Server device, delivery state display system, delivery state reply method and program

Abstract

To provide a server device, etc. capable of intelligibly presenting a delivery state to users while protecting privacy.SOLUTION: An acquisition part 241 acquires a current location from a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer. A calculation part 242 calculates an expected delivery time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to a user based on the acquired current location and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer stops for delivery. A generation part 271, in response to inquiry information received by a receiving part 210, generates reply information including the expected delivery time. A transmission part 220 transmits the generated reply information to a user terminal. Then, the generation part 271 generates reply information further including the current location, only when there is no other delivery destination from the current location to the delivery to the user based on the delivery route information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a delivery status display system, a delivery status response method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electronic commerce has become widespread, and as a result, many purchased items are delivered. For example, items purchased online by a user using a so-called "online supermarket" are delivered to the user's home by a dedicated delivery company or an affiliated delivery company. Furthermore, if the user is not at home when the delivery is made, the delivery will not be completed and a redelivery will be required. Therefore, delivery notification services are becoming popular, for example by notifying the user by email or other means the day before or on the day of delivery to encourage them to be at home when a delivery is made. However, if the delivery is not at a specified time, the delivery notification service only notifies the user of the delivery date, and the user is required to remain at home and wait all day on the delivery date (until the delivery is made). Furthermore, even for time-specified deliveries, the specified time period may vary by several hours, so the user still needs to remain at home and wait for a long period of time during the specified time period.

[0003] For this reason, systems that allow users to inquire about delivery times (package arrival times) have been developed recently. For example, Cited Document 1 discloses an invention for a delivery time inquiry system (home delivery delivery time inquiry system) that can respond to inquiries from users by telling them the arrival time of a package. In the invention described in this cited document 1, a user can input information about a package on an inquiry screen (a courier delivery time inquiry screen such as that shown in Figure 4) to inquire about the package's current location (current location of the transport vehicle) and delivery time (scheduled delivery time). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-284353 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when an actual delivery is made, not only the delivery to the user who made the inquiry but also the delivery to other users is made. For example, a delivery person (delivery company) makes a delivery along a delivery route that includes multiple delivery destinations that the delivery person stops at for the delivery. In addition, as in the invention disclosed in the above-mentioned Cited Document 1, when a user inquires about a delivery time or the like, it is expected that the inquiry will not be made just once, but will be made repeatedly multiple times.

[0006] However, in the invention of the cited document 1, there was a risk that a user could make an inquiry multiple times and make inferences about deliveries to other users. In other words, the invention disclosed in Reference 1 makes it possible to inquire not only about the delivery time but also about the current location of the package unlimitedly, which creates the problem that it is possible to infer the home of another user to which the delivery may have been made from the trajectory of the current location obtained by repeated inquiries (for example, the route of travel and stops for a predetermined period of time or longer).

[0007] Given these circumstances, there has been a demand for technology that can present delivery status to users in an easy-to-understand manner while protecting their privacy.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and aims to provide a server device, a delivery status display system, a delivery status response method, and a program that can present delivery status to a user in an easy-to-understand manner while protecting privacy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A server device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: An acquisition unit that acquires a current location from a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user; a calculation unit that calculates a delivery expected time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired by the acquisition unit and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; A receiving unit that receives inquiry information transmitted from a user terminal used by the user; a generation unit that generates answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated by the calculation unit in response to the inquiry information received by the receiving unit; a transmission unit that transmits the answer information generated by the generation unit to the user terminal, The generation unit generates the answer information further including the current location based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery to the user. It is characterized by:

[0010] In addition, in the server device according to the above aspect, The generation unit may generate the answer information including a map image with a mark indicating the current location superimposed thereon and a message indicating the estimated delivery time or the time remaining until the estimated delivery time only if there are no other delivery destinations between the current location and the delivery to the user.

[0011] In addition, the server device according to the above aspect comprises: an update unit that controls the acquisition unit and the calculation unit to update the current location and the estimated delivery time at predetermined time intervals; The delivery device may further include a notification unit that, when the remaining time until the estimated delivery time falls below a predetermined threshold, notifies the user terminal of advance notice information indicating that delivery will occur soon.

[0012] A delivery status display system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: A delivery status display system in which a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user, a user terminal used by the user, and a server device are communicatively connected, The user terminal, A terminal transmitting unit that transmits inquiry information to the server device; a terminal receiving unit for receiving answer information sent from the server device; a display unit that displays the answer information received by the terminal receiving unit, The server device includes: An acquisition unit that acquires a current location from the delivery company terminal; a calculation unit that calculates a delivery expected time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired by the acquisition unit and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; A receiving unit that receives the inquiry information transmitted from the user terminal; a generating unit that generates the answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated by the calculating unit in response to the inquiry information received by the receiving unit; a transmission unit that transmits the answer information generated by the generation unit to the user terminal, The generation unit generates the answer information further including the current location based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery to the user. It is characterized by:

[0013] A delivery status reply method according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: A delivery status reply method executed by a server device, An acquisition step of acquiring a current location from a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user; a calculation step of calculating an expected delivery time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired in the acquisition step and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; a receiving step of receiving inquiry information transmitted from a user terminal used by the user; a generating step of generating answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated in the calculating step in response to the inquiry information received in the receiving step; A transmitting step of transmitting the answer information generated in the generating step to the user terminal, In the generating step, the answer information further including the current location is generated based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery destination to the user. It is characterized by:

[0014] A program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: On the computer, an acquisition step of acquiring a current location from a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user; a calculation step of calculating an expected delivery time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired in the acquisition step and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; A receiving step of receiving inquiry information transmitted from a user terminal used by the user; a generating step of generating answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated in the calculating step in response to the inquiry information received in the receiving step; a transmitting step of transmitting the answer information generated in the generating step to the user terminal; In the generating step, the answer information further including the current location is generated based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery destination to the user. It is characterized by:

[0015] The above program may be distributed or sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. Furthermore, the information recording medium on which the above-mentioned program is recorded is a non-transitory recording medium, and can be distributed and sold independently of a computer. Here, the non-transitory recording medium refers to a tangible recording medium. Examples of non-transitory recording media include compact discs, flexible disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, digital video disks, magnetic tapes, and semiconductor memories. Also, the transitory recording medium refers to the transmission medium (propagation signal) itself. Examples of the transitory recording medium include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. In addition, the temporary storage area refers to an area for temporarily storing data and programs, and is, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to present the delivery status to the user in an easily understandable manner while protecting privacy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a delivery status display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a typical information processing device in which a server device, a user terminal, etc. are realized; [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining delivery route information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of update specification information. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams each showing an example of generated response information. [Figure 7] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a push notification displayed on a user terminal, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing an example of answer information displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a delivery status reply process and a delivery status inquiry process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams each showing an example of generated response information. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of answer information displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a delivery status reply process and a delivery status inquiry process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams each showing an example of generated response information. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a delivery status reply process according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In each embodiment of the present invention, an example of a so-called "online supermarket" that accepts orders for items (products) via a network from nearby users and delivers the items will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the delivery of items purchased at such an online supermarket, and can be similarly applied to the delivery of items purchased through various electronic commerce transactions. In other words, the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, a person skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalents, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Fig. 1, the delivery status display system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured by connecting a server device 200 that controls the entire delivery status display system 100, a user terminal 300 used by a user, and a deliverer terminal 400 used by a deliverer via the Internet 900. Although simplified in the figure, it is assumed that there are a large number of user terminals 300 corresponding to the number of users who use the system. It is also assumed that there are a large number of deliverer terminals 400 corresponding to the number of deliverers who deliver items.

[0020] The server device 200 is, for example, a computer for a server, and displays the delivery status of an item purchased at an online supermarket on the user terminal 300 of the user who made the purchase.

[0021] The user terminal 300 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer used by a user who uses the online supermarket, and performs necessary communication with the server device 200. For example, the user terminal 300 transmits inquiry information for inquiring about the delivery status of an item purchased by the user to the server device 200. The user terminal 300 then receives response information transmitted from the server device 200 and displays it on the screen. Details of the response information will be described later.

[0022] The deliverer terminal 400 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like used by a deliverer who delivers an item purchased by a user to a user's home, and performs necessary communication with the server device 200. For example, the delivery terminal 400 is equipped with a GPS signal receiving unit capable of receiving GPS signals transmitted from multiple GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, and in response to a request from the server device 200, transmits the current location (location information) of the delivery terminal 400 to the server device 200. Instead of using such a GPS signal, the deliverer terminal 400 may determine the current location of the deliverer terminal 400, for example, using radio wave strength (reception strength, etc.) from multiple base stations, and transmit the current location to the server device 200 in response to a request from the server device 200.

[0023] (General configuration of information processing device) A typical information processing device 500 in which the server device 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the user terminal 300, etc. are realized will be described.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 504, an image processing unit 505, an audio processing unit 506, an auxiliary memory unit 507, an interface 508, an operation unit 509, a display unit 510, and a positioning unit 511.

[0025] A CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the information processing device 500, and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

[0026] ROM 502 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after power is turned on. When this IPL is executed, a program stored in auxiliary memory unit 507 is read into RAM 503 and execution of the program by CPU 501 begins.

[0027] The RAM 503 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the auxiliary storage unit 507, as well as other data necessary for communication.

[0028] The NIC 504 is used to connect the information processing device 500 to a computer communication network such as the Internet, and may be configured as a 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used in constructing a LAN (Local Area Network), an analog modem for connecting to the Internet using a telephone line, an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a cable modem for connecting to the Internet using a cable television line, or the like.

[0029] The image processing unit 505 processes image data read from the auxiliary storage unit 507 or the like using an image calculation processor (not shown) included in the CPU 501 or the image processing unit 505, and then records the processed image data in a frame memory (not shown) included in the image processing unit 505. The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronous timing and output to the outside via the interface 508 or the like. Note that, in the case where the information processing device 500 includes a display device (display unit 510) inside, the image processing unit 505 outputs the converted video signal to the display device. In other words, under the control of the CPU 501, the image processing unit 505 generates images required in the progress of processing performed by the information processing device 500, and displays the images on an internal or external display device.

[0030] The audio processing unit 506 converts music data or audio data read from the auxiliary storage unit 507 or the like into an audio signal, and outputs it to the outside via the interface 508 or the like. If the information processing device 500 has an internal speaker, the audio processing unit 506 outputs the converted audio signal to the speaker. In other words, under the control of the CPU 501, the audio processing unit 506 generates musical sounds or sounds to be generated during the progress of processing performed by the information processing device 500, and outputs the musical sounds or the like from an internal or external speaker.

[0031] The auxiliary storage unit 507 is a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), or the like, and stores various programs and various data necessary for controlling the operation of the entire information processing device 500. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 507 stores programs for realizing the server device 200 and the user terminal 300 according to the embodiment. Then, under the control of the CPU 501, the auxiliary storage unit 507 appropriately reads out the stored programs and data, and temporarily stores them in the RAM 503, or the like.

[0032] The interface 508 complies with standards such as HDMI (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus), and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), and is connected to, for example, an operation unit 509, a display unit 510, and a positioning unit 511. Note that the interface 508 may transmit and receive necessary information to and from other connected external devices.

[0033] The operation unit 509 accepts operation inputs from an operator or the like who uses the information processing device 500 .

[0034] The display unit 510 renders an image according to the image data output by the image processing unit 505 , and displays it to an operator or the like who uses the information processing device 500 .

[0035] The positioning unit 511 receives, for example, GPS signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites, and measures the current position of the information processing device 500 at each predetermined timing. Instead of using such a GPS signal, the positioning unit 511 may measure the current position of the information processing device 500 using the radio wave strength (reception strength, etc.) from a plurality of base stations.

[0036] Additionally, the information processing device 500 may include a drive unit such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM instead of the auxiliary storage unit 507. In this case, the information processing device 500 reads out programs and data from a DVD-ROM or the like that is loaded into the drive unit, and operates in the same manner as described above.

[0037] Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the server device 200 realized in the above-mentioned information processing device 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. When the information processing device 500 is powered on and communication with, for example, the user terminal 300 and the deliverer terminal 400 becomes possible, a program that causes the information processing device 500 to function as the server device 200 according to the first embodiment is executed, and the server device 200 according to the first embodiment is realized.

[0038] (Functional configuration of the server device 200) 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server device 200 according to embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the server device 200 includes a receiving unit 210, a transmitting unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0039] The receiving unit 210 receives various information sent from the user terminal 300 and the deliverer terminal 400 via the Internet 900. For example, the receiving unit 210 receives the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 under the control of the control unit 240 (more specifically, the acquiring unit 241 described later). The receiving unit 210 also receives inquiry information about the delivery status from the user terminal 300 of the user who is the delivery destination of the item. The above-mentioned NIC 504 can function as such a receiving unit 210.

[0040] The transmitting unit 220 transmits, for example, various types of information intended for the user terminal 300 and the like via the Internet 900. For example, the transmission unit 220 is controlled by the control unit 240 (more specifically, the notification unit 244 described later) to notify the user terminal 300 of the user who is close to delivery of advance notice information by push notification. Moreover, the transmission unit 220 is controlled by the control unit 240 (more specifically, the generation unit 245 described later) to transmit answer information to the user terminal 300, which will be described later. The above-mentioned NIC 504 can function as such a transmission unit 220.

[0041] The storage unit 230 stores various information necessary for various processes in the server device 200. For example, the storage unit 230 stores delivery route information 231 and update rule information 232.

[0042] Specifically, the storage unit 230 stores, as an example, delivery route information 231 as shown in FIG. 4 is an easy-to-understand diagram of the delivery route RT and each delivery destination CS (each user's home) on the route, and actually specifies, for example, information on the nodes and links that define the delivery route RT, and location information of each delivery destination CS, etc. Also, each delivery destination CS is associated with, for example, user information, item information, and delivery management information. This user information includes, for example, the user's name, unique information of the user terminal 300 used for push notification, and the building type of the user's home (detached house, apartment building, etc.). The item information also includes, for example, a waybill number (invoice number) and details of the item to be delivered. The delivery management information includes, for example, management information regarding the delivery of an item (for example, delivery in progress, delivery completed, absence, etc.).

[0043] Moreover, the storage unit 230 stores, as an example, update rule information 232 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the update regulation information 232 includes, for example, a remaining time 232a and an update interval 232b.

[0044] The remaining time 232a is information that defines the range of the remaining time until the estimated delivery time calculated by the control unit 240 (more specifically, the calculation unit 242 described later), and is associated with the update interval 232b.

[0045] In addition, the update interval 232b specifies the interval (update timing) at which the control unit 240 (more specifically, the update unit 243 described later) updates the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS.

[0046] In addition, the memory unit 230 stores the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 acquired by the control unit 240 (more specifically, the acquisition unit 241 described later) and the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS (each user's home) calculated by the control unit 240 (more specifically, the calculation unit 242 described later). The storage unit 230 also stores information linking the user (user terminal 300) and the deliverer (delivery person terminal 400), as well as various images and various text data constituting the answer information described below. The above-mentioned auxiliary storage unit 507 or the like can function as such a storage unit 230.

[0047] 3, the control unit 240 controls the entire server device 200. The control unit 240 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 241, a calculation unit 242, an update unit 243, a notification unit 244, and a generation unit 245.

[0048] The acquisition unit 241 acquires the current location from a deliverer terminal 400 used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user. For example, the acquisition unit 241 controls the transmission unit 220 to request the delivery party terminal 400 to transmit the current location, and receives the current location transmitted in response from the delivery party terminal 400 at the reception unit 210, thereby acquiring the current location of the delivery party terminal 400. The timing at which the acquisition unit 241 acquires the current location from the delivery party terminal 400 is controlled by the update unit 243, which will be described later.

[0049] The calculation unit 242 calculates an estimated delivery time at which the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user's home, based on the current location acquired by the acquisition unit 241 and the delivery route information 231 as shown in FIG. 4 described above. That is, the calculation unit 242 calculates the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination CS (each user's home). Note that, as the delivery by the deliverer progresses, each time a delivery destination CS for which delivery has been completed and a delivery destination CS for which the user was absent arises, the calculation unit 242 excludes those delivery destinations CS and calculates the estimated delivery time for the remaining delivery destinations CS.

[0050] In addition, the calculation unit 242 may identify the number of other delivery destinations between the current location and the user's home, or the building types of those other delivery destinations and the user's home, based on the delivery route information 231, and further add the number of other delivery destinations identified or the required time according to the building type to calculate the estimated delivery time. Furthermore, the timing at which the calculation unit 242 calculates the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS is controlled by the update unit 243, which will be described later.

[0051] The update unit 243 controls the acquisition unit 241 and the calculation unit 242 to update the current location and the estimated delivery time at predetermined time intervals. For example, the update unit 243 determines whether the remaining time until the estimated delivery time of the next delivery destination CS, among the delivery destinations CS for which the calculation unit 242 has calculated the estimated delivery time, corresponds to any of the remaining times 232a in the update specification information 232 shown in FIG. 5, and sets the corresponding update interval 232b as the next update timing. That is, the update unit 243 changes the time interval depending on the remaining time until the estimated delivery time, and updates the current location and the estimated delivery time.

[0052] When the remaining time until the estimated delivery time calculated by the calculation unit 242 described above falls below a predetermined threshold, the notification unit 244 notifies the user terminal 300 of advance notice information indicating that delivery will be made soon. For example, among the delivery destination CSs for which the calculation unit 242 has calculated the estimated delivery time, if there is a delivery destination CS for which the remaining time until the estimated delivery time is below a threshold value (for example, 30 minutes), advance notice information is sent by push notification to the user terminal 300 used by the user of that delivery destination CS. The notification unit 244 excludes the delivery destination CS (user terminal 300) to which the advance notice information has already been notified, and notifies the advance notice information only of the delivery destination CS (user terminal 300) whose number falls below the threshold for the first time.

[0053] The generating unit 245 generates answer information including the current location and the expected delivery time of the deliverer terminal 400 in response to the inquiry information received by the receiving unit 210 from the user terminal 300. Then, the generating unit 245 controls the transmitting unit 220 to transmit the generated answer information to the user terminal 300 of the inquiry destination. For example, the generating unit 245 generates answer information RS1 as shown in Fig. 6(a) This answer information RS1 includes a message MS1, a map image MP1, and a reload symbol RL. The message MS1 includes, for example, a text indicating the estimated delivery time and the remaining time until the estimated delivery time. Note that the message MS1 may include either the estimated delivery time or the remaining time. In addition, a marker MK1 indicating the current position of the deliverer terminal 400 and an icon IC indicating the position of the user's house are superimposed on the map in the map image MP1. The generating unit 245 may change the form (e.g., size, color, etc.) of the marker MK1 depending on the remaining time until the estimated delivery time. For example, in the case of Fig. 6(a), since the remaining time until the estimated delivery time is long, the generating unit 245 generates a marker MK1 that is larger and lighter in color than the standard and superimposes it on the map. The reload symbol RL is a symbol for reloading the answer information RS1. In other words, when the answer information RS1 is sent to the user terminal 300 and displayed, if the user operates (touches or otherwise operates) the reload symbol RL, the inquiry information is transmitted to the server device 200. Note that even when such a reload symbol RL is operated on the user terminal 300, as described above, the acquisition unit 241 and the calculation unit 242 are controlled by the update unit 243, so the generation unit 245 generates answer information RS1 based on the acquired current location and the calculated estimated delivery time at the most recent update timing. In other words, the generation unit 245 generates answer information RS1 in which only the remaining time in the message MS1 has been changed (if one minute or more has passed). Furthermore, when the message MS1 includes only the estimated delivery time (i.e., does not include the remaining time), the generation unit 245 may store the generated answer information RS1 in the memory unit 230, and read out the stored answer information RS1 and send it as is to the user terminal 300 until the update timing of the update unit 243 arrives.

[0054] In addition, when the delivery by the deliverer progresses and the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 approaches the user's house (icon IC), the generation unit 245 generates answer information RS2 as shown in Fig. 6(b), for example. This answer information RS2 includes a message MS2, a map image MP2, and a reload symbol RL. Similarly, the message MS2 includes the estimated delivery time and the remaining time until the estimated delivery time. Note that the message MS2 may include either the estimated delivery time or the remaining time. In addition, the map image MP2 has a marker MK2 indicating the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and an icon IC indicating the location of the user's house superimposed on the map. The generating unit 245 may change the form of the marker MK2 depending on the remaining time until the estimated delivery time. For example, in the case of Fig. 6(b), since the remaining time until the estimated delivery time is short, the generating unit 245 generates a marker MK2 of standard size (smaller than the above-mentioned marker MK1) and dark color and superimposes it on the map. Similarly, the reread symbol RL is a symbol for causing the answer information RS2 to be reread.

[0055] The above-mentioned CPU 501, image processing unit 505, and the like can function as the control unit 240 configured as above.

[0056] Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 300 realized in the above-mentioned information processing device 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. When the information processing device 500 is powered on and, for example, communication with the server device 200 becomes possible, a program that causes the information processing device 500 to function as the user terminal 300 according to the first embodiment is executed, and the user terminal 300 according to the first embodiment is realized.

[0057] (Functional configuration of user terminal 300) 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the user terminal 300 according to embodiment 1. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 300 includes a communication unit 310, an operation unit 320, a storage unit 330, a display unit 340, and a control unit 350.

[0058] The communication unit 310 receives various types of information sent from the server device 200 and transmits various types of information to the server device 200 . For example, the communication unit 310 receives advance notice information sent by push notification from the server device 200 and answer information sent from the server device 200. In addition, the communication unit 310 transmits inquiry information or the like to the server device 200 in response to, for example, a user operation. The above-mentioned NIC 504 can function as such a communication unit 310.

[0059] The operation unit 320 is, for example, a touch panel (touch screen) or the like, and accepts various operations performed by the user. For example, operation unit 320 accepts an operation on a push notification (preview information) displayed on display unit 340, or an operation on answer information displayed on display unit 340 (a reload symbol or the like). The above-mentioned operation unit 509 can function as such an operation section 320.

[0060] The storage unit 330 stores various information necessary for various processes in the user terminal 300. For example, the storage unit 330 stores user information about the user who uses the user terminal 300, and the like. The above-mentioned auxiliary storage unit 507 or the like can function as such a storage unit 330.

[0061] The display unit 340 displays various information for the user. For example, as shown in Fig. 8(a), the display unit 340 displays advance notice information NT sent from the server device 200 by push notification. When the advance notice information NT is operated by a user, inquiry information is sent to the server device 200. Then, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the display unit 340 displays answer information RS sent from the server device 200 in response. As described above, the answer information RS includes the message MS, the map image MP, and the reload symbol RL. Such answer information RS can be displayed on the display unit 340 not only when the advance notice information NT as shown in Fig. 8(a) is operated by the user, but also when the user inputs the waybill number (invoice number) of the item purchased by the user from a specific inquiry screen. Furthermore, when a reload symbol RL included in the answer information RS is operated by the user, inquiry information is sent to the server device 200. Then, the display unit 340 displays the answer information RS sent from the server device 200 in response. The above-mentioned display unit 510 can function as such a display section 340.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 7, the control unit 350 controls the entire user terminal 300 . For example, when the communication unit 310 receives a push notification from the server device 200, the control unit 350 displays the above-mentioned advance notice information NT as shown in Fig. 8(a) on the display unit 340. Furthermore, when the advance notice information NT as shown in Fig. 8(a) is operated by a user, the control unit 350 controls the communication unit 310 to transmit inquiry information to the server device 200, and displays answer information RS sent in response from the server device 200 on the display unit 340 as shown in Fig. 8(b). Furthermore, when the user operates a reload symbol RL included in the answer information RS as shown in FIG. 8(b), the control unit 350 displays the answer information RS sent from the server device 200 on the display unit 340 in response. The above-mentioned CPU 501, image processing unit 505, and the like can function as such a control unit 350.

[0063] The deliverer terminal 400 is also realized by an information processing device 500, but a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] (Operations of the server device 200 and the user terminal 300) Hereinafter, the operations of the server device 200 and the user terminal 300 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a delivery status answer process executed by the server device 200 and a delivery status inquiry process executed by the user terminal 300. The delivery status response process is started, for example, in response to a delivery person using the deliverer terminal 400 starting delivery. The delivery status inquiry process is started, for example, in response to a push notification from the server device 200.

[0065] First, the server device 200 acquires the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 (step S11). That is, the control unit 240 (acquisition unit 241) acquires the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 used by the deliverer who delivers to each delivery destination CS.

[0066] The server device 200 calculates the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS (step S12). That is, the control unit 240 (calculation unit 242) calculates the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS based on the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 acquired in step S11 above and the delivery route information 231 as shown in FIG.

[0067] The server device 200 determines whether the remaining time is less than a threshold value (step S13). That is, the control unit 240 (notification unit 244) determines whether or not there is a delivery destination CS for which the remaining time until the estimated delivery time is below a threshold value (30 minutes, as an example) among the delivery destinations CS for which the estimated delivery time was calculated in step S12 above. Note that the control unit 240 excludes delivery destinations CS for which advance notice information has already been notified, and determines whether or not there is a delivery destination CS for which the remaining time is below the threshold value for the first time.

[0068] If the server device 200 determines that the remaining time is not less than the threshold value (step S13; No), the server device 200 advances the process to step S15, which will be described later.

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining time is less than the threshold (step S13; Yes), the server device 200 pushes the advance notice information (step S14). That is, the control unit 240 (notification unit 244) controls the transmission unit 220 to transmit the advance notice information to the target user terminal 300 by push notification.

[0070] The user terminal 300 to which this push notification has been sent displays the received push notification (step S31). That is, the control unit 350 displays, on the display unit 340, advance notice information NT as shown in FIG. 8(a), for example.

[0071] The user terminal 300 determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the push notification (step S32). If the user terminal 300 determines that no operation has been performed on the push notification (step S32; No), it returns the process to the above-mentioned step S31.

[0072] Returning to the flowchart on the server device 200 side, the server device 200 sets the update timing (step S15). That is, the control unit 240 (update unit 243) refers to the update rule information 232 as shown in FIG. 5, and sets an update interval according to the remaining time until the predicted delivery time of the next delivery destination CS.

[0073] The server device 200 determines whether the update timing set in the above step S15 has arrived (step S16). When the server device 200 determines that the update timing has arrived (step S16; Yes), the process returns to the above-mentioned step S11.

[0074] On the other hand, if it is determined that the update timing has not arrived (step S16; No), the server device 200 determines whether or not inquiry information has been received (step S17). That is, the control unit 240 determines whether or not inquiry information sent from the user terminal 300 has been received.

[0075] If the server device 200 determines that the inquiry information has not been received (step S17; No), the server device 200 returns the process to the above-mentioned step S16.

[0076] Returning to the flowchart on the user terminal 300 side, if it is determined in step S32 described above that an operation for push notification has been performed (step S32; Yes), the user terminal 300 transmits inquiry information to the server device 200 (step S33).

[0077] Returning to the flowchart on the server device 200 side, if it is determined in the above-mentioned step S17 that inquiry information has been received (step S17; Yes), the server device 200 generates response information (step S18). That is, the control unit 240 (generation unit 245) generates, for example, answer information RS1 and RS2 as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b).

[0078] The server device 200 transmits the answer information to the user terminal 300 (step S19). That is, the control unit 240 (the generation unit 245) transmits the response information generated in the above step S18 to the user terminal 300 that is the inquiry destination.

[0079] Returning to the flowchart on the user terminal 300 side, the user terminal 300 displays the received answer information (step S34). That is, the control unit 350 displays, for example, answer information RS as shown in FIG. 8(b) on the display unit 340.

[0080] The user terminal 300 determines whether or not a reload operation has been performed (step S35). That is, the control unit 350 determines whether or not the reread symbol RL in the answer information RS as shown in FIG. 8(b) has been operated by the user.

[0081] When the user terminal 300 determines that a reload operation has been performed (step S35; Yes), the process returns to the above-mentioned step S33.

[0082] On the other hand, when it is determined that the reload operation has not been performed (step S35; No), the user terminal 300 determines whether or not the delivery to the user's house has been completed (step S36). For example, when delivery completion information to notify completion of delivery is sent from the server device 200 and the delivery completion information is received by the communication unit 310, the control unit 350 determines that delivery to the user's home is completed.

[0083] When the user terminal 300 determines that the delivery to the user's home has not been completed (step S36; No), the user terminal 300 returns the process to the above-mentioned step S35.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined that the delivery to the user's home is completed (step S36; Yes), the user terminal 300 ends the delivery status inquiry process.

[0085] Returning to the flowchart on the server device 200 side, the server device 200 determines whether or not all deliveries have been completed (step S20). That is, the control unit 240 determines whether or not all deliveries to each delivery destination CS that the deliverer is in charge of are completed. Note that even if the user is absent when the deliverer makes a delivery, it determines that the delivery to the delivery destination CS is completed.

[0086] When the server device 200 determines that all deliveries have not been completed (step S20; No), the server device 200 returns the process to the above-mentioned step S16.

[0087] On the other hand, if it is determined that all deliveries have been completed (step S20; Yes), the server device 200 ends the delivery status response process.

[0088] 9, the timing for obtaining the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 and the timing for calculating the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination are controlled by the server device 200. Therefore, even if the user terminal 300 frequently sends inquiry information to the server device 200, it is possible to prevent the load (communication load and processing load) on the server device 200 from increasing.

[0089] As a result, it is possible to present the delivery status to the user in an easy-to-understand manner while suppressing an increase in the load.

[0090] In the above embodiment 1, a case was described in which the update timing (the timing for obtaining the current location from the delivery person terminal 400 and the timing for calculating the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination) is controlled by the server device 200, but the update timing may also be controlled by the user terminal 300.

[0091] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a description will be given of a delivery status display system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is characterized in that the update timing is controlled on the side of the user terminal 300. The overall configuration of the delivery status display system 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0092] (Functional configuration of the server device 200) 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a server device 200 according to embodiment 2. As shown in the figure, the server device 200 includes a receiving unit 210, a transmitting unit 220, a storage unit 250, and a control unit 260. The receiving unit 210 and the transmitting unit 220 have the same configuration as the server device 200 shown in FIG.

[0093] The storage unit 250 stores various information necessary for various processes in the server device 200. For example, the storage unit 230 stores delivery route information 231. That is, the storage unit 250 has a configuration obtained by deleting the update rule information 232 from the storage unit 230 in the server device 200 of FIG. The delivery route information 231 is the same as that described above with reference to FIG.

[0094] The control unit 260 controls the entire server device 200. The control unit 260 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 241, a calculation unit 242, a notification unit 244, and a generation unit 245. In other words, the control unit 260 has a configuration in which the update unit 243 is removed from the control unit 240 in the server device 200 in FIG.

[0095] The acquiring unit 241, the calculating unit 242, the notifying unit 244, and the generating unit 245 have the same configuration as the control unit 240 in the server device 200 in Fig. 3. However, the acquiring unit 241, the calculating unit 242, and the generating unit 245 are slightly different from those in the server device 200 in Fig. 3.

[0096] The acquisition unit 241 acquires the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 in response to the inquiry information received by the receiving unit 210.

[0097] When the current location is acquired by the acquisition unit 241, the calculation unit 242 calculates an estimated delivery time at which the delivery person is expected to be able to deliver to the user's home based on the acquired current location and the delivery route information 231 stored in the memory unit 250.

[0098] When the calculation unit 242 calculates the estimated delivery time, the generation unit 245 generates answer information including the current location and the estimated delivery time. For example, the generating unit 245 generates answer information RS3 as shown in Fig. 11(a) This answer information RS3 includes a message MS1, a map image MP1, and an automatic mark AM. The message MS1 and the map image MP1 are the same as the answer information RS1 in FIG. 6(a) described above. Also, the automatic mark AM is a mark indicating automatic updating. That is, the answer information RS3 includes the automatic mark AM instead of the reload symbol RL in the answer information RS1 in FIG.

[0099] In addition, when the delivery by the deliverer progresses and the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 approaches the user's house (icon IC), the generation unit 245 generates answer information RS4 as shown in Fig. 11(b), for example. This answer information RS4 includes a message MS2, a map image MP2, and an automatic mark AM. The message MS2 and the map image MP2 are the same as the answer information RS2 in FIG. 6(b) described above. Also, the automatic mark AM is a mark indicating automatic updating. That is, the answer information RS4 includes the automatic mark AM instead of the reload symbol RL in the answer information RS2 in FIG.

[0100] (Functional configuration of user terminal 300) 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal 300 according to embodiment 2. As shown in the figure, the user terminal 300 includes a communication unit 310, an operation unit 320, a storage unit 360, a display unit 340, and a control unit 370. The communication unit 310, the operation unit 320, and the display unit 340 have the same configuration as the user terminal 300 in FIG. Nevertheless, the display unit 340 displays the answer information RS3 and RS4 generated by and sent from the generation unit 245 of the server device 200, as shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b).

[0101] 12, the storage unit 360 stores various information necessary for various processes in the user terminal 300. For example, the storage unit 360 stores the update rule information 232. That is, the storage unit 360 stores the update rule information 232 as shown in FIG.

[0102] The control unit 370 controls the entire user terminal 300. The control unit 370 includes a transmission control unit 371, for example.

[0103] The transmission control unit 371 causes the inquiry information to be transmitted at predetermined time intervals. For example, the transmission control unit 371 determines whether the remaining time of a message (messages MS1, MS2, etc.) included in the answer information (answer information RS3, RS4, etc. shown in FIG. 13) sent from the server device 200 corresponds to any of the remaining times 232a in the update specification information 232, and sets the corresponding update interval 232b as the timing for transmitting the next inquiry information. That is, the transmission control unit 371 changes the time interval depending on the remaining time until the estimated delivery time included in the response information, and transmits the inquiry information to the server device 200.

[0104] (Operations of the server device 200 and the user terminal 300) Hereinafter, the operations of the server device 200 and the user terminal 300 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of a delivery status answer process executed by the server device 200 and a delivery status inquiry process executed by the user terminal 300. The delivery status response process is started, for example, in response to a delivery person using the delivery person terminal 400 starting delivery. The delivery status inquiry process is started, for example, in response to a push notification from the server device 200, but the process for the push notification is omitted (the same is true for the delivery status response process).

[0105] First, the server device 200 checks whether or not inquiry information sent from the user terminal 300 has been received (step S41). When the server device 200 determines that the inquiry information has not been received (step S41; No), the server device 200 continues to wait for reception of the inquiry information.

[0106] Moving on to the flowchart on the user terminal 300 side, the user terminal 300 transmits inquiry information to the server device 200 (step S31). For example, only for the first time, when the user operates the notice information sent from the server device 200 by the push notification, the control unit 370 transmits the inquiry information to the server device 200.

[0107] Returning to the flowchart on the server device 200 side, if it is determined in step S41 described above that inquiry information has been received (step S41; Yes), the server device 200 acquires the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 (step S42). That is, the control unit 260 (acquisition unit 241) acquires the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 used by the deliverer.

[0108] The server device 200 calculates the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS (step S43). That is, the control unit 260 (calculation unit 242) calculates the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS based on the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 acquired in step S42 above and the delivery route information 231. The control unit 260 may calculate only the estimated time of delivery to the delivery destination CS of the user terminal 300 that has sent the inquiry information.

[0109] The server device 200 generates response information (step S44). That is, the control unit 260 (the generation unit 245) generates, for example, answer information RS3 and RS4 as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b).

[0110] The server device 200 transmits the answer information to the user terminal 300 (step S45). That is, the control unit 260 (the generation unit 245) transmits the response information generated in the above step S44 to the user terminal 300 that is the inquiry destination.

[0111] Returning to the flowchart on the user terminal 300 side, the user terminal 300 displays the received answer information (step S52). That is, the control unit 370 displays, on the display unit 340, answer information RS (RS3, RS4) as shown in FIGS.

[0112] The user terminal 300 sets the timing for transmitting the inquiry information (step S53). That is, the control unit 370 (transmission control unit 371) determines whether the remaining time of the message (message MS1, MS2, etc.) included in the answer information (answer information RS3, RS4, etc. shown in FIG. 13) corresponds to any of the remaining times 232a in the update specification information 232, and sets the corresponding update interval 232b as the timing for transmitting the next inquiry information.

[0113] The user terminal 300 determines whether or not the transmission timing set in the above step S53 has arrived (step S54). When the user terminal 300 determines that the transmission timing has arrived (step S54; Yes), the process returns to the above-mentioned step S51.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined that the transmission timing has not arrived (step S54; No), the user terminal 300 determines whether or not the delivery to the user's house has been completed (step S55). For example, when delivery completion information to notify completion of delivery is sent from server device 200 and the delivery completion information is received by communication unit 310, control unit 370 determines that delivery to the user's home is completed.

[0115] When the user terminal 300 determines that the delivery to the user's home has not been completed (step S55; No), the process returns to step S54 described above.

[0116] On the other hand, if it is determined that the delivery to the user's home is completed (step S55; Yes), the user terminal 300 ends the delivery status inquiry process.

[0117] Returning to the flowchart on the server device 200 side, the server device 200 determines whether or not all deliveries have been completed (step S46). That is, the control unit 260 determines whether or not all deliveries to each delivery destination CS that the deliverer is in charge of are completed. Note that even if the user is absent when the deliverer makes a delivery, it determines that the delivery to the delivery destination CS is completed.

[0118] When the server device 200 determines that all deliveries have not been completed (step S46; No), the server device 200 returns the process to the above-mentioned step S41.

[0119] On the other hand, if it is determined that all deliveries have been completed (step S46; Yes), the server device 200 ends the delivery status response process.

[0120] 14, the update timing (the timing for acquiring the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 and the timing for calculating the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination) is controlled by the user terminal 300. At that time, the update is automatically performed at appropriate intervals from the user terminal 300, so that the load (communication load and processing load) on the server device 200 can be prevented from increasing.

[0121] As a result, it is possible to present the delivery status to the user in an easy-to-understand manner while suppressing an increase in the load.

[0122] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, the control units 240, 260 (generation unit 245) in the server device 200 unconditionally generate answer information including a map image. However, from the viewpoint of protecting the privacy of other users, answer information including a map image may be generated only when there are no other delivery destinations between the current location of the delivery person terminal 400 and the user's home.

[0123] (Embodiment 3) Hereinafter, a description will be given of a delivery status display system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is characterized by generating answer information with privacy protection. The overall configuration of the delivery status display system 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0124] In addition, in the delivery status display system 100 of embodiment 3, as in embodiment 1, a case will be described in which the update timing (the timing of obtaining the current location from the delivery person terminal 400 and the timing of calculating the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination) is controlled by the server device 200. However, as in embodiment 2, it is also applicable to a case in which the update timing is controlled by the user terminal 300.

[0125] (Functional configuration of the server device 200) 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the server device 200 according to embodiment 3. As shown in the figure, the server device 200 includes a receiving unit 210, a transmitting unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 270. The receiving unit 210, the transmitting unit 220, and the storage unit 230 have the same configuration as the server device 200 in FIG.

[0126] The control unit 270 controls the entire server device 200. The control unit 270 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 241, a calculation unit 242, an update unit 243, a notification unit 244, and a generation unit 271. That is, the control unit 270 includes a generating unit 271 instead of the generating unit 245 of the control unit 240 shown in FIG.

[0127] The acquiring unit 241, the calculating unit 242, the updating unit 243, and the notifying unit 244 have the same configuration as the control unit 240 in the server device 200 of FIG.

[0128] The generation unit 271 generates answer information including at least an expected delivery time in response to the inquiry information received by the reception unit 210 from the user terminal 300. Then, the generation unit 271 controls the transmission unit 220 to transmit the generated answer information to the user terminal 300 that is the inquiry destination. For example, when there is another delivery destination between the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house, the generation unit 271 generates answer information RS5 as shown in Fig. 16(a). This answer information RS5 includes a message MS1 and a reload symbol RL. In other words, when there is another delivery destination between the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house, the generation unit 271 generates answer information RS5 that excludes the map image. On the other hand, if there is no other delivery destination between the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house, the generation unit 271 generates, for example, answer information RS6 as shown in Fig. 16(b). This answer information RS6 includes a message MS2, a map image MP2, and a reload symbol RL. That is, the generation unit 271 generates answer information including a map image only when there is no other delivery destination between the current position of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house.

[0129] The functional configuration of the user terminal 300 is the same as that in FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described.

[0130] (Operation of the server device 200) Hereinafter, the operation of the server device 200 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the delivery status answer process executed by the server device 200 and the delivery status inquiry process executed by the user terminal 300. Note that the operation on the user terminal 300 side is the same as the delivery status inquiry process in Fig. 9, and therefore the explanation will be omitted. In addition, in the delivery status answering process in Fig. 17, the same processes as those in the delivery status answering process in Fig. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, the same processes are simply described.

[0131] First, the server device 200 acquires the current location from the deliverer terminal 400 (step S11), and calculates the estimated delivery time to each delivery destination CS (step S12).

[0132] The server device 200 determines whether the remaining time is less than the threshold value (step S13), and if it determines that the remaining time is not less than the threshold value (step S13; No), the server device 200 proceeds to the process of step S15 described later.

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining time is less than the threshold (step S13; Yes), the server device 200 pushes the advance notice information (step S14).

[0134] The server device 200 sets the update timing (step S15), and determines whether the update timing has arrived (step S16).

[0135] When the server device 200 determines that the update timing has arrived (step S16; Yes), the process returns to the above-mentioned step S11.

[0136] On the other hand, if it is determined that the update timing has not arrived (step S16; No), the server device 200 determines whether or not inquiry information has been received (step S17), and if it determines that inquiry information has not been received (step S17; No), the process returns to the above-mentioned step S16.

[0137] On the other hand, if it is determined that the update timing has not arrived (step S16; No), the server device 200 generates inquiry information according to the presence or absence of other delivery destinations (step S61). That is, when there is another delivery destination between the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house, the control unit 270 (generation unit 271) generates, for example, answer information RS5 as shown in Fig. 16(a). This answer information RS5 includes a message MS1 and a reload symbol RL. That is, when there is another delivery destination between the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house, the control unit 270 generates answer information RS5 that excludes the map image. On the other hand, if there is no other delivery destination between the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house, the control unit 270 generates answer information RS6 as shown in Fig. 16(b), for example. This answer information RS6 includes a message MS2, a map image MP2, and a reload symbol RL. That is, the control unit 270 generates answer information including a map image only when there is no other delivery destination between the current position of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house.

[0138] The server device 200 transmits the answer information to the user terminal 300 (step S19). That is, the control unit 270 (the generation unit 271) transmits the answer information generated in the above step S61 to the user terminal 300 that is the inquiry destination.

[0139] The server device 200 determines whether or not all deliveries have been completed (step S20), and if it determines that all deliveries have not been completed (step S20; No), returns the process to the above-mentioned step S16.

[0140] On the other hand, if it is determined that all deliveries have been completed (step S20; Yes), the server device 200 ends the delivery status response process.

[0141] 17, answer information including a map image is generated only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the user's house. This makes it possible to prevent inference about deliveries to other users from the map image.

[0142] As a result, the delivery status can be presented to the user in an easily understandable manner while protecting privacy.

[0143] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiments 1 to 3, the calculation unit 242 of the server device 200 calculates the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination CS based on the current location of the deliverer terminal 400 and the delivery route information 231 as shown in FIG. 4. However, the estimated delivery time may also be calculated by adding other information. For example, every time the acquisition unit 241 acquires the current location from the delivery person terminal 400, movement history information associated with the acquired time is stored in the storage units 230 and 250. Note that only the history of the current location within a certain period of time may be stored as the movement history information. Then, the calculation unit 242 calculates the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination CS based on the current location of the deliverer terminal 400, the delivery route information 231 as shown in FIG. At this time, the calculation unit 242 may calculate the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination CS by taking into account the decay average (an average in which the weighting is lighter for values ​​calculated further in the past) of each current position in the movement history information. In addition, the calculation unit 242 may also take into account traffic congestion information and the like obtained from an external source when calculating the estimated delivery time for each delivery destination CS.

[0144] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a server device, a delivery status display system, a delivery status response method, and a program that can present delivery status to a user in an easy-to-understand manner while protecting privacy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 100 Delivery Status Display System 200 Server device 210 Receiving unit 220 Transmitter 230,250 storage section 231 Delivery route information 232 Update regulation information 240,260,270 Control section 241 Acquisition Department 242 Calculation Department 243 Update Department 244 Notification Department 245,271 generation part 300 User terminals 310 Communications Department 320 Control unit 330,360 storage section 340 Display section 350,370 Control section 371 Transmission control section 400 Delivery terminal 500 Information processing equipment 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM 504 NIC 505 Image Processing Unit 506 Audio Processing Unit 507 Auxiliary storage 508 Interface 509 Operation Unit 510 Display unit 511 Positioning Unit 900 Internet

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a current location from a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user; a calculation unit that calculates a delivery expected time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired by the acquisition unit and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; A receiving unit that receives inquiry information transmitted from a user terminal used by the user; a generation unit that generates answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated by the calculation unit in response to the inquiry information received by the receiving unit; a transmission unit that transmits the answer information generated by the generation unit to the user terminal, The generation unit generates the answer information further including the current location based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery to the user. A server device comprising:

2. the generation unit generates the answer information including a map image on which a mark indicating the current location is superimposed and a message indicating the estimated delivery time or the remaining time until the estimated delivery time only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery destination to the user.

2. The server device according to claim 1.

3. an update unit that controls the acquisition unit and the calculation unit to update the current location and the estimated delivery time at predetermined time intervals; and a notification unit that notifies the user terminal of advance notice information indicating that the delivery will be made soon when the remaining time until the expected delivery time falls below a predetermined threshold.

3. The server device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A delivery status display system in which a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user, a user terminal used by the user, and a server device are communicatively connected, The user terminal, A terminal transmitting unit that transmits inquiry information to the server device; a terminal receiving unit for receiving answer information sent from the server device; a display unit that displays the answer information received by the terminal receiving unit, The server device includes: An acquisition unit that acquires a current location from the delivery company terminal; a calculation unit that calculates a delivery expected time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired by the acquisition unit and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; A receiving unit that receives the inquiry information transmitted from the user terminal; a generating unit that generates the answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated by the calculating unit in response to the inquiry information received by the receiving unit; a transmission unit that transmits the answer information generated by the generation unit to the user terminal, The generation unit generates the answer information further including the current location based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery to the user. A delivery status display system.

5. A delivery status reply method executed by a server device, An acquisition step of acquiring a current location from a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user; a calculation step of calculating an expected delivery time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired in the acquisition step and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; a receiving step of receiving inquiry information transmitted from a user terminal used by the user; a generating step of generating answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated in the calculating step in response to the inquiry information received in the receiving step; A transmitting step of transmitting the answer information generated in the generating step to the user terminal, In the generating step, the answer information further including the current location is generated based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery destination to the user. A delivery status reply method comprising:

6. On the computer, an acquisition step of acquiring a current location from a deliverer terminal used by a deliverer who delivers an item to a user; a calculation step of calculating an expected delivery time when the deliverer is expected to be able to deliver to the user based on the current location acquired in the acquisition step and delivery route information including delivery destinations where the deliverer will stop for delivery; A receiving step of receiving inquiry information transmitted from a user terminal used by the user; a generating step of generating answer information including the estimated delivery time calculated in the calculating step in response to the inquiry information received in the receiving step; a transmitting step of transmitting the answer information generated in the generating step to the user terminal; In the generating step, the answer information further including the current location is generated based on the delivery route information only when there is no other delivery destination between the current location and the delivery destination to the user. A program characterized by:

Images