VEHICLE MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND VEHICLE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

Abstract

A primary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1091) to detect the position of a primary delivery vehicle (2); a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1092) to detect the position of a secondary delivery vehicle (3); an environmental situation detection unit (1093) to detect the environmental situation of the primary delivery vehicle (2) and the environmental situation of the secondary delivery vehicle (3); and a pick-up / drop-off instruction unit (1094) to cause a secondary delivery vehicle (3) to be picked up or dropped off while a primary delivery vehicle (2) can continue driving in a pick-up / drop-off zone (5), based on: results of detection by the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1091); results of detection by the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit (1092); and results of the data collection by the environmental situation data collection unit (1093) are included.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle management apparatus that manages travel of primary delivery vehicles and secondary delivery vehicles, and a vehicle management method therefor. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] There is a conventionally known parcel delivery system using a transit bus (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). In this parcel delivery system, after passengers are picked up on the transit bus, the transit bus is moved to a location near a goods pickup station and parked on the road near the pickup station, and the parcels are placed on the transit bus using an automatic transport truck or the like. REFERENCE LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP 2017-220090 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In the parcel delivery system disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the bus parks on the road near the parcel pick-up station, and parcels are placed on the parked bus using an automated transport truck or the like. Accordingly, the bus must park on the road, and there is a possibility of congestion near the pick-up station.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the problem described above, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle management device that makes it possible to cause a secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up or dropped off from a primary delivery vehicle that can be loaded with the secondary delivery vehicle, without causing the primary delivery vehicle to be temporarily parked. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] A vehicle management device according to the present disclosure includes: a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit for detecting a position of a primary delivery vehicle; a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit for detecting a position of a secondary delivery vehicle; an environmental situation detection unit for detecting an environmental situation of the primary delivery vehicle and an environmental situation of the secondary delivery vehicle; a pick-up / drop-off instruction unit for causing the secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle while the primary delivery vehicle can continue traveling in a pick-up / drop-off zone, based on: a detection result by the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit; a detection result by the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit;and a result of the detection by the environmental situation detection unit.; ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] By being configured as described above, the present disclosure enables a secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up or dropped off from a primary delivery vehicle that can be loaded with the secondary delivery vehicle without causing the primary delivery vehicle to temporarily park. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a figure illustrating a configuration example of a vehicle management system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a figure illustrating a configuration example of a primary delivery vehicle according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a figure illustrating a configuration example of a secondary delivery vehicle according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a figure illustrating a configuration example of a pick-up / drop-off zone device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a figure illustrating a configuration example of a central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a figure illustrating a configuration example of a pick-up / drop-off control unit in the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a figure showing an operation example of the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the central management device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the pick-up / drop-off control unit according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a figure showing an operation example of picking up and setting down a secondary delivery vehicle into and from the primary delivery vehicle according to the first embodiment. Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B are figures showing examples of the hardware configuration of the central management device according to the first embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the figures. First embodiment.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a figure illustrating a configuration example of a vehicle management system according to a first embodiment.

[0010] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle management system comprises a central management device 1, a primary delivery vehicle 2, a secondary delivery vehicle 3 and a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0011] The central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicles 3 to be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 without causing the primary delivery vehicle 2 to temporarily park in a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 by performing travel management of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicles 3. That is, in the case illustrated here, a vehicle management device is applied to the central management device 1. Note that the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is a zone where the secondary delivery vehicles 3 are picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 in a state where the primary delivery vehicle 2 continues to travel.

[0012] Furthermore, in the case explained here as an example, parcel items in particular are delivered by the journey management described above, which is carried out by the central management device 1.

[0013] The details of the central management device 1 will be discussed later.

[0014] The primary delivery vehicle 2 is a vehicle that can deliver to the secondary delivery vehicles 3. Examples of the primary delivery vehicle 2 are a large-capacity vehicle such as a bus in transit and, for example, a vehicle for mixed freight / passenger transport, in which both the secondary delivery vehicles 3 and passengers can be picked up and dropped off.

[0015] The primary delivery vehicle 2 brings the secondary delivery vehicles 3 to a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 arranged in the vicinity of the loading position of a parcel piece or to a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 arranged around the unloading position of a parcel piece.

[0016] As in Fig. 2, the primary delivery vehicle 2 comprises a communication unit 201, an off-vehicle sensor 202 and a travel control unit 203.

[0017] The communication unit 201 exchanges information with a communication unit 101 provided for the central management device 1.

[0018] The vehicle-external sensor 202 is a sensor that can detect the surrounding situation of the primary delivery vehicle 2. For example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor, a triaxial acceleration sensor, an attitude sensor (HDL), a LiDAR, a sonar, and the like are used as vehicle-external sensors 202.

[0019] Data indicating the results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 are sent to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 201, at least in the case where the primary delivery vehicle 2 is located in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5.

[0020] The travel control unit 203 controls the travel of the primary delivery vehicle 2 under the control of a driver of the primary delivery vehicle 2 or the central management device 1, at least in a case where the primary delivery vehicle 2 is located in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. That is, the travel control unit 203 controls the travel route, travel speed, and the like of the primary delivery vehicle 2 under the control described above.

[0021] The secondary delivery vehicles 3 are vehicles that can be loaded with parcels and are vehicles that can be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. Furthermore, it is assumed that the secondary delivery vehicles 3 are small-capacity vehicles that can drive into an object 6 that is a loading position or an unloading position. Examples of the secondary delivery vehicles 3 include, for example, transport robots. Furthermore, the object 6 that is a loading position or an unloading position can be, for example, a commercial property, a house, or the like.

[0022] The secondary delivery vehicles 3 are picked up or dropped off by the primary delivery vehicle 2, which is traveling in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. The secondary delivery vehicles 3 then move from the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to a loading position and are loaded with parcels. The secondary delivery vehicles 3 also move from the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to an unloading position and deliver parcels.

[0023] As in Fig. 3, each secondary delivery vehicle 3 includes a communication unit 301, an off-vehicle sensor 302, and a travel control unit 303.

[0024] The communication unit 301 exchanges information with the communication unit 101 provided on the central management device 1.

[0025] The vehicle-external sensor 302 is a sensor that can detect the surrounding situation of the secondary delivery vehicle 3. For example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor, a triaxial acceleration sensor, an attitude sensor (HDL), a LiDAR, a sonar, and the like are used as the vehicle-external sensor 302.

[0026] Data indicating results of detection by the vehicle-external sensor 302 are sent to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 301.

[0027] The travel control unit 303 controls the travel of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 under the control of the central management device 1. That is, the travel control unit 303 controls the travel route, the traveling speed, and the like of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 under the control described above.

[0028] The pick-up / drop-off zone device 4 is intended for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5.

[0029] As in Fig. 4, the pick-up / drop-off zone device 4 includes a communication unit 401 and a roadside sensor 402.

[0030] The communication unit 401 exchanges information with the communication unit 101 provided for the central management device 1.

[0031] The roadside sensor 402 is a sensor that enables the situation in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to be detected. For example, one or more sensors such as a camera sensor, a LiDAR, and the like are used as the roadside sensor 402. One or more roadside sensors 402 are provided for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5.

[0032] Data indicating results of detection by the vehicle-external sensors 402 are sent to the central management device 1 via the communication unit 401.

[0033] Hereinafter, a configuration example of the central management device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 explained.

[0034] As in Fig. 5, the central management device 1 includes the communication unit 101, a pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102, a primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, a secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, a dispatch request information acquisition unit 105, a vehicle selection unit 106, a pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, a primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, a pick-up / drop-off control unit 109, and a secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110.

[0035] The communication unit 101 exchanges information with the communication unit 201 provided for the primary delivery vehicle 2, the communication units 301 provided for the secondary delivery vehicles 3, and the communication unit 401 provided for the pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0036] The pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102 acquires information about the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. The information about the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 includes, for example, map information indicating the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 and information indicating the installation locations and detection ranges of the roadside sensors 402 for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5.

[0037] It should be noted that as the above-described map information indicating the pick-up / drop-off zone 5, not only fixed map information but also map information indicating the positions of moving objects such as people or vehicles and updated in real time can be used.

[0038] The primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 acquires information about the primary delivery vehicle 2. The information about the primary delivery vehicle 2 includes, for example, information that can identify the primary delivery vehicle 2, information indicating the traffic route of the primary delivery vehicle 2, information indicating the number of secondary delivery vehicles 3 that can be accommodated in the primary delivery vehicle 2, information indicating the secondary delivery vehicles 3 on board the primary delivery vehicle 2, and the like. Note that it is desirable for the vehicle information acquisition unit to acquire the information indicating the secondary delivery vehicles 3 on board the primary delivery vehicle 2 each time the information is updated.

[0039] The secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 acquires information about the secondary delivery vehicles 3. The information about the secondary delivery vehicles 3 includes, for example, information that can identify the secondary delivery vehicles 3, information indicating the capacity regarding the parcel pieces that can be loaded onto the secondary delivery vehicles 3, information indicating the parcel piece loading statuses of the secondary delivery vehicles 3, information indicating whether or not the secondary delivery vehicles 3 are on board the primary delivery vehicle 2, information indicating the energy charge states of the secondary delivery vehicles 3, and the like.Note that it is desirable for the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 to acquire the information indicating the parcel loading statuses of the secondary delivery vehicles 3, the information indicating whether or not the secondary delivery vehicles 3 are on board the primary delivery vehicle 2, the information indicating the energy charge states of the secondary delivery vehicles 3, and the like each time the information is updated.

[0040] The shipping request information acquisition unit 105 acquires information indicating package shipping requests from users. The information indicating package shipping requests includes, for example, information about the contents of the packages, information about the loading positions of the packages, information about the unloading positions of the packages, and the like.

[0041] The vehicle selection unit 106 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2. That is, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 used for delivery of a secondary delivery vehicle 3 or a primary delivery vehicle 2 used for parcel delivery.

[0042] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 makes the above-described selection based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104; and the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105.

[0043] For the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 sets the pick-up / drop-off zones 5 in which a secondary delivery vehicle 3 can be parked.That is, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 sets: a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in which the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the loading position of a parcel piece; a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in which the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the loading position of a parcel piece; a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in which the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the unloading position of a parcel piece; or a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in which the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the unloading station of a parcel piece.

[0044] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off zone determination unit 107 performs the above-mentioned determination based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105; and the results of selection by the vehicle selection unit 106.

[0045] The primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 designated by the pick-up / drop-off zone designation unit 107.

[0046] At this time, primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above-explained detection based on at least one of: results of detection by a roadside sensor 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0047] For example, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 can detect the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 by checking whether the primary delivery vehicle 2, which receives information consistent with the information that can identify the primary delivery vehicle 2 acquired by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, has entered the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 based on the results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on the pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0048] Furthermore, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 can detect, for example, the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 by checking whether the primary delivery vehicle 2 has entered an environment consistent with the environment in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 based on the results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0049] The pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or dropped off while a primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue to travel in a case where the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 has detected the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5.That is, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be dropped off from a primary delivery vehicle 2 used for delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle 3, causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up into a primary delivery vehicle 2 used for delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle 3, causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be dropped off from a primary delivery vehicle 2 used for parcel delivery, or causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up into a primary delivery vehicle 2 used for parcel delivery.

[0050] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 performs the above-described pick-up / drop-off control based on one or more of: results of detection by a roadside sensor 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0051] A configuration example of the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 will be mentioned later.

[0052] The secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 causes the secondary delivery vehicles 3 to move. That is, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to a loading position, causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from a loading position to a pick-up / drop-off zone 5, causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to an unloading position, or causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from an unloading position to a pick-up / drop-off zone 5.

[0053] Note that the secondary delivery vehicles 3 are loaded with parcels after moving to a loading position. Furthermore, the secondary delivery vehicles 3 deliver parcels after moving to an unloading position.

[0054] Next, a configuration example of the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 explained.

[0055] As in Fig. 6, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 includes a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091, a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092, an environmental situation detection unit 1093, and a pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094.

[0056] The primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 detects the positions of the primary delivery vehicles 2.

[0057] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle detection unit 1091 performs the above-explained detection based on one or more of: results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on a primary delivery vehicle 2; and results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0058] The secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 detects the positions of the secondary delivery vehicles 3.

[0059] At this time, the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 performs the above-described detection based on one or more of: results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on a secondary delivery vehicle 3; and results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0060] The environmental situation detection unit 1093 detects the environmental situation of the primary delivery vehicles 2 and the environmental situation of the secondary delivery vehicles 3.

[0061] At this time, the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 performs the above-described detection based on one or more of: results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on a primary delivery vehicle 2; results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on a secondary delivery vehicle 3; and results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0062] The pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or dropped off while a primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue driving in a pick-up / drop-off zone 5, based on: results of detection by the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091; results of detection by the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092; and results of detection by the surrounding situation detection unit 1093.

[0063] Next, an operation example of the central management device 1 according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrated first embodiment with reference to Fig. 7 explained.

[0064] Note that the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102 has acquired information on pick-up / drop-off zones 5. Furthermore, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103 has acquired information on primary delivery vehicles 2. Furthermore, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104 has acquired information on secondary delivery vehicles 3.

[0065] In the Fig. 7 illustrated example of operation of the central management device 1 according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the shipping request information acquisition unit 105 first acquires information indicating a parcel shipment request from a user (step ST701).

[0066] Next, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for delivery by a secondary delivery vehicle 3, and, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 arrives at a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the parcel loading position, causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 and causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move to the parcel loading position (step ST702). Details of step ST702 will be explained later.

[0067] In a Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the central management device 1 selects as the primary delivery vehicle 2 a primary delivery vehicle 2a, on board of which there is a secondary delivery vehicle 3a. Then, in the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 has arrived at a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the loading position of the parcel, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2a. Then, in the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to move to a location 6a, which is the loading position of the parcel. The parcel is then loaded onto the secondary delivery vehicle 3a at the location 6a. It should be noted that the triangular markings in Fig. 8 means one piece of the package.

[0068] Next, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for parcel delivery, and, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 arrives at a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the parcel loading position, causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2 (step ST703). Details of step ST703 will be explained later.

[0069] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2b as the primary delivery vehicle 2. Then, in the Fig. 8, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 has arrived at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the loading position of the parcel, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a, with which the parcel was loaded, to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2b.

[0070] Next, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 used for parcel delivery arrives at a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the parcel drop-off position, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 and causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move to the parcel drop-off position (step ST704). Details of step ST704 will be explained later.

[0071] Then, in the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 has arrived at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the unloading position of the parcel, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2b. Then, in the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the central management device causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to move to an object 6b, which is the unloading position of the parcel. The parcel is then unloaded from the secondary delivery vehicle 3a at the object 6b.

[0072] Next, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for the parcel delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle 3, and, after the primary delivery vehicle 2 arrives at a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the parcel unloading position, causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2 (step ST705). Details of step ST705 will be explained later.

[0073] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, the central management device 1 selects a primary delivery vehicle 2c as the primary delivery vehicle 2. Then, in the Fig. 8, after the primary delivery vehicle 2c has arrived at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 in the vicinity of the parcel unloading position, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3a to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2c.

[0074] It should be noted that the central management device 1 selects a single primary delivery vehicle 2 for each zone as a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for the delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 in the case shown in Fig. 8. However, this is not the only example. The central management device 1 may select a plurality of primary delivery vehicles 2 as primary delivery vehicles 2 to be used for delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 in a single zone. In this case, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is delivered by the plurality of primary delivery vehicles 2. In this case, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to switch between the primary delivery vehicles 2 by a process similar to that explained above.

[0075] Further, the central management device 1 selects a single primary delivery vehicle 2 for each zone as a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for the parcel delivery in the case shown in Fig. 8. However, this is not the only example. The central management device 1 may select a plurality of primary delivery vehicles 2 as primary delivery vehicles 2 to be used for parcel delivery in a single zone. In this case, the parcel is delivered by the plurality of primary delivery vehicles 2. In this case, the central management device 1 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 loaded with the parcel to switch between the primary delivery vehicles 2 by a process similar to that explained above.

[0076] Next, an operation example of step St702 performed by the central management device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 explained.

[0077] In the operation example of step ST702 performed by the central management device 1 as shown in Fig. 9, the vehicle selection unit 106 first selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for delivery of a secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST901).

[0078] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 makes the above-described selection based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104; and the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105.

[0079] For example, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects from the primary delivery vehicles 2 a primary delivery vehicle 2 that has passed a location in the vicinity of the loading position of a parcel and on board of which there is a secondary delivery vehicle 3 that can be loaded with the parcel.

[0080] Note that in a case where a plurality of secondary delivery vehicles 3 that can be loaded with the parcel are on board the selected primary delivery vehicle 2, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects a secondary delivery vehicle 3 that can be used for parcel delivery from among them. The vehicle selection unit 106 selects a secondary delivery vehicle 3 based on, for example, the energy charge levels and the like of the secondary delivery vehicles 3.

[0081] Next, for the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106, a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, in which the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the loading position of the parcel piece (step ST902).

[0082] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off zone determination unit 107 performs the above-mentioned determination based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105; and the results of selection by the vehicle selection unit 106.

[0083] For example, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 sets the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to a geographical point that is on the traffic route of the primary delivery vehicle 2, is in the vicinity of the loading position of the parcel, and is assumed not to be affected by traffic jams.

[0084] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 (step ST903).

[0085] At this time, primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above-explained detection based on at least one of: results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0086] Next, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up while the primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue to travel in a case where the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 has detected the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 (step ST904).

[0087] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 1094 performs the above-described pick-up / drop-off control based on one or more of: results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0088] Furthermore, at this time, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is prepared. For example, in a case where the primary delivery vehicle 2 is equipped with a signal display such as a sign, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the signal display to notify a following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 by displaying a text, a video, an icon, or the like. Further, for example, in a case where a following vehicle is equipped with a communication device, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the communication device to notify the following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0089] Furthermore, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may, for example, determine the congestion situation in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. In a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that congestion exists, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a drop-off space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is available by performing the notification described above, and then cause the primary delivery vehicle 2 to move forward.Further, in a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that there is no congestion in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may make an adjustment to avoid congestion by issuing the notification explained above, and then issue a notification for recommending a following vehicle to pass by the primary delivery vehicle 2 and ensure that there is a drop-off space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0090] In addition, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 can ensure the preparation of a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 and can ensure safety.

[0091] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to the loading position (step ST905).

[0092] Then, the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is loaded with the parcel after moving to the loading position.

[0093] Next, an operation example of step ST703 performed by the central management device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 explained.

[0094] In the operation example of step ST703 performed by the central management device 1 as shown in Fig. 10, the vehicle selection unit 106 first selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for parcel delivery (step ST1001).

[0095] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 makes the above-described selection based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104; and the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105.

[0096] For example, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects from the primary delivery vehicles 2 a primary delivery vehicle 2 that passes a location in the vicinity of the loading position of a parcel and a location in the vicinity of the unloading position of the parcel, and which can be picked up by a secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0097] Next, for the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106, a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, in which the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be picked up by the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the loading position of the parcel piece (step ST1002).

[0098] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off zone determination unit 107 performs the above-mentioned determination based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105; and the results of selection by the vehicle selection unit 106.

[0099] For example, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 sets the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to a geographical point that is on the traffic route of the primary delivery vehicle 2, is in the vicinity of the loading position of the parcel, and is assumed not to be affected by traffic jams.

[0100] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from the loading position to the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 designated by the pick-up / drop-off zone designation unit 107 (step ST1003).

[0101] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 (step ST1004).

[0102] At this time, primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above-explained detection based on at least one of: results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0103] Next, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up while the primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue traveling in a case where the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 has detected the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 (step ST1005). At this time, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 1094 performs the above-described pick-up / drop-off control based on one or more of: detection results by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; detection results by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2; and detection results by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0104] Furthermore, at this time, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is prepared. For example, in a case where the primary delivery vehicle 2 is equipped with a signal display such as a sign, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the signal display to notify a following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being picked up by the primary delivery vehicle 2 by displaying a text, a video, an icon, or the like. Further, for example, in a case where a following vehicle is equipped with a communication device, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the communication device to notify the following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being picked up by the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0105] Furthermore, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may, for example, determine the congestion situation in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. In a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that congestion exists, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a pick-up space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is available by performing the notification described above, and then cause the primary delivery vehicle 2 to move forward.Further, in a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that there is no congestion in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may make an adjustment to avoid congestion by issuing the notification explained above, and then issue a notification for recommending a following vehicle to pass by the primary delivery vehicle 2 and ensuring that there is a pick-up space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0106] In addition, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 can ensure the preparation of a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 and can ensure safety.

[0107] Next, an operation example of step ST704 performed by the central management device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 explained.

[0108] In the operation example of step ST704 performed by the central management device 1 as shown in Fig. 11, first, for a primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 sets a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 which is located in the vicinity of a drop-off position and where the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to drop off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 (step ST1101).

[0109] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off zone determination unit 107 performs the above-mentioned determination based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105; and the results of selection by the vehicle selection unit 106.

[0110] For example, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 sets the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to a geographical point that is on the traffic route of the primary delivery vehicle 2, is in the vicinity of the unloading position of the parcel, and is assumed not to be affected by traffic jams.

[0111] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 (step ST1102).

[0112] At this time, primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above-explained detection based on at least one of: results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0113] Next, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 causes a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up while the primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue traveling in a case where the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 has detected the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 (step ST1103).

[0114] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 1094 performs the above-described pick-up / drop-off control based on one or more of: results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0115] Furthermore, at this time, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is prepared. For example, in a case where the primary delivery vehicle 2 is equipped with a signal display such as a sign, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the signal display to notify a following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 by displaying a text, a video, an icon, or the like. Further, for example, in a case where a following vehicle is equipped with a communication device, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the communication device to notify the following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0116] Furthermore, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may, for example, determine the congestion situation in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. In a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that congestion exists, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a drop-off space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is available by performing the notification described above, and then cause the primary delivery vehicle 2 to move forward.Further, in a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that there is no congestion in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may make an adjustment to avoid congestion by issuing the notification explained above, and then issue a notification for recommending a following vehicle to pass by the primary delivery vehicle 2 and ensure that there is a drop-off space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0117] In addition, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 can ensure the preparation of a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 and can ensure safety.

[0118] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to the unloading position (step ST1104).

[0119] Then the secondary delivery vehicles 3 deliver the parcel after moving to the unloading position.

[0120] Next, an operation example of step ST705 performed by the central management device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12 explained.

[0121] In the operation example of step ST705 performed by the central management device 1 as shown in Fig. 12, the vehicle selection unit 106 first selects a primary delivery vehicle 2 to be used for delivery of a secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST1201).

[0122] At this time, the vehicle selection unit 106 makes the above-described selection based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104; and the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105.

[0123] For example, the vehicle selection unit 106 selects from the primary delivery vehicles 2 a primary delivery vehicle 2 that passes a location in the vicinity of the unloading position of a parcel and that can be picked up by a secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0124] Next, for the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106, a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, in which the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be picked up by the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the vicinity of the unloading position of the parcel piece (step ST1202).

[0125] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off zone determination unit 107 performs the above-mentioned determination based on: the results of acquisition by the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102; the results of acquisition by the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103; the results of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105; and the results of selection by the vehicle selection unit 106.

[0126] For example, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 sets the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 to a geographical point that is on the traffic route of the primary delivery vehicle 2, is in the vicinity of the unloading position of the parcel, and is assumed not to be affected by traffic jams.

[0127] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move from the loading position to the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 designated by the pick-up / drop-off zone designation unit 107 (step ST1203).

[0128] Next, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 detects the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 selected by the vehicle selection unit 106 at the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 (step ST1204).

[0129] At this time, primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 performs the above-explained detection based on at least one of: results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0130] Next, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up while the primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue traveling in a case where the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108 has detected the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 (step ST1205).

[0131] At this time, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 1094 performs the above-described pick-up / drop-off control based on one or more of: results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4; results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2; and results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0132] Furthermore, at this time, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 is prepared. For example, in a case where the primary delivery vehicle 2 is equipped with a signal display such as a sign, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the signal display to notify a following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being picked up by the primary delivery vehicle 2 by displaying a text, a video, an icon, or the like. Further, for example, in a case where a following vehicle is equipped with a communication device, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may use the communication device to notify the following vehicle that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is being picked up by the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0133] Furthermore, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may, for example, determine the congestion situation in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5. In a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that congestion exists, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may ensure that a pick-up space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is available by performing the notification described above, and then cause the primary delivery vehicle 2 to move forward.Further, in a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that there is no congestion in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may make an adjustment to avoid congestion by issuing the notification explained above, and then issue a notification for recommending a following vehicle to pass by the primary delivery vehicle 2 and ensuring that there is a pick-up space for the secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0134] In addition, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 can ensure the preparation of a space for the pick-up / drop-off zone 5 and can ensure safety.

[0135] Next, an operation example of the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 in the manner shown in Fig. 6 illustrated first embodiment with reference to Fig. 13 explained.

[0136] In the operating example of the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109 in the Fig. 6 illustrated first embodiment, as in Fig. 13, the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 first detects the position of a primary delivery vehicle 2 (step ST1301).

[0137] At this time, the primary delivery vehicle detection unit 1091 performs the above-explained detection based on one or more of: results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2; and results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0138] Next, the secondary delivery vehicle position detecting unit 1092 detects the position of a secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST1302).

[0139] At this time, the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 performs the above-described detection based on one or more of: results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on the secondary delivery vehicle 3; and results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0140] Next, the surrounding situation acquisition unit 1093 acquires the surrounding situation of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the surrounding situation of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 (step ST1303).

[0141] At this time, the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 performs the above-described detection based on one or more of: results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 202 provided on the primary delivery vehicle 2; results of detection by the off-vehicle sensor 302 provided on the secondary delivery vehicle 3; and results of detection by the roadside sensors 402 provided on a pick-up / drop-off zone device 4.

[0142] Furthermore, by allowing the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 to utilize detection results by the roadside sensors 402, detection can be performed in areas that become blind spots if only the off-vehicle sensor 202 and the off-vehicle sensor 302 are used, unlike a case where only the detection results by the off-vehicle sensor 302 and the off-vehicle sensor 202 are used. In this case, the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 can detect the surrounding situation more accurately.

[0143] Next, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 allows the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or dropped off while the primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue traveling in a pick-up / drop-off zone 5 based on: results of detection by the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091; results of detection by the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092; and results of detection by the surrounding situation detection unit 1093 (step ST1304).

[0144] At this time, for example, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 first determines whether the secondary delivery vehicle 3 can be picked up by or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2 based on the environmental situation of the pick-up / drop-off zone 5.

[0145] Then, in a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that the secondary delivery vehicle 3 can be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 instructs the primary delivery vehicle 2 to open its door to allow the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or dropped off. Note that, as shown in Fig. 14, designated by reference numeral 204, is provided, for example, for a storage space for accommodating secondary delivery vehicles 3 in the primary delivery vehicle 2. Then, the primary delivery vehicle 2 opens the door according to the instruction described above.

[0146] Then, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or dropped off while the primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue traveling by performing travel control of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 according to the positional relationship between the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3. At this time, for example, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 may perform the travel control by further considering the speeds or inclinations of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3, the road surface condition of the pick-up / drop-off zone 5, the slope of the road surface, and the like.For example, in a case where the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 increases the speed of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 relative to the speed of the primary delivery vehicle 2 to cause the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2, and causes the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to move in different ways after causing them to travel together in a certain zone.Further, for example, in a case where the secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2 after the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 are caused to travel together in a certain zone, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 increases the speed of the secondary delivery vehicle 3 relative to the speed of the primary delivery vehicle 2 to cause the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle 2.

[0147] Then, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 instructs the primary delivery vehicle 2 to close the door. Then, the primary delivery vehicle 2 opens the door according to the above-described instruction.

[0148] Note that in a case where the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 determines that it is difficult to make the secondary delivery vehicle 3 pick up or drop off the primary delivery vehicle 2 in the pick-up / drop-off zone 5, the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 cancels the implementation of picking up or dropping off the secondary delivery vehicle 3 from the primary delivery vehicle 2. In this case, for example, the central management device 1 may instruct the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107 to repeatedly set a pick-up / drop-off zone 5.

[0149] In this way, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or put down while a primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue to travel, depending on the positions of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3 and the environmental situations of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the secondary delivery vehicle 3. Thereby, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment causes the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or put down in the primary delivery vehicle 2, which can be loaded with the secondary delivery vehicle 3, without causing the primary delivery vehicle 2 to be temporarily parked.

[0150] Furthermore, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment performs the above-described pick-up / drop-off control to deliver parcels. Therefore, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment eliminates the need to temporarily park a primary delivery vehicle 2 on the road. This reduces congestion in the areas where secondary delivery vehicles 3 are picked up or dropped off. Furthermore, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment eliminates the need to provide spaces specifically dedicated to picking up and dropping off secondary delivery vehicles 3. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on business owners.

[0151] Furthermore, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment enables the reduction of traffic costs compared to conventional technologies.

[0152] That is, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment enables dynamic adjustment of locations where secondary delivery vehicles 3 are arranged to pick up or drop off. This increases operational efficiency. For example, even if a sudden accident occurs in a pick-up / drop-off zone 5, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment can provide another pick-up / drop-off zone 5 and flexibly handle such a situation. Furthermore, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment enables coordination with primary delivery vehicles 2 using optimal routes.Thus, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment can calculate geographical points at which a secondary delivery vehicle 3 is caused to be picked up or dropped off after loading a parcel and during a process in which an optimal route to a loading location is considered. Accordingly, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment can flexibly handle a situation in which a loading location or an unloading location is located in a private building.

[0153] Furthermore, the central management device 1 according to the first embodiment can manage the picking up and dropping off of secondary delivery vehicles 3 separately from the picking up and dropping off of people.

[0154] Note that the vehicle management device is applied to the central management device 1, which is a device different from the primary delivery vehicles 2 and the secondary delivery vehicles 3 in the above-mentioned case. However, this is not the only example. The vehicle management device can be applied to a primary delivery vehicle 2 or a secondary delivery vehicle 3.

[0155] Furthermore, in the case described above, all components of the vehicle management device are applied to a single device. However, this is not the only example. The components of the vehicle management device can be applied separately to two or more devices: the central management device 1, the primary delivery vehicles 2, and the secondary delivery vehicles 3.

[0156] As mentioned above, the vehicle management device according to the first embodiment includes: a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091 for detecting the position of a primary delivery vehicle 2; a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092 for detecting the position of a secondary delivery vehicle 3; an environmental situation detection unit 1093 for detecting the environmental situation of the primary delivery vehicle 2 and the environmental situation of the secondary delivery vehicle 3; and the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit 1094 for causing a secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or dropped off while a primary delivery vehicle 2 can continue to travel in a pick-up / drop-off zone 5, based on: results of detection by the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1091; results of detection by the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit 1092;and results of detection by the surrounding situation detection unit 1093. Thereby, the central management device according to the first embodiment can cause the secondary delivery vehicle 3 to be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle 2, which can be loaded with the secondary delivery vehicle 3, without causing the primary delivery vehicle 2 to be temporarily parked.;

[0157] Finally, an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle management device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B explained.

[0158] The individual functions of the communication unit 101, the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 in the central management device 1 are implemented by a processing circuit 51. The processing circuit 51 may be dedicated hardware, as shown in Fig. 15A, or as shown in Fig. 15B, a central processing unit (CPU; also referred to as central processor, processing unit, computing device, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor or digital signal processor (DSP)) 52 for executing programs stored in a working memory 53.

[0159] For example, if the processing circuit 51 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 51 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.The individual functions of the communication unit 101, the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 may be realized by the processing circuit 51, or the individual functions of the units may be collectively realized by the processing circuit 51.

[0160] In a case where the processing circuit 51 is the CPU 52, the individual functions of the communication unit 101, the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the RAM 53. The processing circuit 51 implements the function of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in the working memory 53.That is, the central management device 1 comprises the working memory 53 for storing the programs, the execution of which is carried out by the processing circuit 51 for executing the individual, for example in . Fig. 7, Fig. 9 and Fig.13. Furthermore, these programs can also be described as programs that cause a computer to execute operations and processes performed by the communication unit 101, the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110.Here, as the working memory 53, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM) or an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disc, a mini-disc, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or the like can be used.

[0161] It should be noted that some of the individual functions of the communication unit 101, the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, and some of them may be implemented by software or firmware.For example, it is possible to implement the function of the communication unit 101 using the processing circuit 51 as dedicated hardware, and to implement the functions of the pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit 102, the primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 103, the secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit 104, the dispatch request information acquisition unit 105, the vehicle selection unit 106, the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit 107, the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit 108, the pick-up / drop-off control unit 109, and the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit 110 by causing the processing circuit 51 to read and execute programs stored in the working memory 53.

[0162] In this way, the processing circuit 51 can implement the respective above-mentioned functions through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0163] It should be noted that modifications of any components in the embodiment or omission of any components in the embodiment are possible. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0164] The vehicle management device according to the present disclosure enables a secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up or dropped off from a primary delivery vehicle that can be loaded with the secondary delivery vehicle without causing the primary delivery vehicle to temporarily park, and is suitable for use with a vehicle management device or the like that manages the travel of primary delivery vehicles and secondary delivery vehicles. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0165] 1: central management device, 2: primary delivery vehicle, 3: secondary delivery vehicle, 4: pick-up / drop-off zone device, 5: pick-up / drop-off zone, 6: object, 51: processing circuit, 52: CPU, 53: memory, 101: communication unit, 102: pick-up / drop-off zone information acquisition unit, 103: primary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit, 104: secondary delivery vehicle information acquisition unit, 105: dispatch request information acquisition unit, 106: vehicle selection unit, 107: pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit, 108: primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit, 109: pick-up / drop-off control unit, 110: secondary delivery vehicle arrival control unit, 201: communication unit, 202: vehicle-external sensor, 203: travel control unit, 204: door, 301: communication unit, 302: vehicle-external sensor, 303: travel control unit, 401: communication unit, 402: road-side sensor,1091: Primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, 1092: Secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, 1093: Environmental situation detection unit, 1094: Pick-up / drop-off instruction unit, QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2017-220090 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Vehicle management device comprising: a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit for detecting a position of a primary delivery vehicle; a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit for detecting a position of a secondary delivery vehicle; an environmental situation detection unit for detecting an environmental situation of the primary delivery vehicle and an environmental situation of the secondary delivery vehicle; and a pick-up / drop-off instruction unit for causing the secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle while allowing the primary delivery vehicle to continue traveling in a pick-up / drop-off zone, based on: a detection result by the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit; a detection result by the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit; and a detection result by the surrounding situation detection unit. [2] The vehicle management device according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding situation detection unit performs the detection based on at least one of a result of detection by an off-vehicle sensor provided on a primary delivery vehicle and enabling detection of the surrounding situation of the primary delivery vehicle, a result of detection by an off-vehicle sensor provided for a secondary delivery vehicle and enabling detection of the surrounding situation of the secondary delivery vehicle, and a roadside sensor provided for the pick-up / drop-off zone and enabling detection of a situation in the pick-up / drop-off zone. [3] A vehicle management device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a shipping request information acquisition unit for acquiring information indicating a parcel shipment request; a vehicle selection unit for selecting the primary delivery vehicle based on a result of acquisition by the dispatch request information acquisition unit; a pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit for setting a pick-up / drop-off zone in which the secondary delivery vehicle is caused to be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle selected by the vehicle selection unit; a primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit for detecting the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle selected by the vehicle selection unit at the pick-up / drop-off zone set by the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit; a pick-up / drop-off control unit for causing the secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up or dropped off from the secondary delivery vehicle while the primary delivery vehicle can continue driving, in a case where the primary delivery vehicle arrival detection unit has detected the arrival of the primary delivery vehicle in the pick-up / drop-off zone; and a secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit for causing a secondary delivery vehicle, which has been caused to be dropped off from the secondary delivery vehicle by the pick-up / drop-off control unit, to move, wherein the pick-up / drop-off control unit includes the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, the surrounding situation detection unit, and the pick-up / drop-off instruction unit. [4] The vehicle management device according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle selection unit selects the primary delivery vehicle to be used for delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle or the primary delivery vehicle to be used for parcel delivery. [5] The vehicle management device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the pick-up / drop-off zone setting unit sets: the pick-up / drop-off zone in which a secondary delivery vehicle is caused to be dropped off from a primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of a loading position of a parcel piece; the pick-up / drop-off zone in which the secondary delivery vehicle is caused to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of a loading position of a parcel piece; the pick-up / drop-off zone in which the secondary delivery vehicle is caused to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of a unloading position of a parcel piece; or the pick-up / drop-off zone in which the secondary delivery vehicle is caused to be picked up in the primary delivery vehicle in the vicinity of the unloading position of a parcel piece. [6] The vehicle management device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the pick-up / drop-off control unit causes the secondary delivery vehicle to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle used for delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle, causes the secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up into the primary delivery vehicle used for delivery of the secondary delivery vehicle, causes the secondary delivery vehicle to be dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle used for parcel delivery, or causes the secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up into the primary delivery vehicle used for parcel delivery. [7] The vehicle management device according to any one of claim 3 to claim 6, wherein the secondary delivery vehicle movement control unit causes the secondary delivery vehicle to move from the pick-up / drop-off zone to a parcel loading position, causes the secondary delivery vehicle to move from the parcel loading position to the pick-up / drop-off zone, causes the secondary delivery vehicle to move from the pick-up / drop-off zone to a parcel unloading position, or causes the secondary delivery vehicle to move from the parcel unloading position to the pick-up / drop-off zone. [8] Vehicle management method comprising: Performing detection, by a primary delivery vehicle position detection unit, of a position of a primary delivery vehicle; performing detection, by a secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit, of a position of a secondary delivery vehicle; Performing detection, by an environmental situation detection unit, of an environmental situation of the primary delivery vehicle and an environmental situation of the secondary delivery vehicle; and Causing, by a pick-up / drop-off instruction unit, the secondary delivery vehicle to be picked up or dropped off from the primary delivery vehicle while allowing the primary delivery vehicle to continue traveling in a pick-up / drop-off zone, based on: a detection result by the primary delivery vehicle position detection unit; a detection result by the secondary delivery vehicle position detection unit; and a detection result by the surrounding situation detection unit.

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