Server device, system, and system operation method

Abstract

To provide a server device configured to efficiently prepare and modify a delivery plan, a system, and an operation method of the system.SOLUTION: An information processing system is configured by connecting one or more server devices, delivery vehicles, and terminal devices, over a network so as to communicate information each other. The server device 10 includes: a storage unit 22 for storing load information regarding delivery conditions and size or weight of each of a plurality of loads, and vehicle information regarding loading capacity of each of the plurality of vehicles; and a control unit 23 which organizes the loads having the same delivery conditions into a load group so as to be fall within a minimum loading capacity, to prepare a delivery plan for the load group using the delivery vehicles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a system, and a method of operating the system. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed that supports the creation of delivery plans for each truck that transports cargo of various goods. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for creating a delivery plan for cargo in pallet units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-173789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As the number of shipments to be transported increases, the number of pallets on which the shipments are bundled also increases. This, combined with the increase in the number of transport vehicles, increases the amount of information processing required to create and change delivery plans. If processing delays due to the increase in information processing volume occur, it may hinder the execution of delivery plans.

[0005] In view of the above, a server device and the like that can efficiently create and change delivery plans will be disclosed below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The server device in the present disclosure has a memory unit that stores cargo information regarding the delivery conditions and size or weight of each of multiple cargoes, and vehicle information regarding the loading capacity of each of multiple transport vehicles, and a control unit that groups cargoes with common delivery conditions into cargo groups that fit within the minimum loading capacity, and creates a delivery plan for the cargo groups using the transport vehicles.

[0007] The system disclosed herein is a system having a server device and a terminal device that communicate with each other, wherein the server device has cargo information regarding the delivery conditions and size or weight of each of a plurality of cargoes, and vehicle information regarding the loading capacity of each of a plurality of transport vehicles, and groups cargoes with common delivery conditions into groups of cargoes that fit within the minimum loading capacity, creates a delivery plan for the group of cargoes by the transport vehicles, and sends a first instruction to a first terminal device corresponding to the first transport vehicle to cause the first transport vehicle to execute the first delivery plan, and the first terminal device outputs the first instruction.

[0008] The system operation method of the present disclosure is a system operation method having a server device and a terminal device that communicate with each other, wherein the server device has cargo information regarding the delivery conditions and size or weight of each of a plurality of cargoes, and vehicle information regarding the loading capacity of each of a plurality of transport vehicles, and includes the steps of: grouping cargoes with common delivery conditions into a cargo group that fits within the minimum loading capacity; creating a delivery plan for the cargo group by the transport vehicles; sending a first instruction to a first terminal device corresponding to the first transport vehicle to cause the first transport vehicle to execute the first delivery plan; and outputting the first instruction by the first terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the server device etc. of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to efficiently create and change delivery plans. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transport vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of the information processing system. [Figure 6A]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of cargo information. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle database. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of delivery plan information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following describes the embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes one or more server devices 10, one or more transport vehicles 12, and one or more terminal devices 13, which are connected to each other via a network 11 so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer that belongs to a cloud computing system or other computing system and functions as a server that implements various functions. The transport vehicle 12 is a vehicle for carrying and transporting cargo, such as a truck that has communication and information processing functions and a cargo storage section or bed. The transport vehicle 12 is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication network. The transport vehicle 12 is manually driven, but some of its operation may be automated. The transport vehicle 12 may be, for example, a gasoline-powered automobile, an electric vehicle (BEV; Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV; Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV; Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The terminal device 13 is an information processing device used by the driver of the transport vehicle 12. The terminal device 13 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. The network 11 is, for example, the Internet, but may also be an ad-hoc network, a LAN, a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), or other networks, or any combination thereof.

[0013] In this embodiment, the server device 10 creates and modifies a delivery plan for cargoes by the transport vehicle 12. The server device 10 stores cargo information related to the delivery conditions and size or weight of each of the multiple cargoes, and vehicle information related to the loading capacity of each of the multiple transport vehicles 12. The delivery conditions for the cargoes include the delivery destination of each cargo, the delivery time, the temperature during delivery, etc. The cargo size refers to the dimensions or volume of the cargo. The loading capacity of the transport vehicle 12 refers to the size or weight of the cargo that can be loaded. The server device 10 groups cargoes with common delivery conditions into cargo groups that fit within the minimum loading capacity, and creates a delivery plan for the cargo groups by the transport vehicle 12. A cargo group is, for example, a volume, dimension, or weight of a space that is arbitrarily set so as not to exceed the minimum loading capacity of the transport vehicle 12. By creating a delivery plan for a cargo group, the server device 10 can reduce the amount of information processing compared to generating delivery plans for individual cargoes. This enables efficient creation and modification of delivery plans.

[0014] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of server device 10. Server device 10 includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, an input unit 25, and an output unit 26. Server device 10 is, for example, a single computer. Alternatively, server device 10 may be configured with two or more server computers that are communicably connected and operate in cooperation with each other. In this case, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is appropriately arranged in the two or more server computers.

[0015] The communication unit 21 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN interface. The communication unit 21 receives information used in the operation of the server device 10 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the server device 10. The server device 10 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 21 and communicates information with the transport vehicle 12 or the terminal device 13 via the network 11.

[0016] The memory unit 22 includes, for example, one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of them, which function as a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The RAM is, for example, a static RAM (SRAM) or a dynamic RAM (DRAM). The ROM is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The memory unit 22 stores information used in the operation of the server device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the server device 10. The memory unit 22 stores cargo information 24, a vehicle database 27, and delivery plan information 28. The cargo information 24 includes information such as the delivery conditions, size, or weight of the cargo to be transported. The vehicle database 27 corresponds to "vehicle information" and stores information on virtual vehicles and information on the transport vehicles 12 in association with each other. The delivery plan information 28 includes information on the transport plan for each transport vehicle 12.

[0017] The control unit 23 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc. The control unit 23 executes information processing related to the operation of the server device 10 while controlling each unit of the server device 10.

[0018] The input unit 25 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interfaces are, for example, physical keys, capacitance keys, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input unit 25 accepts an operation to input information used in the operation of the server device 10 and sends the input information to the control unit 23.

[0019] The output unit 26 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 26 outputs information obtained by the operation of the server device 10.

[0020] The functions of the server device 10 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in the control unit 23. The control program is a program that causes a computer to execute processing of steps included in the operation of the server device 10, thereby causing the computer to realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program that causes a computer to function as the server device 10. Also, some or all of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 23. Also, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory recording / storage medium that is readable by the server device 10, and read by the server device 10 from the medium.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows an example configuration of the transport vehicle 12. The transport vehicle 12 has a communication unit 31, a memory unit 32, a control unit 33, a positioning unit 34, an input unit 35, and an output unit 36. These may be configured as a single control device, two or more control devices, or a control device and other devices such as a communication device. The control device includes, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The communication device includes, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module). The control device may also include a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone terminal, a navigation device, etc. Each unit is connected to each other or to other devices and apparatuses of the transport vehicle 12 so as to be able to communicate information with each other or with other apparatuses and apparatuses of the transport vehicle 12 via an in-vehicle network conforming to standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0022] The communication unit 31 includes one or more communication interfaces. The communication interfaces are interfaces compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 31 receives information used in the operation of the control unit 33 and transmits information obtained by the operation of the control unit 33. The control unit 33 is connected to the network 11 via a mobile communication base station by the communication unit 31, and communicates information with other devices via the network 11.

[0023] The memory unit 32 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The memory unit 32 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 32 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 33 and information obtained by the operation of the on-vehicle device 30. The memory unit 32 also stores delivery plan information 28 including associations between virtual vehicles, transport vehicles 12, and delivery plans.

[0024] The control unit 33 includes one or more processors, one or more dedicated circuits, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC. The control unit 33 executes information processing related to the operation of the transport vehicle 12 while controlling each part of the control unit 33.

[0025] The positioning unit 34 includes one or more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers. GNSS includes at least one of the following: GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou, GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The positioning unit 34 acquires position information of the transfer vehicle 12 and sends it to the control unit 33.

[0026] The input unit 35 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone for accepting voice input. The input interface may further include a camera for capturing captured images or image codes, or an IC card reader. The input unit 35 accepts user operations for inputting information to be used in the operation of the control unit 33, and sends the input information to the control unit 33.

[0027] The output unit 36 ​​includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 36 ​​outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 33 to, for example, the user.

[0028] The functions of the control unit 33 are realized by executing a control program on a processor included in the control unit 33. The control program is a program that causes a computer to execute processing of steps included in the operation of the control unit 33, thereby causing the computer to realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. In other words, the control program is a program that causes a computer to function as the control unit 33. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 33 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 33.

[0029] The control unit 33 generates information for controlling various mechanisms and devices of the transport vehicle 12, and sends the control information to the control circuits of the various mechanisms and devices to control them.

[0030] 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 13. The terminal device 13 is an information terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal device, a personal computer, etc. The terminal device 13 has a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a control unit 43, a positioning unit 44, an input unit 45, and an output unit 46.

[0031] The communication unit 41 has a communication module compatible with wired or wireless LAN standards, a module compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, 5G, etc. The terminal device 13 is connected to the network 11 by the communication unit 41 via a nearby router device or a mobile communication base station, and performs information communication with other devices via the network 11.

[0032] The memory unit 42 includes one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. The ROM is, for example, EEPROM. The memory unit 42 functions as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 42 stores information used in the operation of the control unit 43 and information obtained by the operation of the control unit 43.

[0033] The control unit 43 has, for example, one or more general-purpose processors such as a CPU, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or one or more dedicated processors specialized for specific processing. Alternatively, the control unit 43 may have one or more dedicated circuits such as an FPGA, an ASIC, or the like. The control unit 43 performs overall control of the operation of the terminal device 13 by operating according to a control / processing program or operating according to an operating procedure implemented as a circuit. The control unit 43 then transmits and receives various information to and from the server device 10, etc. via the communication unit 41, and performs the operation according to this embodiment.

[0034] The positioning unit 44 includes one or more GNSS receivers. GNSS includes at least one of GPS, QZSS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and Galileo, for example. The positioning unit 44 acquires location information of the terminal device 13 and sends it to the control unit 43.

[0035] The input unit 45 includes one or more input interfaces. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone that accepts voice input. The input interface may further include a camera that captures captured images or image codes, or an IC card reader. The input unit 45 accepts an operation to input information used in the operation of the control unit 43 and sends the input information to the control unit 43.

[0036] The output unit 46 includes one or more output interfaces. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. The output unit 46 outputs information obtained by the operation of the control unit 43.

[0037] The functions of the control unit 43 are realized by a processor included in the control unit 43 executing a control program. The control program is a program for causing the processor to function as the control unit 43. In addition, some or all of the functions of the control unit 43 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 43.

[0038] The operation of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation procedure of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the procedure for the cooperative operation of the server device 10, two transport vehicles 12 (referred to as transport vehicles 12-1 and 12-2 when distinguished from each other), and two terminal devices 13 (referred to as terminal devices 13-1 and 13-2 when distinguished from each other). Steps related to various information processing by the server device 10, the transport vehicles 12, and the terminal devices 13 in FIG. 5 are executed by the respective control units 23, 33, and 43. Steps related to sending and receiving various information by the server device 10, the transport vehicles 12, and the terminal devices 13 are executed by the respective control units 23, 33, and 43 sending and receiving information to each other via the communication units 21, 31, and 41, respectively. In the server device 10, the transport vehicle 12, and the terminal devices 13, the control units 23, 33, and 43 appropriately store the information sent and received in the storage units 22, 32, and 42, respectively. Furthermore, the control units 23, 33, and 43 accept input of various information through the input units 35 and 45, respectively, and output various information through the output units 36 and 46, respectively.

[0040] 5 is carried out at a predetermined timing, for example, between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, 1:00 and 2:00 PM, etc., each day before the transport vehicle 12 delivers the cargo of various items from the shipping center to each destination. The cargo may be individual packed boxes, etc., or a pallet or cart on which multiple boxes, etc. are grouped.

[0041] In step S502, the server device 10 acquires the cargo information 24. The cargo information 24 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the cargo ID, type, quantity, size, weight, location of the shipping center, and delivery conditions for each cargo to be delivered. The cargo may be in units such as a box, or may be in units such as a cart or pallet containing multiple boxes. The delivery conditions include the location of the delivery destination, the delivery time, and the temperature during transportation (necessity of refrigeration or freezing). The cargo information is sent, for example, from another server device managed by the delivery company. The server device 10 stores the cargo information in the memory unit 22.

[0042] In step S504, the server device 10 sends information for requesting position information to each transport vehicle 12. The server device 10 can also send information for requesting position information to transport vehicles 12 other than the transport vehicles 12-1 and 12-3. The position information is information indicating the current position of each transport vehicle 12.

[0043] In step S506, each transport vehicle 12 transmits its position information, which is derived by the control unit 33 using an input from the positioning unit .

[0044] In step S508, the server device 10 updates the vehicle database 27. The vehicle database 27 includes, for example, one or more pieces of virtual vehicle information 60 and one or more pieces of real vehicle information 61, as shown in FIG. 6B. The virtual vehicle information 60 is information on a conceptual virtual vehicle that represents each group when the transport vehicles 12 are grouped by loading capacity, and one or more pieces of real vehicle information 61 are associated with each virtual vehicle information 60. The virtual vehicle information 60 includes a virtual vehicle ID and loading capacity information indicating the loading capacity for each virtual vehicle. The loading capacity includes a maximum loading capacity. The maximum loading capacity corresponds to the size or weight of the cargo that can be loaded and is indicated by the dimensions of the loading space, the capacity value of the loading space, and the loadable weight value (e.g., 1 ton, 2 tons, 4 tons, etc.). The loading capacity may include information indicating the presence or absence of a freezer or a refrigerator. The real vehicle information 61 is information on the transport vehicle 12 having a loading capacity represented by the virtual vehicle. The actual vehicle information 61 includes a transport vehicle ID that identifies each transport vehicle 12, loading capacity information that indicates the loading capacity, location information that indicates the current location, driver information that indicates the driver in charge, and terminal information that identifies the terminal device 13 of the driver in charge. The server device 10 updates the location information included in the actual vehicle information 61 with location information received from each transport vehicle 12.

[0045] In step S510, the server device 10 selects a virtual vehicle for delivering the cargo. For example, the server device 10 selects a virtual vehicle whose corresponding delivery vehicle 12 is located near a shipping center. When the current position of the delivery vehicle 12 is located within an arbitrarily determined distance range (for example, several hundred meters to several kilometers) from the delivery center, it is determined that the delivery vehicle 12 is located near a collection point or a delivery center. The server device 10 identifies the positions of the delivery vehicle 12 and the delivery center using map information stored in advance in the memory unit 22.

[0046] In step S512, the server device 10 creates a delivery plan for a virtual vehicle to transport the cargo using an arbitrary algorithm. The delivery plan includes arrival and departure times at the delivery center, identification information and number of cargo to be loaded, temperature during delivery, location of delivery destinations and driving route to those destinations (order of routes if multiple delivery destinations are to be passed through), arrival time at each delivery destination, identification information and number of cargo to be unloaded at each delivery destination, etc. Details of the operation of the server device 10 in step S512 are shown in FIG. 8.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the operation of the server device 10, that is, the control unit 23.

[0048] In step S80, the control unit 23 determines a cargo group criterion, which is the minimum cargo capacity among the cargo capacities of the virtual vehicle, and is a size or weight that functions as an upper limit for the cargo group.

[0049] In step S81, the control unit 23 groups the identification information of the cargo by delivery conditions based on the cargo information. For example, identification information having a common delivery destination is grouped. The control unit 23 may further classify the grouped identification information into subgroups based on the temperature during delivery. For example, cargo having the same delivery destination that requires refrigeration or freezing during transport is classified into one group. Alternatively, cargo having the same delivery destination that does not require refrigeration or freezing during transport is classified into one group.

[0050] In step S82, the control unit 23 combines the cargo of one group into a cargo group and creates a delivery plan for the cargo group. If the cargo of one group does not fit within the cargo group criteria, the control unit 23 places the non-fit cargo in a separate cargo group. Alternatively, if the cargo of multiple groups fits within the cargo group criteria, the cargo of multiple groups may be combined into a cargo group. From multiple delivery plan patterns, the control unit 23 determines, as the delivery plan, a pattern that maximizes the average load capacity of the virtual vehicle or a pattern that minimizes the total traveling distance of the transport vehicle 12. Alternatively, if multiple patterns are selected based on either the average load capacity or the total traveling distance, the control unit 23 may determine, as the delivery plan, a pattern narrowed down by the other condition. When the number of cargo groups to be loaded onto the virtual vehicle is L, the number of virtual vehicles is M, and the number of routes is R, the number of delivery plan patterns is L x M x R. Compared to creating delivery plans for individual cargoes, the number of cargo groups L is smaller than the number of cargoes, making it possible to reduce the number of delivery plan patterns and, therefore, the amount of information processing. Also, when combining multiple groups of cargoes into one cargo group, it is possible to reduce the increase in the number of virtual vehicles M, making it possible to reduce the amount of information processing.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 5, in step S514, the server device 10 selects a delivery vehicle 12 for executing the delivery plan for each virtual vehicle from the delivery vehicles 12 corresponding to the virtual vehicles, and updates the delivery plan information 28. For example, the delivery vehicle 12-1 located closest to the delivery center is selected. As shown in FIG. 7, the delivery plan information 28 stores the virtual vehicle ID for each virtual vehicle, the delivery plan for that virtual vehicle, and the delivery vehicle ID of the delivery vehicle 12 selected to execute that delivery plan, in association with each other. For example, in the delivery plan information 28, the server device 10 associates the delivery vehicle ID of the delivery vehicle 12-1 with the virtual vehicle ID of the corresponding virtual vehicle and the delivery plan.

[0052] In step S516, the server device 10 sends an instruction to execute the delivery plan to the terminal device 13-1 corresponding to the selected transport vehicle 12-1. The server device 10 refers to the actual vehicle information 61 to identify the driver corresponding to the selected transport vehicle 12-1 and the terminal device 13-1. The terminal device 13-1 receives the information sent from the server device 10.

[0053] In step S518, the terminal device 13-1 outputs the delivery plan, prompts the driver to input information indicating whether or not the delivery plan can be executed, and accepts the input. For example, the delivery plan and a selection menu for whether or not the delivery plan can be executed are displayed on the display of the output unit 46. When the driver performs an input operation to select whether or not the delivery plan can be executed, the input is accepted by the input unit 45. For example, either "executable" or "unexecutable" is selected by a touch operation on the touch panel.

[0054] In step S520, the terminal device 13 sends information indicating whether or not the delivery plan can be executed to the server device 10. The server device 10 receives the information sent from the terminal device 13.

[0055] If "execution of the delivery plan is possible" is selected, the server device 10 omits step S522 and subsequent steps. Then, the driver of the delivery vehicle 12-1 drives the delivery vehicle 112-1 and executes the delivery plan. On the other hand, if "execution of the delivery plan is impossible" is selected, the server device 10 executes step S522 and subsequent steps. For example, if the driver finds that he or she is in poor health, there is a malfunction in the delivery vehicle 12, or there is a malfunction in the terminal device 13, the driver selects "not possible to execute."

[0056] Steps from step S522 onwards are procedures for having another transport vehicle 12 execute the initially created delivery plan.

[0057] In step S522, the server device 10 changes the transport vehicle 12 for executing the delivery plan. The server device 10 selects, for example, the transport vehicle 12-2 as a replacement for the transport vehicle 12-1 from among the transport vehicles 12 corresponding to the selected virtual vehicle. The server device 10 selects the transport vehicle 12-2 for the transport vehicles 12 other than the transport vehicle 12-1 by the same determination procedure as in step S514. The server device 10 updates the transport vehicle ID of the transport vehicle 12-1 in the delivery plan information 28 with the transport vehicle ID of the transport vehicle 12-2. The server device 10 may refer to the delivery plan information 28 and perform a process of changing the delivery vehicle 12-1 to the delivery vehicle 12-2 on the condition that the delivery vehicle 12-2 is not associated with another delivery plan.

[0058] In step S524, the server device 10 sends an instruction to execute the delivery plan to the terminal device 13-2 corresponding to the selected transport vehicle 12-2. The server device 10 refers to the actual vehicle information 61 to identify the driver corresponding to the selected transport vehicle 12-2 and the terminal device 13-2. The terminal device 13-2 receives the information sent from the server device 10.

[0059] In step S526, the terminal device 13-2 outputs the delivery plan and accepts input of information indicating whether or not the delivery plan can be executed.

[0060] In step S528, the terminal device 13-2 sends information indicating whether or not the delivery plan can be executed to the server device 10. The server device 10 receives the information sent from the terminal device 13-2.

[0061] If "execution of the delivery plan is possible" is selected, the driver of the delivery vehicle 12-2 drives the delivery vehicle 12-2 and executes the delivery plan. On the other hand, if "execution of the delivery plan is not possible" is selected, the server device 10 executes steps S522 and subsequent steps to change the delivery vehicle 12 for executing the delivery plan.

[0062] Since multiple transport vehicles 12 having the same loading capacity and associated with the same virtual vehicle are likely to have the same specifications, if the transport vehicle 12-1 selected to execute the original delivery plan is unable to execute the delivery plan due to a malfunction of its on-board device, such as a removable navigation system, the on-board device of the transport vehicle 12-2 may be removed and the transport vehicle 12-2 may be diverted to the transport vehicle 12-1. For example, in step S518, the terminal device 13-1 displays a menu for selecting whether or not to execute the plan, as well as a menu for selecting the reason for the inability to execute the plan, and the driver is prompted to select the reason. Then, upon receiving this information, the server device 10, when sending an instruction to execute the delivery plan in step S524, includes an instruction to divert the on-board device to the transport vehicle 12-1 in the execution instruction. Such an instruction may include location information of the transport vehicle 12-1. The instruction to divert the on-board device is displayed to the driver, and the driver can diverted the on-board device of the transport vehicle 12-2 to the transport vehicle 12-1, thereby enabling the execution of the delivery plan.

[0063] According to the above-described procedure, even if the delivery plan cannot be executed by the delivery vehicle 12-1, the original delivery plan can be executed by the delivery vehicle 12-2 (or another delivery vehicle 12) having an equivalent loading capacity, and the original delivery plan can be carried out without requiring a huge amount of information processing to recreate the delivery plan. In other words, the delivery plan can be created and changed efficiently.

[0064] In the above-described procedure, the server device 10 creates a delivery plan using virtual vehicles and then causes the delivery vehicles 12 corresponding to each virtual vehicle to execute the delivery plan. However, the server device 10 may create a delivery plan directly based on the loading capacity of the delivery vehicles 12 without using virtual vehicles. For example, instead of steps S510, S512, and S514 of FIG. 5, the server device 10 targets delivery vehicles 12 located within an arbitrary reference distance range from the distribution center and determines a cargo group standard that is equal to or less than the minimum loading capacity of the delivery vehicles 12. Next, the server device 10 groups the cargoes according to delivery conditions. Then, the server device 10 organizes the grouped cargoes into cargo groups and creates a delivery plan for the cargoes in the cargo groups by the delivery vehicles 12.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the processing and control programs that define the operation of the transport vehicle 12 and the terminal device 13 are stored in the memory unit 22 of the server device 10 or in the memory unit of another server device, and may be downloaded to each device via the network 11, or may be stored in a non-transitory recording and storage medium that can be read by each device, and read from the medium by each device.

[0066] Although the embodiments have been described above based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means, step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple means, steps, etc. can be combined or divided into one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Server device 11 Network 12 Transport vehicles 13 Terminal Equipment 20, 31, 41 Communications Department 21, 32, 42 storage section 22, 33, 43 Control section 34, 44 Positioning unit 25, 35, 45 Input section 26, 36, 46 Output section 24 Cargo Information 27 Vehicle Database 28 Delivery Plan Information

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores cargo information relating to the delivery conditions and size or weight of each of a plurality of cargoes, and vehicle information relating to the loading capacity of each of a plurality of transport vehicles; a control unit that groups cargoes having the same delivery conditions into a cargo group that fits within the minimum loading capacity, and creates a delivery plan for the cargo group by the transport vehicle; and the control unit sends a first instruction to a first terminal device corresponding to the first transport vehicle to cause the first transport vehicle to execute the first delivery plan; When receiving information indicating that the first delivery plan cannot be executed from the first terminal device, a second instruction to cause a second delivery vehicle having a loading capacity equivalent to that of the first delivery vehicle to execute the first delivery plan is sent to a second terminal device corresponding to the second delivery vehicle; A server device that, if the first delivery plan cannot be executed due to the on-board device of the first transport vehicle, sends an instruction to the second terminal device to divert the on-board device of the second transport vehicle to the first transport vehicle.

2. In claim 1, The control unit sends the second instruction to the second terminal device on the condition that the second transport vehicle has not been instructed to execute another delivery plan. Server device.

3. In claim 1, When the control unit receives information indicating that the delivery plan cannot be executed by the second transport vehicle from the second terminal device, the control unit sends an instruction to another transport vehicle having a loading capacity equivalent to that of the second transport vehicle to execute the delivery plan to another terminal device corresponding to the other transport vehicle. Server device.

4. 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit does not change the first delivery plan.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit acquires the cargo information from another server device and stores the cargo information in the storage unit. Server device.

6. A system having a server device and a terminal device that communicate with each other, The server device has cargo information relating to the delivery conditions and size or weight of each of a plurality of cargoes and vehicle information relating to the loading capacity of each of a plurality of transport vehicles, and organizes cargoes with common delivery conditions into a cargo group that fits within the minimum loading capacity, creates a delivery plan for the cargo group by the transport vehicles, and sends a first instruction to a first terminal device corresponding to the first transport vehicle to cause the first transport vehicle to execute the first delivery plan; the first terminal device outputs the first instruction; When the server device receives information indicating that the first delivery plan cannot be executed from the first terminal device, the server device sends a second instruction to a second terminal device corresponding to the second delivery vehicle, the second instruction instructing a second delivery vehicle having a loading capacity equivalent to that of the first delivery vehicle to execute the first delivery plan; the second terminal device outputs the second instruction; When the first delivery plan cannot be executed due to an on-board device of the first transport vehicle, the server device sends an instruction to the second terminal device to divert the on-board device of the second transport vehicle to the first transport vehicle. system.

7. In claim 6, the server device sends the second instruction to the second terminal device on the condition that the second transport vehicle has not been instructed to execute another delivery plan; system.

8. In claim 6, When the server device receives information indicating that the delivery plan cannot be executed by the second transport vehicle from the second terminal device, the server device sends an instruction to another transport vehicle having a loading capacity equivalent to that of the second transport vehicle to execute the delivery plan to another terminal device corresponding to the other transport vehicle. system.

9. In any one of claims 6 to 8, The server device does not change the first delivery plan. system.

10. 1. A method of operating a system having a server device and a terminal device communicating with each other, comprising: The server device has cargo information relating to the delivery conditions and size or weight of each of a plurality of cargoes and vehicle information relating to the loading capacity of each of a plurality of transport vehicles, and the server device groups cargoes having the same delivery conditions into a cargo group that fits within the minimum loading capacity, creates a delivery plan for the cargo group by the transport vehicles, and sends a first instruction to a first terminal device corresponding to the first transport vehicle to cause the first transport vehicle to execute the first delivery plan; a step of the first terminal device outputting the first instruction; Including, When the server device receives information indicating that the first delivery plan cannot be executed from the first terminal device, the server device sends a second instruction to a second terminal device corresponding to the second delivery vehicle, the second instruction instructing a second delivery vehicle having a loading capacity equivalent to that of the first delivery vehicle to execute the first delivery plan; outputting the second instruction by the second terminal device; When the first delivery plan cannot be executed due to an on-board device of the first transport vehicle, the server device sends an instruction to the second terminal device to divert the on-board device of the second transport vehicle to the first transport vehicle; The method of operation further comprises:

11. In claim 10, the server device sends the second instruction to the second terminal device on the condition that the second transport vehicle has not been instructed to execute another delivery plan; How it works.

12. In claim 10, The operating method further includes a step in which, when the server device receives information from the second terminal device indicating that the second transport vehicle cannot execute the delivery plan, it sends an instruction to another terminal device corresponding to the other transport vehicle to have the delivery plan executed by another transport vehicle having a loading capacity equivalent to that of the second transport vehicle.

13. In any one of claims 10 to 12, The server device does not change the first delivery plan. How it works.

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