Abstract:
To provide a delivery management method that is based on resource conservation, energy conservation, ecology and the like. [Resolution Means] Host computers ( 10  and  20 ) that provide the steps of: selecting between a packaging mode using a cardboard box and a packaging mode using a return box that goes back and forth between a delivery destination and a product delivery center without the use of the cardboard box with regards to the packaging of a product when an order for a product is received from a terminal device (S 103 ); assigning a return box and a pickup location of a delivery company in a zone that includes the delivery destination of the product when the packaging mode using the return box is selected using a selection screen (S 111 ); stowing the product in the assigned return box at the product delivery center (S 115 ); delivering the return box from the product delivery center (S 116 ); and returning the return box to the product delivery center after the return box has been delivered (S 119 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a delivery management method that receives an order for a product such as a book, a DVD, an electronic device and the like through an Internet website and then delivers the product to a delivery destination. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Open networks, as represented by the Internet, are spreading globally. Within Internet business, a mechanism that receives an order for a product such as a book, a DVD, daily sundry goods, an electronic device and the like through the Internet and then delivers the product to a delivery destination from a delivery center is widely used. A product that is not adequately covered by packaging material such as a book or a DVD is generally stowed in a cardboard envelope or a cardboard box (hereinafter referred to as a cardboard box) and delivered to the delivery destination from a product delivery center. Furthermore, a large electrical appliance and the like is already stowed in a sturdy cardboard box and is thus delivered to the delivery destination from the product delivery center as is. 
         [0005]    A delivery label disclosing the delivery destination is affixed to the cardboard box and a delivery company carries the product from the product delivery center to the delivery destination based on the delivery label. More specially, the delivery company initially gathers the product sent from the product delivery center at a delivery company sorting center and then sorts the product at the sorting center by pickup location (business office). Furthermore, the delivery company ships the product to the pickup location from the sorting center and the product is delivered to the delivery destination from the pickup location. Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that relates to the delivery label. 
       DOCUMENTS OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Patent Document 
       [0006]    Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2004-315116 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
       [0007]    A cardboard box for delivering a product is required so that the product can be delivered to a delivery destination without being damaged. On the other hand, the product delivery center must incur the cost of the cardboard box and the delivery destination must go to the trouble of disposing of the cardboard box. Furthermore, from the perspective of resource utilization, consumers want a delivery management method that is based on resource conservation, energy conservation, ecology and the like. 
       Means for Solving the Problem 
       [0008]    The present invention is a delivery management system providing a terminal device of a purchaser and a host computer that connects to the terminal device through a communication line that delivers a product of an order by the purchaser from a product delivery center. 
         [0009]    In a first delivery management method, the host computer provides a step of selecting between a packaging mode using a cardboard box and a packaging mode using a return box that goes back and forth between a delivery destination and the product delivery center without the use of the cardboard box with regards to the packaging of a product when an order for the product is received from the terminal device. The delivery management method, furthermore, provides the steps: of assigning a return box and a pickup location of a delivery company in a zone that includes the delivery destination of the product when the packaging mode using the return box is selected using a selection screen; stowing the product in the assigned return box at the product delivery center; delivering the return box from the product delivery center; and returning the return box to the product delivery center after the return box has been delivered. 
         [0010]    A second delivery management method attaches a pickup location tag that records the pickup location to the return box during the assigning step and attaches a delivery destination tag that records the delivery destination to the product during the stowing step. 
         [0011]    A third delivery management method prints the pickup location tag and the delivery destination tag at the same time using a printer for printing tags after the assigning step. 
         [0012]    A fourth delivery management method provides a determining step that determines whether it is possible to deliver the product of the order by the purchaser using the return box. Furthermore, the fourth delivery management method proceeds from the determining step to the selecting step when it is possible to deliver using the return box. 
         [0013]    An assigning step of a fifth delivery management method assigns the product to the return box based the storage location of the product at the product delivery center. 
         [0014]    An assigning step of a sixth delivery management method also assigns the product to the return box based the size of the product. 
         [0015]    In a seventh delivery management method, there is a first return box with a first width and a second return box with a second width larger than the first width for the return box, and an assigning step that also assigns the product to the first return box or the second return box based on the width of the product. 
         [0016]    In an eighth delivery management method, there is a first return box for a heavy object and a second return box for a light object for the return box, and an assigning step that also assigns the product to the first return box or the second return box based on the weight of the product. 
       Effect of the Invention 
       [0017]    The delivery management method of the present invention is able to deliver a product directly to a pickup location using a return box and thus conserves resources, conserves energy and is ecological. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an overall configuration drawing of a delivery system from an order for a product through the Internet to delivery of the product. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration within a delivery management server  20 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram of assigning means  125  assigning to a pickup location based on an address and the like of a delivery destination. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a conceptual diagram of the assigning means  125  assigning the delivery destination by pickup location and printing a pickup location tag and a delivery destination tag. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart from receipt of the order to delivery of a product BK using a cardboard box CB or a return box RB. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an example of a monitor screen for the input of the delivery destination and the selection of a packaging mode. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart from receipt of the order to delivery of the product to the delivery destination. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a step that packs the product BK in the cardboard box CB or the return box RB. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the return box RB. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a side view illustrating a state where products BK of different widths are stowed in the return box RB. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  (A) is a flow chart of a second embodiment. (B) is a flowchart of a third embodiment. (C) is a flow chart of a fourth embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a conceptual diagram of the second embodiment and thus a conceptual diagram of assigning means  125  assigning return boxes for pickup locations based on the addresses of the delivery destinations and the sizes of the products. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment 
       [0030]    (Configuration of a Delivery System) 
         [0031]    An embodiment of the delivery system according to the present invention is provided below. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is an overall configuration drawing of a delivery system from an order for a product through the Internet to delivery of the product according to a first embodiment. 
         [0033]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a delivery management server  20  according to the present embodiment is installed at a product delivery center (distribution center)  25 . The delivery management server  20  is connected to an order receiving server  10  and, together with the order receiving server  10 , takes on the role of a host computer. Furthermore, the delivery management server  20  is connected to a server  30  of a delivery company through the security of a password and the like. 
         [0034]    The order receiving server  10  records a product description of a book, a DVD, an electronic device and the like, size (length width, lateral width and height) of a product BK, weight of the product BK and the price of the product. An ordering person submits an order for a product to the order receiving server  10  through the Internet using a mobile terminal, a PC or the like. The ordering person can select a delivery destination and packaging mode when ordering the product. 
         [0035]    The server  30  of a delivery company stores a plurality of pickup locations (business offices) and the coverage areas supported by the pickup locations. The server  30  of a delivery company also stores a convenience store or a Kiosk for temporarily storing the product and the coverage area supported by the convenience store or Kiosk. The delivery management server  20  can accesses this information and store the information of the coverage area supported by the pickup location in a storage device of the delivery management server  20 . 
         [0036]    The product delivery center  25  provides an automated warehouse having a stacker crane and the like or shelves. The product delivery center  25  receives various products from publishers, record companies and manufacturers. The various products are stored in the automated warehouse or shelves and the like. 
         [0037]    An ordered product BK is stowed in a cardboard box CB or a return box RB (circulation box). The cardboard box CB is shipped from the product delivery center  25 , together with other products stowed in the cardboard box CB, by a truck TR 10 . Furthermore, the return box RB is shipped from the product delivery center  25 , together with other products, by a truck TR 11 . 
         [0038]    The cardboard box CB shipped by the truck TR 10  is initially off loaded at a sorting center  35  of a delivery company. At the sorting center  35 , the cardboard box CB is separated as addressed to pickup location  37  based on the delivery destination tag affixed to the cardboard box CB. The separated cardboard box CB is delivered to the pickup location  37  by the truck TR 11 . On the other hand, the return box RB is delivered directly to the pickup location  37  by the truck TR 11  without passing through the sorting center  35 . 
         [0039]    The cardboard box CB or return box RB delivered to the pickup location  37  is delivered to the delivery destination by small truck TR 13 . The product BK stowed in the cardboard box CB is handed to a delivery destination receiving person while stowed in the cardboard box. The product BK stowed in the return box RB is taken out from the return box RB and handed to the delivery destination receiving person. The empty return box RB is returned to the product delivery center  25  through the pickup location  37 . 
         [0040]    Note that the truck TR 11  can deliver the cardboard box CB or the return box RB to a convenience store or Kiosk for temporary storage instead of to the pickup location  37 . The receiving person goes to the convenience store or Kiosk to pick up the cardboard box CB or the return box RB delivered to the convenience store or Kiosk. The product BK stowed in the cardboard box CB is handed to a delivery destination receiving person while stowed in the cardboard box. The product BK stowed in the return box RB is taken out from the return box RB and handed to the delivery destination receiving person. The empty return box RB is returned to the product delivery center  25  from the convenience store or Kiosk. In the present specification, the pickup location  37  is a concept that includes the convenience store or Kiosk. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration within a delivery management server  20 . The delivery management server  20  in the product delivery center  25  possesses delivery destination master data  121 , pickup location master data  123  and product master data  127 . The delivery destination master data  121  accumulates the order number, ordering person, ordered product and delivery destination data the delivery management server  20  receives from the order receiving server  10  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, the pickup location master data  123  accumulates pickup location data related to the pickup location the delivery management server  20  receives from the server  30  of a delivery company (refer to  FIG. 1 ). When there is a plurality of delivery companies, the pickup location master data  123  accumulates pickup location data by each delivery company. The assigning means  125  is connected to the delivery destination master data  121  and pickup location master data  123 . The assigning means  125  is also connected to the product managing means  129 . The processing performed by the assigning means  125  will be described later using  FIG. 3 . 
         [0042]    Product master data  127  accumulates data of stocked products such as which storage locations the stocked products are in and how many stocked products exist. In other words, the product managing means  129  manages the product BK delivered to the product delivery center  25  from publishers and the like and the product BK shipped from the product delivery center  25 . 
         [0043]    The assigning means  125  and the product managing means  129  are tied to a label printer  252  by a communication line of a wireless LAN and the like. The label printer  252  prints a pickup location tag  257  having a barcode and the like or a product tag  258  having a barcode and the like. Furthermore, the product managing means  129  are tied to a tablet PC or a portable data terminal (hereinafter referred to as a PDT)  254  by a communication line of a wireless LAN and the like. The PDT  254  scans the pickup location tag  257  and the product BK product tag  258  and transmits the scanned data to the product managing means  129 . The product managing means  129  manages the information that the product BK was removed from the product delivery center  25 , the information that the product BK was stowed in the return box RB, the information that the product BK stowed in the return box RB was shipped from the product delivery center  25 , and the information that the product BK is stored at the product delivery center  25 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram of assigning means  125  assigning to a pickup location based on an address and the like of a delivery destination. 
         [0045]    As illustrated on order display OD on the left side of  FIG. 3 , the delivery destination master data  121  stores both the delivery destination and the order number of the product BK. The delivery destination master data  121  stores a postal code of an area for delivery and the address and name or title of the delivery destination. The delivery destination master data  121  also has a region recorded by the pickup location code and the region is blank until the pickup location code is set. Furthermore, in the case of the delivery of the cardboard box CB described in  FIG. 1 , the region stored by the pickup location code is left blank. 
         [0046]    On the other hand, as illustrated on delivery display  37 T on the right side of  FIG. 3 , the pickup location master data  123  stores the pickup location code, pickup location name and pickup location address of the pickup location  37  of a certain delivery company. The pickup location master data  123  also records postal codes of the areas the pickup location  37  picks up from or delivers to and the delivery area. A delivery display  37 T of the pickup location code for the pickup location  37  may be stored for each different delivery company. 
         [0047]    The assigning means  125  compares the postal code or address of an area for delivery with postal codes and delivery areas of areas to which the pickup location  37  delivers. Then, the pickup location sets the pickup location  37  to which the product BK will be delivered. The pickup location code of the set pickup location  37  is recorded in the order display OD of the delivery destination master data  121 . Note that the pickup location code of the pickup location  37  is stored in the order display OD when delivery is performed using the return box RB, and that the pickup location code is not stored when delivery is performed using the cardboard box CB. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a conceptual diagram of the assigning means  125  assigning delivery destinations by pickup location and of the label printer  252  printing pickup location tags  257  and product tags  258 . 
         [0049]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the order display OD includes several thousands of or several tens of thousands of orders OD 1  through ODn received in a day. The assigning means  125  assigns delivery destinations by each delivery area of the pickup location  37 . For example, the return box RB can stow four of the products BK. Therefore, the assigning means  125  assigns four products BK to the return box RB. Furthermore, the label printer  252  prints one pickup location tag  257  and four product tags  258  on one sheet. The one pickup location tag  257  and four product tags  258  are stickers and can thus be peeled from the sheet. Printing as one sheet in this way allows an operator to confirm that four products BK are inside one return box RB. Of course, because the pickup location code is printed on the product tag  258 , as described in  FIG. 8 , it is not required that one pickup location tag  257  and four product tags  258  be printed as one sheet. 
         [0050]    A plurality of orders, for example eight orders, is sometimes included for one pickup location  37 . In such a case, one other pickup location tag  257  and four product tags  258  are printed. In other words, there will be two return boxes RB for the same pickup location  37 . Therefore, the assigning means  125  attaches symbols, such as “A” or “B,” or numbers in the header or the footer of the pickup location code so as to enable differentiation between the two. 
         [0051]    Furthermore, there are cases where only three of the products BK are listed on the order display OD for delivery to a given pickup location  37 . In such a case, the assigning means  125  prints one other pickup location tag  257  and three product tags  258  by printing “None” on one of the product tags  258 . The operator is able to confirm that there are three of the products BK inside without any concern that one of the product tags  258  did not print due to a printing failure and the like. 
         [0052]    Note that the present embodiment is described based on the assumption that the order display OD displays one day&#39;s worth of orders. However, the assigning means  125  may process the order display OD twice a day or every two days and, furthermore, may process the order display OD in synch with the arrival time of the truck TR 11  at the product delivery center  25  (refer to  FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, there are cases where two or more of the same product BK are ordered. In such as case, the assigning means  125  may process the orders as one order or as two or more orders. 
         [0053]    (Delivery Management Method) 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart from receipt of an order to delivery of the product BK using a cardboard box CB or a return box RB. In the flow chart, processing is done in the order receiving server  10  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) until step S 103  and step S 104  is processed in the delivery management server  20 . 
         [0055]    In step S 101  of  FIG. 5 , an ordering person submits an order for the product BK to the order receiving server  10  through the Internet using a mobile terminal or a PC and the like. 
         [0056]    In step S 102 , the order receiving server  10  determines whether the ordered product BK is a product suited to a cardboard box CB or to a return box RB. For example, large appliances and furniture and the like will not fit in the cardboard box CB or the return box RB and thus large appliances are delivered as is in original stowage boxes or furniture is partially protected using cushioning material and then delivered as is. If it is possible to deliver the ordered product BK using the cardboard box CB or the return box RB, the method proceeds to step S 103 . 
         [0057]    In step S 103 , the ordering person selects cardboard box delivery or return box delivery using a selection screen displayed on a monitor of the mobile terminal or the PC and the like.  FIG. 6  is an example of a monitor screen  12  where the ordering person enters the delivery destination and selects the packaging mode. 
         [0058]    As is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , delivery field  14  for entering the delivery destination, selection field  15  for selecting the packaging mode and request field  16  for requesting issuance of a gift setting or a receipt are displayed on the monitor screen  12 . The ordering person enters the delivery destination to the delivery field  14  and selects a packaging mode from the selection field  15  using a mouse pointer  19  when placing a product order. The selection field  15  provides a display that allows the selection of either delivery using the cardboard box or the return box (eco) delivery. Delivery using the return box explains that the “The product is removed from a cardboard box and delivered wrapped in plastic. The cardboard box in which the product was stowed is returned.” and describes the packaging mode thereof. The delivery destination and selected packaging mode entered to the order receiving server  10  are sent to the delivery management server  20  together with the order number, product information and the like. 
         [0059]    At step S 104 , the delivery management server  20  determines whether delivery of the ordered product will be delivery using the cardboard box CB or delivery using the return box RB. The method proceeds to “S” in  FIG. 7  in the case of delivery using the return box RB or to “T” in  FIG. 7  in the case of delivery using the cardboard box CB. 
         [0060]    Delivery of the product BK using the cardboard box CB and delivery of the product BK using the return box RB are illustrated in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  that are described next. 
         [0061]    (When Delivery Using the Return Box is Selected) 
         [0062]    In step S 111 , the assigning means  125  assigns individual orders (ordered product data) by each delivering pickup location based on the delivery destination. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the pickup location code of the set pickup location  37  is recorded in the order display OD of the delivery destination master data  121 . Furthermore, the product BK to be stowed in one return box RB is assigned, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0063]    At step S 112 , the label printer  252  prints the pickup location tag  257  and the delivery destination tag  258  for the pickup location  37  on one sheet, in accordance with instructions from the assigning means  125 .  FIG. 8  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a step that packs the product BK in the return box RB. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the pickup location code, pickup location name and pickup location address are printed on the pickup location tag  257 . The shipping destination address for the product BK, name of the ordering person, product name, order number, order date and pickup location code are printed on the delivery destination tag  258 . Note that a barcode (one dimensional code) or a QR code (registered trademark) (two dimensional code) is also printed on the pickup location tag  257  and the delivery destination tags  258  so that the order number, pickup location code and the like can be scanned by the PDT  254 . 
         [0064]    Note that it is preferred that four delivery destination tags  258  be printed in sequence either from the bottom or from the top so that the assigning means  125  can efficiently remove the product BK from the automated warehouse or a shelf ST at step S 114 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the assigning means  125  is connected to the product managing means  129 . The product managing means  129  manages the storage locations that indicate what products are stored on what shelves. Therefore, in order to efficiently remove the product BK from the automated warehouse or the shelf ST, the assigning means  125  searches for the shortest route for removing the product BK using an optimization algorithm of a travelling salesman method and the like. Furthermore, the label printer  252  prints the delivery destination tags  258  in sequence based on the shortest routes and the pickup location tag  257 , in accordance with the results of the search by the assigning means  125 . 
         [0065]    At step S 113 , the printed pickup location tag  257  is peeled from the sheet and affixed, either automatically or by the operator, to the return box RB. 
         [0066]    At step S 114 , the ordered product BK is removed, either automatically or by the operator, from the automated warehouse or the shelf ST. The PDT 254  scans the barcode and the like of the product BK at this time. The information that the product BK was removed from the shelf ST is transmitted to the product managing means  129 . Furthermore, after the PDT  254  scans the barcode and the like of the product BK, the product BK is wrapped in plastic so as not to get dirty. Then, the printed delivery destination tag  258  is affixed, either automatically or by the operator, to the wrapped product BK. 
         [0067]    At step S 115 , the product BK to which the delivery destination tag  258  is affixed is stowed, either automatically or by the operator, in the return box RB. The pickup location tag  257  and the delivery destination tag  258  are scanned using the PDT  254  and the information of the product BK stowed in the return box RB is transmitted to the product managing means  129 . As long as the return box RB can stow up to four of the products BK, a maximum of four of the products BK that match the pickup location tag  257  can be stowed in the return box RB. 
         [0068]    At step S 116 , the return box RB stowing the product BK is delivered directly to the pickup location  37  from the product delivery center  25 . 
         [0069]    At step S 117 , the pickup location  37  receives the return box RB from the product delivery center  25 . The pickup location  37 , unlike the sorting center  35  that mainly separates and sorts, is a business office that sends delivery products directly to delivery destinations from the pickup location  37  and also receives delivery products. 
         [0070]    At step S 118 , the delivery company removes the product BK from the return box RB at the delivery destination and then delivers the product. Because only products BK for delivery areas of the pickup location  37  are in the return box RB, the delivery company delivers the product BK using the delivery destination tag  258  affixed to the wrapped product BK. 
         [0071]    In step S 119 , the return box RB is empty after all of the products BK have been delivered to the delivery destination. The empty return box is returned to the product delivery center  25  through the pickup location  37 . The product BK is once again stowed in the returned return box RB, which is then delivered to the pickup location  37  from the product delivery center  25 . 
         [0072]    (When Delivery Using the Cardboard Box is Selected) 
         [0073]    Next, the case when delivery using the cardboard box is selected will be described. 
         [0074]    At step S 211 , the ordered product BK is removed, either automatically or by the operator, from the automated warehouse or the shelf ST. The PDT 254  scans the barcode and the like of the product BK at this time. The information that the product BK was removed from the shelf ST is transmitted to the product managing means  129 . After that, the product BK is stowed in the cardboard box CB. 
         [0075]    In step S 212 , the printed delivery destination tag  259  is affixed, either automatically or by the operator, to the wrapped product BK. The shipping destination address for the product BK, name of the ordering person, product name, order number and order date are printed on the delivery destination tag  259 . Unlike the delivery destination tag  258 , the pickup location code is not printed on delivery destination tag  259 . This is because the product of the cardboard box CB is not assigned by pickup location. 
         [0076]    At step S 213 , the cardboard box CB stowing the product BK is delivered to the sorting center  35  from the product delivery center  25 . 
         [0077]    At step S 214 , the operator sorts the cardboard box CB at the sorting center  35 . Then, the cardboard box CB is delivered to the pickup location  37  from the sorting center  35 . 
         [0078]    In step S 215 , the pickup location  37  receives the cardboard box CB from the sorting center  35 . 
         [0079]    In step S 216 , the delivery company delivers the cardboard box CB at the delivery destination. In general, the cardboard box CB that protected the product BK is not returned. 
         [0080]    &lt;Configuration of the Return Box RB&gt; 
         [0081]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating an example of the return box RB.  FIG. 10  is a side view illustrating a state where products BK of different widths are stored in the return box RB. The return box RB illustrated in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  can stow up to 8 of the products BK that are narrow in width (X axis direction). 
         [0082]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the return box RB is configured from a box body  91 , partitions  92  and a woven fabric  93 . The box body  91  is made from cardboard or plastic, has an open top surface and is configured of a pair of first sidewalls My that face in the Y axis direction and a pair of second sidewalls Mx that face in the X axis direction and a bottom surface Mz that is perpendicular to the first sidewalls and the second sidewalls in the XY plane. Herein, for the box body  91 , the length of the Y axis direction is L1, the length of the X axis direction is L2 and the height of the Z axis direction is H1. 
         [0083]    Furthermore, nine pairs of concave notches  94  are formed in the upper sides of the pair of first sidewalls My. The return box RB provides nine long slender cardboard partitions  92  that correspond to the nine pairs of notches  94  formed in the box body  91 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the partitions  92  are formed by folding single flat boards in two with the lengths thereof being longer than the lengths L1 of the upper sides of the second sidewalls Mx. Furthermore, two pairs of locking parts that are concave in a lateral direction are formed in the vicinities of both ends of the partitions  92 . The length facing in a longitudinal direction between the pair of locking parts is the same as the length L1 of the upper side of the second sidewall Mx. Therefore, when the partitions  92  are secured in the first side surfaces My, the locking parts formed in the partitions  92  fit with the pairs of notches  94  formed in the first sidewalls My. 
         [0084]    The return box RB also provides a woven fabric  93  for stowing the product BK. The woven fabric  93  is made from a pair of paper or plastic sheets. The woven fabric  93  is formed into an accordion shape by alternating mountain folds  98  and valley folds  99 . The mountain folds  98  and valley folds  99  are folded to length D1. In  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the mountain folds  98  are folded linearly in inverted “V” shapes and the valley folds  99  are folded in curved lines in “U” shapes. The locations of the mountain folds  98  of the woven fabric  93  are hung on the partitions  92 . Note that “mountain folds” indicate the ends folded on the +Z side and “valley folds” indicate the ends folded on the −Z side. 
         [0085]    Furthermore, the length D1 (the height in the Z axis direction) of the folded woven fabric  93  is shorter than the height H1 of the box body  91  and thus the lowest points T of the valley folds  99  of the woven fabric  93  do not make contact with the bottom surface Mz of the box body  91 . Furthermore, the difference (distance) between height H1 and length D1 forms a gap of DD. 
         [0086]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , eight inlets ET 1  through ET 8  are formed in the spaces of the nine partitions  92 . Products are inserted through these inlets ET 1  through ET 8  and the products are stowed in the woven fabric  93 .  FIG. 10  is a side view illustrating a state where, for example, products BK 1  through BK 2  are stowed in the return box RB. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the return box RB can stow the board like product BK 1  and the wide product BK 2 . 
         [0087]    First, when the board like product BK 1  with a narrow width W1 such as a DVD and the like is inserted through inlet ET 7 , the product BK 1  is sandwiched in the vicinity of a valley fold  99  of the woven fabric  93  and is thus stowed. A case where the product BK 2  of width W2 that is wider than an inlet ET is to be inserted into the return box RB will be described in detail. Herein, the width W2 of the product BK 2  in the X axis direction is equivalent to the width of two inlets ET. In such a case, the partition  92  between inlet ET 1  and inlet ET 2  is removed. Thus, inlet ET 1  and inlet ET 2  become one new, wide inlet ETn. On the other hand, there is one too many mountain folds  98  in the woven fabric  93 . The excess mountain fold  98  is sandwiched between the second sidewall Mx on the left side of  FIG. 10  and the partition  92  adjacent thereto. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0088]    The assigning methods for the order display OD using the assigning means  125  of a second embodiment and the first embodiment are different. In other words, while the configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the assigning method for the order display OD illustrated in  FIG. 4  is different. 
         [0089]      FIG. 11  (A) is a flowchart of the second embodiment and replaces step S 111  illustrated in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 12  is a conceptual diagram of the assigning means  125  assigning return boxes for pickup locations based on the addresses of the delivery destinations and the sizes of the products. 
         [0090]    The delivery destination master data  121  of the order display OD also stores the size (length width, lateral width and height) of the ordered product BK. A database of sizes of the product BK may be kept separately from the delivery destination master data  121 . 
         [0091]    First, at step S 111 , the assigning means  125  assigns the order display OD (ordered product data) by each delivering pickup location based on the delivery destination. Assume, for example, that 15 of the products BK are assigned to a certain pickup location. 
         [0092]    Next, at step S 111   a , the assigning means  125  optimizes product combinations based on the size data of the products BK assigned to the certain pickup location so that the capacity of the return box RB can be used efficiently. Specifically, the assigning means  125  assigns products to be stowed in the return box RB based on widths W of the products BK and length L2 of the return box RB (refer to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0093]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the order display OD includes data on the sizes SC of the ordered products BK. In  FIG. 12 , widths W (W1 through W4) of the products are displayed as the sizes SC of the products BK. In the second embodiment, product width W1 is assumed to the same as width W1 of the product BK 1  illustrated in  FIG. 10  and product width W2 is assumed to be the same as width W2 of the product BK 2  illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Furthermore, product width W3 is assumed to be 1.5 times the width W2 of the product BK 2  and product width W4 is assumed to be twice the width W2 of the product BK 2 . 
         [0094]    The assigning means  125  makes assignments so that all of the products BK can be stowed in the smallest number of return boxes RB. The assigning means  125  uses a combinatorial optimization algorithm to combine lengths L2 of the return boxes with widths W of the products BK. The combinatorial optimization algorithm is, for example, a genetic algorithm method or the travelling salesmen method. 
         [0095]    The results of using the combinatorial optimization algorithm are illustrated on the right side of  FIG. 12 . Return box A023345-A has eight of the products BK with widths of W1. The label printer  252  prints one pickup location tag  257  and eight product tags  258  on one sheet. Furthermore, return box A023345-C has four of the products BK with widths of W2. The label printer  252  prints one pickup location tag  257  and four product tags  254  on one sheet. Furthermore, return box A023345-C has two of the products BK with widths of W3 and one of the products BK with a width of W4. The label printer  252  prints one pickup location tag  257  and three product tags  253  on one sheet. Not only is the operator able to confirm which products go in each return box RB but, due to the assignments therefor, is also able to keep the number of return boxes used to a minimum. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0096]    The first embodiment and the second embodiment were described based on the assumption that there is one size of return box RB. A third embodiment uses two types of return boxes RB that are different sizes. The other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as the configurations of the second embodiment. 
         [0097]      FIG. 11  (B) is a flow chart of the third embodiment. 
         [0098]    At step S 111 , the assigning means  125  assigns the order display OD (ordered product data) by each delivering pickup location based on the delivery destination. 
         [0099]    In step S 111   b , two types of return boxes, return box RB 1  and return box RB 2 , having different lengths L1 (refer to  FIG. 9 ), are prepared. 
         [0100]    Next, at step S 111   bb , the assigning means  125  optimizes product combinations based on the size data of the products BK so that the two return boxes RB 1  and RB 2  can be used efficiently. For example, assume that one of the products BK is too big to be stowed in return box RB 1  but can be stowed in return box RB 2 . Furthermore, the other four products BK can be stowed in return box RB 1 . In this case, the combinatorial optimization algorithm makes assignments so as to stow five of the products BK in return box RB 2 . 
         [0101]    Though not illustrated in the figures, the label printer  252  prints one pickup location tag  257  and five product tags  258  on one sheet. Then, prints a symbol or number on the one pickup location tag  257  that represents the return box RB 2  to be prepared. Not only is the operator able to confirm which return box RB to use but, due to the assignments therefor, is also able to keep the number of return boxes used to a minimum. Note that the return boxes RB may come in three or more sizes. The assigning means  125  makes assignments to optimize the sizes of the products BK with the sizes of three or more types of return boxes. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0102]    The third embodiment uses two types of return boxes RB that are different sizes. 
         [0103]    A fourth embodiment uses two types of return boxes RB which bear different loads. The other configurations of the fourth embodiment are the same as the configurations of the third embodiment. Not only is the size SC of the ordered products BK included in the order display OD but so is the weight data for the products BK. 
         [0104]      FIG. 11  (C) is a flow chart of the fourth embodiment. 
         [0105]    At step S 111 , the assigning means  125  assigns the order display OD (ordered product data) by each delivering pickup location based on the delivery destination. 
         [0106]    In step S 111   c , two types of return boxes, return box RB 3  and return box RB 4 , which bear different loads, are prepared. For example, return box RB 4  having strong load bearing capabilities is made of reinforced plastic. 
         [0107]    Next, at step S 111   cc , the assigning means  125  optimizes product combinations based on the weight data of the products BK assigned to the certain pickup location so that the two return boxes RB 3  and RB 4  can be used efficiently. For example, assume that one of the products BK is too heavy to be stowed in return box RB 3  but can be stowed in return box RB 4 . Furthermore, the other four products BK can be stowed in return box RB 3 . In this case, the combinatorial optimization algorithm makes assignments so as to stow five of the products BK in return box RB 4 . 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE NUMERICAL REFERENCES 
       [0108]      10  . . . Order receiving server 
         [0109]      12  . . . Monitor screen 
         [0110]      20  . . . Delivery management server 
         [0111]      25  . . . Product delivery center 
         [0112]      30  . . . Delivery company 
         [0113]      35  . . . Sorting center 
         [0114]      37  . . . Pickup location 
         [0115]      91  . . . Box body 
         [0116]      92  . . . Partition 
         [0117]      93  . . . Woven fabric 
         [0118]      94  . . . Notch 
         [0119]      98  . . . Mountain fold 
         [0120]      99  . . . Valley fold 
         [0121]      121  . . . Delivery destination master data 
         [0122]      123  . . . Pickup location master data 
         [0123]      125  . . . Assigning means 
         [0124]      127  . . . Product master data 
         [0125]      129  . . . Product managing means 
         [0126]      252  . . . Label printer 
         [0127]      254  . . . Portable data terminal 
         [0128]      257  . . . Pickup location tag 
         [0129]      258  . . . Product tag 
         [0130]    BK . . . Product 
         [0131]    CB . . . Cardboard box 
         [0132]    ET . . . Inlet 
         [0133]    OD . . . Order 
         [0134]    RB . . . Return box 
         [0135]    ST . . . Shelf 
         [0136]    TR . . . Truck