Joint delivery support device, joint delivery support system, joint delivery support method and program

Abstract

This cooperative delivery assistance system (100) comprises terminal devices (101) used by shippers and a cooperative delivery assistance device (102). The cooperative delivery assistance device (102) comprises: a delivery condition acquisition unit (106) that acquires delivery conditions for a first package from a first shipper; a candidate extraction unit (110) whereby a candidate package that is a candidate for a package to be delivered cooperatively with the first package is extracted from among the packages of another shipper using the acquired delivery conditions; and a display control unit (115) that transmits information for displaying the extracted candidate package in a selectable manner.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint delivery support device, Joint delivery support system, This invention relates to a method and program for supporting joint delivery. [Background technology]

[0002] Joint delivery is when cargo from different shippers is loaded onto the same truck for delivery. With truck transportation playing an important role in logistics, the use of joint delivery is expected to improve transportation efficiency, improve the environment by reducing CO2 emissions, and address the predicted driver shortage in the future.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a joint delivery information management system that, when receiving shipping orders from multiple shippers, creates an optimal transportation plan according to the shipping order information and executes transportation arrangements for the ordered cargo according to the operation plan. The joint delivery information management system connects a shared distribution server provided at an order receiving center that instructs transportation arrangements for the ordered cargo, shipping base terminals provided at shipping bases, delivery base terminals provided at delivery bases, etc., via a computer network so that they can receive and send data from each other.

[0004] When the shipping order information is input, the shared distribution server generates shipping instruction data consisting of shipper information, destination information, and package information based on the shipping order information and stores the data in a shipping instruction information database. When making transportation arrangements, the shared distribution server determines shipping bases and delivery bases that match the shipping instruction data, and distributes the shipping instruction data to the shipping base terminals and delivery base terminals that correspond to the shipping bases and delivery bases.

[0005] Upon receiving the shipping instruction data, each of the shipping base terminal and the delivery base terminal generates delivery plan data for stacking packages of different shippers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-75634 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Patents The technology described in Reference 1 has the possibility of joint delivery with other shippers' packages that the shipper does not want. Patents With the technology of Reference 1, when there are multiple candidates for other shippers' cargo to be jointly delivered with a shipper's cargo, the shipper's cargo may not necessarily be jointly delivered with the cargo of the other shippers that is most desirable for the shipper.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objects is to enable joint delivery of cargo that is desirable for shippers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a joint delivery support device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a delivery condition acquisition means for acquiring delivery conditions for the first package from the first shipper; a candidate extraction means for extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; a compatibility acquisition means for acquiring a compatibility between the acquired delivery conditions and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages; The extracted candidate luggage According to the obtained degree of compatibility and a display control means for transmitting information for allowing the selection to be displayed.

[0010] A joint delivery support system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a delivery condition acquisition means for acquiring delivery conditions for the first package from the first shipper; a candidate extraction means for extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; a compatibility acquisition means for acquiring a compatibility between the acquired delivery conditions and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages; The extracted candidate luggage According to the obtained degree of compatibility and a display means for displaying the selected item in a selectable manner.

[0012] The present invention 3 The joint delivery support method relating to the above point of view is as follows: The computer obtaining delivery terms for the first shipment from the first shipper; extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers as candidate packages using the acquired delivery conditions; determining a degree of conformity between the acquired delivery conditions and delivery conditions of the candidate packages; The extracted candidate luggage According to the obtained degree of compatibility and transmitting information for selectably displaying the selected item.

[0013] The present invention 4 The program related to the above points is as follows: On the computer, obtaining delivery terms for the first shipment from the first shipper; extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers as candidate packages using the acquired delivery conditions; determining a degree of conformity between the acquired delivery conditions and delivery conditions of the candidate packages; The extracted candidate luggage According to the obtained degree of compatibility and transmitting information for allowing the selection to be displayed. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, joint delivery of packages becomes possible, which is desirable for shippers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a joint delivery support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3]A figure showing an example of delivery information for one embodiment, where (a) shows the overall structure of the delivery information, (b) shows the structure of delivery area information included in the delivery information, and (c) shows the structure of delivery time information included in the delivery information. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of shipper information according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of shipper information according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hierarchical structure defined for an area according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a physical configuration of a joint delivery support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of joint delivery support processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of joint delivery support processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of joint delivery support processing. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a delivery condition input process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen SC1 for inputting a delivery area for a first package. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen SC2 for inputting a delivery time for a first package. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen SC3 for inputting package characteristic information and shipping fee information regarding a first package. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen SC4 for inputting variable information and vehicle characteristic information regarding a first piece of luggage. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a hierarchical structure defined for an area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] 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.

[0017] <<Configuration of the Joint Delivery Support System 100>> The joint delivery support system 100 is a system for supporting joint delivery in which cargo belonging to different shippers is loaded onto the same truck (i.e., a freight vehicle) and delivered. As shown in FIG. 1, the joint delivery support system 100 includes a plurality of terminal devices 101 operated by each of the shippers, and a joint delivery support device 102 for managing the plurality of terminal devices 101.

[0018] Each of the multiple terminal devices 101 and the joint delivery support device 102 are communicably connected to each other via a network N, as shown in Fig. 1. The network N includes a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), etc., and is constructed using wired or wireless networks or a combination of these.

[0019] At least one terminal device 101 needs to be provided.

[0020] (Functional configuration of terminal device 101) Each of the terminal devices 101 is a device used by a shipper, and is typically installed in the shipper's company or individual office, etc. Each of the terminal devices 101 functionally includes an input unit 103, a display unit 104, and a communication unit 105, as shown in FIG.

[0021] The input unit 103 accepts information input by the shipper. The display unit 104 displays the information to the shipper.

[0022] The communication unit 105 transmits and receives various information to and from the joint delivery support device 102 via the network N. Note that the communication unit 105 may transmit and receive various information to and from a plurality of terminal devices 101 via the network N.

[0023] (Functional configuration of the joint delivery support device 102) As shown in FIG. 1, the joint delivery support device 102 functionally includes a delivery condition acquisition unit 106, a delivery memory unit 107, a shipper memory unit 108, a transporter memory unit 109, a candidate extraction unit 110, an extraction rule memory unit 111, a compatibility acquisition unit 112, a compatibility rule memory unit 113, an effect estimation unit 114, a display control unit 115, a request unit 116, a response acquisition unit 117, and a delivery processing unit 118.

[0024] The delivery condition acquisition unit 106 acquires delivery conditions for the first parcel from the first consignor. The first consignor is a consignor who wishes to have the parcel delivered in conjunction with parcels of other consignors. The first parcel is a parcel of the first consignor. The delivery conditions are conditions related to the delivery of the parcel and are determined according to the request of the consignor. The details of the delivery conditions will be described later.

[0025] The delivery storage unit 107 is a storage unit for storing delivery information 107a relating to packages that have already been scheduled for delivery. The delivery information 107a is stored in the delivery storage unit 107 in advance.

[0026] Generally, there are scheduled deliveries that are made periodically and individual deliveries that are made at specific dates and times. A scheduled delivery is a delivery that is made repeatedly along a specific route for a specific shipper's package, for example, every day, on a predetermined day of the week, or on a predetermined date of the month, at a predetermined time or time slot. In a scheduled delivery, the same type of package is usually delivered on each delivery. An individual delivery is a delivery that is made at a specific date and time (a specific day and a specific time or time slot) for a specific shipper and package.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the delivery information 107a. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the delivery information 107a is information in which a delivery ID (identifier), a shipper ID, a carrier ID, delivery area information, delivery time information, package characteristic information, freight information, fluctuation information, vehicle characteristic information, and joint delivery information are associated with each other.

[0028] Here, the delivery area information, delivery time information, package characteristic information, freight information, fluctuation information, and vehicle characteristic information are information included in the delivery conditions. In other words, these pieces of information included in the delivery information 107a are the delivery conditions for packages to be delivered.

[0029] The delivery ID is information for identifying a package related to delivery such as a regular delivery or an individual delivery.

[0030] A delivery ID for a regular service is assigned to each regular service. As mentioned above, it is normal for the same type of parcel to be delivered on each regular service, so the parcel delivered on that regular service can be identified by the delivery ID of the regular service. A delivery ID for an individual service is assigned to each individual delivery. Since the parcel delivered on an individual service is specific, the parcel delivered on that individual service can also be identified by the delivery ID of the individual service.

[0031] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a delivery ID for a regular delivery is assigned to each regular delivery, but a delivery ID may be assigned to each individual delivery carried out as part of a regular delivery.

[0032] The shipper ID is information for identifying the shipper of the package related to the associated delivery ID.

[0033] Here, the consignor storage unit 108 is a storage unit for storing consignor information 108a relating to the consignor, and an example of the configuration of the consignor information 108a is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in the figure, the consignor information 108a is information in which a consignor ID, name information, location information, and contact information are associated with each other.

[0034] The shipper ID of the shipper information 108a is information for identifying the shipper of the package, similar to the shipper ID of the delivery information 107a. The delivery information 107a and the shipper information 108a are associated with each other by the shipper ID.

[0035] The name information, location information, and contact information of the shipper information 108a are information indicating the name, location (e.g., address), and contact information of the shipper identified by the associated shipper ID. The contact information is an address for contacting the shipper, such as an email address. Note that the contact information of the shipper information 108a may be the address of the shipper defined in the joint delivery support system 100.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. The shipper ID is information for identifying the company, individual, etc. that is the shipper of the package related to the associated delivery ID.

[0037] Here, the shipper storage unit 109 is a storage unit for storing shipper information 109a related to the shipper, and an example of the configuration of the shipper information 109a is shown in Fig. 5. As shown in the figure, the shipper information 109a is information in which a shipper ID, name information, location information, and contact information are associated with each other.

[0038] The shipper ID of the shipper information 109a is information for identifying the shipper of the package, similar to the shipper ID of the delivery information 107a. The delivery information 107a and the shipper information 109a are associated with each other by the shipper ID.

[0039] The name information, location information, and contact information of the shipper information 109a are information indicating the name, location (e.g., address), and contact information of the shipper identified by the associated shipper ID. The contact information is an address for contacting the shipper, such as an email address. Note that the contact information of the shipper information 109a may be the address of the shipper defined in the joint delivery support system 100.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. The delivery area information is information indicating the delivery area of ​​the package related to the delivery ID associated therewith. In detail, the delivery area information includes a departure area related to the area where the package related to the delivery ID associated therewith is loaded and an arrival area related to the area where the package is unloaded, as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0041] The departure area is information for identifying the area where the departure point of the package is located, i.e., the area where the package is typically loaded onto a truck, and the arrival area is information for identifying the area where the destination of the package is located, i.e., the area where the package is typically unloaded from a truck.

[0042] An area may be, for example, each city, ward, town, or village across Japan, or a grouping of one or more cities, ward, town, or villages in advance, but in this embodiment, areas are pre-defined in a hierarchical structure.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a hierarchical structure of areas according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the hierarchical structure according to the present embodiment is a two-layer structure, and the first area belonging to the upper first layer is set to each of the prefectures. The second area belonging to the lower second layer is set to each of the areas corresponding to one or more predetermined cities, wards, towns, and villages.

[0044] A second area that is geographically included in the first area belongs to a lower level of the first area. For example, in the hierarchical structure shown in the example of Figure 6, if we focus on Tokyo, which is one of the first areas, the 23 wards of Tokyo, Hachioji City, etc. belong to the second area below Tokyo. The "23 wards" refers to the area that compiles the so-called 23 wards (i.e., multiple wards) of Tokyo, such as Minato Ward, Chiyoda Ward, and Shinagawa Ward.

[0045] Each of the departure area and arrival area according to the present embodiment includes area information for identifying the area belonging to each hierarchical level. For example, when the departure point is located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, the departure area includes "Tokyo" as the area information for identifying the first area, and "23 wards" as the area information for identifying the second area. For example, when the arrival point is located in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, the arrival area includes "Osaka Prefecture" as the area information for identifying the first area, and "Osaka City" as the area information for identifying the second area.

[0046] Referring again to FIG. The delivery time information is information indicating the delivery time of the package related to the associated delivery ID. In detail, the delivery time information includes the departure time and the arrival time of the package related to the associated delivery ID, as shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0047] The departure time is information for specifying the departure date and time of the package, i.e., the scheduled date and time when the package will be loaded onto the truck. The arrival time is information for specifying the arrival date and time of the package, i.e., the scheduled date and time when the package will be unloaded from the truck.

[0048] The information for specifying the scheduled date included in the departure time and the arrival time is information for specifying a cycle and a date in the cycle in the case of a scheduled flight, for example, each day, a day of the week, or a date of the month. The information for specifying the scheduled date in the case of an individual flight indicates a specific date.

[0049] The information for specifying the scheduled time included in the departure time and the arrival time includes a time period such as XX to △△, and if the time period is allowed to be changed, further includes a changeable time period (allowable time). The information for specifying the scheduled time may be expressed as a specific time.

[0050] The baggage characteristic information is information indicating the characteristics of the baggage, and includes, for example, at least one of the item, whether it can be mixed, temperature range, packing style, average shipping amount per shipment, and cargo characteristics.

[0051] The item is information that indicates the type of cargo, such as food, information equipment, automobile parts, cosmetics, medicines, etc.

[0052] The mixed loading permission is information indicating whether or not mixed loading with other cargo is permitted, and is typically determined according to the shipper's request. The mixed loading permission includes, for example, "mixed loading permitted", where mixed loading is permitted, "same industry not permitted", where mixed loading with the same industry is not permitted, "different industry not permitted", where mixed loading with different industry is not permitted, and the like.

[0053] The admissibility of mixed loading may be set according to rules predetermined by the transporter depending on at least one of the other items of the cargo characteristic information (eg, item, temperature range, packing style).

[0054] The temperature zone is information indicating the temperature zone in which the cargo will be transported, and is typically determined according to the shipper's request.

[0055] The packing style is information indicating the manner in which cargo is loaded onto a truck, such as individual, case, cage cart, pallet, etc. Individual indicates that cargo is loaded onto a truck individually. Case, cage cart, and pallet indicate that cargo is loaded onto a truck in a case, cage cart (cart with cage), or pallet, respectively.

[0056] The average shipment volume per shipment indicates the average amount of cargo. The unit of the average shipment volume is, for example, weight such as tons or kilograms, or volume such as cubic meters (m3).

[0057] The cargo characteristics are information that indicates predetermined characteristics of the cargo, such as perishable goods, refrigerated goods, dirty or smelly goods, etc.

[0058] The freight information indicates the freight level applied to the shipper. For example, the freight information is set to "high" for predefined types of freight, such as freight that requires particularly careful handling, and "normal" for other types of freight.

[0059] The fluctuation information is information that indicates periodic fluctuations in the shipment volume of luggage for regular flights, and is set when there are periodic fluctuations in the shipment volume of luggage.

[0060] For example, the fluctuation information includes the presence or absence of fluctuations in a predetermined period such as a year, a month, a week, etc. Furthermore, the fluctuation information for packages with fluctuations includes at least one of the degree of the fluctuation, a period of high shipment volume, a period of low shipment volume, etc.

[0061] The presence or absence and the degree of such fluctuations may be set according to a predetermined standard. For example, when the shipping volume is approximately less than ±10%, between ±10% and 25%, or greater than ±25% based on the average shipping volume, it may be set as "no fluctuation", "small fluctuation", or "large fluctuation". The 10% and 25% standards for the presence or absence and the magnitude of fluctuations given here are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate.

[0062] Furthermore, the fluctuation information may include a loading rate according to an average shipping volume.

[0063] The vehicle characteristic information is information about the characteristics of the trucks used for delivery, and is typically determined according to the shipper's requests.

[0064] Examples of vehicle characteristic information include vehicle size and vehicle equipment. Vehicle size is information indicating the size of the truck, such as a 2-ton truck, a 4-ton truck, a 10-ton truck, etc. Vehicle equipment is information regarding the equipment of the truck, such as "Power Gate (registered trademark)," "Wing," "Low-emission vehicle," etc.

[0065] Power Gate (registered trademark) refers to a truck equipped with equipment for lifting and lowering cargo onto the bed during loading and unloading. Wing refers to a truck whose side of the bed can be lifted up. In wing vehicles, cargo can be loaded and unloaded from the side of the bed. Low-emission vehicle refers to a truck whose emissions of air pollutants meet specified standards.

[0066] The joint delivery information is information indicating the delivery ID of the other shipper's parcel to be jointly delivered. In other words, the joint delivery information indicates the delivery ID of the parcel related to the delivery identified by the associated delivery ID and the delivery related to the other shipper's parcel to be jointly delivered. The joint delivery information is set when the parcel of the other shipper to be the subject of the joint delivery is determined.

[0067] Referring again to FIG. The candidate extraction unit 110 extracts candidate packages from packages of other shippers using the delivery conditions acquired by the delivery condition acquisition unit 106. The candidate packages are candidates for packages to be delivered jointly with the first package.

[0068] In this embodiment, the candidate extraction unit 110 extracts delivery information 107a from the delivery information 107a of other shippers stored in the delivery storage unit 107 by using delivery conditions and extraction rules described later. The extraction rules are predetermined rules for extracting candidates for packages to be subject to joint delivery.

[0069] The extraction rule storage unit 111 is a storage unit for storing extraction rules. The extraction rules include, for example, that mixed loading of cargo is permitted.

[0070] However, the extraction rule is not limited to this. For example, the extraction rule may include that the first area of ​​one or both of the departure area and the arrival area in the delivery condition and the delivery information 107a is the same (i.e., the area of ​​the highest hierarchy is common). Furthermore, for example, the extraction rule may include that the departure time and the arrival time in the delivery condition and the delivery information 107a overlap by at least the allowable time. Furthermore, the extraction rule may include any two or more of the rules in the embodiment and exemplified here.

[0071] The compatibility acquisition unit 112 determines the compatibility between the delivery conditions of the first package acquired by the delivery condition acquisition unit 106 and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages extracted by the candidate extraction unit 110. The delivery conditions of the candidate packages are acquired from information associated with the delivery ID of the candidate package in the delivery information 107a.

[0072] In particular, the compatibility obtaining unit 112 obtains the compatibility by applying a compatibility rule, which is a rule for obtaining the compatibility, to the delivery conditions of the first shipment and the candidate shipment.

[0073] The compatibility rule includes, for example, an item compatibility degree that is determined in advance for an item or a combination of items included in the delivery conditions. The compatibility degree obtaining unit 112 obtains each item compatibility degree by applying the compatibility rule to an item or a combination of items of the delivery conditions of the first package and the candidate package. The compatibility degree obtaining unit 112 obtains an overall compatibility degree of the delivery conditions of the first package and the candidate package by adding up the item compatibility degrees.

[0074] The adaptation rule storage unit 113 is a storage unit for storing adaptation rules.

[0075] The following is an example of the item compatibility defined in the compatibility rule.

[0076] Regarding the delivery area information, the lower the area match between the first package and the candidate package, the higher the item compatibility is set. In other words, when areas having a hierarchical structure are set, the higher the item compatibility is set as the area indicated by the delivery area information between the first package and the candidate package matches.

[0077] For example, for each of the departure area and arrival area included in the delivery area information, if there is no match, the item suitability is defined as "0", if only the first area matches, the item suitability is defined as "1", and if the first area and second area match, the item suitability is defined as "2".

[0078] For the delivery time information, an item conformance is determined when the delivery date and the allowable time of the first package and the candidate package match. For example, the item conformance is determined as "1" when there is an overlapping time between the date and the allowable time of the first package and the candidate package, and as "0" when there is no overlapping time. Note that the item priority of the delivery time information may be determined to be higher the longer the overlapping time between the date and the allowable time included in the delivery time of the first package and the candidate package.

[0079] Regarding the luggage characteristic information, an item compatibility degree is determined when the items of the first luggage and the candidate luggage are a predetermined combination. For example, when the items of the first luggage and the candidate luggage are a combination suitable for joint delivery (e.g., miscellaneous goods and food, or automobile parts and information equipment), the item compatibility degree is specified as "1." Also, when the items of the first luggage and the candidate luggage are a combination not suitable for joint delivery (e.g., automobile parts and food), the item compatibility degree is specified as "0."

[0080] In addition, for the luggage characteristic information, an item compatibility degree is set according to whether the temperature zone, packing style, and cargo characteristics of the first luggage and the candidate luggage match each other. For example, the item compatibility degree is set to "1" when the temperature zone, packing style, and cargo characteristics of the first luggage and the candidate luggage match each other, and the item compatibility degree is set to "0" when they differ.

[0081] Furthermore, for a combination of the average shipping volume per shipment in the package characteristic information and the vehicle size in the vehicle characteristic information, if the difference between the vehicle size and the sum of the average shipping volumes per shipment of the first package and the candidate packages is within a predetermined range, the item conformance is defined as "1." If the difference between the vehicle size and the sum of the average shipping volumes per shipment of the first package and the candidate packages exceeds the predetermined range, the item conformance is defined as "0."

[0082] For the freight information, an item conformance is determined when the freight levels of the first baggage and the candidate baggage match. For example, when the freight levels of the first baggage and the candidate baggage match, the item conformance is set to "1," and when the freight levels are different, the item conformance is set to "0."

[0083] For the fluctuation information, the item conformance is determined when the periods of high shipping volume in each period are different between the first package and the candidate package. For example, the item conformance is set to "1" when the periods of high shipping volume in all periods are different between the first package and the candidate package, and the item conformance is set to "0" when the periods of high shipping volume in at least one period are the same.

[0084] For the vehicle equipment of the vehicle characteristic information, an item compatibility degree is determined when the vehicle equipment of the first baggage matches that of the candidate baggage. For example, when the vehicle equipment of the first baggage matches that of the candidate baggage, the item compatibility degree is set to "1," and when the vehicle equipment of the first baggage differs, the item compatibility degree is set to "0."

[0085] The matching rule is not limited to this, and for example, the specific value of each item matching degree may be changed as appropriate. Also, for example, the matching rule may specify the matching degree for each combination of all or part of the items included in the delivery conditions.

[0086] The effect estimation unit 114 obtains a reduction effect indicating the degree of reduction that can be achieved for a predetermined reduction item when the first package and the candidate package are jointly delivered compared to when the first package and the candidate package are delivered individually.

[0087] In general, joint delivery has the effect of reducing shipping charges, environmental impact, etc., associated with delivery. The environmental impact is expressed, for example, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. The effect estimation unit 114 obtains predicted values ​​for predetermined reduction items (shipping charges, environmental impact, etc.) when the first package and the candidate package are delivered individually and when they are delivered jointly. Then, the effect estimation unit 114 calculates the difference between these predicted values ​​to obtain the reduction amount obtained when the package is delivered jointly, as the reduction effect.

[0088] The display control unit 115 transmits the display information to the terminal device 101 of the first consignor via the network N. The display information includes, for example, delivery information 107a of the candidate cargo and at least one of the suitability and reduction effect of the candidate cargo.

[0089] As a result, the display control unit 115 causes the display unit 104 included in the terminal device 101 of the first consignor to display the display information. At this time, the display information is displayed so that one of the candidate packages can be selected as a target for joint delivery on the terminal device 101 of the first consignor. In other words, the display information is information for displaying the candidate packages in a selectable manner on the terminal device 101 of the first consignor.

[0090] The request unit 116 notifies the second consignor, who is the consignor of the second package, which is the package selected by the first consignor from the candidate packages displayed on the display unit 104, of the request for joint delivery.

[0091] In detail, the request unit 116 acquires the second package information from the terminal device 101 of the first consignor. The second package information is information for identifying the second package, which is a package selected by the first consignor from among the candidate packages. Then, the request unit 116 transmits a request for joint delivery to the second consignor, which is the consignor of the package identified by the second package information.

[0092] The response acquisition unit 117 acquires a response to the request notified from the request unit 116 from the terminal device 101 of the second consignor. The response includes whether or not the second consignor approves the joint delivery of the first package and the second package. Then, the response acquisition unit 117 transmits the contents of the acquired response to the terminal device 101 of the first consignor. As a result, the contents of the response from the second consignor are notified to the terminal device 101 of the first consignor.

[0093] The delivery processing unit 118 performs a joint delivery process when the response acquired by the response acquisition unit 117 is approval, that is, when approval is obtained for the request for joint delivery. The joint delivery process is a process for jointly delivering the first package and the second package, and the content thereof may be determined appropriately.

[0094] For example, the joint delivery process includes generating delivery information 107a related to the first package and storing it in the delivery storage unit 107. The delivery ID of the delivery information 107a related to the second package is set in the joint delivery information of the delivery information 107a of the first shipper. Also, for example, the joint delivery process includes setting the delivery ID of the delivery information 107a related to the first package in the joint delivery information of the delivery information 107a of the second package.

[0095] Further, for example, the joint delivery process includes notifying the shipper of the second package that the second package will be delivered jointly with the first package, etc. In this notification, for example, information including that the second package will be delivered jointly with the first package is sent to the contact point indicated by the contact information in the shipper information 109a associated by the shipper ID in the delivery information 107a related to the second package.

[0096] <<Configuration of the Joint Delivery Support System 100>> So far, we have described the functional configuration of the joint delivery support system 100. From now on, we will describe the physical configuration of each of the terminal device 101 and the joint delivery support device 102, which are communicably connected to each other via the network N.

[0097] (Physical configuration of terminal device 101) The terminal device 101 is physically, for example, a personal computer, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or the like.

[0098] In detail, for example, the terminal device 101 physically includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, an input device 1060, and a display device 1070, as shown in FIG.

[0099] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data between the processor 1020, the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, the network interface 1050, the input device 1060, and the display device 1070. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

[0100] The processor 1020 is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0101] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0102] 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 of the terminal device 101 stores program modules for realizing each functional unit of the terminal device 101. The processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each functional unit corresponding to the program module.

[0103] The network interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the terminal device 101 to the network N.

[0104] The input device 1060 is a device for a user to input information, and is, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse.

[0105] Display device 1070 is a device for presenting information to a user, and is, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

[0106] (Physical configuration of the joint delivery support device 102) The joint delivery support device 102 is physically a personal computer, for example.

[0107] In detail, for example, the joint delivery support device 102 physically has a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, an input device 1060, and a display device 1070, which are generally similar to those of the terminal device 101, as shown in FIG.

[0108] The storage device 1040 of the joint delivery support device 102 stores program modules for realizing each functional unit of the joint delivery support device 102. The processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them to realize each functional unit corresponding to the program module.

[0109] <<Operation of the Joint Delivery Support System 100>> Now, the operation of the joint delivery support system 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0110] 9 to 11 are diagrams showing an example of the flow of the joint delivery support process according to the present embodiment. The joint delivery support process is a process for supporting joint delivery. The joint delivery support process is performed in a state where a program pre-installed in each of the terminal device 101 of the first shipper and the second shipper and the joint delivery support device 102 is being executed, and is started when the first shipper logs in to the terminal device 101.

[0111] When the first shipper logs in, the joint delivery support device 102, for example, acquires the shipper ID and password entered by the first shipper into the terminal device 101 via the network N, and confirms that the acquired combination of shipper ID and password is the same as that registered in advance.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 9. The input unit 103 included in the terminal device 101 of the first consignor performs a delivery condition input process (step S101). The delivery condition input process is a process of accepting input of delivery conditions related to the first package from the first consignor.

[0113] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the delivery condition input process.

[0114] The input unit 103 of the terminal device 101 of the first consignor accepts delivery area information related to the first package according to an input from the first consignor (step S201).

[0115] In detail, for example, the input unit 103 accepts the delivery area information of the first shipment in accordance with the contents input to the delivery area input screen SC1 displayed on the display unit 104. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the delivery area input screen SC1.

[0116] When a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Next" button shown in FIG. 13) is performed, the input unit 103 accepts and holds the departure area and arrival area entered in the delivery area entry screen SC1, and executes subsequent processing. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the first area "Tokyo" and the second area "23 Wards" are entered as the departure area. In addition, the first area "Osaka Prefecture" and the second area "Osaka City" are entered as the arrival area.

[0117] The input unit 103 of the terminal device 101 of the first consignor accepts delivery time information regarding the first package according to the input of the first consignor (step S202).

[0118] In detail, for example, the input unit 103 accepts the delivery time information of the first package in accordance with the contents input to the delivery time input screen SC2 displayed on the display unit 104. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the delivery time input screen SC2.

[0119] When a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Next" button shown in FIG. 14) is performed, the input unit 103 accepts and stores the departure time and arrival time inputted on the delivery time input screen SC2, and executes the subsequent process. When the "Previous" button shown in FIG. 14 is pressed, the previous process (i.e., the process of step S201) is performed again.

[0120] In the example shown in Fig. 14, the delivery times of the regular service are input, with the departure time being 13:00-14:00 every Tuesday and the arrival time being 10:00-12:00 every Wednesday. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 14, the allowable time for the departure time is input as 14:00-17:00, and no allowable time is input for the arrival time.

[0121] The example shown in Fig. 14 means that the first consignor desires departure between 13:00 and 14:00 every Tuesday, but is willing to change the departure time to any time between 14:00 and 17:00 if, for example, there are no packages to be delivered in that time period. Also, the example shown in Fig. 14 means that the first consignor does not permit changes to the arrival time.

[0122] The input unit 103 of the terminal device 101 of the first consignor accepts the package characteristic information and the shipping information regarding the first package according to the input from the first consignor (step S203).

[0123] In detail, for example, the input unit 103 accepts the baggage characteristic information and the freight information of the first baggage in accordance with the contents input to the baggage characteristic information and freight information input screen SC3 displayed on the display unit 104. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the baggage characteristic information and freight information input screen SC3.

[0124] When a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Next" button shown in FIG. 15) is performed, the input unit 103 accepts and stores the contents of each item entered in the input screen SC3 for the baggage characteristics information and freight information, and executes the subsequent process. When the "Previous" button shown in FIG. 15 is pressed, the previous process (i.e., the process of step S202) is performed again.

[0125] In the example shown in Fig. 15, for each of the items of cargo characteristic information, such as item, mixed loading possible, temperature range, packing style, average shipping amount per shipment, and cargo characteristics, "food," "mixed loading possible," "normal," "case," "not specified," and "normal" are input. In addition, for the freight information, the freight level of "normal" is input.

[0126] The input unit 103 included in the terminal device 101 of the first consignor accepts the variable information and the vehicle characteristic information related to the first package in accordance with the input from the first consignor (step S204).

[0127] In detail, for example, the input unit 103 accepts the variable information and vehicle characteristic information of the first luggage according to the contents inputted into the input screen SC4 for variable information and vehicle characteristic information displayed on the display unit 104. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the input screen SC4 for variable information and vehicle characteristic information.

[0128] When a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the "Next" button shown in Fig. 16) is performed, the input unit 103 accepts and stores the contents of each item entered in the input screen SC4 for variable information and vehicle characteristic information, and returns to the joint delivery support process shown in Fig. 9. When the "Previous" button shown in Fig. 16 is pressed, the previous process (i.e., the process of step S203) is performed again.

[0129] In the example shown in Fig. 16, no yearly, monthly, or weekly fluctuations are specified, and "60%" is entered as the loading rate. This means that the average loading rate is about 60%. In the example shown in Fig. 16, no vehicle characteristics are specified.

[0130] In the delivery condition input process according to the present embodiment, the example in which the package characteristic information and the freight information are accepted together, and the variable information and the vehicle characteristic information are accepted together, is described. However, the information included in the delivery conditions is not limited to this, and may be accepted in an appropriate unit, and the input screen may be changed as appropriate.

[0131] Referring again to FIG. The communication unit 105 of the terminal device 101 of the first shipper transmits the delivery conditions received in step S101 to the joint delivery support device 102 (step S102). The delivery conditions acquisition unit 106 acquires the delivery conditions transmitted in step S102 by receiving them via the network N (step S103).

[0132] The candidate extraction unit 110 extracts candidate shipments from among the shipments of other shippers, using the delivery conditions acquired in step S103 (step S104).

[0133] In detail, for example, the candidate extraction unit 110 extracts delivery information 107a of other shippers stored in the delivery storage unit 107. That is, the candidate extraction unit 110 extracts delivery information 107a including a shipper ID different from the shipper ID of the first shipper.

[0134] Then, the candidate extraction unit 110 extracts candidate packages from the delivery information 107a of other shippers based on the delivery conditions and extraction rules acquired in step S103.

[0135] For example, if the extraction rule includes "mixed loading of cargo is permitted," candidate cargoes that match the condition regarding "mixed loading permitted" between the delivery conditions and the delivery information 107a of other shippers are extracted.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, if the delivery conditions are "mixed loading allowed," indicating that mixing with other cargo is unconditionally permitted, the candidate extraction unit 110 extracts delivery information 107a of other shippers whose "mixed loading allowed" field is "mixed loading allowed."

[0137] The candidate extraction unit 110 also identifies the business types of the first shipper and the other shippers based on the items in the delivery conditions. Here, it is preferable that the rules for identifying the business type from the item are determined in advance and stored in the candidate extraction unit 110. For other shippers in the same business type as the first shipper, the candidate extraction unit 110 further extracts the delivery information 107a of the other shippers whose "mixed loading permitted" in the delivery information 107a is "different business types not permitted." For other shippers in a different business type than the first shipper, the candidate extraction unit 110 further extracts the delivery information 107a of the other shippers whose "mixed loading permitted" in the delivery information 107a is "same business types not permitted."

[0138] The compatibility acquisition unit 112 acquires the compatibility between the delivery conditions acquired in step S103 and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages extracted in step S104 (step S104).

[0139] In detail, for example, the compatibility degree acquisition unit 112 obtains the compatibility degree by applying the compatibility rule to the delivery conditions acquired in step S103 and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages extracted in step S104. For example, since the compatibility rule defines the item compatibility degree for each item as described above, the compatibility degree acquisition unit 112 refers to the contents of each item in the delivery conditions of the first package and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages, and obtains the item compatibility degree of each item according to the compatibility rule. The compatibility degree acquisition unit 112 obtains the compatibility degree by calculating the sum of the item compatibility degrees.

[0140] The effect estimation unit 114 estimates reduction effects for predetermined reduction items based on the delivery conditions acquired in step S103 and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages extracted in step S104 (step S106).

[0141] The reduction effect is calculated for each combination of the first package and the candidate package. For example, the reduction effect of shipping charges is calculated by the difference between the shipping charges when the first package and the candidate package are delivered separately and the shipping charges when the first package and the candidate package are delivered together. For example, the reduction effect of environmental load is calculated by the amount of carbon dioxide emission when the first package and the candidate package are delivered separately and the estimated amount of carbon dioxide emission when the first package and the candidate package are delivered together. The unit of measurement for the difference in the estimated amount of carbon dioxide emission may be an appropriate unit such as carbon dioxide equivalent or carbon equivalent.

[0142] The display control unit 115 transmits display information including the delivery information 107a of the candidate cargo extracted in step S104, the suitability obtained in step S105, and the reduction effect estimated in step S106 to the terminal device 101 of the first shipper (step S107).

[0143] In the display information, it is preferable that the delivery information 107a, the suitability, and the reduction effect are associated with each of the candidate packages extracted in step S104.

[0144] The communication unit 105 included in the terminal device 101 of the first shipper acquires the display information transmitted in step S107 by receiving it via the network N (step S108).

[0145] The display unit 104 included in the terminal device 101 of the first consignor displays the display information acquired in step S108 (step S109). At this time, the display unit 104 displays the candidate cargo included in the display information so that the candidate cargo can be selected.

[0146] In detail, for example, the display unit 104 displays part or all of the delivery information 107a of each candidate package included in the display information according to the suitability included in the display information (for example, arranged in descending order of suitability). When part of the delivery information 107a is displayed, the items to be displayed in the delivery information 107a may be determined in advance.

[0147] In addition, it is preferable that the delivery information 107a, the suitability, and the reduction effect are displayed in association with each candidate package.

[0148] The input unit 103 included in the terminal device 101 of the first consignor determines whether the delivery conditions have been changed, depending on whether a change to the delivery conditions has been accepted (step S110).

[0149] When the input unit 103 of the terminal device 101 of the first consignor accepts the change of the delivery conditions, it determines that the change of the delivery conditions has been accepted (step S110; Yes). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the communication unit 105 of the terminal device 101 of the first consignor transmits the changed delivery conditions to the joint delivery support device 102 (step S111).

[0150] The effect estimation unit 114 acquires the changed delivery conditions transmitted in step S111 by receiving them via the network N. Then, the effect estimation unit 114 estimates reduction effects for predetermined reduction items based on the acquired changed delivery conditions and each of the delivery conditions of the candidate packages extracted in step S104 in the same manner as in step S106 (step S112).

[0151] The reduction effect estimated in step S112 is the reduction effect obtained by jointly delivering the first package with each of the candidate packages when delivering the first package under the changed delivery conditions accepted in step S110. That is, in step S112, the reduction effect is calculated for each of the candidate packages.

[0152] The effect estimation unit 114 transmits information including the reduction effect estimated in step S112 to the terminal device 101 of the first shipper (step S113). The communication unit 105 included in the terminal device 101 of the first shipper acquires the information transmitted in step S113 by receiving it via the network N, and the display unit 104 included in the terminal device 101 of the first shipper displays the reduction effect included in the acquired information (step S114).

[0153] In step S114, the reduction effect may be displayed for each candidate shipment in association with the delivery information 107a displayed in step S109. This allows the first shipper to refer to the results of a simulation of how the reduction effect changes when the delivery conditions entered in step S101 are changed.

[0154] When it is determined that the input unit 103 included in the terminal device 101 of the first shipper has not accepted the change in the delivery conditions (step S110; No), or after the process of step S114, the process of step S115 is performed.

[0155] In step S115, the input unit 103 provided in the terminal device 101 of the first shipper determines whether or not the second shipment, which is one of the candidate shipments, has been selected depending on whether or not an input for selecting the second shipment has been received (step S115).

[0156] If a predetermined end operation is performed without selecting the second package, the input unit 103 determines that the second package has not been selected (step S115; No), and ends the joint delivery support process.

[0157] When the input for selecting the second package is received, the input unit 103 of the terminal device 101 of the first consignor determines that the second package has been selected (step S115; Yes). In this case, the communication unit 105 of the terminal device 101 of the first consignor transmits a request instruction including second package information for identifying the selected second package to the joint delivery support device 102 (step S116).

[0158] The second package information includes, for example, the delivery ID of the delivery information 107a relating to the second package. Joint delivery usually requires approval from the second shipper who is the shipper of the second package to be delivered. The request instruction is an instruction to request the second shipper to obtain the approval.

[0159] The request unit 116 acquires the request instruction transmitted in step S116 by receiving it via the network N (step S117).

[0160] Please refer to Figure 12.

[0161] The request unit 116 transmits a request for joint delivery to the terminal device 101 of the second shipper in accordance with the request instruction acquired in step S117 (step S118).

[0162] In detail, for example, the request unit 116 identifies a shipper ID associated in the delivery information 107a with the delivery ID included in the request instruction. Then, the request unit 116 transmits a request for joint delivery to a contact indicated by contact information associated in the shipper information 108a with the identified shipper ID.

[0163] The communication unit 105 included in the terminal device 101 of the second shipper acquires the request transmitted in step S118 by receiving it via the network N (step S119).

[0164] For example, the request acquired in step S119 is displayed on the display unit 104 of the terminal device 101 of the second shipper for reference by the second shipper. Then, a response to the request is created based on an input to the input unit 103 of the terminal device 101 of the second shipper. The communication unit 105 of the terminal device 101 of the second shipper transmits the response to the request acquired in step S119 to the joint delivery support device 102 (step S120).

[0165] The response acquisition unit 117 acquires a response to the request acquired in step S119 by receiving it via the network N (step S121).

[0166] The delivery processing unit 118 notifies the first shipper of the response acquired in step S121 (step S122).

[0167] In detail, for example, the delivery processing unit 118 transmits the contents of the response to the contact indicated by the contact information associated with the shipper ID of the first shipper in the shipper information 108a.

[0168] The communication unit 105 of the terminal device 101 of the first shipper receives the response notification transmitted in step S122 via the network N to obtain the response notification (step S123 ) As a result, the first consignor can know whether or not the joint delivery with the second package has been approved by the second consignor by, for example, displaying the contents of the response notice on the display unit 104 of the terminal device 101.

[0169] After the process of step S122, the delivery processing unit 118 determines whether the response acquired in step S121 includes approval from the second shipper (step S124).

[0170] In detail, for example, the response may include information indicating whether the second shipper approves the joint delivery with the first package in a predetermined format, so that the delivery processing unit 118 can determine whether the response includes the approval of the second shipper by referring to the response.

[0171] If it is determined that the response does not include the approval of the second shipper (that is, it is not approved) (step S124; No), the delivery processing unit 118 ends the joint delivery support process.

[0172] When it is determined that the response includes the approval of the second shipper (step S124; No), the delivery processing unit 118 executes a predetermined joint delivery process (step S125) and ends the joint delivery support process.

[0173] So far, one embodiment of the present invention has been described.

[0174] According to this embodiment, the joint delivery support device 102 uses the delivery conditions of the first package acquired from the first shipper to extract candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers as candidate packages. Then, the joint delivery support device 102 transmits information for displaying the candidate packages in a selectable manner.

[0175] This allows the first consignor to refer to candidate packages that meet the delivery conditions of the first package and select packages to be the target of the selected joint delivery from among the candidate packages. This makes it possible to carry out joint delivery of packages that are desirable for the first consignor.

[0176] According to this embodiment, a request for joint delivery is notified to the shipper of the second package, which is a package selected from the candidate packages, and if approval of the request is obtained, processing is performed to jointly deliver the first package and the second package.

[0177] This makes it possible to meet the wishes of the sender of the second package that is the subject of the joint delivery, thus enabling joint delivery of packages that are also desirable for the second sender.

[0178] According to this embodiment, the candidate packages are displayed in a selectable manner according to the degree of compatibility between the delivery conditions of the first package and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages. This allows the first consignor to easily refer to and select candidate packages suitable for joint delivery with the first package. This makes it possible to facilitate joint delivery of packages that are desirable for the first consignor.

[0179] According to this embodiment, the delivery conditions include fluctuation information indicating periodic fluctuations in the shipment volume of the parcel. The delivery conditions also include a departure area related to the area where the parcel is loaded and an arrival area related to the area where the parcel is unloaded. The delivery conditions further include departure time information related to the scheduled time of loading the parcel and arrival time information related to the scheduled time of unloading the parcel.

[0180] In this way, by including various items in the delivery conditions, it is possible to extract candidate packages or to calculate the suitability of the candidate packages based on extraction rules or compatibility rules related to the various items. Therefore, the first shipper can easily refer to and select candidate packages that are desirable for joint delivery with the first package. This makes it possible to facilitate joint delivery of packages that are even more desirable for the first shipper.

[0181] According to this embodiment, the delivery conditions further include information indicating a changeable time period (allowable time) for one or both of the departure time information and the arrival time information. This allows packages to be combined for joint delivery under delivery conditions with relaxed conditions for one or both of the departure time and the arrival time, thereby allowing the first consignor to increase the options for packages to be jointly delivered. In addition, the allowable time is set by the consignor and is therefore desirable for the consignor. This makes it even easier to carry out joint delivery of packages desirable for the first consignor.

[0182] According to this embodiment, the departure area and the arrival area are hierarchically structured and include areas of each level that are determined in advance.

[0183] In this way, by defining areas in a hierarchical structure, it is possible to extract candidate cargo or determine the degree of suitability of candidate cargo based on extraction rules or suitability rules that take into account the degree to which areas match.

[0184] As one example of such a mode, when the first shipment and the shipment of the other shipper share at least one of the highest hierarchical area included in the departure area and the highest hierarchical area included in the arrival area information, the shipment of the other shipper is extracted as a candidate shipment.

[0185] This allows the first consignor to easily refer to and select candidate packages that are desirable for joint delivery with the first package, thus facilitating joint delivery of packages that are even more desirable for the first consignor.

[0186] According to this embodiment, information is transmitted to display the degree to which costs for predetermined reduction items can be reduced when a first package and a candidate package are delivered jointly compared to when the first package and the candidate package are delivered individually.

[0187] This allows the first shipper to select cargo suitable for joint delivery with the first cargo, while also referring to the reduction effect. This makes it possible to carry out joint delivery of cargo that is more desirable for the first shipper.

[0188] According to this embodiment, the terminal device 101 acquires information including candidate packages extracted as candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers, using the delivery conditions of the first package received by input from the first shipper. Then, the terminal device 101 displays the candidate packages included in the acquired information in a selectable manner.

[0189] This allows the first consignor to refer to candidate packages that meet the delivery conditions of the first package and select packages to be the target of the selected joint delivery from among the candidate packages. This makes it possible to carry out joint delivery of packages that are desirable for the first consignor.

[0190] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, and a modified example thereof has been described as a note, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0191] For example, the areas belonging to each hierarchical level may be defined appropriately without corresponding to prefectures, cities, wards, towns, villages, etc., and when areas are defined in a hierarchical structure, the number of hierarchical levels may be three or more.

[0192] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example in which areas are defined by a three-layered hierarchical structure. In this case, as shown in the figure, an area corresponding to one or more prefectures (so-called Kanto region, Tokai region, etc.) may be defined as a first area belonging to the top first layer. A prefecture may be defined as a second area belonging to a second layer, which is lower than the first layer. An area corresponding to one or more cities, wards, towns, and villages may be set as a third area belonging to a third layer, which is lower than the second layer.

[0193] A hierarchical structure may be defined in which a second area that is geographically contained within the first area belongs below the first area, and a third area that is geographically contained within the second area belongs below the second area.

[0194] Further, for example, in the diagrams showing the flow used in the above description, a number of steps (processes) are described in order, but the order in which these steps are performed is not limited to the order described. The order of these steps may be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of content. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined as long as the content is not contradictory.

[0195] One or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0196] 1. a delivery condition acquisition means for acquiring delivery conditions for the first package from the first shipper; a candidate extraction means for extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; A display control means for transmitting information for displaying the extracted candidate luggage in a selectable manner. Joint delivery support device. 2. a requesting means for notifying a request for joint delivery to a shipper of a second package, which is a package selected from the displayed candidate packages; and a delivery processing means for performing a process for jointly delivering the first package and the second package when the request is approved. 1. The joint delivery support device described in claim 1. 3. A suitability acquisition means for acquiring a suitability between the acquired delivery conditions and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages, The display control means displays the extracted candidate baggage in a selectable manner in accordance with the obtained degree of compatibility. 1. The joint delivery support device according to 1 or 2. 4. The delivery conditions include fluctuation information indicating periodic fluctuations in the volume of shipments of packages. A joint delivery support device according to any one of 1 to 3. 5. The delivery conditions include a departure area for an area where the luggage is loaded and an arrival area for an area where the luggage is unloaded. 5. A joint delivery support device according to any one of 1 to 4. 6. The delivery conditions further include departure time information regarding a scheduled time for loading the luggage, and arrival time information regarding a scheduled time for unloading the luggage. 5. The joint delivery support device described in claim 1. 7. The delivery conditions further include information indicating a time period during which one or both of the departure time information and the arrival time information can be changed. 6. The joint delivery support device described in claim 6. 8. The departure area and the arrival area are hierarchically structured and include areas of each level that are predetermined. A joint delivery support device according to any one of 5. to 7. 9. The candidate extraction means extracts the other shipper's package as the candidate package when at least one of the highest level area included in the departure area and the highest level area included in the arrival area information is common between the first package and the package of the other shipper. 8. The joint delivery support device described in claim 8. 10. The display control means transmits information for displaying a degree of reduction that can be achieved in a case where the first package and the candidate package are jointly delivered, compared to a case where the first package and the candidate package are delivered individually, for a predetermined reduction item. A joint delivery support device according to any one of 1. to 9. 11. a delivery condition acquisition means for acquiring delivery conditions for the first package from the first shipper; a candidate extraction means for extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; A display means for displaying the extracted candidate luggage in a selectable manner. Joint delivery support system. 12. An input means for receiving input of delivery conditions for the first package from the first shipper; A communication means for acquiring candidate packages extracted as candidate packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers using the accepted delivery conditions; A display means for displaying the acquired candidate luggage in a selectable manner is provided. Terminal device. 13. The computer obtaining delivery terms for the first shipment from the first shipper; extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers as candidate packages using the acquired delivery conditions; and transmitting information for displaying the extracted candidate luggage in a selectable manner. Joint delivery support method. 14. On the computer, obtaining delivery terms for the first shipment from the first shipper; extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers as candidate packages using the acquired delivery conditions; and transmitting information for displaying the extracted candidate baggage in a selectable manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 100 Joint Delivery Support System 101 Terminal Equipment 102 Joint delivery support device 103 Input section 104 Display section 105 Communications Department 106 Delivery condition acquisition section 107 Delivery storage section 107a Shipping Information 108 Shipper Memory Section 108a Shipper Information 109 Carrier storage section 109a Carrier information 110 Candidate Extraction Unit 111 Extraction rule storage unit 112 Relevance acquisition part 113 Matching rule memory unit 114 Effect Estimation Department 115 Display control unit 116 Request Department 117 Response acquisition unit 118 Delivery Processing Unit

Claims

1. a delivery condition acquisition means for acquiring delivery conditions for the first package from the first shipper; a candidate extraction means for extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; a compatibility acquisition means for acquiring a compatibility between the acquired delivery conditions and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages; a display control means for transmitting information for displaying the extracted candidate luggage in a selectable manner according to the obtained suitability. Joint delivery support device.

2. a requesting means for notifying a shipper of a second package, which is a package selected from the displayed candidate packages, of a request for joint delivery; and a delivery processing means for performing a process for jointly delivering the first package and the second package when the request is approved. The joint delivery support device according to claim 1.

3. The delivery conditions include fluctuation information indicating periodic fluctuations in the volume of shipments of packages. The joint delivery support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The delivery conditions include a departure area for an area where the luggage is loaded and an arrival area for an area where the luggage is unloaded. The joint delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The delivery conditions further include departure time information regarding a scheduled time for loading the luggage, and arrival time information regarding a scheduled time for unloading the luggage. The joint delivery support device according to claim 4.

6. The delivery conditions further include information indicating a time period during which one or both of the departure time information and the arrival time information can be changed. The joint delivery support device according to claim 5.

7. The departure area and the arrival area are hierarchically structured and include areas of each level that are predetermined. The joint delivery support device according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The candidate extraction means extracts the cargo of the other shipper as the candidate cargo when at least one of the highest level area included in the departure area and the highest level area included in the arrival area information is common between the first cargo and the cargo of the other shipper. The joint delivery support device according to claim 7.

9. The display control means transmits information for displaying a degree of reduction that can be achieved in a case where the first package and the candidate package are jointly delivered, compared to a case where the first package and the candidate package are delivered individually, for a predetermined reduction item. The joint delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The compatibility acquisition means acquires an item compatibility between the acquired delivery conditions and the delivery conditions of the candidate cargo in accordance with a compatibility rule that defines an item compatibility for an item or a combination of items included in the delivery conditions, and acquires the compatibility based on the acquired item compatibility. The joint delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a delivery condition acquisition means for acquiring delivery conditions for the first package from the first shipper; a candidate extraction means for extracting candidates for packages to be jointly delivered with the first package from among packages of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; a compatibility acquisition means for acquiring a compatibility between the acquired delivery conditions and the delivery conditions of the candidate packages; and a display means for displaying the extracted candidate luggage in a selectable manner according to the obtained degree of suitability. Joint delivery support system.

12. The computer Obtaining delivery terms for the first package from the first shipper; extracting candidates for parcels to be jointly delivered with the first parcel as candidate parcels from among parcels of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; determining a degree of conformity between the acquired delivery conditions and delivery conditions of the candidate packages; and transmitting information for displaying the extracted candidate luggage in a selectable manner according to the determined suitability. Joint delivery support method.

13. On the computer, Obtaining delivery terms for the first package from the first shipper; extracting candidates for parcels to be jointly delivered with the first parcel as candidate parcels from among parcels of other shippers using the acquired delivery conditions; determining a degree of conformity between the acquired delivery conditions and delivery conditions of the candidate packages; and transmitting information for displaying the extracted candidate luggage in a selectable manner according to the determined suitability.

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