Proposed system and method

Abstract

We provide a system that suggests the next delivery destination. [Solution] The proposed system comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires delivery destination information relating to multiple delivery destinations, including time information relating to the desired delivery time slot for each of the multiple delivery destinations; an extraction unit that extracts from the multiple delivery destinations the following: a first type of delivery destination where the current time is past the desired delivery time slot, a second type of delivery destination where the current time is within the desired delivery time slot, and a third type of delivery destination where no desired delivery time slot is set; a selection unit that selects a predetermined number of N or fewer delivery destination candidates from the extracted first type of delivery destinations, second type of delivery destinations, and third type of delivery destinations; and a proposal unit that proposes the selected delivery destination candidates as the next delivery destinations for the delivery person.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a proposal system and a proposal method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation device that displays a destination candidate estimated to be selected by a driver from a plurality of destination candidates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the delivery business of delivering packages, the delivery person selects the next delivery destination by himself / herself from a plurality of delivery destinations. When the number of delivery destinations is large, it may take time to select the next delivery destination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] [[ID=???]] The present disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] It seems there are some tags with "???" which might be incorrect or incomplete in the original. If this is a formatting issue, you may want to double-check the original text for accurate translation.(1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a proposal system is provided. This proposal system includes: an acquisition unit that acquires delivery destination information relating to a plurality of delivery destinations, including time information relating to the desired delivery time slot for each of the plurality of delivery destinations; an extraction unit that extracts at least one of the following from the plurality of delivery destinations: a first type of delivery destination where the current time is past the desired delivery time slot; a second type of delivery destination where the current time is included in the desired delivery time slot; and a third type of delivery destination where no desired delivery time slot is set; a selection unit that selects a predetermined number of N or fewer delivery destination candidates from the extracted first type of delivery destination, the second type of delivery destination, and the third type of delivery destination; and a proposal unit that proposes the selected delivery destination candidates as the next delivery destination for the delivery person. According to this embodiment, from among the plurality of delivery destinations, delivery destinations where a time before the current time is set in the desired delivery time slot and delivery destinations where a time before the desired delivery time slot is not set can be proposed as the next delivery destination. The delivery person can efficiently select the next delivery destination from the proposed next delivery destinations. (2) In the proposed system of the above form, the selection unit may select the first type of delivery destination as a candidate for delivery destination, prioritizing it over the second type of delivery destination and the third type of delivery destination. With this form, delivery personnel can reduce the likelihood of overlooking the first type of delivery destination, which should be prioritized for delivery. (3) In the proposed system of the above form, the delivery destination information includes location information for each of the multiple delivery destinations, and the selection unit may select at least one of the second type and third type delivery destinations as a candidate delivery destination from the second type and third type delivery destinations that are ranked in order of shortest distance or route length from the delivery person's current location to the location indicated by the location information, such that the total number of second type and third type delivery destinations is less than or equal to (NA). (4) In the proposed system of the above form, the selection unit may select the second type of delivery destination as a candidate for the delivery destination, prioritizing it over the third type of delivery destination. This form increases the opportunities for the delivery person to select the second type of delivery destination, which is preferable to deliver to within the desired delivery time slot, as the next delivery destination. (5) In the proposed system of the above form, a display unit may be provided, and the proposal unit may display a list of delivery destination candidates, including at least one of the second type of delivery destination and the third type of delivery destination, in order of shortest distance or shortest route length. With this form, the delivery person can easily determine which of the delivery destination candidates has the shortest distance or shortest route length. This disclosure can be implemented in forms other than the proposed system described above, such as a method of provision, a program, or a tangible, non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded in a way that is readable by a computer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the proposed system. [Figure 2] This is a diagram explaining the reception screen. [Figure 3] This is a diagram explaining the map screen. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the luggage list screen. [Figure 5] This is the first flowchart showing the processing steps for the proposal. [Figure 6] This is the second flowchart showing the processing steps for the proposal. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the suggestion screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. Embodiments: A1. System configuration: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the proposed system 10 in the first embodiment. The proposed system 10 is used, for example, in delivery services that mainly deliver packages to building entrances and the like using a vehicle. The proposed system 10 comprises a mobile terminal 100 and a server 200.

[0009] The mobile terminal 100 is used by delivery personnel. Typically, the delivery personnel first load multiple packages to be delivered that day into their vehicle at a collection point. Then, the delivery personnel travel to delivery locations in order and deliver the packages. The suggestion system 10 has a guidance function that guides the delivery personnel along the route to the delivery location, and a suggestion function that proposes the next delivery location after the delivery is completed.

[0010] The mobile terminal 100 is, for example, a smartphone. The mobile terminal 100 can exchange information with a server 200 connected to the Internet 80 via a communication carrier 70 which includes a transmitting and receiving antenna, a wireless base station, and a switching station. The mobile terminal 100 is configured as a computer that includes a CPU 110 as a central processing unit, a storage unit 120 such as ROM or RAM, a touch panel 130, a communication unit 131, and a positioning unit 132. Each part, such as the CPU 110, is connected to one another via an internal bus or interface circuit.

[0011] The communication unit 131 is a circuit for data communication with the server 200 via the communication carrier 70, or for wireless LAN communication. The touch panel 130 has the function of a display device for displaying information and the function of an input device for accepting input from human operations such as tapping. The positioning unit 132 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and determines the latitude and longitude of the current location of the mobile terminal 100 based on radio waves received from artificial satellites that constitute the GNSS.

[0012] The CPU 110 controls all parts of the mobile terminal 100. The memory unit 120 stores programs for providing the functions offered in this embodiment. The CPU 110 has functional units such as a data reception unit 111, a suggestion unit 112, and a route guidance unit 113. The mobile terminal 100 has a delivery application program 121 installed. Each functional unit, such as the data reception unit 111, is realized by executing the delivery application program 121 stored in the memory unit 120.

[0013] The data reception unit 111 receives delivery destination data 122, described later, for example via the touch panel 130, and stores it in the storage unit 120. The suggestion unit 112 suggests the next delivery destination for the delivery person from among multiple delivery destinations.

[0014] The route guidance unit 113 acquires map data, route data, and guidance data from the server 200 during route guidance, as described later. Map data is data that represents the shapes of roads and features. Features refer to things that occupy land, whether natural or artificial, and mean things that exist in the real world, such as rivers, mountains, plants, bridges, railways, and buildings. Map data, for example, includes information representing the latitude and longitude of features, which is registered in association with the type of feature. The route guidance unit 113 acquires map data around the current location in parcel units divided into a mesh. Route data is data that represents the route from the starting point to the destination. Route data may include data that represents the route including waypoints passed through to the destination. Guidance data is data that includes images of guide signs and intersections around the route represented by the route data, images of interchange entrances and exits, etc. The route guidance unit 113 acquires guidance data every time a predetermined distance is traveled along the route. Data acquired by the communication unit 131 is stored in the storage unit 120. The route guidance unit 113 acquires route data, for example, when generating a route or rerouting. Rerouting refers to the process of setting a new route when the current location deviates from the route. Route generation and rerouting are performed by either the server 200 or the mobile terminal 100.

[0015] The route guidance unit 113 controls the touch panel 130 based on various data received from the server 200 and the current position acquired by the positioning unit 132 to perform route guidance. Specifically, the route guidance unit 113 acquires map data around the current position from the server 200, displays the map on the touch panel 130, and displays the route represented by the route data acquired from the server 200 on the map.

[0016] The storage unit 120 stores a delivery application program 121, which is a computer program, and delivery destination data 122. In the following description, the CPU 110 that executes the delivery application program 121 may sometimes be simply described as the "delivery application 121".

[0017] The server 200 includes a CPU 210 as a central processing unit, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 202. Each unit such as the CPU 210 is interconnected via a bus, an interface circuit, or the like. The communication unit 202 is a circuit for communicating with the mobile terminal 100 via the Internet 80.

[0018] The CPU 210 overall controls each unit of the server 200. The storage unit 220 stores programs for providing each function provided in the present embodiment. The CPU 210 has, as functional units, a route generation unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, an extraction unit 213, a selection unit 214, and the like. Each functional unit is realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 220.

[0019] When the route generation unit 211 receives a route generation request or rerouting request from the mobile terminal 100 via the communication unit 202, it performs route generation processing to generate a route according to the request. When the route generation unit 211 receives a destination specified by the route generation request or rerouting request from the mobile terminal 100, it searches for a route to the specified destination using road network data, which will be described later, and generates route data. As the algorithm used for route generation, well-known algorithms such as Dijkstra's algorithm or A-Star algorithm can be used. The route generation unit 211 transmits the generated route data, along with map data and guidance data, to the mobile terminal 100 via the communication unit 202.

[0020] The memory unit 220 is, for example, RAM, ROM, or a hard disk drive (HDD). Map data, navigation data, road network data, delivery destination information 223, etc., are stored in the read / write area of ​​the memory unit 220.

[0021] Road network data represents the connectivity of roads through link data representing roads and node data representing intersections, bends, and dead ends. Node data includes information representing latitude and longitude. Link data includes information indicating the nodes that make up the link data and cost information representing the travel time required to traverse that road.

[0022] A2. Delivery application: This section explains each function provided by the delivery application 121, following the typical workflow of a delivery driver.

[0023] The delivery person uses a mobile terminal 100 to input delivery destination data 122 for multiple delivery destinations scheduled for that day. The delivery destination data 122 includes delivery destination information such as the address, which is the location information of the delivery destination, and package information such as time information regarding the desired delivery time slot. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the reception screen SC1 that accepts input of the delivery destination data 122. When the delivery application 121 is launched, it displays the reception screen SC1 on the touch panel 130.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the reception screen SC1 has a delivery address information input area IM101 and a package information input area IM102. Additionally, a selection button IM103 is displayed on the reception screen SC1.

[0025] The delivery address information input area IM101 is the area where delivery address information is entered. In addition to the delivery address to which the package will be delivered, the delivery address information includes information such as whether or not there is a delivery box and information about the resident's presence at home, such as whether they are "often away from home".

[0026] The package information input area IM102 is an area where information about packages is entered. Package information includes information about the delivery status, information about the specified delivery time, and information about the package's characteristics, such as "Fragile."

[0027] The package information input area IM102 displays buttons for entering information about the delivery status: "Delivered," "Absent," "Redelivery," "Collection," and "Completed."

[0028] The package information input area IM102 displays buttons for entering preferred delivery time slots: "None", "Morning", "12-14:00", "14-16:00", "16-18:00", "18-20:00", "19-21:00", and "20-21:00".

[0029] The delivery person looks at the delivery slip attached to the package and the package itself, enters the information for each package, and after finishing the input, taps the selection button IM103 to select it. In the following explanation, tapping the screen to select will simply be referred to as "selecting". When the data reception unit 111 determines that the selection button IM103 has been selected, it stores the delivery destination data 122 in the storage unit 120, associating the entered information with an identifier uniquely attached to the package. For example, the slip number can be used as the identifier. The data reception unit 111 also sends the delivery destination data 122 to the server 200. When the server 200 receives the delivery destination data 122, it stores it in the storage unit 220 as delivery destination information 223. The delivery destination information 223 includes time information regarding the delivery time slot for each delivery destination and location information for each delivery destination. The delivery destination information 223 also includes information on the delivery status and desired delivery time for each delivery destination.

[0030] Delivery personnel can input delivery destination data 122 on the reception screen SC1 at any time, not just when loading the items onto the vehicle.

[0031] Furthermore, the person who inputs the delivery destination data 122 or creates the delivery destination information 223 is not limited to the delivery person. The delivery destination data 122 and delivery destination information 223 may be input by, for example, an administrator using a PC (Personal Computer) that can communicate with the server 200. Also, information written on the delivery slip may be input during the delivery process, for example, from the time the package is received from the sender until it is delivered. In such cases, the server 200 may store the delivery destination information 223 input during the delivery process in the storage unit 220.

[0032] Once the delivery person has finished entering the delivery destination data 122 for all delivery destinations, the map screen SC2 is displayed. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the map screen SC2 displayed by the delivery application 121.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the map screen SC2 displays the map image IM201, candidate pins IM202, and the current location pointer IM203. Candidate pins IM202 indicate multiple delivery destinations.

[0034] The candidate pins IM202 and the current location pointer IM203 are displayed overlaid on the map image IM201. The candidate pins IM202 are pins that indicate the location of each delivery destination on the map. The candidate pins IM202 are displayed as selectable. The candidate pins IM202 are displayed in different colors according to the desired delivery time slot. Although omitted in Figure 3, the candidate pins IM202 also have numbers indicating the desired delivery time slot overlaid on them. The current location pointer IM203 is a pointer that indicates the location of the mobile terminal 100, i.e., the current location of the delivery person.

[0035] Furthermore, on the right edge of the map screen SC2, multiple icons, including the first icon IM204 and the second icon IM205, are displayed superimposed on the map image IM201. The first icon IM204 is an icon that activates the address reading function by scanning the delivery slip. The address reading function by scanning the delivery slip is a function that automatically inputs the delivery address by scanning the delivery slip attached to the package with a camera (not shown) on the mobile terminal 100.

[0036] The second icon, IM205, is the icon that activates the suggestion function. The suggestion function suggests potential delivery destinations for the next delivery after one delivery has been completed.

[0037] Furthermore, a third icon, IM206, is displayed at the bottom of the map screen SC2. The third icon, IM206, is the icon that activates the package list display function. The third icon, IM206, displays both the number of delivery destinations and the number of absent recipients. When the third icon, IM206, is selected, the delivery application 121 displays the package list screen SC3 on the touch panel 130. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the package list screen SC3. As shown in Figure 4, the package list screen SC3 displays information for each delivery destination in a list.

[0038] The delivery person selects the first delivery destination by selecting candidate pin IM202 displayed on the map screen SC2 shown in Figure 3. The route guidance unit 113 requests the server 200 to generate a route to the delivery destination corresponding to the selected candidate pin IM202. The route generation unit 211 of the server 200 performs route generation processing to create route data and transmits the created route data along with map data and guidance data to the mobile terminal 100. The route guidance unit 113 of the mobile terminal 100 uses the received route data and other information to display the travel route from the current location to the delivery destination corresponding to the selected pin on the map.

[0039] Once the delivery person has completed the initial delivery process, they confirm the "delivery status" of the destination by selecting a selection button displayed in the package information input area IM102 on the reception screen SC1 (Figure 2). If the delivery person has completed the delivery to the destination, they select the "Completed" button. On the other hand, if the delivery person was unable to deliver the package due to the recipient's absence, they select the "Absent" button. The delivery application 121 sends the information on the "delivery status" of the destination confirmed by the delivery person to the server 200.

[0040] When server 200 receives "delivery status" information, it updates the delivery address information 223. Specifically, the delivery address information 223 has a "delivery status" field that is associated with the delivery address identifier. When server 200 creates the delivery address information 223, it sets the value of this "delivery status" to its initial value of "delivered". Then, when it receives "delivery status" information, server 200 updates the value of "delivery status" to the received information, specifically "completed" or "absent".

[0041] The delivery person can perform the next delivery step by selecting candidate pin IM202 displayed on the map screen SC2 shown in Figure 3, just as with the first delivery. Furthermore, the delivery application 121 of this embodiment has a suggestion function that selects and suggests a predetermined number of N delivery destination candidates from among multiple delivery destinations. This allows the delivery person to efficiently select the next delivery destination. The suggestion function is particularly useful for novice delivery people.

[0042] When the delivery application 121 selects the second icon IM205 on the map screen SC2 shown in Figure 3, it requests the server 200 to provide delivery destination candidates. Upon receiving the request for delivery destination candidates, the CPU 210 of the server 200 performs the suggestion process shown in Figure 5.

[0043] Figure 5 is a first flowchart showing the processing steps of the proposal process. Figure 6 is a second flowchart showing the processing steps of the proposal process. The proposed method is realized by performing the proposal process. In step S1 of Figure 5, the acquisition unit 212 acquires the delivery destination information 223 stored in the storage unit 220 for calculation processing. Note that the delivery destination information 223 may be stored in a communication-enabled information processing device other than the server 200. In this case, the acquisition unit 212 acquires the delivery destination information 223 by communicating with the information processing device that stores the delivery destination information 223.

[0044] In step S2, the extraction unit 213 extracts from the multiple delivery destinations included in the delivery destination information 223 acquired by the acquisition unit 212: Type 1 delivery destinations where the current time is past the desired delivery time slot, Type 2 delivery destinations where the current time is within the desired delivery time slot, and Type 3 delivery destinations where no desired delivery time slot is set. "No desired delivery time slot is set" refers to delivery destinations where the "None" button is selected in the package information input area IM102 of the reception screen SC1 in Figure 2.

[0045] In the following description, a Type 1 delivery address will also be referred to as a "delivery delay" address, a Type 2 delivery address will also be referred to as a "delivery time slot" address, and a Type 3 delivery address will also be referred to as a "no specification" address.

[0046] The extraction unit 213 uses Quantity A, Quantity B, and Quantity C in the suggestion process. Quantity A, Quantity B, and Quantity C are variables. Quantity A indicates the number of extracted "delivery delay" destinations. Quantity B indicates the number of extracted "delivery time slot" destinations. Quantity C indicates the number of "unspecified" destinations. The extraction unit 213 sets the extracted number of "delivery delay" destinations to the value of Quantity A. The extraction unit 213 sets the extracted number of "delivery time slot" destinations to the value of Quantity B. The extraction unit 213 sets the extracted number of "unspecified" destinations to the value of Quantity C.

[0047] Next, the selection unit 214 selects a predetermined number of N or fewer delivery destination candidates from the extracted "delivery delay" destinations, "delivery time slot" destinations, and "no specification" destinations. In this embodiment, the value of the number N is 5. In this embodiment, the selection unit 214 selects "delivery delay" destinations as delivery destination candidates with priority over "delivery time slot" destinations and "no specification" destinations.

[0048] Specifically, in step S3, the selection unit 214 first determines whether the number A of delivery destinations with "delivery delays" is less than the number N. If it determines that the number A is not less than the number N, in step S4, the selection unit 214 selects the top N delivery destinations that are closest in a straight line distance from the mobile terminal 100, i.e., the delivery person's current location, to the location of the delivery destination. In other words, in this case, N delivery destinations with "delivery delays," which are the highest priority, are selected. The selection unit 214 transmits information on the selected N or fewer candidate delivery destinations to the mobile terminal 100. After performing step S4, the selection unit 214 proceeds to step S13 in Figure 6.

[0049] In step S3 of Figure 5, if it is determined that the number A is less than the number N, the selection unit 214 selects delivery destination candidates from among the delivery destinations other than those with "delivery delay". Specifically, in step S12 or step S14 described later, the selection unit 214 selects (NA) or fewer delivery destination candidates from the delivery destinations with "delivery time slot" and the delivery destinations with "no specification". Then, in step S13 described later, the proposal unit 112 proposes the delivery destinations selected as candidates: the delivery destinations with "delivery delay", the delivery destinations with "delivery time slot", and the delivery destinations with "no specification". In this embodiment, the delivery destinations with "delivery time slot" are further selected as delivery destination candidates with priority over the delivery destinations with "no specification".

[0050] In order to select delivery destination candidates from among the delivery destinations other than those with "delivery delays," first, in steps S5 and S6, it is determined whether there are at least two types of delivery destination candidates: those with a "delivery time slot" and those with "no specification." Specifically, in step S5, the selection unit 214 determines whether the quantity B is greater than "0." If it is determined in step S5 that the quantity B is greater than "0," then there are at least two delivery destinations with a "delivery time slot," and the processing steps proceed to step S10 in Figure 6. In step S5, the selection unit 214 determines whether the quantity B is greater than "0." If it is determined in step S5 in Figure 5 that the quantity B is not greater than "0," then in step S6, the selection unit 214 determines whether the quantity C is greater than "0." If it is determined in step S6 that the quantity C is greater than "0," then there are at least two delivery destinations with "no specification," and the processing steps proceed to step S10 in Figure 6.

[0051] If in step S6 the selection unit 214 determines that the quantity C is not greater than "0", then in step S7 the selection unit 214 determines whether the quantity A is greater than "0". If in step S7 the selection unit 214 determines that the quantity A is not greater than "0", then since no delivery destinations with "delivery delay", "delivery time slot", or "no specification" have been extracted, in step S8 the selection unit 214 creates a message indicating that there are no delivery destination candidates and sends it to the mobile terminal 100.

[0052] If in step S7 the number A is determined to be greater than "0", then N or fewer delivery destinations with "delivery delay" have been extracted. Therefore, in step S9 the selection unit 214 sets the delivery destinations with "delivery delay" as delivery destination candidates. The selection unit 214 sends the information of the set N or fewer delivery destination candidates to the mobile terminal 100. After performing step S9, the selection unit 214 proceeds to step S13 in Figure 6.

[0053] In step S10 of Figure 6, the selection unit 214 sorts the delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot" and those with no specified "delivery time slot" in order of the shortest straight-line distance between the delivery person's current location and the destination's location. For convenience, step S10 is described as "sorting delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot" and those with no specified "delivery time slot"", but the following processing is also included in step S10. For example, if no delivery destinations with no specified "delivery time slot" are extracted, step S10 also includes the process of sorting only the delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot". Furthermore, if only one delivery destination with a specified "delivery time slot" is extracted, step S10 also includes the process of outputting only the extracted delivery destination with a specified "delivery time slot".

[0054] Next, in step S11, the selection unit 214 determines whether quantity B is greater than quantity C. If it determines in step S11 that quantity B is greater than quantity C, then in step S12, the selection unit 214 selects up to (NA) delivery destinations with the shortest distances, including those with the highest priority "delivery time slot" and those with "no specification," so as to satisfy the condition that "quantity B is greater than quantity C." For example, even if the value of quantity A is "0" and the top 5 shortest distances are all "no specification" delivery destinations, two "no specification" destinations and three "delivery time slot" destinations will be selected. This increases the proportion of "delivery time slot" destinations that should be prioritized over "no specification" destinations. The selection unit 214 transmits the information on "delivery delay" destinations and the selected (NA) or fewer delivery destinations to the mobile terminal 100 as information on candidate delivery destinations. After performing step S12, the selection unit 214 proceeds to step S13.

[0055] If, in step S11, it is determined that quantity B is not greater than quantity C, that is, quantity B is less than or equal to quantity C, then in step S14, the selection unit 214 selects up to (NA) delivery destinations with the shortest distances, including those with the shortest "delivery time slot" and those with "no specification". The selection unit 214 transmits the information of the "delivery delay" destinations and the selected (NA) or fewer delivery destinations to the mobile terminal 100 as information of candidate delivery destinations. After performing step S9, the selection unit 214 proceeds to step S13.

[0056] In step S13, the suggestion unit 112 uses the received information on candidate delivery destinations to suggest the candidate delivery destinations selected by the selection unit 214 as the next delivery destination for the delivery person. Specifically, the suggestion unit 112 displays the suggestion screen SC4 shown in Figure 7 on the touch panel 130, which acts as a display unit.

[0057] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the suggestion screen SC4. As shown in Figure 7, the suggestion screen SC4 displays a map image IM401, a candidate pin IM402, a current location pointer IM403, a candidate information image IM404, and a selection button IM405.

[0058] The map image IM401 is overlaid with candidate pins IM402 and the current location pointer IM403. Candidate pins IM402 indicate delivery destination candidates provided by server 200. Candidate pins IM402 are displayed as selectable. Candidate pins IM402 are displayed with numbers assigned in order of increasing distance. The current location pointer IM403 is a pointer that indicates the location of the mobile terminal 100, i.e., the current location of the delivery person.

[0059] The candidate information image IM404 displays delivery information categorized by delivery address. For delivery addresses with "delivery delays," text is displayed indicating that the current time is past the desired delivery time slot. Note that the information indicating that the current time is past the desired delivery time slot is not limited to text; it can also be displayed using color, etc. The candidate information image IM404 is scrollable. The delivery address candidates displayed in the candidate information image IM404 are displayed as selectable options.

[0060] The delivery person selects the next delivery destination by choosing the desired delivery destination from the candidate pin IM402 or candidate information image IM404, and then selects the select button IM405. When the select button IM405 is selected, the route guidance unit 113 displays route information to the selected delivery destination, just as it did for the first delivery destination.

[0061] Furthermore, if a message indicating that there are no delivery destination candidates created by the selection unit 214 in step 8 of Figure 5 is sent to the mobile terminal 100, the proposal unit 112 will display a message indicating that there are no candidates on the proposal screen SC4.

[0062] Step S1 is also called the acquisition step, and Step S2 is also called the extraction step. Steps S4, S12, and S14 are also called the selection steps. Step S13 is also called the proposal step.

[0063] According to the embodiment described above, the proposal system 10 comprises an acquisition unit 212, an extraction unit 213, a selection unit 214, and a proposal unit 112. The acquisition unit 212 acquires delivery destination information 223. The extraction unit 213 extracts delivery destinations with "delivery delays," delivery destinations within "delivery time slots," and delivery destinations with "no specification" from among multiple delivery destinations. The selection unit 214 selects N or fewer delivery destination candidates from the delivery destinations extracted by the extraction unit 213. The proposal unit 112 proposes the delivery destination candidates selected by the selection unit 214 as the next delivery destination. This allows the delivery person to efficiently select the next delivery destination.

[0064] Furthermore, the selection unit 214 prioritizes selecting delivery destinations with "delivery delays" as delivery destination candidates over those with "delivery time slots" and "no specification." This helps delivery personnel avoid overlooking delivery destinations with "delivery delays" that should be prioritized.

[0065] Furthermore, if the number A of extracted "delivery delay" destinations is less than the number N, the selection unit 214 selects candidates for the next delivery destination from the "delivery time slot" destinations and "no specification" destinations, such that the total number is (NA) or less. This allows the delivery person to choose their next delivery destination from the "delivery time slot" destinations and "no specification" destinations that are close to their current location.

[0066] Furthermore, the selection unit 214 prioritizes delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot" over those with no specified "delivery time slot" when selecting delivery destinations. This increases the opportunities for delivery personnel to choose delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot" where it would be undesirable for the delivery to exceed the desired delivery time slot.

[0067] Furthermore, the suggestion unit 112 displays a list of delivery destination candidates on the suggestion screen SC4 in order of shortest distance, including at least one of the delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot" and the delivery destination with no specified time slot. This allows the delivery person to easily identify which of the delivery destination candidates is the shortest in distance.

[0068] B. Other embodiments: (B1) In the above embodiment, the selection unit 214 prioritizes selecting delivery destinations with "delivery delay" as delivery destination candidates over delivery destinations with "delivery time slot" and delivery destinations with "no specification". In another embodiment, the selection unit 214 may select the top N or fewer delivery destinations as delivery destination candidates from delivery destinations with "delivery delay", delivery destinations with "delivery time slot", and delivery destinations with "no specification", in order of the shortest distance or route length from the current location to the delivery destination location. With this configuration, the delivery person can increase the chances of selecting a delivery destination close to their current location as their next delivery destination.

[0069] (B2) In the above embodiment, the selection unit 214 selects delivery destination candidates in step S12 such that the proportion of delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot" is greater than the proportion of delivery destinations with no specified "delivery time slot". In another embodiment, the selection unit 214 may select delivery destination candidates in order of shortest distance or route length from the current location to the delivery destination location. That is, if the value of the number A is "0" and the top 5 delivery destinations in order of shortest distance are all "delivery destinations with no specified "delivery time slot", then 5 "delivery destinations with no specified "delivery time slot" may be selected. With this configuration, the delivery person can increase the chances of selecting a delivery destination close to their current location as their next delivery destination.

[0070] (B3) In the above embodiment, in step S10, the selection unit 214 arranges the delivery destinations with a specified "delivery time slot" and those with no specified "delivery time slot" in order of the shortest straight-line distance between the delivery person's current location and the delivery destination's location. In another embodiment, the selection unit 214 may arrange them in order of the shortest route length instead of the straight-line distance. In this case, if the delivery destination is on a high floor of a high-rise building, the route from the ground to the delivery destination may be included in the calculation of the route length in addition to the address. This improves the accuracy of the route length for the delivery person to reach the delivery destination.

[0071] (B4) In the above embodiment, in step S2, the extraction unit 213 extracts delivery destinations of type 1 "delivery delay", delivery destinations of type 2 "delivery time slot", and delivery destinations of type 3 "no specification". In another embodiment, if the number of extracted delivery destinations is less than N, the extraction unit 213 may extract, in addition to the above types of delivery destinations, delivery destinations whose desired delivery time slot is set to a future time from the current time. This makes it possible to include delivery destinations whose desired delivery time slot is set to a future time from the current time as delivery destination candidates. Furthermore, the extraction unit 213 may extract, in addition to the above types of delivery destinations, delivery destinations whose desired delivery time slot is set to a future time from the current time and which have a delivery box installed. This makes it possible to include such delivery destinations as delivery destination candidates when delivery at a time earlier than the desired delivery time slot is not permitted, but delivery to a delivery box is permitted.

[0072] (B5) In the above embodiment, the suggestion function was described as a function that suggests the next delivery destination candidate after one delivery has been completed. The suggestion function is not limited to being used after one delivery has been completed, but may also be used for the first delivery. Furthermore, the above embodiment was described in accordance with a typical delivery operation performed by a delivery person. Switching between each screen, such as the reception screen SC1 displayed on the touch panel 130, can be done arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was described that the suggestion process is performed when the second icon IM205 on the map screen SC2 shown in Figure 3 is selected. The conditions for starting the suggestion process are not limited to this. For example, instead of the map screen SC2 which is displayed after one delivery process is completed and the value of "delivery status" has been determined, the suggestion screen SC4 may be displayed.

[0073] (B6) In the above embodiment, the value of the quantity N is "5", that is, the upper limit of the next delivery destinations suggested on the suggestion screen SC4 is 5. The value of the quantity N is not limited to 5, and may be less or greater than "5". The server 200 may be equipped with a reception unit for receiving the value of the quantity N from a user such as a delivery person. This allows the system to suggest the number of next delivery destinations desired by the user. As described above, the values ​​of the quantity A, quantity B, and quantity C are set each time a suggestion process is performed, according to the number of each type of delivery destination extracted.

[0074] (B7) In the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 212, the extraction unit 213, and the selection unit 214 are provided by the server 200. However, it is not limited to this, and at least one of the acquisition unit 212, the extraction unit 213, and the selection unit 214 may be provided by the mobile terminal 100. Furthermore, the respective functional units of the acquisition unit 212, the extraction unit 213, the selection unit 214, and the proposal unit 112 may be realized by the server 200 and the mobile terminal 100 working together to perform processing.

[0075] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 10...Proposal system, 70...Telecommunications carrier, 80...Internet, 100...Mobile terminal, 110...CPU, 111...Data reception unit, 112...Proposal unit, 113...Route guidance unit, 120...Storage unit, 121...Delivery application program, 122...Delivery destination data, 130...Touch panel, 131...Communication unit, 132...Positioning unit, 200...Server, 202...Communication unit, 210...CPU, 211...Route generation unit, 212...Acquisition unit, 213...Extraction unit, 214...Selection unit, 220...Storage unit, 223...Delivery destination information, SC1...Reception screen, SC2...Map screen, SC3...Package list screen, SC4...Proposal screen

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires delivery destination information relating to multiple delivery destinations, including time information relating to the desired delivery time slot for each of the multiple delivery destinations, An extraction unit extracts at least one of the following from the aforementioned multiple delivery destinations: a first-type delivery destination where the current time is past the desired delivery time slot; a second-type delivery destination where the current time is included within the desired delivery time slot; and a third-type delivery destination where no desired delivery time slot is set. A selection unit that selects a predetermined number of N or fewer delivery destination candidates from the extracted first type of delivery destination, second type of delivery destination, and third type of delivery destination, A proposal system comprising: a proposal unit that proposes the selected candidate delivery destinations as the next delivery destination for the delivery person.

2. The proposed system according to claim 1, The selection unit is a proposed system that selects Type 1 delivery destinations as candidate delivery destinations, prioritizing them over Type 2 and Type 3 delivery destinations.

3. The proposed system according to claim 2, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes location information for each of the plurality of delivery destinations, The selection unit, when the number of extracted first-type delivery destinations is A, which is less than the N, and at least one of the second-type and third-type delivery destinations is extracted, A proposed system for selecting at least one of the second type of delivery destinations and the third type of delivery destinations as a candidate delivery destination from the second type of delivery destinations and the third type of delivery destinations that are ranked in descending order of the distance or route length from the delivery person's current location to the location indicated by the location information, such that the total number of such destinations is less than or equal to (N-A).

4. The proposed system according to claim 3, The selection unit is a proposal system that selects the second type of delivery destination as a candidate for the delivery destination, prioritizing it over the third type of delivery destination.

5. The proposed system according to claim 3 or 4, Equipped with a display unit, The proposal unit is a proposal system that displays a list of delivery destination candidates, including at least one of the second type of delivery destination and the third type of delivery destination, on the display unit in order of shortest distance or shortest route length.

6. This is a proposed method, A step of acquiring delivery destination information for multiple delivery destinations, which includes time information regarding the desired delivery time slot for each of the multiple delivery destinations, An extraction step of extracting at least one of the following from the aforementioned multiple delivery destinations: a first type of delivery destination where the current time is past the desired delivery time slot, a second type of delivery destination where the current time is within the desired delivery time slot, and a third type of delivery destination where no desired delivery time slot is set. A selection step in which a predetermined number of N or fewer delivery destination candidates are selected from the extracted first type of delivery destination, the second type of delivery destination, and the third type of delivery destination, A proposal method comprising: a proposal step in which the delivery person proposes the selected candidate delivery destination as the next delivery destination to be delivered.

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