Planning support method, planning support program, and planning support system

Abstract

To provide a planning support method, a planning support program, and a planning support system, capable of formulating a highly effective delivery plan including a plurality of depots.SOLUTION: A method for supporting planning for delivery of packages using one or more mobile bodies for a predetermined period causes a computer to execute processing of: acquiring package identification information which is an ID for identifying a package to be delivered in association with a depot ID which is an ID for identifying one or more depots to handle the package; formulating a draft plan for package delivery using the mobile bodies in accordance with the package identification information; displaying contents of the formulated draft plan corresponding to the predetermined period, so as to be identified; receiving correction necessity information which is information as to whether a correction is required on the displayed draft plan; and acquiring package delivery plans for each mobile body in accordance with the received correction necessity information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for contributing to the efficient allocation of human and material costs in logistics. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the volume of work for car and other parcel delivery services has been increasing at an accelerating rate year by year in response to the rise in e-commerce culture and the rise in stay-at-home demand, and there is an urgent need to arrange for drivers and delivery vehicles to engage in this work. Furthermore, in order to realize effective delivery operations using these limited resources, there is a strong need for recommendations for optimal delivery routes under various conditions.

[0003] To address these issues, various technologies related to planning delivery operations have been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for a system that generates a delivery plan, in which machine learning is performed using instructions received from a user regarding the delivery plan as training data, and the delivery plan that is the result of this learning can be displayed as image data.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses technology related to a system for formulating a delivery plan based on delivery trends such as past delivery performance. By using these technologies, it is possible to formulate an efficient delivery plan based on past delivery performance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2020-030663 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-121887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, all of these conventional technologies were related to creating delivery plans when deliveries were made from a single delivery base (depot). Starting from only one depot like this has been cited as one of the inefficiencies in the logistics industry. On the other hand, creating delivery plans that involve multiple depots and involve a hybrid approach to loading and unloading at those depots requires taking into account a variety of complex factors, and the current situation is that it is unavoidable to rely primarily on personal factors such as the instincts of experienced, dedicated employees, and this remains an issue that needs to be resolved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes a method for supporting the planning of parcel delivery using one or more mobile objects during a specified period, which includes a parcel identification information acquisition step for acquiring parcel identification information, which is an ID that identifies the parcel to be delivered, by linking it with a base ID, which is an ID that identifies one or more delivery bases that handle the parcel; a draft planning step for drafting a draft plan for parcel delivery by the mobile object based on the acquired parcel identification information; a draft output step for displaying and outputting the contents of the draft plan that correspond to the specified period so that they can be understood; a correction acceptance step for accepting correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether the displayed and output draft needs to be corrected; and a plan acquisition step for acquiring a parcel delivery plan for each mobile object based on the received correction necessity information.

[0008] In addition, in relation to the above invention, we also propose a planning support method in which the draft output step further includes a work time display substep that displays and outputs the required time at the loading port and the required time at the disembarking port in a comprehensible manner.

[0009] In addition, in relation to the above inventions, we also propose a planning support method in which the rough plan creation step further includes a learning result-dependent sub-step plan in which a rough plan is created by directly or indirectly using information on whether or not correction is required received when creating a rough plan for another package delivery.

[0010] In addition, in relation to the above inventions, we also propose a planning support method in which the rough plan creation step further includes a judgment sub-step of determining whether or not to change the existing package delivery plan for a specified period based on the acquired package identification information, and a judgment-dependent sub-step of creating a rough plan based on the judgment result.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention also proposes inventions relating to programs and systems related to the above methods. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present invention, which is mainly configured as described above, makes it possible to create a highly effective delivery plan that involves multiple depots. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the system of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the functional components of the system according to the first embodiment are integrated and realized as a single piece of hardware. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the system of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the system of the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the system of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First, let us look at Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the present invention is mainly configured with one or more service servers 0101, 0102 for performing planning processing for package delivery using one or more mobile objects during a predetermined period, and can be realized through the transmission and reception of information via a network between delivery base terminals 0111, 0112, which are terminals managed by one or more delivery bases, and deliverer terminals 0121, 0122, which are terminals managed by deliverers who use the mobile objects.

[0015] Specifically, this can be achieved by having the service server accept input and output of information from the delivery base terminal and the delivery person terminal via a web browser by the operator of each terminal, or by having each terminal on which a specific application program has been installed accept input and output of information to an interface generated by the execution of the program.

[0016] By the way, the term "mobile body" here includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and any other vehicle that can be used for delivering packages, as well as the deliverers themselves who operate these vehicles. Depending on the delivery location, it is expected that the deliverer will make the delivery themselves on foot, and in order to create a delivery plan that takes these cases into account, the deliverer himself will also be included in the "mobile body."

[0017] Incidentally, the present invention supports the creation of plans for package delivery within a predetermined period, and the predetermined period can be selected arbitrarily, such as a specific date, a week, or a month, etc. This allows for flexible planning according to peak and off-peak periods and the characteristics of each business operator.

[0018] As mentioned above, the present invention can be realized by one or more service servers 0101, 0102. A specific example of using multiple service servers is a package identification information holding server for holding package identification information to be delivered, a customer information holding server for holding customer information relating to customers who are the delivery source and delivery destination, and a planning server for reading out the information and formulating a package delivery plan, all of which are connected to one another via a network.

[0019] As will be described later, the present invention may also be applied to transmitting and receiving information to and from external servers 0131 and 0132 that provide predetermined services. The "predetermined services" referred to here include map application services, calendar application services, weather forecast application services, message application services, and any other services that may be related to package delivery, regardless of their type.

[0020] Next, the types of the delivery base terminal and the deliverer terminal are not particularly limited, and may be general-purpose terminals such as PCs 0111, 0112, smartphones 0121, tablets 0122, car navigation systems, etc., or may be dedicated terminals that can be used to realize the present invention. The deliverer terminal may be equipped with a camera or POS function, and through this configuration, it becomes possible to obtain various information about the package, including package identification information, and provide a large amount of information to the service server.

[0021] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the relationship between the embodiments and the claims is as follows: First, embodiment 1 mainly corresponds to claims 1, 5, 6, etc.; embodiment 2 mainly corresponds to claim 2, etc.; embodiment 3 mainly corresponds to claim 3, etc.; embodiment 4 mainly corresponds to claim 4, etc.

[0022] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be embodied in various forms within the scope of the technical ideas described in each claim in accordance with common technical knowledge and without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0023] <<Embodiment 1>> <Summary> 2 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the planning support system of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the "planning support system" 0200 of this embodiment has a "baggage identification information acquisition unit" 0201, a "draft planning unit" 0202, a "draft output unit" 0203, a "correction receiving unit" 0204, and a "plan acquisition unit" 0205.

[0024] The planning support system described in detail below can be configured to realize one or more of its functions using multiple devices, and the functional blocks can all be realized as hardware or software. Examples of a computer-based system include hardware components such as a CPU, main memory, GPU, TPU, image memory, bus, secondary storage device (hard disk or non-volatile memory), various input devices such as a keyboard, microphone, touch panel, and electronic pen for touching the touch panel, speakers, displays, and various other output devices, and other external peripheral devices, as well as interfaces for the external peripheral devices, communication interfaces, driver programs for controlling the hardware, and other application programs.

[0025] Then, through arithmetic processing according to the program deployed on the main memory, data input from input devices or other interfaces and stored in the memory or hardware is processed and stored, and instructions for controlling the hardware and software are created. Here, the above program may be realized as multiple modularized programs, or two or more programs may be combined into one program using cloud computing or other methods.

[0026] <Functional configuration> The "package identification information acquisition unit" 0201 is configured to acquire package identification information, which is an ID for identifying a package to be delivered, by linking it with a base ID, which is an ID for identifying one or more delivery bases that handle the package. The package identification information here may include information about the properties of the package itself, such as the number of packages, size, weight, shape, and handling precautions (fragile, refrigerated delivery, etc.), as well as information required for delivering the package, such as the customer from whom the package is being delivered, the customer to whom the package is being delivered, the desired delivery date and time, the desired delivery location (direct delivery, drop-off in a special box, delivery to a partner store, etc.), and delivery fees. In addition, the package identification information may include an ID, which is linked to these various pieces of information and consists of a predetermined code or symbol that can be uniquely identified from other packages.

[0027] The parcel identification information is considered to be recorded by the delivery company personnel who accepts the parcel delivery request at the time of accepting the parcel delivery request. That is, various information for identifying the parcel to be delivered is recorded on various terminals along with the content of the accepted delivery request, and the recorded content is linked with a code that can uniquely identify the parcel, and then the parcel identification information acquisition unit accepts the transmission of the information.

[0028] One of the features of the present invention is that the parcel identification information acquired by the parcel identification information acquisition unit is acquired in association with a base ID. The base ID to be associated here is an ID that identifies the delivery base that handles the parcel. Specifically, the base to be associated is considered to be the reception base that received the parcel delivery request and the management base that is ultimately responsible for the delivery operations of the parcel. Each of these base IDs is stored in association with information such as the location and site area of ​​each base, the type of parcel handled, the number and experience of delivery personnel employed, and the type and number of mobile vehicles that can be handled.

[0029] In recent years, with the trend toward compact logistics centers and diversification of delivery methods, many delivery centers are expected to be used for a variety of purposes. For example, hub locations are sometimes established as relay points between reception centers and management centers, or as relay points between the management center and the final delivery destination. Furthermore, a single business operator is not necessarily responsible for all delivery processes; it is expected that some of the processes will be handled by external businesses (which may be corporations or individuals). In such cases, information about the external businesses must also be managed as information about hub locations. These hub locations may temporarily store packages and deliver them efficiently at the desired delivery date and time, or switch delivery methods (e.g., from large trucks to bicycles) depending on local traffic and road conditions. By incorporating hub locations with these functions, the planning department (described below) can create more efficient package delivery plans.

[0030] There are various possible methods for the parcel identification information acquisition unit to acquire the base ID. For example, when accepting the acquisition of the parcel identification information, a method can be considered in which the delivery company employee who recorded the information accepts the designation. In this case, for example, a map application is used to calculate the optimal transportation route between the receiving base and the delivery destination, and one or more management bases or hub bases located near the transportation route calculated as a result of the calculation are extracted. Then, the selection of one or more delivery bases is accepted from the extracted bases, and the base ID of the accepted base is sent to the parcel identification information acquisition unit along with the parcel identification information. By adopting this configuration, for example, it becomes possible to specifically reflect the delivery requests of the delivery requester in the delivery plan.

[0031] The base ID may be acquired by the parcel identification information acquisition unit, rather than by the delivery company employee. For example, the parcel identification information acquisition unit may perform the calculation process using a map application and subsequent extraction process, as previously performed by the delivery company employee. Alternatively, the delivery company may store base selection rules, which are rules for selecting bases, and extract one or more bases based on the rules. Adopting such a configuration enables the selection of delivery bases in accordance with the unique circumstances and operational performance of each delivery company, which in turn contributes to the development of efficient delivery plans.

[0032] The base selection rules may be arbitrarily set or changed based on information for each delivery company or delivery base. For example, if road construction is scheduled for a certain period around a specific delivery base, making smooth delivery services difficult during that period, information may be received that makes the delivery base unavailable or that the delivery base can only be used as a hub base that provides delivery services using simple delivery methods (e.g., bicycles) rather than as a central base. Upon receiving such information, the base selection rules are updated to reflect the information, and the delivery base can then only be selected as a base based on the updated information during the specified period. This configuration contributes to the development of timely and flexible delivery plans.

[0033] In addition, the base selection rules may be configured to be generated and updated as a result of learning based on past delivery plans and delivery records that have actually been generated. In other words, rather than simply selecting a delivery base based on rules, a delivery base that is not dependent on human subjectivity can be selected each time a package is handled by using machine learning, deep learning, or other techniques. By adopting this configuration, it becomes possible to create a delivery plan that effectively harmonizes the subjective and objective factors involved in the correction receiving unit described below.

[0034] The learning based on delivery performance referred to here can be performed as appropriate in the system used in the present invention, or can be performed on an external server and the results obtained as appropriate. The specific learning mechanism can also be performed by various methods, and the form is not particularly limited.

[0035] Incidentally, up to this point, we have explained an example of a configuration for acquiring multiple base IDs, mainly acquiring base IDs of management bases and hub bases. However, the package identification information acquisition unit does not necessarily need to acquire the base IDs related to these delivery destinations. In other words, acquiring the base ID of the reception base is sufficient for the processing in the package identification information acquisition unit, and any other processing is merely positioned as supplementary processing that reinforces the processing in the element planning unit (described below) or contributes to other processing. By adopting this configuration, it is also possible to reduce the administrative workload of the delivery reception staff.

[0036] The "draft plan creation unit" 0202 is configured to create a draft plan for package delivery by the mobile object according to the acquired package identification information. The draft created here may be created using, for example, the base selection rule. Specifically, if one or more bases acquired by the package identification information acquisition unit are acquired based on the base selection rule, a process may be considered in which a delivery plan including the base is created as a draft plan as is.

[0037] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation of an example of a method for planning using base selection rules. Here, a process is considered in which a draft delivery plan is created using learning results based on information such as past delivery records, as well as information on delivery personnel or mobile vehicles used for delivery, which may change in real time. That is, when information is acquired by the package identification information acquisition unit, a configuration is considered in which the operating status of each delivery base, each delivery personnel, and each mobile vehicle at that time or the desired delivery date and time of the package is also acquired in real time. Specifically, the status of the delivery base (the type and number of packages that can be accepted, the presence and details of special circumstances such as the aforementioned nearby traffic conditions, etc.) acquired in advance through the delivery base terminal, and the GPS information of the mobile vehicle, etc., are acquired using an application installed on the mobile vehicle or stored on the delivery personnel's delivery terminal, and a delivery means that can provide efficient delivery services at that time is calculated for each mobile vehicle. In this way, by obtaining information about delivery services provided from delivery centers and mobile vehicles in advance and matching it with the acquired information when the parcel identification information is obtained, it becomes possible to perform processing similar to the mechanisms used by DSPs and SSPs in advertising, making it possible to draft a delivery plan that optimally harmonizes, at a detailed level, the supply system of the delivery service provider with the demand of the party requesting delivery.

[0038] In addition to the above, even if a base ID such as a management base or a hub base is manually selected, a draft delivery plan is created based on the base identified by the base ID resulting from the selection. However, in this case, it is possible to perform a process of creating a draft delivery plan separately, for example, by using the base selection rules described above. By generating a draft from multiple perspectives in this way, there is more room for consideration and examination from various perspectives when processing corrections in the correction reception unit described below, which ultimately contributes to the creation of an optimal delivery plan.

[0039] The "draft output unit" 0203 is configured to display and output the contents of the drafts prepared by the draft preparation unit that correspond to a predetermined period in a comprehensible manner. The contents of the drafts displayed and output here may be changed as appropriate, but may include, for example, information such as the route from the receiving base to the delivery destination, bases to be located along the route, the schedule for delivering packages to each base, the delivery personnel engaged in delivery operations between each base, and the vehicles to be used. Furthermore, as described above, when multiple drafts are prepared, it is also possible to display and output the multiple drafts so that they can be compared. Specifically, it is possible to display the multiple drafts in a switchable manner, or to display and output them in an order that meets predetermined conditions (e.g., in order of the number of bases, the shortest delivery time, whether or not delivery is performed late at night or early in the morning, etc.). This configuration can facilitate the acceptance of revisions by the revision receiving unit (described later).

[0040] The contents of the draft to be output by the draft output unit correspond to a predetermined period. In other words, while the draft planning unit creates a delivery plan corresponding to only one package acceptance case (including acceptance of a single package as well as acceptance of multiple packages to the same delivery destination), the draft output unit can display and output multiple package acceptance cases corresponding to a predetermined period together. As mentioned above, the predetermined period here is not limited to a single day, week, month, etc., and may also be a period limited to a specific time period within a day. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to appropriately confirm a delivery plan that takes into account attributes of delivery destinations such as businesses or homes and traffic conditions (for example, days when road congestion is expected, such as the 5th or 10th of each month).

[0041] Once a delivery plan is displayed, its display mode can be changed according to specified conditions. For example, it is possible to display only delivery plans that involve a specific delivery base, or that are handled by a specific delivery person, or that cover only a specific region. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to check the operational efficiency of the delivery plan (whether it is cost-effective or not). For example, if there is only one package to be delivered to a specific region, it is possible to consider whether the delivery operation can be incorporated into another delivery plan.

[0042] The output destination of the output process in the draft output unit may be a management terminal of the planning support system of the present invention, a distribution base terminal, etc. By adopting a configuration that allows for the draft output and displayed on the distribution base terminal to be corrected in accordance with the circumstances of the distribution base, the processing in the correction acceptance unit described below can be made more timely.

[0043] The "correction receiving unit" 0204 is configured to receive correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether or not a correction is necessary to the draft outputted and displayed by the draft output unit. The content of the correction necessity information can be various depending on the correction, and the correction necessity information here also includes information indicating that a specific draft is the delivery plan without any correction, such as selecting one delivery plan from a plurality of drafts or approving the displayed draft as the delivery plan.

[0044] The modification receiving unit may also directly accept modifications to the displayed delivery plan. Specifically, it is conceivable to accept requests to add, change, or delete the displayed content, such as the delivery schedule, delivery base, or delivery mode. Specifically, the modification may be made if the information indicates that the delivery person shown in the draft has an unfavorable relationship with the delivery destination, or if it is believed that a more suitable delivery plan can be executed by changing the displayed vehicle (for example, changing delivery from a truck to a bicycle). These modifications may be accepted through processing by the administrator of the display device, and by adopting this configuration, it becomes possible to create a delivery plan that takes into account specific, up-to-date circumstances, such as circumstances that could not be reflected when the draft was created and circumstances specific to the delivery destination.

[0045] The "plan acquisition unit" 0205 is configured to acquire a package delivery plan for each mobile unit according to the correction necessity information received by the correction reception unit. Here, a delivery plan according to the correction necessity information is generated for each mobile unit, and the delivery plan generated through this process is notified to delivery bases and delivery personnel, making it easy to understand the schedule for each delivery base or each delivery personnel during a specified period.

[0046] The process of generating a delivery plan for each mobile unit referred to here is generated by editing the information for each mobile unit based on the draft or information on whether the draft needs to be revised. In other words, delivery plan information is generated based on the draft and its information on whether it needs to be revised, and this processing can also be managed at the delivery base terminal. Furthermore, it is of course possible to adopt a configuration that can generate and acquire delivery plans not only for each mobile unit, but also for each delivery base or each delivery person. By providing these functions and processing the information, secondary uses such as labor management of delivery people become possible.

[0047] The delivery plan acquired here may be transmitted to the delivery base terminals of the delivery bases linked by the delivery plan and the delivery person terminal of the delivery person. It is assumed that the delivery plan links multiple delivery bases and delivery people. In such cases, the delivery plan may be output to all applicable delivery base terminals and delivery person terminals. In this case, a configuration may be considered in which the delivery plan is output together with contact information for each delivery base and delivery person. By adopting such a configuration, the people who acquired the delivery plan can communicate with each other, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of a delivery plan that is more suited to the on-site situation.

[0048] <Specific configuration> Here, Fig. 3 is shown. This figure is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration when each functional component of the planning support system of this embodiment is integrated and realized as a single piece of hardware. Each device is equipped with a "CPU" 0301 for executing various arithmetic processes, a "storage device (storage medium)" 0302, a "main memory" 0303, an "input / output interface" 0304, and a "network interface" 0305, and transmits and receives information to and from external peripheral devices such as a "display" 0306 and a "touch panel" 0307 via the input / output interfaces.

[0049] Furthermore, the planning support system of this embodiment can transmit and receive information to and from multiple external devices, such as a "delivery base terminal" 0308 and a "delivery person terminal" 0309, via a network interface, and can also be connected to an "external server" 0310 that provides various services. The specific form of these network interfaces can be wired or wireless, and the communication method can be direct or indirect between each terminal. Therefore, it is also possible to adopt a so-called cloud computing format in which information is transmitted and received between a specific external device or a server managed by a third party linked to the user of that device.

[0050] The storage device stores various programs as described below, and the CPU reads, develops, and executes these programs in the work area of ​​the main memory. These components are interconnected by a data communication path such as a "system bus" 0399, and transmit and receive information and perform processing (the basic configuration described above is the same for all of the other devices described below).

[0051] (Specific configuration of the baggage identification information acquisition unit) The parcel identification information acquisition unit is composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and specifically, the CPU reads the ``parcel identification information acquisition program'' 0320 from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, acquires the parcel identification information, which is an ID that identifies the parcel to be delivered, and associates it with the base ID, which is an ID that identifies one or more delivery bases that handle the parcel, and stores it at a specified address in the main memory.

[0052] (Specific composition of the drafting department) The rough plan creation unit is composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and specifically, after reading the acquired parcel identification information, the CPU reads the "rough plan creation program" 0330 from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, and performs processing to create a rough plan for parcel delivery by the mobile body using the information, and stores the processing result at a specified address in the main memory.

[0053] (Specific configuration of the draft output unit) The draft output unit is composed of a computer program and computer hardware. Specifically, the CPU reads the "draft output program" 0340 from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, extracts the contents corresponding to a predetermined period from the draft obtained by executing the draft creation program, and displays and outputs them to a predetermined terminal.

[0054] (Specific configuration of the correction receiving unit) The correction acceptance unit is composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and specifically, the CPU reads the "correction acceptance program" 0350 from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, accepts correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether or not a correction is necessary to the draft outputted and displayed through the execution of the draft output program, and stores it at a predetermined address in the main memory.

[0055] (Specific structure of the Planning Acquisition Department) The plan acquisition unit is composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and specifically, the CPU reads the "plan acquisition program" 0360 from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, and performs processing to acquire a package delivery plan for each mobile unit according to the information on whether or not the correction is required by executing the correction request program.

[0056] <Processing flow> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the planning support system of this embodiment. The processing flow in this figure includes the following steps. First, in step S0401, package identification information, which is an ID identifying a package to be delivered, is acquired by linking it with base IDs, which are IDs identifying one or more delivery bases handling the package (package identification information acquisition step). Then, in step S0402, a draft plan for package delivery by the mobile object is created based on the acquired package identification information (draft creation step). In step S0403, the created draft is displayed so that the contents corresponding to a predetermined period can be grasped (draft output step). Then, in step S0404, correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether or not the displayed draft needs to be corrected, is received (correction reception step). In step S0405, a package delivery plan for each mobile object is acquired based on the received correction necessity information (plan acquisition step).

[0057] <Effects> By using a planning support system that employs the above configuration, it becomes possible to create highly effective delivery plans that involve multiple delivery bases (depots).

[0058] <<Embodiment 2>> <Summary> The planning support system of this embodiment basically has the same technical features as the planning support system described in embodiment 1, but has an additional feature of displaying and outputting the travel time required at the loading and disembarking points in a way that makes it easy to understand.

[0059] <Functional configuration> 5 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the planning support system of this embodiment. As shown in the diagram, the "planning support system" 0500 of this embodiment includes a "baggage identification information acquisition unit" 0501, a "draft planning unit" 0502, a "draft output unit" 0503, a "correction receiving unit" 0504, and a "plan acquisition unit" 0505, and the draft output unit further includes a "work time display means" 0513. Since the basic configuration is the same as the planning support system described using FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the function of the "work time display means" 0513, which is the difference, will be described below.

[0060] The "work time display means" 0513 is configured to display and output the required time at the loading point and the required time at the destination point in the draft output unit so that the required time at the loading point and the required time at the destination point can be understood. In the present invention, it is possible to create a delivery plan that involves multiple delivery bases (depots), and the amount of time that can be taken to load and unload the cargo at these multiple delivery bases is a major concern in creating an efficient delivery plan. In other words, it is possible to calculate the amount of time that can be allowed for transshipping the cargo at a hub base, and output the calculation result as the content of the draft. In other words, the "required time at the destination point" here does not refer to the delivery destination where the cargo is finally unloaded, but rather refers to the amount of time that can be taken at all bases where the cargo needs to be unloaded during delivery.

[0061] When the time required for the cargo transshipment work is displayed on the delivery base terminal of the hub base in accordance with the above configuration, it becomes possible to consider whether the transshipment work according to the displayed content is possible at the delivery base based on the output content. In other words, the required time displayed through the work time display means is usually a predetermined time that is preset as a standard cargo loading and unloading time, and it becomes possible to determine whether the work can be completed within that time based on the circumstances specific to the base.

[0062] Specifically, considerations may include not only the availability of workers during the relevant time period and the availability of work capacity, but also the availability of physical aspects such as the space within the base and the distance between mobile units. Based on this consideration, the delivery base may be configured to amend and transmit the available work time as information on whether or not amendment is necessary, and may also make preliminary preparations such as securing work space that can accommodate the required time and parking space for mobile units.

[0063] <Specific configuration> The hardware configuration of each device constituting the planning support system of this embodiment is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the planning support system of embodiment 1 described using Fig. 3. Therefore, the following describes specific processing of the "work time display means" that has not been described so far.

[0064] (Specific configuration of work time display means) The work time display means is specifically composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and when the draft output program is executed, the CPU reads the "work time display subprogram" from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, performing a process to display and output the required time at the loading point and the required time at the disembarking point in a way that makes it easy to understand.

[0065] <Processing flow> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the planning support system of this embodiment. The processing flow in this figure includes the following steps. First, in step S0601, package identification information, which is an ID identifying a package to be delivered, is acquired by linking it to a base ID, which is an ID identifying one or more delivery bases handling the package (package identification information acquisition step). Then, in step S0602, a draft package delivery plan for the mobile object is created based on the acquired package identification information (draft creation step). In step S0603, the created draft plan corresponding to a predetermined period is displayed so that the required time at the loading point and the required time at the landing point can be understood (draft output step). Then, in step S0604, correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether or not the displayed draft needs to be corrected, is received (correction reception step). In step S0605, a package delivery plan for each mobile object is acquired based on the received correction necessity information (plan acquisition step).

[0066] <Effects> By using the planning support system of this embodiment, it becomes possible to plan and implement efficient delivery plans through improvements in work time and work flow at multiple locations, compared to when using the planning support system of embodiment 1.

[0067] <<Embodiment 3>> <Summary> The planning support system of this embodiment basically has the same technical features as the planning support systems described in embodiments 1 and 2, but has an additional technical feature in that it drafts plans by directly or indirectly using information on whether or not corrections are necessary that is received when drafting other parcel deliveries.

[0068] <Functional configuration> 7 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the planning support system of this embodiment. As shown in the diagram, the "planning support system" 0700 of this embodiment includes a "baggage identification information acquisition unit" 0701, a "draft planning unit" 0702, a "draft output unit" 0703, a "correction receiving unit" 0704, and a "plan acquisition unit" 0705, and the draft planning unit further includes a "learning result dependency means" 0712. Since the basic configuration is the same as the planning support system described using FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the function of the "learning result dependency means" 0712, which is the difference, will be described below.

[0069] The “learning result dependent means” 0712 is configured such that in the draft planning unit, the draft planning step directly or indirectly uses the information on whether or not revision is required that was received when drafting a draft plan for another package delivery to draft the plan. Here, “directly using the information on whether or not revision is required that was received when drafting a draft plan for another package delivery” means that the information on whether or not revision is required that was received from the delivery base when drafting a past delivery plan, more specifically, the content of the revisions to the draft, is used as is in drafting a new draft.

[0070] In this case, it is not preferable that the directly used information on whether or not revision is necessary be extracted or selectable indefinitely, but rather, for example, information on whether or not revision is necessary regarding draft plans for the same or nearby delivery destinations, or information on whether or not revision is necessary regarding draft plans for the same supervising base or hub base. The delivery plans corresponding to these whether or not revision is necessary are expected to overlap or be similar in content to the draft to be created this time, and referring to the process of creating such past delivery plans contributes to reducing the cost of creating a new delivery plan.

[0071] Indirect use of information on whether revisions are necessary when creating past delivery plans refers to the case where the information is used as a reference without being used as the content of a new draft. Specifically, past information on whether revisions are necessary can be displayed and output on a delivery base terminal and used as reference information for inputting new information on whether revisions are necessary at the delivery base. Alternatively, the past information on whether revisions are necessary can be used to generate or update base selection rules, thereby contributing to the creation of a draft using the base selection rules. In this way, by adopting a configuration that can be used in various ways, such as mechanically using the response status when creating past drafts or as reference information that contributes to human judgment, it is possible to accumulate knowledge and know-how in continuous business operations and deepen efforts to improve the efficiency of delivery operations in the medium to long term.

[0072] <Specific configuration> The hardware configuration of each device constituting the planning support system of this embodiment is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the planning support system of embodiment 1 described using Fig. 3. Therefore, the following describes specific processing of the "learning result dependent means" that has not been described so far.

[0073] (Specific configuration of learning outcome dependent means) The learning result dependent means is specifically composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and when executing the rough plan creation program, the CPU reads the "learning result dependent subprogram" from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, reads the information on whether or not corrections are necessary that was received when creating a rough plan for another package delivery, and performs processing to create a rough plan using the information on whether or not corrections are necessary directly or indirectly.

[0074] <Processing flow> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the planning support system of this embodiment. The processing flow in this figure includes the following steps. First, in step S0801, package identification information, which is an ID identifying a package to be delivered, is acquired by linking it to a base ID, which is an ID identifying one or more delivery bases handling the package (package identification information acquisition step). Then, in step S0802, a draft plan for package delivery by the mobile object is created based on the acquired package identification information, directly or indirectly using correction necessity information received when creating a draft plan for other package deliveries (draft creation step). In step S0803, the created draft plan corresponding to a predetermined period is displayed so that it can be understood (draft output step). Then, in step S0804, correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether or not the displayed draft needs to be corrected, is received (correction reception step). In step S0805, a package delivery plan for each mobile object is acquired based on the received correction necessity information (plan acquisition step).

[0075] <Effects> By using the planning support system of this embodiment, it is possible to more efficiently plan and execute medium- to long-term delivery plans compared to when the planning support systems of embodiments 1 and 2 are used.

[0076] <<Embodiment 4>> <Summary> The planning support system of this embodiment basically has the same technical features as the planning support systems described in embodiments 1 to 3, but has an additional feature in that it determines whether or not to change an existing package delivery plan for a specified period based on the acquired package identification information, and prepares a draft plan based on the determination result.

[0077] <Functional configuration> 9 is a diagram showing an example of functional blocks of the planning support system of this embodiment. As shown in the diagram, the "planning support system" 0900 of this embodiment includes a "baggage identification information acquisition unit" 0901, a "draft planning unit" 0902, a "draft output unit" 0903, a "correction receiving unit" 0904, and a "plan acquisition unit" 0905, and the draft planning unit further includes a "determination means" 0912 and a "determination dependency means" 0922. Since the basic configuration is the same as the planning support system described using FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, the functions of the "determination means" 0912 and the "determination dependency means" 0922, which are the differences, will be described below.

[0078] The "determination means" 0912 is configured to determine whether to change an existing package delivery plan for a specified period in accordance with the acquired package identification information in the draft planning section. "Whether to change a delivery plan" here refers to determining whether to change the content of an ongoing delivery plan. Specifically, it determines whether or not it is necessary or possible to accommodate situations such as collecting a new package midway through a delivery or changing the delivery date and time of a package currently being delivered. A change in delivery date and time may be accepted as needed in response to a request from the delivery destination. In such cases, it may become impossible to carry out delivery operations according to the existing delivery plan. Furthermore, by creating a delivery plan involving multiple depots, it may be possible for one of those depots (especially a hub base) to collect a package for which a delivery request has been accepted after the delivery plan was created and deliver it in accordance with the existing delivery plan. Being able to respond to such real-time changes in delivery conditions and package delivery requests as they arise enables flexible planning and execution of delivery plans that further enhance customer satisfaction.

[0079] Here, a specific method for the determination means to determine whether or not to change the delivery plan is, for example, to extract a delivery plan that links the reception status of new parcels, more specifically, whether or not new parcel identification information has been acquired and its contents, with the base ID linked in the parcel identification information, at predetermined time intervals (for example, once an hour), and determine whether or not to change the delivery plan. The specific contents of the determination process may be adjusted and set as appropriate, but for example, if it is possible to deliver a new parcel after delivery to the delivery destination required in the original delivery plan has been completed, it may be determined that an addition to the delivery plan is possible. Furthermore, if there is a change in the delivery request, it may be determined that a new draft plan needs to be created in accordance with the request.

[0080] Of course, the change determination means may also determine that the plan cannot be changed. Specifically, this may be the case when the delivery plan is already being executed and it is physically or timely difficult for the delivery person to flexibly change the plan. The determination of whether or not such a change is possible may be made using GPS information of the delivery person or the mobile device used for delivery, obtained by transmitting and receiving information to and from the delivery person's terminal. If a determination is made that the change is not possible, the information is output to each terminal. Furthermore, if a determination process involving the acceptance of a new package is performed, various processes are performed to create a new draft delivery plan for the package.

[0081] The "judgment-dependent means" 0922 is configured to prepare a draft plan in the draft plan preparation unit according to the judgment result. The content of the judgment result may be set as appropriate, and a draft plan that changes the once-formulated delivery plan is prepared according to the specific judgment result. The process for preparing the draft plan in this case can be realized by the various methods described above. For example, in addition to using base selection rules, draft plan preparation based on information input from a delivery base terminal, or even based on information input from a deliverer terminal, is also possible. This is because when a delivery plan is already being executed, the delivery person's judgment on whether or not delivery can be carried out is extremely important.

[0082] The draft plan thus prepared is displayed and output again, and after receiving information on whether or not it needs to be revised, it is acquired as a new delivery plan.

[0083] <Specific configuration> The hardware configuration of each device constituting the planning support system of this embodiment is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the planning support system of embodiment 1 described using Fig. 3. Therefore, the following describes specific processing of the "determination means" and "determination-dependent means" that have not been described so far.

[0084] (Specific configuration of the determining means) The judgment means is specifically composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and when specified parcel identification information is acquired, when the draft planning program is executed, the CPU reads a "judgment subprogram" from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, performing a process to judge whether or not to change the existing parcel delivery plan for a specified period.

[0085] (Specific Configuration of Decision-Dependent Means) The judgment-dependent means is specifically composed of a computer program and computer hardware, and when executing the draft planning program, the CPU reads the ``judgment-dependent subprogram'' from the storage device into the main memory and executes it, and by executing the judgment subprogram, it performs processing to draft a draft based on the judgment result.

[0086] <Processing flow> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the planning support system of this embodiment. The processing flow in this figure consists of the following steps. First, in step S1001, package identification information, which is an ID identifying a package to be delivered, is acquired by linking it to a base ID, which is an ID identifying one or more delivery bases handling the package (package identification information acquisition step). Then, in step S1002, a draft plan for package delivery by the mobile object is created based on the acquired package identification information (draft creation step). In step S1003, the created draft is displayed so that the contents corresponding to a predetermined period can be grasped (draft output step). Then, in step S1004, correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether or not the displayed draft needs to be corrected, is received (correction reception step). In step S1005, a package delivery plan for each mobile object is acquired based on the received correction necessity information (plan acquisition step).

[0087] Then, in step S1006, it is determined whether new parcel identification information has been acquired, and if the determination result here is that new parcel identification information has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S1007 and subsequent steps. If the determination result is that no new parcel has been acquired, no subsequent processing is performed. In step S1007, it is determined whether or not to change the existing parcel delivery plan for a specified period based on the acquired parcel identification information, and if the determination result is that the plan can be changed, the process from step S1002 onwards is repeated. If the determination result is that no change is required, no subsequent processing is performed on the delivery plan.

[0088] <Effects> By using the planning support system of this embodiment, it is possible to plan and execute delivery plans that can flexibly respond to situations that may change in real time, compared to when using the planning support systems of embodiments 1, 2, and 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 0200: Planning support system, 0201: Baggage identification information acquisition unit, 0202: Draft planning unit, 0203: Draft output unit, 0204: Correction reception unit, 0205: Plan acquisition unit

Claims

1. A method for assisting in planning package delivery using one or more mobile vehicles for a daily, weekly, hourly, or other predetermined period of time, comprising: a parcel identification information acquisition step of acquiring parcel identification information, which is an ID for identifying a parcel to be delivered, by linking it with a base ID, which is an ID for identifying one or more delivery bases extracted by calculating an optimal transportation route between the reception base that handles the parcel and the delivery destination based on a base selection rule; a draft planning step of drafting a plan for package delivery by the mobile object based on the acquired package identification information and a base ID linked to the package identification information; a draft output step of displaying and outputting the drafts so that the contents corresponding to the drafts in units of days, weeks, hours, or other predetermined periods can be grasped; a correction acceptance step of accepting correction necessity information which is information regarding whether or not a correction is necessary to the displayed draft, selection of a specific delivery plan, or correction of the contents of the displayed draft of the delivery plan; a plan acquisition step of editing the draft in accordance with the received information on whether or not the revision is necessary, and generating and acquiring a package delivery plan for each moving object; A planning support method that uses a computer to achieve the above.

2. 2. The planning support method according to claim 1, wherein the draft output step further comprises a task time display substep of displaying and outputting the required time at the loading port and the required time at the disembarking port in a comprehensible manner.

3. The planning support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the draft planning step further includes a learning result dependent sub-step of directly or indirectly using the content for amending the draft plan contained in the information on whether or not amendment is necessary received when drafting a draft plan for another parcel delivery to draft a new plan.

4. A program for supporting planning for package delivery using one or more mobile vehicles for a given period of time, such as a day, a week, or an hour, comprising: a parcel identification information acquisition step of acquiring parcel identification information, which is an ID for identifying a parcel to be delivered, by linking it with a base ID, which is an ID for identifying one or more delivery bases extracted by calculating an optimal transportation route between the reception base that handles the parcel and the delivery destination based on a base selection rule; a draft planning step of drafting a plan for package delivery by the mobile object based on the acquired package identification information and a base ID linked to the package identification information; a draft output step of displaying and outputting the drafts so that the contents corresponding to the drafts in units of days, weeks, hours, or other predetermined periods can be grasped; a correction acceptance step of accepting correction necessity information which is information regarding whether or not a correction is necessary to the displayed draft, selection of a specific delivery plan, or correction of the contents of the displayed draft of the delivery plan; a plan acquisition step of editing the draft in accordance with the received information on whether or not the revision is necessary, and generating and acquiring a package delivery plan for each moving object; A planning support program that can be executed on a computer.

5. A system that uses one or more computers to assist in planning package deliveries using one or more mobile vehicles for daily, weekly, hourly, or other predetermined periods, comprising: a parcel identification information acquisition unit that acquires parcel identification information, which is an ID that identifies a parcel to be delivered, by linking it to a base ID, which is an ID that identifies one or more delivery bases extracted by calculating an optimal transportation route between the reception base that handles the parcel and the delivery destination based on a base selection rule; a plan creation unit that creates a plan for package delivery by the mobile object based on the acquired package identification information and a base ID linked to the package identification information; a draft output unit that displays and outputs the drafts that correspond to the drafts in units of days, weeks, hours, or other predetermined periods in a comprehensible manner; a correction receiving unit that receives correction necessity information, which is information regarding whether or not a correction is necessary to the displayed draft, selection of a specific delivery plan, or correction of the contents of the displayed draft of the delivery plan; a plan acquisition unit that edits the draft in accordance with the received information on whether or not the revision is necessary, and generates and acquires a plan for package delivery for each moving object; A planning support system with

Images