Delivery support system, delivery support method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate the adjustment of constraints related to joint delivery.SOLUTION: A delivery support system comprises: an acquisition unit which acquires a condition value of each of a plurality of constraints related to joint delivery; an estimation unit which estimates an index value of an index related to joint delivery in the condition values and an index value of an index when a condition value is changed about each of the plurality of constraints; an identification unit which identifies a constraint in which variation of the estimated constraint meets prescribed criteria among the plurality of constraints; and an output control unit which presents the identified constraint and the variation of the index value to a user. The index includes the number of delivery means in joint delivery. The acquisition unit acquires the estimated volume of cargo for each shipper and for each deliverable date. The estimation unit estimates the number of delivery means in the case where the time zone during which at least a portion of a cargo at a specific date is delivered is changed about delivery date and time among the plurality of constraints. The specific date is a date on which the total value of the estimated amount of cargo is large.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a delivery assistance system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] There are cases where multiple shippers load their cargo onto the same delivery vehicle, such as a truck, and deliver it together. In logistics, there are various constraints, such as the delivery date for the cargo.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes internal constraints such as whether delivery dates can be changed, the amount of cargo arriving, vehicle size, the number of berths, the number of deliveries, whether consolidated loading is possible, etc. Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes how the internal constraints can be changed and set in a variety of patterns, how order information, shipper information, and the set internal constraints are acquired as input information, and how the optimal joint delivery plan is determined from among the joint delivery plans that can be planned based on this input information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-180893 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In joint deliveries, the importance of constraints varies depending on the players, such as shippers and logistics companies. Therefore, joint deliveries may require the coordination of various logistics constraints among multiple players.

[0006] An example of an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a delivery support system that facilitates the adjustment of constraints related to joint delivery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A delivery assistance system in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an acquisition means for acquiring condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions related to joint delivery; an estimation means for estimating index values for indicators related to joint delivery for the acquired condition values and index values for the indicators when the acquired condition values are changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; an identification means for identifying a constraint condition from among the plurality of constraint conditions whose estimated change in index value meets a predetermined standard; and an output control means for presenting the identified constraint condition and the change in index value to a user, wherein the index includes the number of delivery means in the joint delivery, the acquisition means acquires the expected volume of cargo for each date on which delivery is possible, by shipper, and the estimation means estimates the number of delivery means when the time period for delivering at least some of the cargo on a specific date is changed for the delivery date and time of the plurality of constraint conditions, and the specific date is the date on which the total value of the expected volume of cargo is large.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a delivery support method includes a computer executing a process in which it acquires condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions related to joint delivery, estimates index values for indicators related to joint delivery for the acquired condition values and index values for the indicators when the acquired condition values are changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions, identifies constraint conditions among the plurality of constraint conditions whose estimated change in index value meets a predetermined standard, and presents the identified constraint conditions and the change in index value to a user, wherein the index includes the number of delivery means in the joint delivery, and the acquiring process acquires the expected volume of cargo for each shipper and for each date on which delivery is possible, and the estimating process estimates the number of delivery means when the time period for delivering at least some of the cargo on a specific date is changed for the delivery date and time of the plurality of constraint conditions, and the specific date is the date on which the total value of the expected volume of cargo is large.

[0009] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions related to joint delivery, estimating index values of indicators related to joint delivery for the acquired condition values and index values of the indicators when the acquired condition values are changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions, identifying constraint conditions among the plurality of constraint conditions whose estimated change in index value meets a predetermined standard, and presenting the identified constraint conditions and the change in index value to a user, wherein the index includes the number of delivery means in the joint delivery, and the acquiring process acquires the expected volume of cargo for each shipper and for each date on which delivery is possible, and the estimating process estimates the number of delivery means when the time period for delivering at least some of the cargo on a specific date is changed for the delivery date and time of the plurality of constraint conditions, and the specific date is the date on which the total value of the expected volume of cargo is large.

[0010] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate the adjustment of constraints regarding joint delivery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a delivery support system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the delivery support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of joint delivery. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connection between the delivery support system and other devices. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a delivery support system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which constraints and changes and fluctuations in index values are displayed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the expected amount of cargo and the estimated number of trucks. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the number of trucks when some packages are to be delivered on a later date. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the delivery support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of constraint condition changes and index value presentation. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the delivery support system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of a delivery assistance system, a delivery assistance method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The disclosed technology is not limited to these embodiments.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) First, in the first embodiment, basic functions of a delivery support system will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the delivery support system according to the first embodiment. The delivery support system 10 includes an acquisition unit 101, an estimation unit 102, an identification unit 103, and an output control unit 104.

[0015] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the condition values of each of a plurality of constraint conditions related to joint delivery. Joint delivery means that a plurality of shippers load their cargo onto the same delivery means for delivery. For example, the delivery means may be, but is not limited to, a vehicle, a ship, an airplane, a drone, or the like. The vehicle may be, but is not limited to, a truck, a bicycle, or the like.

[0016] Here, the constraints are items such as the delivery route, lead time, delivery date and time, berth reservation date and time, cargo type, packing style, number of berths, etc. The method of expressing the condition value of the constraints may vary depending on the constraints, and is not particularly limited. For example, if the constraint is a delivery route, the condition value of the constraint is a condition value that affects the delivery distance, fuel, transportation charges, etc. Specifically, the condition value of the constraint may be "via xx base point," "via yy road," "highway priority," etc.

[0017] The delivery date and time is the delivery date and time when the package will arrive at the destination. If the constraint is a date specification within the delivery date and time, the condition value of the constraint may be a specific date such as "February 15th." If the constraint is a time specification within the delivery date and time, the condition value of the constraint may be "specify morning," "specify afternoon," "no specification," "15:00," etc.

[0018] The berth reservation date and time is the date and time when the berth will be used, which will be described later. When the constraint is the berth reservation date and time, the condition value of the constraint is a specific time such as "9:00" or a date and time such as "February 15th, 9:00".

[0019] The type of cargo is not particularly limited, and examples include "electrical appliances," "food," and "fragile items." Depending on the type of cargo, odors may transfer to other cargo during joint delivery. For example, it is necessary to avoid transferring odors from car tires to food. For this reason, when the constraint is the type of cargo, if the type of cargo is food, it will be jointly delivered with cargo that will not transfer odors.

[0020] The packaging style represents, for example, the appearance of the package at the time of delivery. When the constraint condition is the packaging style, the condition value of the constraint condition is "wooden pallet," "container," "drum can," "cardboard box," and the like.

[0021] A berth is a space used for loading and unloading cargo. When the constraint is the number of berths, the constraint value is a specific number such as "1," "2," or "3." The condition value for the number of berths can be changed. However, generally, the date and time for using the berth is changed rather than the condition value for the number of berths. Here, we consider an example in which Company X and Company Y are both shippers and destinations. In this case, the number of berths is the number of berths owned by each of Company X and Company Y. For example, suppose that logistics company E makes a delivery to Company X at the berth reservation date and time of "9:00" and a delivery to Company Y at the berth reservation date and time of "10:00." In this case, the berth reservation date and time for logistics company E, which satisfies the constraints of both Company X and Company Y, is "9:00." However, if logistics company F uses a berth to make a delivery to Company X at the berth reservation date and time of "9:00," logistics company E cannot use the berth for the delivery to Company X until the berth reservation date and time of "9:30." In this case, delivery to Company Y is not possible due to time constraints. Therefore, by changing the reservation date and time for Logistics Company F's berth to "10:00," Logistics Company E can make delivery to Company Y.

[0022] For example, the acquisition unit 101 may acquire, from a database or the like, the condition values of each of the plurality of constraint conditions that have been received in advance through an operation by the shipper. Alternatively, for example, the acquisition unit 101 may receive the condition values of each of the plurality of constraint conditions through an operation by the shipper. More specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 101 may receive the condition values of each of the plurality of constraint conditions through an operation by the shipper via a terminal device of the shipper.

[0023] The estimation unit 102 estimates the index value of the index related to the joint delivery for the acquired condition value and the index value of the index when changed from the acquired condition value for each of the multiple constraint conditions. Here, the range of change from the acquired condition value may be the acquired tolerance level. Furthermore, the shipper for which the condition value of the constraint condition is changed is not particularly limited. For example, the shipper for which the condition value of the constraint condition is changed may be a specific shipper. For example, the shipper for which the condition value of the constraint condition is changed may be a shipper for which the condition value of the constraint condition is estimated to have a large impact on the effectiveness of the joint delivery. For example, the shippers for which the condition value of the constraint condition is changed may be all shippers.

[0024] Any existing technology can be used to determine a combination of parcels to be loaded onto each delivery vehicle for joint delivery that satisfies the acquired constraint values. For example, this method may randomly generate multiple patterns of parcel combinations and determine whether each pattern satisfies the constraint values, thereby deriving a pattern that satisfies the constraint values. Similarly, any existing technology can be used to determine a combination of parcels to be loaded onto each delivery vehicle for joint delivery when the acquired constraint values for each of the multiple constraints are changed, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The estimation unit 102 may derive the combination of parcels to be loaded onto each delivery vehicle for joint delivery, or the acquisition unit 101 may acquire each combination derived by another device. If joint delivery is not successful, the output control unit 104 may present the condition value of the constraint that caused the failure. For example, if joint delivery is not successful due to the packaging style, the output control unit 104 presents the condition value of the packaging style.

[0025] Indicators related to joint delivery are, for example, at least one of the number of delivery means, delivery cost, delivery distance, time required for delivery, and carbon dioxide emissions. For example, the indicator is an indicator that represents the effectiveness of joint delivery. For example, if the delivery means are trucks, the number of delivery means is the number of vehicles. For example, if the delivery means are trucks, the delivery distance is the driving distance. For example, if multiple trucks are used, the delivery distance may be the delivery distance for each truck, a statistical delivery distance such as the average delivery distance per truck, or the total delivery distance. For example, the delivery cost is the cost associated with delivery, such as fuel costs and charging costs. For example, if the delivery means are trucks and multiple trucks are used, the delivery cost may be a statistical cost such as the average cost per truck, or the total cost for multiple trucks.

[0026] Carbon dioxide emissions are also an indicator for measuring environmental impact. Here, carbon dioxide will be used as an example, but other substances that may have an environmental impact may also be used. For example, other substances include, but are not limited to, greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide, such as methane and nitrous oxide. In the following description, carbon dioxide may be referred to as CO2. In the following description, carbon dioxide emissions may be abbreviated to emissions, and the amount of carbon dioxide reduction may be abbreviated to reduction.

[0027] The index may also be estimated by date, by multiple days, by week, etc.

[0028] There is no particular limitation on the extent to which the condition value of each constraint condition is changed. For example, the condition value of the constraint condition is changed to a condition value that makes joint delivery easier. For example, if the constraint condition is a delivery date and time, an example of changing the condition value to make joint delivery easier is changing the condition value of the delivery date and time from "specified morning" to "no specification."

[0029] Furthermore, the condition values of constraints that cannot be changed, such as the type of luggage and the style of packaging, are not changed.

[0030] Here, the estimation unit 102 may use an existing technique to estimate the index value of each index. The acquisition unit 101 may acquire each piece of information used to estimate the index value of each index.

[0031] For example, the method for calculating carbon dioxide emissions is not particularly limited and may be any existing technology, such as the ton-kilometer method, which uses the weight of the cargo multiplied by the transport distance, the fuel consumption method, which uses the transport distance and fuel efficiency, or the like.

[0032] The identification unit 103 identifies a constraint condition in which the fluctuation of the estimated index value meets a predetermined criterion. The fluctuation of the index value here refers to the fluctuation between the index value of the index when the acquired condition value is not changed and the index value of the index after the change. Specifically, for example, the fluctuation of the index value may be expressed by the difference between the index value for the acquired condition value and the index value after the change. Alternatively, the fluctuation of the index value may be expressed as the rate of change of the index value after the change relative to the index value for the acquired condition value. Note that the method of expressing the fluctuation of the index value may differ depending on the index, for example. For example, if the index is the number of vehicles, the fluctuation of the index value may be expressed by an increase or decrease in the number of vehicles. If the index is delivery costs, the fluctuation of the index value may be expressed by an increase or decrease in the fee. For example, if the index is carbon dioxide emissions, the fluctuation of the index value may be expressed by the rate of reduction.

[0033] Here, the predetermined criteria may be determined in advance using an index. The predetermined criteria are conditions for narrowing down the constraint conditions to be presented. Furthermore, the predetermined criteria may differ depending on whether it is desired to have the user confirm that the effectiveness of joint delivery will be increased or decreased. Furthermore, the predetermined criteria may be conditions that allow the user to confirm that the impact on the effectiveness of joint delivery will be small. The user here may be a user of the shipper or a user of the logistics company. Hereinafter, the term "shipper user" may be abbreviated to "shipper," and the user of the logistics company may be referred to as "logistics company."

[0034] For example, if the indicator is the number of vehicles and it is desired to present changes to constraint conditions that will increase the effectiveness of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be a decrease of more than a predetermined number. For example, if the indicator is the number of vehicles and it is desired to present changes to constraint conditions that will decrease the effectiveness of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be an increase of more than a predetermined number. For example, if the indicator is the number of vehicles and it is desired to present changes to constraint conditions that will not affect the effectiveness of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be a change of less than a predetermined number.

[0035] For example, if the indicator is delivery cost and it is desired to present changes to constraints that will increase the effectiveness of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be a decrease of more than a predetermined fee. For example, if the indicator is delivery cost and it is desired to present changes to constraints that will decrease the effectiveness of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be an increase of more than a predetermined fee. For example, if the indicator is delivery cost and it is desired to present changes to constraints that will not affect the effectiveness of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be a change that is less than a predetermined fee.

[0036] For example, if the index is carbon dioxide emissions, the variation is the amount of reduction, and it is desired to present a change to the constraint conditions that will result in a high effect of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be that the amount of reduction is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. For example, if the index is carbon dioxide emissions, the variation is the amount of reduction, and it is desired to present a change to the constraint conditions that will result in a low effect of joint delivery, the predetermined criterion may be that the amount of reduction is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, or that it is a negative value. A negative value for the amount of reduction indicates that emissions are increasing.

[0037] The output control unit 104 presents the identified constraints and the variations in the index values to the user. For example, the method by which the output control unit 104 presents the identified constraints and the variations in the index values to the shipper is not particularly limited. As a specific presentation method, the output control unit 104 may notify the user of the identified constraints and the variations using an electronic message, email, or the like. Alternatively, as another presentation method, the output control unit 104 may output the identified constraints and the variations to the user's terminal device. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 104 may display the identified constraints and the variations on a display device of the user's terminal device. Alternatively, for example, the output control unit 104 may output the identified constraints and the variations as audio to an audio output device of the user's terminal device.

[0038] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the delivery support system 10 according to the first embodiment. The acquisition unit 101 acquires condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions (step S101). The estimation unit 102 estimates an index value for an index related to joint delivery when the acquired condition value is changed, and an index value for an index when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions (step S102).

[0039] The specifying unit 103 specifies constraint conditions under which the estimated fluctuations in the index values meet a predetermined standard (step S103). Then, the output control unit 104 presents the specified constraint conditions and fluctuations in the index values to the user (step S104).

[0040] As described above, in the first embodiment, the delivery support system 10 estimates the index value of an indicator when the condition value of each constraint condition is changed, identifies the constraint condition whose change in index value meets a predetermined standard, and presents the constraint condition and the change in index value to the user. This makes it possible to propose changes to constraint conditions that are highly effective in joint deliveries. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the adjustment of constraint conditions.

[0041] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, examples of further narrowing down the constraint conditions and examples of presenting the constraint conditions will be described in detail with specific examples. In addition, in the second embodiment, a case where the delivery means is a truck will be described as an example. In addition, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the amount of cargo for each shipper is obtained for each delivery date, and an index value is estimated when the time zone for delivery of the cargo is changed. Below, explanations of content that overlaps with the above explanation will be omitted to the extent that the explanation of the second embodiment is not unclear.

[0042] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of joint delivery. For example, in FIG. 3, a logistics company collects and delivers packages from multiple shippers at a joint delivery center. In the example of FIG. 3, the shippers are shipper A, shipper B, and shipper C, and the logistics company loads the packages collected and delivered from each of the multiple shippers onto the same truck for delivery. This delivery is joint delivery. The truck then delivers each package to the destination of each shipper's package. Here, the destination of each shipper's package may be the same. Furthermore, the destination is not limited to a specific destination, and may be a direction toward the destination, etc. Furthermore, the destination here is not limited to a final destination, and may be a stopover along the way.

[0043] The joint delivery in FIG. 3 is just one example, and joint delivery such as a milk run system in which one truck collects and delivers from multiple companies may also be used.

[0044] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between the delivery support system and other devices. For example, the delivery support system 20 is connected to a terminal device 21 of each shipper via a communication network NT. The delivery support system 20 is also connected to a terminal device 22 of a logistics company via the communication network NT.

[0045] In FIG. 4, one communication network NT is shown as an example for ease of explanation, but the delivery support system 20 may be connected to each device by a different communication network NT, and is not particularly limited.

[0046] 4 shows a consignor terminal device 21-1 and a consignor terminal device 21-2, but the consignor terminal device 21 may be for each consignor, and the number of consignor terminal devices 21 is not particularly limited. When a consignor terminal device 21 is not uniquely identified, it is simply referred to as a terminal device. The type of consignor terminal device 21 is not particularly limited, and may be a smartphone, a tablet device, or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0047] Furthermore, in FIG. 4, an example is given in which the logistics company has one terminal device 22, but the number of terminal devices 22 of the logistics company is not particularly limited.

[0048] Furthermore, although one logistics company is assumed, the number of logistics companies is not particularly limited. For example, a logistics company may operate a platform that realizes delivery support system 20 in each embodiment. Alternatively, a platform that realizes delivery support system 20 in each embodiment may be provided to one or more logistics companies.

[0049] 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a delivery support system 20 according to the second embodiment. The delivery support system 20 includes an acquisition unit 201, an estimation unit 202, an identification unit 203, an output control unit 204, a change acceptance unit 205, and a change content acceptance unit 206. The delivery support system 20 according to the second embodiment further includes the change acceptance unit 205 and the change content acceptance unit 206 in addition to the delivery support according to the first embodiment.

[0050] The acquiring unit 201 has the function of the acquiring unit 101 according to the first embodiment as a basic function. The estimating unit 202 may have the function of the estimating unit 102 according to the first embodiment as a basic function. The identifying unit 203 may have the function of the identifying unit 103 according to the first embodiment as a basic function. The output control unit 204 may have the function of the output control unit 104 according to the first embodiment as a basic function.

[0051] The delivery support system 20 also has a parcel DB (DataBase) 2001. The parcel DB 2001 stores information about parcels for each parcel. For example, the parcel DB 2001 stores parcel identification information for identifying a parcel, a parcel destination, a parcel quantity, and a parcel owner identification information for identifying the parcel, in association with each other. The parcel identification information for identifying a parcel is not particularly limited as long as it can uniquely identify the parcel. The parcel identification information for identifying a parcel is not particularly limited as long as it can uniquely identify the parcel. The parcel owner identification information for identifying a parcel is not particularly limited as long as it can uniquely identify the parcel. The parcel destination is not limited to a specific destination, but may be a direction to the destination, etc. Furthermore, the destination here is not limited to a final destination, but may be a stopover point along the way. The type of parcel quantity may vary depending on the characteristics of the parcel, and is not particularly limited to a quantity representing the space occupied by the parcel, a quantity representing the weight of the parcel, or a combination thereof. For example, a quantity representing the weight of the parcel is used for the quantity of parcels such as steel materials. When the quantity of luggage is a quantity representing the space occupied by the luggage, the unit of the luggage quantity is not particularly limited and may be an existing unit such as volume, the number of pieces in a specific package, etc. Also, when the quantity of luggage is a quantity representing the weight of the luggage, the unit of the luggage quantity is not particularly limited and may be an existing unit such as weight.

[0052] Next, each functional unit will be described. For each functional unit, an example of presenting highly effective changes to constraint conditions and an example of presenting comparative index values for each index when the condition values of the constraint conditions are changed and when they are not changed will be described.

[0053] <Example of presenting changes to constraint values for joint delivery> First, an example of presenting changes to the condition values of constraint conditions in joint delivery will be described.

[0054] The acquisition unit 201 acquires the condition values of each of a plurality of constraint conditions related to the joint delivery. For example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the condition values of each of a plurality of constraint conditions related to the joint delivery for each shipper. The acquisition unit 201 may also acquire the degree of tolerance for changes to the condition values of the constraint conditions for each shipper.

[0055] Here, the method by which the acquisition unit 201 acquires each piece of information of the shipper is as described above. For example, the acquisition unit 201 may acquire information that has been previously received by an operation of the shipper from a database or the like. Alternatively, for example, the acquisition unit 201 may receive new information by an operation of the shipper. More specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 201 receives new information via the terminal device 21 of the shipper by an operation of the shipper.

[0056] The acquiring unit 201 may further acquire information necessary for the estimating unit 202 to estimate the index value.

[0057] The estimation unit 202 estimates the index value of the indicator related to the joint delivery in the acquired condition value, and the index value of the indicator when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the multiple constraint conditions. As described in the first embodiment, the combination of parcels to be loaded onto each delivery means for the joint delivery that satisfies the condition value of the acquired constraint condition may be derived using any existing technology, such as the parcel DB 2001. Similarly, the combination of parcels to be loaded onto each delivery means for the joint delivery when the acquired condition value for each of the multiple constraint conditions is changed may be derived using any existing technology, such as the parcel DB 2001. Detailed explanations of these derivation methods are omitted.

[0058] Specifically, for example, the estimation unit 202 estimates the index value of an index related to joint delivery for the acquired condition value. Next, the estimation unit 202 selects an unselected constraint condition from the multiple constraint conditions for a specific shipper, changes the condition value of the selected constraint condition from the acquired condition value, and estimates the index value of the indicator when the condition values of the other constraint conditions are set to the acquired condition value. Then, the estimation unit 202 repeats this process until there are no unselected constraint conditions for the multiple constraint conditions.

[0059] For example, if the indicator is the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, the estimation unit 202 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide emissions before changing the condition value of the constraint condition and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions after changing the condition value for each of the multiple constraint conditions.

[0060] As an example of a change in the condition value of a constraint condition, a case where the condition value of the delivery date and time and the condition value of the delivery route are changed will be taken as an example. For example, the estimation unit 202 calculates three types of carbon dioxide emission amounts: the carbon dioxide emission amount before changing the condition value of the constraint condition, the carbon dioxide emission amount when the condition value of the delivery date and time is changed, and the carbon dioxide emission amount when the condition value of the delivery route is changed.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, the estimation unit 202 may calculate a change in the index value. For example, if the index is the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, the estimation unit 202 derives, as a change in the index value, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced from before to after the change in the condition value of the constraint condition, based on the calculated amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

[0062] As an example of a change in the condition value of a constraint condition mentioned above, a case where the condition value of the delivery date and time and the condition value of the delivery route are changed will be taken as an example. For example, the estimation unit 202 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction when the condition value of the delivery date and time is changed based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission before changing the condition value of the constraint condition and the amount of carbon dioxide emission when the condition value of the delivery date and time is changed. Then, the estimation unit 202 calculates the amount of carbon dioxide reduction when the condition value of the delivery route is changed based on the amount of carbon dioxide emission before changing the condition value of the constraint condition and the amount of carbon dioxide emission when the condition value of the delivery route is changed.

[0063] The identifying unit 203 identifies a constraint condition under which the fluctuation of the estimated index value matches a predetermined standard. For example, if the index is carbon dioxide emissions, the identifying unit 203 identifies, from the plurality of constraint conditions, a constraint condition under which the reduction amount matches the predetermined standard. For example, the predetermined standard may be that the reduction amount is 2% or more. In this case, the identifying unit 203 identifies, from the plurality of constraint conditions, a constraint condition under which the reduction amount after changing the condition value of the constraint condition is 2% or more.

[0064] As an example of changing the condition values of the constraint conditions mentioned above, let us take a case where the condition values of the delivery date and time and the delivery route are changed. Let us assume that changing the condition value of the delivery date and time results in a 3% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and changing the condition value of the delivery route results in a 0.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. In this case, the identifying unit 203 identifies a delivery date and time that results in a reduction of 2% or more.

[0065] Then, the output control unit 204 presents the identified constraint conditions and the fluctuations in the index values to the user. As described in the first embodiment, the user may be a person from a logistics company or a shipper.

[0066] For example, multiple constraints may be specified. In such cases, the output control unit 204 may present the constraints and the fluctuations in the index value in a predetermined order. The predetermined order may be in order of increasing effectiveness of the joint delivery, or in order of decreasing effectiveness of the joint delivery, and is not particularly limited. For example, the relationship between the effectiveness of the joint delivery and the fluctuations in the index value differs depending on the index. For example, the fluctuations in the index value include decreasing fluctuations and increasing fluctuations. The greater the decreasing fluctuation, the greater the effectiveness of the joint delivery may be. On the other hand, the greater the increasing fluctuation, the greater the effectiveness of the joint delivery may be.

[0067] For example, if the index is the number of vehicles, the greater the reduction in the number of vehicles, the greater the effect of the joint delivery. For example, if the index is delivery cost, the greater the reduction in delivery cost, the greater the effect of the joint delivery. For example, if the index is carbon dioxide emissions, the greater the amount of reduction, the greater the effect of the joint delivery. Therefore, when presenting constraint conditions that will increase the effect of joint delivery, the output control unit 204 may, for example, present the constraint conditions and variations in descending order of the largest decrease in fluctuation. Furthermore, when presenting constraint conditions that will decrease the effect of joint delivery, the output control unit 204 may, for example, present the constraint conditions and variations in descending order of the largest increase in fluctuation.

[0068] On the other hand, consider an example in which the greater the increase fluctuation, the greater the effect of the joint delivery. When presenting constraint conditions that are more effective for joint delivery, the output control unit 204 may, for example, present the constraint conditions and fluctuations in order of the largest increase fluctuation. Furthermore, when presenting constraint conditions that are less effective for joint delivery, the output control unit 204 may, for example, present the constraint conditions and fluctuations in order of the largest decrease fluctuation. Furthermore, the arrangement is not particularly limited. For example, the output control unit 204 may present the constraint conditions and fluctuations in order.

[0069] Alternatively, the output control unit 204 may present a predetermined number of constraint conditions and variations selected from the identified constraint conditions according to variations. The predetermined number is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The predetermined number may be specified by the user or may be determined in advance. For example, if the predetermined number is 1, the output control unit 204 may present constraint conditions and variations that provide the highest joint delivery effect. Alternatively, if the predetermined number is 1, the output control unit 204 may present constraint conditions and variations that provide the lowest joint delivery effect. In this way, the output control unit 204 can narrow down the number of constraint conditions to be presented.

[0070] The output control unit 204 may narrow down the number of constraint conditions to be presented and present the constraint conditions in a predetermined order. The processes performed by the output control unit 204 may be combined as appropriate.

[0071] The change receiving unit 205 also receives a change to the condition value of the identified constraint condition by the user. For example, upon receiving the change, the change receiving unit 205 updates the condition value of the constraint condition stored in the database to the changed condition value.

[0072] For example, if the user is a shipper, the shipper confirms whether the change is acceptable. For example, the output control unit 204 may present the identified constraint condition along with the degree of acceptability acquired for the constraint condition. If the user can accept the change, the change receiving unit 205 receives a change to the condition value of the identified constraint condition through the operation of the shipper via the shipper's terminal device 21.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, if the user is a logistics company, the logistics company confirms whether the change is acceptable to the shipper. For example, the output control unit 204 may present the degree of tolerance acquired for the identified constraint condition. For example, if the change is acceptable to the shipper, the change receiving unit 205 receives a change to the condition value of the identified constraint condition through the operation of the logistics company via the logistics company's terminal device 22. Then, when the change receiving unit 205 receives a change to the condition value of the constraint condition from the logistics company, the output control unit 204 notifies the shipper of the change to the condition value of the constraint condition. The notification method is not particularly limited, and may be an electronic message, email, or the like.

[0074] (Example of changing the constraint value multiple times) There may be multiple ways to change the condition value of each constraint condition. Therefore, the estimation unit 202 estimates the index value of the indicator for each of one or multiple changes for each of the multiple constraint conditions. Take as an example a case where the condition value of the delivery date and time among the multiple constraint conditions is changed. If the acquired condition value of the delivery date and time is "morning specified," changes to the condition value include changing from "morning specified" to "no specification" and changing from "morning specified" to "afternoon specified." Therefore, the estimation unit 202 estimates the index value for each of the cases where "morning specified" is changed to "no specification" and where "morning specified" is changed to "afternoon specified."

[0075] Then, the identifying unit 203 identifies, from among the plurality of constraints and changes, constraints and changes whose index values meet a predetermined standard.

[0076] The output control unit 204 then presents the identified constraints and changes and the index values of each index for the constraints and changes to the user. As described above, the output control unit 204 may present the constraints and changes to be presented in a predetermined order. As described above, the output control unit 204 may present a narrowed down number of constraints and changes to be presented.

[0077] Here, an example will be described in which the output control unit 204 displays the identified constraints and changes, and the index values of each index for the constraints and changes, on a display device. The display device may be provided in the terminal device 22 of the logistics company or the terminal device 21 of the shipper.

[0078] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying constraints and changes and fluctuations in index values. In FIG. 6, the number of trucks and the amount of CO2 reduction are displayed on the screen as fluctuations in the index. Also, in FIG. 6, the constraints and changes are displayed on the screen in descending order of the reduction in the number of trucks. Also, in FIG. 6, this order is displayed on the screen.

[0079] For example, when the decrease in the number of trucks is greatest, the constraint is the delivery date and time, and the change in the condition value of the constraint is from "specified morning" to "no specification." In this case, the number of trucks, which is the indicator, changes from 4 to 2, the decrease is 2, and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, which is the indicator, is X%.

[0080] Next, for example, if there is a large decrease in the number of trucks, the constraint is the delivery date and time, and the change in the condition value of the constraint is from "morning specified" to "afternoon specified." In this case, the number of trucks, which is the indicator, changes from 4 to 3, the reduction in the number of trucks is 1, and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, which is the indicator, is Y%.

[0081] For example, in Fig. 6, each change in "Changes to recommended constraints" is selectable. In Fig. 6, the screen has a "Change" button. For example, in Fig. 6, when one of the changes is selected and the "Change" button is pressed, the change receiving unit 205 receives the selected change.

[0082] As described above, if the user is a logistics company, when the change receiving unit 205 receives a change, the output control unit 204 notifies the shipper of the change.

[0083] (An example of changing the delivery time for at least some packages) Next, an example will be described in which the delivery time slots of at least some of the parcels are changed when the delivery time slots are changed, using the delivery date and time as an example of a constraint. The time slots to be changed may be in units of a certain hour within a day, in units of a date, or in units of multiple days, and are not particularly limited. Here, the unit of the time slots to be changed will be in units of a date. For example, the amount of parcels varies from day to day. Meanwhile, there is also an upper limit to the number of delivery means that a logistics company can prepare. Here, the upper limit on the number of delivery means is a constraint for the logistics company. It is difficult to change the upper limit on the number of delivery means. Therefore, the delivery date of some of the parcels may be changed, and the index values of each indicator may be estimated.

[0084] For example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the expected quantity of cargo for each delivery date from each shipper participating in the joint delivery. Here, the type of quantity of cargo may differ depending on the characteristics of the cargo, as described above.

[0085] Here, the range of dates for obtaining the expected amount of cargo is not particularly limited and may be a few days, a week, several weeks, a month, or the like.

[0086] The estimation unit 202 estimates, for each available delivery date, the index value of the indicator when the acquired package volume is delivered. For each available delivery date, the estimation unit 202 estimates, for each available delivery date and time constraint among the multiple constraints, the index value of the indicator when the time slot for delivering at least some of the packages on a specific date is changed. Here, the specific date may be a date when the total package volume is large, a date when the total package volume is small, or a specified date, and is not particularly limited. The specific date may also be multiple dates. The package volume for which the time slot can be changed may be predetermined as an allowable condition value of the constraint for each shipper, or may be acquired by the acquisition unit 201. As described above, the following examples will be described using a date unit as an example of the time slot to be changed.

[0087] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the expected volume of cargo and the estimated number of trucks. Fig. 7 shows the expected volume of cargo for each possible delivery date, broken down by shipper. Fig. 7 uses an example in which the volume of cargo is expressed by the number of pieces.

[0088] For example, the quantity of cargo for shipper A is 10 units on February 13, 2022, 20 units on February 14, 2022, and 10 units on February 15, 2022.

[0089] For example, the quantity of cargo for shipper B is 2 on February 13, 2022, 2 on February 14, 2022, and 3 on February 16, 2022.

[0090] For example, suppose a logistics company has a constraint that the maximum number of trucks it can carry each day is three, and each truck can carry up to 15 items.

[0091] If shippers A and B jointly deliver the amount of cargo they have acquired, the total number of trucks expected to be delivered on February 13, 2022 is 20 units, so the number of trucks is expected to be 2. On February 14, 2022, the total number of trucks expected to be delivered is 32 units, so the number of trucks is expected to be 3. On February 15, 2022, the total number of trucks expected to be delivered is 17 units, so the number of trucks is expected to be 2.

[0092] For example, the amount of parcels is large on February 14, 2022. For example, the estimation unit 202 estimates the index value when some of the parcels on February 14, 2022 are changed to February 15, 2022.

[0093] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the number of trucks when some packages are to be delivered on a later date. In the example of Fig. 8, it is assumed that two packages scheduled for February 14, 2022 are to be delivered on February 15, 2022.

[0094] For example, for February 13, 2022, the total expected amount of cargo is 20 units, the same as the revised amount, so the number of trucks is expected to be 2. For example, for February 14, 2022, the total expected amount of cargo after the change is 30 units, so the number of trucks is expected to be 2. For February 15, 2022, the total expected amount of cargo is 17 units, so the number of trucks is expected to be 2. In this way, the number of trucks on February 14 will decrease.

[0095] Then, the identifying unit 203 determines whether the change in the index value due to the change in delivery date and time satisfies a predetermined criterion. For example, if the predetermined criterion is that the number of trucks decreased by 1 or more, the number of trucks on February 14th decreased by 1, so the identifying unit 203 identifies a change in the date of some of the packages on February 14th.

[0096] The output control unit 204 then presents the identified changes and fluctuations in the index values. In the example of Figures 7 and 8, the output control unit 204 presents a change to have two of the packages of shipper A scheduled for February 14, 2022, delivered on February 15, 2022, and a reduction in the number of trucks by one.

[0097] (Flowchart example) 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the delivery support system 20 according to the second embodiment. Here, an example will be described in which the user is a logistics company and changes made by the logistics company are accepted.

[0098] The acquiring unit 201 acquires the condition values of each of a plurality of constraint conditions (step S201). In step S201, the acquiring unit 201 may further acquire information necessary for estimating the index value of each index.

[0099] Next, the estimation unit 202 estimates the index value of the index for the acquired condition value and the index value of the index when the acquired condition value for each of the multiple constraint conditions is changed (step S202). In step S202, for example, the estimation unit 202 may select an unselected constraint condition from the multiple constraint conditions, change the condition value of the selected constraint condition from the acquired condition value, and estimate the index value of the index when the condition values of the other constraint conditions are changed to the acquired condition value. Then, the estimation unit 202 may repeat this process until there are no unselected constraint conditions for the multiple constraint conditions.

[0100] The specifying unit 203 specifies constraint conditions under which the estimated fluctuations in the index values meet a predetermined standard (step S203). Next, the output control unit 204 presents the specified constraint conditions and fluctuations in the index values to the terminal device 22 of the logistics company (step S204).

[0101] The change receiving unit 205 determines whether a change to the condition value of the identified constraint condition has been received (step S205). In step S205, for example, the change receiving unit 205 determines whether a change to the condition value of the constraint condition from the logistics company via the logistics company's terminal device 22 has been received.

[0102] If the change acceptance unit 205 accepts the change (step S205: Yes), the output control unit 204 notifies the shipper of the change (step S206). Then, the delivery support system 20 ends the processing. On the other hand, if the change acceptance unit 205 does not accept the change (step S205: No), the delivery support system 20 ends the processing.

[0103] As described above, in the second embodiment, the delivery support system 20 estimates the index values of the indicators related to the joint delivery for each of the condition values of the constraint conditions related to the joint delivery, and the index values of the indicators when the acquired condition values for each of the constraint conditions are changed. The delivery support system 20 then identifies the constraint conditions for which the fluctuations in the estimated index values meet a predetermined standard, and presents the identified constraint conditions and their fluctuations to the user. This makes it easier to adjust the constraint conditions related to the joint delivery.

[0104] Furthermore, the delivery assistance system 20 presents the constraints and the variations in order of decreasing variation. That is, for example, the delivery assistance system 20 may present the constraints and the variations in order of decreasing effect.

[0105] The delivery support system 20 estimates the index value of the indicator for each of a plurality of constraint conditions and for each of a plurality of changes in the condition value.

[0106] The indicator may be at least one of the number of delivery means, delivery cost, delivery distance, delivery time, and carbon dioxide emissions. If the indicator is the number of trucks, adjustments can be made to achieve joint deliveries that reduce the number of trucks. The fewer the number of trucks, the more traffic congestion can be reduced. If the indicator is delivery cost, adjustments can be made to achieve joint deliveries with lower delivery costs. If the indicator is delivery distance, adjustments can be made to achieve joint deliveries with shorter delivery distances. The shorter the delivery distance, the more traffic congestion can be reduced. The shorter the time required for delivery, the more traffic congestion can be reduced. By reducing the number of trucks, lowering delivery costs, shortening delivery distances, and shortening the time required for delivery, carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced. Furthermore, for example, if the indicator is carbon dioxide emissions and the variation is the amount of carbon dioxide reduction, the use of environmentally friendly delivery methods can be promoted.

[0107] Furthermore, the delivery support system 20 acquires the expected volume of parcels for each available delivery date for each shipper. Then, for the constraint condition on delivery date and time among the multiple constraint conditions, the delivery support system 20 estimates the index value of the index when at least a portion of the volume of parcels for a specific time period is delivered in a time period before or after the specific time period. This makes it possible to easily adjust the constraint conditions for joint delivery.

[0108] Furthermore, the delivery assistance system 20 accepts changes to the condition values of the identified constraint conditions. The user may be a user of a logistics company or a user of a shipper. For example, if the user is a user of a logistics company, the delivery assistance system 20 notifies the shipper when it accepts a change to the condition values of the identified constraint conditions. This allows the shipper to confirm that a change has occurred.

[0109] <Example of presenting comparative index values when the condition values of the specified constraint conditions are changed> Next, an example will be described in which index values are presented in a comparable manner when the condition value of a predetermined constraint condition is changed.

[0110] As described above, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the condition values of each of the multiple constraint conditions relating to joint delivery for each shipper.

[0111] Furthermore, as described above, the acquiring unit 201 may acquire, for each shipper, the degree of tolerance for changes in each of the plurality of constraint conditions. Furthermore, the acquiring unit 201 may acquire, for each shipper, information necessary for the estimating unit 202 to estimate the index value of the index.

[0112] Next, the estimation unit 202 may estimate the index value of the index for the acquired condition value and the index value of the index when the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition is changed. The predetermined constraint condition may be a constraint condition specified by the user or a predetermined constraint condition. Furthermore, the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition may be a condition value specified by the user or a predetermined condition value. Furthermore, the range in which the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition is changed may be within the shipper's tolerance. Furthermore, the shipper for which the predetermined constraint condition is changed is not particularly limited. For example, the shipper for which the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition is changed may be a specific shipper. For example, the shipper for which the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition is changed may be a shipper for which the condition value of the constraint condition is estimated to have a large impact on the effectiveness of joint delivery. For example, the shippers for which the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition is changed may be all shippers.

[0113] Furthermore, the estimation unit 202 may estimate the index value of an indicator when the condition value of a constraint condition is changed in multiple ways, as explained in the example of presenting changes to the condition value of a constraint condition in joint delivery. Furthermore, the estimation unit 202 may estimate the index values of the indicators when the delivery dates of some packages are changed, as explained in the example of presenting changes to the condition values of the constraint conditions in joint delivery.

[0114] The output control unit 204 presents the acquired condition values and index values of the predetermined constraint conditions and the changed condition values and index values when the condition values of the predetermined constraint conditions are changed in a comparable manner. As an example of a comparative presentation, the output control unit 204 may present the acquired condition values and index values of the predetermined constraint conditions side by side with the changed condition values and index values when the condition values of the predetermined constraint conditions are changed. Alternatively, as an example of a comparative presentation of index values, the output control unit 204 may present the fluctuations of the index values. The method of presentation by the output control unit 204 is as described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] The output control unit 204 may further present the shipper's tolerance level for the predetermined constraints.

[0116] The change receiving unit 205 also receives changes to the condition values of the predetermined constraint conditions from the user. The method by which the change receiving unit 205 receives the changes may be the same as the example described in the example of presenting changes to the condition values of the constraint conditions in joint delivery. Similarly to the above example, if the user is a user of a logistics company, the output control unit 204 may notify the user of the changes.

[0117] (Example of accepting changes) As described above, the predetermined constraint condition may be specified by the user. Therefore, the change receiving unit 205 may receive a user specification of at least one of the plurality of constraint conditions. Specifically, for example, the change receiving unit 205 receives a specification of the constraint condition by the user via the user's terminal device. The user's terminal device is, for example, the terminal device 22 of the logistics company or the terminal device 21 of the shipper.

[0118] Furthermore, the degree to which the condition value of a predetermined constraint condition is changed from the acquired condition value or the changed condition value may be specified by the user. The change receiving unit 205 may receive a user's specification of the changed condition value of the predetermined constraint condition or the degree of change. Specifically, for example, the change receiving unit 205 may receive a user's specification of the changed condition value of the predetermined constraint condition or the degree of change via the user's terminal device. The user's terminal device is, for example, the terminal device 22 of the logistics company or the terminal device 21 of the shipper.

[0119] The following explanation is the same as above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0120] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of changing constraint conditions and presenting index values. In Fig. 10, the screen shows a delivery date and time as a predetermined constraint condition. Also, in Fig. 10, the screen shows the number of trucks as an index.

[0121] In Figure 10, the screen shows an example in which the delivery date and time is changed from "morning specified" to "no specification." In Figure 10, when the delivery date and time is "morning specified," the number of trucks is four, and when the delivery date and time is "no specification," the number of trucks is three.

[0122] 10, the screen also includes a "Do Not Change" button and a "Change" button. For example, when the user presses the "Do Not Change" button, the condition value of the constraint condition is not changed. On the other hand, when the user presses the "Change" button, the change accepting unit 205 accepts a change to the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition. Also, as described above, if the user is a user of a logistics company, the output control unit 204 may notify the user of the change when the change is accepted.

[0123] (Other flowchart examples) 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the delivery support system 20 according to the second embodiment. Here, an example will be described in which the user is a logistics company and changes made by the logistics company are accepted.

[0124] The acquiring unit 201 acquires the condition values of each of the plurality of constraint conditions (Step S211). In Step S211, the acquiring unit 201 may acquire the condition values of each of the plurality of constraint conditions for each shipper.

[0125] Furthermore, the change content receiving unit 206 receives the designation of the constraint condition (step S212). In step S212, for example, the change content receiving unit 206 receives the designation of the constraint condition via the terminal device 22 of the logistics company. The change content receiving unit 206 sets the designated constraint condition as the predetermined constraint condition.

[0126] Then, the change content receiving unit 206 receives the degree of change or the change value of the condition value of the constraint condition (step S213). In step S213, the change content receiving unit 206 receives the degree of change or the change value of the condition value of the constraint condition via the terminal device 22 of the logistics company.

[0127] The estimation unit 202 estimates the index value of the index for the acquired condition value and the index value of the index when the acquired condition value for the predetermined constraint condition is changed (step S214). In step S214, for example, the estimation unit 202 estimates the index value for the acquired condition value. In step S213, for example, the estimation unit 202 estimates the index value when the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition is changed from the acquired condition value.

[0128] The output control unit 204 presents the acquired condition value and index value of the predetermined constraint condition and the changed condition value and index value when the condition value of the predetermined constraint condition is changed so as to be comparable (step S215).

[0129] The change receiving unit 205 determines whether a change to the condition value of the identified constraint condition has been received (step S216). In step S216, for example, the change receiving unit 205 determines whether a change to the condition value of the constraint condition from the logistics company has been received via the logistics company's terminal device 22.

[0130] If the change acceptance unit 205 accepts the change (step S216: Yes), the output control unit 204 notifies the shipper of the change (step S217). Then, the delivery support system 20 ends the processing. On the other hand, if the change acceptance unit 205 does not accept the change (step S216: No), the delivery support system 20 ends the processing.

[0131] As described above, in the second embodiment, the delivery assistance system 20 estimates the index value of an indicator for each condition value of a plurality of constraint conditions, and the index value of an indicator when the condition value acquired for a given constraint condition is changed. The delivery assistance system 20 presents the acquired condition value of the given constraint condition and the index value in this case, and the condition value of the given constraint condition after the change and the index value in this case, so that they can be compared. In this way, the effect of changing the constraint condition is presented to the user. This makes it easier to adjust the constraint condition.

[0132] The delivery assistance system 20 may also accept the specification of a constraint condition whose condition value is to be changed. This allows the user to specify the constraint condition that they wish to adjust. In this way, the user can actively try changing the condition value of the constraint condition. This makes it easier to adjust the constraint condition.

[0133] The delivery assistance system 20 may also accept the degree of change or the change value. This allows the user to specify the degree of change or the change value of the constraint condition that the user wants to adjust. In this way, the user can actively try changing the condition value of the constraint condition. This makes it easier to adjust the constraint condition.

[0134] In addition, the example of presenting changes to the condition values of constraint conditions in joint delivery and the example of presenting comparative index values of indicators when the condition values of specified constraint conditions are changed may be combined as appropriate.

[0135] This concludes the description of embodiment 2. Each embodiment may be modified. Modifications will be described below.

[0136] <Variation 1> For example, the estimation unit 202 may estimate the index value of the index when the acquired condition value is changed for at least some of the constraint conditions among the plurality of constraint conditions.

[0137] Take the case where the condition value of the delivery date and time and the condition value of the delivery route are changed as an example. For example, the estimation unit 202 may estimate an index value before changing the condition value of the constraint condition, and an index value when both the condition value of the delivery date and time and the condition value of the delivery route are changed. Also, for example, the estimation unit 202 may estimate an index value before changing the condition value of the constraint condition, an index value when the condition value of the delivery date and time is changed, an index value when the condition value of the delivery route is changed, and an index value when both the condition value of the delivery date and time and the condition value of the delivery route are changed.

[0138] Furthermore, there may be multiple cases where the condition value for the delivery date and time is changed, where both the condition value for the delivery date and time and the condition value for the delivery route are changed, and there are no particular limitations on the cases where the condition value for the delivery route is changed.

[0139] This concludes the description of the modified examples. Note that each embodiment and each modified example may be used in combination. Furthermore, in each embodiment, the delivery support system may be configured to include some of the functional units and information. For example, the delivery support system 20 may be configured with an acquisition unit 201, an estimation unit 202, and an output control unit 204. Alternatively, for example, the delivery support system 20 may be configured with an acquisition unit 201, an estimation unit 202, an output control unit 204, and a change acceptance unit 205.

[0140] Furthermore, each embodiment is not limited to the examples described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the configuration of the delivery support system in each embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the delivery support system 20 may be realized by a single device (e.g., a delivery support device) such as a single terminal device or a single server. Alternatively, the delivery support system in each embodiment may be realized by different devices for different functions or data. For example, the delivery support system 20 may be configured by multiple servers.

[0141] In each embodiment, each piece of information may include part of the information described above. Also, each piece of information may include information other than the information described above. Each piece of information may be divided into more detailed tables or pieces of information. In this way, the method for realizing each piece of information is not particularly limited.

[0142] Furthermore, each screen is merely an example and is not particularly limited. Buttons, lists, check boxes, information display fields, input fields, etc. (not shown) may be added to each screen. Furthermore, the background color of the screen may be changed.

[0143] In addition, for example, in each embodiment, the process of generating information on a screen to be displayed on a terminal device may be performed by an output control unit of the delivery support system. Also, this process may be performed by the terminal device.

[0144] (Example of computer hardware configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration in which each device, such as the delivery support system, the shipper's terminal device, and the logistics company, described in each embodiment, is implemented by a computer will be described. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration. For example, some or all of each device can be implemented using any combination of a computer 80 and a program, such as that shown in Fig. 12.

[0145] The computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a read-only memory (ROM) 802, a random access memory (RAM) 803, and a storage device 804. The computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. The components are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 807. The number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.

[0146] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. Examples of the processor 801 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The computer 80 has a storage unit including a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804. Examples of the storage device 804 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 804 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiments. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.

[0147] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0148] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. As a result, the computer 80 is connected to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication networks NT. The communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80. The communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0149] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of output devices include a display device, a lighting device, and a speaker that outputs audio. Examples of input / output devices include a touch panel display. Note that the input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0150] The hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example. The computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 12. The computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 12. For example, the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 801 may then read programs and data stored in a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 803. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer 80 may have an output device such as a display. The computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0151] The computer 80 may also have various sensors (not shown). The types of sensors are not particularly limited.

[0152] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0153] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. Furthermore, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. Furthermore, the multiple integrated circuits may be configured by being connected via a bus or the like.

[0154] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0155] The delivery support method described in each embodiment is realized by execution by a delivery support system. Furthermore, for example, the delivery support method is realized by execution of a prepared program by a computer such as a server or a terminal device. The program described in each embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. The program is then executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Furthermore, the program may be distributed via a communication network NT.

[0156] The functions of each component of the delivery support system in each embodiment described above may be realized by hardware, such as a computer, or may be realized by a computer or firmware under program control.

[0157] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of the descriptions does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0158] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0159] (Appendix 1) an acquisition means for acquiring condition values of each of a plurality of constraint conditions relating to joint delivery; an estimation means for estimating an index value of an index related to joint delivery in the acquired condition value and an index value of the index when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; an identification means for identifying a constraint condition among the plurality of constraint conditions in which the fluctuation of the estimated index value meets a predetermined criterion; an output control means for presenting the identified constraints and variations to a user; A delivery support system equipped with: (Appendix 2) the output control means presents the constraints and the fluctuations of the index values in descending order of the fluctuations of the index values; Attachment 1: A delivery assistance system. (Appendix 3) the estimation means estimates index values of the respective indices when the acquired condition values are changed in a plurality of ways for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; 2. A delivery assistance system as described in appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The indicator is at least one of the number of delivery means in the joint delivery, the delivery cost, the delivery distance, and the time required for delivery. 4. A delivery assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) The indicator is carbon dioxide emissions, The change is a reduction in carbon dioxide. 4. A delivery assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 6) The acquisition means acquires the expected quantity of cargo for each shipper and each delivery date, The estimation means For the delivery date and time among the plurality of constraints, an index value of the index is estimated when a time period for delivering at least some of the packages on a specific date is changed. 6. A delivery assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) The user is a logistics company user, a change acceptance means for accepting a change made by the user to the condition value of the identified constraint condition; Equipped with When the output control means receives the change, it notifies the shipper. 7. A delivery assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) The user is a shipper user, a change acceptance means for accepting a change made by the user to the condition value of the identified constraint condition; 7. A delivery assistance system according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, comprising: (Appendix 9) Obtaining condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions relating to joint delivery; Estimate the index value of the indicator related to the joint delivery in the acquired condition value and the index value of the indicator when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; Identifying a constraint condition among the plurality of constraint conditions that causes the fluctuation of the estimated index value to meet a predetermined criterion; presenting the identified constraints and the fluctuations of the index values to a user; Shipping support methods. (Appendix 10) On the computer, Obtaining condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions relating to joint delivery; Estimate the index value of the indicator related to the joint delivery in the acquired condition value and the index value of the indicator when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; Identifying a constraint condition among the plurality of constraint conditions that causes the fluctuation of the estimated index value to meet a predetermined criterion; presenting the identified constraints and the fluctuations of the index values to a user; A non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer that records a program for executing processing. (Appendix 11) On the computer, Obtaining condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions relating to joint delivery; Estimate the index value of the indicator related to the joint delivery in the acquired condition value and the index value of the indicator when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; Identifying a constraint condition among the plurality of constraint conditions that causes the fluctuation of the estimated index value to meet a predetermined criterion; presenting the identified constraints and the fluctuations of the index values to a user; A program that executes a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 10,20 Delivery support system 101,201 Acquisition Department 102,202 Estimation part 103,203 Specific part 104,204 Output control section 205 Change Reception Department 206 Changes Reception Section 2001 Baggage DB 21, 21-1, 21-2 Shipper's terminal device 22 Logistics company terminal equipment 80 Computer 801 processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication Interface 806 Input / Output Interface 807 Bus A, B, C shippers

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring condition values of each of a plurality of constraint conditions relating to joint delivery; an estimation means for estimating an index value of an index related to joint delivery in the acquired condition value and an index value of the index when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; an identification means for identifying a constraint condition among the plurality of constraint conditions in which the fluctuation of the estimated index value meets a predetermined criterion; an output control means for presenting the identified constraint conditions and fluctuations in the index values to a user; Equipped with The indicator includes the number of delivery means in the joint delivery, The acquisition means acquires the expected quantity of cargo for each shipper and each delivery date, the estimation means estimates the number of delivery means when a time period for delivering at least some of the packages on a specific date is changed for the delivery date and time among the plurality of constraints; The specific date is a date on which the total value of the expected amount of cargo is large. Delivery support system.

2. the output control means presents the constraints and the fluctuations of the index values in descending order of the fluctuations of the index values; The delivery support system according to claim 1 .

3. the estimation means estimates index values of the respective indices when the acquired condition values are changed in a plurality of ways for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; 3. The delivery support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The indicators further include at least one of a delivery cost, a delivery distance, and a time required for delivery in the joint delivery.

4. A delivery support system according to claim 1.

5. The indicator is carbon dioxide emissions, The change is a reduction in carbon dioxide.

4. A delivery support system according to claim 1.

6. The specific date is the date on which the total value is the largest among the dates on which the expected amount of cargo is obtained.

6. A delivery support system according to claim 1.

7. The user is a logistics company user, a change acceptance means for accepting a change made by the user to the condition value of the identified constraint condition; Equipped with When the output control means receives the change, it notifies the shipper.

7. A delivery support system according to claim 1.

8. The user is a shipper user, a change acceptance means for accepting a change made by the user to the condition value of the identified constraint condition; The delivery support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

9. The computer Obtaining condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions relating to joint delivery; Estimate the index value of the indicator related to the joint delivery in the acquired condition value and the index value of the indicator when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; Identifying a constraint condition among the plurality of constraint conditions that causes the fluctuation of the estimated index value to meet a predetermined criterion; presenting the identified constraints and the fluctuations of the index values to a user; Execute the process, The indicator includes the number of delivery means in the joint delivery, In the acquisition process, the expected quantity of cargo is acquired for each shipper and for each delivery date, In the estimation process, the number of delivery means is estimated when a time period for delivering at least some of the packages on a specific date is changed for the delivery date and time among the plurality of constraints; The specific date is a date on which the total value of the expected amount of cargo is large. Shipping support methods.

10. On the computer, Obtaining condition values for each of a plurality of constraint conditions relating to joint delivery; Estimate the index value of the indicator related to the joint delivery in the acquired condition value and the index value of the indicator when the acquired condition value is changed for each of the plurality of constraint conditions; Identifying a constraint condition among the plurality of constraint conditions that causes the fluctuation of the estimated index value to meet a predetermined criterion; presenting the identified constraints and the fluctuations of the index values to a user; Execute the process, The indicator includes the number of delivery means in the joint delivery, In the acquisition process, the expected quantity of cargo is acquired for each shipper and for each delivery date, In the estimation process, the number of delivery means is estimated when a time period for delivering at least some of the packages on a specific date is changed for the delivery date and time among the plurality of constraints; The specific date is a date on which the total value of the expected amount of cargo is large. program.

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