Delivery management system and program

Abstract

Provided are a delivery management system and a program for providing assistance in executing efficient delivery.　A delivery management system (1) comprises a delivery plan information acquisition unit (11), a delivery demand information acquisition unit (12), and a delivery matching unit (18). The delivery matching unit (18) provides delivery request information for making request for a delivery of a second delivery object by a delivery medium when, between a delivery plan and a delivery demand, either of the following conditions is satisfied: a first delivery matching condition that the inter-site distance between a first delivery destination site and a second delivery source site is not more than a first determination distance or a time difference between a first scheduled arrival time point and a second scheduled item collection time point is not more than a first determination time; and a second delivery matching condition that the inter-site distance between a first delivery source site and a second delivery destination site is not more than a second determination distance or a time difference between a first scheduled item collection time point and a second scheduled arrival time point is not more than a second determination time.

Description

Delivery management system and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery management system and a program.

[0002] A delivery service is known in the art that delivers portable batteries used in electric vehicles to the location of a user who rents the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This delivery service monitors the remaining charge of the battery used in the electric vehicle, and when a low battery charge is detected, the electric vehicle sends a battery delivery request to a server and arranges delivery. Furthermore, this delivery service provides five types of battery delivery destinations: the current location of the electric vehicle, the destination of the electric vehicle, an arbitrary location specified by the user of the electric vehicle, a location on the electric vehicle's travel route, and a location tracked by the electric vehicle.

[0003] International Publication No. 2014 / 053802

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, battery delivery is arranged according to the remaining battery charge of each electric vehicle, and when the tracked location of the electric vehicle is specified as the battery delivery destination, the delivery route is updated taking into account changes in the electric vehicle's location. However, the above-described conventional technology does not take into account how to respond when battery delivery requests for multiple electric vehicles occur simultaneously. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of efficiently executing multiple deliveries. The present invention has been made in light of this background, and aims to provide a delivery management system and program that supports the execution of efficient deliveries.

[0005] This specification includes all of the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-176628 filed on October 28, 2021. As a first aspect for achieving the above object, a delivery plan information acquisition unit acquires delivery plan information, which is information on a delivery plan for delivering a first delivery item by a delivery medium, including at least information on a first delivery origin point which is a point from which the first delivery item is delivered, a first scheduled collection time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the first delivery origin point, a first delivery destination point which is a delivery destination of the first delivery item, and a first scheduled arrival time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the first delivery destination point; and information on delivery demand for a second delivery item, which is at least information on a second delivery origin point which is a point from which the second delivery item is delivered, a second scheduled collection time which is a time when the second delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the second delivery origin point, a second delivery destination point which is a point to which the second delivery item is delivered, and a first scheduled arrival time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the first delivery destination point. An example of a delivery management system includes a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information including information on a second estimated arrival time, which is the estimated arrival time of the second delivery item at a destination point, and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information to request delivery of the second delivery item by the delivery vehicle when a first delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, where the point-to-point distance between the first delivery destination point and the second delivery origin point is equal to or less than a first judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated arrival time and the second estimated collection time is within a first judgment time, or a second delivery matching condition is met where the point-to-point distance between the first delivery origin point and the second delivery destination point is equal to or less than a second judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated collection time and the second estimated arrival time is within a second judgment time.

[0006] In the above delivery management system, the delivery matching unit may be configured to provide the delivery request information requesting delivery of the second delivery item according to the delivery demand following delivery of the first delivery item according to the delivery plan when the first delivery matching condition is met, and to provide the delivery request information requesting delivery of the first delivery item according to the delivery plan following delivery of the second delivery item according to the delivery demand when the second delivery matching condition is met.

[0007] In the above-mentioned delivery management system, the delivery matching unit may be configured to provide the delivery request information requesting delivery of the second delivery item from the second delivery origin point to the second delivery destination point by the delivery vehicle that makes the delivery of the delivery plan in which at least one of the distance between the points and the time difference is smallest, when the delivery plan information acquisition unit acquires multiple pieces of delivery plan information and extracts multiple pieces of delivery plans that satisfy the first delivery matching condition or the second delivery matching condition with the delivery demand.

[0008] In the above delivery management system, the delivery plan information includes the type of delivery medium, and a parking difficulty information acquisition unit is provided that acquires parking difficulty information regarding the difficulty of parking in a specified area including the second delivery destination point, and the delivery matching unit is configured to select a type of delivery medium that is compatible with the difficulty of parking at the second delivery destination point based on the parking difficulty information, and determine whether the first delivery matching condition or the second delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan in which delivery is made using the selected type of delivery medium and the delivery demand.

[0009] The delivery management system may further include a remaining charge information acquisition unit that acquires remaining charge information regarding the remaining charge of a portable first battery used in an object, and a delivery plan setting unit that determines a recommended time for replacing the first battery based on the remaining charge of the first battery recognized from the remaining charge information and sets the delivery plan in which the object is the delivery destination, the recommended replacement time is the first estimated arrival time, and a second battery to replace the first battery is the first delivery. Here, the object includes an electrical equipment, electrical appliance, electric vehicle, facility, etc. that uses a battery.

[0010] The delivery management system may be configured to include a remaining battery information acquisition unit that acquires remaining battery information regarding the remaining battery capacity of a portable first battery used in an object, and a delivery demand information provision unit that determines a recommended time for replacing the first battery based on the remaining battery capacity of the first battery recognized from the remaining battery information, and provides the delivery demand information regarding the delivery demand, with the object as the delivery destination, the recommended replacement time as the first estimated arrival time, and a second battery to replace the first battery as the second delivery item.

[0011] As a second aspect to achieve the above object, a computer includes a delivery plan information acquisition unit that acquires information on a delivery plan for delivering a first delivery item by a delivery medium, the delivery plan information including at least a first delivery origin point which is a point from which the first delivery item is delivered, a first scheduled collection time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the first delivery origin point, a first delivery destination point which is a delivery destination of the first delivery item, and a first scheduled arrival time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the first delivery destination point; and information on delivery demand for a second delivery item, the delivery plan information acquisition unit that acquires information on delivery demand for a second delivery item, the delivery plan information including at least a second delivery origin point which is a point from which the second delivery item is delivered, a second scheduled collection time which is a time when the second delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the second delivery origin point, a second delivery destination point which is a point to which the second delivery item is delivered, and a first scheduled arrival time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the first delivery destination point. An example of a program to function as a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information including information on a second estimated arrival time, which is the estimated arrival time of the second delivery item at a second delivery destination point, and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information to request delivery of the second delivery item by the delivery medium when a first delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, where the point-to-point distance between the first delivery destination point and the second delivery origin point is less than or equal to a first judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated arrival time and the second estimated collection time is within a first judgment time, or a second delivery matching condition is met where the point-to-point distance between the first delivery origin point and the second delivery destination point is less than or equal to a second judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated collection time and the second estimated arrival time is within a second judgment time.

[0012] A third aspect for achieving the above object is a delivery management system that includes: a travel schedule information acquisition unit that acquires travel schedule information, which is information regarding the travel schedule of a mobile body, including information on the planned travel route of the mobile body and information on the planned period for the mobile body to travel along the planned travel route; a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information, which is information regarding the delivery demand of a delivery item, including at least information on a delivery origin point, which is the point from which the delivery item is to be delivered, a delivery destination point, which is the point to which the delivery item is to be delivered, and a desired time point for delivery to the delivery destination; and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information to a user of the mobile body requesting delivery of the delivery item from the delivery origin point to the delivery destination when a travel matching condition is met between the travel schedule and the delivery demand, where the deviation distance from the planned travel route of the delivery origin point and the delivery destination point is within a deviation judgment distance and the desired time point for delivery is within the planned period.

[0013] A fourth aspect for achieving the above object is a program that causes a computer to function as: a travel schedule information acquisition unit that acquires travel schedule information, which is information about the travel schedule of a mobile body, including information about the planned travel route of the mobile body and information about the planned period for the mobile body to travel along the planned travel route; a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information, which is information about the delivery demand of a delivery item, including at least information about a delivery origin point, which is the point from which the delivery item is to be delivered, a delivery destination point, which is the point to which the delivery item is to be delivered, and a desired time point for delivery to the delivery destination; and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information to a user of the mobile body requesting delivery of the delivery item from the delivery origin point to the delivery destination when travel matching conditions are met between the travel schedule and the delivery demand, where the deviation distance from the planned travel route of the delivery origin point and the delivery destination point is within a deviation judgment distance and the desired delivery time point is within the planned period.

[0014] The delivery management system described above makes it possible to associate and execute the delivery of the first and second deliveries based on the delivery plan information and delivery demand information, thereby supporting efficient delivery execution.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a delivery management system and the manner in which delivery is supported by the delivery management system. FIG. 2 is a first flowchart of the delivery matching process. FIG. 3 is a second flowchart of the delivery matching process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a matching example in which a battery is delivered following the delivery of food and drink. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a matching example in which a battery is delivered following the delivery of food and drink. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment in which a vehicle's travel schedule and a battery delivery demand are matched.

[0016] 1, an overview of the configuration of the delivery management system 1 of this embodiment and the delivery matching process executed by the delivery management system 1 will be described. The delivery management system 1 executes a process to support efficient delivery execution in the area Ar.

[0017] 1 illustrates a situation in which a delivery person C delivers food and beverage 102 and a portable battery 122b using an electric motorcycle 50 as a delivery vehicle. First, in response to an order placed by a user U1 living at a residence using a communication terminal 111, delivery person C travels along route R1 from a restaurant 100 to a residence 110 to deliver food and beverage 102. Next, delivery person C travels along route R2 from residence 110 to a battery station 120 and collects battery 122b at battery station 120. Delivery person C then travels along route R3 from battery station 120 to a food truck 130 to deliver battery 122b.

[0018] The battery station 120 stores multiple batteries 122 and charges the batteries 122 using a charger 121. A dedicated key (a physical key, an electronic key, a passcode, etc.) is required to remove the battery 122 from the battery station 120 and to store the battery 122 in the battery station 120. In the kitchen car 130, the battery 122a is used to power cooking appliances, etc., and when the remaining charge of the battery 122a becomes low, delivery demand information Dni requesting the delivery of a replacement battery is sent from the communication terminal 131 to the delivery management system 1.

[0019] 1 also illustrates a situation in which user U2, who resides in residence 140, plans to travel route R4 from residence 140 to workplace 150 in four-wheeled vehicle 142 and requests the delivery of a battery en route. On the way to workplace 150, user U2 stops at battery station 120 to collect battery 122b, and then travels route R3 to deliver battery 122b to food truck 130. User U2 then returns to route R4 and heads for workplace 150.

[0020] The delivery management system 1 is a computer system including a processor 10, memory 30, a communication unit 40, etc. The delivery management system 1 communicates with a food and beverage delivery server 210, a schedule server 220, a communication terminal 101 used by the restaurant 100, a communication terminal 131 used by the kitchen car 130, a communication terminal 51 used by delivery person C, a communication terminal 141 used by user U2, etc. via a communication network 200 using the communication unit 40. The communication terminals 51, 101, 131, 141 are, for example, mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and mobile phones.

[0021] The memory 30 stores a program 31 for controlling the operation of the delivery management system 1, and map data 32 including the area Ar. By reading and executing the program 31, the processor 10 functions as a delivery plan information acquisition unit 11, a delivery demand information acquisition unit 12, a remaining battery information acquisition unit 13, a delivery plan setting unit 14, a delivery demand providing unit 15, a parking difficulty information acquisition unit 16, a travel schedule information acquisition unit 17, and a delivery matching unit 18. The program 31 may be recorded on an external recording medium (flash memory, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) that can be read and written by a computer, and may be transferred from the external recording medium to the memory 30. The memory 30 and the external recording medium are non-transitory tangible recording media.

[0022] The delivery plan information acquisition unit 11 receives and acquires food and beverage delivery plan information Ddi transmitted from the food and beverage delivery server 210 via the communication unit 40. As shown in DP1 in FIG. 4 , the delivery plan includes information on the delivery source (first delivery source), delivery destination (first delivery destination), delivery item (first delivery item), scheduled pickup date and time (first scheduled pickup time), scheduled arrival date and time (first scheduled arrival time), delivery medium, and delivery person. When the food and beverage delivery server 210 receives food and beverage delivery request information transmitted from the communication terminal 101 of the restaurant 100, the communication terminal 131 of the kitchen car 130, etc., it selects a delivery person who is capable of delivering from among pre-registered delivery people and sets up a delivery plan. The food and beverage delivery server 210 then transmits delivery instruction information to the communication terminal of the selected delivery person to arrange for the delivery of the food and beverage.

[0023] The delivery demand information acquisition unit 12 receives and acquires delivery demand information Dni transmitted from the communication terminal 131 of the kitchen car 130 or the like via the communication unit 40. As shown in DD1 in FIG. 4 , the delivery demand includes information on the delivery source (second delivery source), delivery destination (second delivery destination), delivery item (second delivery item), scheduled pickup date and time (second scheduled pickup date and time), and scheduled arrival date and time (second scheduled arrival time).

[0024] The remaining charge information acquisition unit 13 receives and acquires remaining charge information of the battery 122a transmitted from the communication terminal 131 of the kitchen car 130 (target object) via the communication unit 40. The delivery plan setting unit 14 sets a delivery plan for a replacement battery 122b for the kitchen car 130 when the remaining charge of the battery 122a recognized from the remaining charge information is equal to or less than the replacement determination threshold. In accordance with the delivery plan information for the battery 122b, delivery instruction information instructing the delivery of the battery 122b is sent to the communication terminal of a delivery person registered in advance in the delivery management system 1, and delivery of the battery 122b to the kitchen car 130 is arranged. In addition, the delivery plan information related to the delivery plan for the battery 122b set by the delivery plan setting unit 14 is acquired by the delivery plan information acquisition unit 11.

[0025] The delivery demand providing unit 15 generates delivery demand information indicating that there is a demand for battery replacement in the food truck 130 when the remaining power of the battery 122a recognized from the remaining power information is greater than the replacement determination threshold but equal to or less than the replacement preparation determination value. This delivery demand information is acquired by the delivery demand information acquiring unit 12. The parking difficulty information acquiring unit 16 refers to the map data 32 to acquire parking difficulty information regarding the difficulty of parking at the delivery destination. The parking difficulty includes the difficulty of securing a parking space, the size of the parking space relative to the size of the delivery vehicle, which is the delivery vehicle, etc.

[0026] The travel schedule information acquisition unit 17 receives and acquires the travel schedule information Mvp transmitted from the schedule server 220 via the communication unit 40. The schedule server 220 receives user U2's activity schedule information set in a schedule management app (application program) on the communication terminal 141 used by user U2, and recognizes user U2's travel schedule. The schedule server 220 then transmits the travel schedule information Mvp indicating user U2's travel schedule to the delivery management system 1. As shown in MP in Figure 6, the travel schedule includes information on the departure point, destination point, scheduled departure date and time (scheduled departure time), scheduled arrival date and time (scheduled arrival time), travel medium, and the traveling user.

[0027] The delivery matching unit 18 performs a first matching process to associate and execute deliveries according to delivery plans recognized from the delivery plan information acquired by the delivery plan information acquisition unit 11 with deliveries according to delivery demands recognized from the delivery demand information acquired by the delivery demand information acquisition unit 12. Fig. 1 illustrates an example in which delivery from point P11 to point P12 according to delivery plan DP1 and delivery from point P13 to point P14 according to delivery demand DD1 are associated and executed consecutively. Details of the first matching process will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, the delivery matching unit 18 performs a second matching process to make a delivery according to the delivery demand recognized from the delivery demand information Dni acquired by the delivery demand information acquisition unit 12, in association with the movement recognized from the movement schedule information Mvp acquired by the movement schedule information acquisition unit 17. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a movement from point P21 to point P22 according to the movement schedule MP is associated with a delivery from point P13 to point P14 according to the delivery demand DD1, and user U2 undertakes a delivery while moving. Details of the second matching process will be described later.

[0029] [2. First Matching Process] The execution procedure of the first matching process for associating and executing deliveries according to a delivery plan and deliveries according to delivery demands will be described in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, with reference to the explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0030] In step S1 of Fig. 2, the delivery plan information acquisition unit 11 acquires delivery plan information from the food and drink delivery server 210 or the delivery plan setting unit 14. In the next step S2, the delivery demand information acquisition unit 12 acquires delivery demand information from the communication terminal 131 of the kitchen car 130 or the delivery demand providing unit 15. In the following step S3, the parking difficulty information acquisition unit 16 recognizes the difficulty of parking at the delivery origin and delivery destination points recognized from the delivery plan information and at the delivery origin and delivery destination points recognized from the delivery demand information, by referring to the map data 32 and the size of the vehicle of the delivery vehicle.

[0031] In the next step S4, the delivery matching unit 18 searches for a combination that satisfies the following delivery matching conditions for the delivery plan recognized from the delivery plan information acquired by the delivery plan information acquisition unit 11 and the delivery demand recognized from the delivery demand information acquired by the delivery demand information acquisition unit 12.

[0032] (1-1) First delivery matching condition: The distance between the delivery destination point of the delivery plan and the delivery origin point of the delivery demand is equal to or less than a first judgment distance, and the time difference between the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination point of the delivery plan and the desired collection time at the delivery origin point of the delivery demand is equal to or less than a first judgment time. (1-2) Second delivery matching condition: The distance between the delivery origin point of the delivery plan and the delivery destination point of the delivery demand is equal to or less than a second judgment distance, and the time difference between the scheduled collection time at the delivery origin point of the delivery plan and the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination point of the delivery demand is equal to or less than a second judgment time.

[0033] The first delivery matching condition in (1-1) above may be such that the distance between the delivery destination point of the delivery plan and the delivery origin point of the delivery demand is less than or equal to a first judgment distance, or the time difference between the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination point of the delivery plan and the desired collection time at the delivery origin point of the delivery demand is less than or equal to a first judgment time. Furthermore, the second delivery matching condition in (1-2) above may be such that the distance between the delivery origin point of the delivery plan and the delivery destination point of the delivery demand is less than or equal to a second judgment distance, or the time difference between the scheduled collection time at the delivery origin point of the delivery plan and the scheduled arrival time at the delivery destination point of the delivery demand is less than or equal to a second judgment time.

[0034] The first judgment distance and the second judgment distance are set to, for example, several hundred meters. The first judgment distance and the second judgment distance may be set to the same distance or different distances. Furthermore, the first judgment time and the second judgment time are set to, for example, several tens of minutes. The first judgment time and the second judgment time may be set to the same time or different times. Furthermore, the delivery matching unit 18 excludes from consideration for combination with a delivery demand any delivery plan that uses a delivery vehicle that cannot match the parking difficulty at the delivery destination of the delivery demand.

[0035] Here, an example of a combination of a delivery plan and a delivery demand that satisfies the first delivery matching condition will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a combination of a delivery plan DP1 and a delivery demand DD1. In delivery plan DP1, the delivery source is restaurant 100, the delivery destination is residence 110, the delivery item is a lunch box (food and drink), the scheduled pickup date and time is October 28th at 1:00 PM, the scheduled arrival date and time is October 28th at 1:40 PM, the delivery vehicle is an electric motorcycle, and the delivery person is C.

[0036] For delivery demand DD1, the delivery source is battery station 120, the delivery destination is food truck 130, the delivery item is a battery, the scheduled pickup date and time is October 28th at 1:50 PM, and the scheduled arrival date and time is October 28th at 2:10 PM. The distance Δd1 between point P12, where home 110, the delivery destination of delivery plan DP1, is located, and point P13, where battery station 120, the delivery source of delivery demand DD1, is located, is less than or equal to the first judgment distance. Furthermore, the time difference of 10 minutes between October 28th at 1:40 PM, the scheduled arrival date and time of delivery plan DP1, and October 28th at 1:50 PM, the scheduled pickup date and time of delivery demand DD1, is less than or equal to the first judgment time. Therefore, the first delivery matching condition is met for delivery plan DP1 and delivery demand DD1, and a combination of delivery plan DP1 and delivery demand DD1 is extracted by the delivery matching unit 18.

[0037] Next, an example of a combination of a delivery plan and a delivery demand that satisfies the second delivery matching condition will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a combination of a delivery plan DP2 and a delivery demand DD2. In delivery plan DP2, the delivery source is a food truck 130, the delivery destination is a residence 160, the delivery item is a lunch box (food and drink), the scheduled pickup date and time is October 28th at 1:40 PM, the scheduled arrival date and time is October 28th at 1:50 PM, the delivery vehicle is an electric motorcycle, and the delivery person is C.

[0038] For delivery demand DD2, the delivery source is battery station 120, the delivery destination is food truck 130, the delivery item is a battery, the scheduled pickup date and time is October 28th at 1:00 PM, and the scheduled arrival date and time is October 28th at 1:30 PM. Because the delivery source of delivery plan DP2 and the delivery destination of delivery demand DD2 are both food truck 130, the distance between the points is zero, which is less than or equal to the second judgment distance. Furthermore, the 10-minute time difference between the scheduled pickup date of delivery plan DP2 at 1:40 PM on October 28th and the scheduled arrival date and time of delivery demand DD2 at 1:30 PM on October 28th is within the second judgment time. Therefore, the second delivery matching condition is met for delivery plan DP2 and delivery demand DD2, and a combination of delivery plan DP2 and delivery demand DD2 is extracted by the delivery matching unit 18.

[0039] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 2, in step S5, if the delivery matching unit 18 extracts a combination of a delivery plan and a delivery demand that satisfies the delivery matching conditions (either the first delivery matching condition or the second delivery matching condition), the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if a combination of a delivery plan and a delivery demand that satisfies the delivery matching conditions is not extracted, the delivery matching unit 18 proceeds to step S20 of Fig. 3 and executes the second matching process described below.

[0040] The delivery matching unit 18 executes the processes of steps S6 to S8 for each delivery demand for which a combination with a delivery plan has been extracted. In step S6, if there are multiple combined delivery plans, the delivery matching unit 18 proceeds to step S8, and if there is only one combined delivery plan, the delivery matching unit 18 proceeds to step S7.

[0041] In step S8, the delivery matching unit 18 selects a delivery plan to be combined with the delivery demand that minimizes at least one of the distance between the delivery points according to the delivery plan and the delivery relay point of the delivery demand and the time difference between the delivery points, and proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the delivery matching unit 18 transmits delivery request information requesting delivery according to the delivery demand to the communication terminal of the deliverer who executes the delivery plan combined with the delivery demand. As a result, arrangements are made to execute the delivery according to the delivery plan and the delivery according to the delivery demand consecutively.

[0042] For example, in the example of FIG. 4 described above, delivery of food and beverage 102 (such as a boxed lunch) along route R1 from restaurant 100 (point P11) to residence 110 (point P12) according to delivery plan DP1 is performed by delivery person C using electric motorcycle 50 as a delivery vehicle. After completing delivery of food and beverage 102, delivery person C travels along route R2 to battery station 120. Then, delivery of battery 122b along route R3 from battery station 120 (point P13) to food truck 130 according to delivery demand DD1 is performed by delivery person C using electric motorcycle 50 as a delivery vehicle. In this way, by combining and consecutively executing two deliveries according to delivery plan DP1 and delivery demand DD1, delivery efficiency can be improved. Note that a request to make a delivery according to a delivery demand following a delivery according to a delivery plan may be included in the delivery request information.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 5 described above, delivery of battery 122b according to delivery demand DD2 is performed by delivery person C using an electric motorcycle 50 as a delivery vehicle along route R3 from battery station 120 (point P13) to food truck 130 (point P14). After completing delivery of battery 122b, delivery person C then performs delivery of a lunch box according to delivery plan DP2 along route R12 from food truck 130 (point P14) to residence 160 (point P15), using an electric motorcycle 50 as a delivery vehicle. In this way, by combining and consecutively executing two deliveries according to delivery demand DD2 and delivery plan DP2, delivery efficiency can be improved. Note that a request to perform a delivery according to a delivery plan following a delivery according to a delivery demand may be included in the delivery request information.

[0044] [3. Second Matching Process] With reference to the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 6 and in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the execution procedure of the second matching process for associating and executing the movement of a mobile object according to a movement plan and delivery in response to a delivery demand will be described.

[0045] 3, the travel schedule information acquisition unit 17 acquires travel schedule information Mvp of user U2 from the schedule server 220. In the next step S21, the delivery matching unit 18 executes a combination that satisfies the following travel matching conditions, based on the travel schedule recognized from the travel schedule information Mvp acquired by the travel schedule information acquisition unit 17 and the delivery demand recognized from the delivery demand information Dni acquired by the delivery demand information acquisition unit 12.

[0046] (2-1) Travel matching condition: The deviation distance of the delivery origin point and delivery destination point due to the delivery demand from the planned travel route due to the travel plan is equal to or less than the deviation judgment distance, and the planned arrival date and time due to the delivery demand is within the planned travel period due to the travel plan. The deviation judgment distance is set to, for example, around several hundred.

[0047] Here, an example of a combination of travel plans and delivery demands that satisfies the travel matching conditions will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a combination of travel plans MP and delivery demands DD3. The travel plan has a departure point of residence 140, a destination of workplace 150, a scheduled departure date and time of October 28th at 1:00 PM, a scheduled arrival date and time of October 28th at 1:40 PM, a travel medium of travel of a four-wheeled vehicle, and a travel user of U2.

[0048] The delivery demand DD3 has a delivery source of the battery station 120, a delivery destination of the food truck 130, a delivery item of a battery, and a desired delivery date and time of 1:30 PM on October 28th. The deviation distance Δd2 from the planned travel route R4 of the travel schedule MP of point P13, where the battery station 120, the delivery source according to the delivery demand DD3, is located, and the deviation distance Δd3 from the planned travel route R4 of point P14, where the food truck 130, the delivery destination according to the delivery demand DD3, is parked, are both less than the deviation judgment distance. Furthermore, the desired delivery date and time of the delivery demand DD3, 1:30 PM on October 28th, falls within the planned travel period of the travel schedule MP, which is between 1:00 PM and 1:40 PM on October 28th. Therefore, a combination of the travel schedule MP and the delivery demand DD3 is extracted by the delivery matching unit 18.

[0049] 3, in step S22, if the delivery matching unit 18 extracts a combination of travel schedule and delivery demand that satisfies the travel matching conditions, the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the delivery matching unit 18 does not extract a combination of travel schedule and delivery demand that satisfies the travel matching conditions, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG. 2, in which case delivery matching is not performed.

[0050] The delivery matching unit 18 executes the processes of steps S23 to S25 for each delivery demand for which a combination with a travel schedule has been extracted. In step S23, if there are multiple combined travel schedules, the delivery matching unit 18 proceeds to step S25, and if there is only one combined delivery plan, the delivery matching unit 18 proceeds to step S24.

[0051] In step S25, the delivery matching unit 18 selects a travel plan that minimizes the deviation distance of the delivery destination point and delivery source point due to the delivery demand from the planned travel route as a delivery plan to be combined with the delivery demand, and proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the delivery matching unit 18 transmits delivery request information requesting delivery in accordance with the delivery demand to the communication terminal of the user who will execute the travel plan combined with the delivery demand. As a result, arrangements are made for delivery in accordance with the delivery demand to be carried out during travel according to the travel plan.

[0052] For example, in the example of Figure 6 described above, user U2 gets into four-wheeled vehicle 142 according to travel schedule MP and performs delivery according to delivery demand DD3 while traveling from residence 140 (point P21) to workplace 150 (point P22). That is, user U2 stops at battery station 120 to collect battery 122b, loads battery 122b into four-wheeled vehicle 142, delivers it to food truck 130 (point P14), and then heads to workplace 150 (point P22). In this way, by combining travel according to travel schedule MP and delivery according to delivery demand DD3 and performing delivery while traveling, delivery efficiency can be improved.

[0053] [4. Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, the delivery management system of the present disclosure is configured by a computer system connected to the communication network 200. As another configuration, the delivery management system of the present disclosure may be configured by causing a processor provided in a communication terminal 51 used by the delivery person C, an on-board device (not shown) mounted on the electric motorcycle 50 (delivery medium), a communication terminal 141 used by the user U2, an on-board device (not shown) mounted on the four-wheeled vehicle 142 (transportation medium), or the like to execute a program similar to the program 31.

[0054] For example, if the delivery management system is configured using a communication terminal 51 used by delivery person C, delivery plan information Dpi and delivery demand information Dni are sent to the communication terminal 51, and a process of matching the delivery plan with the delivery demand is executed in the communication terminal 51. In this case, the contents of the delivery demand combined with the delivery plan are displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 51, and delivery person C checks this display and determines whether or not to accept the delivery request based on the delivery demand.

[0055] Furthermore, when the delivery management system is configured using the communication terminal 141 used by user U2, the travel schedule information Mvp and delivery demand information Dni are sent to the communication terminal 141, and a matching process between the travel schedule and the delivery demand is executed in the communication terminal 141. In this case, the contents of the delivery demand combined with the travel schedule are displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 141, and user U2 checks this display to determine whether or not to accept the delivery request based on the delivery demand.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the delivery management system 1 executes the first matching process between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, and the second matching process between the travel schedule and the delivery demand, by the processes in Figures 2 and 3. However, it may be configured to execute only one of them. Also, in the above embodiment, the first matching process is executed before the second matching process, but the second matching process may be executed before the first matching process.

[0057] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the delivery item (first delivery item) according to the delivery plan is food and beverages, and the delivery item (second delivery item) according to the delivery demand is a battery, but the types of delivery items are not limited to these, and when delivering any type of delivery item, processing by the delivery management system disclosed herein can be applied to improve delivery efficiency.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the electric motorcycle 50 and the four-wheeled vehicle 142 are exemplified as delivery vehicles, but the delivery vehicle may also be a four-wheeled vehicle, bicycle, aircraft, ship, etc. The power source may also be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the delivery vehicle may be a mobile vehicle operated by a delivery person, or may be an unmanned mobile vehicle that moves by remote control or autonomous control.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the parking difficulty information acquisition unit 16 was provided to recognize the difficulty of parking at the delivery destination (the difficulty of securing a parking space, the size of the parking space relative to the size of the delivery vehicle, etc.), but the parking difficulty information acquisition unit 16 may be omitted.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the remaining charge information acquisition unit 13, the delivery plan setting unit 14, and the delivery demand providing unit 15 were provided, and a delivery plan for the battery was set and a delivery demand was provided based on the remaining charge of the battery used in the monitored device such as the kitchen car 130. As another configuration, only one of setting a delivery plan for the battery and providing a delivery demand may be performed, or the remaining charge information acquisition unit 13, the delivery plan setting unit 14, and the delivery demand providing unit 15 may be omitted, resulting in a configuration in which none of the above is performed.

[0061] Note that Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration of the delivery management system 1 divided by main processing content to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the configuration of the delivery management system 1 may be divided into other categories. Furthermore, the processing of each component may be executed by a single hardware unit or multiple hardware units. Furthermore, the processing of each component shown in Figures 2 and 3 may be executed by a single program or multiple programs.

[0062] 5. Configurations Supported by the Above-described Embodiments The above-described embodiments are specific examples of the following configurations.

[0063] (Configuration 1) A delivery plan information acquisition unit acquires delivery plan information, which is information on a delivery plan for delivering a first delivery item by a delivery medium, including at least information on a first delivery origin point which is a point from which the first delivery item is delivered, a first scheduled collection time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the first delivery origin point, a first delivery destination point which is a point to which the first delivery item is delivered, and a first scheduled arrival time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the first delivery destination point; and information on delivery demand for a second delivery item, which is at least information on a second delivery origin point which is a point from which the second delivery item is delivered, a second scheduled collection time which is a time when the second delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the second delivery origin point, a second delivery destination point which is a point to which the second delivery item is delivered, and a first scheduled arrival time which is a time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the second delivery destination point. and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information for requesting delivery of the second delivery item by the delivery vehicle when a first delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, where the distance between the first delivery destination point and the second delivery origin point is equal to or less than a first judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated arrival time and the second estimated collection time is within a first judgment time, or a second delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, where the distance between the first delivery origin point and the second delivery destination point is equal to or less than a second judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated collection time and the second estimated arrival time is within a second judgment time. The delivery management system of configuration 1 makes it possible to associate and execute delivery of the first delivery item and the second delivery item based on the delivery plan information and the delivery demand information. This can support efficient delivery execution.

[0064] (Configuration 2) The delivery management system according to Configuration 1, wherein the delivery matching unit provides the delivery request information requesting delivery of the second delivery item according to the delivery demand following delivery of the first delivery item according to the delivery plan when the first delivery matching condition is met, and provides the delivery request information requesting delivery of the first delivery item according to the delivery plan following delivery of the second delivery item according to the delivery demand when the second delivery matching condition is met. According to the delivery management system of Configuration 2, delivery of the first delivery item according to the delivery plan and delivery of the second delivery item according to the delivery demand can be successively carried out, thereby promoting improved delivery efficiency.

[0065] (Configuration 3) The delivery management system according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein when the delivery plan information acquisition unit acquires a plurality of pieces of delivery plan information and extracts a plurality of delivery plans that satisfy the first delivery matching condition or the second delivery matching condition with the delivery demand, the delivery matching unit provides the delivery request information requesting delivery of the second piece to the delivery vehicle that performs delivery according to the delivery plan that minimizes at least one of the point-to-point distance and the time difference. According to the delivery management system of Configuration 3, when a plurality of delivery plans that match the delivery demand are scheduled, it is possible to request delivery by a delivery vehicle that can perform more efficient delivery.

[0066] (Configuration 4) A delivery management system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the delivery plan information includes the type of delivery vehicle, and the system includes a parking difficulty information acquisition unit that acquires parking difficulty information related to the difficulty of parking in a predetermined area including the second delivery destination point, and the delivery matching unit selects a type of delivery vehicle that is compatible with the parking difficulty at the second delivery destination point based on the parking difficulty information, and determines whether the first delivery matching condition or the second delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan in which delivery is made using the selected type of delivery vehicle and the delivery demand. According to the delivery management system of Configuration 4, when delivering a second delivery item, it is possible to request delivery using a delivery vehicle that does not have any parking problems at the delivery destination.

[0067] (Configuration 5) The delivery management system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, comprising: a remaining charge information acquisition unit that acquires remaining charge information regarding the remaining charge of a portable first battery being used in an object; and a delivery plan setting unit that determines a recommended time for replacing the first battery based on the remaining charge of the first battery recognized from the remaining charge information, and sets the delivery plan in which the object is the delivery destination, the recommended replacement time is the first estimated arrival time, and a second battery to replace the first battery is the first delivery. According to the delivery management system of Configuration 5, a delivery plan can be set to deliver a second battery to a point of use of the object to coincide with the timing for battery replacement in the object.

[0068] (Configuration 6) A delivery management system according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, comprising: a remaining charge information acquisition unit that acquires remaining charge information regarding the remaining charge of a portable first battery being used in an object; and a delivery demand information provision unit that determines a recommended time for replacing the first battery based on the remaining charge of the first battery recognized from the remaining charge information, and provides the delivery demand information regarding the delivery demand, where the object is the delivery destination, the recommended replacement time is the first estimated arrival time, and a second battery to replace the first battery is the second delivery. The delivery management system of Configuration 6 can provide delivery demand information for delivering a second battery to a point of use of the object to replace the first battery in accordance with the timing of battery replacement in the object.

[0069] (Configuration 7) A computer includes a delivery plan information acquisition unit that acquires information about a delivery plan for delivering a first delivery item by a delivery vehicle, the delivery plan information including at least a first delivery origin point that is the point from which the first delivery item is delivered, a first scheduled collection time that is the time when the first delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the first delivery origin point, a first delivery destination point that is the delivery destination of the first delivery item, and a first scheduled arrival time that is the time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the first delivery destination point; and information about delivery demand for a second delivery item, the delivery plan information acquisition unit that acquires information about at least a second delivery origin point that is the point from which the second delivery item is delivered, a second scheduled collection time that is the time when the second delivery item is scheduled to be collected at the second delivery origin point, a second delivery destination point that is the point to which the second delivery item is delivered, and a first scheduled arrival time that is the time when the first delivery item is scheduled to arrive at the first delivery destination point. and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information for requesting delivery of the second delivery item by the delivery vehicle when a first delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, where the point-to-point distance between the first delivery destination point and the second delivery origin point is equal to or less than a first judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated arrival time and the second estimated collection time is equal to or less than a first judgment time, or a second delivery matching condition is met between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, where the point-to-point distance between the first delivery origin point and the second delivery destination point is equal to or less than a second judgment distance, or the time difference between the first estimated collection time and the second estimated arrival time is equal to or less than a second judgment time. The delivery management system of Configuration 1 can be realized by causing a computer to execute the program of Configuration 7.

[0070] (Configuration 8) A delivery management system including: a travel schedule information acquisition unit that acquires travel schedule information related to a mobile object, the travel schedule information including a planned travel route of the mobile object and a planned period for the mobile object to travel along the planned travel route; a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information related to a delivery item, the delivery demand information including at least a delivery origin point, which is the point from which the delivery item is delivered, a delivery destination point, which is the point to which the delivery item is delivered, and a desired time for delivery to the delivery destination; and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information to a user of the mobile object, requesting delivery of the delivery item from the delivery origin point to the delivery destination, when travel matching conditions are met between the travel schedule and the delivery demand, where the deviation distance from the planned travel route of the delivery origin point and the delivery destination point is within a deviation judgment distance and the desired delivery time is within the planned period. The delivery management system of Configuration 8 enables delivery to be performed in conjunction with the travel of the mobile object based on the planned travel route and planned period of travel of the mobile object, and the delivery demand. This can support efficient delivery execution.

[0071] (Configuration 9) A program that causes a computer to function as: a travel schedule information acquisition unit that acquires travel schedule information, which is information about a travel schedule of a mobile object, including a planned travel route of the mobile object and information about a planned period for the mobile object to travel along the planned travel route; a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information, which is information about a delivery demand of a delivery item, including at least information about a delivery origin point that is a point from which the delivery item is to be delivered, a delivery destination point that is a point to which the delivery item is to be delivered, and a desired time point for delivery to the delivery destination; and a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information to a user of the mobile object, requesting delivery of the delivery item from the delivery origin point to the delivery destination, when travel matching conditions are met between the travel schedule and the delivery demand, where the deviation distance of the delivery origin point and the delivery destination point from the planned travel route is within a deviation judgment distance and the desired delivery time is within the planned period. By executing the program of Configuration 9 on a computer, the delivery management system of Configuration 8 can be realized.

[0072] The delivery management system and program disclosed herein can be utilized to support efficient delivery by associating and executing the delivery of a first delivery item and a second delivery item based on delivery plan information and delivery demand information.

[0073] 1...Delivery management system, 10...Processor, 11...Delivery plan information acquisition unit, 12...Delivery demand information acquisition unit, 13...Remaining battery information acquisition unit, 14...Delivery plan setting unit, 15...Delivery demand providing unit, 16...Parking difficulty information acquisition unit, 17...Movement schedule information acquisition unit, 18...Delivery matching unit, 30...Memory, 31...Program, 32...Map data, 50...Electric motorcycle (delivery medium), 100...Restaurant, 110, 140...House, 120...Battery station, 130...Kitchen car, 150...Workplace, 200...Communication network, 210...Food and beverage delivery server, 220...Schedule server, C...Delivery person, U1, U2...User, Dpi...Delivery plan information, Dni...Delivery demand information, Mvp...Movement schedule information, Drq...Delivery request information.

Claims

1. Information regarding a delivery plan for delivering a first delivery item by a delivery medium, including at least: a first delivery origin location which is the location of the origin of the first delivery item; a first scheduled collection time which is the scheduled collection time of the first delivery item at the first delivery origin location; a first delivery destination location which is the location of the destination of the first delivery item; and a first scheduled arrival time which is the scheduled arrival time of the first delivery item at the first delivery destination location, a delivery plan information acquisition unit that acquires delivery plan information; Information regarding the delivery demand for a second delivery item, including at least: a second delivery origin location which is the location of the origin of the second delivery item; a second scheduled collection time which is the scheduled collection time of the second delivery item at the second delivery origin location; a second delivery destination location which is the location of the destination of the second delivery item; and a second scheduled arrival time which is the scheduled arrival time of the second delivery item at the second delivery destination location, a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information; When a first delivery matching condition that the distance between the first delivery destination location and the second delivery origin location is less than or equal to a first determination distance, or the time difference between the first scheduled arrival time and the second scheduled collection time is within a first determination time, or a second delivery matching condition that the distance between the first delivery origin location and the second delivery destination location is less than or equal to a second determination distance, or the time difference between the first scheduled collection time and the second scheduled arrival time is within a second determination time, is satisfied between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information for requesting the delivery of the second delivery item by the delivery medium; A delivery management system comprising the above.

2. When the first delivery matching condition is satisfied, the delivery matching unit provides the delivery request information for requesting to perform the delivery of the second delivery item due to the delivery demand following the delivery of the first delivery item according to the delivery plan; when the second delivery matching condition is satisfied, the delivery matching unit provides the delivery request information for requesting to perform the delivery of the first delivery item according to the delivery plan following the delivery of the second delivery item due to the delivery demand. The delivery management system according to Claim 1.

3. When the delivery matching unit extracts a plurality of the delivery plan information by the delivery plan information acquisition unit and a plurality of the delivery plans in which the first delivery matching condition or the second delivery matching condition is satisfied with the delivery demand, the delivery request information for requesting the delivery of the second delivery item is provided to the delivery medium that performs the delivery of the delivery plan in which at least one of the distance between the points and the time difference is minimized. The delivery management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The delivery plan information includes the type of the delivery medium. It includes a parking difficulty information acquisition unit that acquires parking difficulty information regarding the difficulty of parking in a predetermined area including the second delivery destination point. Based on the parking difficulty information, the delivery matching unit selects the type of the delivery medium that can be adapted to the difficulty of parking at the second delivery destination point, and determines whether the first delivery matching condition or the second delivery matching condition is satisfied with the delivery demand for the delivery plan to be performed by the selected type of delivery medium. The delivery management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A remaining battery level information acquisition unit that acquires remaining battery level information regarding a portable first battery used in an object; Based on the remaining battery level of the first battery recognized from the remaining battery level information, a delivery plan setting unit that determines the recommended replacement time point of the first battery, sets the object as the delivery destination, sets the recommended replacement time point as the first scheduled arrival time point, and sets a second battery for replacing the first battery as the first delivery item, and sets the delivery plan. The delivery management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising:

6. A remaining battery level information acquisition unit that acquires remaining battery level information regarding a portable first battery used in an object; Based on the remaining battery level of the first battery recognized from the remaining battery level information, a delivery demand information providing unit that determines the recommended replacement time point of the first battery, sets the object as the delivery destination, sets the recommended replacement time point as the first scheduled arrival time point, and provides the delivery demand information regarding the delivery demand with a second battery for replacing the first battery as the second delivery item. The delivery management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising:

7. A computer Information regarding a delivery plan for delivering a first delivery item by a delivery medium, including at least information on a first delivery source location that is the location of the source of the first delivery item, a first collection scheduled time that is the scheduled time for collecting the first delivery item at the first delivery source location, a first delivery destination location that is the location of the destination of the first delivery item, and a first arrival scheduled time that is the scheduled time for the first delivery item to arrive at the first delivery destination location, and a delivery plan information acquisition unit that acquires delivery plan information; Information regarding the delivery demand for a second delivery item, including at least information on a second delivery source location that is the location of the source of the second delivery item, a second collection scheduled time that is the scheduled time for collecting the second delivery item at the second delivery source location, a second delivery destination location that is the location of the destination of the second delivery item, and a second arrival scheduled time that is the scheduled time for the second delivery item to arrive at the second delivery destination location, and a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information; When a first delivery matching condition that the distance between the first delivery destination location and the second delivery source location is less than or equal to a first determination distance, or the time difference between the first arrival scheduled time and the second collection scheduled time is within a first determination time, or a second delivery matching condition that the distance between the first delivery source location and the second delivery destination location is less than or equal to a second determination distance, or the time difference between the first collection scheduled time and the second arrival scheduled time is within a second determination time is satisfied between the delivery plan and the delivery demand, a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information for requesting the delivery of the second delivery item by the delivery medium; A program for causing it to function.

8. Information regarding the movement schedule of a mobile body, including information on the planned movement route of the mobile body and the planned period during which the mobile body moves along the planned movement route, and a movement schedule information acquisition unit that acquires movement schedule information; Information regarding the delivery demand for a delivery item, including at least information on a delivery source location that is the location of the source of the delivery item, a delivery destination location that is the location of the destination of the delivery item, and information on the desired delivery time to the delivery destination, and a delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information; When the movement matching condition is satisfied, i.e., the deviation distance from the planned movement route of the delivery source point and the delivery destination point is within the deviation determination distance and the desired delivery time is within the planned period, between the planned movement and the delivery demand, a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information for requesting the delivery of the delivery item from the delivery source to the delivery destination to the user of the moving body; A delivery management system comprising the same. **Claim 9** A computer, A movement schedule information acquisition unit that acquires movement schedule information, which is information regarding the planned movement of a moving body and includes information on the planned movement route of the moving body and the planned period during which the moving body moves along the planned movement route; A delivery demand information acquisition unit that acquires delivery demand information, which is information regarding the delivery demand of a delivery item and includes at least information on the delivery source point that is the location of the delivery source of the delivery item, the delivery destination point that is the location of the delivery destination of the delivery item, and the desired delivery time to the delivery destination; When the movement matching condition is satisfied, i.e., the deviation distance from the planned movement route of the delivery source point and the delivery destination point is within the deviation determination distance and the desired delivery time is within the planned period, between the planned movement and the delivery demand, a delivery matching unit that provides delivery request information for requesting the delivery of the delivery item from the delivery source to the delivery destination to the user of the moving body; A program for causing the above to function.