Delivery hub and delivery system

Abstract

To provide a delivery hub and a delivery system that utilize existing electrical facilities (street lights) to configure a delivery hub, solve a problem of parking space and cost for delivery vehicles and enable efficient delivery.SOLUTION: A delivery system has a parking space 101 for parking a delivery vehicle 2 that automatically travels to deliver packages, and is equipped with a hub monitoring device 12 for monitoring the delivery vehicle 2, and is disposed on a street lamp 100 installed on a road. The parking space 101 is disposed in a part of the road illuminated by the street lamp 100. Further, the system is equipped with a hub detection device 11 for detecting at least the delivery vehicle 2 out of the package 5 and the delivery vehicle 2, and a hub communication device 13 for transmitting and receiving information between the device and the delivery vehicle 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery system using automated delivery vehicles, and more particularly to a delivery hub and delivery system that parks automated delivery vehicles and functions as a final delivery base. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of logistics, there is a need to improve the efficiency of the section from the final delivery base to the customer's home, which is the delivery destination, and a delivery system that uses self-driving vehicles to deliver packages is being considered. Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which a package storage facility is provided as the final base, packages from a package collection center are stored in the package storage facility, and packages are delivered from there to the customer's home by an unmanned transport robot. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-46713 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such delivery technology, in order to improve efficiency by performing delivery quickly and smoothly, it is preferable to shorten the distance from the final base to the customer's home, and for this purpose it is necessary to place as many final bases as possible. The technology of Patent Document 1 aims to improve delivery efficiency by providing various functions to the luggage storage facility, but diversifying the functions increases the size of the luggage storage facility.

[0005] Therefore, it becomes difficult to secure the space to set up a baggage storage facility. Also, the cost of setting up the power supply equipment, fuel equipment, and communication equipment that make up the baggage storage facility becomes high. For these reasons, it becomes difficult to set up many final bases, and problems arise in improving the efficiency of delivery.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a distribution hub and distribution system that makes it possible to set up a distribution hub as a final base by utilizing existing electrical facilities, i.e., infrastructure facilities installed on roads, thereby resolving space and cost issues and enabling more efficient distribution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The delivery hub of the present invention has a parking space for parking delivery vehicles that automatically travel to deliver packages, is equipped with a hub monitoring device capable of monitoring the delivery vehicles, and is further installed in an electrical facility installed on a road. For example, the electrical facility is a street light, and the parking space is installed in a part of the road illuminated by the street light. Furthermore, the delivery hub is equipped with a hub detection device for detecting at least the delivery vehicles out of the packages and the delivery vehicles, and a hub communication device for transmitting and receiving information between the delivery hub and the delivery vehicles.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that the hub monitoring device is equipped with a memory unit that stores driving information and package information when the delivery vehicle has made a delivery, and is configured to refer to the information stored in the memory unit at the time of the next delivery. Also, the hub detection device detects an ID marker attached to the delivery vehicle, and the hub monitoring device recognizes and monitors the delivery vehicle based on the detected ID marker. Alternatively, the hub detection device detects an ID code attached to the package, and the hub monitoring device recognizes and monitors the package based on the detected ID code. Also, it is preferable that the delivery hub is equipped with a power supply device for charging the battery of the delivery vehicle.

[0009] The delivery system of the present invention comprises a delivery vehicle that drives automatically to deliver packages, and a delivery hub that has a parking space for the delivery vehicle and is capable of sending and receiving information between the delivery vehicle, the delivery hub being installed at a street light arranged on a road, and the delivery hub being configured to recognize at least the delivery vehicle out of the packages and the delivery vehicle, and to monitor at least the driving status of the delivery vehicle.

[0010] The delivery system of the present invention further includes a baggage collection point for transporting baggage between the delivery hub and the baggage collection point, and a center monitoring device for transmitting and receiving information between the delivery hub and the baggage collection point. The delivery hub has ID information including a unique number, and the center monitoring device is configured to monitor the delivery hub based on the ID information. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, since the distribution hub is installed in an existing electrical facility, such as a street light, the distribution hub can be constructed using the location where the street light is installed and the equipment already installed in the street light. This solves the problems of securing space and high costs at the distribution hub, making it easy to increase the number of distribution hubs installed, and provides a distribution hub and distribution system that enables efficient distribution. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a delivery system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Conceptual diagram of a delivery vehicle. (a) is an exterior view, and (b) is an ID marker. [Diagram 3] Block diagram of a delivery vehicle. [Figure 4] A conceptual illustration of a shipping hub. [Diagram 5] Block diagram of a distribution hub. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a baggage collection point of a delivery system. [Figure 7] Flow diagram of the distribution system at a distribution hub. [Figure 8] A flow diagram of the delivery system's delivery vehicles and distribution hubs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a delivery system of the present invention. A delivery hub 1 as the final delivery base is provided at a location where street lights 100 are arranged in an urban area, and a parking space 101 for parking a delivery vehicle 2 is secured at this location. The street light 100 is integrally provided with at least a lighting device for illuminating the parking space 101 and various devices for functioning as the delivery hub 1. These devices are operated by a power source for supplying power to the street light, such as a commercial power source. The delivery vehicle 2 is composed of a small self-driving vehicle, and is capable of self-driving while detecting traffic information about the destination.

[0014] Baggage collection point 4, which serves as a logistics base, collects baggage from various locations, and among these baggage, baggage to be delivered at delivery hub 1 is transported from baggage collection point 4 to delivery hub 1 by delivery truck 3. The transported baggage is transferred to delivery vehicle 2 at delivery hub 1. Delivery vehicle 2 automatically drives the transferred baggage to the delivery destination (customer's home) and delivers it. Alternatively, delivery vehicle 2 transports baggage from the delivery destination to delivery hub 1, and has it transported to delivery collection point 4 by delivery truck 3.

[0015] The baggage collection point 4 also functions as a monitoring center, and is provided with a center monitoring device 41 and a center communication device 42 connected to a required communication network. In addition, the delivery truck 3 is also equipped with a truck communication device 31 connected to the communication network. The center monitoring device 41 is connected to the delivery hub 1 and the delivery vehicle 2 via the communication network, and can monitor the delivery hub 1, the delivery vehicle 2 that uses this delivery hub 1, and even the delivery truck 3 based on information sent and received via the communication network. It is also possible to monitor the baggage being delivered.

[0016] The monitoring utilizes ID information set for the delivery hub 1, the delivery vehicle 2, the delivery truck 3, and the package. The objects of monitoring include various information such as information related to the travel of the delivery vehicle 2 and the delivery truck 3, information on the current location of the package, and information related to the delivery hub 1. The objects of monitoring can be changed as appropriate.

[0017] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a delivery vehicle 2. The delivery vehicle 2 is configured as a four-wheeled vehicle capable of automatic driving. The delivery vehicle 2 is provided with an openable cover 201 on a part of the vehicle body 200, and by opening and closing this cover 201, it is possible to load or unload luggage 5 inside the vehicle. In addition, an ID marker 203 is provided on at least one of the roof panel, side (left and right) panels, and end (front and rear) panels of the vehicle body of the delivery vehicle 2. Here, the ID marker 203 is provided on the roof panel.

[0018] 2(b), the ID marker 203 is configured such that a number of rectangular cells with different reflectances to light (visible light and infrared light) are combined in a grid (matrix) to form a required code pattern. In this example, the ID marker is configured with a combination of red cells with a reflectance of 95%, green cells with a reflectance of 70%, blue cells with a reflectance of 50%, and black cells with a reflectance of 10%.

[0019] The ID marker 203 is formed by applying paint of a plurality of different colors to the body 200 of the delivery van 2, but may be configured by attaching a combination of sheet materials with different reflectance to the body 200. Alternatively, it may be configured with achromatic paint or sheet materials with different reflectance. This ID marker 203 is formed based on the unique ID information of each delivery van.

[0020] 3 is a schematic block diagram of the delivery van 2. The delivery van 2 is equipped with a driving device 21 for driving on roads, an on-board detection device 22 that detects traffic conditions at least in the destination of the delivery van and outputs traffic information, a driving control device 23 that controls the driving device to perform automatic driving, and an on-board communication device 24 that connects to a communication network.

[0021] The driving device 21 is equipped with a battery 210 as a power source, and a motor 211 that generates driving force. The rotation of this motor 211 is controlled by a driving control device 23, which causes the delivery vehicle 2 to travel and controls its speed. In addition, the driving device 21 is provided with a steering unit 213, which is controlled by the driving control device 23 to control the travel direction of the delivery vehicle 2.

[0022] The vehicle-mounted detection device 22 includes a camera 221 that captures images of the area around the delivery vehicle as a detection unit, and a detection control unit 222 that outputs information related to other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. based on the images captured by the camera 221. The camera 221 is configured to capture images based on visible light, and can capture images using light illuminated by street lights 200, for example. The camera 221 may be an infrared camera. Alternatively, instead of a camera, a small, low-cost, low-function LiDAR may be used. The low-function LiDAR is small and low-cost, with a detection distance of several meters to several tens of meters.

[0023] The driving control device 23 includes a position detection unit 231 that detects the current position of the vehicle, such as a GPS, and map information 232 of the area in which the vehicle travels, which is an area including at least the delivery hub 1 to the delivery destination 6. By controlling the drive unit 21 based on the current position information detected by the position detection unit 231 and the map information 232, the delivery vehicle 2 can automatically travel toward a destination such as a delivery destination. The driving control device 23 also controls the drive unit 21 based on traffic information, and can control the vehicle speed when traveling. In this example, the vehicle speed can be controlled within a speed limit of 20 km per hour.

[0024] The in-vehicle communication device 24 is connected to a communication network and, as will be described later, is capable of transmitting and receiving information at least to and from the delivery hub 1. The driving control device 23 is also capable of controlling the drive device 21 based on traffic information acquired by the in-vehicle communication device 24, thereby controlling the vehicle speed.

[0025] 4 is a schematic diagram of the distribution hub 1. The distribution hub 1 has a required space 101 secured on a part of a road in an urban area, and this space is configured as a parking space where multiple delivery vehicles can be parked. A street light 100 with a illuminator 10 attached to the top is arranged in this parking space 101, and this illuminator 10 can illuminate the delivery vehicle 2 parked in the parking space 101. The illuminator 10 can also illuminate the baggage 5 carried by a worker M performing a transfer operation in the parking space 101.

[0026] 5 is a schematic diagram of a street light 100, in which a housing 103 is attached to the upper part of a pole 102 of the street light 100, and an illuminator 10 is disposed within this housing 103. This illuminator 10 is configured to be equipped with an illuminance sensor, for example, and to automatically turn on at night. Also disposed within the housing 103 are a hub detection device 11, a hub monitoring device 12, and a hub communication device 13.

[0027] The hub detection device 11 includes a camera 111 as a detection unit, and a detection control unit 112. The camera 111 is configured as a visible light camera capable of capturing images of the delivery vehicle 2 illuminated by the illuminator 10, the worker M, and the luggage 5 being transferred here. This camera 111 is capable of capturing images of an ID marker 203 provided on a body panel of the delivery vehicle 2, and an ID code 501 provided on the luggage 5.

[0028] The detection control unit 112 detects the ID marker 203 of the delivery van 2 captured by the camera 111, and detects vehicle ID information of the delivery van 2. In addition, the detection control unit 112 detects baggage ID information of the baggage 5 from the ID code 501 of the baggage 5 captured by the camera 111.

[0029] The hub monitoring device 12 includes a monitoring unit 121 that monitors the delivery vehicle 2 and the luggage 5 based on the vehicle ID information and luggage ID information detected by the hub detection device 11. The hub monitoring device 12 also includes a memory unit 122 that pre-stores various information such as luggage information to be delivered and the driving destination of the delivery vehicle. The vehicle ID information and luggage ID information detected by the monitoring unit 121 are compared with the information stored in the memory unit 122 to recognize the delivery vehicle 2 and the luggage 5, and the actual status of the delivery vehicle 2 and the luggage 5 are compared with the information stored in the memory unit 122, making it possible to monitor the delivery vehicle 2 and the luggage 5.

[0030] The hub communication device 13 is connected to a communication network, and is capable of transmitting and receiving various types of information via this communication network. That is, information can be transmitted and received between the delivery vehicle 2 and the baggage collection point 4, and further between the delivery truck 3 and the delivery vehicle 2.

[0031] A unique number is assigned to the distribution hub 1, and when the distribution hub 1 is connected to the center monitoring device 41 of the baggage collection point 4 via a communication network by the hub communication device 13, the center monitoring device 41 can recognize the distribution hub 1 by this unique number. For example, if the street light 100 in which the distribution hub 1 is configured is managed by a power company, a government office, or the like, the management number of the street light 100 may be used.

[0032] Furthermore, a power supply device 14 is provided below the street light 100 in the delivery hub 1. This power supply device 14 is mainly used when electrically connecting to the battery 210 of the parked delivery vehicle 2 to charge the battery 210. In addition, a code reader 15 using infrared rays is provided above the power supply device 14. This code reader 15 is designed with reliability and ease of use in detecting baggage ID information in mind, and is used by the worker M when it is difficult to detect baggage ID information from an image captured by the camera 111 of the hub detection device 11. This code reader 15 does not necessarily have to be provided if no particular problem occurs when detecting baggage ID information from an image captured by the camera 111 of the hub detection device 11.

[0033] A delivery flow in a delivery system including the delivery vehicle 2 and the delivery hub 1 as described above will be described. At the baggage collection point 4 shown in FIG. 1, the baggage is sorted and loaded onto a delivery truck 3 bound for a plurality of different delivery hubs 1. As shown in the flow of FIG. 6, the center monitoring device 41 at the baggage collection point 4 recognizes the baggage ID information of the baggage (S11) and recognizes the hub ID information of the delivery hub 1 that is the delivery base for the baggage (S12). Then, it is confirmed that the baggage is loaded onto one of the delivery trucks 3x, 3y, 3z bound for the specified delivery hub 1 (S13). As described above, when the street light where the delivery hub is installed is managed by a power company, a government office, or the like, the management number may be used as the hub ID information of the delivery hub 1.

[0034] When the delivery truck 3 arrives at the delivery hub 1 from the baggage collection point 4, the baggage 5 is transferred from the delivery truck 3 to the delivery vehicle 2 as shown in FIG. 4. This work is performed by a worker M, and as shown in the flow of FIG. 7, the baggage 5 to be transferred is detected by the hub detection device 11 provided on the street light 100, and the baggage ID information of each baggage 5 is detected (S21). This detection is performed based on the ID code 501 of the baggage 5 captured by the camera 111. Since the ID code 501 is composed of a barcode, it is detected based on its light and dark stripe pattern. Note that when the camera 111 is not able to detect the baggage ID information sufficiently, the ID code 501 may be read by the code reader 15 while the worker M is holding the baggage 5 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0035] Furthermore, at the delivery hub 1, the delivery vehicle 2 onto which the package 5 is transferred is detected by the hub detection device 11, and the vehicle ID information of the delivery vehicle 2 is detected (S22). This detection is performed based on the ID marker 203 captured by the camera 111. Since the camera 111 is configured as a visible light camera, the vehicle ID information can be detected from the combination pattern of different colors that make up the ID marker 203. The camera 111 may also be configured as an infrared camera, in which case the vehicle ID information can be detected from the light and dark pattern with different light reflectance that makes up the ID marker 203.

[0036] When detecting this ID information, the luggage 5 and the delivery vehicle 2 are illuminated by the illuminators 10 of the street lights 100, so they can be photographed by the camera 111 even at night. Therefore, there is no need to install an independent lighting device separate from the street lights 100, and the delivery hub 1 can be constructed at low cost.

[0037] The hub monitoring device 12 monitors whether the luggage has been correctly transferred to the delivery vehicle 2 based on the detected luggage 5 and the ID information of the delivery vehicle 2. At this time, it determines whether the luggage destination is the first (first) location (S23), and if it is the first time, it reconfirms the luggage destination with the center monitoring device 41 (S24). If the luggage destination is a destination to which the luggage has been delivered in the past for the second or subsequent times, it refers to the information stored in the memory unit 122 to confirm (S25). The information in the memory unit 122 will be described later.

[0038] When the package 5 is transferred to the delivery vehicle 2 (S26), the battery 211 of the delivery vehicle 2 is charged by the power supply device 14 of the delivery hub 1 (S26). The hub monitoring device 12 checks whether the battery 210 is being properly charged (S28). Information related to this charging, i.e., information on the charging state and charging time of the battery 210, is stored in the memory unit 122 of the hub monitoring device 12. Since the power of the power supply device 15 for charging the battery 210 can use the power supplied to the street light 100, there is no need to install independent power wiring or power equipment separate from the street light 100, which also makes it possible to reduce the cost of the delivery hub 1.

[0039] When the above flow is completed, as shown in the flow of Fig. 8, the delivery vehicle 2 starts automatic driving toward the delivery destination 6 (S31). At this time, traffic information in the vicinity of the delivery hub 1 can be detected based on the image captured by the camera 111 of the hub detection device 11 (S32). This traffic information includes information that cannot be detected by the on-board detection device 22 of the delivery vehicle 2, such as information about vehicles entering from side roads that are in the blind spot of the delivery vehicle 2 and traffic congestion on the road ahead. The delivery vehicle 2 can start safe driving based on this traffic information.

[0040] When the delivery vehicle 2 travels automatically, the travel control device 23 of the delivery vehicle 2 controls the drive unit 21 based on the current position information detected by the position detection unit 231 and the map information 232. At this time, the vehicle-mounted detection device 22 detects the surroundings of the delivery vehicle 2, and the delivery vehicle 2 travels automatically while detecting traffic information of the destination of the delivery vehicle 2. In other words, the delivery vehicle 2 travels while detecting other vehicles and pedestrians, and controlling the vehicle speed and steering to avoid contact with them. This ensures safe travel (S33).

[0041] Travel information of the automatically traveling delivery van 2 is successively transmitted to the delivery hub 1 via a communication network. For example, the travel information includes the speed, travel path (route), current position, etc. of the delivery van 2. The hub monitoring device 12 monitors the travel of the delivery van 2 from the current position of the delivery van 2, and confirms that the delivery van 2 is traveling on a predetermined travel path and has reached the intended delivery destination 6 (S34). In addition, information such as the remaining capacity and output voltage of the battery 210 may be transmitted to the delivery hub 1 in conjunction with this.

[0042] When the delivery vehicle 2 has finished delivering the package at the delivery destination 6, the recipient performs the specified receiving operation on the delivery vehicle (S35). In addition, when a new delivery of another package is requested, the sender loads the package onto the delivery vehicle 2, and the on-vehicle detection device 22 detects that the package has been loaded onto the delivery vehicle 2. These receipts and new requests are transmitted to the delivery hub 1 via the communication network. The hub monitoring device 12 of the delivery hub 1 confirms the receipts and new requests, and transmits them to the center monitoring device 41 if necessary. The delivery vehicle 2, which has completed the specified delivery, returns to the delivery hub 1 (S36).

[0043] In the above delivery flow, when the delivery vehicle 2 automatically travels in the hub monitoring device 12, the delivery hub 1 stores the travel information and delivery destination information transmitted from the delivery vehicle 2 in the storage unit 12 (S37). That is, the travel path (delivery route) of the delivery vehicle 2, the time required for delivery, the vehicle speed during travel, information on the battery 210, and the like are stored in the storage unit 12. In addition, when there is an undelivered package due to the absence of the delivery destination 6 or refusal to receive the package, the reason and time are also stored. The information stored in the storage unit 12 is used when the delivery destination is confirmed when the package 5 is transferred to the delivery vehicle 2 in the above-mentioned step S25 in FIG. 7, or when the delivery vehicle 2 is selected. Furthermore, although not described, it is used when setting the delivery route of the delivery vehicle 2.

[0044] Although illustration of the delivery flow is omitted below, when the delivery vehicle 2 returns to the delivery hub 1, the hub detection device 11 at the delivery hub 1 detects the luggage 5 loaded on the delivery vehicle 2. If there is no luggage, the delivery of the next luggage is arranged. For example, a message is sent to the center monitoring device 41 that the delivery vehicle has become vacant, and the vehicle waits to deliver the next luggage. If there is luggage 5, a message is sent to the center monitoring device 41 indicating the presence of a newly requested luggage.

[0045] In step S32, road conditions or traffic information obtained from nearby roads captured by the camera 111 of the delivery hub 1 may be transmitted sequentially (over time) via a communication network to the delivery vehicle 2, the delivery truck 3, and the baggage collection point 4. In particular, by using this traffic information in the delivery truck 3, the delivery truck 3 can travel safely and smoothly between the baggage collection point 4 and the delivery hub 1.

[0046] In this way, since the delivery hub 1 is disposed close to the street light 100, the parked delivery vehicle 2 is illuminated by the illuminators 10 of the street light 100, particularly at night. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, not only during the day but also at night, a parcel recipient M (shown by a chain line) can come to the delivery hub 1, open the cover 201, and receive the parcel 5 inside, and the parked delivery vehicle 2 can also be used as a receiving box.

[0047] If the distance between the baggage collection point 4 and the delivery hub 1 is not so long, the delivery vehicle 2 may transport the baggage between the baggage collection point 4 and the delivery hub 1. If the area in which the delivery vehicle 2 travels automatically is not so large, the delivery vehicle 2 and the delivery hub 1 may communicate directly with each other without going through a wireless network. In this case, the delivery vehicle 2 and the delivery hub 1 may use a local wireless communication method such as wireless LAN.

[0048] The delivery hub in the present invention does not necessarily have to be located near a street light, and may be located near a telephone pole or a traffic light, for example, as long as it is an electrical facility (infrastructure facility) that is located along a road and receives power. In addition, the delivery vehicle is not limited to a vehicle, and may be a mobile object that travels in the air, such as a drone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Shipping Hub 2 Delivery vehicle 3. Delivery Truck 4 Luggage collection point (monitoring center) 5. Luggage 6. Delivery address 11 Hub detection device 12 Hub Monitoring Device 13 Hub communication device 14 Power supply 15 Code Reader 21 Drive unit 22 Vehicle-mounted detection device 23 Driving control device 24 In-vehicle communication device 31 Truck communication device 41 Center monitoring device 42 Center communication device 100 Street Lights 101 Parking Space 203 ID Marker 501 ID Code

Claims

1. A distribution hub having a parking space for parking delivery vehicles that drive automatically to deliver packages, and equipped with a hub monitoring device capable of monitoring at least the delivery vehicles, characterized in that the distribution hub is disposed in an electrical facility disposed on a road.

2. 2. The distribution hub of claim 1, wherein the electrical facility is a street light, and the parking space is disposed in a portion of a road illuminated by the street light.

3. The delivery hub according to claim 1, wherein the hub monitoring device is provided with a memory unit that stores driving information and cargo information when a delivery vehicle makes a delivery, and refers to the information stored in the memory unit at the time of the next delivery.

4. The distribution hub according to claim 2 , further comprising a hub detection device for detecting at least the delivery vehicle among the package and the delivery vehicle, and a hub communication device for transmitting and receiving information between the delivery vehicle and the hub detection device.

5. 5. The delivery hub of claim 4, wherein the hub detection device detects an ID marker provided on a delivery vehicle, and the hub monitoring device recognizes and monitors the delivery vehicle based on the detected ID marker.

6. 5. The distribution hub of claim 4, wherein said hub detection device detects an ID code attached to a package, and said hub monitoring device recognizes and monitors the package based on the detected ID code.

7. The distribution hub of claim 2 , wherein the distribution hub comprises a power supply unit for charging batteries of a delivery vehicle.

8. A delivery system comprising a delivery vehicle that drives automatically to deliver packages, and a delivery hub that has a parking space for the delivery vehicle and is capable of sending and receiving information between the delivery vehicle, the delivery hub being disposed at a street light disposed on a road, and the delivery hub recognizing at least the delivery vehicle out of the packages and the delivery vehicle, and monitoring at least the driving status of the delivery vehicle.

9. 9. The distribution system according to claim 8, further comprising a baggage collection station for transporting baggage between the distribution hub and the baggage collection station, the baggage collection station comprising a center monitoring device for transmitting and receiving information between the distribution hub and the baggage collection station.

10. 9. The distribution system according to claim 8, wherein said distribution hub has ID information including a unique number, and said center monitoring device monitors said distribution hub based on this ID information.

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