Luggage compartment volume calculation system and delivery system using the same

Abstract

To provide a luggage compartment volume calculation system etc. that improves loading efficiency and is highly convenient.SOLUTION: A luggage compartment volume calculation system 100 includes: storage means 102 in which information about a vehicle 90 and the like is stored; sound generating means 11 and sound collecting means 12 attached inside a luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90; and analysis means 103 that analyzes a loading volume of luggage L loaded in the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90 based on sound emitted from the sound generating means 11 and diffused inside the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90 and collected by the sound collecting means 12, and calculates a free volume of the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90 based on the analyzed loading volume of the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90 and a maximum loading volume of the vehicle 90 stored in the storage means 102, and / or analyzes a volume of space other than the luggage L loaded in the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90 and calculates the free volume of the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90. The sound generating means 11 emits a sound designed for measurement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage compartment volume calculation system for calculating the free volume of a luggage compartment of a vehicle in which luggage is loaded, and a delivery system using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the expansion of electronic commerce (EC) and the diversification of mail order sales, logistics using vehicles (hereinafter referred to specifically as "trucks") has become indispensable in people's lives. On the other hand, however, due to the aging of truck drivers and personnel shortages, problems such as one-way trips, increased waiting times for collection work, and frequent deliveries (increased redelivery) are becoming more serious during collection and delivery. Furthermore, truck transport companies will be limited to 960 hours of overtime work per year due to the cap on overtime work hours that will come into effect in April 2024.

[0003] In light of this reality, the logistics industry is being called upon to improve the efficiency of delivery operations, such as by automating tasks, reducing the number of people required, and increasing cargo loading rates.

[0004] In particular, with the recent increase in frequent small-lot deliveries for both businesses and consumers, truck loading efficiency has been declining year by year. For example, according to the statistical material "Trends Surrounding Logistics and the Current State of Logistics Measures" published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the loading efficiency of commercial trucks in Japan in 2018 (transport ton-kilometers / capacity ton-kilometers) was 39%, finally falling below 40%. This figure is significantly lower than Europe's 57%. As such, improving loading efficiency has become one of the most important issues in the logistics industry.

[0005] Here, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for improving loading efficiency in the logistics industry.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system that aims to perform efficient matching between a party that deposits baggage and a party that accepts the baggage. This information processing system includes a calculation means 110 that calculates the free volume in the baggage storage area based on data acquired from a sensor 200 that detects the situation in the baggage storage area, a reception means 120 that receives input of area information including the free volume in the baggage storage area and baggage information that specifies the volume of the baggage desired to be stored in the specified area, and a matching means 130 that specifies the baggage storage area in which to store the baggage based on the area information and the baggage information (see FIG. 6).

[0007] Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a luggage loading rate display system for facilitating appropriate management of the loading rate in each vehicle that transports various luggage. This luggage loading rate display system plays a role of notifying the loading status of luggage loaded on the vehicle bed, and includes a volume loading rate calculation unit that measures the volume of the entire luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of a specific vehicle and calculates the ratio of the volume occupied by the entire luggage to the luggage compartment as a first loading rate, an area loading rate calculation unit that measures the area occupied by the entire luggage loaded on the vehicle bed and calculates the ratio of the area occupied by the entire luggage to the bed as a second loading rate, a weight loading rate calculation unit that measures the load of the entire luggage loaded on the vehicle bed and calculates the ratio of the weight according to the load and the vehicle-specific maximum loading weight allowed by the vehicle as a third loading rate, and an output control unit that simultaneously outputs information on two or more of the first loading rate, the second loading rate, and the third loading rate. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-168932 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2023-067522 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, the information processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a distance sensor (LiDAR) as a sensor, or a camera that captures an image of the inside of the loading platform (see paragraphs 0021, 0022, and 0026 of the specification). Therefore, in order to accurately grasp the situation inside the loading platform, it is necessary to measure the inside of the loading platform from multiple directions (obtain data from multiple directions) because blind spots will occur if the inside of the loading platform is measured from a single direction. This requires multiple LiDARs and cameras, which increases costs and complicates the configuration.

[0010] In addition, the luggage loading rate display system disclosed in Patent Document 2 also uses an on-board camera and LiDAR to obtain area loading rate and volume loading rate (see paragraphs 0028 to 0032 of the specification), and therefore suffers from the same problems as the information processing system disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0011] Therefore, in order to promote improvements in loading efficiency in the logistics industry, there is a demand for highly convenient technology that can be used in the existing delivery systems used by logistics companies while improving loading efficiency and minimizing increases in costs and complexity.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a luggage compartment volume calculation system and a delivery system using the same that can improve loading efficiency, and that is highly convenient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The luggage compartment volume calculation system according to the present invention is a luggage compartment volume calculation device system for calculating the free volume of a luggage compartment of a vehicle in which luggage is loaded, and includes a storage means for storing vehicle information including the maximum loading volume of the luggage compartment, a sound generating means and a sound collecting means attached to the luggage compartment of the vehicle, and a sound generated by the sound generating means and diffused within the luggage compartment of the vehicle, and based on the sound collected by the sound collecting means, (1) Analyzing the loading volume of the luggage in the luggage compartment of the vehicle, and calculating the free volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle based on the analyzed loading volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle and the maximum loading volume of the vehicle stored in a storage means; (2) or / and, analyzing the volume of the space other than the luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of the vehicle, and calculating the free volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle; and an analyzing means, the sound generating means generating a sound designed for measurement.

[0014] As a result, a sound designed for measurement is emitted from the sound generating means and diffused in the luggage compartment of the vehicle in which luggage is loaded. The diffused sound is then collected by the sound collecting means and analyzed by the analyzing means to calculate the free volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

[0015] In addition, it is desirable that the luggage compartment volume calculation system is attached to a vehicle and has a detection means for detecting the opening and closing of a door to the luggage compartment of the vehicle, the sound generating means emitting a sound of a length corresponding to the analysis accuracy when the closure of the door detected by the detection means is triggered, the sound collecting means collects the sound, and the analysis means analyzes the loading volume of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of the vehicle and / or the volume of space other than luggage based on the sound.

[0016] In addition, it is desirable that the luggage compartment volume calculation system has a sensor that acquires one or more of the temperature, humidity, and air pressure in the luggage compartment of the vehicle, and that the analysis means is configured to analyze the loading volume of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of the vehicle and / or the volume of space other than luggage based on the sound collected by the sound collection means and one or more of the humidity, temperature, and air pressure acquired by the sensor.

[0017] It is preferable that the luggage compartment volume calculation system further includes a display means for displaying information on the available volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle calculated by the analysis means on a terminal owned by a third party.

[0018] In addition to this cargo space volume calculation system, the delivery system of the present invention has a storage means for storing delivery route information for each of a plurality of vehicles, a collection information acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a cargo collection request from a shipper, and a notification means for notifying a collection request from a shipper who has made a cargo collection request to vehicles that have available space in their cargo space identified from the matching results based on the information acquired by the collection information acquisition means, the analysis result of the available volume by the analysis means, and the delivery route information. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The luggage compartment volume calculation system according to the present invention is configured as described above, and calculates the free volume of the luggage compartment based on the sound designed for measurement that is diffused in the luggage compartment, so that the user can easily and accurately know how much free volume is available in each vehicle. In addition, the luggage compartment volume calculation system according to the present invention can be used in existing delivery systems and does not require the implementation of many devices, so it is highly convenient in that it can suppress increases in costs and complex configurations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a luggage compartment volume calculation system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a delivery system according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation flow for calculating a luggage compartment volume. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining a processing flow in the luggage compartment volume calculation system according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process flow in the delivery system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail. However, the description of the components described below is an example (representative example) of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this content as long as the gist of the present invention is not changed.

[0022] [Luggage compartment volume calculation system] The luggage compartment volume calculation system 100 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "this system") has a luggage compartment volume calculation device 10, a system management terminal 20, and various devices installed in a vehicle 90 in which luggage is loaded, which are interconnected via a network communication network N (see Figure 1).

[0023] [Luggage compartment volume calculation device] The luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 calculates the free volume of the luggage compartment of a vehicle in which luggage is loaded, and is, for example, an on-premise or cloud server. The luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 includes a communication means 101, a storage means 102, an analysis means 103, a display means 104, and a control means 105.

[0024] The communication means 101 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and has a function of communicating with other devices (such as the system management terminal 20 and the delivery management terminal 30 (see FIG. 2)) via the network N.

[0025] The storage means 102 stores various information and various data, and is, for example, a memory, a database, etc. The storage means 102 stores various information and various data used in this system.

[0026] For example, the following information is stored in the storage means 102: (1-1) Identification number, maximum loading capacity, etc. assigned to each vehicle 90 (1-2) Sound data of each vehicle 90 collected by the sound collection means 12 (1-3) Temperature data, humidity data, atmospheric pressure data, etc. of each vehicle 90 acquired by the sensor 14 (1-4) The cargo room environment of each vehicle 90 (factors that may generate external noise, such as the presence or absence of a worker and the presence or absence of a fan) (1-5) Others: analysis results of free space including temporary analysis data (loading volume of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment) (accumulated and stored with a time stamp), various information and data necessary for analyzing free space

[0027] Additionally, the identification number assigned to each vehicle 90 can be the ID (device ID) of a set of sound generation means 11 and sound collection means 12 attached to each vehicle 90, thereby allowing each vehicle to be identified.

[0028] The maximum loading capacity is the size of the truck bed, and for small trucks it is 8.2 m 3 " and for medium-sized trucks, "13.8m 3 " and for large trucks, "22.1m 3 Such maximum loading capacity is calculated by acquiring (storing) information on the length, width, and height of the luggage compartment S of each vehicle 90, and multiplying these by (length x width x height). Of course, the maximum loading capacity of each vehicle ( 3 ) may be obtained (stored) directly from outside.

[0029] The analysis means 103 is a function for calculating the free volume of the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90. A specific calculation method will be described later.

[0030] The display means 104 is a function for displaying the results of the analysis performed by the analysis means 103 (the free space of the vehicle 90) in response to a request from another device (for example, the delivery management terminal 30).

[0031] The control means 105 performs processes other than those performed by the communication means 101 to the display means 104 described above, and has a function of controlling various processes for the operation of the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10.

[0032] [System Management Terminal] The system management terminal 20 is a terminal (personal computer) owned and operated by an administrator A of the system. The system management terminal 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, like the communication means 101, and has a communication means 201 that has the function of communicating with other devices (such as the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10) via the network N.

[0033] Then, administrator A logs in to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 from the system management terminal 20 using a Web console or the like, and manages (adds, changes, deletes) the information stored in the memory means 102 and performs various settings on the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10. In this embodiment, the system management terminal 20 is a separate terminal (hardware) from the luggage space volume calculation device 10, and is capable of managing the luggage space volume calculation device 10 remotely, but the functions (roles) of this system management terminal 20 may also be assigned to the luggage space volume calculation device 10.

[0034] [vehicle] The vehicle 90 is a vehicle on which luggage is loaded, that is, a vehicle (truck) used for delivering luggage in this system. The vehicle 90 is equipped with devices such as a sound generating means 11, a sound collecting means 12, a communication means 13, a sensor 14, and a detection means 15.

[0035] The vehicle 90 is provided with a luggage compartment S, in which luggage L to be collected and delivered is loaded. The luggage compartment S is provided with an openable door 91 at the rear or side, and luggage L is loaded or removed with the door 91 open. When the door 91 is closed, the luggage compartment S becomes a closed space.

[0036] Vehicle 90 is fitted with sound generating means 11 and sound collecting means 12. Calculation of the free volume of the luggage compartment of vehicle 90 in this system can be achieved with at least one set (one each) of sound generating means 11 and sound collecting means 12, and of course, multiple sound generating means 11 and multiple sound collecting means 12 may be fitted in luggage compartment S. There are no limitations on the location or position within the luggage compartment S where the sound generating means 11 and the sound collecting means 12 are attached.

[0037] The sound generating means 11 is a device that emits a sound that diffuses in the luggage compartment S, such as a speaker. On the other hand, the sound collecting means 12 is a device that collects the sound that is emitted by the sound generating means 11 and diffused in the luggage compartment S, such as a microphone.

[0038] The vehicle 90 also has a communication means 13 that is wirelessly connected to the network communication network N and has a function of communicating with other devices (such as the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 and the system management terminal 20) via the network communication network N. The communication means 13 transmits the sound data collected by the sound collection means 12 to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10.

[0039] Furthermore, the vehicle 90 is equipped with a sensor 14. The sensor 14 is a group of sensors that acquires the temperature, humidity, and air pressure inside the luggage compartment S. For example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an air pressure sensor may be provided inside the luggage compartment S, or one sensor that can acquire all of the temperature, humidity, and air pressure may be provided.

[0040] The various data (temperature data, humidity data, and air pressure data) acquired by the sensor 14 are transmitted to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 by the communication means 13.

[0041] In addition, the vehicle 90 is fitted with a detection means 15 that detects the opening and closing of a door 91 of the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90. The detection means 15 is fitted to the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90, but there is no restriction on the place or position where it is fitted as long as it can detect the opening and closing of the door 91 of the luggage compartment S.

[0042] Since a plurality of vehicles 90 are used in this system, the system has a plurality of vehicles 90. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the system has two vehicles 90, and for convenience in this description, these vehicles are referred to as vehicle 90A and vehicle 90B.

[0043] [Delivery System] The delivery system 200 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "this delivery system") has a cargo space volume calculation system 100, a delivery management terminal 30, a shipper terminal 40, and a vehicle 90 on which cargo is loaded, which are interconnected via a network communication network N (see Figure 2).

[0044] [Delivery management terminal] The delivery management terminal 30 is a terminal (personal computer) owned and operated by the manager M of this delivery system. In this embodiment, the delivery management terminal 30 is installed in a location separate from the system management terminal 20, and is managed (operated) by someone other than the manager A. For example, the delivery management terminal 30 is installed in a room of the management company (such as a logistics company or a delivery company) of this delivery system.

[0045] The delivery management terminal 30 includes a communication means 301 , a storage means 302 , a collection information acquisition means 303 , and a notification means 304 .

[0046] The communication means 301, like the communication means 101 and 201, is connected to the network communication network N by wire or wirelessly, and has a function of communicating with other devices (such as the luggage space volume calculation device 10, the shipper terminal 40, and the vehicle 90) via the network communication network N.

[0047] The storage means 302 stores various information and various data, and is, for example, a memory, a database, etc. The storage means 302 stores various information and various data used in this delivery system. For example, the storage means 302 stores information on a plurality of vehicles 90. An example of the information on the vehicles 90 is shown below. (2-1) 90 types of vehicles, maximum loading capacity, etc. (2-2) Information about the driver of vehicle 90 (name, age, company name, department name) (2-3) Contact information for the vehicle or the driver of the vehicle (e.g., telephone number, email address, etc.) (2-4) Vehicle 90’s delivery route for the day (2-5) Location information of vehicle 90

[0048] The vehicle type and maximum load capacity include types of trucks such as small trucks (2 ton trucks, 3 ton trucks), medium trucks (4 ton trucks), and large trucks (10 ton trucks), as well as specific vehicle names (for example, GIGA (registered trademark) from Isuzu Motors Ltd., DYNA (registered trademark) from Toyota Motor Corporation). Detailed information about each truck is also stored. For example, for a small truck, the following information is stored: total length 2,350 mm, total width 850 mm, total height 1,000 mm, maximum load capacity 1,500 kg, total vehicle weight 2,500 kg, etc.

[0049] In addition, the contact information for the vehicle or the vehicle driver may be any information that can contact the vehicle driver, such as a telephone number or email address that can be connected to a device owned by the driver (such as a mobile phone or tablet), as well as information that can be connected to a device equipped in the vehicle with communication capabilities (such as a radio, transceiver, intercom, etc.).

[0050] A delivery route is information that specifies the route that a vehicle is scheduled to travel on a certain day. For example, it is information that can specify where a vehicle is and what it is doing at a certain time on a certain day, such as delivering to area A from 9:00 to 10:00 on a certain date, delivering to area B from 10:00 to 11:00, and returning to the delivery center for collection from 11:00 to 12:00.

[0051] The actual vehicle position information can also be periodically acquired by an existing system (GPS: Global Positioning System) and stored in the storage means 302. This acquired actual vehicle position information also includes a timestamp, and the position information at each timestamp can be mapped on a map to reproduce the route traveled by the vehicle 90.

[0052] The delivery route information stored in the storage means 302 can be updated to the latest information as appropriate depending on the actual work situation determined from the actual vehicle position information (for example, if the work is delayed compared to the schedule due to road congestion or vehicle trouble).

[0053] The collection information acquisition means 303 is a function for acquiring information regarding a request for collection of a package from a shipper C. This function can utilize a known collection request system provided by various home delivery companies such as Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, and Japan Post.

[0054] When acquiring information on a request for collection of a package from the shipper C, the collection information acquiring means 303 acquires the following information in particular: (3-1) The location where the sender wishes to pick up the package (for example, the sender's home address or the name of the distribution center (if the package is to be dropped off)) (3-2) The time the shipper wishes to pick up the goods (3-3) Size (dimensions) and number of packages to be collected (3-4) Characteristics of the item you are requesting collection of (fragile items, unpackaged items (unpacked items not packed in cardboard boxes))

[0055] The notification means 304 is a function for notifying the vehicle 90 (driver of the vehicle 90) of a collection request from the shipper C who has requested collection of a package. At this time, the notification means 304 refers to the "contact information of the vehicle or the vehicle driver" stored in the storage means 302 of this delivery system, and notifies the vehicle 90 of the collection request.

[0056] [Shipper's terminal] The shipper terminal 40 is a terminal (smartphone or personal computer) owned and operated by the shipper C. Of course, since there are multiple shippers C who use this delivery system, this delivery system has multiple shipper terminals 40.

[0057] In addition, the shipper terminal 40 only needs to be able to make a request for collection of a package to the delivery management terminal 30, and it only needs to be at least connected to the network communication network N via a wired or wireless connection and have the function (communication means 401) to communicate with other devices (such as the delivery management terminal 30) via the network communication network N.

[0058] Specifically, the shipper C can make a collection request using a known collection request system with a browser function (such as Google Chrome, Sarari, or Microsoft Edge) that the shipper terminal 40 has.

[0059] [Operation flow for calculating luggage compartment volume] Next, the operation flow for calculating the luggage compartment volume will be described with further reference to FIG. As described above, the luggage compartment volume calculation system 100 calculates the available volume of the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90, and the available volume is calculated based on sound data acquired within the luggage compartment S.

[0060] First, acquisition of sound data is triggered by the closing of the door 91 detected by the detection means 15. Specifically, when the detection means 15 detects the closing of the door 91 (step S10), the detection information is transmitted from the detection means 15 to the sound generation means 11 and the sound collection means 12.

[0061] Next, the sound generating means 11 emits a sound after being notified by the detection means 15 that the door 91 is closed (step S21). Meanwhile, the sound collecting means 12 collects the sound after being notified by the detection means 15 that the door 91 is closed (step S22).

[0062] The sound collected by the sound collection means 12 is the sound emitted by the sound generation means 11 and diffused within the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90. The sound diffuses within the luggage compartment S and goes around blind spots of the luggage L loaded within the luggage compartment S (behind the luggage L, gaps between multiple loaded luggage, etc.). Therefore, even with at least one set of the sound generation means 11 and the sound collection means 12 (without providing multiple sensors), information from every corner of the luggage compartment S can be obtained.

[0063] Then, the sound data collected by the sound collecting means 12 is transmitted to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 by the communication means 13 (step S30). There is no particular limitation on the format (wav, mp3, etc.) of the transmitted sound data.

[0064] At this time, the sound generating means 11 emits a sound designed for the measurement (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "design noise"). The design noise is a sound designed based on the luggage compartment environment and analysis accuracy. More specifically, it is a pseudo-random signal with regularity in discrete time intervals, which is different from phase sweep signals (such as TSP), white noise, M-sequence signals, etc.

[0065] The cargo space environment refers to the SNR (Signal-Noise Ratio) of sounds such as sounds generated when a worker is present in the cargo space S and noise within the cargo space S, and the design noise is designed according to the environmental conditions within the cargo space S. For example, if there is a worker in the luggage compartment S or if a fan installed in the luggage compartment S is rotating, there will be external sounds in the luggage compartment S other than the sounds emitted by the sound generating means 11. In short, since various sounds other than the sounds exemplified above exist in the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90 in which luggage is loaded, there is a risk that the sound for analysis emitted by the sound generating means 11 and collected by the sound collecting means 12 will be disturbed and a correct analysis will not be possible. Of course, there are vehicles 90 in which there is no worker in the luggage compartment S and vehicles 90 in which no fan is installed in the luggage compartment S, and thus the environment in the luggage compartment S differs for each vehicle 90, so the sound generating means 11 emits a sound designed for each vehicle 90 for measurement.

[0066] The analysis accuracy is the analysis accuracy of the free volume required by the system, and is, for example, the degree of accuracy required by the user, such as "roughly," "moderately," or "accurately." The length of the sound emitted by the sound generating means 11 can be appropriately designed to be "several seconds," "one minute," or "several minutes." The longer the sound, the more information can be obtained, and therefore the higher (more accurate) the analysis accuracy.

[0067] As described above, the sound generation means 11 emits a sound designed for measurement purposes according to the environment within the luggage compartment S of each vehicle 90 and the needs of the user, the sound collection means 12 collects the sound diffused within the luggage compartment S, and the communication means 13 transmits the collected sound data to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10.

[0068] The acquisition and transmission of such sound data is performed automatically when the door 91 of the luggage compartment S is opened or closed. In other words, the acquisition and transmission of sound data is performed automatically when the vehicle 90 stops and the luggage L is loaded into the luggage compartment S (collection timing) or when the luggage L loaded in the luggage compartment S is removed (delivery timing).

[0069] Meanwhile, the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 that has received the sound data transmitted from the vehicle 90 calculates the available volume of the luggage compartment S of the vehicle 90 based on the sound data by the analysis means 103. Here, the invention described in JP 2021-167778 A can be used as a technology for calculating the available volume based on the sound data.

[0070] Furthermore, the analysis means 103 can obtain the free volume by calculating the total volume of all the luggage L stacked in the luggage compartment S based on the sound data transmitted from the vehicle 90, and subtracting the calculated volume from the maximum loading volume of the vehicle 90 stored in the storage means 102. Alternatively, the analysis means 103 can directly calculate the free volume in the luggage compartment S based on the sound data transmitted from the vehicle 90. Alternatively, the analysis means 103 can use both of these methods to find the free space volume, and use the values ​​of the found free spaces volume for verification or take the average value.

[0071] Furthermore, the analysis means 103 can analyze the available volume, etc., based on one or more of the temperature data, humidity data, and air pressure data within the luggage compartment S transmitted from the vehicle 90 in addition to the sound data transmitted from the vehicle 90.

[0072] These data are acquired by the sensor 14, transmitted to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10, and stored in the storage means 102. The sensor 14 may acquire temperature data and the like in the luggage compartment S at fixed time intervals (for example, every minute) and transmit the data to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10. Alternatively, the sensor 14 may also start acquisition upon notification from the detection means 15 (when the door 91 of the luggage compartment S is closed), and then transmit the acquired temperature data and the like to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10.

[0073] The way sound travels (speed, reflectance, etc.) is affected by temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc. Therefore, the sound data collected by the sound collection means 12 is also affected by temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc., which may affect the analysis results (analysis accuracy). Therefore, by acquiring such physical quantities related to sound propagation and using them in the analysis, it is possible to perform a more accurate analysis. Of course, in cases where temperature data and the like cannot be obtained or does not need to be obtained (for example, when the user does not require high analytical accuracy), default values ​​for these data can be used in the analysis.

[0074] In addition, the memory means 102 of the cargo space volume calculation device 10 and the memory means 302 of the delivery management terminal 30 store characteristics of the cargo L (cargo L being delivered) loaded in the cargo space S, and the analysis means 103 of the cargo space volume calculation device 10 can also perform analysis by further taking into account the characteristics (characteristic data).

[0075] [Operation flow of the distribution system] Next, the operation flows of the luggage compartment volume calculation system and the delivery system in this embodiment will be described with further reference to FIGS.

[0076] (1. Calculating the free space) First, the present system will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As described above, the vehicle 90A periodically acquires sound data at the timing of collection or delivery, and transmits the data to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 (step S101). The same is true for the vehicle 90B (step S102).

[0077] Then, at the timing when the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 receives the sound data transmitted from a certain vehicle 90, the analysis means 103 calculates the available volume of the vehicle 90. The calculated available volume is stored in the storage means 102 as information related to the vehicle 90.

[0078] Meanwhile, the manager M transmits an analysis result request from the delivery management terminal 30 to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 (step S201). The luggage compartment volume calculation device 10, which has received the analysis result request from the delivery management terminal 30, refers to the free volume stored in the storage means 102 and transmits the information to the delivery management terminal 30 (step S202).

[0079] As an example of the exchange of the analysis result request and the analysis result notification, the analysis result request can include an identification number assigned to each vehicle 90, and the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 can return the available volume information of the vehicle corresponding to the identification number to the delivery management terminal 30. Alternatively, when the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 receives the analysis result request, it can return the available volume information of each of the stored vehicles 90 to the delivery management terminal 30.

[0080] The screen (display, etc.) of the delivery management terminal 30 that has received the analysis result notification displays the available volume information based on the analysis result notification, but there is no particular limit to the display format. For example, in addition to the "identification number" of the vehicle 90 and the "date and time" when the available volume was analyzed, the following information may be displayed: "Available volume: XX m 3 " or "Free space: XX m 3 / Maximum loading volume: 〇〇m 3 The design can be modified as needed, for example to display other information such as "Availability: XX%" or to display it as a pie chart or icon. The analysis result (vacant volume information) as shown in step S202 can be transmitted without waiting for a request for the analysis result. For example, the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 can transmit the analysis result to a specific party (such as the delivery management terminal 30 or a user's terminal) at a fixed time or at a fixed timing (for example, when the vacant volume is analyzed (when the vacant volume information is updated)).

[0081] In addition, the administrator M can send an analysis result request from the delivery management terminal 30 to the cargo space volume calculation device 10 at any time, so that the available volume information of the vehicle 90 used in this system can be updated at any time.

[0082] (2. Matching) Next, the present delivery system will be described with reference to Fig. 5. When a shipper C using the present delivery system has a package that he / she wishes to have collected and delivered, the shipper C requests the delivery system (delivery management terminal 30) to collect the package from the shipper terminal 40 that he / she owns (step S301).

[0083] Then, the delivery management terminal 30 that has accepted the collection request transmits an analysis result request to the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 (step S201), and the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 returns the free volume information to the delivery management terminal 30 (step S202). This allows the delivery management terminal 30 (manager M) to obtain the latest free volume information of each vehicle 90.

[0084] At the same time, the delivery management terminal 30 refers to and acquires the delivery route information of each vehicle 90 stored in the storage means 302 .

[0085] Then, the manager M performs matching based on the free volume information of each vehicle 90 acquired from the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10, the delivery route information, and the information on the collection request transmitted from the shipper terminal 40.

[0086] The information on the collection request includes the location where the shipper C wants the cargo to be collected, the time when the shipper C wants the cargo to be collected, the size (dimensions) and number of the cargo requested to be collected, etc. Therefore, based on this information, the manager M selects the vehicle 90 that can most efficiently collect the cargo.

[0087] For example, if shipper C lives in area B and requests that "shipper C will be at home between 10:00 and 12:00 and therefore that the goods be collected from his / her house during those hours," manager M selects vehicle 90 that has available capacity and is scheduled to be in area B (to collect or deliver goods in area B) between 10:00 and 12:00.

[0088] If there are multiple vehicles 90 scheduled to be in area B between 10:00 and 12:00, manager M selects the vehicle 90 that is closest to the house of shipper C. Also, if the vehicle 90 closest to the house of the shipper C does not have sufficient free space, the manager M selects the vehicle 90 next closest to the house of the shipper C that has sufficient free space.

[0089] Then, the manager M notifies the selected vehicle 90 of a pickup request by the notification means 304 of the delivery management terminal 30 (step S221).

[0090] Through this process, the delivery management terminal 30 (administrator M) can immediately obtain available volume information and delivery route information of the vehicles 90 used in this system when a package collection request is received from the shipper terminal 40 (shipper C), and can then send the vehicle 90 best suited to handle the package collection request to collect the package.

[0091] The above-mentioned matching example is merely an example, and the manager M can select the vehicle 90 that is most suitable for handling the collection request based on the various acquired information. For example, since the manager M can obtain delivery route information for each vehicle 90, he or she can select a vehicle 90 that is scheduled to have a relatively small number of pickups and deliveries, even if it is a little far away, rather than a vehicle 90 that is packed with pickups and deliveries and has a tight schedule.

[0092] Such matching is performed based on certain rules and taking into account the situation judgment of the manager M. Alternatively, the function of executing the matching performed by the manager M in this way may be implemented in the delivery management terminal 30.

[0093] The embodiment of the present invention described above is one example (representative example), and the design can be appropriately modified. For example, some or all of the information stored in storage means 302 can be stored and managed in storage means 102, and conversely, some or all of the information stored in storage means 102 can be stored and managed in storage means 302. Moreover, the analysis means 103 of the luggage compartment volume calculation device 10 may be configured as a component included in the vehicle 90 (so-called edge computing).

[0094] Although the delivery system 200 has been given as an example in which the luggage compartment volume calculation system 100 is used, the luggage compartment volume calculation system 100 can also be used in other systems or services in which the change in volume within a certain space is required. For example, if the strength of a bridge has weakened due to aging and a vehicle needs a load capacity below a certain value to cross the bridge, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle can pass through or not based on the available volume calculated using the cargo space volume calculation system 100. In addition, in shuttle bus services, it is possible to determine whether there are passengers on the bus by calculating the space (empty volume) other than that occupied by passengers. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention provides a highly convenient cargo space volume calculation system and a delivery system using the same that can improve loading efficiency, and therefore can be used by a variety of delivery companies in the logistics industry and is industrially useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10. Luggage compartment volume calculation device 11 Means of pronunciation 12 Sound collection means 13. Means of communication 14 Sensors 15 Detection methods 101 Means of communication 102 Memory means 103 Analysis means 104 Display means 105 Control Means 20 System Management Terminal 201 Means of communication 30 Delivery management terminal 301 Means of communication 302 Memory means 303 Collection information acquisition means 304 Notification means 40 Shipper terminal 401 Means of communication 90, 90A, 90B Vehicles 91 Door 100 Luggage volume calculation system 200 Delivery System M Administrator C Shipper S luggage compartment Luggage N Network communication network

Claims

1. A luggage compartment volume calculation system for calculating an available volume of a luggage compartment of a vehicle in which luggage is loaded, A storage means for storing information about the vehicle, including a maximum loading capacity of the luggage compartment; a sound generating means and a sound collecting means mounted in a luggage compartment of the vehicle; The sound emitted from the sound generating means and diffused in the luggage compartment of the vehicle is collected by the sound collecting means, analyzing a loading volume of luggage loaded in a luggage compartment of the vehicle, and calculating an available volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle based on the analyzed loading volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle and the maximum loading volume of the vehicle stored in the storage means; Or / and, the volume of the space other than the luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of the vehicle is analyzed, and the free volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle is calculated. Analysis means; wherein the sound generating means generates a sound designed for measurement.

2. A detection means is attached to the vehicle and detects whether a door of a luggage compartment of the vehicle is opened or closed, The sound generating means generates a sound of a length corresponding to the analysis accuracy when the door closing detected by the detection means is triggered, the sound collecting means collects the sound, and the analysis means analyzes the loading volume of the luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of the vehicle and / or the volume of the space other than the luggage based on the sound. The luggage compartment volume calculation system according to claim 1 .

3. A sensor for acquiring one or more of a temperature, a humidity, and an air pressure in a luggage compartment of the vehicle is provided, The analysis means analyzes the volume of luggage loaded in the luggage compartment of the vehicle and / or the volume of space other than luggage based on the sound collected by the sound collection means and one or more pieces of information on humidity, temperature, and air pressure acquired by the sensor. The luggage compartment volume calculation system according to claim 1 .

4. A display means for displaying information on the available volume of the luggage compartment of the vehicle calculated by the analysis means on a terminal owned by a third party. The luggage compartment volume calculation system according to claim 1 .

5. A luggage compartment volume calculation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A storage means for storing delivery route information for each of the plurality of vehicles; A collection information acquisition means for acquiring information regarding a collection request from a shipper; a notification means for notifying the vehicle having a free space for loading cargo in a cargo compartment identified from a result of matching based on the information acquired by the cargo collection information acquisition means, the analysis result of the free space by the analysis means, and the delivery route information, of a cargo collection request from the shipper who has made a request to collect the cargo; A delivery system having

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