Information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

To enable a further efficient delivery order to be determined when packages are delivered to a plurality of destinations.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: an information management unit configured to manage information on a delivery destination including an in-home probability of the delivery destination for each delivery time zone; a classification unit configured to classify a plurality of packages to be delivered into groups for each delivery time zone; and a setting unit configured to set a first delivery order for delivering packages for which the delivery time zone is designated for each group based on the in-home probability of the delivery destination for each delivery time zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] When delivering packages to a plurality of delivery destinations using a vehicle or the like, there is an information processing system that searches for a delivery route. For example, there is a known technique for calculating a plurality of route patterns for visiting a plurality of delivery destinations and the required time, calculating the average of the home probabilities of the delivery destinations in each route pattern, and specifying a delivery route based on the required time and the average of the home probabilities (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the delivery route is specified based on the average of the home probabilities, a delivery destination with a low home probability may be preferentially incorporated into the delivery route. In such a case, it may be impossible to deliver the package to a delivery destination with a low home probability because the recipient is absent, and the delivery efficiency may decrease due to redelivery or the like.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables a more efficient delivery order to be determined when delivering packages to a plurality of delivery destinations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an information processing system according to the present embodiment includes an information management unit configured to manage information on delivery destinations including the home probabilities of the delivery destinations for each delivery time zone, The aforementioned Delivery A time slot is specified. A classification unit configured to classify packages into groups according to the delivery time slots, and a setting unit configured to set a first delivery order for each group, based on the probability of the recipient being home at the delivery destination for each delivery time slot, for delivering packages with a specified delivery time slot. A determination unit configured to determine a second delivery order for delivering multiple packages, including packages with specified delivery time slots and packages without specified delivery time slots, based on the first delivery order and the delivery address; to have Furthermore, the delivery destination information includes a warning flag indicating a delivery destination that may require a longer delivery time than other delivery destinations. The determination unit determines the second delivery order so that, if there is one or more delivery destinations within the same area as the address of a delivery destination with a warning flag set, the package is delivered to the delivery destination with the warning flag set after the one or more delivery destinations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, it becomes possible to determine a more efficient delivery order when delivering packages to multiple destinations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a computer hardware configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of delivery address information according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of package information according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the process for setting delivery address information according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of processing in an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the process for setting the first delivery order for a single delivery configuration. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of a first delivery order adjustment process according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an example of a second delivery order determination process according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of a second delivery order adjustment process according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, this embodiment (an embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiments to which the present invention applies are not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 is configured such that, for example, a client device 10 and a server device 20 are connected to each other via a communication network 2. The information processing system 1 is a system that provides information such as the delivery order or delivery route in order to efficiently deliver packages to multiple destinations.

[0011] The client device 10 is an information terminal equipped with a computer configuration, such as a car navigation system, smartphone, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer), used by the user. The user can operate the client device 10 to register information on multiple packages to be delivered and request information such as a more efficient delivery order or delivery route for the multiple packages from the server device 20. In addition, the user or administrator can operate the client device 10 to register various information, such as delivery destination information, with the server device 20.

[0012] The server device 20 is, for example, an information processing device with a computer configuration, or a system including multiple computers. The server device 20 manages, for example, information about packages registered from the client device 10, and information about delivery destinations. In addition, the server device 20 provides the client device 10, etc., with information such as the delivery order or delivery route in order to efficiently deliver multiple packages to be delivered, in response to requests from the client device 10, etc.

[0013] For example, the server device 20 classifies a plurality of parcels to be delivered, registered from the client device 10 or the like, into a plurality of groups for each delivery time slot. Further, the server device 20 sets a delivery order (hereinafter referred to as the first delivery order) for delivering the parcels with the delivery time slot specified for each classified group based on the probability of the delivery destination being at home for each delivery time slot. For example, the server device 20 gives priority to the delivery destination with a higher probability of being at home and sets the first delivery order.

[0014] Here, the probability of the delivery destination being at home for each delivery time slot is calculated by the following (Formula 1) for each delivery time slot, for example, based on delivery data to past delivery destinations or the like. Probability of being at home = Number of times at home (or number of completed deliveries) / Number of deliveries... (Formula 1) Note that the number of times at home includes handover, delivery to a parcel locker, and leave-at-place delivery where the parcel is placed at a specified location. Also, (Formula 1) is an example, and the probability of being at home may be calculated by classifying according to the delivery method (handover, parcel locker, leave-at-place delivery, etc.) to obtain a more accurate probability of being at home.

[0015] In addition, the server device 20 determines a delivery order (hereinafter referred to as the second delivery order) for delivering a plurality of parcels including parcels without a specified delivery time slot based on the set first delivery order and the addresses of the delivery destinations of the plurality of parcels.

[0016] Furthermore, the server device 20 searches for a delivery route through which the delivery destinations of the plurality of parcels to be delivered pass in the second delivery order by a known route search method, and provides the information on the searched delivery route to the client device 10 or the like. However, it is not limited to this, and the server device 20 may provide the information on the determined second delivery order to the client device 10. In this case, the client device 10 may search for a delivery route through which the delivery destinations of the plurality of parcels to be delivered pass in the second delivery order by a known route search method.

[0017] The above configuration of the information processing system 1 is merely an example. For example, the information processing system 1 may include multiple client devices 10. Also, the functions of the server device 20 may be implemented by multiple server devices. Furthermore, the functions of the server device 20 may be included in the client devices 10.

[0018] <Hardware Configuration> The client device 10 and the server device 20 have, for example, the hardware configuration of a computer 200 as shown in Figure 2. The server device 20 may be implemented by multiple computers 200, or by virtual machines on the cloud, etc.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an example of a computer hardware configuration. Computer 200 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, memory 202, storage device 203, communication device 204, output device 205, input device 206, external I / F (Interface) 207, and bus 209. Furthermore, if computer 200 is a client device 10, computer 200 may also have positioning devices such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver.

[0020] The CPU 201 is a processor that realizes various functions of a client device 10 or a server device 20 by executing a predetermined program stored in a storage medium such as a storage device 203. The memory 202 includes, for example, volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) used as the work area of ​​the CPU 201, and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the CPU 201 startup program. The storage device 203 is a large-capacity, non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0021] The communication device 204 is an interface for connecting the computer 200 to the network. For example, if the computer 200 is a server device 20, the communication device 204 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) for connecting the server device 20 to the communication network 2. Also, if the computer 200 is a general-purpose information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet (an example of a client device 10), the communication device 204 includes a wireless communication device for connecting the information terminal to the communication network 2 wirelessly. Furthermore, if the computer 200 is an in-vehicle device such as a car navigation system (another example of a client device 10), the communication device 204 includes a communication interface for connecting the in-vehicle device to the in-vehicle network.

[0022] Output device 205 is an output device that outputs to the outside, such as a display device or speaker. Input device 206 is an input device that accepts input from the outside, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, or sensor. Output device 205 and input device 206 may also be input / output devices such as a touch panel display.

[0023] External I / F 207 is an interface for connecting external devices to computer 200. External devices include, for example, a recording medium 208. Computer 200 can read from and write to the recording medium 208 via external I / F 207. Recording medium 208 includes, for example, CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray® Discs, memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. Bus 209 is connected in common to all of the above components and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0024] <Functional Configuration> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment.

[0025] (Server device functional configuration) The server device 20 achieves the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 by having the CPU 201 execute programs stored in, for example, a storage device 203, memory 202, and recording medium 208. In the example in Figure 3, the server device 20 includes a communication unit 301, an information management unit 302, a classification unit 303, a setting unit 304, a decision unit 305, a route search unit 306, and an information provision unit 307. At least some of the above functional configurations may be implemented by hardware. The server device 20 also includes, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 and a storage unit 308 implemented by the storage device 203, etc.

[0026] The communication unit 301, for example, uses a communication device 204 to connect the server device 20 to the communication network 2 and performs communication processing to communicate with other devices such as the client device 10.

[0027] The information management unit 302 performs information management processing to store and manage delivery destination information 311, which stores various information about the delivery destination, and package information 312, which is information about multiple packages to be delivered, in the storage unit 308.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of delivery destination information according to one embodiment. In the example in Figure 4, the delivery destination information 311 includes items such as "delivery destination ID," "address," "nameplate (resident name)," "delivery box," "probability of being home," and "warning flag."

[0029] "Delivery destination ID" is identification information that identifies the delivery destination. "Address" is information indicating the address of the delivery destination. "Address" may include information such as the building name or room number. Alternatively, the information management unit 302 may manage information such as the building name or room number separately from the "address". "Nameplate (resident name)" is information indicating the name of the resident of the delivery destination, for example, as written on the nameplate of the delivery destination.

[0030] "Delivery box" is information indicating whether or not there is a delivery box at the delivery address. "Probability of being home" is information indicating the probability of being home for each delivery time slot. In the example in Figure 4, "Probability of being home" stores the probability of being home for multiple time slots: "morning," "12:00-14:00," "14:00-16:00," and "16:00-18:00." The information management unit 302 calculates the probability of being home for each delivery time slot using the aforementioned (Equation 1) based on past delivery data to the delivery address (e.g., delivery completion time, number of deliveries, delivery time, etc.) and stores it in the delivery address information 311.

[0031] A "caution flag" indicates a delivery location that may require more time to deliver than other locations. Caution flags include Flag A (first flag) indicating road restrictions to the delivery location, or Flag B (second flag) indicating the location of the building at the delivery location is unusual. For example, if a delivery location is adjacent to Zone 30 and may have many pedestrians at certain times of the day, Flag A would be set as a "caution flag." Similarly, if parking must be done at a distance from the delivery location, or if backing up is required after parking, Flag B would be set as a "caution flag." However, Flags A and B are just examples of caution flags, and caution flags are not limited to Flags A and B.

[0032] The "warning flag" may be set by the Information Management Unit 302 based on warning flags registered in past delivery data to delivery destinations, or it may be set by a user or administrator using the UI (User Interface) screen provided by the Information Management Unit 302.

[0033] Figure 5 shows an example of package information according to one embodiment. In the example in Figure 5, the package information 312 includes items such as "inquiry number," "address," "recipient name," "package details," "delivery time slot," "delivery box," "delivery status," and "remarks."

[0034] The "Inquiry Number" is an example of identification information for identifying a package. The "Address" and "Recipient Name" are information indicating the address and recipient name set for the package. "Package Details" include information such as packaging specifications (cardboard box, envelope, etc.), cash on delivery, collect on delivery, size, number of packages, or package type. Note that "Package Details" may be divided into multiple items.

[0035] "Delivery Time Slot" is information indicating the specified delivery time slot, and whether or not a delivery time slot has been specified. "Delivery Box" is information indicating whether or not the use of a delivery box is permitted. "Delivery Box" may also include information indicating whether or not unattended delivery is permitted, such as "Delivery Box / Unattended Delivery". "Delivery Status" is information indicating the delivery status, such as "Completed" indicating that the delivery has been completed, "Delivered" indicating that it is in transit (or about to be delivered), or "Absent" indicating that the recipient was not home. "Notes" stores additional information, such as a warning flag.

[0036] Now, let's return to Figure 3 and continue explaining the functional configuration of the server device 20. The classification unit 303 performs a classification process to classify multiple packages to be delivered into groups according to their delivery time slots. For example, the classification unit 303 refers to the "delivery time slot" item in the package information 312 and groups (divides) packages with specified delivery time slots into multiple groups such as "morning," "12:00-14:00," "14:00-16:00," and "16:00-18:00."

[0037] The setting unit 304 executes a setting process to set a first delivery order for packages with specified delivery time slots, based on the probability of recipients being home at each delivery time slot, for each group classified by the classification unit 303. The setting process executed by the setting unit 304 (the setting process for the first delivery order) will be described later with an example flowchart.

[0038] The decision unit 305 performs a decision process to determine a second delivery order for multiple packages, including packages for which no delivery time slot has been specified, based on the first delivery order set by the setting unit 304 and the delivery addresses of the multiple packages. The decision process performed by the decision unit 305 (the process for determining the second delivery order) will be described later with an example flowchart.

[0039] The route search unit 306 performs a route search process that searches for a delivery route that passes through multiple packages to be delivered in the second delivery order determined by the decision unit 305, using a known route search method based on a road map DB (Database) 313 or the like.

[0040] The information provision unit 307 performs information provision processing, for example, to provide information on the delivery route searched by the route search unit 306 in response to a request from the client device 10 or the like. Alternatively, the information provision unit 307 may provide information on the second delivery order determined by the decision unit 305 in response to a request from the client device 10 or the like.

[0041] The memory unit 308 stores information such as delivery destination information 311, package information 312, and road map DB 313.

[0042] (Functional configuration of client devices) The client device 10 achieves the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 by having the CPU 201 execute programs stored in, for example, a storage device 203, memory 202, and recording medium 208. In the example in Figure 3, the client device 10 includes a communication unit 321, a UI unit 322, and a location information acquisition unit 323. At least some of the above functional configurations may be implemented by hardware. The client device 10 also includes, for example, a program executed by the CPU 201 and a storage unit 324 implemented by the storage device 203, etc.

[0043] The communication unit 321, for example, uses a communication device 204 to connect the client device 10 to the communication network 2 and performs communication processing to communicate with other devices such as the server device 20.

[0044] The UI unit 322 displays various UI screens, such as the delivery destination information setting screen 311, the package information registration screen 312, or the delivery route guidance screen provided by the server device 20, on a display unit such as the output device 205. The UI unit 322 also receives user operations on the UI screens and transmits the received information to the server device 20 via the communication unit 321.

[0045] The location information acquisition unit 323 acquires location information indicating the location of the client device 10, for example, using a positioning device such as a GPS receiver. The location information acquisition unit 323 may also acquire location information of the client device 10 using a sensor such as an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). For example, when the UI unit 322 requests the provision of a delivery route for delivering multiple packages, it transmits request information including the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 323 to the server device 20.

[0046] The storage unit 324 stores information about the delivery route provided by the server device 20, or information about a second delivery order, etc.

[0047] Note that the functional configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 3 is just one example. For example, at least some of the functions of the server device 20 may be provided by the client device 10. Also, each functional configuration of the server device 20 may be distributed and provided by multiple server devices. Thus, each functional configuration of the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 3 may be provided by any of the devices included in the information processing system 1.

[0048] <Processing flow> Next, the processing flow of the information processing method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0049] (Processing to set delivery address information) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the delivery destination information setting process according to one embodiment. This process shows an example of the delivery destination information setting process executed by the information management unit 302 when updating or setting information such as the "probability of being home" and the "warning flag" of the delivery destination information 311 as shown in Figure 4. For example, the information management unit 302 executes the process shown in Figure 6 for each delivery destination (delivery destination ID) of the delivery destination information 311 as shown in Figure 4.

[0050] In step S601, the information management unit 302 acquires past delivery data (past delivery data to the delivery destination) for which the setting is to be configured. This past delivery data includes information such as the number of deliveries (number of visits), delivery time (time of visit), and delivery completion time to the delivery destination for which the setting is to be configured. Furthermore, if the delivery destination for which the setting is to be configured is a destination that may require a longer delivery time than other delivery destinations, the past delivery data includes information on a caution flag registered by the user or the like. The information management unit 302 may acquire the past delivery data from an external server that manages delivery data, or it may store and manage it in a storage unit 308 or the like.

[0051] In step S602, the information management unit 302 calculates the probability of someone being home for each delivery time slot using the acquired past delivery data to the delivery destination and the aforementioned (Equation 1). Note that the past delivery data acquired by the information management unit 302 in step S601 may include information on the probability of someone being home for each delivery time slot. In this case, the information management unit 302 may obtain the probability of someone being home for each delivery time slot from the acquired past delivery data.

[0052] In step S603, the information management unit 302 determines whether or not a warning flag is registered for the delivery destination to be configured. If a warning flag is registered, the information management unit 302 moves the process to step S604. On the other hand, if a warning flag is not registered, the information management unit 302 moves the process to step S605.

[0053] When the process moves to step S604, the information management unit 302 stores the probability of the recipient being home for each delivery time slot, as well as a warning flag, in the delivery destination information 311 as shown in Figure 4. On the other hand, when the process moves to step S605, the information management unit 302 stores the probability of the recipient being home for each delivery time slot in the delivery destination information 311 as shown in Figure 4.

[0054] By performing the process shown in Figure 6 for all delivery destinations, the information management unit 302 can store and manage the delivery destination information 311, as shown in Figure 4, in the storage unit 308, etc. Note that the process shown in Figure 6 is just one example. For example, the information management unit 302 may display a registration screen on the client device 10 for registering a warning flag for each delivery destination, and store the warning flag information registered by the administrator or user in the delivery destination information 311.

[0055] (Processing by information processing systems) Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of an information processing system according to one embodiment. This process shows an example of the processing performed by the information processing system 1 when determining a second delivery order for delivering multiple packages to be delivered.

[0056] In step S701, the information management unit 302 registers package information 312, which is information about multiple packages to be delivered. For example, the information management unit 302 displays a registration screen for registering package information 312 on the client device 10 and accepts the registration of package information 312. Alternatively, the information management unit 302 may obtain the package information 312 already registered on the client device 10 from the client device 10 and store it in the storage unit 308 or the like.

[0057] In step S702, the classification unit 303 groups the multiple packages to be delivered, which are registered in the package information 312, according to their delivery time slots. For example, the classification unit 303 refers to the "delivery time slot" item in the package information 312 and classifies packages with specified delivery time slots into multiple groups such as "morning," "12:00-14:00," "14:00-16:00," and "16:00-18:00."

[0058] In step S703, the setting unit 304 sets a first delivery order for each group of packages with specified delivery time slots, based on the probability of the recipient being home for each delivery time slot. For example, the setting unit 304 sets the first delivery order for packages with specified delivery time slots by referring to the "probability of the recipient being home" in the delivery destination information 311, as shown in Figure 4. A specific example of how to set the first delivery order will be described later.

[0059] In step S704, the determination unit 305 determines a second delivery order for delivering multiple packages based on the first delivery order and the delivery address. For example, the determination unit 305 determines the delivery order for packages for which no delivery time slot has been specified, based on the first delivery order set by the setting unit 304 and the "address" in the package information 312 as shown in Figure 5. A specific example of how the second delivery order is determined will be described later.

[0060] In step S705, the information provision unit 307 provides the client device 10 or the like with information on a delivery route that passes through the destinations of multiple packages to be delivered in a second delivery order. For example, the information provision unit 307 uses the route search unit 306 to search for a delivery route that passes through the destinations of multiple packages to be delivered in a second delivery order, and displays a guidance screen or the like that guides the client device 10 along the searched delivery route.

[0061] As another example, the information provision unit 307 may provide the client device 10 with information on the second delivery order determined by the decision unit 305.

[0062] (First delivery order setting process) Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a first delivery order setting process according to one embodiment. This process shows a specific example of the first delivery order setting process executed by the setting unit 304 in step S703 of Figure 7. For example, the setting unit 304 executes the process shown in Figure 8 for each of the groups grouped by the classification unit 303.

[0063] In step S801, the setting unit 304 extracts packages from the delivery destinations of the group of packages to be set that have a probability of the recipient being home (i.e., a probability of the recipient being home is registered). For example, the setting unit 304 refers to the probability of the recipient being home for each time period in the delivery destination information 311 as shown in Figure 4, and extracts packages to be delivered to delivery destinations that have a probability of the recipient being home registered for the delivery time period to be set.

[0064] In step S802, the setting unit 304 sorts the delivery destinations for the packages extracted in step S801 in descending order of the probability of the recipient being home, and sets the first delivery order. For example, the setting unit 304 sets the delivery order for the destinations for which the probability of the recipient being home is registered, assigning the destination with the highest probability of being home as the 1st delivery, the destination with the second highest probability of being home as the 2nd delivery, the destination with the third highest probability of being home as the 3rd delivery, and so on.

[0065] In step S803, the setting unit 304 determines whether or not there are any delivery destinations where there is no probability of someone being home. For example, the setting unit 304 refers to the probability of someone being home for each time period in the delivery destination information 311 as shown in Figure 4, and determines whether or not there are any delivery destinations in the group where there is no probability of someone being home registered for the delivery time period to be set. If there are delivery destinations where there is no probability of someone being home, the setting unit 304 moves the process to step S804. On the other hand, if there are no delivery destinations where there is no probability of someone being home, the setting unit 304 moves the process to step S805.

[0066] When the process moves to step S804, the setting unit 304 places delivery destinations with no probability of being home (no probability of being home registered) after the delivery destination with the closest address among the delivery destinations with a probability of being home (probability of being home registered). This process places all delivery destinations for packages within the group into the first delivery order.

[0067] When the process moves to step S805, the setting unit 304 adjusts the first delivery order so that packages to multiple destinations within a predetermined distance are delivered together. For example, the setting unit 304 performs the first delivery order adjustment process as shown in Figure 9.

[0068] (First delivery order adjustment process) Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first delivery order adjustment process according to one embodiment. This process shows, for example, an example of a first delivery order adjustment process executed by the setting unit 304 in step S804 of Figure 8.

[0069] In step S901, the setting unit 304 initializes the variable n to 1 and then executes the processing from step S902 onward.

[0070] In step S902, the setting unit 304 extracts the (n+1)th and subsequent delivery destinations that are within a predetermined distance from the nth delivery destination. Here, the predetermined distance is a distance of 0m or more, and for example, the distance between delivery destinations that are desirable to deliver together is set in advance. Preferably, the predetermined distance can be set by the user who delivers the packages, or by the administrator who manages the information processing system 1.

[0071] In step S903, the setting unit 304 determines whether or not the (n+1)th and subsequent delivery destinations located within a predetermined distance from the nth delivery destination have been extracted. If delivery destinations have been extracted, the setting unit 304 proceeds to step S904. On the other hand, if no delivery destinations have been extracted, the setting unit 304 proceeds to step S905.

[0072] When the process moves to step S904, the setting unit 304 sets (updates) the first delivery order so that the extracted delivery destinations are delivered together with the nth delivery destination. For example, if the fifth delivery destination is within a predetermined distance from the first delivery destination, the setting unit 304 merges the first and fifth delivery destinations to create the first delivery destination.

[0073] When the process moves to step S905, the setting unit 304 determines whether there are any delivery destinations beyond the (n+1)th one. If there are delivery destinations beyond the (n+1)th one, the setting unit 304 moves the process to step S906. On the other hand, if there are no delivery destinations beyond the (n+1)th one, the setting unit 304 terminates the process shown in Figure 9.

[0074] When the process moves to step S906, the setting unit 304 adds 1 to n and executes the process from step S902 again.

[0075] Based on the processing shown in Figures 8 and 9, the setting unit 304 can set a first delivery order for each group classified by the classification unit 303, based on the probability of someone being home during each delivery time slot, to deliver packages with set delivery time slots.

[0076] Note that the processes shown in Figures 8 and 9 are just examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, in step S804 of Figure 8, the setting unit 304 may, if the distance between a delivery destination with no probability of being home and the delivery destination with a probability of being home that is closest to the recipient is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, add the delivery destination with no probability of being home to the end of the group.

[0077] Furthermore, the process in step S805 in Figure 8 (the process in Figure 9) is optional and not mandatory. For example, a user delivering a package may choose not to perform the process in step S805 if it would reduce delivery efficiency in areas or during delivery time slots where the probability of the recipient being home is extremely low.

[0078] (Second delivery order determination process) Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second delivery order setting process according to one embodiment. This process shows a specific example of the second delivery order determination process executed by the determination unit 305 in step S704 of Figure 7.

[0079] In step S1001, the determination unit 305 combines the first delivery order for each delivery time slot set by the setting unit 304 to create a second delivery order, which is the delivery order for all packages with a specified delivery time slot.

[0080] In step S1002, the decision unit 305 determines whether or not there are any packages among the multiple packages to be delivered for which a delivery time slot has not been specified. If there are packages for which a delivery time slot has not been specified, the decision unit 305 proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, if there are no packages for which a delivery time slot has not been specified, the decision unit 305 proceeds to step S1004.

[0081] When the process moves to step S1003, the determination unit 305 sets (updates) a second delivery order so that the destinations of packages for which a delivery time slot has not been set are delivered after the destinations of packages for which a delivery time slot has been set, specifically the destination that is closest in distance.

[0082] When the process moves to step S1004, the decision unit 305 determines whether or not there are any delivery destinations with a warning flag set. For example, the decision unit 305 refers to the delivery destination information 311 shown in Figure 4 to determine whether or not there are any delivery destinations with a warning flag set among the multiple packages to be delivered. If there are delivery destinations with a warning flag set, the decision unit 305 proceeds to step S1005. On the other hand, if there are no delivery destinations with a warning flag set, the decision unit 305 terminates the process shown in Figure 10.

[0083] In step S1005, the determination unit 305 adjusts the second delivery order so that the delivery order of the delivery destinations for which a warning flag has been set is lowered. For example, the determination unit 305 performs the second delivery order adjustment process as shown in Figure 11.

[0084] (Second delivery order adjustment process) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a second delivery order adjustment process according to one embodiment. This process shows, for example, an example of a second delivery order adjustment process executed by the determination unit 305 in step S1005 of Figure 10.

[0085] In step S1101, the determination unit 305 sets the delivery order of the delivery destination with the warning flag set to the end of the delivery order within the same area. This is because delivery to the delivery destination with the warning flag set takes time.

[0086] Here, the same area refers to areas such as "town / district" or "block / village" where the delivery address is the same. The same "town / district" can be identified by the town / district code in the address code, and the same "block / village" can be identified by the block / village code in the address code. However, the same area is not limited to these; it may also refer to areas other than "town / district" or "block / village."

[0087] In step S1102, the decision unit 305 determines whether there are multiple warning flags with different priorities. For example, the decision unit 305 determines that there are warning flags with different priorities if a warning flag is set and the delivery destination is set last in the delivery order within the same area has warning flags with different priorities set. If there are warning flags with different priorities, the decision unit 305 moves the process to step S1103. On the other hand, if there are no warning flags with different priorities, the decision unit 305 terminates the process shown in Figure 11.

[0088] When the process moves to step S1103, the determination unit 305 adjusts the delivery order within the same area so that destinations with a higher priority in the attention flag (destinations that require more time for delivery) are placed later in the delivery order.

[0089] Based on the processes shown in Figures 10 and 11, the determination unit 305 can determine a second delivery order for multiple packages, including packages for which no delivery time slot has been specified, based on the first delivery order and the delivery addresses of the multiple packages to be delivered.

[0090] Note that the processes shown in Figures 10 and 11 are examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, in step S1003 of Figure 10, if there are no delivery destinations for packages with specified delivery time slots within a predetermined distance, the determination unit 305 may set the delivery order of destinations for packages without specified delivery time slots to the end of the second delivery order. Also, if executing the process in step S1003 results in packages that cannot be delivered within the specified delivery time slot, the determination unit 305 may set the delivery order of destinations for packages without specified delivery time slots to the end of the second delivery order.

[0091] <Summary> As described above, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment determines the delivery order for multiple packages to be delivered, prioritizing the delivery of packages with a higher probability of the recipient being home, based on the delivery time slots specified. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to determine a more efficient delivery order when delivering packages to multiple destinations.

[0092] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 lowers the priority of delivery destinations that have a high probability of the recipient being home but require more time to deliver than other destinations, and determines the delivery order for multiple packages to be delivered. This further improves delivery efficiency.

[0093] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 can update the "probability of recipient being home" and the "warning flag" to the latest status according to the delivery status, thereby enabling the system to determine the delivery order for multiple packages with greater accuracy. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Information Processing System 10 Client devices 20 Server Devices 200 Computers 302 Information Management Department 303 Classification Department 304 Settings Section 305 Decision Section 307 Information Provision Department 311 Delivery address information (Delivery address information)

Claims

1. An information management unit configured to manage delivery destination information, including the probability of someone being home at the delivery destination for each delivery time slot, A sorting unit configured to classify packages with specified delivery time slots into groups according to those delivery time slots, A setting unit configured to set a first delivery order for each group, based on the probability of the recipient being home at the delivery destination for each delivery time slot, A determination unit configured to determine a second delivery order for delivering multiple packages, including packages with specified delivery time slots and packages without specified delivery time slots, based on the first delivery order and the delivery address; It has, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes a warning flag indicating that the delivery destination may require a longer delivery time than other destinations. The determination unit is an information processing system that determines the second delivery order so that, if there is one or more delivery destinations within the same area as the delivery destination address for which the warning flag has been set, the package is delivered to the delivery destination for which the warning flag has been set after the one or more delivery destinations for which the warning flag has been set.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the first delivery order prioritizing delivery destinations with a higher probability of the recipient being home.

3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit sets the first delivery order so that, if there is a first delivery destination for which the probability of being home is not registered, the delivery is made to the first delivery destination after the second delivery destination, which is the closest in address to the first delivery destination among the delivery destinations in the same group for which the probability of being home is registered.

4. The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit adjusts the first delivery order so that multiple delivery destinations located within a predetermined distance from each other are delivered together.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the second delivery order so that, if there is a first package for which no delivery time slot has been specified, the first package is delivered after the second package, which has a specified delivery time slot and is closest to the address.

6. The aforementioned warning flag is, A first flag indicating that there are road restrictions to the delivery destination, or A second flag indicating that the location of the delivery destination building is unusual. The information processing system according to claim 1, including the following:

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information management unit calculates the probability of the recipient being home for each delivery time slot based on past delivery data to the recipient.

8. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an information providing unit configured to provide information on a delivery route that passes through the destinations of the plurality of packages in the second delivery order.

9. Computers A process for managing delivery destination information, including the probability of someone being home at the delivery destination for each delivery time slot, A process for classifying packages with specified delivery time slots into groups according to those delivery time slots, Based on the probability of the recipient being home for each delivery time slot, a process is performed to set a first delivery order for each group, in which packages with the specified delivery time slot will be delivered. A decision process that determines a second delivery order for delivering multiple packages, including packages with specified delivery time slots and packages without specified delivery time slots, based on the first delivery order and the delivery address; Execute, The aforementioned delivery destination information includes a warning flag indicating that the delivery destination may require a longer delivery time than other destinations. The aforementioned determination process is an information processing method that determines the second delivery order so that, if there is one or more delivery destinations within the same area as the delivery destination address for which the warning flag has been set, the package is delivered to the delivery destination for which the warning flag has been set after the one or more delivery destinations for which the warning flag has been set.

Images