Delivery Support System

Abstract

To provide a delivery support system capable of acquiring a route depending on the situation when starting the execution of a delivery plan.SOLUTION: The delivery support system includes: a delivery plan acquisition unit that acquires a delivery plan including the delivery sequence to multiple delivery destinations and a route to the multiple delivery destinations according to the delivery sequence; a current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of a delivery vehicle; and a route-finding unit that is configured so as to, when having acquired a trigger of execution start of the delivery plan, search again the route to reach multiple the delivery destinations in order according to the delivery sequence.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery support system.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, in the operation management of commercial vehicles and the like for freight transportation, it is described that whether or not there is a deviation exceeding the allowable range between the operation plan and the actual operation is determined for each checkpoint, and when a deviation occurs, the route and the required time are recalculated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When delivering goods to a store such as a convenience store, the store side desires to know the scheduled arrival time of the goods before an actual deviation occurs for the preparation of work related to the delivered goods. Also, for the driver of the delivery vehicle, rather than re-searching after the arrival at the store is actually delayed due to traffic congestion or regulations on the planned route, there is a desire to select another route before being affected by traffic congestion or regulations. However, in the case of the conventional technology, re-search is not performed unless a deviation exceeding the allowable range occurs between the operation plan and the actual operation. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technology capable of obtaining a route according to the situation at the start of the execution of the delivery plan.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above object, a delivery support system includes a delivery plan acquisition unit that acquires a delivery plan including a delivery order to a plurality of delivery destinations and a route that sequentially heads to the plurality of delivery destinations according to the delivery order, a current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of a delivery vehicle, and a route search unit that, when acquiring an execution start trigger of the delivery plan, re-searches a route that sequentially heads to the plurality of delivery destinations according to the delivery order based on the current position of the delivery vehicle.

[0006] The situation related to the route search at the start of the execution of the delivery plan may be different from the situation related to the route search at the time of creating the delivery plan. When this delivery support system acquires an execution start trigger of the delivery plan, it re-searches the route that sequentially heads to the delivery destinations according to the delivery order. Therefore, according to this delivery support system, a route different from the route defined in the delivery plan and corresponding to the situation at the start of the execution of the delivery plan can be acquired by the re-search.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. (1) Overall configuration: (1-1) Configuration of the store terminal: (1-2) Configuration of the delivery executor terminal: (1-3) Configuration of the delivery support system: (2) Delivery support process: (3) Other embodiments:

[0009] (1) Overall configuration: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a delivery support system 10 according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the delivery support system 10 collaborates with a store terminal 200, a delivery executor terminal 300, and a traffic information management server 400. In the present embodiment, the delivery support system 10 can communicate with the store terminal 200, the delivery executor terminal 300, and the traffic information management server 400.

[0010] In the present embodiment, the delivery executor loads the goods (products sold at the store) to be delivered to the store, which is the delivery destination, onto the delivery vehicle at the delivery base, which is the departure point, drives the delivery vehicle to the store, and delivers the goods to the store. In the present embodiment, there may be multiple delivery executors and multiple delivery vehicles, but in the following, the description will mainly focus on one delivery executor and one delivery vehicle.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a delivery plan. In the present embodiment, the delivery plan includes the delivery order, the route to sequentially go to the delivery destinations according to the delivery order, the required travel time when moving along the route, the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination, the handling time at the delivery destination, and the goods to be delivered to the delivery destination. Note that in FIG. 2A, the illustration of the goods to be delivered is omitted.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the departure point S and the final destination are the same, and these points are the bases for loading goods onto the delivery vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the delivery executor moves the delivery vehicle in the order of the store S, which is the delivery destination, from the departure point S, and then to the final destination (departure point S). That is, the delivery order is S A ,S B ,S C ,S D ,S E ,S F ,S G ,S H , and then to the final destination (departure point S). That is, the delivery order is, in ascending order, S A ,S B ,S C ,S D ,S E ,S F ,S G ,S H .

[0013] The route indicates the route when moving from the starting point S to each store in the delivery order and finally returning to the final destination. That is, in the present embodiment, based on the map information showing intersections as nodes and road sections between nodes as links, a route is searched for that passes through each store in order from the starting point S and reaches the final destination.

[0014] As a result of the search, the obtained route is indicated by, for example, a permutation of nodes. Note that the definition of the route may be various definitions, and may also be a permutation of links or the like. The first scheduled arrival time is determined based on the route. That is, in the present embodiment, the average vehicle speed of the vehicle traveling on each road section is determined for each attribute of the road section indicated by the link. Then, by dividing the distance of the road section by the average vehicle speed, the period required for moving on the road section can be specified.

[0015] Therefore, the distance when traveling on the road section between nodes along the route is specified, and based on the distance and the average vehicle speed, the required travel period for each road section is specified and accumulated, thereby specifying the required travel period for moving between points. The departure time from the starting point S is determined in advance, and the period required for moving from the starting point S to the first delivery destination, store S A is added to the departure time, whereby the first scheduled arrival time at store S A is specified. The departure time from store S A is the time obtained by adding the handling period of store S A to the scheduled arrival time (the first scheduled arrival time) at store S A . When the above processing is executed for each delivery destination, the first scheduled arrival time at each store is specified.

[0016] Furthermore, a handling period is associated with each of the destination stores. The handling period is the period required for handling, that is, the period from when the delivery vehicle arrives at the destination store until it departs, and is a value determined in advance based on the amount of goods at each delivery destination and the ease of work (such as the distance between the parking lot and the delivery destination). The handling period may be expressed directly as the length of time, for example, or may be expressed indirectly by indicating the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination and the scheduled departure time from the delivery destination.

[0017] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the positions of the respective stores for the example shown in FIG. 2A and the route that successively heads to the destination stores in the order of delivery. In FIG. 2B, the route is schematically shown by arrows (the actual route is more complex in shape because it is a set of road sections). In the present embodiment, a delivery plan as described above is created in advance by the delivery support system 10 described later.

[0018] (1-1) Configuration of the store terminal: The store terminal 200 is a terminal used at each of the destination stores in the above-described delivery plan. The store terminal 200 includes a control unit (not shown) having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., and a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with other devices. Further, the store terminal 200 includes a user I / F unit (not shown) for providing various information to the workers at the store and receiving the input of the workers.

[0019] The store terminal 200 can execute a program (not shown) recorded in a ROM or the like. The program includes a program for displaying information notified from the delivery support system 10. When the program is executed in the store terminal 200, the store worker can view the initial scheduled time (first scheduled arrival time) and the latest scheduled time (second scheduled arrival time) when the goods are delivered to the store by the delivery vehicle using the user I / F unit.

[0020] (1-2) Configuration of the delivery executor terminal: The delivery operator terminal 300 is a terminal used by each delivery operator, and in this embodiment, it is mounted on a delivery vehicle. Note that the mode of the delivery support system 10 is not limited, and it may be a tablet terminal or the like carried by the delivery operator. The delivery operator terminal 300 includes a control unit 310 equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. Further, the delivery operator terminal 300 includes a user I / F unit 320, a GNSS reception unit 330, a vehicle speed sensor 331, a gyro sensor 332, a communication unit 340, a recording medium 350, and a timing unit (not shown).

[0021] The user I / F unit 320 includes a touch panel display for providing various information to the delivery operator and inputting operations by the delivery operator, a speaker for outputting guidance voices, etc. The communication unit 340 includes a circuit for exchanging information with the delivery support system 10. The control unit 310 can communicate with the delivery support system 10 via the communication unit 340.

[0022] The GNSS reception unit 330 is a device that receives signals of the Global Navigation Satellite System, receives radio waves from navigation satellites, and outputs a signal for calculating the current position of the delivery vehicle via an interface (not shown). The control unit 310 acquires this signal to obtain the current position of the delivery vehicle. The vehicle speed sensor 331 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheels of the delivery vehicle. The control unit 310 acquires this signal via an interface (not shown) to obtain the vehicle speed. The gyro sensor 332 detects the angular acceleration about the turning of the delivery vehicle in the horizontal plane and outputs a signal corresponding to the direction of the delivery vehicle. The control unit 310 acquires this signal to obtain the traveling direction of the delivery vehicle. The vehicle speed sensor 331, the gyro sensor 332, etc. are used to identify the traveling trajectory of the delivery vehicle. In this embodiment, the current position is identified based on the departure position and the traveling trajectory of the delivery vehicle, and the current position of the delivery vehicle identified based on the departure position and the traveling trajectory is corrected based on the output signal of the GNSS reception unit 330.

[0023] Delivery plan 350a and map information 350b are recorded on the recording medium 350. The delivery plan 350a is the same as the delivery plan generated by the delivery support system 10. That is, the delivery plan generated by the delivery support system 10 is transmitted to and stored in the delivery operator terminal 300. The delivery plan 350a stored on the recording medium 350 is a delivery plan for the delivery vehicle equipped with the delivery operator terminal 300 including the recording medium 350. The delivery plan 350a is used to guide the delivery plan.

[0024] The map information 350b includes node data, shape interpolation point data, link data, data indicating the positions of road features existing around the road, etc. Various information (e.g., road attributes, etc.) related to the road section indicated by the link data is associated with the link data. In addition, information indicating the attributes of the features (types of facilities, etc.) is associated with the data indicating the features. In the present embodiment, these features can be the delivery destination stores.

[0025] The control unit 310 can execute the plan guidance program 311 stored in the recording medium 350 or the ROM. By executing the plan guidance program 311, the control unit 310 guides the delivery plan by displaying the planned driving route on the map. Specifically, the control unit 310 acquires the current position based on the output signals of the GNSS reception unit 330, the vehicle speed sensor 331, and the gyro sensor 332. Also, the date and time when the current position is acquired are obtained from the timing unit. Further, the control unit 310 causes the map including the current position to be displayed on the output unit of the user I / F unit 320 based on the map information 350b. In addition, the control unit 310 transmits the current position and the current time of the delivery vehicle together with the identification information of the delivery vehicle to the delivery support system 10 via the communication unit 340. The timing unit is a circuit that outputs the current date and time. The current date and time counted by the timing unit are corrected based on the signal received by the GNSS reception unit 330.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit 310 refers to the delivery plan 350a and highlights the planned driving route included in the displayed map (for example, displaying a road section as the planned driving route in a different color from other road sections). Also, the control unit 310 refers to the delivery plan 350a and guides the scheduled arrival time at each store, the loading and unloading period, and the goods to be delivered at each store. The delivery executor can move the delivery vehicle according to the guided route, and deliver the goods to the delivery destinations in the determined delivery order in sequence. After the execution of the delivery plan starts, the latest planned driving route and the scheduled arrival time at the store (the second scheduled arrival time) obtained from the re-search result are transmitted from the delivery support system 10. Therefore, the delivery executor can move the delivery vehicle according to the latest planned driving route.

[0027] (1-3) Configuration of the delivery support system: The above-described delivery plan is created in advance before the delivery execution date and recorded on the recording medium 30 (delivery plan 30a) by solving the delivery plan problem with a VRP (Vehicle Routing Problem) engine (not shown) provided in the delivery support system 10. The delivery executor acts according to the delivery plan, but in the operation process of the delivery support system, there may be cases where the delivery cannot be performed according to the pre-created delivery plan. For example, unexpected traffic conditions, delays in loading and unloading operations, etc. may cause the delivery to be sent later than planned. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the delivery support system 10 is configured to re-search the routes to the stores in sequence at the start or during the execution of the delivery plan.

[0028] The delivery support system 10 includes a control unit 20 provided with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. Also, the delivery support system 10 includes a recording medium 30, a communication unit 40, and a timing unit (not shown). The communication unit 40 includes a circuit for exchanging information with the store terminal 200, the delivery executor terminal 300, and the traffic information management server 400. The control unit 20 can communicate with the delivery support system 10 via the communication unit 40.

[0029] With the above configuration, by executing the delivery support program 21, the control unit 20 functions as a delivery plan acquisition unit 21a, a current position acquisition unit 21b, a route search unit 21c, and a notification unit 21d. By the function of the delivery plan acquisition unit 21a, the control unit 20 acquires a delivery plan including the delivery order to a plurality of delivery destinations and the route sequentially going to the plurality of delivery destinations according to the delivery order. That is, the control unit 20 acquires the delivery plan 30a recorded on the recording medium 30.

[0030] Note that the delivery plan 30a is defined for each delivery vehicle, and the identification information of the delivery vehicle for which the delivery plan is to be executed is associated therewith. When the delivery plan 30a is acquired, the control unit 20 identifies the delivery vehicle for which the delivery plan is to be executed based on the identification information included in the delivery plan 30a. Then, the control unit 20 transmits, via the communication unit 40, the delivery plan 30a indicating the plan to be executed by the delivery vehicle to the delivery vehicle for which the delivery plan is to be executed. In the delivery executor terminal 300, the delivery plan 30a is acquired via the communication unit 340 and recorded as the delivery plan 350a on the recording medium 350.

[0031] By the function of the current position acquisition unit 21b, the control unit 20 acquires the current position of the delivery vehicle. In the present embodiment, when a delivery plan execution start trigger is detected in the delivery executor terminal 300, during the execution of the delivery plan, the current position and time of the delivery vehicle are periodically transmitted from the delivery executor terminal 300 to the vehicle together with the vehicle identification information. When the control unit 20 acquires the vehicle identification information, current position, and time transmitted from the delivery vehicle, it records the current position and time in the recording medium 30 in association with the identification information. Therefore, the position and time recorded in association with the vehicle identification information are the movement history of the delivery vehicle indicated by the identification information. This movement history is used to identify the progress of the delivery plan and the cause of the deviation from the plan.

[0032] When the control unit 20 obtains a trigger to start executing the delivery plan by the function of the route search unit 21c, it re-searches the routes to the plurality of delivery destinations in order according to the delivery order based on the current position of the delivery vehicle. In the present embodiment, the fact that the delivery executor has logged in to the planning guidance program 311 on the delivery executor terminal 300 is set as the execution start trigger. In the present embodiment, the delivery executor is ruled to log in to the planning guidance program 311 when starting the delivery operation (that is, starting the execution of the delivery plan) on the execution date of the delivery plan.

[0033] Incidentally, if there is a traffic jam on the planned driving route defined in the delivery plan, it becomes necessary to move at a speed slower than the average vehicle speed for each attribute of the road section assumed at the stage of formulating the delivery plan. In such a case, if the current delivery plan is followed, a situation may occur where the arrival scheduled time at each store cannot be reached. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 20 collects traffic information.

[0034] The traffic information management server 400 generates and holds the current traffic information for any road section based on the movement history and the like collected from the probe vehicle. The traffic information includes the degree of traffic congestion (for example, three levels of free, congested, and jammed) and restriction information. Further, the traffic information management server 400 can generate estimated traffic information for the time zone (scheduled arrival time zone) after any period of time based on the current traffic information. The estimated traffic information can be obtained, for example, by using a machine learning model that inputs the current traffic information of each road section included in the area and the time zone after any period of time and outputs the traffic information of each road section after any period of time. The traffic information management server 400 can transmit the current traffic information of any road section and the estimated traffic information of the time zone after any period of time for the road section to the delivery support system 10 in response to a request from the delivery support system 10.

[0035] The control unit 20 refers to the delivery plan 30a and acquires the scheduled arrival time (first scheduled arrival time) at each destination store for the delivery vehicle that has detected the delivery start trigger. The control unit 20 acquires the time when the execution start trigger of the delivery plan is obtained from the timer unit, identifies the destination stores whose time from the acquisition time of the execution start trigger to the first scheduled arrival time is within the threshold T1, and identifies the road sections included in the area A1 of a predetermined range including the stores. In the example of FIG. 2B, for example, if the stores within the threshold T1 are S A and S B , the explanation will continue. In this case, the control unit 20 sets the area A1 including the starting point S, the store S A and the store S B , and identifies the road sections located within the area A1.

[0036] The control unit 20 outputs a transmission request for the current traffic information about the road section via the communication unit 40. As a result, the traffic information management server 400 transmits the current traffic information of the road section, and the control unit 20 acquires the traffic information via the communication unit 40. The control unit 20 sets the travel time required for each road section according to the acquired current traffic information. Specifically, for example, the travel time required for the road section is calculated by dividing the distance of the road section by the average vehicle speed according to the traffic congestion level. Then, the control unit 20 re-searches the route from the starting point S to the store S A , and the route from the store S A to the store S B . Since the re-search is performed taking into account the current traffic information, a route different from the route defined in the delivery plan 30a may be obtained as a result of the re-search. Also, a travel time increased or decreased from the travel time defined in the delivery plan 30a may be calculated.

[0037] The control unit 20 adds up the travel times required for each road section constituting the route obtained as a result of the re-search, thereby calculating the travel time required for the route from the starting point S to the store S A , and the travel time required for the route from the store S A to the store S B . The control unit 20 adds the travel time required for the route from the starting point S to the store S AAdd the travel time until then, and calculate the scheduled arrival time (second scheduled arrival time) at store S A Furthermore, the control unit 20 refers to the delivery plan 30a, obtains the length of the handling period at store S A , and calculates the second arrival time at store S A , the handling period at store S A , and the travel time from store S A to store S B to calculate the second scheduled arrival time at store S B .

[0038] Subsequently, the control unit 20 identifies the road section located in the area A2 within the predetermined range including store S B and the next store S C , and obtains the estimated traffic information of the road section in the time zone (scheduled arrival time zone) including the second scheduled arrival time at store S B from the traffic information management server 400. The control unit 20 calculates the travel time of each road section according to the obtained estimated traffic information. Then, the control unit 20 re-searches the route from store S B to store S C . Since the re-search is performed taking into account the estimated traffic information estimated based on the current traffic information, a route different from the route defined in the delivery plan 30a may be obtained. Also, a time different from the time defined in the delivery plan 30a may be calculated for the travel time from store S B to store S C . The control unit 20 refers to the delivery plan 30a, obtains the length of the handling period at store S B , and calculates the second arrival time at store S B , the handling period at store S B , and the travel time from store S B to store S C to calculate the second scheduled arrival time at store S C . Thereafter, in the same manner, the control unit 20 calculates the second scheduled arrival times at stores S D , S E , S F , S G , S H .

[0039] By the function of the notification unit 21d, the control unit 20 notifies the delivery destination of information indicating the deviation between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination obtained by re-search. In the present embodiment, by notifying both the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time, a configuration is adopted that expresses information indicating the deviation between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time. The control unit 20 refers to the delivery plan 30a and acquires the first scheduled arrival time for each store. The control unit 20 transmits the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time for each store to the store via the communication unit 40. As a result, the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time are displayed on the user I / F unit of the store terminal 200 in each store. Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit 20 transmits the re-searched route and the second scheduled arrival time to the delivery executor terminal 300. As a result, the delivery executor can move the delivery vehicle according to the re-searched route based on the current traffic information and the estimated traffic information estimated based on the current traffic information.

[0040] Furthermore, by the function of the notification unit 21d, when the second scheduled arrival time deviates from the first scheduled arrival time, the control unit 20 notifies the progress of the delivery plan. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 notifies the progress of the delivery plan when the deviation (difference) between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Specifically, the control unit 20 refers to the movement history of the delivery vehicle and the delivery plan, and identifies whether the delivery executor is moving in the delivery vehicle or is in the loading / unloading operation. When moving, the control unit 20 identifies the section in motion, and when in the loading / unloading operation, identifies the store where the work is being performed. As a result, it is possible to identify the stores where the delivery vehicle has not yet arrived. Then, the control unit 20 transmits the progress of the delivery plan to the store terminal 200 of each store included in the delivery plan via the communication unit 40. When the store terminal 200 receives the progress of the delivery plan, it displays it on the user I / F unit. As a result, the operator of the store can recognize the progress of the delivery plan. Note that the progress may be transmitted to all stores among the stores included in the delivery plan, or may be limited to the stores where the delivery vehicle has not yet arrived.

[0041] Also, when the second scheduled arrival time deviates from the first scheduled arrival time due to the function of the notification unit 21d, the control unit 20 notifies the cause of the deviation. In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 notifies the cause of the deviation when the deviation (difference) between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time is equal to or greater than a threshold value. Specifically, the control unit 20 identifies the cause of the deviation based on the movement history of the delivery vehicle and the delivery plan. For example, when the actual travel time required to move from a certain store to the next store exceeds the scheduled travel time defined in the delivery plan, the control unit 20 identifies that more time than expected was required for the movement between these stores as the cause. Also, for example, when the length of the handling period at a certain store obtained from the time from the actual arrival time to the departure time at the store exceeds the length of the handling period at the store in the delivery plan, the control unit 20 identifies that the handling work at this store required more time than expected as the cause. Then, the control unit 20 transmits, via the communication unit 40, information indicating the cause of the deviation to the store terminals 200 of each store included in the delivery plan. When the store terminal 200 receives the cause of the deviation, it displays it on the user I / F unit. As a result, the operator of the store can recognize the cause of the deviation. Note that the information indicating the cause of the deviation may be transmitted to all the stores included in the delivery plan, or may be limited to the stores to which the delivery vehicle has not yet arrived. Also, the information indicating the deviation and the cause of the deviation may be notified to the delivery executor terminal 300 as well.

[0042] As described above, when the delivery support system 10 of the present embodiment acquires the execution start trigger of the delivery plan, it can re-search the route to sequentially head to the delivery destinations in the delivery order. Therefore, according to the delivery support system 10, a route corresponding to the situation at the time of starting the execution of the delivery plan can be acquired by the re-search. Also, before an actual deviation occurs, it is possible for the operator of the store to recognize that a deviation may occur in the future. Also, even for the delivery executor, before the actual arrival at the store is delayed from the scheduled time due to traffic congestion or restrictions on the planned route, the delivery vehicle can be moved according to the route acquired by the re-search. Therefore, it is possible to travel on a route that is less likely to be affected by traffic congestion or restrictions, and it may be possible to prevent the actual arrival time at the store from being significantly different from the first scheduled arrival time.

[0043] Note that, due to the function of the route search unit 21c, even after starting the execution of the delivery plan, during the execution of the delivery plan, the control unit 20 periodically acquires the second scheduled arrival time. And when there is a change of a predetermined time or more between the second scheduled arrival time notified to the store terminal 200 last time and the second scheduled arrival time acquired this time, the control unit 20 transmits information indicating the deviation between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time acquired this time to the store terminal 200. In this way, in the present embodiment, during the execution of the delivery plan, based on the latest traffic information and the latest progress status of the delivery plan, the route is re-searched periodically, and the second scheduled arrival time is acquired. Therefore, it is possible for the operator of the store to recognize that a deviation may occur in the future before an actual deviation occurs in the plan. Also, even for the delivery executor, before the actual arrival at the store is delayed from the scheduled time due to traffic congestion or restrictions on the planned route, the delivery vehicle can be moved according to the route acquired by the re-search.

[0044] (2) Delivery support process: Next, the delivery support process executed by the control unit 20 of the delivery support system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The delivery support process is executed when the control unit 20 acquires a trigger to start executing the delivery plan. Specifically, it is started when the delivery executor terminal 300 detects a login to the planning guidance program 311. When the delivery support process is started, the control unit 20 transmits the delivery plan to the delivery executor terminal 300 by the function of the notification unit 21d (step S100). That is, the control unit 20 transmits the delivery plan associated with the terminal to the delivery executor terminal 300 from which the login originated via the communication unit 40. As a result, the delivery executor terminal 300 records the delivery plan 350a on the recording medium 350.

[0045] Subsequently, the control unit 20 acquires traffic information by the function of the route search unit 21c, and re-searches for a route that sequentially heads from the current position of the delivery vehicle to the destination stores in the delivery order (step S105). The control unit 20 performs re-search when it acquires the latest position of the delivery vehicle from the delivery vehicle and the latest traffic information from the traffic information management server 400. As a result of the re-search, the control unit 20 can acquire a route for moving to each store according to the delivery order and a second scheduled arrival time at each store.

[0046] Subsequently, the control unit 20 notifies the delivery vehicle of the route and the second scheduled arrival time obtained by the re-search by the function of the notification unit 21d (step S110). Therefore, the delivery executor can move the delivery vehicle according to the guidance of the latest route obtained by the re-search. Subsequently, the control unit 20 determines whether it is the first time by the function of the notification unit 21d (step S115). That is, it is determined whether the re-search in step S110 is the first re-search since the delivery support process was started in response to the execution start trigger.

[0047] If it is determined in step S115 that it is the first time, the control unit 20 notifies the store terminal 200 of information indicating a deviation by using the function of the notification unit 21d (step S125). That is, the control unit 20 notifies the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time. Regardless of whether there is a deviation between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time, in the present embodiment, the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time are notified as information indicating the deviation. Further, in the present embodiment, when the deviation between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 20 notifies the store terminal 200 of the cause of the deviation and the progress of the delivery plan.

[0048] If it is not determined in step S115 that it is the first time, the control unit 20 determines whether there is a change of a predetermined time or more between the previous second scheduled arrival time and the current second arrival time by using the function of the notification unit 21d (step S120). That is, it is determined whether there is a change of a predetermined time or more between the second scheduled arrival time notified to the store terminal 200 last time and the second scheduled arrival time acquired this time. If it is determined in step S120 that there is a change of a predetermined time or more, the control unit 20 executes step S125.

[0049] If it is not determined in step S120 that there is a change of a predetermined time or more, or after executing step S125, the control unit 20 determines whether the delivery has been completed (step S130). That is, the control unit 20 determines whether the delivery vehicle has reached the final destination of the delivery plan from the movement history of the delivery vehicle. If it is not determined in step S130 that the delivery has been completed, the control unit 20 returns to the process of step S105. If it is determined in step S130 that the delivery has been completed, the control unit 20 ends the delivery support process.

[0050] (3) Other embodiments: The above embodiments are examples for implementing the present invention, and various other embodiments can also be adopted. For example, at least a part of the delivery plan acquisition unit 21a, the current position acquisition unit 21b, the route search unit 21c, and the notification unit 21d that constitute the delivery support system 10 may be divided and exist in a plurality of devices. A part of the delivery support system 10 may be realized by a cloud server. The delivery support system 10 may be realized by an in-vehicle device or a portable terminal. Also, a configuration in which a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment is omitted or a configuration in which the processing order varies can be assumed.

[0051] The delivery plan only needs to include the delivery order to a plurality of delivery destinations and the route that sequentially goes to the plurality of delivery destinations according to the delivery order. The delivery plan shown in the above embodiment is only an example. For example, at least a part of the information in FIG. 2A may be generated by the store terminal 200, and the remaining information may be generated by the delivery support system 10. Also, the delivery plan may include a loading plan in addition to the delivery (unloading).

[0052] The route in the delivery plan may include a route related to a position other than the delivery destination. For example, it may include the route from the base to the first-order delivery destination or the route from the last delivery destination to the base. Note that a circular route that goes from the last loading and unloading point to the first loading and unloading point may be assumed.

[0053] In the route search section, it suffices that the route to a plurality of delivery destinations in the order of delivery can be re-searched based on the current position of the delivery vehicle. The route search may be performed using a known algorithm such as Dijkstra's algorithm. The execution start trigger of the delivery plan may be determined in advance as an event indicating that the delivery plan has started execution on the execution date of the delivery plan, and various other configurations may be adopted. For example, detecting the login by the delivery executor, acquiring the current position of the delivery vehicle, and acquiring the latest traffic information from the traffic information management server may be used as the execution start trigger. Also, for example, an execution start button for the delivery plan may be provided in advance, and the fact that the delivery executor touches the button may be used as the execution start trigger, or the fact that the delivery vehicle starts moving from the base at the execution start time on the execution date of the delivery plan may be used as the execution start trigger.

[0054] The notification unit may be able to notify the delivery destination of information indicating the deviation (difference) between the second scheduled arrival time and the first scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination obtained by the re-search. Therefore, the difference time from the first scheduled arrival time (for example, a 10-minute delay, etc.) may be notified as information indicating the deviation, and the difference time may also be guided at the delivery destination. In this case, for example, "0 minutes" indicates that the arrival is scheduled as originally planned, and for example, "+5 minutes" indicates that the arrival is expected to be 5 minutes later than the schedule. Of course, as in the above embodiment, by guiding both the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination, the operator at the delivery destination can clearly recognize the original schedule and the deviation from the schedule. Note that the deviation between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled arrival time is not limited to the case where the second scheduled arrival time is later than the first scheduled arrival time, and also includes the case where the second scheduled arrival time is earlier than the first scheduled arrival time.

[0055] When the second scheduled arrival time deviates from the first scheduled arrival time, by acquiring the cause of the deviation, the acquired cause can also be used for reviewing the delivery plan, evaluating the performance of the delivery executor, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, as in the present invention, when an execution start trigger of a delivery plan is obtained, a method of re-searching a route that sequentially heads to a plurality of delivery destinations according to the delivery order based on the current position of the delivery vehicle is also applicable as a program or a method. Also, the above-described system, program, and method may be realized as a single device, or may be realized using components shared with each part provided in the vehicle, and include various aspects. Also, it can be appropriately changed, such as partly being software and partly being hardware. Furthermore, the invention is also established as a recording medium for a program that controls the system. Of course, the recording medium for the program may be a magnetic recording medium, a semiconductor memory, or any recording medium to be developed in the future, and can be considered in exactly the same way.

Explanation of Signs

[0057] 10…Delivery support system, 20…Control unit, 21…Delivery support program, 21a…Delivery plan acquisition unit, 21b…Current position acquisition unit, 21c…Route search unit, 21d…Notification unit, 30…Recording medium, 30a…Delivery plan, 40…Communication unit, 200…Store terminal, 300…Delivery executor terminal, 310…Control unit, 311…Plan guidance program, 320…User I / F unit, 330…GNSS receiver, 331…Vehicle speed sensor, 332…Gyro sensor, 340…Communication unit, 350…Recording medium, 350a…Delivery plan, 350b…Map information, 400…Traffic information management server

Claims

1. A delivery plan acquisition unit that acquires a delivery plan including a delivery order to a plurality of delivery destinations and a route that sequentially heads to the plurality of delivery destinations according to the delivery order; A current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of the delivery vehicle; A route search unit that, when acquiring an execution start trigger of the delivery plan, acquires traffic information and re-searches a route that sequentially heads to the plurality of delivery destinations according to the delivery order based on the current position of the delivery vehicle and the traffic information; Comprising: The execution start trigger of the delivery plan is an event predetermined as an event indicating that the delivery plan has started execution on the execution date of the delivery plan; In the route search unit: Re-search is performed using traffic information corresponding to the scheduled arrival time zone at the delivery destination when sequentially heading from the current position of the delivery vehicle to the delivery destination according to the delivery order; For the route heading to the delivery destination where the time from the acquisition time of the execution start trigger of the delivery plan to the initial scheduled arrival time is within the threshold, the current traffic information is used for re-search; For the route heading to the delivery destination where the time from the acquisition time of the execution start trigger of the delivery plan to the initial scheduled arrival time is greater than the threshold, the estimated traffic information in the scheduled arrival time zone after re-search to the delivery destination one before in the delivery order is used for re-search; Delivery support system.

2. When the current position of the delivery vehicle is acquired and traffic information is acquired, re-search is performed. The delivery support system according to claim 1.

3. The delivery plan includes a first scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination, Further comprising a notification unit that notifies the delivery destination of information indicating the deviation between the second scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination obtained by the re-search and the first scheduled arrival time. The delivery support system according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. When the second scheduled arrival time deviates from the first scheduled arrival time, the progress of the delivery plan is notified. The delivery support system according to claim 3.

5. When the second scheduled arrival time deviates from the first scheduled arrival time, the cause of the deviation is notified. The delivery support system according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The second scheduled arrival time is acquired periodically, When there is a change of a predetermined time or more from the previously notified second scheduled arrival time, information indicating the deviation is notified. The delivery support system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

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