Guidance device, guidance method, and computer program

Abstract

To improve work efficiency by simplifying a work flow for managing the handling of loads in a technique for supporting delivery work.SOLUTION: The guidance device includes a storage unit configured to store package information on a plurality of packages to be delivered by the user, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating a delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of the delivery of the package, and a guidance unit configured to guide the package information on the package for which the user is the person in charge via each of the terminals of the users. When a predetermined condition is satisfied for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one user, the guidance unit acquires, from the specific terminal, at least incomplete package information indicating a package whose package status is "delivery incomplete", and deletes the one user from a person in charge of the incomplete package in the package information in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a guidance device, a guidance method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the spread of internet shopping has led to an increase in demand for logistics services, and an increase in the number of people (hereinafter referred to as "delivery persons") engaged in the task of delivering packages such as merchandise to designated destinations. From the perspective of improving work efficiency, delivery persons are assigned a predetermined area of ​​responsibility, and deliver packages to residential homes and other locations within that area. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that, when a recipient of a package is absent, package information is registered on a delivery company server, the package number is displayed as a barcode on a delivery slip for absence, the package number is read by the recipient's intercom, a message is sent from the intercom to the recipient's email address, and the recipient can specify a desired date and time for redelivery via a URL included in the email. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-350175 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has a narrow scope of application because it requires the recipient's intercom to be connected to a network and compatible with the system. Furthermore, there are various types of delivery personnel, including full-time employees of delivery companies that undertake package delivery, as well as self-employed individuals who are outsourced by delivery companies. Because delivery companies must perform delivery tasks using such a variety of delivery personnel, the workflow for managing package handling becomes complicated. Patent Document 1 fails to address this issue, further complicating the workflow in exchange for convenience for recipients.

[0005] For this reason, there was a demand for technology to support delivery operations that would simplify the business flow for managing package handling and improve business efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following aspects.

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guidance device including: a storage unit that stores package information about multiple packages to be delivered by users, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating the delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of delivering the package; and a guidance unit that provides, via each of the users' terminals, the package information about the packages for which the user is the person in charge, and when a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one of the users, the guidance unit obtains from the specific terminal at least information about incomplete packages whose package status indicates that delivery has not been completed, and deletes one of the users from the person in charge of the incomplete packages in the package information in the storage unit.

[0008] According to this configuration, when a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal belonging to a specific user, the information retrieval unit acquires information about incomplete packages indicating that the package is incompletely delivered from the specific terminal and deletes the specific user from the list of people responsible for the incomplete packages in the storage unit. For example, when a predetermined condition is met for a terminal belonging to user A, the information retrieval unit acquires information about incomplete packages for which user A was the delivery person and deletes the information from the storage unit indicating that "A is the person responsible" for the incomplete packages. Therefore, by linking the predetermined condition to user A's work completion trigger, the information retrieval unit can automatically reset the person assignment in the storage unit. Packages for which the person assignment has been reset are reassigned to a different person for delivery at a later date or on the same day. In this way, this configuration is applicable regardless of user A's position (full-time employee, self-employed, etc.) and simplifies the workflow for managing package handling. As a result, delivery operations can be made more efficient.

[0009] (2) In the guidance device of the above aspect, the predetermined condition may be that the current location of the specific terminal overlaps with the location of a predetermined distribution center. According to this configuration, the predetermined condition is when the current location of the specific terminal overlaps with the location of a predetermined distribution center, so the trigger for the end of the user's work can be "when the user returns to the distribution center." Generally, a user who is a delivery person often returns to the distribution center after completing a work task to unload unfinished packages from the vehicle. With this configuration, the end of the work can be automatically determined depending on the situation.

[0010] (3) In the guidance device of the above aspect, the predetermined condition may be a case where a predetermined operation from one of the users is detected at the specific terminal. According to this configuration, the predetermined condition is when a predetermined operation from a user is detected on a specific terminal, so the trigger for ending a user's work can be "when the user voluntarily performs an operation to end the work." Depending on the user's position as a delivery person, it is possible that the user may not return to the distribution center after completing the work. With this configuration, in such cases, the end of the work can be determined based on the user's voluntary operation.

[0011] (4) In the above-described guidance device, the package information further includes a previous person in charge indicating the user who was in charge of delivering the package the previous time, and when the predetermined condition is met, the guidance unit may delete the person in charge and store one of the users as the previous person in charge of the uncompleted package. According to this configuration, the package information includes the previous person in charge, which indicates the user who was in charge of delivering the package the previous time, and the information unit deletes the person in charge and stores a user (e.g., user A) as the previous person in charge of the incomplete package. This makes it possible to store the previous person in charge in the package information. The previous person in charge can be used to assign a person in charge to redeliver the package, to investigate the cause of damage to the package, and to evaluate the user (delivery person).

[0012] (5) In the guidance device of the above form, the luggage information further includes a reset count indicating the number of times the deletion of the person in charge has been performed, and when the predetermined condition is met, the guidance unit may delete the person in charge and increment the reset count for the uncompleted luggage. According to this configuration, the package information includes a reset count that indicates the number of times a person in charge has been deleted, and the notification unit increments the reset count for an incomplete package when a person in charge is deleted. This allows the reset count to be stored in the package information. The reset count can be used to determine the delivery order of packages, manage recipient information (customer information), and so on.

[0013] (6) In the guidance device of the above form, the luggage information further includes an allowable reset count indicating the remaining number of times that the deletion of the person in charge can be performed, and when the predetermined condition is met, the guidance unit may delete the person in charge and decrement the allowable reset count for the incomplete luggage. With this configuration, the package information includes the allowable reset count, which indicates the remaining number of times that the person in charge can be deleted, and the notification unit decrements the allowable reset count for the incomplete package when the person in charge is deleted. Therefore, when the allowable reset count reaches 0, it is possible to warn the recipient or charge the recipient an additional fee.

[0014] (7) In the above-described guidance device, the parcel information further includes previous information indicating the information when the deletion of the person in charge was executed, and the previous information includes one or more of the time zone designation of the incomplete parcel, the delivery destination of the incomplete parcel, and the date and time when the deletion of the person in charge was executed, and the guidance unit may delete the person in charge and update the previous information of the incomplete parcel when the predetermined condition is met. With this configuration, the package information includes previous information (time zone designation, delivery destination, reset date and time) that indicates information when the person in charge was deleted, and the notification unit updates the previous information of the incomplete package when the person in charge is deleted. This allows the previous information to be stored in the package information. The previous information can be used for assigning a person in charge to redeliver the package, managing recipient information (customer information), evaluating the user (delivery person), etc.

[0015] The present invention can be realized in various forms, such as a guidance device, a navigation device, a map display device, a delivery assistance device, a computer program for realizing the functions of each of these devices and a system including each of these devices, a server device for distributing the computer program, and a non-transitory storage medium on which the computer program is stored. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a delivery support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a package information DB. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure for delivery support processing. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map display screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a package list screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a package information details screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery destination information screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reset confirmation screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of resetting a person in charge. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a package information DB in the delivery support system of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reset confirmation screen in the delivery support system of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a package information DB according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a delivery support system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The delivery support system 1 is a system in which users are delivery personnel engaged in logistics operations, particularly the task of delivering packages such as merchandise to designated destinations. The delivery support system 1 uses information about packages that users are to deliver (hereinafter simply referred to as "packages") to support users in delivering their packages.

[0018] The delivery support system 1 includes a server 10 and a user terminal 30. The server 10 is connected to the Internet INT by wired communication. The user terminal 30 is connected to the Internet INT by wireless communication via a communication carrier BS. The communication carrier BS includes a transmitting / receiving antenna, a wireless base station, and a switching center. In other words, the server 10 and the user terminal 30 can communicate with each other via the Internet INT.

[0019] The server 10 includes a CPU 110, a communication unit 120, a ROM / RAM 130, and a storage unit 140, all of which are connected to one another via a bus (not shown). The server 10 corresponds to a "guide device."

[0020] The CPU 110 controls each unit of the server 10 by loading a computer program stored in the ROM 130 into the RAM 130 and executing it. The CPU 110 also functions as a guidance unit 111. The guidance unit 111 cooperates with the user terminal 30 to execute the delivery support process described below. In the delivery support process, the guidance unit 111 provides each user of the delivery support system 1 with package information about packages for which the user is in charge, via the user terminal 30. Furthermore, in the delivery support process, when a predetermined condition (business end trigger) is met, the guidance unit 111 executes a reset process to delete an already assigned person in charge. Here, the "person in charge" refers to the user (delivery person) in charge of delivering the package. The delivery support process will be described in detail below.

[0021] The communication unit 120 controls communication with other devices such as the user terminal 30 via a communication interface (not shown).

[0022] The storage unit 140 is configured with a hard disk, a flash memory, a memory card, etc. The storage unit 140 pre-stores a package information database 141 and a map information database 142. In the following description, the database will also be simply referred to as a "DB."

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the package information DB 141. Package information (hereinafter also referred to as "package information") is stored in the package information DB 141. As shown in FIG. 2, each package information includes, for example, the following information a1 to a11. Note that information a1 to a11 is registered in advance prior to the delivery support process and can be updated as needed during the delivery support process. For convenience of illustration, in FIG. 2, the following information a3 to a9 is collectively shown as "detailed information." (a1) ID: A unique identifier for identifying the package. (a2) Delivery address: Indicates the address of the delivery destination. Instead of or together with the delivery address, the latitude and longitude of the delivery destination may be stored. (a3) Presence or absence of a delivery box at the delivery destination: Indicates whether or not a delivery box exists at the delivery destination. (a4) Nameplate information / building / tenant information: Either information showing the nameplate of the delivery destination (for example, "Yamada" for non-apartment buildings, "101 Yamada" for apartment buildings, etc.), or information showing the building name and tenant name where the delivery destination is located (for example, "XYZ Building XX Restaurant" etc.). (a5) Remarks: Indicates important points to note regarding delivery. (a6) Time zone specification: This indicates the specified delivery time zone for each package. (a7) Availability of delivery box: Indicates whether or not a delivery box designated for each package can be used. (a8) Size information: Indicates the size of the package (small, medium, large, extra large, etc.) and the number of packages. (a9) Drop-off information: This may include whether drop-off is possible, the location of drop-off, and the conditions for drop-off (date, time, weather, etc.). (a10) Package status: Indicates the delivery status of the package (for example, delivered, absent, completed, redelivered, collected, cash on delivery, etc.). (a11) Person in Charge: Represents the user in charge of delivering the package. The person in charge may store a user ID uniquely assigned to each user, or the name of each user. In the following, an example will be explained in which the user ID is stored as the person in charge.

[0024] In addition, among the package information, at least some of the above-mentioned items may be omitted from the ID (information a1) and detailed information (information a3 to a9). The package information may also include other information not shown in the example. In the example of FIG. 2, the delivery person for packages with ID=001 and 002 is user A, and the delivery person for package with ID=003 is user B. The person in charge (information a11) is determined in advance by the manager of the distribution center and stored in the package information DB 141.

[0025] 1, the explanation will continue. The map information DB 142 is a database that stores data representing map images. The data representing map images includes information necessary for displaying maps, such as topography, buildings, and road shapes.

[0026] The user terminal 30 can be configured as any device, such as a smartphone as shown in the figure, closed-type AR glasses, a wearable device, etc. Note that a personal computer or an in-vehicle device may also be used as the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 includes a CPU 310, a communication unit 320, a ROM / RAM 330, a storage unit 340, an input / output unit 350, and a current position acquisition unit 360, and each unit is interconnected by a bus (not shown).

[0027] The CPU 310 controls each unit of the user terminal 30 by loading a computer program stored in the ROM 330 into the RAM 330 and executing it, and also functions as a processing unit 311. The processing unit 311 cooperates with the server 10 to execute the delivery support process described below. The communication unit 320 controls communication with other devices such as the server 10 via a communication interface (not shown).

[0028] The storage unit 340 is composed of a hard disk, flash memory, memory card, etc. The storage unit 340 stores package information 341 through the delivery support process. The package information 341 includes package information about packages that the user of the user terminal 30 is responsible for delivering on that day. Specifically, for example, in the case of the user terminal 30 of user A, the package information 341 includes package information about packages that user A is responsible for delivering on that day (FIG. 2: package information for ID=001, 002).

[0029] The input / output unit 350 is a variety of interfaces used for inputting and outputting information between the user terminal 30 and the user. The input / output unit 350 can be, for example, a camera or touch panel as an input unit, or a touch panel or LCD panel as a display unit (output unit). The current location acquisition unit 360 receives radio waves transmitted from artificial satellites constituting the GPS (Global Positioning System) or QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), and acquires current location information (latitude and longitude) indicating the current location of the user terminal 30. Here, because the user carries the user terminal 30, the current location acquired by the current location acquisition unit 360 can be considered the same as the user's current location.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure of the delivery support processing. In FIG. 3, the components of the server 10 are surrounded by a dashed line frame, and the user terminal 30 is simply represented as "terminal 30." The delivery support processing of this embodiment is processing that supports the user in delivering a package by using a package information DB 141 and a map information DB 142 that are prepared in advance. The delivery support processing can be executed at any timing. In the example of FIG. 3, the delivery support processing is executed in response to the start of a predetermined application installed on the user terminal 30. The following explanation will be given using user A as an example. The server 10 also executes similar processing individually for users B, C, etc. In the following examples, user A's user terminal 30 corresponds to a "specific terminal."

[0031] In step S10, when a predetermined application is started, the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 transmits the user ID to the server 10. The user ID is an ID that is uniquely assigned to each user to distinguish them from one another.

[0032] In step S12, the information unit 111 of the server 10 searches the package information DB 141 using the user ID as a key, and acquires information on packages (package information: information a1 to a11) for which the person in charge is the ID of user A and which should be delivered on the same day. In step S12, acquisition of the ID (information a1) and the person in charge (a11) from the package information may be omitted. In step S14, the information unit 111 of the server 10 generates a series of data to be used for screen display on the user terminal 30. The series of data to be used for screen display will hereinafter also be referred to as "display data." In step S16, the information unit 111 of the server 10 transmits the generated display data and the package information acquired in step S12 to the user terminal 30.

[0033] In step S18, the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 uses the received display data to display a screen on the input / output unit 350. In step S20, the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 stores the received package information in package information 341. Hereinafter, a series of screens displayed on the user terminal 30 using the display data will be described. Note that the server 10 and the user terminal 30 may repeatedly execute the processes of steps S14 to S18 to realize the screen transitions described below.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a map display screen W1. The map display screen W1 is a screen that is initially displayed on the user terminal 30 in step S18 of Fig. 3. The map display screen W1 includes a map, a plurality of pins P1 to P11 arranged on the map, a current location symbol PL, buttons B1 to B7, and a button B11. The center position and scale of the map displayed on the map display screen W1 can be determined arbitrarily.

[0035] Pins P1 to P11 are markers plotted on a map at positions corresponding to the delivery destinations of packages. In other words, pins P1 to P11 are markers that respectively represent the delivery destinations of multiple packages that user A has to deliver. Each pin is displayed in a different color according to the time period specified in the package information (information a6). Inside each pin is written a character that represents the package status (information a10) of the package information. In other words, each pin includes time period specified information a6 and package status information a10. If there are multiple delivery destinations in one apartment building, as with pins P1 and P6, a badge indicating the number corresponding to the number of delivery destinations is attached to the pin. Each pin corresponds to a "delivery destination pin."

[0036] Button B1 is a button for transitioning to the menu screen. On the menu screen, user A's personal settings (name, contact information, etc.) can be confirmed and changed, as well as general application settings (various initial values, etc.). Button B2 displays the total number of packages that user A needs to deliver that day. Tapping button B2 transitions to package list screen W2. Button B3 is a button for changing the map scale so that all packages that user A needs to deliver that day fit on one screen. For example, if button B2 displays "150 packages" as the total number of packages, tapping button B3 displays a wide-area map on map display screen W1 with pins for those 150 packages on one screen. Button B4 is a button for narrowing down (filtering) the pins. Tapping button B4 launches a window for specifying filter conditions. Filter conditions can be, for example, a time period (information a6) or package status (information a10). After setting the filter conditions, user A taps the OK button on the window. As a result, only the pins narrowed down by the specified conditions are displayed on the map display screen W1. Button B5 is a button for switching between displaying and hiding the pins on the map. Button B6 is a button for changing the center position of the map so that the current location symbol PL is at the center of the map. Button B7 is a button for enlarging (tapping +) or reducing (tapping -) the scale of the map on the map display screen W1.

[0037] The button B11 is a button that allows the user A to voluntarily perform a task termination operation. By tapping the button B11, the user A voluntarily fulfills a predetermined condition (task termination trigger) and executes the reset process described below. Details will be described later.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the parcel list screen W2. The parcel list screen W2 is a screen that is displayed when button B2 is tapped on the map display screen W1. The parcel list screen W2 includes button B100 displayed on the time zone slider bar, parcel information BI1 to BI4, and a cancel button BC. In the example of FIG. 5, only four parcels are displayed on the parcel list screen W2. However, by scrolling the screen, user A can view all of the parcel information for the parcels that are to be delivered that day on the parcel list screen W2.

[0039] The button B100 is a button for narrowing down the package information displayed in the package information BI1 to BI4 by specifying a time period (information a6) by sliding the button B100 to each time period displayed on the bar. The cancel button BC is a button for closing the package list screen W2 and transitioning to the map display screen W1.

[0040] Package information BI1 to BI4 displays information about individual packages that user A is to deliver on the day. Package information BI1 to BI4 may be sorted in ascending order of visit, in other words, in descending order of visit, under the narrowing conditions using button B11. The visit order may be set by user A or by the manager of the distribution center. Package information BI1 to BI4 may be sorted in random order, or according to any criteria such as registration order or alphabetical order.

[0041] For example, display D1 shown in FIG. 5 displays the time zone specification (information a6) and package status (information a10) of the package indicated by package information BI1. Display D2 displays the delivery address (information a1) of the package indicated by package information BI1. Display D3 displays the nameplate information / building / tenant information (information a4) of the package indicated by package information BI1. Display D4 displays the size and number of packages (information a8) indicated by package information BI1. Display D5 displays whether the package indicated by package information BI1 can be left at the door (information a9) and whether a delivery box can be used (information a7). Displays D6 and D7 display remarks (information a5) of the package indicated by package information BI4.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the package information details screen W3. The package information details screen W3 is a screen that is displayed when any one of package information BI1 to BI4 is tapped on the package list screen W2. Fig. 6 shows an example of the package information details screen W3 that is displayed when package information BI1 in Fig. 5 is tapped. The package information details screen W3 includes package information BI1 and buttons B111, B112, and B113.

[0043] The package information details screen W3 corresponds to a screen displaying details of a specific package information BI (BI1 in the illustrated example), and user A can view and edit package information BI using the package information details screen W3. Package information BI1 displays package information based on the current package information DB141. For example, user A can change the availability of the delivery box (information a7) by checking or unchecking the delivery box checkbox in the package information BI (BI1 in the illustrated example). User A can also change the nameplate information / building / tenant information (information a4) and remarks information (information a5) by entering text in the nameplate information and remarks information text boxes. User A can change the time zone specification (information a6) by moving the time specification selection mark. Furthermore, when the package delivery is complete, user A can change the package status (information a10) by moving the package status selection mark to "Complete." If user A goes to deliver a package but is unable to deliver it because the recipient is absent, he or she can change the package status (information a10) by moving the selection mark for package status to "absent."

[0044] Button B111 is a button for increasing or decreasing the amount of information displayed in package information BI (BI1 in the illustrated example). Button B112 is a button for navigating to the delivery destination indicated by package information BI (BI1 in the illustrated example). When button B112 is tapped, a route from the current location to the delivery address indicated in package information BI (BI1 in the illustrated example) is provided. The route for guidance may be calculated by the user terminal 30 or may be calculated by the server 10.

[0045] The button B113 is a button for confirming changes made using the input contents for the check boxes, text boxes, and selection marks described above. When a tap on the button B113 is detected, the user terminal 30 updates the package information 341 of the user terminal 30 using the input contents (values ​​of the check boxes, text boxes, and selection marks) on the package information details screen W3.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery destination information screen W4. The delivery destination information screen W4 is a screen that is displayed when any one pin is tapped on the map display screen W1. Fig. 7 shows an example of the delivery destination information screen W4 that is displayed when pin P1 is tapped. The delivery destination information screen W4 includes an enlarged map W41 and an information display W42.

[0047] The enlarged map W41 is a narrow-area map that shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the building to which the tapped pin is attached (in the illustrated example, the building BU1 to which the pin P1 is attached) with the building at its center.

[0048] The information display W42 includes an information BUI that displays information about the building to which the tapped pin is attached (in the illustrated example, building BU1 to which pin P1 is attached), and package information BI1 and BI2 for packages to be delivered to residents in the building. The package information BI1 and BI2 display the same information as in FIG. 6 (package list screen W2). The information BUI includes a display of the address and name of the building to which the tapped pin is attached (in the illustrated example, building BU1 to which pin P1 is attached), and buttons B101 and B102.

[0049] When the button B101 is tapped, a route from the current location to the delivery destination (building) represented by the information BUI is displayed. The route for the guidance may be calculated by the user terminal 30 or may be calculated by the server 10. The button B102 is a button for changing the setting of whether or not there is a delivery box in the building represented by the information BUI (information a3).

[0050] Returning to FIG. 3, the explanation will continue. User A delivers the parcel assigned to him / her while referring to the above-mentioned screens, and updates the parcel information 341. Specifically, for example, when user A completes the delivery of the parcel with ID=002, he / she changes the parcel status of the parcel to "Completed" on the parcel information details screen W3 and taps the button B113. As a result, the parcel status (information a10) of ID=002 in the parcel information 341 is updated to "Completed." For example, if user A delivers the parcel with ID=001 but is unable to deliver it because the recipient is not at home, he / she changes the parcel status of the parcel to "Absent" on the parcel information details screen W3 and taps the button B113. As a result, the parcel status (information a10) of ID=001 in the parcel information 341 is updated to "Absent." User A repeats this operation until the end of the day's work.

[0051] After completing the day's work, user A establishes the work end trigger. The work end trigger is established when either of the following conditions b1 or b2 is met. Either one of conditions b1 or b2 may be implemented in the application, or both may be implemented. If condition b2 is not implemented, button B11 on the map display screen W1 may be omitted. Conditions b1 and b2 correspond to "predetermined conditions." (b1) User A returns to the distribution center: The user terminal 30 can determine that condition b1 is met when the current location acquired by the current location acquisition unit 360 overlaps with the location of the distribution center. The location of the distribution center is pre-stored in the memory unit 340. It is preferable that the location of the distribution center is defined by a range of latitude and longitude rather than a specific latitude and longitude (i.e., a point). (b2) User A taps button B11 on map display screen W1: When the user terminal 30 detects a tap operation on button B11 on map display screen W1, it can determine that condition b2 is met. In condition b2, tapping button B11 on map display screen W1 corresponds to a "predetermined operation."

[0052] In step S40, the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 determines whether or not one of predetermined conditions b1 and b2 (business end triggers) is met. If either of the predetermined conditions b1 and b2 is met, the processing unit 311 causes the input / output unit 350 to display a reset confirmation screen W5.

[0053] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a reset confirmation screen W5. The reset confirmation screen W5 is a screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in step S40 of FIG. 3. In the example shown, the reset confirmation screen W5 is superimposed on the map display screen W1, but the display form of the reset confirmation screen W5 is not limited to this. The reset confirmation screen W5 includes a message M1, buttons B51 and B52, and a list BIL of incompletely delivered packages.

[0054] Message M1 is a message asking whether to return an incompletely delivered package to the delivery center. Here, "incompletely delivered packages" refers to packages that User A was assigned as the delivery person for that day, but that User A was unable to complete. Whether a delivery is incomplete or not can be determined from the package status (information a10) in package information 341. Specifically, in the example of this embodiment (FIG. 6), if the package status in package information 341 is "absent," the package is incompletely delivered. Package information about incompletely delivered packages is also referred to as "information about incomplete packages." Note that package status indicating incomplete delivery may be selected from options other than "absent," such as "time slot exceeded," "incomplete due to other reasons," etc. The list of incompletely delivered packages BIL displays individual package information about incompletely delivered packages (package status: absent, time slot exceeded, incomplete due to other reasons) in package information 341.

[0055] User A checks the contents of the list of incompletely delivered packages BIL, and then taps B51 if he / she wishes to reset the person in charge. User A taps B52 if he / she does not wish to perform the reset process, for example, if he / she has stopped by the distribution center for an erroneous reason other than the end of business, or if he / she has accidentally tapped button B11 on the map display screen W1. When detecting that button B51 has been tapped, the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 executes step S42 of FIG. 3. In step S42, the processing unit 311 transmits package information (information on incomplete packages) regarding packages that have not been delivered, among the package information stored in the package information 341, to the server 10.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the process of resetting the person in charge. FIG. 9(A) shows an example of the package information DB 141 after step S44 in FIG. 3 is executed. FIG. 9(B) shows an excerpt of the data for ID=001. In step S44 in FIG. 3, the guidance unit 111 of the server 10 updates the package information DB 141 using the package information acquired in step S42. Specifically, the guidance unit 111 extracts information from the package information DB 141 in which the person in charge (information a11) is user A, and then performs the following processes c1 and c2 on the extracted information. Step S44 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the "reset process." (c1) The information guiding unit 111 deletes the contents stored in the person in charge (information a11) for information whose ID matches the package information acquired in step S42 (i.e., package information about packages that have not yet been delivered). As a result, the person in charge with ID=001 is deleted, as shown in FIG. 9(A). (c2) The guidance unit 111 deletes the data itself for information for which process c1 was not performed, i.e., for package information for which the person in charge is user A and for which package information was not acquired in step S42. As a result, package information with ID=002 is deleted, as shown in FIG. 9(A). For ease of explanation, the data to be deleted is shaded gray in FIG. 9(A). Note that in process c2, instead of deleting the data, the package status may be updated to "completed."

[0057] As a result of the reset process, the assignment of a person in charge to parcels with incomplete delivery is automatically deleted, as shown in Figure 9(A). As a result, after the timing when the reset process is executed (either on a later day or later on the same day), the manager of the distribution center can easily identify parcels with incomplete delivery. The manager can then assign a new person in charge, C, to the parcels with incomplete delivery, as shown in Figure 9(B). Note that in Figure 9(B), because this is the second delivery, the parcel status has changed from "Delivered" to "Retry Delivery." In this way, automatically deleting the assignment of a person in charge to parcels with incomplete delivery is also very useful when the system automatically determines a delivery person.

[0058] As described above, according to the delivery support system 1 of the first embodiment, when predetermined conditions b1 and b2 are met for a specific terminal 30, which is a terminal of a specific user, the guidance unit 111 of the server 10 acquires information about an incomplete package from the specific terminal 30, indicating that the package status is incomplete (FIG. 3: step S42), and deletes the specific user from the person in charge of the incomplete package in the package information DB 141 of the storage unit 140 (FIG. 3: step S44). For example, when predetermined conditions b1 and b2 are met for the terminal 30 of user A, the guidance unit 111 acquires information about an incomplete package for which user A was the person in charge of delivery (step S42), and deletes the information from the storage unit that "the person in charge is A" for the incomplete package (step S44, FIG. 9(A)). Therefore, by linking predetermined conditions b1 and b2 with the task completion trigger for user A, the guidance unit 111 can automatically reset the assignment of person in charge = user A in the storage unit 140. As shown in Figure 9(B), the parcel for which the person assignment has been reset will be reassigned to a different person C at a later date, or on the same day, and delivered. In this way, the delivery support system 1 can be applied regardless of the position of user A (full-time employee, sole proprietor, etc.), and can simplify the work flow for managing the handling of parcels. As a result, the delivery support system 1 can improve the efficiency of delivery operations.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the delivery support system 1 of the first embodiment, the predetermined condition b1 is when the current location of the specific terminal 30 overlaps with the location of a predetermined delivery center, so the trigger for the end of user A's work can be "when the user returns to the delivery center." Generally, user A, who is a delivery person, often returns to the delivery center after completing work to unload unfinished packages from the vehicle. The server 10 of this embodiment can automatically determine the end of work depending on the situation.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the delivery support system 1 of the first embodiment, the predetermined condition b2 is when a predetermined operation from one user A is detected on the specific terminal 30, so the trigger for ending the job for user A can be "when user A voluntarily performs an operation to end the job." Depending on the position of user A as a delivery person, it is possible that user A may not return to the delivery center after completing the job. In such a case, the server 10 of this embodiment can determine the end of the job based on user A's voluntary operation.

[0061] B. Second embodiment: 10 is a diagram showing an example of a package information DB 141A in a delivery support system 1A according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the configuration of the package information DB 141A and the content of step S44 (reset processing) in FIG. 3 are different from those in the first embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 10(A) shows a first example of the package information DB 141A. In addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment, the package information DB 141A further includes a previous person in charge. The previous person in charge is the ID (or name, etc.) of the person in charge of delivering the package in the previous delivery. When using the package information DB 141A of FIG. 10(A), the guidance unit 111 of the server 10 deletes the person in charge in process c1 of step S44 of FIG. 3, and causes the previous person in charge to store the deleted person in charge ID (or name, etc.).

[0063] FIG. 10(B) shows a second example of the package information DB 141A. In addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment, the package information DB 141A further includes a reset count. The reset count is the number of times a responsible person has been deleted, in other words, the number of times step S44 (reset process) in FIG. 3 has been executed. The reset count is preset to an initial value of 0. When using the package information DB 141A in FIG. 10(B), the guidance unit 111 of the server 10 deletes the responsible person and increments the reset count (+1) in process c1 of step S44 in FIG. 3.

[0064] Fig. 10(C) shows a third example of the package information DB 141A. In addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment, the package information DB 141A further includes previous information. The previous information refers to information from the last time a delivery person was deleted. The previous information may include one or more of the following d1 to d3. (d1) Specify the time period for the previous delivery. (d2) Delivery address for the previous delivery. (d3) The date and time when step S44 (reset process) in FIG. 3 was last executed. When using the parcel information DB141A of Figure 10(C), the information section 111 of the server 10 deletes the person in charge in process c1 of step S44 of Figure 3, and stores at least one of the time zone specification (information a6), the delivery address (information a2), and the date and time when process c1 was performed in the previous information.

[0065] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a management screen W100. The management screen W100 is a screen displayed on the input / output unit 150 of the server 10 in the delivery support system 1A of the second embodiment. The person who references the management screen W100 is not the user (delivery person) of the user terminal 30, but the user of the server 10 (i.e., the manager of the delivery center). The management screen W100 includes a map W101, a list of responsible persons W102, a package list W103, details W104, and reset information W105.

[0066] The map W101 is a map on which all delivery destination pins for all users are arranged. Each of the delivery destination pins arranged on the map W101 is displayed in a different color according to the time period specified, similar to pins P1 to P11 on the map display screen W1 (FIG. 4). The map W101 may also display symbols indicating the current locations of all users. The person in charge list W102 is a screen for displaying information about users of the delivery support system 1, i.e., delivery people managed by the server 10. The package list W103 is a screen for displaying a list of packages to be delivered that day at the delivery center. The details W104 is a screen for displaying package information (package information: information a1 to a11) for one or a predetermined number of packages selected in the package list W103. The reset information W105 is a screen for displaying information about resetting the delivery person from the package information DB 141A.

[0067] The information about resetting explained in Fig. 10 (last person in charge, number of resets, last information) is displayed in the package list W103 and / or reset information W105 of the management screen W100. In the package list W103, information about resetting is displayed in association with the package, as explained in Figs. 10(A) to (C). In the reset information W105, information about resetting can be filtered according to conditions specified by the administrator.

[0068] In this way, the package information DB 141A may be configured to store information related to resetting (last person in charge, number of resets, last information). The information related to resetting described in FIGS. 10(A) to 10(C) may be used individually or in combination, such as "last person in charge + number of resets." The delivery support system 1A of this second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the delivery support system 1A of the second embodiment, the package information DB 141A described in FIG. 10(A) includes a previous person in charge indicating the user who was in charge of delivering the package the previous time, and the information unit 111 of the server 10 deletes the person in charge and stores a single user (e.g., user A) as the previous person in charge of the incomplete package. This allows the previous person in charge to be stored in the package information DB 141A. The previous person in charge can be used to assign a person in charge to redeliver the package, to investigate the cause of damage to the package, and to evaluate the user (delivery person).

[0070] Furthermore, according to the delivery support system 1A of the second embodiment, the package information DB 141A described in FIG. 10(B) includes a reset count indicating the number of times a person in charge has been deleted, and the notification unit 111 of the server 10 increments the reset count for an incomplete package when a person in charge is deleted. This allows the reset count to be stored in the package information DB 141A. The reset count can be used to determine the delivery order of packages, manage recipient information (customer information), and so on.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the delivery support system 1A of the second embodiment, the package information DB 141A described in FIG. 10(C) includes previous information (time zone designation, delivery destination, reset date and time) indicating information when the person in charge was deleted, and the information handling unit 111 of the server 10 updates the previous information of the incomplete package along with the deletion of the person in charge. Therefore, the previous information can be stored in the package information DB 141A. The previous information can be used for assigning a person in charge for redelivery of the package, managing recipient information (customer information), evaluating the user (delivery person), etc.

[0072] C. Third embodiment: Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a reset confirmation screen W5B in the delivery support system 1B of the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a package information DB 141B of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the configuration of the reset confirmation screen W5B and the configuration of the package information DB 141B differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 12, in addition to the configuration described in the first embodiment, the reset confirmation screen W5B further displays buttons B53, B54, and B55 next to each piece of parcel information in the incomplete parcel list BIL. The buttons B53, B54, and B55 are buttons for inputting information to be handed over. For example, when user A taps button B53, a character input screen is displayed on the reset confirmation screen W5B. User A inputs the information to be handed over on the input screen and taps the OK button. As a result, the parcel information for "Recipient = Takeda" in the parcel information 341 is associated with and stored in the parcel information. In process c1 of step S44 of FIG. 3, the information handling unit 111 of the server 10 deletes the responsible party and updates the information to be handed over shown in FIG. 13. The information to be handed over may be displayed, for example, on the parcel list screen W2 (FIG. 5) or the management screen W100 (FIG. 11). The appearance of the pin displayed on the parcel list screen W2 or the management screen W100 may be changed depending on whether or not there are any information to be handed over.

[0074] In this way, the reset confirmation screen W5B may be configured to allow input of handover information. The delivery support system 1B of the third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the delivery support system 1B of the third embodiment, the handover information stored in the package information DB 141B can be utilized by the manager of the delivery center and the next user who will be responsible for delivering the package. As a result, the efficiency of delivery operations can be further improved.

[0075] D. Variations: In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. In addition, the following modifications are also possible.

[0076] Variation 1: Although the above embodiment shows an example of the configuration of the delivery support system, the server, and the user terminal, any configuration may be adopted for each device.

[0077] For example, the server 10 may be configured as a device that only acquires package information and provides information on the delivery destination. In other words, the server 10 does not need to have a function to support package delivery (a display support function such as a filter, a navigation function from the current location to the delivery destination).

[0078] For example, at least one of the baggage information DB 141 and the map information DB 142 of the server 10 may be stored in the user terminal 30 or an external server connected via the Internet INT. For example, the configurations of the baggage information DB 141 and the map information DB 142 described above are merely examples, and some of the illustrated information may be omitted, other information not illustrated may be included, or the DBs may be divided and stored in multiple databases.

[0079] Variation 2: In the above embodiment, the delivery support process (FIG. 3) has been described using an example of a processing procedure. However, these processing procedures can be modified in various ways, and the processing content of each step may be added, omitted, or changed, and the execution order of each step may be changed. Note that the commands for causing the user terminal 30 to execute steps S18, 20, 30, and 40 are included in the display data generated by the server 10 in step S14. Therefore, it can be said that the server 10 causes the user terminal 30 to execute these steps.

[0080] For example, in step S40 of FIG. 3, when the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 detects a tap on button B11 on the map display screen W1, it determines that condition b2 is satisfied, i.e., that a "predetermined operation" has been performed. However, the "predetermined operation" that satisfies condition b2 is not limited to tapping button B11 and can be variously modified. For example, the "predetermined operation" may be a predetermined motion input on any of the screens shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, or a predetermined voice command. Furthermore, the user may be able to set which operation is the "predetermined operation" on a menu screen that is displayed by tapping button B1. In this way, for example, users A, B, and C can each set an operation that is easy for each user to use.

[0081] For example, in step S42 of Fig. 3, the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 may transmit only the IDs of packages whose delivery has not been completed to the server 10. For example, in step S42 of Fig. 3, the processing unit 311 of the user terminal 30 may transmit not only the packages whose delivery has not been completed but also all of the package information 341 to the server 10. In this case, in step S42, the information unit 111 of the server 10 may refer to the package status in the received package information 341, identify packages whose delivery has not been completed and packages whose delivery has been completed, and then execute processes c1 and c2 to update the package information DB 141.

[0082] For example, in the parcel information DB 141A of FIG. 10(B) of the second embodiment, the allowable number of resets may be used instead of the number of resets. The allowable number of resets indicates the remaining number of times that the deletion of the responsible party can be executed. In this case, the initial value of the allowable number of resets is set to a specific number (e.g., 3) determined in advance by the delivery company. In process c1 of step S44 of FIG. 3, the notification unit 111 of the server 10 deletes the responsible party and decrements (−1) the allowable number of resets. In this way, when the allowable number of resets reaches 0, it becomes possible to warn the recipient or charge the recipient an additional fee.

[0083] Variation 3: In the above embodiment, an example of the screen configuration and screen transitions was described for various screens displayed on the user terminal 30. However, these screen configurations and screen transitions can be modified in various ways, and items to be arranged on each screen may be added, omitted, or changed, and the transition order of each screen may be changed.

[0084] For example, the reset confirmation screen W5 may be configured such that the list of incompletely delivered packages BIL has a check box next to each package, and the reset process (FIG. 3: step S44) is executed only for packages for which the check box is checked. For example, the display of the list of incompletely delivered packages BIL on the reset confirmation screen W5 may be omitted. For example, the reset confirmation screen W5 itself may be omitted.

[0085] Variation 4: The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above-described problems or achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

[0086] For example, the above-described first to third embodiments and modifications 1 to 3 may be appropriately combined. For example, the package information DB 141 may be configured to have any of the features described in the second embodiment and the feature described in the third embodiment.

[0087] The present invention can also be realized in the following forms. [Application example 1] A guide device, a storage unit that stores package information regarding a plurality of packages to be delivered by a user, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating the delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of delivering the package; a guidance unit that provides, via each of the user's terminals, the package information regarding the package for which the user is the person in charge; Equipped with The guide unit is When a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one of the users, at least information on an incomplete package indicating that the package status is an incomplete package is acquired from the specific terminal; A guidance device that deletes one of the users from the person in charge of the incomplete luggage in the luggage information of the storage unit. [Application example 2] The guide device according to Application Example 1, The predetermined condition is that the current location of the specific terminal overlaps with the location of a predetermined distribution center. [Application example 3] The guide device according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2, The predetermined condition is that a predetermined operation from one of the users is detected at the specific terminal. [Application example 4] The guide device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 3, The package information further includes a previous person in charge indicating the user who was in charge of delivering the package last time, The guidance unit, when the predetermined condition is met, deletes the person in charge and stores one of the users as the previous person in charge of the incomplete luggage. [Application example 5] The guide device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, The package information further includes a reset count indicating the number of times the person in charge has been deleted. The guidance unit, when the predetermined condition is met, deletes the person in charge and increments the reset count for the incomplete luggage. [Application Example 6] The guide device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5, The package information further includes an allowable reset count indicating the remaining number of times that the deletion of the person in charge can be executed, The guidance unit, when the predetermined condition is met, deletes the person in charge and decrements the allowable reset count for the incomplete baggage. [Application Example 7] The guide device according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, The package information further includes previous information indicating information when the person in charge was deleted, The previous information includes one or more of the time zone designation of the incomplete package, the delivery destination of the incomplete package, and the date and time when the deletion of the person in charge was executed, The guidance unit deletes the person in charge and updates the previous information of the uncompleted package when the predetermined condition is met. [Application Example 8] A guidance method, comprising: an information processing device connected to a storage unit that stores package information regarding a plurality of packages to be delivered by a user, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating the delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of delivering the package; a guidance step of providing, via each of the user's terminals, the package information regarding the package for which the user is the person in charge; In the guiding step, When a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one of the users, at least information on an incomplete package indicating that the package status is an incomplete package is acquired from the specific terminal; A guidance method in which one of the users is deleted from the person in charge of the incomplete package in the package information in the storage unit. [Application Example 9] A computer program, comprising: an information processing device connected to a storage unit that stores package information regarding a plurality of packages to be delivered by a user, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating the delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of delivering the package; a guidance function for providing information on the parcels for which the users are in charge via the respective terminals of the users, The guidance function is When a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one of the users, at least information on an incomplete package indicating that the package status is an incomplete package is acquired from the specific terminal; A computer program that deletes one of the users from the person in charge of the incomplete package from the package information in the storage unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1, 1A, 1B...Delivery support system 10...Server 30...User terminal, specific terminal 110...CPU 111…Information Department 120…Communications Department 130...ROM / RAM 140...Storage section 141...Baggage information database 142...Map information database 150…Input / output section 310...CPU 311... Processing section 320…Communications Department 330...ROM / RAM 340...Storage section 341...Baggage information 350…Input / output section 360…Current position acquisition unit

Claims

1. A guide device, a storage unit that stores package information regarding a plurality of packages to be delivered by a user, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating the delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of delivering the package; a guidance unit that provides, via each of the user's terminals, the package information regarding the package for which the user is the person in charge; Equipped with The guide unit is When a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one of the users, at least information on an incomplete package indicating that the package status is an incomplete package is acquired from the specific terminal; A guidance device that deletes one of the users from the person in charge of the incomplete luggage in the luggage information of the storage unit.

2. The guide device according to claim 1, The predetermined condition is that the current location of the specific terminal overlaps with the location of a predetermined distribution center.

3. The guide device according to claim 1, The predetermined condition is that a predetermined operation from one of the users is detected at the specific terminal.

4. The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The package information further includes a previous person in charge indicating the user who was in charge of delivering the package last time, The guidance device, wherein the guidance unit deletes the person in charge when the predetermined condition is met, and stores one of the users as the previous person in charge of the incomplete luggage.

5. The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The package information further includes a reset count indicating the number of times the person in charge has been deleted. The guidance unit, when the predetermined condition is met, deletes the person in charge and increments the reset count for the incomplete luggage.

6. The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The package information further includes an allowable reset count indicating the remaining number of times that the deletion of the person in charge can be executed, The guidance unit, when the predetermined condition is met, deletes the person in charge and decrements the allowable reset count for the incomplete baggage.

7. The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The package information further includes previous information indicating information when the person in charge was deleted, The previous information includes one or more of the time zone designation of the incomplete package, the delivery destination of the incomplete package, and the date and time when the deletion of the person in charge was executed, The guidance unit deletes the person in charge and updates the previous information of the uncompleted package when the predetermined condition is met.

8. A guidance method, comprising: an information processing device connected to a storage unit that stores package information regarding a plurality of packages to be delivered by a user, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating the delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of delivering the package; a guidance step of providing, via each of the user's terminals, the package information regarding the package for which the user is the person in charge; In the guiding step, When a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one of the users, at least information on an incomplete package indicating that the package status is an incomplete package is acquired from the specific terminal; A guidance method in which one of the users is deleted from the person in charge of the incomplete package in the package information in the storage unit.

9. A computer program, comprising: an information processing device connected to a storage unit that stores package information regarding a plurality of packages to be delivered by a user, the package information including at least a delivery destination of the package, a package status indicating the delivery status of the package, and a person in charge indicating the user who is in charge of delivering the package; a guidance function for providing information on the parcel information for which the user is the person in charge via each of the user's terminals, The guidance function is When a predetermined condition is met for a specific terminal that is a terminal of one of the users, at least information on an incomplete package indicating that the package status is an incomplete package is acquired from the specific terminal; A computer program that deletes one of the users from the person in charge of the incomplete package from the package information in the storage unit.

Images