Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method that encourage a user to engage in consumption behavior that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.SOLUTION: In a delivery system configured to include a delivery server 100, a user apparatus 200, and an EC server 300, the delivery server determines that an emission amount of greenhouse gas generated by delivering a package to a predetermined user meets a predetermined reference based on first data relating to the delivery of the package, and generates information related to the emission amount to be presented to the user when the predetermined reference is met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to greenhouse gas emission control. [Background technology]

[0002] Efforts are being made to reduce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a label issuing device that prints labels to inform consumers of greenhouse gas emissions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-191828 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to encourage users to engage in consumption behavior that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device having a control unit that performs the following operations: determining, based on first data related to the delivery of a package, whether greenhouse gas emissions generated in order to deliver the package to a specified user satisfy a specified standard; and generating information related to the emissions to present to the user when the specified standard is satisfied.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing method in which a computer performs the following steps: determines, based on first data regarding the delivery of a package, whether greenhouse gas emissions generated in order to deliver the package to a specified user satisfy a specified standard; and, if the specified standard is satisfied, generates information related to the emissions to present to the user.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described method, or a computer-readable storage medium non-transitoryly storing the program. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to encourage users to engage in consumption behavior that reduces greenhouse gases. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a delivery system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user device 200. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an EC server 300. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of delivery instruction data generated by an EC server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery server 100. [Figure 6] 13 is an example of delivery management data generated by a delivery server. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of operation plan data generated by a delivery server. [Figure 8] A diagram explaining a package delivery route. [Figure 9] A diagram explaining a package delivery route. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a period for comparing emission amounts. [Figure 11] An example of a label affixed to luggage. [Figure 12] A sequence diagram of processing between components included in the system. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart of a process in which the delivery server 100 generates a notification. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of time-series data according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, there is a movement to reduce greenhouse gases (typically carbon dioxide, hereafter referred to as CO2) emitted from vehicles used to transport goods. Methods for reducing CO2 emissions include choosing delivery methods that emit less CO2, reducing redelivery, and reducing the number of deliveries themselves.

[0011] For example, there is a system that calculates the amount of CO2 generated when transporting a product and displays it to consumers on a label or the like. However, such a system can only calculate the amount of CO2 corresponding to one product, and cannot notify the relevant user that "CO2 emissions have been reduced due to changes in the user's consumption behavior." For example, it is not possible to notify a user that CO2 emissions are on the decline due to changes in the user's consumption behavior, such as "reducing the number of times the product is purchased through mail order" or "selecting a delivery method with lower emissions." If this were possible, it would be possible to motivate users to reduce greenhouse gases, including CO2. The information processing device according to the present disclosure solves such a problem.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device. Specifically, the control unit performs the following operations: determining, based on first data regarding the delivery of a package, whether the greenhouse gas emissions generated in order to deliver the package to a specified user satisfy a specified standard; and generating information related to the emissions to be presented to the user when the specified standard is satisfied.

[0013] The first data is data related to the delivery of packages, and is typically data for calculating the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to deliver packages. The first data may be, for example, data related to the operation of a vehicle (delivery van) that delivers packages. Examples of such data include information about the delivery van, information about the travel route, information about the distance traveled, and information about the packages carried. The first data may also include the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by the delivery van per trip.

[0014] The first data may be any data as long as it is possible to calculate the amount of greenhouse gases generated per package. If the information processing device is a device that manages package delivery, the device itself may generate the first data. In addition, the first data may be received via a network or the like from an external device that manages package delivery (or the operation of a delivery vehicle).

[0015] The control unit determines, based on the first data, whether the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated in delivering the package to the specified user satisfies a specified standard. For example, the control unit obtains a trend in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted to deliver packages to a specific user, and determines that there is a specific trend (e.g., a decreasing trend). This makes it possible to determine that "the amount of greenhouse gases emitted for the user (due to the consumption behavior of the user) is on a decreasing trend." To make this determination, the information processing device may accumulate first data and calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions for each of a plurality of parcels that the user has received in the past.

[0016] The predetermined criterion may be a trend in greenhouse gas emissions over time. The trend may be determined, for example, based on the results of deliveries over multiple time periods. For example, the change trend can be determined based on the emission amount in a first period corresponding to one or more recent deliveries and the emission amount in a second period corresponding to one or more deliveries included in a specified past period.

[0017] The control unit may notify the user based on the result of the determination. The notification may be performed, for example, by attaching a label to the package to be delivered. For example, a message may be printed on the label informing the user that there has been a downward trend in greenhouse gas emissions during a predetermined period including the delivery timing of the package. The control unit may instruct a device for printing such labels to print the label.

[0018] The control unit may also transmit information related to greenhouse gas emissions to a terminal associated with the user, for example. The information may include specific numerical values ​​related to the amount of greenhouse gas reduction, etc.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0020] First Embodiment An overview of a delivery system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The delivery system according to this embodiment includes a delivery server 100, a user device 200, and an EC server 300.

[0021] The user device 200 is a computer owned by a user. The user can access an EC server 300 that provides a mail-order service via the user device 200 and place an order for a product (a purchase application).

[0022] The EC server 300 is a device that accepts product orders from users via a network (e.g., the Internet). The EC server 300 has a built-in web server, and users can log in to an EC site via a web browser to place product orders. The EC server 300 is managed by a business operator that operates a mail-order business. When an order for a product is placed, the EC server 300 transmits data for issuing instructions for delivery of the package to the delivery server 100.

[0023] The delivery server 100 is a server device that manages the delivery of packages sold by the EC server 300. The delivery server 100 may be, for example, a device managed by a specific transport company, or may be a device that manages multiple transport companies. The delivery server 100 receives data regarding delivery instructions for packages from the EC server 300, and determines the operation of delivery vehicles based on the data.

[0024] Furthermore, the delivery server 100 calculates the amount of CO2 emissions generated for delivering packages for each user based on the operation history of the delivery vehicle. The calculation is performed, for example, along a time series. This makes it possible to determine, for example, that the amount of CO2 emissions for a certain user is on the decline. In addition, the delivery server 100 notifies the user who is determined to have a tendency to reduce CO2 emissions. The notification may be sent to the user device 200, or may be given by attaching a label (sticker) to a package delivered to the user, for example.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the components of a user device 200 according to this embodiment in more detail. The user device 200 is a computer used by an individual, such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a personal digital assistant. The user device 200 includes a control unit 201 , a storage unit 202 , a communication unit 203 , and an input / output unit 204 .

[0026] The control unit 201 is a calculation device that controls the user device 200. The control unit 201 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). do. The control unit 201 executes a function of accessing and interacting with the EC server 300. This function may be realized by a web browser running on the user device 200.

[0027] The storage unit 202 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 201 and data used by the control programs are stored. The auxiliary storage device may store the programs executed by the control unit 201 packaged as applications. It may also store an operating system for executing these applications. The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device are loaded into the main storage device and executed by the control unit 201, thereby performing the processes described below.

[0028] The primary storage device may include a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The secondary storage device may include an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) or a hard disk drive (HDD). It may also include a disk drive (HDD, Hard Disk Drive). may include removable media, i.e., portable recording media.

[0029] The communication unit 203 is a wireless communication interface for connecting the user device 200 to a network. The communication unit 203 is configured to be able to communicate with the EC server 300 via, for example, a wireless LAN or a mobile communication service such as 3G, LTE, or 5G. The input / output unit 204 is a unit that accepts input operations performed by the user and presents information to the user. In this embodiment, it is made up of a single touch panel display. That is, it is made up of a liquid crystal display and its control means, and a touch panel and its control means.

[0030] Next, a description will be given of the EC server 300. Fig. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the EC server 300 in the first embodiment.

[0031] The EC server 300 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium.

[0032] The EC server 300 includes a control unit 301 , a storage unit 302 , and a communication unit 303 . The control unit 301 is a calculation device that manages the control performed by the EC server 300. The control unit 301 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 301 communicates with the user device 200 and provides a service for accepting orders for products. The control unit 301 can execute the service by a web server. The control unit 301, for example, communicates with a database that manages inventory, accepts orders via a specific interface, and generates delivery instruction data according to the contents of the order. The delivery instruction data is data that instructs the delivery server 100 to deliver the package.

[0033] 4 is an example of delivery instruction data generated by the control unit 301. The delivery instruction data includes a package identifier, a consignee identifier, a delivery option, a product identifier, the number of items, a shipper, information on the details of the consignee, etc. The shipper stores an identifier of the location (e.g., a logistics center) where the package is to be shipped, etc. The generated delivery instruction data is transmitted to the delivery server 100.

[0034] The storage unit 302 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the control programs are stored.

[0035] The storage unit 302 may store a database (inventory database) for managing inventory of products. The inventory database may include information for identifying products, the location of product inventory (e.g., a logistics center identifier), the number of items in inventory, and the selling price. The control unit 301 can determine whether or not to place an order by referring to the database. The control unit 301 can also identify the shipping source of the product by referring to the database.

[0036] The communication unit 303 is a communication interface for connecting the EC server 300 to a network. The communication unit 303 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0037] Next, a description will be given of the delivery server 100. Fig. 5 is a system configuration diagram of the delivery server 100 in the first embodiment. The delivery server 100 is a device that manages the delivery of packages. Specifically, the delivery server 100 generates instructions to ship products from a specified base and deliver them to a specified delivery destination based on delivery instruction data transmitted from the EC server 300. The delivery server 100 also manages the operation of multiple delivery vehicles, and instructs each of the multiple delivery vehicles to operate to transport packages as necessary.

[0038] The delivery server 100 can be configured by a general-purpose computer. That is, the delivery server 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a main storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an EPROM, a hard disk drive, or a removable medium. The removable medium may be, for example, a USB memory or a disk recording medium such as a CD or a DVD. The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and the programs stored therein are loaded into the working area of ​​the main storage device and executed. Each component is controlled through the execution of the programs, thereby realizing each function that matches a predetermined purpose, as described below. However, some or all of the functions may be realized by a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0039] The control unit 101 is a calculation device that is responsible for the control performed by the delivery server 100. The control unit 101 can be realized by a calculation processing device such as a CPU. The control unit 101 is configured to have three functional modules: a delivery instruction unit 1011, a discharge amount determination unit 1012, and a notification unit 1013. Each functional module may be realized by executing a stored program by a CPU.

[0040] First, the delivery instruction unit 1011 generates data for managing the delivery of the package based on the delivery instruction data received from the EC server 300 . Figure 6 shows the data for managing multiple packages delivered to a user (hereafter referred to as delivery management data). The delivery management data includes a plurality of records corresponding to each individual package. The delivery management data includes a package identifier (package ID), a consignee identifier (consignee ID), the size and weight of the package, a delivery company identifier (company ID), the current location of the package, an operation identifier (operation ID), the status of the package, and the like. The operation ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies the operation of the delivery vehicle for delivering the package (the series of operations from when the delivery vehicle departs from the delivery base, travels around the delivery destination, and returns to the delivery base). Note that, if multiple operations are performed due to the absence of the consignee, multiple identifiers may be stored in the operation ID. The status of the package stores the delivery status of the package (waiting at the base, being delivered, returned due to absence, waiting for redelivery, delivery completed, etc.).

[0041] Secondly, the delivery instruction unit 1011 issues instructions for shipping packages and instructions for operating delivery vehicles based on the delivery management data. Packages can be delivered by multiple delivery vehicles under management. Package shipping instructions are sent to devices associated with the logistics center. Delivery vehicle operating instructions are sent to devices associated with the delivery vehicles. This allows the package to be shipped from the specified logistics center and delivered by a delivery vehicle along a specified route.

[0042] The delivery instruction unit 1011 generates data for planning the operation of the delivery van (hereinafter, operation plan data), and stores the data in the storage unit 102, which will be described later. 7 is an example of operation plan data generated by the delivery instruction unit 1011. The operation plan data includes an identifier that uniquely identifies the operation, an identifier of the delivery company, a departure date and time, an identifier of the delivery vehicle, a driving route of the delivery vehicle, and identifiers of multiple packages to be loaded on the delivery vehicle. The operation plan data may also include the driving distance of the delivery vehicle (from departure to return) and detailed data about the vehicle to be operated (for example, the vehicle's power, fuel efficiency, electricity cost, etc.). The data can be used to calculate the CO2 emitted.

[0043] The delivery instruction unit 1011 updates the delivery management data according to the delivery status. For example, the current location, operation ID, status, etc. of the parcel may change according to the delivery status of the parcel. The delivery instruction unit 1011 may update these based on data received from a terminal carried by the delivery person or a terminal installed in the delivery vehicle, or data received from other delivery bases. In addition, the driving route, driving distance, etc. of the delivery vehicle may also be updated based on the driving record of the delivery vehicle.

[0044] The emission amount determining unit 1012 calculates, for each piece of luggage, the amount of CO2 emitted in order to transport one or more pieces of luggage.

[0045] Here, the amount of CO2 emitted due to the consumption behavior of the user will be described. In this embodiment, the emission amount determination unit 1012 calculates the amount of CO2 emitted from a delivery vehicle that delivers packages to the user. 8 is a diagram explaining the route of a package when a user purchases an item through mail order. As shown in the figure, the item purchased by the user is packed at a logistics center and moved to distribution base A. The package is then moved to the nearest distribution base B and finally delivered to the user's home. The amount of CO2 emitted by a user when using a delivery service can be calculated, for example, by dividing the amount of CO2 emitted during each journey by the total number of packages (or apportioning it based on the size and weight of the packages) and then adding these up.

[0046] Among these, for routes A and B, many packages are mixed together, so the impact of individual user consumption behavior on CO2 emissions is not large. However, for route C, CO2 emissions may be reduced depending on the user consumption behavior. Figure 9 shows the results for route C (i.e. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery vehicle's driving route in a delivery service (last-mile delivery). In the diagram, white circles represent the delivery destinations of packages. For example, if a user (home indicated by symbol A) specifies store B (indicated by symbol B) as the location to receive the package, the delivery truck will not need to stop at the user's home, and the CO2 emitted along the route indicated by the dotted line in the figure can be reduced. Conversely, if the user is away from home at the time of delivery and redelivery is required, the delivery truck will need to travel the route indicated by the dotted line in the figure again. In other words, extra CO2 will be emitted as the delivery truck travels to the user's home. Also, for example, if a user selects a company that uses electric vehicles for delivery as a company that performs last-mile delivery, the CO2 corresponding to the entire route can be reduced.

[0047] The emission amount determination unit 1012 performs such calculations for each individual package. In this process, first, based on the operation plan data generated by the delivery instruction unit 1011, the CO2 emission amount for one trip of the delivery van is calculated. Next, the CO2 emission amount for each of the multiple packages loaded on the delivery vehicle is calculated. The CO2 emission amount corresponding to each package may be calculated by dividing the CO2 emission amount of the entire delivery vehicle by the total number of packages loaded on the delivery vehicle. If the geographic locations of the multiple delivery destinations are not uniformly distributed, weighting may be performed based on the geographic location. For example, if a delivery destination is in a remote area, the corresponding package may be given a relatively large weight. Also, if the weights or sizes of the packages vary, weighting may be based on the weight or size. For example, if one package is heavier than the other packages, that package may be given a relatively larger weight. The results obtained by this process are stored in association with the package. For example, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6, the calculated CO2 emission amount may be linked to the package and stored in the storage unit 102.

[0048] The notification unit 1013 notifies the user based on the calculated CO2 emission amount corresponding to each package. In this embodiment, the notification unit 1013 determines for each user whether or not a reduction in CO2 emission amount has been achieved by the following method. (1) Calculate the amount of CO2 emissions per package for the most recent specified period. (2) Calculate the amount of CO2 emissions per package for a given period in the past. (3) Compare the two and determine whether there is a trend toward reducing emissions. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a period. Here, the most recent specified period is referred to as a "first period", and the past specified period is referred to as a "second period". In this example, as shown in Fig. 10(A), it is assumed that seven packages, P1 to P7, have been delivered to a certain user in chronological order.

[0049] The first period is a period including the most recent delivery. The second period is a period including deliveries that occurred before the first period. The first period may be a period including only the most recent delivery (P1) as shown in FIG. 10(B). The first period may be a period including multiple deliveries (P1-P3) including the most recent delivery (e.g., the past week) as shown in FIG. 10(C). In either case, the second period includes deliveries that occurred earlier than the first period. For example, in the example of Figure 10(B), the second period includes deliveries earlier than P2. In the example of Figure 10(C), the second period includes deliveries earlier than P4. How the first period and the second period are set can be determined appropriately according to the operation policy of the system.

[0050] For example, when the period is set as shown in Fig. 10(B), it is possible to determine that "the CO2 emissions in the most recent delivery have been reduced compared to the average CO2 emissions in past deliveries." Also, when the period is set as shown in Fig. 10(C), it is possible to determine that "the average CO2 emissions in deliveries over the most recent week have been reduced compared to the average CO2 emissions in deliveries prior to that."

[0051] The notification unit 1013 outputs information for notifying the user that "there is a trend toward reduction in CO2 emissions" based on the CO2 emissions corresponding to the first period and the CO2 emissions corresponding to the second period. In this embodiment, when it is determined as a result of the above-mentioned comparison that the CO2 emissions have been reduced by a predetermined value or more (for example, 10% or more), the notification unit 1013 generates a command to print a label notifying that fact. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents printed on the label. The fact that the CO2 emissions have been reduced, the amount of reduction, the period of comparison, etc. may be printed on the label. The label may be printed by a printer connected to the delivery server 100, or may be printed by an external device. The label is affixed to the target package and delivered. The label may be affixed, for example, at delivery base B in FIG. 8.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 5, the explanation will be continued. The storage unit 102 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device is a memory in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are expanded. The auxiliary storage device is a device in which the programs executed by the control unit 101 and data used by the control programs are stored. Furthermore, the storage unit 102 stores the delivery management data and operation plan data described above.

[0053] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for connecting the delivery server 100 to a network. The communication unit 103 includes, for example, a network interface board and a wireless communication interface for wireless communication.

[0054] 2, 3, and 5 are merely examples, and all or part of the functions shown in the figures may be executed using specially designed circuits. Furthermore, programs may be stored or executed using a combination of main and auxiliary storage devices other than those shown in the figures.

[0055] Next, the processes executed by each device included in the system will be described. FIG 12 is a sequence diagram of the processes executed by the user device 200, the EC server 300, and the delivery server 100. First, in step S11, the user accesses the EC server 300 via the user device 200 and performs a procedure for purchasing a product. Data related to the purchase of the product is transmitted to the EC server 300. Next, in step S12, the EC server 300 receives an order for the product and generates delivery instruction data. As described with reference to Fig. 4, the delivery instruction data includes information on the product details (product identifier and quantity), shipper, delivery destination, etc. The delivery instruction data is transmitted to the delivery server 100.

[0056] In step S13, the delivery server 100 (delivery instruction unit 1011) generates delivery management data corresponding to the package based on the delivery instruction data. Next, in step S14, the delivery server 100 (delivery instruction unit 1011) generates an operation plan for a delivery vehicle to deliver packages. This step may be executed when a predetermined cycle has arrived, or when a predetermined number of packages to be delivered have been generated. In addition, if there is a delivery vehicle for which an operation plan has already been generated, the operation plan may be modified without causing any problem. good.

[0057] Next, in step S15, the delivery server 100 (emission amount determination unit 1012) calculates the amount of CO2 emissions for the target luggage. The amount of CO2 emissions for each luggage can be obtained, for example, by dividing the amount of CO2 emissions generated in one trip by the number of luggage loaded. If there is a bias in the weight or size of the luggage, the CO2 emissions may be calculated after weighting the corresponding luggage. For example, the heavier the luggage, the greater the weight may be assigned. The calculation result is associated with the luggage and stored in the memory unit 102.

[0058] By the process described above, each time a package is delivered, the amount of CO2 emissions resulting from the delivery of the package can be calculated. In this example, only the CO2 emissions in the last mile delivery are calculated, but the CO2 emissions corresponding to other routes may be calculated. For example, in the example of Fig. 8, the CO2 emissions emitted in steps A and B may be calculated. If the operation of the transportation means in each step is managed by another device, data on the operation may be obtained from the device, and the CO2 emissions in each step may be calculated based on the data.

[0059] Next, a process of notifying a user based on the calculated CO2 emission amount will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the process executed by the delivery server 100 (notification unit 1013). The illustrated process is executed at a predetermined interval. First, in step S21, a first period is determined, and an average value of CO2 emissions during the period is calculated. The first period is a period that includes one or more recent deliveries. If the first period includes multiple deliveries, the average value is calculated. Next, in step S22, a second period is determined, and an average value of CO2 emissions during the period is calculated. The second period is a period that precedes the first period. If the second period includes multiple deliveries, the average value is calculated. Although the average value of the CO2 emission amount is calculated here, the calculated value is not limited to the average value.

[0060] In step S23, it is determined whether the average value calculated for each period satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, it may be determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the average value of the emission amount corresponding to the first period is reduced by a predetermined percentage or more with respect to the average value of the emission amount corresponding to the second period. If the determination in this step is positive, the process proceeds to step S24. If the determination in this step is negative, the process ends.

[0061] Here, the average CO2 emissions per package were compared, but it is also possible to compare CO2 emissions over a unit period. For example, it is also possible to compare the CO2 emissions over the most recent month with the CO2 emissions over the month prior to that. This makes it possible to determine, for example, that "CO2 emissions have been reduced by reducing the number of times mail order shopping is used."

[0062] In step S24, the contents of the notification to the consignee are generated. In this embodiment, the notification is given by a label, so in this step, the text to be displayed on the label is generated. The text to be displayed on the label may include a standard text, a value indicating the amount of CO2 emissions reduced, a text informing the comparison period, and the like. Next, in step S25, a command to print a label is generated and sent to a printer. The printed label is attached to the package and it is delivered.

[0063] As described above, the delivery server 100 according to this embodiment calculates the amount of CO2 emissions generated for the delivery of packages for a specific user, and determines the change trend of the emissions over time. If there is a trend toward reduction in the amount of emissions, the delivery server 100 notifies the user accordingly. This allows the user to recognize that a reduction in CO2 emissions has been achieved due to a change in his / her consumption behavior.

[0064] In the present embodiment, an example has been given in which information is printed directly on a label affixed to a package, but the information to be transmitted to the user does not have to be printed directly on the label. For example, a two-dimensional code in which character information or a website URL for transmitting information to the user is encoded may be generated and printed on the label. The user can obtain the information by reading the two-dimensional code with the user device 200 or the like.

[0065] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the delivery server 100 generates a command to print a label to be attached to a package. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the delivery server 100 notifies the user by transmitting electronic data to the user device 200.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the notification unit 1013 of the delivery server 100 generates electronic data to be sent to the user device 200 instead of generating a command to print a label. The electronic data may be an email or data received by a messenger application running on the user device 200. The electronic data includes information equivalent to that printed on the label in the first embodiment. For example, the notification unit 1013 generates electronic data including information informing the user of the fact that CO2 emissions have been reduced, the amount of reduction, the period of comparison, etc. By transmitting such data to the user device 200, the user can recognize that a reduction in CO2 emissions has been achieved due to a change in his / her consumption behavior.

[0067] Third embodiment In the first and second embodiments, a plurality of periods are set and the average values ​​of the CO2 emissions corresponding to each period are compared as described with reference to Fig. 10. However, other methods can also be adopted as long as it can be determined that there is a predetermined trend in the change in the CO2 emissions.

[0068] In the third embodiment, the discharge amount determining unit 1012 executes the following process instead of executing the processes exemplified in steps S21 and S22. First, time series data of CO2 emissions corresponding to a user for a predetermined period is obtained. FIG. 14 shows an example of time series data. In this example, the horizontal axis shows time, and the vertical axis shows CO2 emissions. Note that in this example, the date and time of delivery is plotted on the horizontal axis, but the plot intervals may be equal for each delivery. Next, a regression analysis is performed on the time series data to calculate the trend of change in CO2 emissions. The analysis may be performed on the entire period for which data is held, or on a portion of that period (e.g., the past six months). If a regression equation is obtained that indicates a decreasing trend in emissions, it is determined that the condition shown in step S23 is satisfied.

[0069] In this way, by analyzing data on CO2 emissions given in a time series, it is possible to determine whether emissions are on a downward trend. Note that the method of analysis is not limited to regression analysis, as long as it can be determined that there is a certain trend in changes in CO2 emissions.

[0070] (Fourth embodiment) In the first to third embodiments, the amount of CO2 emitted in relation to previously delivered packages is calculated. Using the emission data, it is determined whether or not there is a decreasing trend in the emissions for each user. On the other hand, the condition determined in step S23 is not limited to the increase / decrease trend in the emissions, so long as it is related to the CO2 emissions.

[0071] For example, the CO2 emissions in one delivery may be compared with a predetermined threshold, and a notification may be generated based on the result. For example, a notification may be generated when the CO2 emissions in the most recent delivery are below (above) the threshold. The predetermined threshold may be set using the average value of CO2 emissions in past deliveries (average value by region, average value by user attribute, overall average value, etc.).

[0072] Also, if the amount of CO2 emitted in one delivery vehicle trip is below a threshold, it may be determined that all packages loaded on the delivery vehicle meet the conditions. If a delivery option that generates less CO2 emissions is selected when ordering a product on an EC site, it may be possible to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the operation itself by optimizing the delivery time or the means of transportation used. Therefore, the user may be notified that such a condition has been met. Also, a notification may be given when a predetermined number of deliveries have been made that meet the conditions.

[0073] (Modification) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention can be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0074] In addition, in the description of the embodiment, a notification is given when a decreasing trend in CO2 emissions is observed for a specific user, but conversely, a notification may be given when an increasing trend in CO2 emissions is observed. Furthermore, the changes in CO2 emissions over time may be classified into patterns, and notifications may be generated based on the results. For example, it may be determined that "emissions that were on a decreasing trend have started to increase," or "emissions that were on an increasing trend have started to decrease," and a corresponding notification may be generated.

[0075] In the embodiment, when the CO2 emission amount satisfies a predetermined condition, information is provided to the user, but a process other than providing information may be performed. For example, a process of giving an incentive to the user may be performed.

[0076] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0077] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors of the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the system bus of the computer, or may be provided to the computer via a network. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic This includes cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 100...Distribution server 200 User device 300...EC server 101, 201, 301...Control unit 102,202,302...Storage section 103, 203, 303... Communications Department 204...Input / output section

Claims

1. Based on the first data about the delivery of the parcel, Calculating greenhouse gas emissions generated in delivering the package to a predetermined user during a first time period corresponding to one or more recent deliveries; Calculating greenhouse gas emissions generated in delivering the package to the specified user during a second period immediately preceding the first period, the second period corresponding to one or more deliveries included in the specified past period; determining whether the amount of greenhouse gas emission in the first time period has decreased by a predetermined ratio or more relative to the amount of greenhouse gas emission in the second time period; generating information related to the greenhouse gas emissions, which is to be presented to the user when the greenhouse gas emissions in the first period have decreased by the predetermined percentage or more relative to the greenhouse gas emissions in the second period, including a fact that the greenhouse gas emissions in the first period have been reduced relative to the greenhouse gas emissions in the second period due to the consumption behavior of the user, an amount of reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions in the first period relative to the greenhouse gas emissions in the second period, and information related to the emissions, including the first period and the second period; An information processing device having a control unit that executes the above.

2. The first data includes operation information of a vehicle that delivers luggage to the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The first data includes greenhouse gas emissions emitted by vehicles that deliver packages to the user. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The control unit further acquires the first data from a server device associated with operation of the vehicle. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. When the amount of greenhouse gas emission in the first period has decreased by the predetermined ratio or more relative to the amount of greenhouse gas emission in the second period, the control unit printing a label to be attached to a package delivered to a user, the label indicating the fact, the reduction amount, the first period, and the second period included in the information related to the emission amount; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. when the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the first period has decreased by the predetermined ratio or more relative to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the second period, the control unit transmits information related to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, including the fact, the amount of reduction, the first period, and the second period, to a terminal associated with the user. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. Based on the first data about the delivery of the parcel, Calculating greenhouse gas emissions generated in delivering the package to a predetermined user during a first time period corresponding to one or more recent deliveries; Calculating greenhouse gas emissions generated in delivering the package to the specified user during a second period immediately preceding the first period, the second period corresponding to one or more deliveries included in the specified past period; determining whether the amount of greenhouse gas emission in the first time period has decreased by a predetermined ratio or more relative to the amount of greenhouse gas emission in the second time period; generating information related to the greenhouse gas emissions, which is to be presented to the user when the greenhouse gas emissions in the first period have decreased by the predetermined percentage or more relative to the greenhouse gas emissions in the second period, including a fact that the greenhouse gas emissions in the first period have been reduced relative to the greenhouse gas emissions in the second period due to the consumption behavior of the user, an amount of reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions in the first period relative to the greenhouse gas emissions in the second period, and information related to the emissions, including the first period and the second period; An information processing method implemented by a computer.

8. The first data includes operation information of a vehicle that delivers luggage to the user. The information processing method according to claim 7.

9. The first data includes greenhouse gas emissions emitted by vehicles that deliver packages to the user. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. further acquiring the first data from a server device associated with the operation of the vehicle; The information processing method according to claim 8.

11. When the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the first time period has decreased by more than the predetermined percentage relative to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the second time period, a label is printed on a package delivered to the user, indicating the facts contained in the information related to the emissions, the amount of reduction, the first time period, and the second time period. The information processing method according to claim 7.

12. when the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the first time period has decreased by more than the predetermined percentage relative to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the second time period, transmitting information related to the emissions, including the fact, the amount of reduction, the first time period, and the second time period, to a terminal associated with the user; The information processing method according to claim 7.

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