Information processing system, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

This system provides an information processing system that reduces the burden on truck drivers and transportation companies regarding berth reservations in the berth reservation system. [Solution] The information processing system includes a delivery base acquisition means that acquires information on delivery bases from delivery routes, a berth reservation means that accesses the berth reservation system of a delivery base by referring to a database that associates delivery bases with a berth reservation system and executes a berth reservation, and an output means that reflects the berth reservation information on the delivery route.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A berth reservation system (also referred to as a truck reservation reception system) is an online system that allows truck drivers and shipping companies to reserve in advance the usage time of a truck berth (a place for loading and unloading goods) at a logistics base (also referred to as a logistics center or a distribution base) in order to reduce the waiting time of trucks.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for calculating the required time at a berth according to whether a berth reservation system is introduced or not.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the current berth reservation system has the following problem of poor usability for truck drivers and shipping companies. · It is troublesome because individual reservations must be made for each logistics center. · When changing one reservation slot, it takes time because all other reservation slots on the delivery route also have to be changed one by one.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing program, and an information processing method that can reduce the burden on truck drivers and shipping companies regarding berth reservations in a berth reservation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is: A method for obtaining information about delivery bases from delivery routes, A berth reservation means that accesses the berth reservation system of a distribution center and executes a berth reservation by referring to a database that associates the distribution center with the berth reservation system, An output means for reflecting berth reservation information on the aforementioned delivery route, It is equipped with.

[0008] An information processing system according to another aspect of the present invention is: A method for obtaining delivery hub information from a route plan, A berth reservation means that repeatedly performs the following steps in the order of the delivery centers on the route plan: route search to the delivery center to determine the estimated time of arrival, refer to a database that links the delivery center and the berth reservation system, access the berth reservation system of the delivery center, and execute a berth reservation; An output method that outputs a delivery route that reflects berth reservation information, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the burden on truck drivers and transportation companies regarding berth reservations in the berth reservation system can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration of the server in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of a database in which a delivery base and a berth reservation system are associated. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server in the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the information processing system according to the second embodiment. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of the components denoted by the same reference numerals will not be repeated.

[0012] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a server 2 and a terminal device 3. The server 2 and the terminal device 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network such as the Internet. The network may be either a wired line or a wireless line, and the type and form of the line are not limited. Note that at least a part of the server 2 and the terminal device 3 is realized by a computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 2 is communicably connected to one or more berth reservation systems 41 to 4N via a network such as the Internet.

[0013] The terminal device 3 is used by a user (such as a truck driver or a person in charge of a shipping company), and is, for example, an electronic device such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or a desktop computer. As an example, the terminal device 3 may be a stationary car navigation device installed in a delivery vehicle such as a truck, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal in which a navigation application is installed.

[0014] Next, the server 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server 2. In the figure, each functional unit that performs each function can be referred to as a means for performing each function.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 2 has a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. Each of the units 21 to 23 is communicably connected to each other via a bus or a network.

[0016] Among these, the communication unit 21 is a communication interface between the server 2 and an external network. The communication unit 21 transmits and receives information between the server 2 and the terminal device 3 and each of the berth reservation systems 41 to 4N via an external network such as the Internet.

[0017] The storage unit 23 is a non-volatile data storage device such as flash memory or a hard disk. Various types of data handled by the control unit 22 are stored in the storage unit 23. For example, the storage unit 23 includes a route network information database 23a containing traffic network information, a map information database 23b containing map information, and a berth reservation system information database 23c.

[0018] Transportation network information defines transportation networks such as railways and buses, as well as road networks. Transportation network information includes route information, timetable information, and fare information for various modes of transport. Road network information is represented by a combination of node data, which represents points of connection in the road network such as intersections, and link data, which represents road sections between nodes.

[0019] Map information includes map data such as road maps for the entire country and each region, and map object information associated with the map data. Map object information includes shape information about the shapes of facilities displayed on the map, annotation information about notes displayed on the map, and symbol information about symbols displayed on the map. Map information may also include route map information related to public transportation routes.

[0020] The above transportation network information and map information may be updated at predetermined intervals.

[0021] Figure 4 is a table showing an example of the berth reservation system information database 23c. As shown in Figure 4, the berth reservation system information database 23c stores information about each distribution center nationwide or in a target area, with the distribution center's information (such as the name and identification number of the distribution center) and the berth reservation system information (such as the name, identification number, web address, and API of the berth reservation system) linked together.

[0022] Furthermore, the storage unit 23 does not necessarily have to be physically located within the server 2; part or all of the storage unit 23 may be located in another device (for example, cloud storage) that is connected to the server 2 via an external network in a way that allows communication.

[0023] The control unit 22 includes a route search unit 22a, a delivery base acquisition unit 22b, a berth reservation unit 22c, and an output unit 22d. Each of these units 22a to 22d may be realized by a processor in the server 2 executing a predetermined program, or it may be implemented in hardware.

[0024] The route search unit 22a obtains information such as the departure point and departure time, intermediate points (delivery bases), and destination point (final delivery base) from the terminal device 3 as search conditions for the delivery route. It then refers to the route network information database 23a and the map information database 23b to obtain a delivery route that satisfies the search conditions through route search. The route search unit 22a may further obtain information on the time spent at each delivery base as a search condition and perform route search for the delivery route considering the time spent at each delivery base. In addition, the route search unit 22a may further obtain information on the delivery vehicle (for example, maximum load capacity, vehicle length, vehicle width, vehicle height, etc.) as a search condition and perform route search for the delivery route considering the information on the delivery vehicle.

[0025] The delivery base acquisition unit 22b acquires information about delivery bases (such as the name and identification number of the delivery base, estimated arrival time, and duration of stay) from the delivery route acquired by the route search unit 22a.

[0026] The berth reservation unit 22c refers to the berth reservation system information database 23c, accesses the berth reservation system of the distribution base acquired by the distribution base acquisition unit 22b, and executes the berth reservation.

[0027] The berth reservation unit 22c may perform a berth reservation using information on the estimated arrival time and stay duration of delivery hubs that has been pre-entered on the delivery route. Specifically, for example, referring to Figure 7, if the estimated arrival time at delivery hub A on the delivery route is 12:53 and the stay duration is 15 minutes, the berth reservation unit 22c will decide that it wants to use the berth at delivery hub A for at least the time period from 12:53 to 13:08. Then, the berth reservation unit 22c will refer to the berth reservation system information database 23c and determine that the berth reservation system for delivery hub A is the first berth reservation system, and then access the first berth reservation system. If the first berth reservation system accepts berth reservations in 15-minute increments, it will perform a berth reservation for the time period from 12:45 to 13:15, which covers the time period from 12:53 to 13:08.

[0028] The berth reservation unit 22c may, if no time for staying at a delivery base is entered on the delivery route, make a berth reservation for a predetermined time frame (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.), or it may estimate the time for staying (time frame) based on the cargo information and work information that have been entered in advance on the delivery route, and make a berth reservation for the estimated time for staying (time frame). The berth reservation unit 22c may also estimate the time for staying (time frame) by further considering past time for staying at the delivery base, estimated arrival time (morning, afternoon, evening, etc.), day of the week, weather, and information about the delivery vehicle (maximum load capacity, etc.).

[0029] If a berth reservation system is not associated with a delivery base (for example, in the case of delivery base D shown in Figure 4), the berth reservation unit 22c may send a message to the terminal device 3 to notify the user of this fact via a pop-up or other means, or it may display this fact on the delivery route displayed on the terminal device 3.

[0030] If it is not possible to reserve a berth at the scheduled arrival time of a delivery hub pre-entered on the delivery route, the berth reservation unit 22c may obtain and present available time slots from the berth reservation system (see Figure 9). In the example shown in Figure 9, if the scheduled arrival time at delivery hub B on the delivery route is 13:59 and the stay time is 15 minutes, the berth reservation unit 22c will decide that it wants to use the berth at delivery hub B for at least the time slot from 13:59 to 14:14. The berth reservation unit 22c then refers to the berth reservation system information database 23c and determines that the berth reservation system at delivery hub B is the third berth reservation system, and then accesses the third berth reservation system. If the third berth reservation system accepts berth reservations in 15-minute increments, it requests a berth reservation for the time slot from 13:45 to 14:15, which covers the time slot from 13:59 to 14:14. When the third berth reservation system responds that it is not possible to reserve a berth for that time slot, the berth reservation unit 22c displays this information on the delivery route and also displays a link labeled "Check Reservation Slots". When the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "Check Reservation Slots" link, the berth reservation unit 22c retrieves the available time slots after the previously requested time slot from the third berth reservation system (in the illustrated example, the time slots from 14:15 to 14:45 and from 14:30 to 15:00) and presents them to the user via the terminal device 3.

[0031] The berth reservation unit 22c executes berth reservations in the order of the delivery hubs along the delivery route. If there is a delivery hub along the delivery route where it is not possible to make a berth reservation at a pre-entered estimated arrival time, the unit may stop executing berth reservations from that delivery hub onward. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the berth reservation unit 22c executes berth reservations in the order of delivery hub A, delivery hub B, and delivery hub C. Then, as shown in Figure 9, if it is not possible to make a berth reservation at delivery hub B, the unit stops executing the berth reservation at delivery hub C. This prevents, for example, in the example shown in Figure 9, the user having to redo the berth reservation at delivery hub C because the estimated arrival time at delivery hub C would change if the user redid the berth reservation at delivery hub B within the available time slot of 14:15 to 14:45. As one variation, the berth reservation unit 22c may execute berth reservations in the order of the delivery bases along the delivery route. If there is a delivery base along the delivery route where it is not possible to make a berth reservation at the pre-entered estimated arrival time, the reservation process may be omitted for that delivery base only, and the execution of berth reservations for the delivery bases beyond that base may continue.

[0032] The berth reservation unit 22c executes berth reservations using pre-registered driver information, and if information not registered is required for berth reservations, it may accept input of such information from the driver individually. For example, if a user has registered vehicle information and telephone number as driver information in server 2, the berth reservation unit 22c executes berth reservations using the pre-registered vehicle information and telephone number. However, if the user is using a different vehicle or has a different mobile phone at the time and individually inputs their current vehicle information and telephone number into terminal device 3, the berth reservation unit 22c will use the current vehicle information and telephone number individually input by the user as driver information and execute berth reservations.

[0033] The output unit 22d reflects the berth reservation information from the berth reservation unit 22c onto the delivery route acquired by the route search unit 22a (see Figure 7). In the example shown in Figure 7, the output unit 22d displays whether a berth is reserved at each delivery base (reserved, unavailable, etc.) on the delivery route, and if reserved, it displays the reserved time slot. Also in the example shown in Figure 7, when the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "Details" button, the output unit 22d displays detailed information about the berth reservation (reserved berth number, name of the berth reservation system, etc.) as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the output unit 22d may also display "Change" and "Cancel" buttons along with the detailed information about the berth reservation, and accept requests to change or cancel the berth reservation.

[0034] The output unit 22d may calculate and output the estimated waiting time at the delivery base after the berth reservation information has been reflected (see Figure 10). In the example shown in Figure 10, although it is possible to arrive at delivery base A at 12:53, a berth reservation has been made for the time slot from 13:15 to 13:45, so it will take approximately 30 minutes to wait after arriving at delivery base A before the reserved berth can be used. In this case, the output unit 22d calculates 30 minutes as the estimated waiting time at delivery base A and outputs the message "30-minute break" immediately before displaying delivery base A, as shown in Figure 10.

[0035] The output unit 22d may further output rest information along with the estimated waiting time at the delivery base. In the example shown in Figure 10, when the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "30-minute break" display, the output unit 22 may refer to the route network information database 23a and the map information database 23b to search for rest locations around delivery base A, and output detailed information about the rest location and the route to the rest location via the terminal device 3.

[0036] (An example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the information processing system 1, which has the above configuration, will be explained with reference to Figures 3, 5-10. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example of the operation of the information processing system 1. Figures 5-10 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed by the information processing system 1.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, first, the route search unit 22a of server 2 sends a route plan input screen to terminal device 3 for display (step S50). When the user operates terminal device 3 and inputs information such as the departure point (current location in the example shown in Figure 5), departure time, intermediate points (delivery bases), and destination (final delivery base) on the route plan input screen, the input information is sent to server 2 as a route plan (route search conditions). As shown in Figure 5, the user may further input information such as the time spent at each delivery base or information about the delivery vehicle on the route plan input screen by operating terminal device 3.

[0038] Next, the route search unit 22a refers to the route network information database 23a and the map information database 23b to obtain a delivery route that satisfies the route plan (route search conditions) received from the terminal device 3 through route search, and transmits it to the terminal device 3 for output (step S51, see Figure 6). As shown in Figure 6, the route search unit 22a may display a "berth reservation" button along with the delivery route obtained through route search.

[0039] Next, when the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "berth reservation" button, the delivery base acquisition unit 22b acquires information about the delivery bases (such as the name and identification number of the delivery base, estimated arrival time, and stay time) in the order they appear on the delivery route obtained through route search (step S52).

[0040] Next, the berth reservation unit 23b refers to the berth reservation system information database 23c to confirm whether the berth reservation system is associated with the delivery base acquired by the delivery base acquisition unit 22b (step S53).

[0041] If a berth reservation system is not associated with a delivery base (step S54: NO), the berth reservation unit 23b sends a message to the terminal device 3 to that effect and notifies the user of this fact via a pop-up or other means (step S56). As an alternative, if a berth reservation system is not associated with a delivery base (step S54: NO), the berth reservation unit 23b may display this fact on the delivery route displayed on the terminal device 3. Next, the process proceeds to step S58, which will be described later.

[0042] On the other hand, if a berth reservation system is associated with a delivery hub (step S54: YES), the berth reservation unit 23b accesses the berth reservation system of the delivery hub and executes a berth reservation (step S55). As an example, the berth reservation unit 22c may execute a berth reservation using information on the estimated arrival time and stay duration of delivery hubs that has been pre-entered on the delivery route. As an alternative, if the stay duration of delivery hubs has not been entered on the delivery route, the berth reservation unit 22c may execute a berth reservation using a predetermined time frame (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) or an estimated time frame.

[0043] In step S55, the berth reservation unit 22c executes the berth reservation using pre-registered driver information, and if information not registered is required for the berth reservation, it may accept input of such information from the driver individually.

[0044] If it is not possible to reserve a berth at the estimated arrival time pre-entered on the delivery route (step S57: YES), the berth reservation unit 23b stops executing berth reservations from that delivery base onward and proceeds to step S59, which will be described later.

[0045] On the other hand, if a berth reservation can be made at the scheduled arrival time pre-entered on the delivery route (step S57: NO), the berth reservation unit 23b determines whether the delivery base is the last delivery base in the sequence on the delivery route (step S58). If it is not the last delivery base (step S58: NO), the process from step S52 is repeated for the next delivery base in the sequence.

[0046] If it is the last delivery hub in the sequence on the delivery route (step S58: YES), the output unit 22d transmits the berth reservation information from the berth reservation unit 22c to the terminal device 3 and reflects it on the delivery route acquired by the route search unit 22a (step S59, see Figure 7). As shown in Figure 7, the output unit 22d may display a portion of the berth reservation information on the delivery route (such as whether it is reserved or not, and if it is reserved, the reservation slot), and when the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "Details" button, it may display detailed information about the berth reservation (such as the reserved berth number and the name of the berth reservation system), as shown in Figure 8.

[0047] Next, the berth reservation unit 22c retrieves and presents available time slots from the berth reservation system for delivery bases that are not available for reservation (step S60). For example, referring to Figure 9, if delivery base B is not available for reservation, when the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "Check Reservation Slots" link, the berth reservation unit 22c retrieves available time slots from the third berth reservation system associated with delivery base B (in the illustrated example, the time slots from 14:15 to 14:45 and from 14:30 to 15:00) and presents them to the user via the terminal device 3.

[0048] Then, when the user operates terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "Reserve" link for the available time slots, such as 14:15-14:45 or 14:30-15:00, the berth reservation unit 22c accesses the third berth reservation system and executes the berth reservation for that time slot.

[0049] Next, the output unit 22d calculates and outputs the estimated waiting time at the delivery base (step S61, see Figure 10). In the example shown in Figure 10, although it is possible to arrive at delivery base A at 12:53, a berth reservation has been made for the time slot from 13:15 to 13:45, so it will take approximately 30 minutes to arrive at delivery base A before the reserved berth can be used. In this case, the output unit 22d calculates 30 minutes as the estimated waiting time at delivery base A and outputs the message "30-minute break" immediately before displaying delivery base A, as shown in Figure 10. Although not shown in the illustration, in step S61, the output unit 22d may further output break information (information on rest points around delivery base A and route information to those rest points) along with the estimated waiting time at the delivery base.

[0050] According to the first embodiment described above, the berth reservation unit 22c automatically accesses the berth reservation system of the delivery base and executes the berth reservation, and the output unit 22d reflects the berth reservation information on the delivery route. Therefore, truck drivers and transportation companies do not need to make individual reservations for each delivery base and reflect that reservation information on the delivery route. Consequently, the burden on truck drivers and transportation companies regarding berth reservations in the berth reservation system can be reduced.

[0051] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the route search unit 22a of the server 2 performed a route search for a delivery route based on the route plan, and the delivery base acquisition unit 22b acquired information about delivery bases from the delivery route acquired by the route search. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the delivery base acquisition unit 22b of the server 2 acquires information about delivery bases from the route plan.

[0052] Figure 11 shows a schematic configuration of server 2 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, server 2 has a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The configurations of the communication unit 21 and the storage unit 23 are the same as in the first embodiment described above, and their explanation is omitted.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the control unit 22 includes a delivery base acquisition unit 22b, a berth reservation unit 22c, and an output unit 22d. Each of these units 22b to 22d may be realized by a processor in the server 2 executing a predetermined program, or it may be implemented in hardware.

[0054] The delivery base acquisition unit 22b acquires information about delivery bases from the delivery route search conditions (route plan). For example, referring to Figure 13, when a user operates the terminal device 3 and inputs information such as the departure point (current location in the example shown in Figure 13), departure time, intermediate points (delivery bases), and destination point (final delivery base) on the route plan input screen, the input information is sent to the server 2 as a route plan (route search conditions). As shown in Figure 13, the user may also operate the terminal device 3 and input information about the time spent at each delivery base on the route plan input screen, or input information about the delivery vehicle. The delivery base acquisition unit 22b acquires information about delivery bases (such as the name and identification number of the delivery base, and the time spent there) from the route plan received from the terminal device 3.

[0055] The berth reservation unit 22c repeatedly performs the following processes (a) and (b) in the order of the delivery hubs on the route plan. (a) Route search to the delivery center is performed by referring to the route network information database 23a and the map information database 23b to determine the estimated time of arrival. (b) Refer to a database that associates the distribution center with the berth reservation system, access the berth reservation system at the distribution center, and make a berth reservation using the estimated arrival time information obtained through route planning.

[0056] The berth reservation unit 22c may use the estimated arrival time information obtained through route search and the stay time information pre-entered in the route plan to make a berth reservation at the delivery base. Specifically, for example, referring to Figure 14, if the estimated arrival time at delivery base A obtained through route search is 12:53 and the stay time at delivery base A entered in the route plan is 15 minutes, the berth reservation unit 22c will decide that it wants to use the berth at delivery base A for at least the time period from 12:53 to 13:08. Then, the berth reservation unit 22c will refer to the berth reservation system information database 23c and determine that the berth reservation system for delivery base A is the first berth reservation system, and then access the first berth reservation system. If the first berth reservation system accepts berth reservations in 15-minute increments, the berth reservation will be made for the time period from 12:45 to 13:15, which covers the time period from 12:53 to 13:08.

[0057] If a berth reservation system is not associated with a delivery base (for example, in the case of delivery base D shown in Figure 4), the berth reservation unit 22c may send a message to the terminal device 3 to notify the user of this fact via a pop-up, or it may display this fact on the delivery route output by the output unit 22d, which will be described later.

[0058] The berth reservation unit 22c may, if the time spent at a delivery base is not entered on the route plan, make a berth reservation within a predetermined time frame (for example, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.), or it may estimate the time spent (time frame) based on the cargo information and work information that have been entered in advance on the delivery route, and make a berth reservation within the estimated time spent (time frame).

[0059] If the berth reservation unit 22c is unable to reserve a berth at the estimated arrival time of the delivery base determined by route search, it may obtain and present available time slots from the berth reservation system.

[0060] If the berth reservation unit 22c finds a delivery base where it is not possible to make a berth reservation at the estimated arrival time of the delivery base determined by the route search, it may perform the route search (process (a) above) for delivery bases after that delivery base, but may stop the execution of berth reservations (process (b) above). As an alternative, if the berth reservation unit 22c finds a delivery base where it is not possible to make a berth reservation at the estimated arrival time of the delivery base determined by the route search, it may, with respect to the execution of berth reservations (process (b) above), not perform the reservation process only for that delivery base, but continue the execution of berth reservations for delivery bases after that delivery base.

[0061] The berth reservation unit 22c, similar to the first embodiment, executes berth reservations using pre-registered driver information, and if non-registered information is required for berth reservations, it may accept input of such information individually from the driver.

[0062] The output unit 22d generates a delivery route that reflects the berth reservation information from the berth reservation unit 22c and outputs it via the terminal device 3 (see Figure 14). In the example shown in Figure 14, the output unit 22d transmits and displays to the terminal device 3 the route information between each delivery base, as well as the estimated arrival time and whether a berth is reserved at each delivery base (reserved, unavailable, etc.). If a berth at a delivery base is reserved, the output unit 22d may further display information about that reservation slot (time slot). Also, similar to the first embodiment, if the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "Details" button, the output unit 22d may further display detailed information about the berth reservation (reserved berth number, name of the berth reservation system, etc.).

[0063] The output unit 22d may, as in the first embodiment, calculate and output the estimated waiting time at the delivery base after the berth reservation information has been reflected, or it may further output rest information along with the estimated waiting time at the delivery base.

[0064] (An example of operation) Next, an example of the operation of the information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information processing system. Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed by the information processing system.

[0065] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, first, the delivery base acquisition unit 22b of Server 2 sends and displays a route plan input screen to Terminal Device 3 (step S70). When the user operates Terminal Device 3 and inputs information on the route plan input screen, such as the departure point (current location in the example shown in Figure 13), departure time, intermediate points (delivery bases), and destination (final delivery base), the input information is sent to Server 2 as a route plan (route search conditions). As shown in Figure 13, the user may further input information on the time spent at each delivery base or information on the delivery vehicle by operating Terminal Device 3 on the route plan input screen.

[0066] Next, the delivery base acquisition unit 22b acquires information about the delivery bases (such as the name and identification number of the delivery bases and the time spent there) from the route plan received from the terminal device 3 (step S71).

[0067] Next, the berth reservation unit 22c searches for a route to the delivery base and determines the estimated arrival time by referring to the route network information database 23a and the map information database 23b in the order they are listed on the route plan (step S72).

[0068] Next, the berth reservation unit 22c refers to the berth reservation system information database 23c to check whether a berth reservation system is associated with the distribution center (step S73).

[0069] If a berth reservation system is not associated with the delivery base (step S74: NO), the berth reservation unit 23b sends a message to the terminal device 3 to that effect and notifies the user of this fact via a pop-up or other means (step S76). As an alternative, if a berth reservation system is not associated with the delivery base (step S74: NO), the berth reservation unit 23b may display this fact on the delivery route output to the terminal device 3 in step S79, which will be described later. Next, the process proceeds to step S78, which will be described later.

[0070] On the other hand, if a berth reservation system is associated with a delivery hub (step S74: YES), the berth reservation unit 23b accesses the berth reservation system of the delivery hub and performs a berth reservation (step S75). As an example, the berth reservation unit 22c may perform a berth reservation using the estimated arrival time of the delivery hub determined by route search and the information on the duration of stay that has been pre-entered in the route plan. As an alternative, if the duration of stay at the delivery hub has not been entered in the route plan, the berth reservation unit 22c may perform a berth reservation using a predetermined time frame (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.) or an estimated time frame.

[0071] In step S75, the berth reservation unit 22c executes the berth reservation using pre-registered driver information, and if information not registered is required for the berth reservation, it may accept input of such information from the driver individually.

[0072] If it is not possible to reserve a berth at the estimated arrival time determined by the route search (step S77: YES), the berth reservation unit 23b stops executing berth reservations from that delivery base onward and proceeds to step S79, which will be described later.

[0073] On the other hand, if a berth reservation can be made at the estimated arrival time determined by the route search (step S77: NO), the berth reservation unit 23b determines whether the delivery base is the last delivery base in the sequence on the delivery route (step S78). If it is not the last delivery base (step S78: NO), the process from step S72 is repeated for the next delivery base in the sequence.

[0074] If it is the last delivery hub in the sequence on the delivery route (step S78: YES), the output unit 22d generates a delivery route that reflects the berth reservation information from the berth reservation unit 22c and sends it to the terminal device 3 for output (step S79, see Figure 14). As shown in Figure 14, the output unit 22d may display a portion of the berth reservation information on the delivery route (such as whether it is reserved or not, and if it is reserved, the reservation slot), and when the user operates the terminal device 3 and touches (or clicks) the "Details" button, it may display detailed information about the berth reservation (such as the reserved berth number and the name of the berth reservation system).

[0075] Subsequently, the information processing system performs the processing in steps S60 to S61, similar to the first embodiment. The contents of steps S60 to S61 are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore their explanation is omitted.

[0076] According to the second embodiment described above, the berth reservation unit 22c searches for a route to the delivery base to determine the estimated arrival time, automatically accesses the delivery base's berth reservation system to execute the berth reservation, and the output unit 22d generates and outputs a delivery route that reflects the berth reservation information. Therefore, truck drivers and transportation companies do not need to make individual reservations for each delivery base and reflect that reservation information in the delivery route. Consequently, the burden on truck drivers and transportation companies regarding berth reservations in the berth reservation system can be reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, at least a part of the information processing system 1 described in the above-mentioned embodiment may be configured as hardware or as software. In the case of hardware configuration, a program that realizes at least a part of the functions of the information processing system 1 may be stored on a recording medium such as a flexible disk or CD-ROM, and loaded into a computer for execution. The recording medium is not limited to removable ones such as magnetic disks or optical disks, but may also be a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk drive or memory.

[0078] Furthermore, a program that implements at least some of the functions of Information Processing System 1 may be distributed via communication lines such as the Internet (including wireless communication). In addition, the program may be encrypted, modulated, or compressed and distributed via wired or wireless lines such as the Internet, or stored on a recording medium.

[0079] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may be made to function by one or more information processing devices. When multiple information processing devices are used, one of the information processing devices may be a computer, and the computer may execute a predetermined program to realize the function of at least one means of the information processing system 1.

[0080] Furthermore, in the invention of a method, all steps may be automatically controlled by a computer. Alternatively, each step may be performed by a computer while the progress between steps is controlled manually. Furthermore, at least a portion of all steps may be performed manually.

[0081] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art may conceive of additional effects and various modifications of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention derived from the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Information Processing System 2 servers 31 Communications Department 32 Control Unit 32a Route search acquisition unit 32b Distribution Center Acquisition Department 32c Birth Reservation Department 32d Output Section 33 Storage section 33a Route Network Information Database 33b Map Information Database 33c Berth Reservation System Information Database 41-4N Berth Reservation System

Claims

1. A method for obtaining information about delivery bases from delivery routes, A berth reservation means that accesses the berth reservation system of a distribution center and executes a berth reservation by referring to a database that associates the distribution center with the berth reservation system, An output means for reflecting berth reservation information on the aforementioned delivery route, An information processing system equipped with [the following features].

2. The berth reservation means performs berth reservations using information on the estimated arrival time and stay duration of delivery hubs that are pre-entered on the delivery route. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The berth reservation means, if the time spent at a delivery base is not entered on the delivery route, will make a berth reservation within a predetermined time frame or an estimated time frame. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned berth reservation means, if a berth reservation system is not associated with the delivery base, will notify the user of this fact or display it on the delivery route. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. If it is not possible to reserve a berth at the scheduled arrival time of a delivery hub pre-entered on the delivery route, the berth reservation means will obtain and present available time slots from the berth reservation system. The information processing system according to claim 1.

6. The berth reservation means executes berth reservations in the order of the delivery bases along the delivery route, and if there is a delivery base along the delivery route where it is not possible to reserve a berth at the pre-entered estimated arrival time, it stops executing berth reservations from that delivery base onward. The information processing system according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned berth reservation means executes berth reservations using pre-registered driver information, and if information not registered is required for berth reservation, it accepts input of such information from the driver individually. The information processing system according to claim 1.

8. The output means calculates and outputs the estimated waiting time at the delivery base after the berth reservation information has been reflected. The information processing system according to claim 1.

9. The output means further outputs a break time notification along with the estimated waiting time at the delivery center. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. A method for obtaining delivery hub information from a route plan, A berth reservation means that repeatedly performs the following steps in the order of the delivery centers on the route plan: route search to the delivery center to determine the estimated time of arrival, refer to a database that links the delivery center and the berth reservation system, access the berth reservation system of the delivery center, and execute a berth reservation; An output method that outputs a delivery route that reflects berth reservation information, An information processing system equipped with [the following features].

11. The berth reservation means executes a berth reservation using the estimated arrival time of the delivery base obtained by the route search and the information on the duration of stay at the delivery base that has been pre-entered in the route plan. The information processing system according to claim 10.

12. The berth reservation means, if the time spent at a delivery base is not entered in the route plan, will make a berth reservation within a predetermined time frame or an estimated time frame. The information processing system according to claim 11.

13. The berth reservation means, if a berth reservation system is not associated with the delivery base, will notify the user of this fact or display it on the delivery route output by the output means. The information processing system according to claim 10.

14. If it is not possible to reserve a berth at the estimated arrival time of the delivery base determined by the route search, the berth reservation means will obtain and present available time slots from the berth reservation system. The information processing system according to claim 10.

15. The berth reservation means stops the execution of berth reservations beyond a given delivery center if there is a delivery center where it is not possible to reserve a berth at the estimated arrival time of that delivery center determined by the route search. The information processing system according to claim 10.

16. The berth reservation means performs berth reservations using pre-registered driver information, and if information not registered is required for berth reservations, it requests the driver to individually input such information. The information processing system according to claim 10.

17. The output means calculates and outputs the estimated waiting time at the delivery base after the berth reservation information has been reflected. The information processing system according to claim 10.

18. The output means further outputs a break time notification along with the estimated waiting time at the delivery center. The information processing system according to claim 17.

19. Computers, A method for obtaining information about delivery bases from delivery routes, A berth reservation means that accesses the berth reservation system of a distribution center and executes a berth reservation by referring to a database that associates the distribution center with the berth reservation system, An output means for reflecting berth reservation information on the aforementioned delivery route, An information processing program that functions as such.

20. Computers, A method for obtaining delivery hub information from a route plan, A berth reservation means that repeatedly performs the following steps in the order of the delivery centers on the route plan: route search to the delivery center to determine the estimated time of arrival, refer to a database that links the delivery center and the berth reservation system, access the berth reservation system of the delivery center, and execute a berth reservation; An output method that outputs a delivery route that reflects berth reservation information, An information processing program that functions as such.

21. An information processing system comprising multiple computers connected in a communicative manner, A method for obtaining information about delivery bases from delivery routes, A berth reservation means that accesses the berth reservation system of a distribution center and executes a berth reservation by referring to a database that associates the distribution center with the berth reservation system, An output means for reflecting berth reservation information on the aforementioned delivery route, In order to make an information processing system equipped with the following functions, An information processing program for causing at least one of the computers to function as at least one of the means.

22. An information processing system comprising multiple computers connected in a communicative manner, A method for obtaining delivery hub information from a route plan, A berth reservation means that repeatedly performs the following steps in the order of the delivery centers on the route plan: route search to the delivery center to determine the estimated time of arrival, refer to a database that links the delivery center and the berth reservation system, access the berth reservation system of the delivery center, and execute a berth reservation; An output method that outputs a delivery route that reflects berth reservation information, In order to make an information processing system equipped with the following functions, An information processing program for causing at least one of the computers to function as at least one of the means.

23. To enable the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 18 to function using multiple computers connected in a communicative manner, An information processing program for causing at least one of the aforementioned computers to function as at least one of the means in the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

24. An information processing program for causing a computer to function as at least one of the means in the information processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 18.

25. A method of information processing performed by a computer, Steps to obtain information about delivery hubs from the delivery route, The steps include: referring to a database that links the distribution center and the berth reservation system, accessing the berth reservation system at the distribution center, and making a berth reservation; The steps include reflecting berth reservation information on the aforementioned delivery route, Information processing methods including

26. A method of information processing performed by a computer, Steps to obtain delivery hub information from the route plan, The process involves repeatedly performing the following steps in the order of the delivery centers on the route plan: searching for a route to the delivery center to determine the estimated time of arrival, referring to a database that links the delivery center and the berth reservation system, accessing the berth reservation system at the delivery center, and making a berth reservation; Steps include outputting a delivery route that reflects the berth reservation information, Information processing methods including

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