Delivery management system, delivery management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing or preventing the trouble that a delivery person forget to input a delivery state to a delivery management system on completing the delivery with simple constitution.SOLUTION: A delivery management system for managing the delivery state of a delivery object by a delivery person comprises: a positioning part which acquires position information on a delivery vehicle that the delivery person uses; an input reception part which receives input of the delivery state; a delivery object information acquisition part which acquires delivery object information including position information on the delivery destination of the delivery object; and a notification part which gives notice when the non-delivery condition that the delivery vehicle moves and the delivery state is not changed is met after the delivery condition that the delivery vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the position of the delivery destination and stops for a predetermined time or longer is met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a delivery management system, a delivery management method, and a program. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for preventing a taxi driver from forgetting to operate a taximeter, in which if the taximeter is not operated within a predetermined time after a passenger in the taxi is detected by a human detection unit, a notification signal for preventing the forgetting of operation is transmitted. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 5-159123 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] When a delivery person completes delivery of a package to a delivery destination, the delivery person may perform an input operation to an input device such as a mobile terminal to indicate that the package delivery has been completed. When a conventional technology is applied to package delivery by a delivery person, in order to prevent the delivery person from forgetting to perform the input operation, a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of a package needs to be provided in a delivery vehicle, which may increase the number of parts. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology that can prevent a delivery person from forgetting to perform an input operation indicating that delivery is completed with a simple configuration. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The present disclosure can be implemented as the following aspects.

[0006] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a delivery management system is provided for managing the delivery status of packages by a delivery person. The delivery management system includes a positioning unit that acquires location information of a delivery vehicle used by the delivery person, an input receiving unit that accepts input of the delivery status, a package information acquisition unit that acquires package information including location information of the destination of the package, and a notification unit that provides notification when the delivery vehicle moves after fulfilling the delivery conditions of being within a predetermined distance from the destination and stopping for a predetermined time or longer, and the uninput condition of not changing the delivery status is also met. This type of delivery management system, with its simple configuration that does not require a detection unit to detect the presence or absence of packages in the delivery vehicle, can suppress or prevent the problem of delivery personnel forgetting to input the delivery status after completing a delivery. (2) In the delivery management system of the above form, the notification unit may give the notification if the delivery vehicle stops after the condition of not inputting has been met. This type of delivery management system allows for prompting changes to the delivery status while the delivery vehicle is stopped. (3) In the above-described delivery management system, the notification unit may use the package information corresponding to the next delivery destination determined in advance to determine whether or not the delivery conditions are met. This type of delivery management system can suppress or prevent unnecessary notifications about delivery destinations that are not scheduled for delivery, from the perspective of delivery order. (4) In the above-described delivery management system, if the package information further includes a specified delivery time for the package, the delivery condition may also be satisfied if the current time is within the specified delivery time. This type of delivery management system can suppress or prevent unnecessary notifications about delivery destinations that are not scheduled for delivery, from the perspective of the designated delivery time slot. (5) In the above-described delivery management system, at least one of the predetermined distance and the predetermined time may be set individually for each type of building at the delivery destination. This type of delivery management system allows for notifications to be sent at the appropriate time, taking into account the fact that the stopping position and time of delivery vehicles vary depending on the type and size of the building at the delivery destination. (6) In the above-described delivery management system, if the delivery conditions are met for multiple delivery destinations, the notification unit may provide the notification corresponding to the delivery destination closest to the delivery vehicle. According to this type of delivery management system, when multiple delivery destinations are set, excessive notifications can be suppressed or prevented by providing notifications only to the delivery destinations that most frequently require changes in delivery status. This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than the delivery management system described above. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a delivery management device, a delivery management server, a route guidance device, a delivery management method executed by a computer, a computer program for delivery management, or a non-temporary tangible recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the delivery management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a package information management screen. [Figure 3] A flowchart of the delivery management process according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the delivery management process performed by the delivery management system. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing the status when a notification is issued by the cargo information management department. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing the delivery management process according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the delivery management system 10 in the first embodiment. The delivery management system 10 is used, for example, to manage delivery operations in which a delivery person 60 delivers packages using a delivery vehicle 50. The delivery management system 10 comprises a delivery management device 100 and a delivery management server 200. The delivery management device 100 is used by being mounted on the delivery vehicle 50.

[0009] The delivery management device 100 is comprised of, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The delivery management device 100 can access a delivery management server 200 connected to the Internet 80 via a communication carrier 70 which includes a transmitting and receiving antenna, a wireless base station, and a switching station. The delivery management device 100 includes a CPU 110 as a central processing unit, a storage unit 120 such as ROM or RAM, a communication unit 102, a display unit 126, a touch panel 124, and a positioning unit 122. These are connected to each other via an internal bus and interface circuits.

[0010] The communication unit 102 is a circuit for data communication with the delivery management server 200 via the communication carrier 70, or for wireless LAN communication. The communication unit 102 functions as a package information acquisition unit for obtaining package information 224 from the delivery management server 200. Package information 224 is various information related to package delivery, such as the delivery status of the package and the location information of the package's destination, as will be described later. Package information 224 is not limited to being obtained from the delivery management server 200; for example, it may be obtained by receiving package information 224 transmitted from a client that has commissioned delivery services, such as an e-commerce company, or it may be obtained by manual input by the delivery person 60 without going through the communication unit 102. In this embodiment, the communication unit 102 also functions as a route data acquisition unit for obtaining map information 222, including route data for guiding the user on a route, from the delivery management server 200. Each piece of data obtained by the communication unit 102 is stored in the storage unit 120.

[0011] The display unit 126 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor, and is a device that displays various information such as routes. The touch panel 124 is superimposed on the display unit 126 and accepts touch operations from the user using a finger or pen. The touch panel 124 functions as an input receiving unit for receiving input of delivery status by the delivery person 60. The positioning unit 122 is equipped with a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and determines the latitude and longitude of the current position of the delivery management device 100 based on radio waves received from artificial satellites that constitute the GNSS. Note that the input receiving unit is not limited to the touch panel 124, but may consist of other input devices such as various buttons, joysticks, or touchpads.

[0012] The CPU 110 controls all parts of the delivery management device 100. The memory unit 120 stores programs for providing each of the functions provided in this embodiment. By executing the programs stored in the memory unit 120, some or all of the functions of the route guidance unit 112 and the package information management unit 114 are realized. The functions of the route guidance unit 112 and the package information management unit 114 may also be realized by hardware circuits.

[0013] The route guidance unit 112 acquires map information 222 from the delivery management server 200 and controls the display unit 126 to provide route guidance based on the map information 222 received from the delivery management server 200 and the current location acquired by the positioning unit 122. The map information 222 includes map data, route data, road network data, guidance data, etc.

[0014] Route data is data representing a route from a starting point to a destination. Map data is data representing the types, positions, shapes, etc. of features. A feature refers to any object that occupies land, regardless of whether it is natural or artificial, and means objects existing in the real world such as rivers, mountains, plants, bridges, railways, buildings, etc. Road network data is data representing the connection state of roads by means of link data representing roads and node data representing intersections, inflection points, and dead ends. Node data includes information representing latitude and longitude. Link data includes information indicating the nodes that constitute the link data, and cost information representing the travel time required to pass the road. Guidance data is data including images of guide signs, intersections, interchange entrances and exits, etc., in the vicinity of the route represented by the route data. The guidance data is associated with node data or link data.

[0015] The route guidance unit 112 acquires, for example, map data around the current position in parcel units divided into a mesh shape. The route guidance unit 112 acquires guidance data each time a predetermined distance is traveled along the route. The route guidance unit 112 acquires route data, for example, when generating a route or re-routing. Re-routing refers to the process of setting a new route when the current position deviates from the route. In the present embodiment, route generation and re-routing are performed by the delivery management server 200. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and route generation and re-routing may be performed by either the delivery management server 200 or the delivery management device 100.

[0016] The route guidance unit 112 acquires map data around the current position from the delivery management server 200, displays a map on the display unit 126, and displays the route represented by the route data acquired from the delivery management server 200 on the map. The route guidance unit 112 further uses the guidance data acquired from the delivery management server 200 to display an image representing a right / left turn point, an interchange for getting on / off, etc., based on the relationship between the route and the current position.

[0017] The package information management unit 114 reads package information 224 stored in the storage unit 120, causes the display unit 126 to display the information, and executes a delivery management process described later. In the delivery management process, the package information management unit 114 functions as a notification unit that notifies the delivery person 60 via, for example, the display unit 126 or an administrator who manages delivery status when the delivery status input by the delivery person 60 is not properly performed.

[0018] The delivery management server 200 manages map information 222 and package information 224. The delivery management server 200 includes a CPU 210 serving as a central processing unit, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 202, which are interconnected via an internal bus, an interface circuit, and the like. The communication unit 202 is a circuit for communicating with the delivery management apparatus 100 via the Internet 80.

[0019] The storage unit 220 is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a hard disk drive (HDD). Various programs for implementing the functions provided in the present embodiment are stored in the HDD or the ROM. When a computer program stored in the storage unit 220 is executed by the CPU 210, the CPU 210 functions as a route generation unit 212 and a package information generation unit 214. Map information 222 and package information 224 are stored in a readable and writable area of the storage unit 220.

[0020] When the route generation unit 212 receives a route generation request or a reroute request from the delivery management apparatus 100 via the communication unit 202, the route generation unit 212 performs route generation processing for generating a route in accordance with these requests. In the present embodiment, when the route generation unit 212 receives, from the delivery management apparatus 100, a delivery destination specified in a route generation request or a reroute request, the route generation unit 212 searches for a route to the specified delivery destination using road network data, and generates route data. Well-known methods such as Dijkstra's algorithm and the A-Star algorithm can be used as the algorithm for route generation. The route generation unit 212 transmits the generated route data together with map data and guidance data to the delivery management apparatus 100 via the communication unit 202.

[0021] The package information generation unit 214 acquires package information 224 and stores it in the storage unit 220. The package information generation unit 214 acquires package information 224, for example, by inputting package information 224 through manual operation by an administrator, or by receiving package information 224 transmitted from a delivery service provider such as an e-commerce company. When the package information generation unit 214 receives a package information request from the delivery management device 100 via the communication unit 202, for example, it transmits the package information 224 to the delivery management device 100. When the package information generation unit 214 receives a package information transmission request from an administrator, it may transmit the package information 224 to a delivery person 60 designated by the administrator.

[0022] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a management screen for package information 224. Figure 2 shows a display screen 300 on the display unit 126 of the delivery management device 100, which displays at least some of the package information 224. Package information 224 includes, for example, a specified delivery time slot 310 specified by the delivery destination, delivery destination information 320, package identification information 326, and delivery status 330.

[0023] The delivery destination information 320 includes, for example, the delivery address 322 and the recipient 324. The delivery destination information 320 includes the delivery address 322, the type of building to which the delivery destination belongs, and the delivery conditions associated with each type of building, which will be described later. In Figure 2, an example is shown where the delivery conditions are not displayed on the display screen 300, but they may be displayed. The package identification information 326 includes various information that can identify the package, such as the identification number or ID associated with the package, information about the contents of the package, the packaging method such as cardboard boxes or envelopes, the type, color, size, number, and weight of the package, and the sender of the package.

[0024] The delivery status 330 indicates the status of the delivery, such as the progress and result of the delivery. The delivery status 330 includes various information indicating the status of the delivery, such as "in transit," "recipient absent," "redelivery," "delivery completed," and "not yet started." The user of the delivery management device 100, i.e., the delivery person 60, updates the delivery status 330 by operating the touch panel 124 according to the status of the delivery.

[0025] In the example in Figure 2, the package information 224 for the delivery destination G1, where the delivery is currently being made, and the delivery destination GR, which is scheduled to receive the package after G1, is displayed. The package information 224 for delivery destination G1 includes a delivery time slot 310a, which specifies a time slot from 16:00 to 18:00 as an example of a delivery time slot 310, and a delivery status 330a, which indicates "in transit," as an example of a delivery status 330. For delivery destination GR, a delivery time slot 310r, which specifies a time slot from 18:00 to 20:00, and a delivery status 330r, which indicates "not entered," are set.

[0026] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the delivery management process executed by the delivery management system 10 according to this embodiment. This process is executed, for example, when an operation to start the delivery of a package is performed on the delivery management device 100. The following explanation will use the case where a delivery person 60 operates the delivery management device 100 as an example.

[0027] In step S10, the package information management unit 114 sends a package information request to the delivery management server 200 via the communication unit 102 to obtain package information 224. The package information generation unit 214, upon receiving the package information request, transmits the package information 224 to the delivery management device 100. The package information management unit 114 may also transmit the identification information of the delivery person 60 to the delivery management server 200 along with the package information request. With this configuration, the package information generation unit 214 can extract package information 224 associated with the identification information and transmit the corresponding package information 224 individually for each delivery person 60. The package information 224 obtained by the package information management unit 114 may be a single package information 224 corresponding to the next package to be delivered, or it may be multiple package information 224 for deliveries in one day. Furthermore, the package information 224 is not limited to being obtained from the delivery management server 200; it may also be obtained by manual setting by the delivery person 60 or the administrator.

[0028] In step S20, the package information management unit 114 uses the acquired package information 224 to set the next delivery destination. In this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 determines the next delivery destination by accepting manual operation from the delivery person 60. Specifically, the delivery person 60 checks the package information 224 from the display screen 300 shown in Figure 2, for example, and determines the next delivery destination by manually operating the touch panel 124. The following explanation will use the case where the next delivery destination is set to delivery destination G1 shown in Figure 2 as an example. Note that the next delivery destination may be set automatically by the package information management unit 114 by referring to a pre-set delivery order or the specified delivery time slot in the package information 224, instead of or in conjunction with the manual operation of the delivery person 60. The setting of a delivery destination may be only for a single delivery destination to be delivered next, or it may be set for multiple delivery destinations at once, such as for a day.

[0029] Once the delivery destination is determined, the package information management unit 114 accepts the start of delivery. The delivery person 60 begins delivery to the next destination. The package information management unit 114 may, for example, accept the operation of the delivery start button by the delivery person 60 as the input to start delivery. In this embodiment, the delivery person 60 makes deliveries to destinations using route guidance from the route guidance unit 112.

[0030] The route guidance unit 112 of the delivery management device 100 receives coordinate information or an address indicating the latitude and longitude of the delivery destination, which is associated with the package information 224 of the next package to be delivered, as the destination. If the destination is obtained as an address, the address may be converted into coordinate information by the route guidance unit 112 or the delivery management server 200. The route guidance unit 112 requests the delivery management server 200 to generate a route from the obtained departure point to the destination. If no departure point is specified, the route guidance unit 112 may use the current position determined by the positioning unit 122 as the departure point. The route generation unit 212 of the delivery management server 200 generates a route according to the route generation request received from the delivery management device 100. The route generation unit 212 transmits map information 222 containing the generated route data to the delivery management device 100.

[0031] The route guidance unit 112 uses the acquired map information 222, including route data, guidance data, and map data, to control the display unit 126 and provide route guidance. Specifically, it draws the map represented by the map data on the display unit 126 and then draws the route represented by the route data on top of that map. When the current location arrives at a location corresponding to the guidance data, it uses the guidance data to display images representing intersections, traffic signs, interchange entrances and exits, etc. The route guidance unit 112 may also provide guidance by emitting voice rather than just images.

[0032] In step S30, the package information management unit 114 detects that the delivery vehicle 50 has stopped. The stopping of the delivery vehicle 50 can be detected using the current position determined by the positioning unit 122. When the package information management unit 114 detects that the delivery vehicle 50 has stopped, it starts timing using a timer (not shown) and checks whether the delivery conditions in steps S40-S50 and the uninput conditions in steps S70-S80 are met.

[0033] In step S40, the package information management unit 114 checks, as a first delivery condition, whether the parking position of the delivery vehicle 50, as determined by the positioning unit 122, is within a predetermined distance from the next delivery destination. The "predetermined distance" in the first delivery condition is set to a distance that allows it to be estimated that the delivery person 60 is transporting the package from the parked delivery vehicle 50 to the delivery destination. The "predetermined distance" in the first delivery condition is also referred to as the "threshold distance" below. The threshold distance can be set, for example, using the distance from the delivery destination to a typical predicted parking position where the delivery person 60 would park the delivery vehicle 50 when transporting the package to the delivery destination. If the parking position of the delivery vehicle 50 is farther than the threshold distance (S40: NO), the package information management unit 114 proceeds to step S30. If the parking position of the delivery vehicle 50 is within the threshold distance (S40: YES), the package information management unit 114 proceeds to step S50.

[0034] Here, the distance from the delivery destination to the predicted stopping position of the delivery vehicle 50 may vary depending on the type and size of the building at the delivery destination. Therefore, it is preferable that the threshold distance in the first delivery condition be set to a value appropriate for each type of building. For example, if the building is a typical detached house, it is preferable to set it in the range of 5 meters to 20 meters, and if it is an apartment building or other multi-unit dwelling, it is preferable to set it in the range of 20 meters to 500 meters. If the threshold distance is too short, notifications may not be properly sent, and if the threshold distance is too long, the frequency of notifications may become excessive. However, the threshold distance is not limited to this, and may be set to a uniform value regardless of the type of building. In this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 uses the threshold distance for each type of building at the delivery destination as a delivery condition set in the delivery destination information 320 of the package information 224.

[0035] In step S50, the package information management unit 114 checks whether the stopping time of the delivery vehicle 50 is longer than a predetermined time as a second delivery condition. The "predetermined time" in the second delivery condition is set to a time that allows it to be estimated that the delivery person 60 is transporting the package from the delivery vehicle 50 parked at the predicted stopping position to the delivery destination. The "predetermined time" in the second delivery condition is also referred to as the "threshold time" below. The threshold time can be set, for example, as the sum of the period from when the delivery person 60 transports the package from the delivery vehicle 50 to the delivery destination, completes the delivery, and returns to the delivery vehicle 50, and the period from when the delivery person 60 operates the delivery management device 100 and completes the input of the delivery status 330 shown in Figure 2. If the delivery vehicle 50 starts moving before the stopping time exceeds the threshold time (S50: NO), the package information management unit 114 moves the process to step S30. If the stopping time exceeds the threshold time (S50: YES), the package information management unit 114 moves the process to step S60 and determines that the delivery conditions have been met. The meeting of delivery conditions means, in other words, a situation in which it can be presumed that the delivery person 60 has carried out delivery to the destination. "Delivery has been carried out" includes, for example, cases where delivery could not be completed due to the recipient being absent or for other reasons, and does not matter whether the delivery was completed or not.

[0036] Here, the predicted stopping time of the delivery vehicle 50 may vary depending on the type and size of the building at the delivery destination. Therefore, it is preferable that the threshold time in the second delivery condition be set to a value appropriate for each type of building. For example, if the building is a typical house, it is preferable to set it in the range of 30 seconds to 300 seconds, and if it is an apartment building or other multi-unit dwelling, it is preferable to set it in the range of 120 seconds to 600 seconds. If the threshold time is too long, notifications may not be properly sent, and if the threshold time is too short, the frequency of notifications may become excessive. However, the threshold time is not limited to this, and may be set to a uniform value regardless of the type of building. In this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 uses the threshold time for each type of building at the delivery destination as a delivery condition set in the delivery destination information 320 of the package information 224.

[0037] In step S70, the package information management unit 114 checks whether the delivery status 330 has changed. In the example in Figure 2, the package information management unit 114 checks whether the delivery status 330a for delivery destination G1, which was "out for delivery", has changed to "absent", "redelivery", "completed", etc. If the delivery status 330 has changed (S70: YES), the package information management unit 114 proceeds to step S120. If the delivery status 330 has not changed (S70: NO), the package information management unit 114 proceeds to step S80.

[0038] In step S80, the package information management unit 114 monitors the current location of the delivery vehicle 50, which has been positioned by the positioning unit 122, and waits for detection of movement of the delivery vehicle 50. If no movement of the delivery vehicle 50 is detected within a predetermined time (S80: NO), the package information management unit 114 proceeds to step S70. If movement of the delivery vehicle 50 is detected (S80: YES), the package information management unit 114 proceeds to step S90 and determines that the non-input condition has been met. In other words, the fulfillment of the non-input condition means that there is sufficient evidence to presume that the delivery person 60 has already delivered the item to the destination, but has forgotten to input the delivery status 330.

[0039] In step S100, the package information management unit 114 waits for the delivery vehicle 50, which has started moving, to stop. When the package information management unit 114 detects that the delivery vehicle 50 has stopped, it proceeds to step S110 and issues a notification prompting the delivery status 330 to be changed. The notification may be issued to the administrator on behalf of or together with the delivery person 60. Alternatively, step S100 may be omitted, and the notification may be issued in step S90 if the condition for no input is met. This configuration allows the delivery person 60 to be prompted to input the delivery status 330 earlier.

[0040] In step S120, the package information management unit 114 checks whether to terminate the package management process. For example, the package information management unit 114 checks whether the delivery of all packages corresponding to the acquired package information 224 has been completed. If there are further delivery destinations, as shown in delivery destination GR in Figure 2 (S120: NO), the package information management unit 114 moves the process to step S30. If all deliveries have been completed (S120: YES), the package information management unit 114 terminates the delivery management process.

[0041] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the delivery management process performed by the delivery management system 10. Figure 4 shows the route guidance display screen 302 provided by the route guidance unit 112. The display screen 302 shows the building of the next delivery destination G1, where the delivery is currently being made, the building of the next delivery destination GR, which is scheduled to be delivered after delivery destination G1, and the current location AL of the delivery vehicle 50.

[0042] In Figure 4, the dashed line RG1 conceptually represents the threshold distance range in the first delivery condition associated with delivery destination G1. The dashed line RG2 conceptually represents the threshold distance range associated with delivery destination GR. The building type at delivery destination G1 is a typical detached house, while the building type at delivery destination GR is an apartment building. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the threshold distance of range RG2 is set longer than the threshold distance of range RG1. Delivery person 60 is transporting the package to delivery destination G1 with the delivery vehicle 50 parked within ranges RG1 and RG2.

[0043] In this embodiment, when multiple delivery destinations are set, such as delivery destination G1 and delivery destination GR, if the parking time of the delivery vehicle 50 exceeds a threshold time, the package information management unit 114 checks whether the delivery conditions and the uninput condition are met for each of the set delivery destinations, regardless of the delivery order. In the example in Figure 4, since the parking position of the delivery vehicle 50 is included in the range RG1 and RG2, the uninput condition is met unless both the change in the delivery status 330a of delivery destination G1 and the change in the delivery status 330r of delivery destination GR are performed. With this configuration, notifications can be made for all delivery destinations regardless of the delivery order. In addition, forgetting to set the delivery status can be prevented by using a simple process that does not use the delivery order. Since notifications are made for each of the multiple delivery destinations, the problem of forgetting to input the delivery status 330 can be prevented more reliably.

[0044] However, this is not limited to this case; if multiple delivery destinations are set, the package information management unit 114 may only provide notification for the delivery destination G1 closest to the delivery vehicle. In the example in Figure 4, the parking position of the delivery vehicle 50 is included in the ranges RG1 and RG2, but no notification is given even if the delivery status 330r of delivery destination GR, which is further away than delivery destination G1, has not been changed. The uninputted condition is met only when the delivery status 330a of the closest delivery destination G1 has not been changed. By configuring it in this way, when multiple delivery destinations are set, notifications can be given for delivery destinations where there is a high need to change the delivery status 330, thereby suppressing or preventing excessive notifications.

[0045] Furthermore, if the package information 224 includes the designated delivery time slot 310 for the package, the package information management unit 114 may, as a third delivery condition, check whether the current time is within the designated delivery time slot 310, and determine that the delivery condition is met if the current time is within the designated delivery time slot 310. As shown in Figure 2, the package information 224 of the delivery destination GR has a designated delivery time slot 310r that specifies 18:00 to 20:00, but in the example in Figure 4, the current time is not within the designated delivery time slot 310r. Therefore, even if the delivery vehicle 50 is parked within the range RG2 shown in Figure 4, at least the third delivery condition is not met, and the delivery condition corresponding to the delivery destination GR is not satisfied. In this way, the system may use various information included in the package information 224 of the delivery destination to determine whether the delivery condition is met. However, the package information management unit 114 may notify based on the fulfillment of the delivery condition and the unentered condition, regardless of the designated delivery time slot 310 or the delivery order, and is not limited to these examples.

[0046] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which notification by the package information management unit 114 is performed. As described above, after the delivery conditions are met, the uninput condition is met when the delivery person 60 starts moving the delivery vehicle 50 without changing the delivery status 330a. In this embodiment, as shown in the display screen 304 of Figure 5, when the delivery vehicle 50 stops at an intersection CP or the like, the package information management unit 114 detects the stop of the delivery vehicle 50 and notifies the delivery person 60 to change the delivery status 330a. As shown in window W1 of Figure 5, in this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 notifies by screen display via the display unit 126. At this time, it is preferable that window W1 further displays a message prompting a change in the delivery status 330a, or a screen for changing the delivery status 330a, as shown in Figure 5. By configuring it in this way, user convenience can be improved. Alternatively, instead of or in conjunction with screen display, notification may be given by voice via a speaker (not shown). Furthermore, if route guidance is not provided, window W1 may be displayed on the management screen for the luggage information 224 shown in Figure 2.

[0047] As described above, according to the delivery management system 10 of this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 notifies the delivery vehicle 50 when it has moved after satisfying the delivery conditions, namely that the delivery vehicle 50 is within a threshold distance from the next delivery destination and has stopped for a threshold time or longer, and the delivery status 330 has not been changed, thus satisfying the uninput condition. Therefore, with a simple configuration that does not require the use of a detection unit to detect the presence or absence of packages, it is possible to suppress or prevent the problem of the delivery person 60 forgetting to input the delivery status 330 after completing a delivery.

[0048] According to the delivery management system 10 of this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 issues a notification if the delivery vehicle 50 stops after the condition for no input has been met. By issuing a notification while the delivery vehicle 50 is stopped, the delivery person 60 can be prompted to input the delivery status 330 while the delivery vehicle 50 is stopped.

[0049] According to the delivery management system 10 of this embodiment, if the package information 224 also includes a designated delivery time slot 310 for the package, the delivery condition is further satisfied if the current time is within the designated delivery time slot 310. Therefore, the delivery condition can be prevented from being met for destinations where delivery is not planned from the perspective of the designated delivery time slot, thereby suppressing or preventing unnecessary notifications.

[0050] According to the delivery management system 10 of this embodiment, threshold distance and threshold time are set individually for each type of building at the delivery destination. Therefore, by taking into account the fact that the stopping position and stopping time of the delivery vehicle 50 differ depending on the type and size of the building at the delivery destination, notification can be given at a more appropriate timing.

[0051] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the delivery management process performed by the delivery management device 100b of the delivery management system 10 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The delivery management device 100b differs from the delivery management device 100 of the first embodiment in the content of the delivery management process performed by the package information management unit 114, but the other configurations are the same.

[0052] The display screen 306 shown in Figure 6 shows the next delivery destination G1b, the delivery destination GRb scheduled to be delivered after G1b, and the current location AL2 of the delivery vehicle 50. The dashed line range RG3a in Figure 6 conceptually represents the range of the threshold distance in the first delivery condition associated with delivery destination G1b. Range RG3a is the same size as, for example, range RG1 shown in Figure 4.

[0053] In this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 performs a process to switch the threshold distance according to the stopping time of the delivery vehicle 50, such that the threshold distance is longer when the stopping time of the delivery vehicle 50 is long compared to when the stopping time is short. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the package information management unit 114 expands range RG3a to range RG3b after a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery vehicle 50 stopped. The current position AL2 is not included in range RG3a but is included in range RG3b.

[0054] Here, due to reasons such as the delivery destination G1b being located far from the roadway, the stopping position of the delivery vehicle 50 may be further away from the delivery destination G1b than expected, and may not fall within the threshold distance range RG3a of the delivery destination G1b. According to the delivery management system 10 of this embodiment, the range is expanded to RG3b after a predetermined time has elapsed since the delivery vehicle 50 stopped, so notification can be given even if the delivery vehicle 50 ends up stopping at a location farther away from the delivery destination than usual. However, in expanding the range, it is preferable to set an upper limit on the threshold distance after expansion, or an upper limit on the number of expansions, from the viewpoint of suppressing or preventing unnecessary notifications.

[0055] In this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 further determines whether the delivery conditions are met using package information 224 corresponding to the next delivery destination. Note that "the next delivery destination" means the destination of the package currently being delivered by the delivery person 60. In the example in Figure 6, the next delivery destination is destination G1b. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the package information management unit 114 determines whether the delivery conditions are met using the ranges RG3a and RG3b of the next delivery destination G1b, without using the threshold distance range associated with the next delivery destination GRb.

[0056] According to the delivery management system 10 of this embodiment, the package information management unit 114 uses the package information 224 corresponding to the delivery destination G1 to which the package will be delivered next to determine whether the delivery conditions are met. Therefore, from the perspective of delivery order, delivery conditions can be prevented from being met within a threshold distance to delivery destinations that are not scheduled for delivery. As a result, unnecessary notifications can be suppressed or prevented.

[0057] C. Other embodiments: (C1) In the above embodiment, the delivery management device 100 was shown to be configured as a smartphone. In contrast, the delivery management device 100 may be configured as a car navigation system, a tablet, a personal computer, a game console, or other device.

[0058] (C2) The functions of the delivery management server 200 may also be provided in the delivery management device 100. In other words, the delivery management system 10 may be composed of the delivery management device 100 alone.

[0059] (C3) Each piece of data stored in the storage unit 220 may also be stored in other devices or equipment connected to the delivery management server 200 via a network.

[0060] (C4) In each of the above embodiments, an example was described in which the delivery person 60 makes a delivery to the destination using route guidance from the route guidance unit 112. In contrast, route guidance may not be provided by the route guidance unit 112, and only notification may be provided by the package information management unit 114. With this configuration, notification can be provided even when the delivery person 60 makes a delivery to the destination without using route guidance. Furthermore, the configuration of the delivery management device 100 can be simplified by omitting the route guidance unit 112.

[0061] (C5) In each of the above embodiments, an example was shown where the delivery vehicle 50 is an automobile. In contrast, the delivery vehicle 50 may be mounted on various vehicles that can be used for delivering packages, such as light vehicles like bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.

[0062] (C6) In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the threshold distance and threshold time are set individually for each type of building at the delivery destination. In contrast, either the threshold distance or the threshold time may be set individually for each type of building at the delivery destination.

[0063] (C7) In the first embodiment described above, in step S20, the delivery person 60 sets the delivery destination and determines whether the delivery conditions and unentered conditions are met for the set delivery destination. In contrast, step S20 may be omitted and the process may proceed to step S40 without determining the delivery destination. In this case, the delivery conditions and unentered conditions may be determined for the delivery destination corresponding to the package information 224 acquired by the package information management unit 114 in step S10. By configuring the process in this way, step S20 can be omitted, and the delivery management process can be simplified.

[0064] The control and methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the control and methods described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0065] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10...Delivery management system, 50...Delivery vehicle, 60...Delivery person, 70...Communication carrier, 80...Internet, 100,100b...Delivery management device, 102...Communication unit, 110...CPU, 112...Route guidance unit, 114...Package information management unit, 120...Storage unit, 122...Positioning unit, 124...Touch panel, 126...Display unit, 200...Delivery management server, 202...Communication unit, 210...CPU, 212...Route generation unit, 214...Package information generation unit, 220...Memory unit, 222...Map information, 224...Package information, 300, 302, 304, 306...Display screen, 310, 310a, 310r...Delivery time slot, 320...Delivery destination information, 322...Address, 324...Recipient, 326...Identification information, 330, 330a, 330r...Delivery status, AL, AL2...Current location, CP...Intersection, G1, G1b, GR, GRb...Delivery destination, RG1, RG2, RG3a, RG3b...Range, W1...Window

Claims

1. A delivery management system for managing the delivery status of packages by delivery personnel, A positioning unit that acquires location information of the delivery vehicle used by the aforementioned delivery person, An input receiving unit that receives input of the aforementioned delivery status, A package information acquisition unit that acquires package information including location information of the delivery destination, The system includes a notification unit that issues a notification when, after the delivery conditions are met—that the delivery vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the delivery destination and has stopped for a predetermined time or longer—the delivery vehicle moves and the uninputted condition that the delivery status has not changed is met. Delivery management system.

2. The delivery management system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit provides the notification if the delivery vehicle stops after the condition of no input has been met.

3. The delivery management system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit determines whether or not the delivery conditions are met using the package information corresponding to the next delivery destination determined in advance.

4. A delivery management system according to claim 1, If the aforementioned package information also includes a specified delivery time slot for the package, A delivery management system in which the aforementioned delivery conditions are further satisfied if the current time is within the specified delivery time slot.

5. The delivery management system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the predetermined distance and the predetermined time is set individually for each type of building to be delivered.

6. The delivery management system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit provides the notification corresponding to the delivery destination closest to the delivery vehicle when the delivery conditions are met for multiple delivery destinations.

7. A delivery management method for managing the delivery status of packages by delivery personnel, The computer obtains location information of the delivery vehicle used by the delivery person from the positioning unit, and also obtains package information, including location information of the delivery destination, from the storage unit. If the acquired delivery vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the acquired delivery destination and has been stopped for a predetermined time or longer, and then the delivery vehicle moves and the uninputted condition that the delivery status has not changed is met, the computer will issue a notification via the notification unit. Delivery management methods.

8. A program for managing the delivery status of packages by delivery personnel, A function to acquire location information of the delivery vehicle used by the aforementioned delivery person, and package information including location information of the delivery destination of the package, The computer implements a function that notifies the computer when, after the acquired delivery vehicle has met the delivery conditions of being within a predetermined distance from the acquired delivery destination and stopping for a predetermined time or longer, the delivery vehicle moves and the uninputted condition of not changing the delivery status is also met. program.

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