Delivery support device, delivery support method, and recording medium

Abstract

This delivery support device comprises: an order content acquisition means for acquiring order content of a requester requesting cooperative delivery by a customer; an acceptance condition acquisition means for acquiring information pertaining to acceptors who are customers able to accept a cooperative delivery request, and acceptance conditions under which each acceptor is able to accept a cooperative delivery request; a determination means for determining whether ordered merchandise included in the order content matches a merchandise condition indicating whether ordered merchandise is merchandise which can be safely delivered by an acceptor; a selection means for selecting an acceptor for whom the acceptance condition matches the order content when it has been determined that the ordered merchandise matches the merchandise condition; and an instruction means for providing the selected acceptor with instructions for the cooperative delivery of the ordered merchandise from a pickup location to a delivery destination.

Description

Delivery support device, delivery support method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a delivery assistance device, a delivery assistance method, and a recording medium.

[0002] Delivery personnel deliver products ordered by customers to their destinations, but there are cases where there are not enough delivery personnel. In such cases, it may be desirable to improve delivery efficiency. For example, it may be desirable to reduce the time it takes for delivery personnel to deliver to each customer's residence or to increase the number of deliveries that each delivery personnel is responsible for.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes an information system that uses location information of registered candidates to narrow down candidates to whom product delivery can be offered, and then offers product delivery to the narrowed down candidates, thereby enabling ordinary people to become product delivery personnel.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-017050

[0005] When the customer delivers the goods, the customer may damage the goods. Also, when the customer delivers the goods, the customer may have an accident.

[0006] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a delivery support device or the like that enables safe delivery of goods by customers.

[0007] A delivery support device in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an order content acquisition means for acquiring the order content of a client requesting mutually-assisted delivery by a customer; an acceptance condition acquisition means for acquiring information on undertakers who are customers who are able to undertake mutually-assisted delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each undertaker can undertake mutually-assisted delivery; a determination means for determining whether the ordered items included in the order content meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers; a selection means for selecting an undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet the order content if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions; and an instruction means for instructing the selected undertaker to carry out mutually-assisted delivery of the ordered items from the pick-up location to the delivery destination.

[0008] A delivery assistance method in one aspect of the present disclosure acquires the order details of a client requesting mutually-assisted delivery, acquires information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake the mutually-assisted delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each undertaker can undertake the mutually-assisted delivery, determines whether the ordered items included in the order details meet the product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers, and if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, selects an undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet the order details, and instructs the selected undertaker to carry out mutually-assisted delivery of the ordered items from the pick-up location to the delivery destination.

[0009] A delivery assistance program in one aspect of the present disclosure acquires the order details of a client requesting mutually-assisted delivery by a customer, acquires information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake the mutually-assisted delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each undertaker can undertake the mutually-assisted delivery, determines whether the ordered items included in the order details meet the product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers, and if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, selects an undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet the order details, and causes a computer to execute a process to instruct the selected undertaker to carry out mutually-assisted delivery of the ordered items from the pick-up location to the delivery destination.

[0010] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0011] One example of the effect of the present disclosure is that products can be delivered safely by customers.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of mutually helping delivery. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of mutually helping delivery. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a delivery person delivering an ordered item to a delivery destination. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery support system. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery support device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery support device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery support device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery support device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery support device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery support device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a delivery support device.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [First Embodiment] An application example of the delivery support device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the delivery support device 10. FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of the flow of a mutually-helpful delivery system, which will be described later. FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a delivery person delivering an ordered item to a delivery destination. When a customer orders an item, the delivery person may deliver the ordered item to the customer's residence. In FIG. 1C, the flow of the delivery person delivering the ordered item to the customer's residence is indicated by solid arrows. Here, the customer may return the storage container used to deliver the ordered item to the delivery person. The storage container is a container capable of storing and transporting the ordered item during delivery. The storage container is, for example, a box, a container, or a basket. The storage container is not limited to these. In FIG. 1C, the dotted arrow indicates the flow of the customer returning the box, which is the storage container used to deliver the ordered item, to the delivery person.

[0015] A delivery person may deliver ordered items to multiple customer destinations. When there is a shortage of delivery people, it may be desirable to reduce the time it takes for delivery people to deliver to each customer destination or to increase the number of deliveries that each delivery person is responsible for. Therefore, the delivery support device 10 enables mutually assisting delivery.

[0016] Mutual delivery is when an underwriter, who is a customer, delivers ordered items from a client, who is also a requester, to a delivery destination. Here, the underwriter and the requester are different people. An example of an underwriter and a requester is a member of an organization such as a union. When an underwriter performs mutual delivery, the underwriter receives the ordered items from the requester at a pickup location. The underwriter then delivers the ordered items from the pickup location to the delivery destination. In other words, in mutual delivery, the underwriter delivers the ordered items from the pickup location to the delivery destination. The pickup location is the location where the underwriter receives the ordered items from the requester. An example of a pickup location is the underwriter's residence. Another example of a pickup location is a facility that serves as a delivery base. The delivery person delivers items to each customer's delivery destination from the delivery base facility. An example of a facility that serves as a delivery base is a delivery center. In the following explanation, the facility that serves as a delivery base is described as a delivery center. An example of a delivery destination is the client's residence.

[0017] 1A and 1B are diagrams each showing an example of the flow of a mutually-assisted delivery. In FIG. 1A, the receiving location is the recipient's residence. As indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 1A, the delivery person transports the ordered items to the recipient's residence. The recipient then delivers the ordered items to the delivery destination. Here, the sender may return the container used to deliver the ordered items to the delivery person. In that case, the recipient may receive the container and return it to the delivery person. In FIG. 1A, the dotted arrow indicates the flow of returning a box, which is an example of a container.

[0018] In Figure 1B, the receiving location is a distribution center. In Figure 1B, as indicated by the solid arrow, the receiver receives the ordered items at the distribution center. The receiver then delivers the ordered items from the distribution center to the delivery destination. The receivers included in Figure 1B are the same person. In Figure 1B, the flow of returning a box, which is an example of a storage member, is also indicated by the dotted arrow.

[0019] A delivery support system including the delivery support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the delivery support system. Referring to Fig. 2, the delivery support device 10 is connected to an underwriter terminal 91, a sender terminal 92, a delivery person terminal 93, and a database 94 via a wired or wireless network.

[0020] The underwriter terminal 91 and the requester terminal 92 are both terminals used by customers. The underwriter terminal 91 is the terminal used by the customer who is the underwriter. The requester terminal 92 is the terminal used by the requester. Examples of the underwriter terminal 91 include a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal. Examples of the requester terminal 92 include a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal. The underwriter terminal 91 and the requester terminal 92 are not limited to these. The number of underwriter terminals 91 connected to the delivery support device 10 is not limited to one. There may be multiple underwriter terminals 91. In other words, the delivery support device 10 can be connected to underwriter terminals 91 used by multiple people. The delivery support device 10 may also be connected to multiple underwriter terminals 91 used by the same underwriter. The number of requester terminals 92 connected to the delivery support device 10 is not limited to one. There may be multiple requester terminals 92 connected to the delivery support device 10. The delivery support device 10 may be connectable to multiple sender terminals 92 used by multiple people, or may be connectable to multiple sender terminals 92 used by the same recipient.

[0021] The delivery person terminal 93 is a terminal used by a delivery person who delivers ordered items. The delivery person uses the delivery person terminal 93, for example, when delivering the ordered items. The delivery person can use the delivery person terminal 93 to check the delivery destination and the ordered items to be delivered to the delivery destination. The delivery person terminal 93 may be a terminal carried by the delivery person while delivering the ordered items. The delivery person terminal 93 may also be a terminal installed in a delivery vehicle and operated by the delivery person. The delivery person terminal 93 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The delivery person terminal 93 is not limited to these. The number of delivery person terminals 93 is not limited to one. The delivery support device 10 may be connected to multiple delivery person terminals 93. For example, the delivery support device 10 may be connected to delivery person terminals 93 used by multiple delivery people. The delivery support device 10 may also be connected to multiple delivery person terminals 93 used by one delivery person.

[0022] The database 94 stores customer information and information about order details. The customer information includes the customer's name and address. The customer information may also include information that identifies the customer. The order details include information about the ordered products and information about the delivery address.

[0023] If a customer has registered that they are capable of mutual delivery, that is, if the customer is an underwriter, the customer information may be, for example, the number of deliveries the underwriter has made and an evaluation. Furthermore, the database 94 stores the underwriter's acceptance conditions linked to the underwriter's customer information. The underwriter's acceptance conditions may be included in the underwriter's customer information.

[0024] The information stored in the database 94 is not limited to the above. For example, the calculation results of the utilization rate and the success rate, which will be described later, may be stored. The database 94 may also store information that associates delivery areas with delivery personnel who are in charge of the delivery areas.

[0025] The configuration of the delivery support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the delivery support device 10. The delivery support device 10 includes an order content acquisition unit 101, an acceptance condition acquisition unit 102, a determination unit 103, a selection unit 104, and an instruction unit 105. The delivery support device 10 may further include a reception unit 106.

[0026] The order detail acquisition unit 101 is one aspect of an order detail acquisition means that acquires the order details of a requester requesting mutually-assisted delivery by a customer. A customer orders a product to be delivered to a delivery destination. A customer who desires mutually-assisted delivery can request mutually-assisted delivery, for example, when ordering the product. A customer who desires mutually-assisted delivery may request mutually-assisted delivery between the time of ordering the product and the time of delivery of the ordered product. In other words, a customer who desires mutually-assisted delivery can request mutually-assisted delivery before the delivery of the ordered product. It may also be assumed that all customers who have ordered products desire mutually-assisted delivery. In other words, ordering a product may be regarded as a request for mutually-assisted delivery.

[0027] The order content acquisition unit 101 acquires the order content of the client, who is the customer who requested mutual aid delivery. That is, the order content acquisition unit 101 acquires information about the order content. The information about the order content includes information about the ordered product and information about the delivery destination.

[0028] The information about the ordered items includes information identifying the ordered items and the order quantity of each ordered item. Examples of information identifying the ordered items include the product name and product number. The information about the ordered items may include the weight, size, or price of each ordered item. The information about the ordered items may also include the total weight, size, or total price of all ordered items. The information about the ordered items is not limited to these. The information about the ordered items may be any information that can be used for shipping the ordered items.

[0029] Information about the delivery destination includes the address of the delivery destination. For example, when ordering a product, a customer can specify the delivery destination of the ordered product. Therefore, information about the delivery destination may include the address of the delivery destination specified by the customer. One example of a delivery destination is the customer's residence. Specifically, the customer's residence is the customer's own home. The customer's residence may also be the home of the customer's family. Delivery destinations are not limited to these. Information about the delivery destination also includes the customer's name or information that identifies the customer. For example, if the customer is a registered member, information that identifies the customer is the customer's membership number. Information that identifies the customer is not limited to this. Information about the delivery destination is not limited to the above, and may be any information necessary for delivery.

[0030] The order detail acquisition unit 101 can acquire order details from, for example, the database 94. When a customer orders a product, the order details are saved in the database 94. In addition, the customer may request a cooperative delivery service between the time of ordering the product and the time of delivery. Therefore, the order detail acquisition unit 101 can acquire the order details of the requester, who is a customer who has requested a cooperative delivery service, from the database 94.

[0031] The acceptance conditions acquisition unit 102 is one aspect of an acceptance conditions acquisition means that acquires information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake mutual aid delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each undertaker can undertake mutual aid delivery. Customers who can undertake mutual aid delivery register that they can undertake mutual aid delivery. In other words, an undertaker is a customer who has registered that they can undertake mutual aid delivery.

[0032] The underwriting conditions acquisition unit 102 acquires the underwriter's customer information as the underwriter's information. The underwriter's customer information includes the name and address of the underwriter's customer. The underwriter's customer information may also include a delivery method. The delivery method is the method by which the underwriter delivers the ordered items to the delivery destination when performing mutual delivery. Delivery methods are, for example, by car, bicycle, cart, or on foot. Delivery methods are not limited to these. Other delivery methods may include motorcycles, etc. The underwriter can register a delivery method. The delivery method registered by the underwriter is stored as customer information in, for example, the database 94.

[0033] The underwriter's customer information may include the number of times the underwriter has performed a mutual help delivery or an evaluation of the mutual help delivery. Each time the underwriter performs a mutual help delivery, that fact may be recorded in the underwriter's customer information. In other words, the number of times the underwriter has performed a mutual help delivery is recorded in the underwriter's customer information. The date and time when the underwriter performed a mutual help delivery or the order details may be recorded in the underwriter's customer information. Furthermore, an evaluation of a mutual help delivery is information on the evaluation made by the requester of the mutual help delivery performed by the underwriter. The evaluation of a mutual help delivery may be a numerical evaluation or a word-of-mouth evaluation. If the requester registers an evaluation after the underwriter has performed a mutual help delivery, the evaluation may be registered as the underwriter's customer information.

[0034] The acceptance condition acquisition unit 102 acquires acceptance conditions under which each underwriter can undertake the cooperative delivery. The acceptance conditions include conditions regarding the ordered product or delivery under which each underwriter can safely carry out the cooperative delivery. In other words, the acceptance conditions are conditions regarding the order content under which each underwriter can carry out the cooperative delivery.

[0035] The acceptance conditions include conditions related to the ordered items. One example of a condition related to the ordered items is an upper or lower limit on the weight of each ordered item. For example, when performing a joint delivery, the underwriter may not want to deliver heavy ordered items. In this case, the underwriter may register an upper limit on the weight of the ordered items as an acceptance condition. Another example of a condition related to the ordered items is an upper or lower limit on the size of each ordered item. Furthermore, a condition related to the ordered items may be an upper or lower limit on the price. For example, if the order contents include expensive ordered items, the underwriter may not want to perform joint delivery of the ordered items. In this case, the underwriter may register an upper limit on the price of the ordered items as an acceptance condition.

[0036] The condition regarding the ordered items may be an upper or lower limit on the total number of ordered items included in the order details. If the number of ordered items included in the order details is too large, it may be difficult for the acceptor to carry out cooperative delivery. Therefore, the acceptor may register an upper limit on the total number of ordered items as an acceptance condition. The condition regarding the ordered items may also be an upper or lower limit on the total weight of the ordered items included in the order details. Furthermore, the condition regarding the ordered items may be an upper or lower limit on the total price of the ordered items included in the order details.

[0037] The conditions regarding the ordered items may specify ordered items that the underwriter cannot accept. There are cases where the order contents include ordered items that are difficult for the underwriter to deliver in a coordinated manner. An example of an ordered item that is difficult for the underwriter to deliver in a coordinated manner is an item related to allergies. There are also cases where the order contents include ordered items that the underwriter does not want to deliver in a coordinated manner. Therefore, the underwriter may specify ordered items that the underwriter cannot accept as acceptance conditions.

[0038] The acceptance conditions include conditions related to delivery. Here, the conditions related to delivery are conditions related to the mutual delivery performed by the underwriter. One example of a condition related to delivery is an upper or lower limit of the delivery distance. If the delivery destination is far away, it may be difficult for the underwriter to perform mutual delivery. Therefore, the underwriter may register an upper limit of the delivery distance as an acceptance condition. Another example of a condition related to delivery is the designation of a delivery area. If the underwriter lives within a certain delivery area, it may be possible for the underwriter to perform mutual delivery. Therefore, the underwriter may register the designation of a delivery area as an acceptance condition. A delivery area is, for example, an area covered by a single delivery center. Furthermore, areas other than the delivery area are areas covered by the same delivery person. Furthermore, a delivery area may be a school district or a local town or village. Delivery areas are not limited to these.

[0039] The delivery conditions may be a specification of a delivery date and time. This includes at least one specification of a delivery date and time, a date, a day of the week, and a time period. The underwriter may register the dates on which they are available to undertake the courier delivery as the acceptance conditions according to their own convenience. The underwriter may also register the days of the week on which they are available to undertake the courier delivery as the acceptance conditions according to their own convenience. For example, the underwriter may register Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays as the days on which they are available to undertake the courier delivery. Furthermore, the underwriter may also register the time periods on which they are available to undertake the courier delivery as the acceptance conditions according to their own convenience. For example, the underwriter may register mornings as the time periods on which they are available to undertake the courier delivery.

[0040] Here, the conditions regarding delivery may include the above-mentioned delivery method. That is, the delivery method may be included in the customer information or in the acceptance conditions.

[0041] When it is necessary to return the container used in the delivery of the ordered items, the acceptance conditions may include the ability to collect the container used in the delivery of the ordered items from the delivery destination and return the collected container to the delivery person or the delivery center. When it is necessary to return the container used in the delivery, an acceptor who is unable to collect and return the container is not suitable for mutual delivery. Therefore, the acceptance conditions include whether the acceptor is able to collect and return the container.

[0042] The underwriter registers the conditions under which the underwriter can undertake the mutual delivery. The underwriter can register one or more of the conditions under which the underwriter can undertake the mutual delivery. The registered conditions are stored in association with the customer information in, for example, the database 94.

[0043] The acceptance conditions acquisition unit 102 can acquire, from the database 94, information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake mutual aid delivery, and the acceptance conditions under which each undertaker can undertake mutual aid delivery.

[0044] The determination unit 103 is one aspect of a means for determining whether the ordered product included in the order details meets product conditions that indicate whether the product can be safely delivered by the underwriter.

[0045] An example of a product condition is that the ordered items are not difficult to deliver by the acceptor. If the ordered items are difficult to deliver by the acceptor, the ordered items are not safe to deliver by the acceptor. Examples of items that are difficult to deliver by the acceptor include ordered items that are too large or too heavy. In addition, if the total number of ordered items is too large, delivery by the acceptor may be difficult. Thus, an example of a product condition is an upper or lower limit on the size of the ordered items. Another example of a product condition is an upper or lower limit on the weight of the ordered items. Furthermore, a product condition may be an upper or lower limit on the total number of ordered items.

[0046] Another example of a product condition is the upper limit of the price of the ordered items. If the order includes expensive ordered items, the ordered items may not be able to be safely delivered by the underwriter. Therefore, the determination unit 103 may determine whether the price of each ordered item exceeds the upper limit. Furthermore, a product condition may be the upper limit of the total price of the ordered items. Ordered items with a high total price may not be suitable for collaborative delivery by the underwriter. Therefore, the determination unit 103 may determine whether the total price of the ordered items exceeds the upper limit.

[0047] Another example of a product condition is a condition regarding the fragility of a product. A condition regarding the fragility of a product means that the ordered product is not fragile. A fragile product may not be a product that can be safely delivered by the underwriter. Therefore, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the ordered product included in the order details is a fragile product. Whether or not the ordered product is fragile is set in advance. The condition regarding the fragility of a product may be, for example, a condition that expresses the degree of fragility of the product. For example, the degree of fragility is ranked for each product. Then, the determination unit 103 may determine that a product that falls within a predetermined rank as a condition regarding the fragility of a product is not a product that can be safely delivered by the underwriter. The conditions regarding the fragility of a product are not limited to these.

[0048] Product conditions are not limited to these. Product conditions may be any conditions relating to products that can be safely delivered by the underwriter. Product conditions are set in advance, for example, at a distribution center. The pre-set product conditions are stored in the database 94. The determination unit 103 then compares the product conditions stored in the database 94 with the order details. The determination unit 103 can then determine whether the product conditions indicate whether the product can be safely delivered by the underwriter.

[0049] One or more product conditions may be set. When multiple product conditions are set, if any one of the multiple conditions is not satisfied, the determination unit 103 can determine that the ordered product does not match the product conditions.

[0050] Here, the customer may be able to select the product to order from among the products that can be safely delivered by the underwriter. In this case, the delivery support device 10 does not need to include the determination unit 103. For example, on the product order screen, products that can be safely delivered by the underwriter may be displayed to indicate that they can be safely delivered by the underwriter. In this case, the requester can order only products that can be safely delivered by the underwriter.

[0051] The selection unit 104 is one aspect of a selection means that, when it is determined that the ordered product matches the product conditions, selects an underwriter whose acceptance conditions match the order details. When the determination unit 103 determines that the ordered product matches the product conditions, the selection unit 104 selects an underwriter. The selection unit 104 selects an underwriter whose acceptance conditions match the order details of the client. In other words, the selection unit 104 matches the client with an underwriter.

[0052] In making the selection, the selection unit 104 uses the order details of the client acquired by the order detail acquisition unit 101 and the acceptance conditions acquired by the acceptance condition acquisition unit 102. Then, the selection unit 104 selects an underwriter whose order details and acceptance conditions match. If multiple acceptance conditions are registered by an underwriter, the selection unit 104 selects a client whose order details match all of the acceptance conditions.

[0053] A case where there are multiple undertakers whose order details and acceptance conditions match will be described. When there are multiple undertakers whose order details and acceptance conditions match, the selection unit 104 may select one undertaker from the multiple undertakers. Here, the criteria for selecting one undertaker are referred to as selection criteria. The selection unit 104 can select one undertaker based on the selection criteria. One example of the selection criterion is delivery distance. For example, the selection unit 104 may select the undertaker with the shortest delivery distance. Another example of the selection criterion is delivery time. For example, the selection unit 104 may select the undertaker with the shortest delivery time. The delivery time is calculated from the delivery distance and the delivery method. The selection criterion may be the number of times the undertaker has performed mutual delivery. For example, the selection unit 104 may select the undertaker who has performed mutual delivery the most. The selection criterion may be the evaluation of the undertaker when performing mutual delivery. For example, the selection unit 104 may select the undertaker with the highest evaluation when performing mutual delivery. The selection criteria may also be criteria related to incentives, which will be described later. For example, the selection unit 104 may select the underwriter who is offered the smallest amount of incentive.

[0054] If there are multiple undertakers whose acceptance conditions match the order details, the selection unit 104 may select the multiple undertakers. The multiple undertakers may share the delivery of the ordered items included in the order details and cooperate to deliver the items together. The selection unit 104 can determine that the selected multiple undertakers will share the delivery of the ordered items together. The multiple undertakers may share the delivery of the ordered items according to the number of ordered items. For example, if the selection unit 104 selects two undertakers, the selection unit 104 may determine that the two undertakers will each share half of the delivery of the ordered items together.

[0055] If there is no undertaker whose acceptance conditions match the order contents of the sender, the selection unit 104 cannot select an undertaker. In other words, the order items of the sender are not delivered by mutual assistance. In this case, the order items of the sender are delivered by a delivery person.

[0056] If there is no underwriter whose acceptance conditions match the order details of the client, the selection unit 104 may relax the acceptance conditions and select an underwriter again. By relaxing the acceptance conditions, the selection unit 104 may be able to select an underwriter in some cases. As an example of relaxing the acceptance conditions, the selection unit 104 may not use some of the acceptance conditions in the selection. In other words, the selection unit 104 may remove some of the acceptance conditions. For example, if five acceptance conditions are set, the selection unit 104 may select an underwriter using four of the five acceptance conditions. The acceptance conditions not used in the selection may be set in advance by the underwriter, for example. Furthermore, the acceptance conditions not used in the selection may be set by the distribution center, for example.

[0057] The selection unit 104 can relax the acceptance conditions, for example, by relaxing the content of the acceptance conditions. For example, the selection unit 104 can relax the acceptance conditions by lengthening the delivery distance that was set as an acceptance condition. The underwriter or the distribution center can set in advance which acceptance conditions to relax and to what extent.

[0058] The instruction unit 105 is one aspect of instruction means for instructing the selected undertaker to deliver the ordered items from the receiving location to the delivery destination. Furthermore, if it is determined that the ordered items do not meet the product conditions or if an undertaker who meets the delivery conditions cannot be selected, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered items. In other words, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered items.

[0059] Therefore, the following description will be given separately for the case where the instruction unit 105 instructs mutually assisted delivery and the case where it instructs delivery by a delivery person.

[0060] First, a case where the instruction unit 105 instructs a mutually assisting delivery will be described. When an underwriter is selected by the selection unit 104, the instruction unit 105 instructs the selected underwriter to perform a mutually assisting delivery from the receiving location of the ordered items to the delivery destination. In other words, the instruction unit 105 instructs the underwriter to deliver the ordered items from the receiving location of the ordered items to the delivery destination. Here, the receiving location includes the underwriter's residence or a delivery center. As described above, a delivery center is an example of a facility that serves as a delivery base.

[0061] A method for determining a receiving location for an ordered item will now be described. The receiving location for an ordered item may be predetermined by a delivery center. For example, if it is difficult for the delivery center to hand over the ordered item to the recipient, the delivery center may determine in advance that the receiving location is the recipient's residence. Furthermore, if it is difficult for a delivery person to transport the ordered item to the recipient's residence, the delivery center may determine in advance that the receiving location is the delivery center. Furthermore, the delivery center may determine in advance the receiving location according to the recipient's delivery method. For example, if the delivery method is by car, the delivery center may determine the receiving location to be the delivery center. Furthermore, if the delivery method is by walking or bicycle, the delivery center may determine the receiving location to be the recipient's residence.

[0062] The place where the ordered items are to be received may be selected by the recipient. In the case where the recipient selects the place where the ordered items are to be received, the delivery support device 10 may further include a reception unit 106.

[0063] The reception unit 106 is one aspect of a means for receiving the underwriter's selection of a receiving location. The underwriter can select the receiving location from the underwriter's residence or a distribution center. The underwriter may select a receiving location when receiving an instruction for mutual delivery. The instruction unit 105, for example, transmits an instruction for mutual delivery along with a request to select a receiving location to the underwriter terminal 91 of the selected underwriter. The underwriter then selects a receiving location using the underwriter terminal 91. The reception unit 106 receives the underwriter's selection of a receiving location from the underwriter terminal 91. The underwriter can select a receiving location each time he or she is selected as an underwriter.

[0064] The location for receiving the ordered items may be determined based on a selection made in advance by the underwriter. The underwriter can select a desired location for receiving the ordered items in advance. The reception unit 106 receives the selection of the location for receiving the ordered items by the underwriter. Information on the selected location for receiving the ordered items is included in the customer information as information on the underwriter, for example, and stored in the database 94. The instruction unit 105 can refer to the customer information stored in the database 94 and obtain information on the location for receiving the ordered items registered by the underwriter. The instruction unit 105 then transmits instructions according to the location for receiving the ordered items desired by the underwriter.

[0065] If the receiving location is the underwriter's residence, the instruction unit 105 instructs the underwriter selected by the selection unit 104 to carry out a cooperative delivery from the underwriter's residence to the delivery destination. The instruction unit 105 transmits, for example, to the underwriter terminal 91, an instruction for a cooperative delivery of the items ordered by the sender. The instruction for a cooperative delivery includes information about the items ordered by the sender and information about the delivery destination. The underwriter terminal 9 that receives the delivery instruction can then display the instruction content on its screen. The underwriter confirms the instruction for a cooperative delivery via the screen of the underwriter terminal 91. The underwriter can then carry out a cooperative delivery of the items ordered by the sender.

[0066] If the receiving location is the recipient's residence, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the items ordered by the sender to the recipient's residence. The instruction unit 105 transmits, for example, an instruction to deliver the items ordered by the sender to the delivery person terminal 93. The delivery instruction includes information about the items ordered by the sender and information about the recipient's residence. The delivery person terminal 93, which receives the delivery instruction, can then display the delivery details on its screen. The delivery person can then confirm the delivery instruction via the screen of the delivery person terminal 93. The delivery person can then deliver the items ordered by the sender to the recipient's residence.

[0067] The instruction unit 105 may, for example, send a transport instruction for the items ordered by the sender to a delivery center server (not shown). The delivery center server is a server that manages the delivery and transport of ordered items. The delivery center server, for example, manages the delivery destinations to which each delivery person is responsible for delivery. The instruction unit 105 sends a transport instruction for the items ordered by the sender to the delivery center server. The delivery center server may then send a transport instruction for the items ordered by the sender to the delivery person terminal 93. Here, if a delivery person is responsible for multiple deliveries, the delivery center server may determine the order of delivery to the delivery destinations. At this time, the delivery center server may send the transport instruction and the delivery order to the delivery person terminal 93.

[0068] If the receiving location is a delivery center, the instruction unit 105 instructs the underwriter selected by the selection unit 104 to carry out a cooperative delivery from the delivery center to the delivery destination. In other words, the instruction unit 105 instructs the underwriter to go to the delivery center to receive the items ordered by the sender and to carry out a cooperative delivery from the delivery center to the delivery destination. The instruction unit 105 transmits an instruction for a cooperative delivery of the items ordered by the sender to, for example, the underwriter terminal 91. The instruction for a cooperative delivery includes information about the items ordered by the sender and information about the delivery destination. The instruction for a cooperative delivery may also include information about the time when the ordered items can be received at the delivery center. The underwriter confirms the instruction for a cooperative delivery via the screen of the underwriter terminal 91.

[0069] The instruction unit 105 may, for example, send an instruction to the distribution center server to hand over the items ordered by the sender to the acceptor. The instruction to hand over the items ordered by the sender to the acceptor includes information about the items ordered by the sender and information about the acceptor. The distribution center server may then send an instruction to hand over the items ordered by the sender to, for example, a display device (not shown) installed in the distribution center. The distribution center server may also send an instruction to hand over the items ordered by the sender to, for example, a terminal (not shown) used by an employee working at the distribution center. The employee working at the distribution center can check the display device or terminal and hand over the items ordered by the sender to the acceptor. The display device and terminal are connected to the distribution center server via a wired or wireless network. The method of handing over the ordered items at the distribution center is not limited to these. It is sufficient that the acceptor can receive the items ordered by the sender at the distribution center.

[0070] The instruction unit 105 may transmit an agreement to perform the mutually assisting delivery to the underwriter. There may be cases where the underwriter selected by the selection unit 104 is unable to perform the mutually assisting delivery for some reason. In this case, the instruction unit 105 transmits an agreement to perform the mutually assisting delivery to, for example, the underwriter terminal 91. Then, the underwriter transmits an agreement to perform the mutually assisting delivery using the underwriter terminal 91. When the instruction unit 105 receives the agreement from the underwriter terminal 91, it may transmit an instruction for the mutually assisting delivery. When the underwriter does not agree to perform the mutually assisting delivery, the instruction unit 105 may instruct the delivery person to perform the delivery.

[0071] The instruction unit 105 may instruct the underwriter to collect the container used for delivering the ordered items from the delivery destination, and then to return the collected container to the delivery person or the facility that serves as the delivery base.

[0072] The following describes the case where the instruction unit 105 instructs a delivery by a delivery person. If the determination unit 103 determines that the ordered product does not meet the product conditions, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered product. If the ordered product does not meet the product conditions, this means that the ordered product is not suitable for collaborative delivery. Therefore, if the ordered product does not meet the product conditions, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered product. Furthermore, if the selection unit 104 cannot select an acceptor who meets the acceptance conditions, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered product. If there is no acceptor who can perform collaborative delivery, the instruction unit 105 requests the delivery person to deliver the ordered product.

[0073] The instruction unit 105 transmits, for example, to the delivery person terminal 93, instructions to deliver the items ordered by the sender. The delivery instructions include information about the items ordered by the sender and information about the delivery destination. The delivery person terminal 93 that receives the delivery instructions can then display the instructions on its screen. The delivery person can then confirm the delivery instructions via the screen of the delivery person terminal 93. The delivery person can then deliver the items ordered by the sender.

[0074] The instruction unit 105 may, for example, send delivery instructions for the items ordered by the sender to a delivery center server (not shown). The delivery center server is a server that manages the delivery of ordered items. The delivery center server, for example, manages the delivery destinations for which each delivery person is responsible. The delivery center server may send information about the delivery destinations for which the delivery person using the delivery person terminal 93 is responsible to the delivery person terminal 93, to the delivery person terminal 93. Therefore, the instruction unit 105 sends delivery instructions for the items ordered by the sender to the delivery center server. Then, the delivery center server may send delivery instructions for the items ordered by the sender to the delivery person terminal 93. Here, the delivery center server may determine the delivery order of the delivery destinations for which the delivery person is responsible. At this time, the delivery center server may send the delivery instructions and the delivery order to the delivery person terminal 93.

[0075] 4, the operation of the delivery support device 10, which includes the order content acquisition unit 101, the acceptance condition acquisition unit 102, the determination unit 103, the selection unit 104, and the instruction unit 105, will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery support device 10.

[0076] In step S101, the order detail acquisition unit 101 acquires the order details of a client requesting a customer-assisted delivery. In step S102, the acceptance conditions acquisition unit 102 acquires information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake the customer-assisted delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each undertaker can undertake the customer-assisted delivery. Then, in step S103, the determination unit 103 determines whether the ordered items included in the order details meet the product conditions that indicate whether the items can be safely delivered by the undertakers. If the determination unit 103 determines that the ordered items meet the product conditions (Yes in step S103), in step S104, the selection unit 104 selects an undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet the order details. If the selection unit 104 selects an undertaker (Yes in step S104), in step S105, the instruction unit 105 instructs the selected undertaker to perform customer-assisted delivery of the ordered items from the pickup location to the delivery destination. The delivery support device 10 then terminates its operation.

[0077] If the determination unit 103 determines that the ordered product does not match the product conditions (No in step S103), or if the selection unit 104 cannot select an underwriter (No in step S104), the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered product in step S106. Then, the delivery support device 10 ends its operation.

[0078] Here, the order of steps S102 and S103 does not matter. The order of steps S102 and S103 may be reversed. Furthermore, steps S102 and S103 may be performed in parallel. In other words, it is sufficient that step S102 is performed before step S104.

[0079] The operation of the delivery support device 10 will be described below when the delivery support device 10 includes the reception unit 106. The reception unit 106 receives the selection of the receiving location by the underwriter after step S105. The reception unit 106 may also receive the selection of the receiving location by the underwriter before step S105.

[0080] In this embodiment, the delivery support device 10 has a determination unit 103 that determines whether the ordered items included in the client's order details meet product conditions that indicate whether the items can be safely delivered by an underwriter. If it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, the selection unit 104 selects an underwriter whose acceptance conditions meet the order details. The instruction unit 105 instructs the selected underwriter to deliver the ordered items from the pickup location to the delivery destination.

[0081] When an underwriter who is a customer delivers ordered items, it may be difficult for the underwriter to deliver the ordered items safely. Therefore, the determination unit 103 determines whether the ordered items meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the underwriter, thereby making the ordered items that can be safely delivered by the underwriter eligible for collaborative delivery. In other words, ordered items that are difficult for the underwriter to deliver safely are not eligible for collaborative delivery. This enables the safe delivery of the order of the requester. Furthermore, the selection unit 104 selects an underwriter whose acceptance conditions meet the order details of the requester. The acceptance conditions are conditions under which the underwriter can safely perform collaborative delivery. The conditions for safe collaborative delivery vary for each underwriter. Therefore, by selecting an underwriter based on the acceptance conditions, the selection unit 104 can instruct the underwriter who can safely deliver the order of the requester to perform collaborative delivery. In other words, the order of the requester can be safely delivered. As described above, the delivery support device 10 enables the safe delivery of ordered items in collaborative delivery by underwriters who are customers. By cooperating with other consignees in delivery, consignees can perform some of the deliveries on behalf of the delivery personnel. As a result, for example, it may be possible to reduce the time required for delivery to each customer's residence. Also, for example, it may be possible to increase the number of deliveries handled. Therefore, it is possible to improve delivery efficiency while taking into consideration the safety of ordered products.

[0082] In this embodiment, when the delivery support device 10 determines that the ordered product does not meet the product conditions or cannot select an underwriter who meets the acceptance conditions, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered product. The ordered product may include a product that is difficult for the customer to safely deliver. For example, if the ordered product is easily damaged, it may be difficult for the underwriter to safely deliver it. Furthermore, if the ordered product is too heavy or large, it may be difficult for the underwriter to safely deliver it. In such cases, it may be preferable for the product that is difficult for the customer to safely deliver to be delivered by a delivery person. Therefore, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered product when it is determined that the ordered product does not meet the product conditions. The product conditions indicate whether the ordered product can be safely delivered by the underwriter. In other words, when the ordered product does not meet the product conditions, it means that the ordered product cannot be safely delivered by the underwriter. Even when a mutual delivery is requested, if the items ordered by the sender include items that can be safely delivered by the receiver, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered items. As a result, the ordered items can be delivered safely.

[0083] Furthermore, if an undertaker meeting the acceptance conditions cannot be selected, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered items. Here, the acceptance conditions include conditions related to the ordered items or delivery conditions that allow the undertaker to safely perform cooperative delivery. Each undertaker has different order contents that can be safely delivered. For example, the size, weight, and total number of ordered items that an undertaker can safely deliver may vary depending on the undertaker. Furthermore, some ordered items may be difficult to deliver due to, for example, allergies. Furthermore, the delivery distance and date and time that can be delivered may vary depending on the undertaker. In other words, if a delivery person meeting the acceptance conditions cannot be selected, this occurs when there is no undertaker who can safely deliver the ordered items. Even if cooperative delivery is requested, if there is no undertaker who can safely deliver the ordered items, the instruction unit 105 instructs the delivery person to deliver the ordered items. As a result, the ordered items can be safely delivered.

[0084] Therefore, even when a customer requests a mutually-assisted delivery, the configuration of delivery support device 10 makes it possible to safely deliver the ordered items in a manner that matches the requester's order. By safely delivering the ordered items, stores and distribution centers can maintain the trust of their customers.

[0085] In this embodiment, the reception unit 106 of the delivery support device 10 receives the selection of a pickup location by the acceptor. The acceptor receives the ordered items from the client at the pickup location. The acceptor then performs a cooperative delivery of the ordered items from the pickup location to the delivery destination. In this case, the reception unit 106 receives the selection of a pickup location, allowing the acceptor to receive the ordered items at a location that is convenient for them. This makes it easier for the acceptor to perform cooperative delivery. As a result, it is possible to promote registration as an acceptor for cooperative delivery. In addition, there are cases where the acceptor actively accepts cooperative delivery. As the number of acceptors for cooperative delivery increases, the number of cooperative delivery cases may increase. This also enables more efficient delivery of ordered items. Here, the pickup location includes the acceptor's residence or a facility that serves as a delivery base. If the pickup location is the acceptor's home, the acceptor cooperatively delivers the ordered items delivered to the acceptor's residence. In other words, the acceptor can reduce the effort required to pick up the ordered items. Furthermore, if the receiving location is a facility that serves as a delivery base, the delivery person can reduce the effort of transporting the ordered items of the sender to the receiver's residence. Also, depending on the delivery method and the receiver's own schedule, it may be convenient for the receiver to have the receiving location be a facility that serves as a delivery base. Therefore, by including the receiving location as the receiver's residence or a facility that serves as a delivery base, the effort of at least one of the delivery person and the receiver in the mutual delivery can be reduced.

[0086] In the delivery support device 10 according to this embodiment, the acceptance conditions include the ability to collect the container used to deliver the ordered items from the delivery destination and to return the collected container to the delivery person or the facility serving as the delivery base. Furthermore, the instruction unit 105 of the delivery support device 10 instructs the acceptor to collect the container used to deliver the ordered items from the delivery destination. The sender may need to return the container used to deliver the ordered items to the delivery person. Therefore, by having the acceptor performing a mutually assisting delivery collect the container and then return the container to the delivery person or the facility serving as the delivery base, the sender can avoid the trouble of returning the container. Furthermore, the delivery person can also avoid the trouble of collecting the container. In a mutually assisting delivery, the acceptor delivers the ordered items and collects the container, thereby improving delivery efficiency.

[0087] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the description of the second embodiment will be omitted to the extent that it does not make the description of the present embodiment unclear.

[0088] The configuration of the delivery support device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the delivery support device 20. The delivery support device 20 includes an order content acquisition unit 201, an acceptance condition acquisition unit 202, a determination unit 203, a selection unit 204, an instruction unit 205, and a provision unit 207. The delivery support device 20 may also include a reception unit 206.

[0089] The order content acquisition unit 201, the acceptance condition acquisition unit 202, the determination unit 203, the selection unit 204, the instruction unit 205, and the reception unit 206 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0090] The provision unit 207 is one aspect of provision means for providing an incentive to an underwriter who has performed a mutually-assisted delivery in accordance with the order contents. The provision unit 207 determines the content of the incentive. The content of the incentive includes the amount of the incentive and the method of providing it. The method of providing the incentive may be, for example, the distribution of coupons, points, or gift certificates. Furthermore, the method of providing the incentive may include a discount on the delivery fee for the ordered items delivered to the underwriter.

[0091] The providing unit 207 provides the determined incentive to the underwriter. The providing unit 207 may also provide the incentive to the client. The recipient of the incentive is set in advance by, for example, the delivery center.

[0092] A method for determining the content of the incentive will be described. The amount of the incentive is determined, for example, based on the order content. The providing unit 207 may determine the amount of the incentive, for example, based on the weight of each ordered item. The providing unit 207 may also determine the amount of the incentive, for example, based on the total weight of the ordered items. For example, the providing unit 207 may increase the amount of the incentive as the weight of each ordered item or the total weight of the ordered items increases.

[0093] The providing unit 207 may determine the amount of incentive according to, for example, the size of each ordered item. For example, the providing unit 207 may provide a larger amount of incentive as the size of each ordered item increases. Furthermore, the providing unit 207 may determine the amount of incentive according to, for example, the total number of ordered items. For example, the providing unit 207 may provide a larger amount of incentive as the total number of ordered items increases. The providing unit 207 may determine the amount of incentive according to the delivery distance. For example, the providing unit 207 may provide a larger amount of incentive as the delivery distance increases.

[0094] The providing unit 207 may determine the amount of incentive depending on the number of deliveries an underwriter has made. For example, the providing unit 207 may increase the amount of incentive for an underwriter who is making a mutually assisting delivery for the first time. In other words, the providing unit 207 may increase the amount of incentive for an underwriter who has made zero deliveries. By increasing the incentive for an underwriter who is making a mutually assisting delivery for the first time, the underwriter may be more proactive in making mutually assisting deliveries. Furthermore, the providing unit 207 may increase the amount of incentive for an underwriter who has made a large number of deliveries.

[0095] The providing unit 207 may determine the amount of the incentive depending on the evaluation of the underwriter. For example, the providing unit 207 may provide a larger amount of incentive to an underwriter with a higher evaluation.

[0096] The provision unit 207 can determine the method of providing the incentive depending on the recipient of the incentive. The provision unit 207 may also determine the method of providing the incentive depending on the usage status of the customer. For example, the provision unit 207 can determine the method of providing the incentive depending on the order history of the customer to whom the incentive is to be provided. The provision unit 207 can determine to provide a coupon for a product that the customer frequently purchases. Furthermore, if the customer has ordered the product infrequently, the provision unit 207 may determine to provide a discount on the delivery fee. Providing a discount on the delivery fee may encourage the customer to continue ordering the product.

[0097] The providing unit 207 may also determine a method for providing an incentive in accordance with a customer's preference. For example, when an underwriter registers that he or she is able to perform mutually-helpful delivery, the underwriter may be able to register a desired method for providing an incentive. If the underwriter registers that he or she would like to receive an incentive in the form of a coupon, the providing unit 207 may provide the coupon to the underwriter.

[0098] The providing unit 207 may provide an incentive when receiving a notification of completion of the mutually helping delivery by the underwriter. In other words, the providing unit 207 may provide an incentive after the underwriter has completed the mutually helping delivery. The completion of the mutually helping delivery by the underwriter may be notified, for example, by a declaration by the underwriter. The underwriter can, for example, send a notification of the completion of the mutually helping delivery using the underwriter terminal 91. Furthermore, the completion of the mutually helping delivery by the underwriter may be notified by the requester's registration. When the requester receives the ordered items, the requester can, for example, send a notification of the completion of the mutually helping delivery using the requester terminal 92. The requester may evaluate the underwriter at the same time as sending the notification of the completion of the mutually helping delivery. Furthermore, the providing unit 207 may provide an incentive together with instructions to the underwriter by the instruction unit 205. The timing at which the providing unit 207 provides the incentive is not limited to these.

[0099] 6, the operation of the delivery support device 20, which includes the order content acquisition unit 201, the acceptance condition acquisition unit 202, the determination unit 203, the selection unit 204, the instruction unit 205, and the provision unit 207, will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery support device 20.

[0100] Steps S201, S202, S203, S204, S205, and S207 in FIG. 6 are similar to steps S101, S102, S103, S104, S105, and S106 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0101] 6, in step S206, the providing unit 207 provides an incentive according to the order contents to the receiver who performed the mutually assisting delivery. Then, the delivery support device 20 ends its operation.

[0102] In this embodiment, the providing unit 207 of the delivery support device 20 provides an incentive to an underwriter who has performed a mutually assisting delivery, according to the order contents. Providing an incentive to an underwriter may encourage the underwriter to perform a mutually assisting delivery. Providing an incentive to an underwriter may also increase the number of customers registered as underwriters. Increasing the number of underwriters who perform mutually assisting deliveries may increase the number of mutually assisting deliveries. In other words, the efficiency of delivery of ordered items can be improved. Here, the incentive may vary, for example, depending on the order contents or delivery distance. The difficulty of the mutually assisting delivery may vary depending on the order contents or delivery distance. For example, if the weight of the ordered items is heavy, it is difficult for the underwriter to perform the mutually assisting delivery. Furthermore, if the delivery distance is long, the burden on the underwriter is greater than when the delivery distance is short. Therefore, by providing incentives that vary depending on the order contents or delivery distance, the underwriter can receive an incentive according to the difficulty of the mutually assisting delivery. As a result, the underwriter may be more likely to perform a mutually assisting delivery again. Furthermore, the incentive may vary, for example, depending on the number of times the underwriter has performed mutually assisting deliveries. As a result, the underwriter may be more likely to undertake the mutual delivery again. Furthermore, the incentive may vary depending on the evaluation of the underwriter, for example. This may improve the quality of the mutual delivery provided by the underwriter. As a result, it is possible to improve the satisfaction of the client with the mutual delivery.

[0103] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the description of the third embodiment will be omitted to the extent that it does not make the description of the present embodiment unclear.

[0104] The configuration of the delivery support device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the delivery support device 30. The delivery support device 30 includes an order content acquisition unit 301, an acceptance condition acquisition unit 302, a determination unit 303, a selection unit 304, an instruction unit 305, a calculation unit 308, and a notification unit 309. The delivery support device 30 may further include at least one of a reception unit 306 and a provision unit 307.

[0105] The order content acquisition unit 301, acceptance condition acquisition unit 302, judgment unit 303, selection unit 304, instruction unit 305, calculation unit 308, notification unit 309, reception unit 306 and provision unit 307 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

[0106] The calculation unit 308 is one aspect of a calculation means for calculating the utilization rate of mutual delivery with respect to the total number of orders within a specified region. The utilization rate represents the proportion of orders for which mutual delivery was performed among all orders within the specified region. The calculation unit 308 can calculate this utilization rate by dividing the number of orders for which mutual delivery was performed within the specified region by the total number of orders within the specified region. This utilization rate makes it possible to visualize the extent to which mutual delivery is used within the specified region. The calculation unit 308 can, for example, obtain from the database 94 the number of orders for which mutual delivery was performed within the specified region and the total number of orders within the specified region.

[0107] The calculation unit 308 may calculate a success rate of mutual delivery within a specified region. The success rate is the ratio of orders for which mutual delivery was actually performed to the number of orders for which mutual delivery was requested. In other words, the calculation unit 308 can calculate the success rate by dividing the number of orders for which mutual delivery was performed within a specified region by the number of orders for which mutual delivery was requested within the specified region. The success rate can visualize the percentage of orders for which mutual delivery is actually performed when customers request mutual delivery. The calculation unit 308 can obtain, for example, from the database 94, the number of orders for which mutual delivery was performed within a specified region and the number of orders for which mutual delivery was requested within a specified region.

[0108] Here, an example of a predetermined area is the entire area that one delivery center is responsible for. The predetermined area may also be an area that the same delivery person is responsible for. The predetermined area may also be a prefecture or a district, town, or village. The predetermined area is not limited to these.

[0109] The calculation unit 308 may calculate multiple utilization rates or contract rates for regions divided differently. For example, the calculation unit 308 may calculate the utilization rate for the entire region served by one distribution center and the utilization rates for the regions served by the same distribution center.

[0110] The calculation unit 308 can calculate the utilization rate from the number of orders for which mutual delivery has been performed in a specified area up to the time of calculation and the total number of orders in the specified area. The calculation unit 308 may calculate the utilization rate within a specified period. The specified period is, for example, the most recent month or one year. The specified period is set in advance. The calculation unit 308 can calculate the contract rate up to the time of calculation and the contract rate within the specified period.

[0111] The notification unit 309 is one aspect of a means for notifying customers of the utilization rate. The notification unit 309 notifies customers of the utilization rate calculated by the calculation unit 308. Customers notified by the notification unit 309 include the sender and the undertaker. In addition, customers notified by the notification unit 309 include customers who have never used the mutual delivery service. A customer who has never used the mutual delivery service is a customer who has not registered that they are able to undertake the mutual delivery service and has never requested the mutual delivery service before. The notification unit 309 may notify the delivery person of the utilization rate.

[0112] A notification method by the notification unit 309 will be described. As an example of a notification method, the notification unit 309 transmits a notification including a utilization rate. The notification unit 309 may transmit the notification including the utilization rate, for example, to a terminal used by a customer. The terminal used by a customer includes the sender terminal 92 and the underwriter terminal 91. The notification unit 309 may also transmit a notification including the utilization rate to the delivery person terminal 93.

[0113] The notification unit 309 may, for example, give an instruction to display the utilization rate on the homepage of the store. The notification unit 309 may, for example, give an instruction to display the utilization rate on a product ordering screen. The notification unit 309 may, for example, give an instruction to display the utilization rate on the homepage of the distribution center. The customer can see the utilization rate when accessing the homepage of the store or distribution center.

[0114] The notification unit 309 may instruct, for example, to display the usage rate on a product order form. For example, if the store accepts orders using paper order forms, the notification unit 309 may instruct to print the usage rate on the paper order form.

[0115] The notification unit 309 may, for example, create a heat map showing the utilization rate by region. The heat map can visualize the utilization rate of the mutual delivery service by region. The notification unit 309 may then notify the user of the heat map. The notification is performed by any of the notification methods described above. The notification unit 309 may, for example, instruct the store to display the utilization rate in the created heat map on its homepage.

[0116] The notification method by the notification unit 309 is not limited to these. The notification unit 309 may notify the utilization rate in a manner that allows the customer to check it. The notification unit 309 may also change the notification destination depending on the notification method. Furthermore, the notification unit 309 may also notify the contract rate. The notification method for the contract rate is the same as the notification method for the utilization rate. The notification unit 309 may also notify the utilization rate and the contract rate. In this case, the notification unit 309 may notify the utilization rate and the contract rate using different notification methods.

[0117] When the delivery support device 30 includes the calculation unit 308 and the notification unit 309, the incentive provided by the provision unit 307 may vary depending on the utilization rate in the area to which the underwriter belongs. In other words, the provision unit 307 determines the content of the incentive depending on the utilization rate in the area to which the underwriter belongs. The provision unit 307 may then provide the determined incentive to the underwriter. For example, the provision unit 307 may increase the amount of the incentive when the utilization rate is low. By increasing the amount of the incentive, it is possible to encourage customers to use the mutual aid delivery service. Furthermore, the provision unit 307 may decrease the amount of the incentive when the utilization rate is high. Furthermore, the provision unit 307 may provide an incentive according to the contract rate.

[0118] 8, the operation of the delivery support device 30, which includes an order content acquisition unit 301, an acceptance condition acquisition unit 302, a determination unit 303, a selection unit 304, an instruction unit 305, a calculation unit 308, and a notification unit 309, will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the delivery support device 30.

[0119] Steps S301, S302, S303, S304, S305, and S308 in FIG. 8 are similar to steps S101, S102, S103, S104, S105, and S106 in FIG. 4, respectively.

[0120] 8, in step S306, the calculation unit 308 calculates the utilization rate of the mutual delivery service relative to the total number of orders within a specified area. Then, in step S307, the notification unit 309 notifies the customer of the utilization rate. The delivery support device 30 then ends its operation.

[0121] The timing of steps S306 and S307 is not limited to these, as long as the operation of step S307 is performed after step S306.

[0122] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 308 of the delivery support device 30 calculates the utilization rate of the mutual delivery service relative to the total number of orders within a specified area. Then, the notification unit 309 notifies the customer of the utilization rate. By being notified of the utilization rate of the mutual delivery service, the customer can understand the utilization rate of the mutual delivery service. In addition, a customer who has never used the mutual delivery service may use the mutual delivery service. As the number of customers who use the mutual delivery service increases, delivery efficiency can be improved.

[0123] In the delivery support device 30 according to this embodiment, incentives vary depending on the utilization rate of the area to which the underwriter belongs. For example, by providing a larger incentive to underwriters in areas with low utilization rates than to underwriters in areas with high utilization rates, it becomes possible to promote the use of mutual aid delivery in areas with low utilization rates. As a result, it becomes possible to improve delivery efficiency.

[0124] [Hardware Configuration Example] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the delivery support device 40 according to the present disclosure. The delivery support device 40 is realized by a computer. The delivery support device 40 is an example in which the delivery support device 10, the delivery support device 20, or the delivery support device 30 is realized by a computer.

[0125] The delivery support device 40 includes a processor 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, a storage device 404 such as a hard disk for storing programs, an input / output interface 405 for inputting and outputting data, and a communication interface 406 for network connection. Each component is connected via a bus 407.

[0126] The processor 401 runs an operating system to control the entire computer. Examples of the processor 401 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 401 loads programs stored in, for example, the ROM 402 or the storage device 404. The processor 401 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 401 may execute processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0127] The ROM 402 stores application programs, programs according to the embodiments, etc. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the processor 401.

[0128] Examples of the storage device 404 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The storage device 404 stores, for example, an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to each embodiment.

[0129] The input / output interface 405 is connected to peripheral devices (not shown) via a wired network or a wireless network.

[0130] The communication interface 406 is connected to a communication network (not shown), such as a LAN (Local Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), via a wireless or wired network. The communication network may be configured with multiple communication networks. This allows the computer to be connected to an external device via the communication network. The delivery assistance device 40 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 9. For example, the delivery assistance device 40 may have a drive device or the like. For example, the processor 401 may be attached to a drive device or the like and read programs and data stored in a non-transitory tangible recording medium into the RAM 403.

[0131] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0132] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0133] (Supplementary Note 1) A delivery support device comprising: an order content acquisition means for acquiring the order content of a client requesting mutually assisting delivery by a customer; an acceptance condition acquisition means for acquiring information on undertakers who are customers who are able to undertake the mutually assisting delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each of the undertakers can undertake the mutually assisting delivery; a determination means for determining whether the ordered items included in the order content meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers; a selection means for selecting the undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet the order content when it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions; and an instruction means for instructing the selected undertaker to carry out the mutually assisting delivery from the pick-up location of the ordered items to the delivery destination.

[0134] (Supplementary Note 2) The delivery support device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the instruction means instructs a delivery person to deliver the ordered product when it is determined that the ordered product does not meet the product conditions or when it is not possible to select an undertaker who meets the acceptance conditions.

[0135] (Supplementary Note 3) The delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the product conditions include a condition regarding the fragility of the product.

[0136] (Supplementary Note 4) The delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the product conditions include a condition regarding the total number or weight of the ordered products.

[0137] (Supplementary Note 5) The delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a reception unit that receives the selection of the receiving location by the undertaker.

[0138] (Supplementary Note 6) The delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the receiving location includes the recipient's residence or a facility that serves as a delivery base.

[0139] (Supplementary Note 7) The delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the acceptance conditions include conditions regarding the ordered products or conditions regarding delivery that allow the underwriter to safely carry out the mutually-assisted delivery.

[0140] (Appendix 8) The delivery support device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein the acceptance conditions include the ability to collect the storage material used to deliver the ordered items from the client's residence and to return the collected storage material to the delivery person or to a facility that serves as a delivery base.

[0141] (Supplementary Note 9) The delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the instruction means instructs the receiver to collect the storage member from the residence of the sender.

[0142] (Supplementary Note 10) The delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, further comprising: providing means for providing an incentive according to the order content to the underwriter who performed the mutually assisting delivery.

[0143] (Supplementary Note 11) The delivery assistance device according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the incentive varies depending on the order content or the delivery distance.

[0144] (Supplementary Note 12) The delivery assistance device according to Supplementary Note 10 or 11, wherein the incentive varies depending on the number of times or an evaluation of the underwriter who has performed the mutually assisting delivery.

[0145] (Supplementary Note 13) The delivery support device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 12 further comprises: a calculation means for calculating a utilization rate of the mutual delivery service relative to the total number of orders within a specified area; and a notification means for notifying the customer of the utilization rate.

[0146] (Supplementary Note 14) The delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 13, wherein the incentive varies depending on the utilization rate within the area to which the underwriter belongs.

[0147] (Supplementary Note 15) The delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the acceptance conditions include conditions regarding the total number, weight, or delivery distance of the ordered items.

[0148] (Supplementary Note 16) The delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the acceptance conditions include conditions regarding the ordered products that the acceptor cannot accept.

[0149] (Supplementary Note 17) The delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the acceptance conditions include a condition regarding a date and time when the acceptor is available to accept the delivery.

[0150] (Supplementary Note 18) The delivery support device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 17, wherein the selection means selects the undertaker according to the delivery distance when there are multiple undertaker whose acceptance conditions match the order content.

[0151] (Supplementary Note 19) A delivery assistance method comprising: acquiring order details from a client requesting a customer-assisted delivery; acquiring information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake the customer-assisted delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each of the undertakers can undertake the customer-assisted delivery; determining whether the ordered items included in the order details meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers; if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, selecting the undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet for the order details; and instructing the selected undertaker to carry out the customer-assisted delivery from the pick-up location to the delivery destination.

[0152] (Appendix 20) A recording medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire order details from a client requesting mutually assisting delivery; acquire information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake the mutually assisting delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each of the undertakers can undertake the mutually assisting delivery; determine whether the ordered items included in the order details meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers; if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, select the undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet for the order details; and instruct the selected undertaker to carry out the mutually assisting delivery from the pick-up location to the delivery destination of the ordered items.

[0153] (Appendix 21) A delivery assistance program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire order details from a client requesting mutually assisting delivery; acquire information on undertakers who are the customer and are able to undertake the mutually assisting delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each of the undertakers can undertake the mutually assisting delivery; determine whether the ordered items included in the order details meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers; if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, select the undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet for the order details; and instruct the selected undertaker to carry out the mutually assisting delivery of the ordered items from the collection location to the delivery destination.

[0154] Some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2-18, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 19-21 in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 2-18. Not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 19-21, but also to various hardware, software, various recording devices for recording software, or systems, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on each other within the scope of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0155] 10, 20, 30, 40 Delivery support device 101, 201, 301 Order content acquisition unit 102, 202, 302 Acceptance condition acquisition unit 103, 203, 303 Determination unit 104, 204, 304 Selection unit 105, 205, 305 Instruction unit 106, 206, 306 Reception unit 207, 307 Provision unit 308 Calculation unit 309 Notification unit 401 Processor 402 ROM 403 RAM 404 Storage device 405 Input / output interface 406 Communication interface 407 Bus 91 Undertaker terminal 92 Requester terminal 93 Delivery person terminal 94 Database

Claims

1. A delivery support device comprising: an order content acquisition means for acquiring the order content of a client requesting a mutually assisting delivery by a customer; an acceptance condition acquisition means for acquiring information on undertakers who are customers who are able to undertake the mutually assisting delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each of the undertakers can undertake the mutually assisting delivery; a determination means for determining whether the ordered items included in the order content meet product conditions that indicate whether they are items that can be safely delivered by the undertakers; a selection means for selecting the undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet the order content when it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions; and an instruction means for instructing the selected undertaker to carry out the mutually assisting delivery from the pick-up location of the ordered items to the delivery destination.

2. The delivery support device according to claim 1, wherein the instruction means instructs a delivery person to deliver the ordered product when it is determined that the ordered product does not meet the product conditions or when it is not possible to select an undertaker who meets the acceptance conditions.

3. The delivery support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product conditions include a condition regarding the fragility of the product.

4. The delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the product conditions include conditions regarding the total number or weight of the ordered products.

5. The delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reception means for receiving the selection of the receiving location by the undertaker.

6. The delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the receiving location includes the recipient's residence or a facility that serves as a delivery base.

7. A delivery assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the acceptance conditions include conditions regarding the ordered items or conditions regarding delivery that enable the underwriter to safely carry out the mutually-assisted delivery.

8. A delivery support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the acceptance conditions include the ability to collect the storage material used to deliver the ordered items from the client's residence and to return the collected storage material to the delivery person or to a facility that serves as a delivery base.

9. The delivery support device according to claim 8, wherein said instruction means instructs said receiver to collect said storage member from said residence of said sender.

10. The delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a providing means for providing an incentive to the undertaker who has performed the mutually assisting delivery, in accordance with the contents of the order.

11. The delivery assistance device according to claim 10, wherein the incentive varies depending on the order content or delivery distance.

12. The delivery assistance device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the incentive varies depending on the number of times or evaluation of the recipient who has performed the mutually assisting delivery.

13. A delivery support device as described in any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: a calculation means for calculating the utilization rate of the mutual delivery service relative to the total number of orders within a specified area; and a notification means for notifying the customer of the utilization rate.

14. The delivery assistance device according to claim 13, wherein the incentive varies depending on the utilization rate within the area to which the underwriter belongs.

15. The delivery assistance device according to claim 7, wherein the conditions regarding the ordered items include conditions regarding the total number, weight, or delivery distance of the ordered items.

16. The delivery assistance device according to claim 7, wherein the conditions regarding the ordered products include conditions regarding the ordered products that the acceptor cannot accept.

17. The delivery support device according to claim 7, wherein the conditions regarding delivery include conditions regarding the date and time when the receiver is available to accept the delivery.

18. A delivery support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the selection means selects the recipient according to the delivery distance when there are multiple recipients whose acceptance conditions match the order content.

19. A delivery assistance method comprising: acquiring order details from a client requesting a mutually assisting delivery; acquiring information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake the mutually assisting delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each of the undertakers can undertake the mutually assisting delivery; determining whether the ordered items included in the order details meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers; if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, selecting the undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet for the order details; and instructing the selected undertaker to carry out the mutually assisting delivery of the ordered items from the collection location to the delivery destination.

20. A recording medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquire order details from a client requesting mutually assisting delivery; acquire information on undertakers who are customers who can undertake the mutually assisting delivery and the acceptance conditions under which each of the undertakers can undertake the mutually assisting delivery; determine whether the ordered items included in the order details meet product conditions that indicate whether the ordered items can be safely delivered by the undertakers; if it is determined that the ordered items meet the product conditions, select the undertaker whose acceptance conditions meet for the order details; and instruct the selected undertaker to carry out the mutually assisting delivery from the pick-up location to the delivery destination.

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