight lines (shortest distances), but these maps may have the content shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a map that can be used in this embodiment. The map MP3 shown in FIG. 8 can be adopted in place of the above-mentioned map MP1, for example. This map MP3 shows a route (route RT11) that connects the departure point of the first luggage, the departure point of the second luggage, the arrival point of the second luggage, and the arrival point of the first luggage. A user (such as a transport company U4) who comes across such a map MP3 can more easily imagine a route when transporting by mixed loading. Note that various objects (typically, objects OBJ15, OBJ16, etc.) may also be shown in such a map (map MP3) showing the departure and arrival routes.

[0058] Note that the one or more objects indicating the range of geographical positions that are candidates for at least one of the departure point and the arrival point of the second package can be in various forms other than the sector-shaped object shown in Fig. 7. Other forms of such objects will be described below.

[0059] That is, at least one of the objects may be a first object indicating a range of geographical positions that are candidates for the origin of the second package. In this case, when a first line connecting the origin of the first package and the landing of the first package and a second line perpendicular to the first line and passing through the origin of the first package are defined on the map, it is preferable that the area of ​​the part of the first object on the landing side of the first package from the second line is larger than the area of ​​the part excluding the part on the landing side. At least one of the objects may be a second object indicating a geographical range that is a candidate for the landing of the second package. In this case, when a first line connecting the origin of the first package and the landing of the first package and a third line perpendicular to the first line and passing through the landing of the first package are defined on the map, it is preferable that the area of ​​the part of the second object located on the origin side of the first package from the third line is larger than the area of ​​the part excluding the part located on the origin side.

[0060] Such a first object and a second object will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first object and a second object. A first object OBJ21 shown in Fig. 9 can be used in place of an object OBJ11 or an object OBJ13 shown in Fig. 7. Also, a second object OBJ22 shown in Fig. 9 can be used in place of an object OBJ12 or an object OBJ14 shown in Fig. 7.

[0061] 9, the departure point of the first package is shown as point P1a, and the landing point of the first package is shown as point P1b. Here, when a first straight line (straight line L1) connecting the departure point of the first package (point P1a) and the landing point of the first package (point P1b), a second straight line (straight line L2) perpendicular to the first straight line (straight line L1) and passing through point P1a, and a third straight line (straight line L3) passing through point P1b are defined, it is preferable that each object is configured as follows.

[0062] That is, it is preferable that the area of ​​the portion of the first object OBJ21 on the side of point P1b from the straight line L2 is larger than the area of ​​the portion excluding the portion on the side of point P1b. This means that the shape of the first object OBJ21 is biased toward the side of point P1b. As described above, when considering the origin of the second luggage to be mixed with the first luggage, it is generally desirable that the origin of the second luggage is on the side closer to the landing of the first luggage. However, if the distance of reverse running from the first luggage is short, such a reverse running may be permitted. Therefore, the shape of the first object OBJ21 in FIG. 9 is set to an ellipse that includes the point P1a therein. That is, if the point P2a, which is a candidate for the origin of the second luggage, is inside this first object OBJ21, a user (such as the carrier U4) who comes across such a screen can easily determine the usefulness of performing the mixed loading. Note that the shape of the first object is not limited to an ellipse as long as it satisfies the above-mentioned conditions. The area of ​​the first object OBJ21 may be zero excluding the portion on the side of point P1b from line L2.

[0063] The same can be said about the second object OBJ22 in this configuration. That is, it is preferable that the area of ​​the part of the second object OBJ22 on the point P1a side of the straight line L3 is larger than the area of ​​the part excluding the part on the point P1a side. Furthermore, if the point P2b, which is a candidate for the landing of the second package, is inside this second object OBJ22, it is easy for a user (such as a carrier U4) who comes across this screen to determine the usefulness of mixed loading. Furthermore, the area of ​​the part of the second object OBJ22 excluding the part on the point P1a side of the straight line L3 may be 0.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the objects shown on the map may be in the following form: That is, at least one of the objects may be an object indicating the degree of overlap between the departure and arrival route of the first package and the departure and arrival route of the second package.

[0065] An example of such an object will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining one aspect of an object.

[0066] The map MP4 shown in Fig. 10A can be displayed on the above-mentioned display screen D2 or the like, and may be displayed together with details of the consolidated cargo (second cargo). An object OBJ31 shown in this map MP4 indicates the degree of overlap between the departure and arrival route of the first cargo and the departure and arrival route of the second cargo, and a user (such as a carrier U4) can determine the benefit of consolidated loading based on the size of this object OBJ31 or the like.

[0067] That is, this OBJ31 represents an overlapping portion between an object (object OBJ32) showing the departure and arrival route of the first piece of luggage shown in Fig. 10B and an object (object OBJ33) showing the departure and arrival route of the second piece of luggage shown in Fig. 10C. Note that in this case, the departure point of the first piece of luggage is Osaka, the arrival point of the first piece of luggage is Tokyo, the departure point of the second piece of luggage is Shizuoka, and the arrival point of the second piece of luggage is Tokyo. Also, each object shown in Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C is shown as an area within a predetermined distance range of the departure and arrival route of each piece of luggage.

[0068] Although the objects and the like that may be displayed on the map have been described above, the configurations that may be displayed on the map are not limited to those described above. For example, FIG. 7 shows an aspect in which a sector-shaped object (such as object OBJ11) is displayed, but the shape of this object may be various shapes such as a triangle, a rectangle (such as a trapezoid), a pentagon, a circle, an ellipse, etc. The size of an object that may be displayed on such a map may be set according to the distance obtained by multiplying the distance between the departure and arrival points of the first baggage by a predetermined coefficient. In addition, the objects displayed on the map may be given various colors and patterns.

[0069] As an exemplary embodiment, information relating to time may be displayed on a map. In a typical example, the departure time and arrival time designated for each transportation case may be displayed on the map. In addition, the scheduled departure time and scheduled arrival time for each transportation case calculated by a known prediction tool may be displayed on the map. Note that such information relating to time may be displayed as text information, for example, or as an object resembling a clock.

[0070] Furthermore, the displayed information on the second package may be configured as follows: That is, in this embodiment, when there is a note regarding the information on the selected second package, the note may be displayed in a manner that is visible to the user.

[0071] The precautions here can be set as appropriate, and examples include the following. Such precautions can be extracted by extracting parameters that may be of concern when selecting the above-mentioned transportation item. An example of a method for displaying such precautions to the user is a mode in which they are displayed together with information about the second package as shown in FIG. 7.

[0072] (Example of precautions) -The size and weight of the luggage will fit into the vehicle · Whether the driver's working hours and operation schedule are compatible depending on the type of packaging (palletized or bulk) · Are the vehicle's characteristics (size, presence or absence of wings) compatible with the loading and unloading port environment? Is the shipping schedule tight? - Is the total fare reasonable? Are there any concerns about the mix of cargo types being mixed?

[0073] Among the above-mentioned precautions, the following can be cited as concerns regarding the "combination of types of luggage to be mixed." For example, if one of the first and second luggage is "food" and the other is a luggage that may emit an odor (smell, smell), then such a combination may cause the odor to transfer to the "food" when mixed. In this case, the transfer of odor from the other luggage to the first luggage may be set as a concern and displayed as one aspect of the above-mentioned precautions so that the user can visually recognize it. Typical examples of luggage that may emit such odors include rubber products such as tires, and other foods that have an odor such as coffee beans. Also, if one of the first and second luggage is "machine" and the other is a luggage that is prone to oil stains (clothing, etc.), then such a combination may cause the other luggage to be stained with oil due to the "machine" when mixed. In this case, the possibility of the other luggage becoming stained with oil may be set as a concern and displayed as one aspect of the above-mentioned precautions so that the user can visually recognize it. Of course, the concerns regarding the combination of cargo types to be mixed are not limited to these, and may be set arbitrarily when operating the information processing system 1.

[0074] 7 shows two candidates for mixed cargo, but when there are two or more candidates for mixed cargo, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment may be configured as follows: That is, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, when there is a plurality of pieces of information about the second cargo displayed on the screen, the display mode of the plurality of pieces of information about the second cargo may be configured to be changeable.

[0075] The change in the display mode here may be, for example, a change in the display order. For example, in the display screen D2 in FIG. 7, the display order of the information on the second parcel may be configured to be in order of amount or time (for example, in order of arrival time at the departure point of the second parcel). This change in the display order may be made according to a user operation, or may be made by processing of the server device 10. In addition, the change in the display mode may be a marking of a specific transportation case. For example, the information on a specific transportation case related to the second parcel as shown in FIG. 7 etc. may be configured to be marked with a recommended mark (such as a star mark), or the font or color of the text may be changed to emphasize the content. Furthermore, such a change in the display order may be adopted in combination with a marking mode or the like.

[0076] Although the above describes a mode of selecting a second package to be mixed with a first package, in the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the selection unit 113 may select information about a third package that can be transported on a return flight after the arrival of the first package, based on information about the first package. Note that the information about this third package may be configured to be displayed so that it can be viewed by a user (such as the transport company U4), similar to the above-mentioned second package.

[0077] The selection of such information on the third package will be explained with reference to the activity diagram of Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an activity diagram showing an example of information processing. The activities A201-A203 shown in Fig. 11 are substantially similar to the above-mentioned activities A101-A103. That is, the carrier U4 can perform a search related to the first package and also obtain information on the third package by performing a predetermined operation.

[0078] As described above, the display screen D1 of FIG. 6 shows that there are two transportation cases presented by company name XX4, each related to a shipment (third shipment) that would be preferable to be transported as a return trip.

[0079] Here, such a recommendation of a return flight (return flight) can be achieved by the function of the selection unit 113 of the server device 10. That is, for a transportation case of a certain luggage (first luggage), the selection unit 113 can select a third luggage that is a candidate for a return flight (return flight) with the first luggage based on a predetermined condition. This predetermined condition may be various conditions such as geographical conditions, time conditions, conditions related to the contents of the luggage, weight of the luggage, etc. In addition, whether the luggage to be loaded as the third luggage is compatible with the vehicle type used by the transportation company U4 may be adopted as part of the selection condition. In an exemplary embodiment, the selection unit 113 may select information about the third luggage based on at least information about the departure and arrival points of the first luggage. That is, in the case of a transportation case presented by a company name XX4 as an example, the selection unit 113 can select a transportation case (transportation case related to the third luggage) whose departure point is close to the arrival point of the first luggage (Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture) and whose arrival point is close to the departure point of the first luggage (Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture).

[0080] In addition, in this embodiment, the information regarding such a third package may be configured to be grasped by the user in a predetermined manner. For example, the configuration may be such that when the portion 62 in FIG. 6 is pressed by a click operation or the like, a transition to a predetermined display screen occurs. That is, the configuration may be such that a predetermined display screen is displayed by designating the third package via the carrier terminal 50 (activities A204 to A207). Such a display screen may have the same content as the display screen regarding the second package described above. Here, an example of a map that may be adopted in the display screen regarding the third package is, for example, a map as shown in FIG. 12.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a map that can be used in this embodiment. In the map MP5 shown in FIG. 12, the origin (Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture) and destination (Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture) of the first luggage are displayed with pins marked with A, and the origin (Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture) and destination (Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture) of the third luggage are displayed with pins marked with B. In addition, this map MP5 shows the origin / destination route (route RT21) of the first luggage, the movement route (route RT22) from the destination of the first luggage to the origin of the third luggage, the origin / destination route (route RT23) of the third luggage, and the movement route (route RT24) from the destination of the third luggage to the origin of the first luggage. A user (transport company U4) who comes across such a map MP5 can easily determine the usefulness of transporting a specific luggage as a return flight (return flight).

[0082] In addition, when displaying information regarding the third package, a method of displaying warnings or changing the display method may be adopted, as in the case of the second package described above, but the explanation will not be repeated here.

[0083] The user (such as the carrier U4) who has thus grasped the information on the second and third packages can move on to the conclusion of a contract for transportation by contacting the shipper who presented the case for which he or she wishes to transport the package. This contact may be made, for example, by telephone or e-mail. On the other hand, the display screen provided by the server device 10 may be provided with a button for proceeding to the contract, and the user may be configured to move on to the contract procedure by operating the button.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the second parcel to be mixed with the first parcel is selected and displayed, but the system may be configured to select and display a parcel to be further mixed with the second parcel. In other words, the carrier U4 can utilize the information processing system 1 of this embodiment to make a plan for handling parcels related to three or more transportation cases. This embodiment can be realized by re-setting the second parcel, which was set based on the first parcel, as the first parcel, and having the server device 10 select and display the second parcel again.

[0085] As described above, the present embodiment provides an information processing system that makes it easy to determine the usefulness of consolidating cargo.

[0086] 4.Other In addition, the information processing system 1 may adopt the following aspects.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the configuration of the information processing system 1 has been described, but a program for causing a computer to execute each step of the information processing system 1 may be provided.

[0088] Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects:

[0089] (1) An information processing system comprising a processor, the processor being configured to be able to execute each of the following steps: in a reception step, information relating to the departure and arrival point of a first piece of luggage to be transported and information relating to the departure and arrival point of a second piece of luggage to be transported together with the first piece of luggage are received; in a first display control step, a map representing geographical positions is displayed; and based on the information received in the reception step, the geographical positions of the departure and arrival point of the first piece of luggage and the departure and arrival point of the second piece of luggage are displayed on the same map.

[0090] (2) In the information processing system described in (1) above, in the first display control step, one or more objects indicating a range of geographical locations that are candidates for at least one of the departure and arrival points of the second luggage are displayed on the map.

[0091] (3) In the information processing system described in (2) above, at least one of the objects is a first object indicating a range of geographical locations that are candidates for the departure point of the second luggage, and when a first line connecting the departure point of the first luggage and the landing point of the first luggage and a second line perpendicular to the first line and passing through the departure point of the first luggage are defined on the map, the area of ​​the part of the first object that is on the landing side of the first luggage relative to the second line is greater than the area of ​​the part excluding the part on the landing side.

[0092] (4) In the information processing system described in (2) or (3) above, at least one of the objects is a second object indicating a geographical range that is a candidate for the landing of the second luggage, and when a first line connecting the departure point of the first luggage and the landing point of the first luggage and a third line perpendicular to the first line and passing through the landing point of the first luggage are defined on the map, the area of ​​the part of the second object that is on the departure point of the first luggage side of the third line is greater than the area of ​​the part excluding the part on the departure point side.

[0093] (5) An information processing system according to any one of (2) to (4) above, wherein the shape of at least one of the objects is a sector centered on at least one of the geographical locations of the departure and arrival of the first package.

[0094] (6) In the information processing system described in (1) above, in the first display control step, one or more objects are displayed on the map, and at least one of the objects is an object indicating the degree of overlap between the departure and arrival route of the first baggage and the departure and arrival route of the second baggage.

[0095] (7) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the processor is further configured to execute a first selection step and a second display control step, in which, based on information about the first luggage, information about the second luggage that can be mixed with the first luggage is selected in the first selection step, and, in the second display control step, the information about the second luggage selected in the first selection step is displayed on a screen that is viewable by a user.

[0096] (8) In the information processing system described above in (7), in the first selection step, information about the second piece of luggage is selected based on at least information about the departure and arrival points of the first piece of luggage.

[0097] (9) In the information processing system described in (7) or (8) above, in the first selection step, information regarding the second cargo that can be mixed without using a toll road is selected, and the toll road is not included in the transportation route of the first cargo.

[0098] (10) In an information processing system described in any one of (7) to (9) above, in the second display control step, if there are any notes regarding the information about the selected second luggage, the notes are displayed in a manner that is visible to the user.

[0099] (11) In the information processing system described in any one of (7) to (10) above, when there are multiple pieces of information relating to the second luggage to be displayed on the screen, the display manner of the multiple pieces of information relating to the second luggage is configured to be changeable.

[0100] (12) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the map displays information relating to the departure and arrival route of the first luggage and / or the departure and arrival route of the second luggage.

[0101] (13) In the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (12) above, the processor is further configured to execute a second selection step, in which information regarding a third parcel that can be transported on a return flight after the arrival of the first parcel is selected based on information regarding the first parcel.

[0102] (14) In the information processing system described above in (13), in the second selection step, information about the third piece of luggage is selected based on at least information about the departure and arrival points of the first piece of luggage.

[0103] (15) An information processing method comprising each step of the information processing system according to any one of (1) to (14) above.

[0104] (16) A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the information processing system described in any one of (1) to (14) above. Of course, this is not the case. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in any desired manner.

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can be adopted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Information processing system 2: Communication lines 10: Server device 11: Control section 12: Storage section 13: Communications Department 14: Bus 20: First shipper terminal 30: Second shipper terminal 40: Third shipper terminal 50: Carrier terminal 51: Control section 52: Storage section 53: Communications Department 54: Input section 55: Output section 56: Bus 61: Location 62: Location 111: Reception 112: Display control unit 113: Selection Department 114: Memory management department 511: User display section 512: Operation reception section 513: Information generation section BT1, BT2: Button D1, D2:Display screen MP1~MP5: Map OBJ11~OBJ16, OBJ31~OBJ33: Objects OBJ21: First object OBJ22: Second object P1a, P1b, P2a, P2b: Point R1, R2: area RT11, RT21~RT24: Route U1: First shipper U2: Second shipper U3: Third shipper U4: Carrier

Claims

1. An information processing system, It comprises a processor and a memory unit, The processor is configured to execute a program stored in the memory unit so that the following steps are performed: In the reception step, information regarding the origin and destination of the first shipment to be transported, and information regarding the origin and destination of the second shipment to be transported together with the first shipment are received. In the first display control step, Display a map that shows the geographical location. Based on the information received in the aforementioned reception step, the geographical locations of the first and second packages are displayed on the same map. An information processing system that displays the departure and arrival routes of the first package from its origin to its destination and the departure and arrival routes of the second package from its origin to its destination on the aforementioned map, and also displays an object indicating the degree of overlap between the departure and arrival routes of the first package and the departure and arrival routes of the second package.

2. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The processor is further configured to perform a first selection step and a second display control step, In the first selection step, based on the information regarding the first package, information regarding the second package that can be shipped together with the first package is selected. The information processing system in the second display control step displays information about the second package selected in the first selection step on a screen visible to the user.

3. In the information processing system described in claim 2, An information processing system that, in the first selection step, selects information about a second package based on at least information about the origin and destination of the first package.

4. In the information processing system described in claim 2, In the first selection step, information regarding the second cargo that can be transported together without using toll roads is selected. An information processing system in which the aforementioned toll road is not included in the transportation route of the first cargo.

5. In the information processing system described in claim 2, The second display control step includes an information processing system that, if there are any precautions regarding the selected second package, displays such precautions in a manner that is visible to the user.

6. In the information processing system described in claim 2, If there are multiple pieces of information regarding the second package displayed on the aforementioned screen, An information processing system configured to allow changes in the display manner of information regarding the multiple existing second packages.

7. In the information processing system described in claim 1, An information processing system in which the map displays information regarding the departure and arrival routes of the first package and / or the departure and arrival routes of the second package.

8. In the information processing system described in claim 1, The processor is further configured to perform a second selection step, An information processing system that, in the second selection step, selects information about a third package that can be transported on a return flight after the arrival of the first package, based on information about the first package.

9. In the information processing system described in claim 8, An information processing system that, in the second selection step, selects information about the third package based on at least information about the origin and destination of the first package.

10. Information processing method, An information processing method comprising each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. It is a program, A program that causes a computer to perform each step of the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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