Delivery route scheduling method combining knowledge-base with general algorithms

To overcome the difficulties in acquiring experts' know-how as well as to realize more efficient deliveries, a delivery route scheduling method that combines a knowledge base with general algorithms is proposed. This method combines the knowledge base and the general algorithms by means of a "conceptual map" of experts' knowledge integrated into the map data, and they are combined using a goal-oriented knowledge architecture with a user interface, where the goal and its achievement strategies are selectable. Due to such a combination of flexible and selectable knowledge, this method can automatically generate efficient delivery routes, which are also safe, considerate of the residents and their environment, and/or respect the precedented routes. This method basically interfaces between the AI part and the general algorithm part only by way of the above-mentioned "conceptual map" data. The general algorithm part does not need to be modified if expertise, areas and times change. As a result, the system using this method can be easily extended and/or modified to be used, for example, in various areas from over-populated super-cities to countryside conservation. The proposed method can be generally applied to delivery route generation for parcels, mail, packages and parts necessary for production or maintenance.