A computer system that supports transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination, and the programs that run on that computer system.

Abstract

To provide a computer system to support transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination. [Solution] The computer system of the present invention comprises: object information identification means for identifying information about at least one object that a user wishes to transport; country identification means for identifying the country of origin and the country of destination; transport feasibility determination means for determining whether it is possible to transport at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination based on the information about at least one object; and transport processing execution means for executing a process to transport at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination, based on the information about at least one object, when it is determined that it is possible to transport at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer system for assisting transportation from a country of origin to a country of destination, a method and a program executed in the computer system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method for transporting an object across a border from a country of origin to a country of destination has been known (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The shipping procedures for transporting an object from a country of origin to a country of destination are complicated, require a lot of documents, and take time and cost. Also, even if the object can be shipped from the origin, (for example, due to an error in the HS code (a code number defined based on the "International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS Convention)" regarding the name and classification of goods) that should be described in the required documents for the shipping procedures), the object may be held at customs in the destination country and not reach the final destination within the destination country or may be delayed in reaching it.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a computer system for assisting transportation from a country of origin to a country of destination, a method and a program executed in the computer system, which enables simpler procedures for transporting goods from a country of origin to a country of destination and reduces the risk that goods will not reach their final destination in the country of destination or will be delayed in reaching it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, the computer system of the present invention is a computer system for supporting transportation from a country of origin to a country of destination, wherein the computer system includes object information acquisition means for acquiring relevant information of at least one object that a user wishes to transport from an e-commerce site, wherein the at least one object is the subject of e-commerce conducted on the e-commerce site; country identification means for identifying the country of origin and the country of destination; transportation feasibility determination means for determining whether it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination based on the information regarding the at least one object; and transportation processing execution means for executing a process for transporting the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination, if it is determined that it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination, based on the information regarding the at least one object. The transport processing execution means includes, based on information about the at least one object, information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport, the country of origin, and the country of destination, a candidate identification means that identifies at least one candidate transport route from the country of origin to the country of destination such that the transport of the at least one object satisfies the information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport in a database storing information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport; a means that performs processing to present the at least one candidate transport route to the user; and a transport route identification means that identifies the selected transport route, wherein the candidate identification means, based on information indicating international circumstances that may affect the transport, transport The system identifies areas that cannot be passed through for the purpose of transport, identifies at least one candidate transport route from the country of origin to the country of destination that avoids the areas that cannot be passed through for the purpose of transport, and before the e-commerce site processes the payment for the at least one object, if the transport feasibility determination means determines that transport is not possible, it transmits information to the e-commerce site indicating that transport of the at least one object is not possible, and if the transport feasibility determination means determines that transport is possible, it transmits information to the e-commerce site including the transport costs for the selected transport route from among the transport routes identified by the transport execution processing means.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transportability determination means includes a source determination means that determines, based on information relating to the at least one object, whether it is prohibited to ship the at least one object from the country of origin, and a destination determination means that determines, based on information relating to the at least one object, whether it is prohibited for the destination country to accept the at least one object. If it is determined that it is not prohibited to ship the at least one object from the country of origin, and that the destination country is not prohibited to accept the at least one object, the transportability determination means may determine that it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the destination country.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the computer system further comprises means for acquiring information about objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting, and the destination determination means may include means for determining whether the destination country is prohibited from accepting the at least one object based on information about the at least one object and information about objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transport processing execution means may include code identification means that identifies a code that identifies the import / export classification to which the at least one object belongs, based on information relating to the at least one object.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information relating to the at least one object includes information indicating the composition of the at least one object and information indicating the use of the at least one object, and the code identifying means may identify the code based on the information indicating the composition of the at least one object and the information indicating the use of the at least one object.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the program of the present invention is a computer system of,Object information acquisition means for acquiring relevant information of at least one object that a user wishes to transport from an e-commerce site, wherein the at least one object is the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on the e-commerce site. Shipping source The country and Destination Country identification means for identifying the country of the at least one object, transport feasibility determination means for determining whether it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination based on information about the at least one object, transport processing execution means for performing a process to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination if it is determined that it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination, based on information about the at least one object. A program to be executed in a computer system for supporting transportation from a country of origin to a country of destination, wherein the transportation processing execution means includes: a candidate identification means for identifying at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the country of destination, based on information about the at least one object, information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transportation, the country of origin and the country of destination, such that the transportation of the at least one object satisfies the information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transportation in a database storing information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transportation; a means for performing a process to present the at least one candidate transportation route to the user; and a transportation route identification means for identifying the selected transportation route, wherein the candidate identification means Based on information indicating international circumstances that may affect transportation, areas that cannot be traversed for transportation are identified, and based on the areas that cannot be traversed for transportation, at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the country of destination is identified so as to avoid the areas that cannot be traversed for transportation. Before processing for payment of the at least one object on the e-commerce site, if the transportation feasibility determination means determines that transportation is not possible, information indicating that transportation of the at least one object is not possible is transmitted to the e-commerce site. If the transportation feasibility determination means determines that transportation is possible, information including the transportation costs for the selected transportation route among the transportation routes identified by the transportation execution processing means is transmitted to the e-commerce site. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present invention provides a computer system for assisting transportation from a country of origin to a country of destination, a method and a program executed in the computer system, which makes it possible to simplify the procedures for transporting goods from a country of origin to a country of destination and to reduce the risk that the transported goods will not reach their final destination in the country of destination or will be delayed in reaching it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1A] This diagram shows an example of a screen displayed on a user-operated device. [Figure 1B] This diagram shows another example of a screen displayed on a user-operated device. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of System 200, which enables a new service to support transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination. [Figure 3A] This diagram shows an example of the structure of information stored in the user database unit 241. [Figure 3B]Figure showing an example of the configuration of the information stored in the source database section 242 [Figure 3C] Figure showing an example of the configuration of the information stored in the destination database section 243 [Figure 3D] Figure showing an example of the configuration of the information stored in the import / export classification database section 244 [Figure 4] Figure showing an example of the process executed in the computer system 210

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] 1. A new service to support transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination. The applicant proposes a new service to assist in the transportation from the country of origin to the destination country. This new service enables the user to recognize whether the desired object can be transported from the country of origin to the destination country (i.e., whether it is permitted to transport the desired object from the country of origin to the destination country) before transporting the desired object when the user wishes to transport the desired object from the country of origin to the destination country, and further enables the user to recognize the route, number of days, cost, etc. related to the transportation. In this new service, based on the information about the desired object that the user wishes to transport, it is determined whether it is possible to transport the desired object from the country of origin to the destination country. When it is determined that it is possible to transport the desired object from the country of origin to the destination country, a process for transporting the desired object from the country of origin to the destination country is executed based on the information about the desired object. According to this new service, the user can simply input the information about the desired object that the user wishes to transport and the information indicating the country of origin and the destination country, and then know whether it is possible to transport the desired object from the country of origin to the destination country, and one or more routes, number of days, cost, etc. related to the transportation. In particular, when this new service is linked to an e-commerce site, the user can select the desired object on the e-commerce site and input the information indicating the country of origin and the destination country, and then know whether it is possible to transport the desired object from the country of origin to the destination country, and one or more routes, number of days, cost, etc. related to the transportation without inputting the information about the desired object that the user wishes to transport. Note that the user may be a company or an individual.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] 2. Screens displayed on user devices operated by the user. Figure 1A shows an example of a screen displayed on a user device operated by the user. Screen 100 shown in Figure 1A is a screen for the user to input information about the desired object to be transported (hereinafter referred to as "transported item"). The transported item may be an item of e-commerce conducted on an e-commerce site, an item purchased in advance at a place other than an e-commerce site (for example, a physical store), or an item created independently, such as a handmade product.

[0022] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the screen 100 includes a detailed information area 110 for inputting detailed information about the transported goods, a transport information area 120 for inputting information related to the transport of the transported goods, and a storage area 130 for storing the information entered in the detailed information area 110 and the transport information area 120.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the detailed information area 110 includes a name area 111 for entering the name of the transported item, a description area 112 for entering a detailed description of the transported item, a product identification code area 113 for entering a product identification code to identify the transported item, a reader activation area 114 for activating a reader connected to the user device, and a value area 115 for entering the price or value of the transported item. The name of the transported item entered in the name area 111 may be, for example, a T-shirt, socks, cookies, a vacuum cleaner, etc., but is not limited to these. Input in the description area 112 is optional. The product identification code for identifying the transported item may include, for example, an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), a UPC (Universal Product Code), an EAN (Europe Article Number), a JAN (Japanese Article Number), a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), etc., but is not limited to these. The product identification code for identifying the shipment may be entered directly into the product identification code area 113, or it may be entered into the product identification code area 113 by reading a one-dimensional code (e.g., a barcode), a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code®), or an RF (Radio Frequency) tag using a reader activated by selecting the reader activation area 114. The value of the shipment can be entered directly into the value area 115. The detailed information area 110 may further allow for the input of information indicating the size of the shipment (e.g., length, width, and height of the shipment, volume of the shipment, etc.), the quantity of the shipment, and the country of origin of the shipment.

[0024] Furthermore, if the goods being shipped are the subject of e-commerce conducted on an e-commerce site, the sales name may be automatically entered into the name area 111 as the name of the goods, the product description into the description area 112 as the description of the goods, and the sales price into the value area 115 as the value of the goods, based on the relevant information of the goods posted on the e-commerce site (specifically, the sales name, product description, and sales price of the goods listed on the product listing page on the e-commerce site (i.e., entered by the seller when listing the goods on the e-commerce site)). This allows the user to omit entering information into the name area 111, description area 112, and value area 115. The contents automatically entered into the name area 111, description area 112, and value area 115 may be editable by the user.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the transport information area 120 includes a classification code area 121 for inputting an HS code, a guessing area 122 for launching an input screen (not shown) for guessing the code to be entered in the classification code area 121, a weight area 123 for inputting the weight of the transported goods, a source area 124 for inputting the country of origin of the transported goods, and a destination area 125 for inputting the country of destination of the transported goods. The HS code may be directly entered into the classification code area 121, or the code identified as a result of selecting the guessing area 122 may be entered as the HS code. The weight of the transported goods can be directly entered into the weight area 123. Information indicating the origin of the transported goods can be directly entered into the source area 124. Information indicating the destination of the transported goods can be directly entered into the destination area 125.

[0026] When the user selects the inference area 122, an input screen (not shown) is displayed for inferring the code to be entered in the classification code area 121. By entering information indicating the composition of the transported goods and information indicating the intended use of the transported goods into the input screen, at least one HS code corresponding to the item classification to which the transported goods may belong is displayed on the input screen, so that the user can know at least one HS code corresponding to the item classification to which the transported goods may belong. If the user enters the product name of the transported goods and it is possible to derive the composition and intended use of the transported goods from the product name, the information indicating the composition and intended use of the transported goods may be identified based on the product name of the transported goods and automatically entered into the input screen. Furthermore, for example, a machine learning model that has learned the correspondence between the composition and intended use of transported goods and HS codes can identify at least one HS code corresponding to the item classification to which the transported goods may belong based on the information indicating the composition and intended use of the transported goods. The information indicating the composition of the transported goods may, for example, be the raw materials if the transported goods are food products, or the materials, components, or ingredients if the transported goods are non-food products. Information indicating the intended use of transported goods may include, for example, "for men" or "for women," but is not limited to these.

[0027] The user can save information about the transported goods entered in the detailed information area 110 and the transport information area 120 by selecting the save area 130.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, a classification code area 121 for inputting an HS code has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead of the HS code, which is a 6-digit item classification number, an item classification number of 7 digits or more (for example, an 8-digit item classification number such as a CN code, or a 10-digit item classification number such as a TARIC code) may be entered in the classification code area 121.

[0029] Furthermore, if the goods are the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on an e-commerce site, the weight of the goods may be automatically entered into the weight area 123 based on the relevant information about the goods posted on the e-commerce site (specifically, the product description of the goods described on the product listing page on the e-commerce site (i.e., entered by the seller when they listed the goods on the e-commerce site)). Also, if the origin of the goods is predetermined (for example, if the goods are the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on an e-commerce site whose origin is a specified country), information indicating the origin of the goods may be automatically entered into the origin area 124.

[0030] In this way, users can easily input information about each shipment, and especially when the shipments are subject to e-commerce, they can almost completely omit inputting information about each shipment. If a user wishes to ship multiple shipments simultaneously, they can select storage area 130 and then similarly input information about other shipments.

[0031] Once the user has entered information about all the objects they wish to transport, the system determines whether or not it is possible to transport them from the country of origin to the country of destination. If it is possible to transport the items from the country of origin to the country of destination, screen 150, as described later (see Figure 1B), may be displayed. If it is not possible to transport the items from the country of origin to the country of destination, a message indicating that it is not possible to transport the items from the country of origin to the country of destination may be displayed. If the items to be transported are the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on an e-commerce site, the user can find out whether or not it is possible to transport the items from the country of origin to the country of destination before settling the e-commerce transaction. This allows the user to avoid unnecessary preparation and payment if it is not possible to transport the items from the country of origin to the country of destination.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, an example was described in which detailed information about the transported goods and information related to the transport of the transported goods are entered on a single screen 100 as information about the transported goods, but the present invention is not limited to this. The detailed information about the transported goods entered in the detailed information area 110 and the information related to the transport of the transported goods entered in the transport information area 120 may be entered via multiple screens. Therefore, the timing at which information related to the transport of the transported goods is entered may be approximately the same as the timing at which detailed information about the transported goods is entered, or it may be after it has been determined whether or not it is possible to transport the goods from the country of origin to the destination country (in other words, after it has been determined that it is possible to transport the goods from the country of origin to the destination country).

[0033] Figure 1B shows another example of a screen displayed on a user-operated device. Screen 150 shown in Figure 1B is a screen for presenting the user with at least one candidate transport route for transporting an object the user wishes to transport from the country of origin to the country of destination.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, screen 150 includes a first candidate area 151 for showing information on a first candidate transport route, a second candidate area 152 for showing information on a second candidate transport route, and a third candidate area 153 for showing information on a third candidate transport route, thus showing three candidate transport routes. The first candidate area 151 shows the means of transport, transport route, transport days, and transport costs for the first candidate transport route. The same applies to the second candidate area 152 and the third candidate area 153. The means of transport include, but are not limited to, EMS, air freight, sea freight, rail freight, and road freight. The transport route, transport days, and transport costs may reflect international circumstances that may affect transport (e.g., natural disasters, wars, global pandemics, etc.). The shipping route may be represented in text, for example, by connecting the origin country of shipment, transit points, and destination country of receipt with arrows, or it may be represented by lines drawn on an image such as a virtual globe.

[0035] The first candidate area 151, the second candidate area 152, and the third candidate area 153 on screen 150 are all configured to be selectable. For example, by selecting the first candidate area 151, the user can confirm that the goods will be transported from the country of origin to the country of destination via the first transport route.

[0036] Furthermore, if the goods being transported are the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on an e-commerce site, the payment processing for the goods will be carried out, for example, after the transport route for the goods has been determined.

[0037] Furthermore, although an example showing three candidate transport routes was described in the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of candidate transport routes presented to the user is any integer of 1 or more.

[0038] Furthermore, based at least on the entered information about the shipment and the selected shipping route, it may be possible to automatically generate a shipping label, customs declaration, and / or invoice in an appropriate format. This would allow the user to easily prepare the necessary documents for shipping the goods.

[0039] 3. System configuration for realizing a new service that supports transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of System 200 for realizing a new service that supports transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the system 200 includes a computer system 210 for supporting transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination, and user devices 2201-220 operated by the user. N The computer system 210 is equipped with the Internet 230, and user devices 2201-220 NThe computer system 210 is configured to communicate with each of the following. The computer system 210 may also be configured to communicate with one or more server devices (not shown) that manage e-commerce sites. The computer system 210 may also be configured to communicate with one or more processing systems (not shown) that perform processing for shipping companies. Here, N is an integer of 1 or more.

[0041] Computer system 110 is an information processing system that performs processing for a company that manages transportation procedures from the country of origin to the country of destination. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, computer system 210 includes an interface unit 211, a processor unit 212 including one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), and a memory unit 213. Computer system 210 may further include a display unit, an input unit, etc. The hardware configuration of computer system 210 is not particularly limited as long as its functions can be realized, and may consist of a single machine or a combination of multiple machines.

[0042] The interface unit 211 is connected to user devices 2201-220 N It controls communication with each of them.

[0043] The memory unit 213 stores the program required to execute the process and the data required to execute that program. The method by which the program is stored in the memory unit 213 is not specified. For example, the program may be pre-installed in the memory unit 213. Alternatively, the program may be installed in the memory unit 213 by being downloaded via a network such as the Internet 230, or it may be installed in the memory unit 213 via a storage medium such as an optical disc or USB.

[0044] The processor unit 212 controls the operation of the entire computer system 210. The processor unit 212 reads the program stored in the memory unit 213 and executes the program. As a result, the computer system 210 can function as a device that executes desired steps, and the processor unit 212 of the computer system 210 can operate as a means to achieve desired functions.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the computer system 210 is connected to the database unit 240. The database unit 240 includes a user database unit 241, a source database unit 242, a destination database unit 243, and an import / export classification database unit 244.

[0046] User devices 2201-220 N Each of these is configured to be able to communicate with the computer system 210 via the internet 230. User devices 2201-220 N Each of these may include an interface unit, a processor unit, a memory unit, a display unit, and an input unit. For example, user devices 2201-220 N Each of these may be a portable wireless device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, or a personal computer such as a laptop PC or notebook PC.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, user devices 2201 to 220 N Although it has been explained that each of these can communicate with the computer system 210 via the Internet 230, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any type of network can be used instead of the Internet 230.

[0048] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the database unit 240 is located outside the computer system 210, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The database unit 240 can also be located inside the computer system 210. The configuration of the database unit 240 is not limited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, the database unit 240 may consist of a single hardware component or multiple hardware components. For example, the database unit 240 may be configured as a single external hard disk drive for the computer system 210, or as cloud storage connected via a network. Moreover, the configuration of each database unit included in the database unit 240 is also not limited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, each database unit included in the database unit 240 may also consist of a single hardware component or multiple hardware components.

[0049] Figure 3A shows an example of the structure of information stored in the user database unit 241.

[0050] The user database section 241 stores information about users. This user information can be identified by a user ID. This user information includes, for example, the user's name, gender, date of birth, telephone number, email address, and payment method.

[0051] Figure 3B shows an example of the structure of the information stored in the source database unit 242.

[0052] The source country database section 242 stores information about objects that the source country prohibits from being shipped from that country. Information about objects that the source country prohibits from being shipped from that country can be identified by information that identifies the source country (source ID). Information about objects that the source country prohibits from being shipped from that country includes, for example, information about objects that the source country completely prohibits from being shipped from that country, and information about objects that the source country partially prohibits from being shipped from that country. Information about objects that the source country partially prohibits from being shipped from that country may include, for each object, the conditions under which the source country will allow shipment from that country.

[0053] Figure 3C shows an example of the structure of the information stored in the destination database unit 243.

[0054] The destination database section 243 stores information about objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting. This information can be identified by information that identifies the destination country (destination ID). This information includes, for example, information about objects that the destination country completely prohibits from accepting, and information about objects that the destination country partially prohibits from accepting. For each object, the information about objects that the destination country partially prohibits from accepting may include conditions for acceptance by the destination country.

[0055] Figure 3D shows an example of the structure of information stored in the import / export classification database section 244.

[0056] The import / export classification database section 244 stores information regarding import / export classifications. This information can be identified by a code that identifies the import / export classification (import / export classification ID). The information regarding import / export classifications may also be associated with information that identifies the destination country (destination ID). This information includes, for example, information on the composition of objects belonging to the import / export classification identified by the import / export classification ID, and information on the use of objects belonging to the import / export classification identified by the import / export classification ID.

[0057] 4. Processes executed in a computer system Figure 4 shows an example of processing performed in the computer system 210. Each step shown in Figure 4 is performed, for example, by the processor unit 211 of the computer system 210. The steps shown in Figure 4 will be described below.

[0058] Step S401: Information about at least one object that the user wishes to transport is identified. This process can be achieved, for example, by receiving information about at least one object that the user wishes to transport (for example, from a user device 2201 operated by the user). Alternatively, if the at least one object that the user wishes to transport is the subject of e-commerce conducted on an e-commerce site, this process can be achieved by obtaining relevant information about that object listed on the e-commerce site and identifying the relevant information (or at least a part thereof) of that object on the e-commerce site as information about the at least one object that the user wishes to transport. Alternatively, this process can be achieved by inputting information about at least one object that the user wishes to transport via the input unit of the computer system 210. This process can correspond, for example, to operations on screen 100 as described with reference to Figure 1A.

[0059] Information regarding at least one object that a user wishes to transport includes, for example, at least one of the following: information indicating the composition of the at least one object, information indicating the intended use of the at least one object, information indicating the weight of the at least one object, and information indicating the value of the at least one object.

[0060] Step S402: The country of origin and the country of destination of at least one object that the user wishes to transport are identified. The country of origin of at least one object that the user wishes to transport may be identified by receiving information indicating the country of origin (for example, from a user device 2201 operated by the user), by being entered via an input unit of the computer system 210, or by identifying a pre-configured country as the country of origin. The country of destination of at least one object that the user wishes to transport may be identified by receiving information indicating the country of origin (for example, from a user device 2201 operated by the user), or by being entered via an input unit of the computer system 210. This process may correspond, for example, to operations on screen 100 as described with reference to Figure 1A.

[0061] Step S403: It is determined whether it is possible to transport at least one object that the user wishes to transport from the country of origin to the country of destination. If the result is "Yes", the process proceeds to step S404; if the result is "No", the process proceeds to step S405.

[0062] The processing in step S403 includes, for example, determining whether it is prohibited to ship at least one object that the user wishes to transport from the country of origin, and determining whether it is prohibited to accept at least one object that the user wishes to transport from the destination country, based on information about that at least one object. In this case, if it is determined that it is not prohibited to ship at least one object from the country of origin and that it is not prohibited to accept at least one object that the destination country wishes to transport, the computer system 210 determines that it is possible to transport at least one object that the user wishes to transport from the country of origin to the destination country.

[0063] The process of determining whether the destination country is prohibited from accepting at least one object may be performed, for example, based on information about at least one object that the user wishes to transport and "information about objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting" stored in the destination database unit 243. If at least a part of the at least one object that the user wishes to transport falls under an object that the destination country prohibits from accepting, as included in "information about objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting," then it is determined that the destination country is prohibited from accepting at least one object. The computer system 210 is configured to monitor information about objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting. For example, the computer system 210 is configured to acquire information from the customs office of the destination country (for example, information posted on the customs office's website) at any time (for example, periodically, in real time, or in response to a request to collect information about objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting). If the language of the information issued by the customs authority of the destination country is not the desired language (e.g., Japanese, English), the computer system 210 may be configured to translate the information issued by the customs authority of the destination country into the desired language, for example, by machine translation. Furthermore, if the destination country updates its information on objects that it prohibits from accepting, the computer system 210 updates the "information on objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting" stored in the destination database unit 243 accordingly. This allows the computer system 210 to make a determination based on the latest information on prohibited objects in the destination country.

[0064] Step S404: The process is executed to transport at least one object that the user wishes to transport from the country of origin to the country of destination.

[0065] As one of the processes in step S404, the computer system 210 is configured to identify a code that identifies the import / export classification to which the at least one object belongs, based on information about the at least one object that the user wishes to transport (for example, information indicating the composition of the at least one object and information indicating the use of the at least one object). The computer system 210, for example, refers to the import / export classification database unit 244 to identify an import / export classification ID corresponding to the combination of the composition and use of the at least one object. Alternatively, the computer system 210 may, for example, refer to the import / export classification database unit 244 to identify an import / export classification ID corresponding to the destination country (corresponding to the combination of the composition and use of the at least one object) based on information about the at least one object that the user wishes to transport and information indicating the destination. Note that the process of identifying the code that identifies the import / export classification may be performed at any time after step S402 and before step S403 in Figure 4.

[0066] As one of the processes in step S404, the computer system 210 is configured to identify at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the destination country based on information about at least one object that the user wishes to transport (for example, information indicating the weight of the at least one object, information indicating the value of the at least one object, and information indicating the size of the at least one object), and to perform a process to present the identified candidate transportation route to the user. For example, the computer system 210 identifies at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the destination country based at least on the weight and value of the at least one object, in terms of the cost of transporting the at least one object, the tariff rate in the destination country, the number of days, and risks (such as delays). In addition to the weight and value of the at least one object, the computer system 210 may also identify at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the destination country based on information indicating the size of the at least one object. The computer system 210 is configured to monitor information indicating international situations that may affect transportation (e.g., natural disasters, wars, global pandemics, etc.), and at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the country of destination may be identified based on the information indicating international situations that may affect transportation. This makes it possible for the computer system 210 to identify candidate transportation routes that avoid areas that cannot be traversed for transportation by identifying areas that cannot be traversed for transportation based on the information indicating international situations that may affect transportation. The computer system 210 may also be configured to monitor information indicating tariff rates in the country of destination. This makes it possible for the computer system 210 to calculate transportation costs using the latest tariff rates in the country of destination. The computer system 210 may also refer to the database unit 240 to identify at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the country of destination based on at least information indicating predetermined constraints and restrictions related to transportation.One example of predetermined constraints and limitations related to transportation is that if the goods are designated as "fragile" by the user, only air freight is available (i.e., only air freight routes are identified as at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the country of destination). Information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to transportation is stored in the database unit 240. For example, a machine learning model may be used to identify at least one candidate transportation route from the country of origin to the country of destination. The process of presenting the identified at least one candidate transportation route to the user may correspond to the information presentation on image 150 as explained with reference to Figure 1B.

[0067] The computer system 210 is configured to identify the transportation route selected by the user from among at least one candidate transportation route presented to the user. This process can be achieved, for example, by receiving information indicating the transportation route selected by the user (e.g., from a user device 2201 operated by the user). The computer system 210 may be configured to automatically generate a shipping label, customs declaration, and / or invoice in an appropriate format, based at least on information about at least one object that the user wishes to transport and information indicating the transportation route selected by the user. This makes it easy for the user to create the necessary documents at the time of dispatch and during transport.

[0068] Step S405: A process is performed to inform the user that it is not possible to transport at least one object that the user wishes to transport from the country of origin to the country of destination. This process can be achieved, for example, by notifying the user device 2201 operated by the user. At this time, the computer system 210 may also inform the user of the reason why it is not possible to transport at least one object that the user wishes to transport. This allows the user to correct the information regarding at least one object that the user wishes to transport, such as on screen 100 in Figure 1A, in order to resolve the reason why it is not possible to transport at least one object that the user wishes to transport.

[0069] Furthermore, the computer system 210 may be configured to perform a settlement process for at least one object that the user wishes to transport after step S404 in Figure 4. If the at least one object that the user wishes to transport is the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on the e-commerce site, the settlement process for the at least one object that the user wishes to transport may include, for example, transmitting information indicating the transportation costs related to the transportation route selected by the user (i.e., the transportation costs approved by the user) to a server device managing the e-commerce site. This allows the server device, upon receiving the information indicating the transportation costs related to the transportation route selected by the user, to perform the settlement process for that at least one object. Alternatively, the computer system 210 may be configured to perform the settlement process for that at least one object. This settlement process may include settlement for the purchase of the at least one object that the user wishes to transport and settlement for the shipping costs related to the transportation of the at least one object that the user wishes to transport. In this way, the user can confirm the feasibility of transportation and the costs and days of transportation before settlement, assuming that the at least one object purchased on the e-commerce site will be transported from the country of origin to the country of destination. The payment processing for at least one object that the user wishes to transport is performed based on the transportation costs related to the transportation route selected by the user (including the selling price of at least one object that the user wishes to transport).

[0070] Furthermore, if at least one object that the user wishes to transport is not subject to e-commerce conducted on the e-commerce site, the settlement process for the at least one object that the user wishes to transport includes, for example, transmitting information regarding the transport of the at least one object that the user wishes to transport to a processing system that performs processing for a transport company specified in advance by the user. The information regarding the transport of the at least one object that the user wishes to transport may include, for example, information indicating the transport route selected by the user, information indicating the means of transport related to the transport route selected by the user, information indicating the transport costs related to the transport route selected by the user, and information indicating the number of transport days related to the transport route selected by the user. This allows the processing system that receives the information regarding the transport of the at least one object that the user wishes to transport to perform the settlement process for that at least one object. Alternatively, the computer system 210 may be configured to perform the settlement process for that at least one object. This settlement process is for the shipping costs related to the transport of the at least one object that the user wishes to transport. The settlement process for the at least one object that the user wishes to transport is performed based on the transport costs related to the transport route selected by the user.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, an example was described in which the processing of each step shown in Figure 4 is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. At least some of the processing of each step shown in Figure 4 may be realized by hardware configurations such as control circuits.

[0072] As described above, the present invention has been illustrated using preferred embodiments, but the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these embodiments. It should be understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted solely by the claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that, based on the description of the specific preferred embodiments of the present invention and common technical knowledge, an equivalent scope can be implemented. [Industrial applicability]

[0073] The present invention is useful in providing a computer system for supporting transportation from a country of origin to a country of destination, methods and programs executed within the computer system, etc., which makes it possible to simplify the procedures for transporting goods from a country of origin to a country of destination, and reduces the risk that the transported goods will not reach their final destination in the country of destination or will be delayed in reaching it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 200 Systems 210 Computer Systems 2201~220 N User device 230 Internet 240 Database Department

Claims

1. A computer system for supporting transportation from the country of origin to the country of destination, The aforementioned computer system, An object information acquisition means that acquires relevant information of at least one object that a user wishes to transport from an e-commerce site, wherein the at least one object is the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on the e-commerce site, A means for identifying the country of origin and the country of destination, A transport feasibility determination means for determining whether it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination, based on information relating to the at least one object. The system includes a transportation processing execution means that, when it is determined that it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination, performs a process for transporting the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination based on information about the at least one object. The aforementioned transportation processing execution means is Candidate identification means for identifying at least one candidate transport route from the country of origin to the country of destination, based on information relating to the at least one object, information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport, the country of origin, and the country of destination, such that the transport of the at least one object satisfies the information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport in a database storing information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport. Means for performing a process to present the user with at least one candidate transportation route, Includes a means for identifying a selected transport route, The candidate identification means identifies areas that cannot be traversed for transport based on information indicating international circumstances that may affect transport, and identifies at least one candidate transport route from the country of origin to the country of destination so as to avoid the areas that cannot be traversed for transport, Before the electronic commerce site performs the settlement process for the at least one object, When the transportability determination means determines that transport is not possible, it transmits information indicating that transport of at least one object is not possible to the e-commerce site. When the transport feasibility determination means determines that transport is possible, the transport execution processing means transmits information including the transport costs for the selected transport route from among the identified transport routes to the e-commerce site. Computer system.

2. The transport feasibility determination means is, A means for determining whether it is prohibited to ship the at least one object from the country of origin, based on information relating to the at least one object, Includes destination determination means for determining whether the destination country is prohibited from accepting the at least one object based on information relating to the at least one object, The computer system according to claim 1, wherein if it is determined that it is not prohibited to ship the at least one object from the country of origin and that it is not prohibited for the destination country to accept the at least one object, the transportability determination means determines that it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the destination country.

3. The computer system further comprises means for obtaining information regarding objects that the destination country prohibits from being accepted. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the destination determination means includes means for determining whether the destination country is prohibited from accepting the at least one object, based on information relating to the at least one object and information relating to objects that the destination country prohibits from accepting.

4. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the transport processing execution means includes code identification means for identifying a code that identifies an import / export classification to which the at least one object belongs, based on information relating to the at least one object.

5. The information relating to the at least one object includes information indicating the composition of the at least one object and information indicating the intended use of the at least one object. The computer system according to claim 4, wherein the code identification means identifies the code based on information indicating the composition of the at least one object and information indicating the use of the at least one object.

6. Computer systems, An object information acquisition means that obtains relevant information of at least one object that a user wishes to transport from an e-commerce site, wherein the at least one object is the subject of an e-commerce transaction conducted on the e-commerce site. A means of identifying the country of origin and the country of destination. A transport feasibility determination means that determines whether or not it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination based on information relating to the at least one object. A program executed in a computer system for supporting transportation from a country of origin to a country of destination, which functions as a transportation processing execution means that, when it is determined that it is possible to transport the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination, executes a process for transporting the at least one object from the country of origin to the country of destination based on information about the at least one object, The aforementioned transportation processing execution means is Candidate identification means for identifying at least one candidate transport route from the country of origin to the country of destination, based on information relating to the at least one object, information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport, the country of origin, and the country of destination, such that the transport of the at least one object satisfies the information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport in a database storing information indicating predetermined constraints and limitations related to the transport. Means for performing a process to present the user with at least one candidate transportation route, Includes means for identifying a selected transport route, The candidate identification means identifies areas that cannot be traversed for transport based on information indicating international circumstances that may affect transport, and identifies at least one candidate transport route from the country of origin to the country of destination so as to avoid the areas that cannot be traversed for transport, Before the electronic commerce site performs the settlement process for the at least one object, When the transportability determination means determines that transport is not possible, it transmits information indicating that transport of at least one object is not possible to the e-commerce site. When the transport feasibility determination means determines that transport is possible, the transport execution processing means transmits information including the transport costs for the selected transport route from among the identified transport routes to the e-commerce site. Computer program.

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