Delivery support device, delivery support method and program

Abstract

This delivery assistance device (104) comprises: a load data acquiring unit (115) that acquires destination information about baggage; and an assistance unit (119) that uses schedule data (108) about a qualified recipient that includes a recipient identified by the destination information, and causes an output unit (113) to output assistance information that indicates the delivery time period or the possibility of delivery of the baggage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery assistance device. , distribution This document relates to methods and programs for supporting achievement. [Background technology]

[0002] In the delivery of parcels, even if a parcel is delivered to a delivery destination, the parcel may not be received due to reasons such as the absence of the recipient. In such a case, the parcel will be redelivered by the parcel, which reduces the efficiency of parcel delivery. In addition, the user, who is the recipient, will be inconvenienced by having to request redelivery of the parcel and wait at home at the time of the redelivery request.

[0003] For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,363,633 describes a shipping company's application inferring from home data obtained from devices in a smart home environment when residents will be at home and scheduling deliveries to occur at times when people are most likely to be at home. The application can also build delivery routes around those scheduled times, U.S. Patent No. 5,363,633. This, U.S. Patent No. 5,363,633, reduces situations in which shipping companies must attempt to deliver packages multiple times and reduces the number of times consumers must collect their packages from shipping companies. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-169164 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even during times when the recipient is estimated to be likely to be at home by the technology described in Patent Document 1, the recipient may actually be absent due to irregular or urgent matters. Also, if the recipient works from home, he or she may not be able to respond to package delivery even if he or she is at home during an online meeting, for example.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objectives is to support improvement of parcel delivery efficiency and to improve convenience for recipients. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a delivery support device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: A package information acquisition means for acquiring package destination information; a support means for causing an output means to output support information indicating a delivery time or delivery possibility of the package, using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information; Equipped with The support means includes: a determining means for determining a delivery time for the package using schedule data or a current location of the eligible recipient; a determining means for determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package by using at least one of a current location of the eligible recipient and schedule data when a second predetermined condition is satisfied; an output control means for causing an output means to output the support information; The second condition includes at least one of: a predetermined time before the delivery time of the package; and a current location of a deliverer of the package is within a predetermined range from a delivery destination of the package. .

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention 2 The delivery assistance method relating to the above viewpoint is as follows: Obtaining destination information for a package; outputting support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package by using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information, to an output means. fruit, In the case where the support information is outputted by the output means, Using the schedule data or current location of the eligible recipient to determine when to deliver the package; If a second predetermined condition is satisfied, determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package using at least one of the current location of the eligible recipient and schedule data; outputting the support information to an output means; The second condition includes at least one of: a predetermined time before the delivery time of the package; and a current location of a deliverer of the package is within a predetermined range from a delivery destination of the package..

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention 3 The program related to the above points is as follows: On the computer, Obtaining destination information for a package; and outputting support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package by using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information to an output means. 、 In the case where the support information is outputted by the output means, Using the schedule data or current location of the eligible recipient to determine when to deliver the package; If a second predetermined condition is satisfied, determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package using at least one of the current location of the eligible recipient and schedule data; outputting the support information to an output means; The second condition includes at least one of: a predetermined time before the delivery time of the package; and a current location of a deliverer of the package is within a predetermined range from a delivery destination of the package. It is a program. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to support improvement of the efficiency of package delivery and to improve convenience for consumers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a delivery support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the schedule management device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of schedule data. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a recipient terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a delivery person terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the delivery support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of luggage data. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of recipient data. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of delivery plan data. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of a recipient terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of the delivery support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 3 is an example of a flowchart of a plan creation process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying support information including a delivery time. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a flowchart of a first delivery process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is an example of a flowchart of a second delivery process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is an example of a flowchart of a possibility determination process. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying support information indicating that a package can be delivered. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying support information indicating that a package cannot be delivered. [Figure 19] 13 is an example of a flowchart of a plan creation process according to Modification 1. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of recipient data. [Figure 21] 13 is an example of a flowchart of a plan creation process according to Modification 3. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of a delivery support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 13 is an example of a flowchart of a notification process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 13 is an example of a flowchart of a notification process according to Modification 4. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a delivery support device according to Modification 5. [Figure 26]13 is an example of a flowchart of an inquiry process according to Modification 5. [Figure 27] 23 is an example of a flowchart of an inquiry process according to Modification 6. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of a delivery support device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 13 is an example of a flowchart of an update process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] 23 is an example of a flowchart of an update process according to Modification 7. [Diagram 31] 23 is an example of a flowchart of an update process according to Modification 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] <<Embodiment 1>> <Configuration of delivery support system 100> A delivery support system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a system for supporting the delivery of parcels, and supports the delivery of parcels by using the schedule of the recipient of the parcel, etc.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery support system 100 includes a schedule management system 101 including a schedule management device 102 and a recipient terminal 103, a delivery support device 104, and a delivery person terminal 105.

[0016] The delivery support device 104 is connected to each of the recipient terminal 103, the schedule management device 102, and the delivery person terminal 105 via the network N so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0017] In addition, the delivery support system 100 may include multiple recipient terminals 103, multiple schedule management devices 102, and multiple delivery person terminals 105.

[0018] (Configuration of Schedule Management System 101) The schedule management system 101 is a system for managing a user's schedule, and includes a recipient terminal 103 and a schedule management device 102 that are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other via a network N. The schedule management system 101 may be a general system that provides a schedule management service, and an example of such a system will be described in this embodiment.

[0019] (Functional Configuration of Schedule Management Device 102) The schedule management device 102 is a device for managing a user's schedule. Functionally, the schedule management device 102 includes a first storage unit 106 and a communication unit 107, as shown in FIG.

[0020] The first storage unit 106 is a storage unit in which various types of information are stored. Information stored in the first storage unit 106 includes, for example, schedule data 108.

[0021] (Example of the configuration of schedule data 108) The schedule data 108 is data indicating the user's plans, and includes, as shown in FIG. 3, a first ID (Identification), date, time, and content, which are all associated with one another.

[0022] The first ID is information for identifying a user in the schedule management system 101. The date, time, and content associated with each other in the schedule data 108 indicate the date, time, and content related to a common plan, respectively. The first ID in the schedule data 108 is associated with the date, time, and content related to the plan of the user identified by the first ID.

[0023] In the detailed example of the schedule data 108 shown in the figure, a schedule is set for a user identified by "User A." The schedule is a "meeting" from "10:00 to 12:00" on "September 1, 2021" and an "outing" from "15:00 to 16:00" on the same day.

[0024] In addition, other plans of the user identified by "user A" or plans of a user other than the user identified by "user A" may be set in the schedule data 108. In addition, the time is not limited to a time period, and a time may be set.

[0025] Referring again to FIG. The communication unit 107 transmits and receives information via the network N. Furthermore, the communication unit 107 transmits, registers, modifies, deletes, etc., schedule data 108 in response to a request received via the network N.

[0026] (Functional configuration of recipient terminal 103) The recipient terminal 103 is a device carried by the recipient of the package, and functionally includes a first position transmission unit 109 and a schedule management unit 110, as shown in FIG.

[0027] The first location transmission unit 109 acquires the current location of the recipient terminal 103, and transmits first location information indicating the current location to the delivery support device 104 via the network.

[0028] The schedule management unit 110 performs processing for managing schedule data 108 of a recipient who is a user of the schedule management system 101 via the network N. For example, the schedule management unit 110 causes the schedule management device 102 to transmit, register, change, delete, etc., the schedule data 108 in response to input from the recipient. This allows the recipient to manage his or her own schedule as a user of the schedule management system 101.

[0029] As will be understood from this explanation, the schedule management unit 110 is a function that the recipient terminal 103 has as a device that constitutes the schedule management system 101. In other words, the recipient terminal 103 constitutes the schedule management system 101 in that it has the schedule management unit 110. The schedule management unit 110 may be provided in an appropriate information processing device connected to the network N, such as a computer, in addition to or instead of being provided in the recipient terminal 103.

[0030] (Functional configuration of the delivery person terminal 105) The delivery person terminal 105 is a device carried by a parcel delivery person, and functionally includes a second position transmission unit 111, an input reception unit 112, and an output unit 113, as shown in FIG.

[0031] The second position transmission unit 111 acquires the current position of the delivery person terminal 105, and transmits second position information indicating the current position to the delivery support device 104 via the network.

[0032] The input receiving unit 112 receives input from the delivery person.

[0033] The output unit 113 displays various information. This allows the delivery person to view the various information. The output unit 113 corresponds to an output means.

[0034] The method of output by the output unit 113 as an output means is not limited to display, and for example, audio may be adopted as the output method in addition to or instead of display.

[0035] (Functional configuration of the delivery support device 104) The delivery support device 104 is a device for supporting the delivery of packages. As shown in FIG. 6 , the delivery support device 104 functionally includes a second storage unit 114, a package data acquisition unit 115, a schedule acquisition unit 116, a first position acquisition unit 117, a second position acquisition unit 118, and a support unit 119.

[0036] The second storage unit 114 is a storage unit in which various information is stored. Examples of the information stored in the second storage unit 114 include package data 120, recipient data 121, and delivery plan data 122.

[0037] (Example of the configuration of baggage data 120) The package data 120 is data related to packages to be delivered. As shown in Fig. 7, the package data 120 according to the present embodiment includes a package ID, destination information, receipt time, and completion information, which are associated with each other.

[0038] The parcel ID is information for identifying a parcel in the delivery support system 100. The destination information is information indicating the destination of the parcel, and in this embodiment includes the address and name indicating the destination of the parcel. The parcel ID and destination information are set, for example, when the delivery of the parcel is accepted.

[0039] The receipt time is information indicating the time the recipient specifies to receive the package, and includes the date and time period specified by the recipient. The receipt time is set according to the recipient's specification, for example, based on the recipient's specification of the package delivery schedule or absence notification (notification that the recipient will be absent when the package is delivered). In other words, if there is no specification from the recipient, the receipt time does not need to be set.

[0040] Delivery status information is information that indicates the status of the delivery of a package. Examples of package delivery status include "not delivered", "delivered", and "re-delivered". "Not delivered" indicates that the package has not yet been delivered. "Delivered" indicates that the package has been handed over to the recipient and delivery is complete. "Re-delivered" indicates that the package has been delivered but not handed over to the recipient and is subject to redelivery.

[0041] The package ID of the package data 120 is associated with destination information, receipt time, and completion information of the package identified thereby.

[0042] The detailed example of the package data 120 shown in the figure indicates that the address and name of the destination of the package identified by "Package A" are "Address A" and "Name A", respectively, and the designated receiving time for the package is "September 1, 2021, 14:00-16:00". In addition, the detailed example of the package data 120 shown in the figure indicates that the package Things Indicates that the item has not yet been delivered.

[0043] In addition, data related to packages other than the package identified by "Package A" may be set in the package data 120. In addition, the destination information is not limited to an address and a name, and may be any information that can identify the recipient of the package in the delivery support system 100, such as information that is appropriately assigned to identify the recipient.

[0044] (Example of recipient data 121 configuration) The recipient data 121 is data related to a recipient who is registered in advance as a user of the delivery support system 100. The recipient data 121 according to the present embodiment includes an address, a name, a first ID, and a recipient terminal ID, which are associated with each other, as shown in FIG.

[0045] The address and name associated with each other in the recipient data 121 indicate the address and name of the recipient, respectively. The first ID of the recipient data 121 corresponds to the first ID of the schedule data 108. The recipient terminal ID is information for identifying the recipient terminal 103, and the contact information of the recipient terminal 103 is set.

[0046] The address and name of the recipient data 121 are associated with a first ID of the recipient identified by them and a recipient terminal ID of the recipient terminal 103 possessed by the recipient.

[0047] The detailed example of recipient data 121 shown in the figure indicates that the first ID and recipient terminal ID of a recipient identified by the address and name "Address A" and "Name A", respectively, are "User A" and "Terminal A", respectively.

[0048] Note that the recipient data 121 may contain data about a recipient other than the recipient specified by "Address A" and "Name A." Similarly to the destination information of the package data 120, the address and name of the recipient data 121 may be information that can identify the recipient of the package in the delivery support system 100.

[0049] (Example of the configuration of delivery plan data 122) The delivery plan data 122 is data indicating a delivery plan for a parcel, and is created by the support unit 119 as described below. The delivery plan data 122 according to the present embodiment includes a parcel ID, a delivery time, and a delivery person terminal ID, which are associated with each other, as shown in FIG. 9 as an example.

[0050] The parcel ID in the delivery plan data 122 corresponds to the parcel ID in the parcel data 120. The delivery time is information indicating the time when the parcel is scheduled to be delivered in the delivery plan, and in this embodiment includes the date and time when the parcel is scheduled to be delivered. The delivery person terminal ID is information for identifying the delivery person terminal 105 possessed by the delivery person, and the contact information of the delivery person terminal 105 is set.

[0051] In this embodiment, the parcel ID in the delivery plan data 122 is associated with the delivery time of the parcel identified by the parcel and the delivery person terminal ID of the delivery person in charge of the delivery.

[0052] The detailed example of the delivery plan data 122 shown in the figure indicates that the delivery date and time of the package identified by "Package A" are "September 1, 2021" and "14:00 to 14:15", respectively. The detailed example of the delivery plan data 122 shown in the figure also indicates that the delivery person terminal ID of the delivery person in charge of delivering the package is "Terminal B".

[0053] Note that data related to packages other than the package identified by "Package A" may be set in the delivery plan data 122. Also, the delivery time may be only a time when the delivery plan is created for a specific day, and the time may be set not only to a time period but also to a time of day.

[0054] Referring again to FIG. The package data acquisition unit 115 acquires package data 120 including package destination information and the like. The package data acquisition unit 115 corresponds to package information acquisition means. The schedule acquisition unit 116 acquires the recipient's schedule data 108. The first location acquisition unit 117 acquires first location information. The second location acquisition unit 118 acquires second location information.

[0055] The support unit 119 uses the schedule data 108 of the recipient specified by the package destination information acquired by the package data acquisition unit 115 to cause the output unit 113 to output support information. The support information is information for supporting the delivery of the package, and indicates the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package.

[0056] In detail, the support unit 119 includes a decision unit 123, a determination unit 124, and an output control unit 125, as shown in FIG.

[0057] The determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the package by using the recipient's schedule data 108. As a result, a delivery plan for the package is created, and the delivery plan data 122 indicating the created delivery plan is stored in the second storage unit 114 by the determination unit 123.

[0058] The determination unit 124 uses the recipient's current location and the schedule data 108 to determine whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which whether or not a package can be delivered is determined using both the recipient's current location and schedule data 108, but whether or not a package can be delivered may be determined using at least one of the recipient's current location and schedule data 108.

[0060] The output control unit 125 transmits support information indicating the delivery time determined by the determination unit 123 or the possibility of delivery determined by the judgment unit 124 to the delivery person terminal 105 via the network N. As a result, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 113 to display the support information.

[0061] Up to this point, the functional configuration of the delivery support system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been mainly described. From now on, the physical configuration of the delivery support system 100 will be described.

[0062] (Physical configuration of the delivery support system 100) The delivery support system 100 according to the present embodiment is physically composed of a schedule management device 102, a recipient terminal 103, a delivery support device 104, and a delivery person terminal 105, which are connected via a network N. The network N may be constructed, for example, by a wired line, a wireless line, or a line that combines these.

[0063] (Physical configuration of schedule management device 102) The schedule management device 102 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer, and may be physically configured in the same manner as the delivery support device 104. Details of the physical configuration of the schedule management device 102 will be described later in connection with the description of the physical configuration of the delivery support device 104.

[0064] (Physical configuration of recipient terminal 103) The recipient terminal 103 is physically, for example, a tablet PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone.

[0065] In detail, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the recipient terminal 103 physically includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, a user interface 1060, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) antenna 1070.

[0066] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, network interface 1050, user interface 1060, and GPS antenna 1070. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0067] The processor 1020 is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0068] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0069] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules for realizing each function of the recipient terminal 103. The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing the function of the recipient terminal 103 corresponding to that program module.

[0070] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the recipient terminal 103 to the network N.

[0071] The user interface 1060 includes a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like as interfaces for the user to input information, and a liquid crystal panel and the like as an interface for presenting information to the user.

[0072] The GPS antenna 1070 is an antenna for acquiring the current location of the recipient terminal 103 using a GPS.

[0073] The GPS antenna 1070 is an example of a physical configuration for acquiring the current location of the recipient terminal 103. Acquisition of the current location may employ conventional technology that utilizes some or all of GPS, base station location information, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), etc. Physically, an antenna according to the method for acquiring the current location may be provided.

[0074] (Physical configuration of the delivery person terminal 105) The delivery person terminal 105 is physically, for example, a tablet PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone.

[0075] In detail, for example, the physical configuration of the delivery person terminal 105 may be generally similar to that of the recipient terminal 103, and the "recipient terminal 103" in the above description regarding the physical configuration of the recipient terminal 103 is replaced with "delivery person terminal 105."

[0076] (Physical configuration of the delivery assistance device 104) The delivery assistance device 104 is physically, for example, a general-purpose computer. In detail, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the delivery assistance device 104 physically includes a bus 2010, a processor 2020, a memory 2030, a storage device 2040, a network interface 2050, a user interface 2060, and a timer 2080.

[0077] The bus 2010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 2020, memory 2030, storage device 2040, network interface 2050, user interface 2060, and timer 2080. However, the method of connecting the processor 2020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0078] The processor 2020, memory 2030, storage device 2040, network interface 2050, and user interface 2060 may be similar to the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, network interface 1050, and user interface 1060 described above, respectively.

[0079] The storage device 2040 stores program modules for realizing each function of the delivery support device 104. The processor 2020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 2030 and executes them to realize the function of the delivery support device 104 corresponding to that program module.

[0080] The network interface 2060 is an interface for connecting the delivery assistance device to the network N.

[0081] The timer 2080 is a device for measuring time, and is used, for example, to obtain the current time.

[0082] Here, as described above, the schedule management device 102 is physically configured in a manner generally similar to that of the delivery support device 104. In detail, for example, the physical configuration of the schedule management device 102 is obtained by replacing the "delivery support device 104" in the above description of the physical configuration of the delivery support device 104 with the "schedule management device 102."

[0083] <<Operation of delivery support system 100>> From here, the operation of the delivery support system 100 will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0084] The delivery assistance system 100 executes a delivery assistance method for assisting in the delivery of packages. The delivery assistance method includes a plan creation process shown in Fig. 12, and a first during-delivery process and a second during-delivery process shown in Figs. 14 and 15, respectively.

[0085] (Planning process) 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a plan creation process according to the present embodiment. The plan creation process is a process for creating a delivery plan for a package scheduled to be delivered during a predetermined target period.

[0086] The target period is the delivery time of one day, a predetermined time period within the delivery time of one day, etc. The delivery time of one day is, for example, 9:00 to 21:00, and the time period within the delivery time is a time period into which 9:00 to 21:00 is divided, and one of the divided time periods is, for example, 14:00 to 16:00. There are usually multiple parcels that are the target of the plan creation process. However, there may be only one parcel that is the target of the plan creation process.

[0087] The plan creation process is started before the start of the target period in response to an instruction to the delivery support device 104. For example, when creating a delivery plan for one day, the plan creation process is executed before the start of delivery for that day.

[0088] The package data acquisition unit 115 refers to the second storage unit 114 and acquires the package data 120 of packages scheduled for delivery during the target period (step S101).

[0089] In detail, the package data acquisition unit 115 extracts package data 120 of packages excluding packages for which a receipt time outside the target period is set. That is, the package data acquisition unit 115 extracts package data 120 of packages for which a receipt time falls within the target period and packages for which no receipt time is set.

[0090] Then, the package data acquisition unit 115 acquires the package data 120 of the extracted package. As a result, the package data acquisition unit 115 acquires the package data 120 in which the package ID, destination information, and receipt time of the package scheduled to be delivered during the target period are associated with each other.

[0091] For example, when the target period is from 9:00 to 21:00 on September 1, 2021, the package data 120 acquired in step S101 includes the package data 120 of the package whose package ID is "Package A" shown in FIG.

[0092] Referring again to FIG. The schedule acquisition unit 116 acquires the schedule data 108 of the recipient specified by the destination information acquired in step S101 from the schedule management device 102 (step S102).

[0093] In detail, the schedule acquisition unit 116 refers to the second storage unit 114 and acquires the first ID associated in the recipient data 121 with the destination information acquired in step S101. This makes it possible to acquire the first ID of the recipient identified by the destination information acquired in step S101. The schedule acquisition unit 116 acquires, from the schedule management device 102, schedule data 108 indicating the schedule for the target period of the user identified by the acquired first ID.

[0094] For example, in step S101, when package data 120 of a package with package ID "Package A" shown in Fig. 7 is acquired, the recipient of the package is specified by "Address A" and "Name A" included in the destination information of the package. The schedule acquisition unit 116 refers to the second storage unit 114 and acquires "User A" as the first ID associated with "Address A" and "Name A" in the recipient data 121.

[0095] The schedule acquisition unit 116 transmits a schedule request including the acquired first ID "User A" and the target period "September 1, 2021, 9:00-21:00" to the schedule management device 102. When the communication unit 107 acquires the request, it refers to the first storage unit 106 and extracts schedule data 108 (see FIG. 3) indicating the plan for "September 1, 2021, 9:00-21:00" for the first ID "User A". The communication unit 107 transmits the extracted schedule data 108 to the delivery support device 104.

[0096] As a result, the schedule acquisition unit 116 acquires, from the schedule management device 102, the schedule data 108 of the recipient specified by "Address A" and "Name A", which are the destination information acquired in step S101.

[0097] Referring again to FIG. The determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the package using the schedule data 108 acquired in step S102, and also determines a deliverer for the package (step S103).

[0098] In detail, in the case of a parcel for which a receipt time is not set in the parcel data 120 acquired in step S101, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the parcel using the schedule data 108 acquired in step S102. In addition, in the case of a parcel for which a receipt time is set in the parcel data 120 acquired in step S101, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the parcel using the receipt time and the schedule data 108 acquired in step S102.

[0099] For example, in step S101, when the package data 120 of a package whose package ID is "Package A" shown in Fig. 7 is acquired, the receipt time of the package is set to "September 1, 2021, 14:00 to 16:00". In this case, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the package so that the package is delivered during the receipt time when the recipient is free.

[0100] For example, when the schedule data 108 shown in FIG. 3 is acquired in step S102, a recipient with a first ID of "User A" has a plan to "go out" from "15:00 to 16:00" within the receiving time of "September 1, 2021, 14:00 to 16:00."

[0101] Therefore, the determination unit 123 determines the possible delivery time of the package with the package ID "Package A" to be 14:00 to 15:00 on September 1, 2021. Then, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the package with the package ID "Package A" to be "14:00 to 14:15 on September 1, 2021," for example, as shown in FIG.

[0102] Which time among the possible deliveries is to be set as the delivery time may be determined by any suitable method. For example, an early time period may be assigned to the delivery time in the order in which the delivery time determination process was performed. The delivery time may also be adjusted as appropriate in relation to the receipt time of other packages. Furthermore, when the delivery time is determined by a time period as in this embodiment, multiple packages may be assigned to the delivery time, not just one package.

[0103] In this manner, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time for each package for which a receipt time is set.

[0104] If there is a parcel for which a receipt time is not set, the determination unit 123 sets the time for which a delivery time is not assigned as the available delivery time for the parcel and determines the delivery time for the parcel. When determining the delivery time for a parcel for which a receipt time is not set, the schedule data 108 is used as described above, and the delivery time for the parcel is determined so that the parcel is delivered during the available receipt time when the recipient is free.

[0105] Furthermore, the determination unit 123 determines a delivery person for the parcel whose delivery time has been determined, using delivery person data (not shown) stored in advance in the second storage unit 114. Alternatively, the determination unit 123 determines a delivery person for the parcel whose delivery time has been determined, according to an input to the delivery support device 104 made by referring to the displayed delivery person data, for example.

[0106] Here, the delivery person data is data that associates a delivery person ID for identifying the delivery person in charge of deliveries during the target period with the delivery person terminal ID of the delivery person terminal 105 possessed by the delivery person.

[0107] Referring again to FIG. The determination unit 123 stores in the second storage unit 114 the delivery plan data 122 that associates the parcel ID of each parcel determined in step S103, the delivery time, and the delivery person terminal ID of the delivery person (step S104).

[0108] The output control unit 125 transmits support information including the parcel ID and delivery time determined in step S103 for the parcel to be delivered by the delivery person to the delivery person terminal 105 indicated by the delivery person terminal ID of the delivery person determined in step S103 (step S105). With this, the output control unit 125 ends the plan creation process.

[0109] The support information transmitted from the output control unit 125 is acquired by the delivery person terminal 105. When the output unit 113 acquires the support information, it displays the support information, for example, in response to an instruction from the delivery person or automatically regardless of an instruction from the delivery person. That is, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 113 to display the support information by transmitting the support information.

[0110] Here, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the output unit 113 on which support information including a delivery time is displayed. In the figure, an example of a screen including support information for a package whose package ID is "Package A" is shown, and support information for other packages can be viewed, for example, by scrolling the screen. This allows the delivery person to view the delivery plan for the package created by the delivery support device 104.

[0111] Furthermore, destination information is generally indicated on the package by affixing a sticker or the like. The sticker or the like may indicate the package ID by a code consisting of numbers and letters, or a code readable by the delivery person terminal 105 (a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like). The destination information or package ID makes it possible to know which actual package the package indicated in the support information corresponds to. This allows the delivery person to deliver the package according to the delivery plan.

[0112] According to the plan creation process of this embodiment, the delivery plan is created by referring to the recipient's schedule. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package, for example, if the recipient is absent at the time of delivery, or if the recipient is at the address but is unable to accept delivery of the package. This makes it possible to support improvement of the delivery efficiency of the package. In addition, it is possible to reduce the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to accept redelivery. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of the recipient.

[0113] The support information may include the receipt time of the package data 120 of the package that is the subject of delivery support.

[0114] (1st delivery in progress) 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a first during-delivery process according to the present embodiment. The first during-delivery process is a process for modifying the delivery plan created by the plan creation process, as necessary, while a delivery person is delivering a package according to the delivery plan.

[0115] The first in-delivery process is started for a parcel when the current time is a predetermined first time (for example, between 10 and 30 minutes) before the parcel's delivery time (in this embodiment, the start of the delivery time). In other words, the parcel that is the target of the first in-delivery process is a parcel whose delivery time (the start of the delivery time) arrives the first time after the current time.

[0116] The package data acquisition unit 115 refers to the second storage unit 114 and acquires the package data 120 of the package that is the target of processing (step S201).

[0117] The first location acquisition unit 117 acquires the first location information by inquiring of the recipient terminal 103 of the recipient of the package that is the target of the first delivery in progress process about the current location (step S202).

[0118] In detail, first location acquisition unit 117 refers to second storage unit 114 and acquires the recipient terminal ID of recipient data 121 including the address and name included in package data 120 acquired in step S201. Then, first location acquisition unit 117 inquires of the recipient terminal 103 indicated by the acquired recipient terminal ID about its current location. Upon receiving this inquiry, first location transmission unit 109 acquires the current location and transmits first location information indicating the acquired current location to delivery support device 104. In this way, first location acquisition unit 117 acquires the current location of the recipient of the target package.

[0119] The schedule acquisition unit 116 uses the first location information acquired in step S202 to determine whether the recipient's current location is within a predetermined first range (step S203).

[0120] Here, the first range includes the recipient of The address or its vicinity is set. The vicinity of the address is a predetermined range from the address. This range is a range that the recipient can normally travel within the first time period, for example, a range of several hundred meters when the first time period is 30 minutes.

[0121] As described above, the package is delivered approximately a first time after the first delivery process. If the recipient is at the address or in the vicinity, it is usually highly likely that the recipient will be at the address during the first time. In contrast, if the recipient is not at the address or in the vicinity, it is unlikely that the recipient will be at the address after the first time. Therefore, the determination process in step S203 makes it possible to determine whether or not the recipient is highly likely to be at the address at the time the package is scheduled to be delivered.

[0122] "Being within a first range" in step S203 according to the present embodiment is an example of a predetermined first condition.

[0123] If the recipient's current location is not within the first range (step S203; No), the decision unit 123 sets "redelivery" to the delivery status information of the package data 120 of the package to be processed (step S204).

[0124] As a result, the parcel that is the subject of the first delivery in progress process is treated as the parcel that is the subject of redelivery. The parcel that is the subject of redelivery is included in the parcels that are the subject of the delivery plan for the receiving time designated by the recipient on the following day or later.

[0125] The determination unit 123 deletes the delivery plan data 122 related to the package that is the target of the first delivery in progress process from the second storage unit 114 (Step S205).

[0126] As a result, the parcel that is the subject of the first in-delivery process is excluded from the parcels to be delivered during the period covered by the delivery plan since it has become the subject of redelivery, and the delivery plan is revised.

[0127] In addition to the above-mentioned processing, in step S205, the delivery time may be determined again for undelivered parcels that will be delivered during the target period by the same delivery person as the parcel that is the subject of the first delivery in progress processing, in a manner similar to that of step S103.

[0128] The output control unit 125 transmits support information including the package ID and delivery time included in the delivery plan data 122 of the package to be delivered by the delivery person to the delivery person terminal 105 of the package that is the target of the first delivery in progress process (step S206). With this, the output control unit 125 ends the first delivery in progress process.

[0129] In detail, the output control unit 125 acquires the delivery plan data 122 that has the same delivery person terminal ID as the delivery plan data 122 deleted in step S205 and whose delivery status information is "undelivered" from the second storage unit 114. This acquires the delivery plan data 122 of undelivered parcels to be delivered during the target period by the same delivery person as the parcel that is the target of the first in-delivery process.

[0130] Then, the output control unit 125 transmits support information including the parcel ID and delivery time included in the acquired delivery plan data 122 to the delivery person terminal 105 indicated by the delivery person terminal ID.

[0131] This allows the delivery person to deliver packages according to the revised delivery plan, as explained in the plan creation process.

[0132] If the recipient's current location is within the first range (step S203; Yes), the schedule acquisition unit 116 acquires the schedule data 108 of the recipient specified by the destination information acquired in step S201 (step S207).

[0133] The details of the process in step S202 are generally similar to those of the process in step S102.

[0134] The determining unit 123 determines whether or not there is a change in the schedule of the recipient identified by the destination information acquired in step S201 (step S208).

[0135] In detail, the determination unit 123 compares the schedule data 108 acquired in step S207 and step S102 for the common recipient. The process of step S102 here is in the plan creation process when the delivery plan to be corrected is created in the first in-delivery process, and the schedule data 108 acquired in step S102 may be stored in the second storage unit 114, for example.

[0136] When it is determined that there is no change in the schedule (step S208; No), the decision unit 123 ends the first delivery in progress process.

[0137] When it is determined that there is a change in the schedule (step S208; Yes), the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the package using the schedule data 108 acquired in step S207 (step S209).

[0138] In step S209, the delivery times of undelivered packages that will be delivered during the target period by the same delivery person as the package that is the target of the first delivery process are determined again in the same manner as in step S103. At this time, the schedule data 108 acquired in step S207 is used to determine the delivery times. In addition, the schedule data 108 of the recipients of the other undelivered packages may also be acquired again by the schedule acquisition unit 116, and the schedule data 108 may also be used to determine the delivery times.

[0139] The determination unit 123 stores the delivery plan data 122 indicating the revised delivery plan in the second storage unit 114 (Step S210).

[0140] In detail, for parcels whose delivery time determined in step S209 is different from the delivery time determined in step S103, the determination unit 123 updates the delivery time in the delivery plan data 122 with the delivery time determined in step S209. The process of step S102 here is in the plan creation process when the delivery plan to be revised is created in the first in-delivery process.

[0141] The output control unit 125 transmits support information including the package ID and delivery time included in the delivery plan data 122 of the package to be delivered by the delivery person to the delivery person terminal 105 of the package that is the target of the first delivery in progress process (step S206). With this, the output control unit 125 ends the first delivery in progress process.

[0142] In detail, the output control unit 125 acquires the delivery plan data 122 that has the same delivery person terminal ID as the delivery plan data 122 of the parcel that is the target of the first in-delivery process and whose delivery status information is "undelivered" from the second storage unit 114. This acquires the delivery plan data 122 that indicates a revised delivery plan for the undelivered parcel that is to be delivered during the target period by the same delivery person as the parcel that is the target of the first in-delivery process.

[0143] Then, the output control unit 125 transmits support information including the parcel ID and delivery time included in the acquired delivery plan data 122 to the delivery person terminal 105 indicated by the delivery person terminal ID.

[0144] According to the first in-delivery process of this embodiment, when the recipient's current location is within a first range, the delivery plan is created with reference to the recipient's schedule. When the recipient's current location is within the first range, as described above, the recipient is likely to be at the address to which the package is to be delivered at the time the package is scheduled to be delivered. In this case, by creating the delivery plan with further reference to the schedule, it is possible to further reduce the possibility that the recipient is unable to accept the delivery of the package even if he or she is at the address.

[0145] This will help to further improve the efficiency of parcel delivery. It will also further reduce the effort required for recipients to receive parcels, such as the effort required to respond to redelivery requests. This will further improve convenience for recipients.

[0146] (2nd delivery in progress) 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the second during-delivery process according to the present embodiment. The second during-delivery process is a process for determining whether or not the parcel can be delivered at the delivery time of the delivery plan, that is, whether or not the parcel can be delivered, while the delivery person is delivering the parcel according to the delivery plan.

[0147] The second during-delivery process is repeatedly executed during the target period of the delivery plan. Note that the second during-delivery process may be executed upon receiving a request from a delivery person via the delivery person terminal 105.

[0148] The determination unit 124 determines whether or not a second condition is satisfied for an undelivered parcel among the parcels that the delivery person is in charge of delivering (Step S301).

[0149] The second condition is a condition for determining whether the delivery person is about to deliver the package to the delivery address of the package, and includes, for example, at least one of the following conditions A and B. Condition A: The second predetermined time before the delivery time of the package. Condition B: The delivery person's current location is within a predetermined second range from the address to which the package is to be delivered.

[0150] The second time is shorter than the first time, for example, about 1 to 3 minutes. The second range is narrower than the first range, for example, from several meters to several tens of meters.

[0151] In determining whether condition A is satisfied, the determination unit 124 refers to the second storage unit 114 and extracts a parcel ID associated with the delivery person terminal ID of the delivery person in the delivery plan data 122. As a result, the determination unit 124 extracts parcel IDs of undelivered parcels among the parcels that the delivery person is responsible for delivering. Note that if the delivery plan data 122 includes data related to parcels that are not undelivered, the determination unit 124 may further extract parcel IDs of undelivered parcels using delivery status information in the parcel data 120.

[0152] The determination unit 124 determines whether or not the delivery time associated with the extracted package ID satisfies condition A based on whether or not the delivery time is within a second time from the current time. In particular, if the delivery time of the package is within the second time from the current time, the package is determined to satisfy condition A. Also, if the delivery time of the package is not within the second time from the current time, the package is determined to not satisfy condition A.

[0153] In determining whether condition B is met, the second position acquisition unit 118 inquires of the current position of the delivery person terminal 105 indicated by the delivery person terminal ID. When the second position transmission unit 111 receives this inquiry, it acquires the current position and transmits second position information indicating the acquired current position to the delivery support device 104. In this way, the second position acquisition unit 118 acquires the current position of the parcel deliverer.

[0154] The determination unit 124 determines whether or not condition B is satisfied for a parcel with a parcel ID associated with a delivery person terminal ID in the delivery plan data 122, depending on whether the current location indicated by the second location information is within a second range from an address included in the destination information of the parcel data 120. In detail, if the current location is within the second range from the address of the parcel delivery destination, the parcel is determined to satisfy condition B. Also, if the current location is not within the second range from the address of the parcel delivery destination, the parcel is determined to not satisfy condition B.

[0155] When the second condition includes both conditions A and B, the judgment unit 124 may judge that the second condition is satisfied for the parcel when the parcel satisfies both conditions A and B, or may judge that the second condition is satisfied for the parcel when the parcel satisfies either condition A or B.

[0156] When it is determined that the second condition is not satisfied (step S301; No), the determination unit 124 ends the second delivery in progress process.

[0157] When it is determined that the second condition is satisfied (step S301; Yes), the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the parcel determined to satisfy the second condition can be delivered (step S302).

[0158] In detail, in the possibility determination process (step S302), the determination unit 124 determines whether the recipient has a plan to deliver the package during the delivery period (step S501), as shown in FIG.

[0159] More specifically, the schedule acquisition unit 116 identifies the first ID of the recipient data 121 that includes an address and a name common to the destination information of the package data 120, and acquires schedule data that includes the identified first ID. The schedule data 108 acquired at this time may be data related to a schedule immediately before the current time, or data related to a schedule within a predetermined time period. In this way, the schedule data 108 indicating the schedule of the recipient of the package can be acquired.

[0160] The determination unit 124 acquires a delivery time associated with the package ID of the package determined to satisfy the second condition in the delivery plan data 122. Then, the determination unit 124 uses the schedule data 108 acquired by the schedule acquisition unit 116 to determine whether the recipient's schedule falls within the delivery time of the package.

[0161] If it is determined that the scheduled delivery time does not fall within the delivery period (step S501; No), the first location acquisition unit 117 acquires the first location information of the recipient terminal 103 of the recipient of the package (step S502). The details of step S502 are generally similar to the above-mentioned step S202. As a result, the first location acquisition unit 117 acquires the current location of the recipient of the package.

[0162] The determination unit 124 uses the first location information acquired in step S502 to determine whether or not the recipient is at the address to which the package is to be delivered (step S503).

[0163] In detail, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the current location indicated by the first location information matches the address of the delivery destination of the package.

[0164] Here, the address to which the package is to be delivered is the address included in the destination information associated with the package ID of the package in the package data 120.

[0165] In addition, in determining whether the current location matches the address, a measurement error of the current location may be taken into consideration. That is, if the current location is within a predetermined range from the address, it is determined that the current location matches the address and the recipient is at the address. Also, if the current location is not within a predetermined range from the address, it is determined that the current location does not match the address and the recipient is not at the address. The predetermined range here is a range according to the measurement error.

[0166] If it is determined that the recipient is at the address (step S503; Yes), the determination unit 124 determines that the package can be delivered (step S504), and the process returns to the second delivery process.

[0167] If it is determined that the scheduled delivery time is within the delivery period (step S501; Yes), or if it is determined that the recipient is not at the address (step S503; No), the judgment unit 124 determines that the package can be delivered (step S505), and returns to the second delivery process.

[0168] In the feasibility determination process (step S302) according to this embodiment, as explained above, both the recipient's current location and schedule data are used to determine whether the parcel can be delivered at the delivery time. Note that in the feasibility determination process (step S302), it is preferable to determine whether the parcel can be delivered at the delivery time using at least one of the recipient's current location and schedule data.

[0169] Referring again to FIG. When it is determined in step S301 that a package determined to satisfy the second condition is deliverable (step S302; Yes), the output control unit 125 transmits support information to the delivery person terminal 105 of the deliverer of the package (step S303). The support information transmitted here includes the package ID of the package determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301 and information that the package is deliverable.

[0170] The support information transmitted from the output control unit 125 is displayed on the output unit 113, as described in relation to the plan creation process. Here, Fig. 17 shows an example of a screen of the output unit 113 on which support information indicating that the package is deliverable is displayed. This screen includes a "Delivery complete" button and a "Redelivery" button.

[0171] The "Delivery Complete" button is pressed by the delivery person when the package is handed over to the recipient. When the "Delivery Complete" button is pressed, the input reception unit 112 transmits delivery completion information indicating that the delivery of the package associated with the "Delivery Complete" button on the screen has been completed to the delivery support device 104 via the network N.

[0172] The "Redelivery" button is pressed by the delivery person when the delivery person delivers the package to the delivery destination, but the recipient does not respond and the package cannot be handed over to the recipient. When the "Redelivery" button is pressed, the input reception unit 112 transmits redelivery information indicating that the package associated with the "Redelivery" button on the screen is subject to redelivery to the delivery support device 104 via the network N.

[0173] Referring again to FIG. The output control unit 125 determines whether or not delivery of the parcel determined in step S301 to satisfy the second condition has been completed, depending on whether or not delivery completion information has been acquired.

[0174] If the delivery completion information has not been acquired, the output control unit 125 determines that the delivery of the parcel has not been completed (step S304; No). In this case, the output control unit 125 determines whether the parcel determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301 is a target for redelivery, depending on whether redelivery information has been acquired (step S305).

[0175] If redelivery information has not been acquired, the output control unit 125 determines that the package is not a target for redelivery (step S305; No), and returns to the processing of step S304.

[0176] When the delivery completion information is acquired, the output control unit 125 determines that the delivery of the parcel is completed (step S304; Yes). In this case, the output control unit 125 sets "delivery completed" to the delivery status information of the parcel data 120 of the parcel determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301 (step S306).

[0177] The output control unit 125 deletes the delivery plan data 122 relating to the package that is determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301 from the second storage unit 114 (step S307).

[0178] This means that parcels that have been delivered are excluded from the parcels to be delivered during the period covered by the delivery plan.

[0179] The output control unit 125 transmits support information including the package ID and delivery time included in the delivery plan data 122 of the package delivered by the delivery person (step S308). The transmission destination here is the delivery person terminal 105 of the deliverer of the package determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301. Thereby, the output control unit 125 ends the second delivery in progress process.

[0180] When it is determined in step S301 that a parcel determined to satisfy the second condition is undeliverable, i.e., cannot be delivered (step S302; No), the output control unit 125 transmits support information to the delivery person terminal 105 of the deliverer of the parcel (step S309). The support information transmitted here includes the parcel ID of the parcel determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301 and information that the parcel cannot be delivered.

[0181] Here, Fig. 18 shows an example of a screen of the output unit 113 on which support information indicating that the package cannot be delivered is displayed. This screen includes a "Confirm" button. The "Confirm" button is pressed by the delivery person who has confirmed the contents of the screen. When the "Confirm" button is pressed, the input receiving unit 112 causes the output unit 113 to end the display of the support information indicating that the package cannot be delivered.

[0182] 17 and 18, when the output unit 113 is caused to display support information indicating whether delivery is possible, the output control unit 125 causes the output unit 113 to display information indicating whether delivery of the package is possible. This makes it possible to prevent the recipient's privacy, such as whether the recipient is at the address or out, from being known to the delivery person. This makes it possible to protect the recipient's privacy.

[0183] Referring again to FIG. If it is determined that the parcel is subject to redelivery (step S305; Yes), or following the process of step S309, the output control unit 125 executes the process of step S310. In step S310, the output control unit 125 sets "redelivery" to the delivery status information of the parcel data 120 of the parcel determined in step S301 to satisfy the second condition.

[0184] The output control unit 125 deletes the delivery plan data 122 relating to the package that is determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301 from the second storage unit 114 (step S311).

[0185] As a result, the parcel that is determined to satisfy the second condition in step S301 is subject to redelivery and is therefore excluded from the parcels to be delivered during the target period of the delivery plan.

[0186] The output control unit 125 executes the process of step S308 described above, and ends the second delivery process.

[0187] According to the second in-delivery process of this embodiment, for a parcel that satisfies the second condition, at least one of the recipient's current location and schedule data 108 is used to determine whether the parcel can be delivered at the delivery time.

[0188] As mentioned above, the parcel that meets the second condition is one that is about to be delivered. In such a case, if the recipient does not have a delivery date and is at the address, the parcel will be collected by the recipient. tree On the other hand, if the recipient has an expected delivery time or is not at the address, the recipient may be asked to collect the package. tree Can be delivered R Low probability.

[0189] Therefore, by determining whether or not a package can be delivered immediately before delivery, the package can be delivered if there is a high possibility that the package can be handed over to the recipient, and the package can be redelivered if there is a low possibility, thereby supporting further improvement of package delivery efficiency.

[0190] So far, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to this embodiment, the delivery support device 104 uses schedule data 108 of the recipient specified by the destination information of the package to display support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package on the output unit 113.

[0191] This reduces the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package, for example, if the recipient is absent at the time of delivery, or if the recipient is present at the address but unable to accept delivery of the package. This therefore helps to improve the efficiency of package delivery. It also reduces the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to accept redelivery. This therefore improves convenience for the recipient.

[0192] The first embodiment according to the present invention may be modified as follows.

[0193] (Variation 1) In the plan creation process according to the first embodiment, an example has been described in which a parcel delivery plan is created regardless of the recipient's current location. However, if the recipient is away from the address of the parcel delivery destination due to a business trip or the like during the plan creation process, there is a high possibility that the delivery person will not be able to hand over the parcel to the recipient even if he or she delivers the parcel.

[0194] Therefore, if a recipient is in a remote location when the plan creation process is executed, the recipient's package may be subject to redelivery and excluded from the packages that are the subject of the plan creation process.

[0195] In the plan creation process according to the first modification, as shown in Fig. 19, the process of step S101 is performed similarly to that of the first embodiment. After that, the process of steps S202 to S204 is repeated for all parcels related to the parcel data 120 acquired in step S101 (loop A; step S601).

[0196] In step S202 according to this modification, first location acquisition unit 117 acquires first location information by inquiring about the current location of recipient terminal 103 of the recipient specified by the destination information acquired in step S101.

[0197] In step S203 according to this modified example, the schedule acquisition unit 116 uses the first location information acquired in step S202 to determine whether or not the recipient's current location is within a predetermined third range.

[0198] Here, the third range is set to a range far from the address of the recipient. The range far from the address is a predetermined range from the address. This range is a range that exceeds a distance that would be difficult for the recipient to travel during the target period of the delivery plan, for example, a range exceeding several hundred kilometers.

[0199] If the recipient is far from the address, as described above, the recipient is unlikely to be at the address during the target period. By the determination process of step S203 according to this modified example, it is possible to determine whether or not the recipient is likely to be at the address during the target period of the delivery plan.

[0200] "Being within a third range" in step S203 according to this modified example is another example of the predetermined first condition.

[0201] If the recipient's current location is not within the third range (step S203; No), the decision unit 123 sets the delivery status information of the package data 120 of the package being processed to "redelivery" (step S204), as in embodiment 1.

[0202] If the recipient's current location is within the third range (step S203; No), the schedule acquisition unit 116 holds the package ID of the recipient's package (step S602).

[0203] When the processing of steps S202 to S204 is completed for all parcels related to the parcel data 120 acquired in step S101 (loop A), the plan creation processing from step S102 onwards is executed for the parcels with the parcel IDs held in step S602.

[0204] That is, for example, in step S102 according to this modification, schedule data 108 of a recipient specified by destination information associated in the package data 120 with the package ID held in step S602 is acquired from the schedule management device 102.

[0205] According to this modification, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the recipient will not be present to receive the package at the time of delivery, thereby helping to improve the efficiency of package delivery.

[0206] (Variation 2) In the first embodiment, the case where the person who receives the package is the recipient specified by the destination information of the package has been described as an example. However, the package may be received by a person other than the recipient, such as a person living with the recipient.

[0207] In this modified example, an example will be described in which a package can be received not only by a recipient specified by the destination information of the package, but also by a predetermined proxy recipient associated with the recipient.

[0208] Recipient data 221 according to this modification is data replacing the recipient data 121 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 20, for example, the recipient data 221 includes the address, name, first ID, and recipient terminal ID similar to those in embodiment 1, as well as representative recipient information, which are associated with each other.

[0209] The representative payee information is information about the representative payee, and is set in association with the payee, for example, with the consent of both the payee and the representative payee. The representative payee information includes, for example, the name of the second payee, the first ID, and the payee terminal ID. The payee terminal ID included in the representative payee information is information for identifying the payee terminal 103 possessed by the second payee, and the contact information of the payee terminal 103 is set.

[0210] The recipient data 221 includes representative recipient information related to a representative recipient of a recipient specified by an address and a name. 2 The detailed example of 21 indicates that the name, first ID, and recipient terminal ID of the representative recipient information are "Name P," "User P," and "Terminal P," respectively.

[0211] It should be noted that in the recipient data 221, representative recipient information regarding multiple representative recipients may be associated with one recipient.

[0212] In this modification, the recipient in the description of the first embodiment may be generally replaced with a qualified recipient, including the recipient and his / her representative recipient.

[0213] Here, the qualified recipient is a person who is qualified to receive a package, and is a general term for the recipient and the proxy recipient. Since the qualified recipient includes at least the recipient, there are multiple qualified recipients when a proxy recipient is set as in this modified example.

[0214] For example, the support unit 119 can use schedule data 108 of eligible recipients, including the recipient and his / her proxy identified by the destination information of the package, to display support information indicating the delivery time or whether delivery is possible on the output unit 113.

[0215] In detail, for example, the determination unit 123 can determine the delivery time of the parcel by using the schedule data 108 of the eligible recipient. Furthermore, when the current location of the eligible recipient satisfies a predetermined first condition, the determination unit 123 can determine the delivery time of the parcel by using the schedule data 108 of the eligible recipient.

[0216] The determination unit 124 can determine whether or not the parcel can be delivered at the time of delivery by using at least one of the current location of the eligible recipient and the schedule data. Furthermore, when the second condition is satisfied, the determination unit 124 can determine whether or not the parcel can be delivered at the time of delivery by using at least one of the current location of the eligible recipient and the schedule data.

[0217] The output control unit 125 can cause the output unit 113 to output the support information, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0218] According to this modification, the parcel can be received by a plurality of eligible recipients, including the recipient specified by the parcel's destination information and the proxy recipient, thereby increasing the possibility that the parcel can be received.

[0219] This will help to further improve the efficiency of parcel delivery. It will also further reduce the effort required for recipients to receive parcels, such as the effort required to respond to redelivery requests. This will further improve convenience for recipients.

[0220] (Variation 3) In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the package by using the recipient's schedule data 108. However, the determination unit 123 may determine the delivery time of the package by using the recipient's current location. In this case, the judgment unit 124 may judge whether the package can be delivered at the delivery time by using at least one of the recipient's current location and the schedule data 108, as described in the first embodiment.

[0221] In the plan creation process according to the third modification, as shown in FIG. 21, the process of step S202 is performed instead of step S102 according to the first embodiment.

[0222] That is, in the plan creation process according to this modification, the process of step S101 is performed similarly to that of embodiment 1. After that, the process of step S202 is performed for all parcels related to the parcel data 120 acquired in step S101.

[0223] In step S202 according to this modification, first location acquisition unit 117 acquires first location information by inquiring about the current location of recipient terminal 103 of the recipient specified by the destination information acquired in step S101.

[0224] In step S103 according to this modified example, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the package using the current location of the recipient terminal 103 acquired in step S202, and also determines a deliverer for the package.

[0225] In detail, in the case of a parcel for which a receipt time is not set in the parcel data 120 acquired in step S101, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the parcel using the current location acquired in step S202. In addition, in the case of a parcel for which a receipt time is set in the parcel data 120 acquired in step S101, the determination unit 123 determines the delivery time of the parcel using the receipt time and the current location acquired in step S202.

[0226] For example, the determination unit 123 may determine the delivery time of the package depending on the distance between the current location acquired in step S202 and the address included in the destination information of the package.

[0227] More specifically, for example, the determination unit 123 estimates the time required to travel the distance between the current location and the address to which the package is to be delivered, and determines the delivery time of the package to be the time when a time equal to or greater than the estimated time has elapsed since the execution of the plan creation process.

[0228] In addition, in the case of a package for which a receipt time is set, the determination unit 123 determines, from among the set receipt times, a time that is equal to or greater than the required time from the time the plan creation process is executed, as the delivery time for the package.

[0229] According to the plan creation process of this modification, the delivery plan is created by referring to the recipient's current location. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package because he / she is absent at the time of delivery. This makes it possible to support improvement of the delivery efficiency of the package. In addition, it is possible to reduce the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to respond to redelivery. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of the recipient.

[0230] <<Embodiment 2>> In the second embodiment of the present invention, an example will be described in which, when a package receipt time is specified, if the schedule is changed in the recipient's schedule data 108 for a time corresponding to the package receipt time, the recipient is notified that the package will be delivered.

[0231] The delivery support system according to the second embodiment includes a delivery support device 304 instead of the delivery support device 104 according to the first embodiment. Except for this point, the delivery support system according to the present embodiment may be configured similarly to the delivery support system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0232] 22, the delivery support device 304 has a notification unit 330 in addition to the configuration of the delivery support device 104 according to the first embodiment. Except for this, the delivery support device 304 according to the present embodiment may be configured similarly to the delivery support device 104 according to the first embodiment.

[0233] If a package receiving time is specified, and there is a change in the schedule data 108 of the recipient for the time corresponding to the package receiving time, the notification unit 330 notifies the recipient that the package will be delivered.

[0234] The delivery support system according to the present embodiment may be physically configured similarly to the delivery support system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0235] The delivery support system according to the present embodiment executes a delivery support method in the same manner as delivery support system 100 according to embodiment 1. The delivery support method according to the present embodiment executes a notification process in addition to the plan creation process, the first during-delivery process, and the second during-delivery process similar to those in embodiment 1.

[0236] Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a notification process according to the present embodiment. The notification process is a process for notifying a recipient that a package will be delivered, and is executed repeatedly during a target period. The notification process according to the present embodiment is executed for packages that are scheduled to be delivered during the target period and have a designated receiving time.

[0237] Parcels scheduled for delivery during the target period are parcels whose delivery status information in the parcel data 120 is “undelivered.” The schedule data 108 acquired in step S102 of the plan creation process or the like is stored in the second storage unit 114.

[0238] The schedule acquisition unit 116 acquires, from the schedule management device 102, schedule data 108 of a recipient specified by destination information in the package data 120 for a package with a designated receiving time among packages scheduled for delivery during a target period (step S701).

[0239] The details of the method for acquiring the schedule data 108 in step S701 are generally similar to the method for acquiring the schedule data 108 in step S102.

[0240] The communication unit 107 may detect a change in the schedule data 108 and transmit the changed schedule data 108. As a result, the schedule acquisition unit 116 may acquire the schedule data 108 of the recipient from the schedule management device 102 in step S701.

[0241] The notification unit 330 compares the latest schedule data 108 stored in the second storage unit 114 for the common recipient with the schedule data 108 acquired in step S701. As a result, the notification unit 330 determines whether or not a plan for the time corresponding to the receipt time has been added to the schedule data 108 acquired in step S701 (step S702).

[0242] When it is determined that no plan has been added to the schedule data 108 (step S702; No), the notification unit 330 ends the notification process.

[0243] When it is determined that a plan has been added to the schedule data 108 (step S702; Yes), the notification unit 330 notifies the recipient terminal 103 that the package will be delivered at the collection time (step S703). This allows the recipient to be notified that the package will be delivered at the collection time.

[0244] So far, the second embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to this embodiment, when a package receiving time is specified, if there is a change in the plan of the recipient's schedule data 108 for the time corresponding to the package receiving time, the recipient is notified that the package will be delivered. In particular, in this embodiment, if a plan is added to the recipient's schedule data 108 for the time corresponding to the package receiving time, the recipient is notified that the package will be delivered.

[0245] When there is a change in the recipient's schedule data 108 for the time corresponding to the receipt time, especially when a new schedule is added, the recipient may forget to specify the time to receive the package. In this embodiment, the recipient is notified of the delivery of the package, so that the recipient can be alerted to the fact.

[0246] This reduces the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package. This therefore helps to further improve the efficiency of package delivery. It also reduces the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to respond to redelivery requests. This therefore makes it possible to further improve convenience for the recipient.

[0247] The second embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.

[0248] (Variation 4) In the second embodiment, an example was described in which a recipient is notified of delivery of a parcel when there is a change in the plan of the recipient's schedule data 108. However, the case in which a recipient is notified of delivery of a parcel is not limited to this. In the fourth modification, an example is described in which a recipient is notified of delivery of a parcel when the recipient's current location a predetermined time (e.g., the above-mentioned first time) before the receipt time is not within a predetermined range (e.g., the first range included in the above-mentioned first condition).

[0249] In this modification, a notification process is executed which is different from that in Embodiment 2. The following describes the notification process according to this modification, focusing mainly on the differences from the notification process according to Embodiment 2.

[0250] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a notification process according to this modification.

[0251] The first location acquisition unit 117 acquires first location information by inquiring of the current location of the recipient terminal 103 of the recipient of the package scheduled for delivery during the target period (step S801).

[0252] The details of the method for acquiring the first location information in step S801 are generally similar to the method for acquiring the first location information in step S202.

[0253] The notification unit 330 uses the first location information acquired in step S801 to determine whether the recipient's current location is within a predetermined first range (step S802).

[0254] The details of the determination process in step S802 are generally similar to the determination process in step S203.

[0255] If the recipient's current location is within the first range (step S802; Yes), the notification unit 330 ends the notification process.

[0256] If the recipient's current location is not within the first range (step S802; No), the notification unit 330 notifies the recipient terminal 103 that the package will be delivered at the pickup time (step S803). This makes it possible to notify the recipient that the package will be delivered at the pickup time.

[0257] According to this modified example, when a package receipt time is specified, if the first condition that the recipient's current location a predetermined time before the package receipt time is within a first range is not met, the recipient is notified that the package will be delivered.

[0258] When the recipient is not in the vicinity of the address at a time relatively close to the receipt time, the recipient may forget to specify the time to receive the package. In this modified example, as in the second embodiment, the recipient is notified of the delivery of the package, so that the recipient can be alerted to the fact.

[0259] This reduces the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package. This therefore helps to further improve the efficiency of package delivery. It also reduces the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to respond to redelivery requests. This therefore makes it possible to further improve convenience for the recipient.

[0260] (Variation 5) In the second embodiment, an example was described in which, when a package receiving time is specified and the schedule is changed in the schedule data 108 of the recipient for the time corresponding to the package receiving time, the recipient is notified that the package will be delivered. In the fifth modification, an example will be described in which the recipient is asked to re-specify the package receiving time in a similar case.

[0261] 25, delivery support device 404 according to this modification includes an inquiry unit 433 instead of notification unit 330. Except for this, delivery support device 404 may be configured similarly to delivery support device 304 according to the second embodiment.

[0262] When a package receiving time is specified, and there is a change in the schedule data 108 of the recipient for the time corresponding to the package receiving time, the inquiry unit 433 inquires of the recipient about re-specifying the package receiving time.

[0263] In the delivery support system according to this modification, an inquiry process is executed instead of the notification process according to the second embodiment.

[0264] Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the inquiry process according to this modified example. The inquiry process is a process for inquiring of the recipient about re-designation of the package receiving time, and is executed repeatedly during the target period. The inquiry process according to this modified example is executed for packages that are scheduled for delivery during the target period and have a designated receiving time.

[0265] Parcels scheduled for delivery during the target period are parcels whose delivery status information in the parcel data 120 is “undelivered.” It is assumed that the schedule data 108 acquired in step S102 of the plan creation process is stored in the second storage unit 114.

[0266] The processes of steps S701 and S702 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0267] The inquiry unit 433 may detect a change in the schedule data 108 and transmit the changed schedule data 108. As a result, the schedule acquisition unit 116 may acquire the schedule data 108 of the recipient from the schedule management device 102 in step S701.

[0268] Moreover, the process of step S702 is executed by the inquiry unit 433 instead of the notification unit 330 according to the second embodiment.

[0269] When it is determined that no plan has been added to the schedule data 108 (step S702; No), the inquiry unit 433 ends the notification process.

[0270] When it is determined that a plan has been added to the schedule data 108 (step S702; Yes), the inquiry unit 433 inquires of the recipient terminal 103 about re-designation of the receiving time (step S903). This makes it possible to inquire of the recipient about re-designation of the receiving time.

[0271] According to this modification, when a package receiving time is specified, if there is a change in the plan for the time corresponding to the package receiving time in the recipient's schedule data 108, the recipient is queried as to whether to re-specify the package receiving time. In particular, in this embodiment, if a plan for the time corresponding to the package receiving time is added to the recipient's schedule data 108, the recipient is queried as to whether to re-specify the package receiving time.

[0272] When there is a change in the recipient's schedule data 108 for the time corresponding to the receipt time, especially when a new schedule is added, the recipient may forget to specify a time to receive the package. In this modified example, if the recipient is unable to receive the package after receiving the inquiry, the recipient can re-specify the receipt time.

[0273] This reduces the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package, thus helping to further improve package delivery efficiency. In addition, the recipient can easily re-specify the receiving time, which reduces the effort required to receive the package. This makes it possible to further improve the convenience of the recipient.

[0274] (Variation 6) In the fifth modification, an example was described in which the recipient is asked to re-designate the receiving time when there is a change in the plan of the recipient's schedule data 108. However, the case in which the recipient is asked to re-designate the receiving time is not limited to this. In the sixth modification, an example is described in which the recipient is asked to re-designate the receiving time when the recipient's current location a predetermined time (e.g., the above-mentioned first time) before the receiving time is not within a predetermined range (e.g., the first range included in the above-mentioned first condition).

[0275] In this modification, an interrogation process is executed which is different from that of Modification 5. The following describes the interrogation process according to this modification, focusing mainly on the differences from the interrogation process according to Modification 5.

[0276] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of an inquiry process according to this modification.

[0277] The same processes as in the fourth modified example, steps S801 and S802, are performed.

[0278] The process of step S802 is executed by the inquiry unit 433 instead of the notification unit 330 according to the fourth modification.

[0279] If the recipient's current location is within the first range (step S802; Yes), the inquiry unit 433 ends the notification process.

[0280] If the recipient's current location is not within the first range (step S802; No), the inquiry unit 433 inquires of the recipient terminal 103 about re-designation of the receiving time (step S1003). This makes it possible to inquire of the recipient about re-designation of the receiving time.

[0281] According to this modified example, when a package receipt time is specified, if the first condition that the recipient's current location a predetermined time before the receipt time is within a first range is not met, the recipient is asked to re-specify the receipt time.

[0282] If the recipient is not in the vicinity of the address at a time relatively close to the receipt time, the recipient may forget to specify a receipt time for the package. In this modification, as in the fifth modification, if the recipient who receives the inquiry has difficulty in receiving the package, the recipient can re-specify the receipt time.

[0283] This reduces the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package, thus helping to further improve package delivery efficiency. In addition, the recipient can easily re-specify the receiving time, which reduces the effort required to receive the package. This makes it possible to further improve the convenience of the recipient.

[0284] <<Embodiment 3>> In the third embodiment of the present invention, an example will be described in which, when a change occurs in the schedule data 108 of the recipient, the delivery time of the package is determined to correct the delivery plan.

[0285] The delivery support system according to the third embodiment includes a delivery support device 504 instead of the delivery support device 104 according to the first embodiment. Except for this point, the delivery support system according to the present embodiment may be configured similarly to the delivery support system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0286] Delivery Support Device 5 28, delivery support device 504 according to the present embodiment has an update unit 536 in addition to the configuration of delivery support device 104 according to the first embodiment. Except for this point, delivery support device 504 according to the present embodiment may be configured similarly to delivery support device 104 according to the first embodiment.

[0287] When a change occurs in the schedule indicated by the recipient's schedule data 108, the update unit 536 determines the delivery time of the parcel whose schedule has been changed. This modifies the delivery plan created by the plan creation process.

[0288] The delivery support system according to the present embodiment may be physically configured similarly to the delivery support system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0289] The delivery support system according to the present embodiment executes a delivery support method in the same manner as delivery support system 100 according to embodiment 1. The delivery support method according to the present embodiment executes a notification process in addition to the plan creation process, the first during-delivery process, and the second during-delivery process similar to those in embodiment 1.

[0290] Fig. 29 is a flow chart showing an example of the update process according to the present embodiment. The update process is a process for correcting a delivery plan when a change occurs in the schedule data 108 of a recipient, and is executed repeatedly during a target period. The notification process according to the present embodiment is executed for parcels that are scheduled for delivery during the target period but have not yet been delivered.

[0291] Parcels that have not been delivered during the target period are parcels whose delivery status information in the parcel data 120 is “not delivered.” The schedule data 108 acquired in step S102 of the plan creation process or the like is stored in the second storage unit 114.

[0292] The schedule acquisition unit 116 acquires, from the schedule management device 102, schedule data 108 of a recipient specified by destination information in the package data 120 for a package that has not been delivered in a target period (step S1101).

[0293] The details of the method for acquiring the schedule data 108 in step S1101 are generally similar to the method for acquiring the schedule data 108 in step S102.

[0294] The communication unit 107 may detect a change in the schedule data 108 and transmit the changed schedule data 108. As a result, the schedule acquisition unit 116 may acquire the schedule data 108 of the recipient from the schedule management device 102 in step S1101.

[0295] The update unit 536 compares the latest schedule data 108 for the common recipient stored in the second storage unit 114 with the schedule data 108 acquired in step S1101. As a result, the update unit 536 determines whether or not a change has occurred in the schedule data 108 acquired in step S1101 (step S1102).

[0296] When it is determined that no change has occurred in the schedule data 108 (step S1102; No), the update unit 536 ends the update process.

[0297] If it is determined that the schedule data 108 has been changed (step S1102; Yes), the update unit 536 uses the changed schedule data 108 to determine the delivery time for the parcels that have not been delivered during the target period (step S1103). This modifies the delivery plan created by the plan creation process.

[0298] The details of the method for determining the delivery time in step S1103 are generally similar to the method for determining the delivery time in step S103.

[0299] The update unit 536 stores the delivery plan data 122 indicating the revised delivery plan in the second storage unit 114 (Step S1104).

[0300] In detail, for packages whose delivery time determined in step S1104 differs from the delivery time in the delivery plan created by the plan creation process, the update unit 536 updates the delivery time in the delivery plan data 122 with the delivery time determined in step S1104.

[0301] The output control unit 125 transmits support information including the package ID and delivery time included in the delivery plan data 122 of the package to be delivered by the delivery person to the delivery person terminal 105 of the delivery person of the package whose delivery time was revised in step S1103 (step S1105). With this, the output control unit 125 ends the update process.

[0302] So far, the third embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to this embodiment, when there is a change in the schedule of the recipient in the schedule data 108, the delivery plan is revised using the schedule data 108 after the change.

[0303] This allows a delivery plan to be created based on the recipient's latest schedule, reducing the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package. This helps to further improve the efficiency of package delivery. It also reduces the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to redeliver the package. This makes it possible to further improve the convenience of the recipient.

[0304] The third embodiment of the present invention may be modified as follows.

[0305] (Variation 7) In the third embodiment, an example has been described in which a delivery plan is revised by determining a delivery time when there is a change in the schedule of the recipient's schedule data 108. However, the case of revising a delivery plan is not limited to this. An example will be described in which a delivery plan is revised when a schedule corresponding to a specified package receipt time is added to the recipient's schedule data 108 for the time corresponding to the package receipt time.

[0306] In the case where a package receipt time is specified in advance, when a plan is added to the schedule data 108 of a recipient for a time corresponding to the package receipt time, the update unit 536 in this modified example determines the delivery time of the package for the recipient to whom the plan has been added.

[0307] In this modification, an update process is performed that is different from that in Embodiment 3. The following describes the update process according to this modification, focusing mainly on the differences from the update process according to Embodiment 3.

[0308] FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process according to this modification.

[0309] The process of step S1101 is carried out in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

[0310] As in the third embodiment, the update unit 536 according to this modification compares, for a common recipient, the latest schedule data 108 stored in the second storage unit 114 with the schedule data 108 acquired in step S1101. In this modification, the update unit 536 determines whether or not a plan for the time corresponding to the receiving time has been added to the schedule data 108 acquired in step S1101 (step S1202).

[0311] When it is determined that no plan has been added to the schedule data 108 (step S1202; No), the update unit 536 ends the update process.

[0312] When it is determined that a plan has been added to the schedule data 108 (step S1202; Yes), the update unit 536 determines the delivery time (step S1203). In detail, the update unit 536 uses the schedule data 108 to which the plan has been added to determine the delivery time for undelivered packages during the target period for which the recipient is the subject of the plan in the schedule data 108. This modifies the delivery plan created by the plan creation process.

[0313] The details of the method for determining the delivery time in step S1203 are generally similar to the method for determining the delivery time in step S103.

[0314] The same processes as those in steps S1104 and S1105 are executed, whereby the update process ends.

[0315] According to this modified example, when a package receipt time is specified, and a plan for the recipient corresponding to the package receipt time is added to the schedule data 108, the delivery time is determined for undelivered packages for which the recipient is the subject of a plan in the schedule data 108.

[0316] When an event corresponding to the receiving time is added to the recipient's schedule data 108, the recipient may forget to specify the receiving time of the package. In this modification, the delivery schedule is modified by determining the delivery time, as in the second embodiment.

[0317] This allows a delivery plan to be created based on the recipient's latest schedule, reducing the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package. This helps to further improve the efficiency of package delivery. It also reduces the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to redeliver the package. This makes it possible to further improve the convenience of the recipient.

[0318] (Variation 8) In the seventh modification, an example was described in which a delivery time is determined to revise a delivery plan when an event is added to the recipient's schedule data 108. However, the case of revising a delivery plan is not limited to this. In the eighth modification, an example is described in which a delivery plan is revised when a package receipt time is specified and the recipient's current location a predetermined time (e.g., the above-mentioned first time) before the receipt time is not within a predetermined range (e.g., the first range included in the above-mentioned first condition).

[0319] In this modification, an update process is executed which is different from that of Modification 7. The following describes the update process according to this modification, focusing mainly on the differences from the update process according to Modification 8.

[0320] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process according to this modification.

[0321] The same process as in step S801 is executed.

[0322] The update unit 536 according to this modification uses the first location information acquired in step S801 to determine whether the recipient's current location is within a predetermined first range (step S1302).

[0323] The details of the determination process in step S1302 are generally similar to the determination process in step S203.

[0324] If the recipient's current location is within the first range (step S1302; Yes), the update unit 536 ends the update process.

[0325] If the current location of the recipient is not within the first range (step S1302; No), the update unit 536 determines the delivery time for the undelivered package for the recipient (step S1303). This modifies the delivery plan created by the plan creation process.

[0326] The details of the method for determining the delivery time in step S1303 are generally similar to the method for determining the delivery time in step S103.

[0327] The same processes as those in steps S1104 and S1105 are executed, whereby the update process ends.

[0328] According to this modified example, when a package receipt time is specified, if the first condition that the recipient's current location a predetermined time before the receipt time is within a first range is not met, a delivery time is determined for the recipient's undelivered packages.

[0329] When the recipient is not in the vicinity of the address at a time relatively close to the receipt time, the recipient may forget to specify the time to receive the package. In this modification, the delivery schedule is revised by determining the delivery time, as in the second embodiment.

[0330] This allows a delivery plan to be created based on the recipient's latest schedule, reducing the possibility that the recipient will not be able to receive the package. This helps to further improve the efficiency of package delivery. It also reduces the effort required for the recipient to receive the package, such as the effort required to redeliver the package. This makes it possible to further improve the convenience of the recipient.

[0331] Although the embodiment and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0332] In addition, in the flowcharts used in the above description, multiple steps (processing) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps performed in each of the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In each of the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments and variations can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

[0333] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0334] 1. A package information acquisition means for acquiring package destination information; and a support means for causing an output means to output support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package, using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information. Delivery assistance device. 2. The support means is: a determining means for determining a delivery time of the package using schedule data of the eligible recipient; a determining means for determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package by using at least one of a current location of the eligible recipient and schedule data; and an output control means for causing an output means to output the support information. The delivery assistance device described in 1. above. 3. The determining means determines the delivery time of the package using schedule data of the eligible recipient when the current location of the eligible recipient satisfies a predetermined first condition. The delivery assistance device described in 2. above. 4. When a second predetermined condition is satisfied, the judgment means judges whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package by using at least one of the current location of the eligible recipient and the schedule data. A delivery assistance device as described in 2. or 3. above. 5. The second condition includes at least one of the following: the delivery time of the package is a predetermined time before the delivery time of the package; and the current location of the package deliverer is within a predetermined range from the delivery destination of the package. The delivery assistance device described in 4. above. 6. The system further comprises a notification means for notifying the eligible recipient that the package will be delivered when a receipt time for the package is specified in advance and an event corresponding to the receipt time is added to the schedule data of the eligible recipient, or when the current location of the eligible recipient a predetermined time before the receipt time does not satisfy a predetermined first condition. A delivery assistance device described in any one of 1 to 5 above. 7. When the receipt time of the package is specified in advance, and an event is added to the schedule data of the eligible recipient for the time corresponding to the receipt time, or when the current location of the eligible recipient a predetermined time before the receipt time does not satisfy a predetermined first condition, the system further comprises an inquiry means for inquiring of the eligible recipient about re-specifying the receipt time. A delivery assistance device described in any one of 1 to 6 above. 8. The system further includes an update means for determining a delivery time for the package when a receipt time for the package is specified in advance and an event is added to the schedule data of the eligible recipient for a time corresponding to the receipt time, or when the current location of the eligible recipient a predetermined time before the receipt time does not satisfy a predetermined first condition. A delivery assistance device described in any one of 1 to 7 above. 9. The system further includes an update means for determining the delivery time of the package when a change occurs in the schedule data of the eligible recipient. A delivery assistance device described in any one of 1 to 7 above. 10. The output control means causes the output means to output information indicating whether or not the parcel can be delivered when the output control means causes the output means to output support information indicating whether or not the parcel can be delivered. A delivery assistance device described in any one of 1. to 9. above. 11. The eligible recipients are multiple and further include a substitute recipient that is predefined in association with the recipient identified by the delivery destination. A delivery assistance device described in any one of 1. to 10. above. 12. The support means includes: a determining means for determining a delivery time for the package using the current location of the eligible recipient; A determination means for determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package by using schedule data of the eligible recipient; and an output control means for causing an output means to output the support information. The delivery assistance device described in 1. above. 13. A package information acquisition means for acquiring package destination information; and A delivery support device including a support means for transmitting support information indicating a delivery time or delivery possibility of the package using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information; and a delivery person terminal including an output means for outputting the support information transmitted from the support means to a delivery person by image or sound. Delivery support system. 14. Obtaining package destination information; and outputting support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package by using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information, to an output means. Delivery assistance methods. 15. On the computer: Obtaining destination information for a package; A program for executing the above-mentioned program, which causes an output means to output support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package using schedule data of eligible recipients, including the recipient identified by the destination information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0335] 100 Delivery Support System 101 Schedule Management System 102 Schedule management device 103 Recipient terminal 104,304,404,504 Delivery Support Device 105 Deliveryman Terminal 106 1st memory section 107 Communications Department 108 Schedule Data 109 First position transmitter 110 Schedule Management Department 111 Second position transmission unit 112 Input reception section 113 Output section 114 2nd memory section 115 Baggage Data Acquisition Department 116 Schedule Acquisition Department 117 1st position acquisition section 118 Second position acquisition unit 119 Support Department 120 Baggage Data 121,221 Recipient Data 122 Delivery Planning Data 123 Decision Section 124 Judgment Department 125 Output control section 330 Notification Department 433 Inquiry Department 536 Update Department

Claims

1. A package information acquisition means for acquiring package destination information; and a support means for causing an output means to output support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package, using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information; The support means includes: a determining means for determining a delivery time for the package using schedule data or a current location of the eligible recipient; a determining means for determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package by using at least one of a current location of the eligible recipient and schedule data when a second predetermined condition is satisfied; an output control means for causing an output means to output the support information; The second condition includes at least one of: a predetermined time before the delivery time of the package; and a current location of a deliverer of the package is within a predetermined range from a delivery destination of the package. Delivery assistance equipment.

2. The determining means determines a delivery time of the package using schedule data of the eligible recipient when the current location of the eligible recipient satisfies a predetermined first condition. The delivery assistance device according to claim 1 .

3. The first condition includes at least one of: a predetermined first time before the delivery time of the package; and a current location of a deliverer of the package is within a predetermined first range from a delivery destination of the package; the first time period is shorter than a predetermined time period included in the second condition, The first range is narrower than a predetermined range included in the second condition. The delivery assistance device according to claim 2 .

4. The system further includes a notification means for notifying the eligible recipient that the package will be delivered when a receipt time for the package is specified in advance and an event is added to the schedule data of the eligible recipient for a time corresponding to the receipt time, or when the current location of the eligible recipient a predetermined time before the receipt time does not satisfy a predetermined first condition. The delivery assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The system further includes an inquiry means for inquiring of the eligible recipient about re-designation of the receipt time when, in a case where a receipt time for the package is designated in advance, an event is added to the schedule data of the eligible recipient for a time corresponding to the receipt time, or when a current location of the eligible recipient a predetermined time before the receipt time does not satisfy a predetermined first condition. The delivery assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system further includes an update means for determining a delivery time of the package when a receipt time of the package is specified in advance and an event is added to the schedule data of the eligible recipient for a time corresponding to the receipt time, or when the current location of the eligible recipient a predetermined time before the receipt time does not satisfy a predetermined first condition. The delivery assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The system further includes an update unit for determining a delivery time of the package when a change occurs in the schedule data of the eligible recipient. The delivery assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The output control means causes the output means to output information indicating whether or not the package can be delivered, when the output control means causes the output means to output support information indicating whether or not the package can be delivered. The delivery assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A computer comprising: Obtaining destination information for a package; and outputting support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package by using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information, to an output means; In the case where the support information is outputted by the output means, Using the schedule data or current location of the eligible recipient to determine when to deliver the package; If a second predetermined condition is satisfied, determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package using at least one of the current location of the eligible recipient and schedule data; outputting the support information to an output means; The second condition includes at least one of: a predetermined time before the delivery time of the package; and a current location of a deliverer of the package is within a predetermined range from a delivery destination of the package. Delivery assistance methods.

10. On the computer, Obtaining destination information for a package; and outputting support information indicating the delivery time or delivery possibility of the package by using schedule data of eligible recipients including the recipient specified by the destination information, to an output means; In the case where the support information is outputted by the output means, Using the schedule data or current location of the eligible recipient to determine when to deliver the package; If a second predetermined condition is satisfied, determining whether or not the package can be delivered at the delivery time of the package using at least one of the current location of the eligible recipient and schedule data; outputting the support information to an output means; The program, wherein the second condition includes at least one of: a predetermined time before the delivery time of the package; and a current location of the package deliverer being within a predetermined range from the delivery destination of the package.

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