Physical distribution system

Abstract

To provide a blockchain system that enables construction of a nationwide physical distribution system by integrating small and medium-sized delivery companies.SOLUTION: A physical distribution system uses a blockchain for managing information on physical distribution in a distributed manner. The blockchain includes a plurality of delivery company devices which are used by a plurality of delivery companies, respectively, and configured to issue a resource NFT (Non-Fungible Token) related to resource information of delivery of the companies. A first delivery company device of the delivery company devices is configured to formulate a delivery plan based on a first resource NFT issued by the first delivery company device and a second resource NFT issued by a second delivery company device in the delivery company devices, and issue a service NFT related to the delivery plan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a logistics system. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, with the spread of mail order services and other services, the volume of parcels handled by delivery companies is on the rise, but the number of people involved in parcel delivery work is on the decline.

[0003] In order to address the declining trend in the population involved in such delivery work, Patent Document 1 discloses a support system that realizes nationwide logistics by having a management server determine delivery routes for packages, taking into account combinations of multiple delivery services.

[0004] In the support system described in Patent Document 1, a management server centrally manages information on multiple delivery services. The management server combines the delivery service information it manages in accordance with the content of a package delivery request and determines a package delivery route. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-166505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in order to build a nationwide logistics system, large delivery companies must consolidate and centrally manage small and medium-sized delivery companies that mainly provide delivery services in specific regions.

[0007] In such a logistics system where large-scale delivery companies manage small and medium-sized delivery companies, the small and medium-sized delivery companies do not share the delivery service information managed by the management server, and therefore cannot determine the delivery route for their packages. For this reason, there is a demand for the construction of a nationwide logistics system managed by small and medium-sized delivery companies.

[0008] A non-limiting example of the present disclosure contributes to the provision of a nationwide logistics system through collaboration between small and medium-sized delivery companies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A logistics system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a logistics system that uses a blockchain for distributed management of information related to logistics, and the blockchain has a plurality of delivery company devices that are used by each of a plurality of delivery companies and issue resource NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) related to their own delivery resource information, and a first delivery company device among the plurality of delivery company devices makes a delivery plan based on the first resource NFT issued by the first delivery company device and a second resource NFT issued by a second delivery company device among the plurality of delivery company devices, and issues a service NFT related to the delivery plan.

[0010] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the logistics system enables the construction of a nationwide logistics system through collaboration between small and medium-sized delivery companies.

[0012] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a logistics system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a delivery company device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a blockchain according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Configuration example of information stored in the database of the delivery company device according to the embodiment [Figure 6] Configuration example of information stored in the database of the delivery company device according to the embodiment [Figure 7] 1 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation of a logistics system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0015] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a logistics system 1 according to an embodiment. The logistics system 1 includes delivery company devices 10A and 10B and a management device 20. When there is no need to distinguish between the delivery company devices 10A and 10B, they will be simply referred to as delivery company devices 10.

[0017] The logistics system 1 may also be configured to include a consignor terminal 60 and a consignee terminal 70.

[0018] The delivery company devices 10A and 10B are a type of device that constitutes the blockchain BC. Note that the number of delivery company devices that constitute the blockchain BC may be three or more.

[0019] Blockchain BC is a network that uses a blockchain system, which is one of the distributed ledger management technologies, and various information handled by delivery company device 10 is distributed and managed in blockchain BC as NFT (Non-Fungible Token).

[0020] The delivery company devices 10A and 10B and the management device 20 are communicably connected via a network N1.

[0021] The delivery company device 10 is used by delivery companies participating in the logistics system 1. The delivery companies are small to medium-sized delivery companies that mainly provide delivery services in a specific area. Each delivery company operates the delivery company device 10 to determine the delivery route for the package. The package is relayed between multiple delivery companies and delivered from the shipper to the consignee.

[0022] The delivery company device 10 has a smart contract 30. The smart contract 30 may execute a resource NFT issuance transaction to issue a resource NFT related to resource information of the delivery company. The smart contract 30 may also execute a service NFT issuance transaction to issue a service NFT related to service information.

[0023] For example, the blockchain BC may be configured to have an NFT issuing device that issues various NFTs. In this case, the delivery company device 10 may request the NFT issuing device to issue various NFTs, and the NFT issuing device that receives the request may execute an NFT issuance transaction and issue various NFTs to the delivery company device 10 that made the request.

[0024] The delivery company performs delivery operations based on resource NFTs and service NFTs.

[0025] The management device 20 performs traceability of packages delivered by delivery companies. The management device 20 also receives a notification from the delivery company device 10 that the delivery work has been completed, and distributes the delivery fee to the delivery company involved in the delivery work.

[0026] Further, the consignor terminal 60 and the consignee terminal 70 may be configured to be connected to the network N1.

[0027] The consignor terminal 60 is used by a consignor requesting delivery of a package. The consignor operates the consignor terminal 60 to request a delivery company to collect the package. For example, the consignor may operate the consignor terminal 60 to inform the delivery company of the type, size, weight, desired date and time of collection, desired date and time of delivery, etc. of the package for which collection is requested.

[0028] The consignor may also call the delivery company's office and request the delivery company to collect the parcel, without using the consignor terminal 60. The consignor may also directly bring the parcel to be delivered to the delivery company's office.

[0029] The consignee terminal 70 is used by the consignee who receives the package. The consignee operates the consignee terminal 70 to notify the delivery company of the desired delivery date and time. For example, the consignee operates the consignee terminal 70 to request delivery of the package to a location other than the consignee's home, such as a delivery locker.

[0030] Delivery companies participating in the logistics system 1 will use NFTs to perform delivery operations, rather than delivery service information managed by large delivery companies. NFTs are managed in a decentralized manner on the blockchain (BC) and are difficult to tamper with, allowing delivery companies to perform delivery operations more efficiently, transparently, and reliably. This allows delivery companies to provide high-quality delivery services to shippers and consignees.

[0031] In this embodiment, the configuration of the blockchain BC is not particularly limited, and a public, consortium, private, or other blockchain system can be used. The information processing system of this embodiment may also be configured using IPFS (Inter Planetary File System) or distributed cloud computing.

[0032] <Block configuration> Block configuration of delivery company device 10 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the delivery company device 10. The delivery company device 10 has a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, an information generation unit 15, an information recording unit 16, an information reference unit 17, a storage unit 18, and a database 19. These are interconnected via a bus.

[0033] The control unit 11 controls the entire delivery company device 10. For example, the control unit 11 loads a program 18a stored in advance in the storage unit 18 into RAM and executes the processing performed by the delivery company device 10. The control unit 11 also executes processing based on information received via the communication unit 12.

[0034] In addition, the control unit 11 executes a smart contract 30 pre-stored in the memory unit 18, and executes a resource NFT issuance transaction and a service NFT issuance transaction.

[0035] The control unit 11 may be configured to include one or more CPUs, multi-core CPUs, GPUs, and the like.

[0036] The communication unit 12 is an interface for communicatively connecting to the network N1. When the communication unit 12 receives various information from a device connected to the network N1, the communication unit 12 outputs the received information to the control unit 11.

[0037] The operation unit 13 includes an input interface such as a keyboard or a mouse, and receives operation inputs from the user of the delivery company device 10, and sends a control signal corresponding to the input content to the control unit 11.

[0038] The display unit 14 displays various information in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11. The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 may be an integrated touch panel. The display unit 14 may include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0039] The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 may be configured to receive operations via an externally connected computer and output information to be displayed to a display device provided in the externally connected computer.

[0040] The information generation unit 15 generates blocks to be registered in the blockchain BC using information obtained from other devices via the communication unit 12. The generated blocks are registered (added) to the blockchain BC. The blockchain BC is a type of database in which blocks are linked in a chain. Each block stores information such as transaction data. A block contains transaction data, the hash value of the previous block, and a nonce, which is a type of proof when the block was generated. This information is generated and managed according to certain rules.

[0041] The information recording unit 16 determines whether a newly generated block in another device satisfies a predetermined consensus rule in the blockchain system. The information recording unit 16 records a block that satisfies the predetermined consensus rule in the logistics system 1. In this case, the information recording unit 16 adds a new block to the end of the cascaded blocks.

[0042] When the information reference unit 17 receives a request to reference stored contents from another device via the communication unit 12, it reads information from the block corresponding to the request and transmits the read information to the request source.

[0043] The memory unit 18 stores a program 18a and a smart contract 30.

[0044] The program 18a is executed by the control unit 11. The program 18a may also be configured to store various data and the like required for executing the program 18a. The storage unit 18 may be configured to include a flash memory, a hard disk, an SSD, a semiconductor memory, and the like.

[0045] The smart contract 30 is executed by the control unit 11 when the delivery company device 10 executes a resource NFT issuance transaction and a service NFT issuance transaction.

[0046] For example, the program 18a may be a program that realizes a function of searching for currently available trucks among trucks owned by the delivery company.

[0047] The program 18a may be written to the storage unit 18, for example, during the manufacturing stage of the delivery company device 10. The program 18a may also be acquired through the communication unit 12, for example.

[0048] The database 19 stores a node list 19a and a distributed management ledger 19b.

[0049] The node list 19a stores identification information that identifies devices (nodes) that are properly registered in the blockchain BC. The database 19 may be configured not to include the node list 19a.

[0050] The distributed management ledger 19b is a ledger that shares and manages information that is distributed and managed by the devices that make up the blockchain BC.

[0051] The database 19 may be configured as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk, etc., whose stored contents are rewritable.

[0052] Block configuration of the management device 20 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 20. The management device 20 has a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25. These are connected to each other via a bus.

[0053] The control unit 21 controls the entire management device 20. The control unit 21 loads a control program 22a stored in advance in the storage unit 22 onto the RAM, for example, and executes the processes performed by the management device 20.

[0054] The storage unit 22 stores a control program 22a, tracking information 22b, and delivery fee information 22c.

[0055] The control program 22a is executed by the control unit 21. The control program 22a may be configured to store various data and the like required for executing the control program 22a. The storage unit 22 may be configured to include a flash memory, a hard disk, an SSD, a semiconductor memory, and the like.

[0056] For example, the control program 22a may be a program having a function of calculating the fee required for delivering a package, or a program having a function of tracking a package during delivery.

[0057] The control program 22a may be written to the storage unit 22, for example, during the manufacturing stage of the management device 20. Also, for example, the control program 22a may acquire various programs through the communication unit 23 and install the acquired programs in the storage unit 22.

[0058] The tracking information 22b stores, for example, information relating to tracking that tracks in real time the current status and location of a package being delivered.

[0059] The delivery fee information 22c stores information about delivery fees pooled (stored) in the management device 20 and delivery fees distributed to each delivery company. The delivery fee information 22c may also include information about billing and payment of delivery fees.

[0060] The communication unit 23 is an interface for communicatively connecting to the network N1. When the communication unit 23 receives various information from the network N1, it outputs the received information to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 executes processing based on the information received via the communication unit 23.

[0061] The operation unit 24 includes an input interface such as a keyboard or a mouse, and receives operation inputs from a user who uses the management device 20, and sends a control signal corresponding to the input content to the control unit 21.

[0062] The display unit 25 displays various information in accordance with instructions from the control unit 21. The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 may be an integrated touch panel. The display unit 25 may include a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0063] The operation unit 24 and the display unit 25 may be configured to receive operations via an externally connected computer and output information to be displayed to a display device provided in the externally connected computer.

[0064] Blockchain configuration example FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a blockchain.

[0065] The distributed management ledger 19b stored in the database 19 of the delivery company device 10 includes a plurality of blocks 190.

[0066] A plurality of blocks 190 are linked in a chain, and constitute information having a blockchain structure. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the nth and (n+1)th blocks 190 are linked together.

[0067] Each block 190 includes a hash value 191 of the previous block 190 and information 192 about the block.

[0068] The hash value 191 is a value generated from the immediately preceding block 190 based on a preset hash function.

[0069] The information 192 is the main part of the information to be registered in the block 190. For example, the information 192 is information stored in each device connected to the blockchain BC.

[0070] The block 190 may also be configured to store only the hash value 191. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to verify whether or not tampering has occurred based on the hash value 191.

[0071] In a blockchain system, the reliability of information exchanged between devices is guaranteed by the system's consensus process, which maintains the integrity of the blockchain. The consensus process can use consensus algorithms such as Proof of Work or Proof of Stake.

[0072] Example of information stored in the database 19 of the delivery company device 10 5 and 6 are diagrams showing examples of the structure of information stored in the database 19 of the delivery company device 10. Resource information and service information will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0073] Resource Information As shown in FIG. 5, the database 19 stores delivery company information, delivery information, storage information, and fee information. Information including the delivery company information, delivery information, storage information, and fee information is called resource information. Resource information is information related to delivery resources, specifically, information related to personnel, facilities, etc. involved in delivery. The delivery company device 10 issues resource NFTs related to the resource information.

[0074] The delivery company ID is identification information for identifying a delivery company. For example, the management device 20 may be configured to assign the ID to the delivery company device 10 connected to the network N1.

[0075] Shipping company information The delivery company information includes items such as the delivery company name, address, contact information, and business hours.

[0076] The item "Delivery company name" includes information about the name of the delivery company, etc. Scoring information based on past performance may also be included. The address field includes information about the address of the delivery company, its branches, sub-branches, etc. -The contact information includes information such as the main telephone number, main email address, and website URL of the delivery company. The business hours item includes information about the time periods during which the delivery company can accept delivery requests.

[0077] Shipping Information The delivery information includes items such as delivery area, delivery means, delivery package, collection area, and delivery time.

[0078] The item "Delivery area" includes information about the area where the delivery company can deliver. The delivery method item includes information about the delivery methods that the delivery company can use for delivery. Delivery methods include trucks, trains, airplanes, drones, etc. Information about the personnel who will use these delivery methods may also be included. The item of delivery parcel includes information on the type, size, weight, etc. of parcels that the delivery company can deliver. The collection area item includes information about the area where the delivery company can collect. The delivery time field contains information about the time when the delivery company can deliver. For example, the delivery time is between 9:00 and 21:00.

[0079] ·Storage information The storage information includes items such as storage location, stored items, and usage time.

[0080] The storage location field contains information about warehouses that can be used by the delivery company to store the packages collected by the delivery company. The storage location can be, for example, a warehouse owned by the delivery company or a warehouse rented from another company. The item of stored luggage includes information on the type, size, weight, number, etc. of luggage that can be stored by the delivery company. The luggage that can be stored varies depending on, for example, the size of the warehouse, the temperature and humidity inside the warehouse, etc. The item "usage time" includes information about the time when the delivery company can take packages into and out of a warehouse, etc.

[0081] Pricing Information The delivery fee information includes items such as transportation costs, storage costs, packaging costs, handling costs, and logistics management costs.

[0082] -The transportation cost item includes information such as the cost for the delivery company to secure transportation means, the cost of transporting the goods, the cost of gasoline for the trucks owned by the delivery company, and the maintenance costs for maintaining the trucks. The packaging cost item includes information on the cost of packaging and packing the parcel depending on the type and size of the parcel that the delivery company has received a delivery request for. - The item of cargo handling costs includes information on the costs required for the delivery company to carry out warehousing, transportation, stowing, sorting, picking, etc. -The logistics management cost item includes information on the costs required for the delivery company to implement logistics systems and order placement systems, operating costs, and labor costs for logistics personnel and workers.

[0083] Service information configuration example As shown in FIG. 6, the database 19 stores delivery request information and delivery plan information. Information including the delivery request information and delivery plan information is called service information. The service information is information related to delivery services, and more specifically, information related to delivery plans. The delivery company device 10 issues resource NFTs related to the service information (delivery plans).

[0084] Delivery request information The delivery request information includes items such as the package to be delivered, the delivery origin, the delivery destination, the desired delivery date, and options.

[0085] The item of delivered parcel includes information on the type, size, weight, etc. of the parcel for which the delivery company has accepted a delivery request. -The sender field contains information about the person who requested the delivery. -The delivery destination items include information on direct delivery to the recipient, delivery lockers, designated coin lockers, delivery company offices near the recipient's home, etc. The desired date item includes information about the date on which the shipper or the consignee desires delivery. - The optional items include information about the urgency, importance, safety, etc. of the delivery. Generally, the more urgent, important, and safe the delivery, the higher the delivery fee.

[0086] Shipping plan information The delivery plan information includes items such as a forwarding delivery company, a relay delivery company, and a delivery office.

[0087] The shipping carrier field contains information about the carrier that will pick up and ship the package. The relay carrier field contains information about the carrier that receives the package from the sending carrier and relays it to the delivery carrier. - The item of the delivery service provider includes information about the delivery service provider who delivers the package to the delivery destination.

[0088] <NFT issuance transaction> In the present embodiment, the device 10 for the delivery service provider used by the delivery service provider participating in the logistics system executes an NFT issuance transaction for issuing an NFT.

[0089] The NFT issuance transactions executed in the present embodiment include a resource NFT issuance transaction and a service NFT issuance transaction. Hereinafter, each NFT issuance transaction will be described.

[0090] For example, consider the case where the delivery service provider m that has received a request for delivering a package plans to deliver the package via the delivery service providers p and q. Hereinafter, the device 10 for the delivery service provider used by the delivery service provider x is described as the device 10x for the delivery service provider.

[0091] · Resource NFT issuance transaction The smart contract �0 of each of the devices 10 for the delivery service providers (10m, 10p, 10q) issues a resource NFT related to its own resource information. This resource NFT issuance process is recorded in the blockchain BC in a form called, for example, a resource NFT issuance transaction.

[0092] The resource NFTs issued by each of the devices 10 for the delivery service providers (10m, 10p, 10q) are synchronized and distributedly managed by the ledger information shared by the devices constituting the blockchain BC.

[0093] By managing resource information using NFTs, it is expected to efficiently utilize resources and improve the transparency and reliability of resource information.

[0094] · Service NFT issuance transaction A delivery company m that has received a request to deliver a package creates a delivery plan by combining the resources NFT of each delivery company (m, p, q). For example, delivery company m creates a delivery plan that enables delivery of the package by combining the resources available to each delivery company (such as the costs required to use various resources such as available vehicles and drivers). The delivery company device 10m stores the delivery plan as service information.

[0095] If the delivery company m determines that the delivery plan is feasible, the smart contract 30 included in the delivery company device 10m issues a service NFT related to the service information. This service NFT issuance process is recorded on the blockchain BC in the form of, for example, a service NFT issuance transaction. The service information is created by combining resource NFTs. Therefore, the service NFT issued in association with the service information also includes the resource information included in the resource NFT.

[0096] After issuing the service NFT, the delivery company device 10m locks the resource NFT that the delivery company device 10m used (referenced) to issue the service NFT so that it cannot be used by other delivery company devices 10.

[0097] For example, the resource NFT may include a flag indicating whether it can be used to create a delivery plan. After issuing a service NFT, the delivery company device 10m may change the flag included in the resource NFT linked to the service NFT from "Yes" to "No" so that the service NFT cannot be used by other delivery company devices 10 when creating a delivery plan. When the delivery work related to the service NFT is completed, the delivery company device 10m may change the flag from "No" to "Yes."

[0098] The service NFTs issued by the delivery company device 10m are synchronized and managed in a decentralized manner using ledger information shared by the devices that make up the blockchain BC.

[0099] By managing service information using NFT, the performance records of each delivery company (m, p, q) regarding their delivery operations are recorded in an immutable form. In addition, because the entire delivery process is recorded on the blockchain BC, it is expected that the reliability of transactions between delivery companies will be improved, and that efficiency and transparency of delivery operations will be ensured.

[0100] <Operation of Logistics System 1> In this embodiment, the logistics system 1 executes the processing of the sequence chart shown in FIG.

[0101] The delivery company device 10A (first delivery company device) executes a resource NFT issuance transaction to issue a resource NFT (first resource NFT) related to its own resource information (S101).

[0102] The delivery company device 10A synchronizes ledger information (S102). Similarly, the delivery company device 10B synchronizes ledger information (S103). The resource NFT issued by the delivery company device 10A is synchronized by the ledgers of the delivery company devices 10A and 10B and is managed in a distributed manner.

[0103] The delivery company device 10B (second delivery company device) executes a resource NFT issuance transaction to issue a resource NFT (second resource NFT) related to its own resource information (S104).

[0104] The delivery company device 10A synchronizes the ledger information (S105). Similarly, the delivery company device 10B synchronizes the ledger information (S106). The resource NFT issued by the delivery company device 10B is synchronized by the ledgers of the delivery company devices 10A and 10B and is managed in a distributed manner.

[0105] The delivery company A receives a delivery request from the shipper (S107). The shipper may operate the shipper terminal 60 to request the delivery company A to make a delivery.

[0106] The delivery company device 10A browses the resource NFTs of the delivery company devices 10A and 10B, which are managed in a distributed manner (S108). The delivery company device 10A combines these resource NFTs to create a delivery plan (S109). The delivery plan includes, for example, a first delivery plan to be executed by delivery company A and a second delivery plan to be executed by delivery company B.

[0107] The delivery company device 10A determines whether the delivery plan it has created is feasible (S110). If the delivery company device 10A determines that the delivery plan is not feasible (NO in S110), the delivery company device 10A notifies the shipper that delivery is not possible, and the flow proceeds to S111, where the flow ends.

[0108] For example, there may be cases where delivery is impossible, personnel or transportation means cannot be secured, or the package cannot be relayed to another delivery company.

[0109] If the delivery company device 10A determines that the delivery plan is feasible (YES in S110), it executes a service NFT issuance transaction to issue a service NFT related to service information based on the feasible delivery plan (S112).

[0110] The delivery company device 10A locks the traded resource NFT (used to create a delivery plan) so that it cannot be used by other devices that make up the blockchain BC (S113).

[0111] The delivery company device 10A synchronizes the ledger information (S114). Similarly, the delivery company device 10B synchronizes the ledger information (S115). The service NFT issued by the delivery company device 10A is synchronized by the ledgers of the delivery company devices 10A and 10B and is managed in a distributed manner.

[0112] The device 10A for the delivery company calculates a delivery fee based on the service NFT, and notifies the calculated delivery fee to the shipper who has requested delivery of the package (S116).

[0113] The consignor pays the delivery fee to delivery company A (S117). The consignor operates the consignor terminal 60 to pay the delivery fee to the delivery company device 10A. The consignor may also pay the delivery fee directly to the delivery company using a payment method such as cash.

[0114] The delivery company device 10A determines the allocation of delivery fees and pays the delivery fees of the other delivery companies to the management device 20 (S118). For example, if the cost required for the delivery operation is 1,500 yen and the delivery fee allocation (first delivery fee) of delivery company A is 700 yen, the delivery fee allocation (second delivery fee) of delivery company B will be 800 yen. In this case, in the processing of S118, the delivery company device 10A remits 800 yen to the management device 20. In other words, the delivery company device 10A remits to the management device 20 the amount remaining after deducting the first delivery fee from the delivery fee received from the shipper.

[0115] The management device 20 pools (saves) 800 yen, which corresponds to the delivery fee allocation of delivery company B (S119). In addition, the management device 20 may track the package to ensure that it is in the possession of delivery company A.

[0116] The shipper prepares for shipment by packing the package to be delivered (S120), and delivery company A collects the package from the shipper, delivers it, and hands it over to delivery company B (S121). After handing over the package to delivery company B, delivery company A operates delivery company device 10A to notify management device 20 of the completion of work (first work completion notification) (S122). For example, management device 20 tracks the delivery of the package from delivery company A to delivery company B.

[0117] Delivery company B delivers the package received from delivery company A to the consignee (S123). At this time, the consignee may operate the consignee terminal 70 to specify the date, time, and location for delivery of the package. The consignee receives the package from delivery company B (S124), and delivery of the package is completed.

[0118] After completing delivery of the package, delivery company B operates delivery company device 10B to notify the management device 20 of the completion of the work (second work completion notification) (S125). Upon receiving this notification, the management device 20 distributes the delivery fee to delivery company B (S126). In the above example, in the process of S126, the management device 20 transfers 800 yen to delivery company device 10B.

[0119] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, the logistics system 1 is a logistics system 1 that uses a blockchain BC that manages information related to logistics in a distributed manner, and the blockchain BC has a plurality of delivery company devices 10 that are used by each of a plurality of delivery companies and issue resource NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) related to their own delivery resource information, and delivery company device 10A among the plurality of delivery company devices 10 makes a delivery plan and issues service NFTs related to the delivery plan based on the first resource NFT issued by delivery company device 10A and the second resource NFT issued by delivery company device 10B among the plurality of delivery company devices 10.

[0120] With this configuration, even small and medium-sized delivery companies can participate in the logistics system 1 using the blockchain BC of this embodiment, thereby building a nationwide logistics system that is expected to ensure high reliability in transactions between delivery companies and ensure efficiency and transparency in delivery operations.

[0121] In addition, delivery companies participating in the logistics system 1 can make delivery plans themselves, because they make delivery plans based on resource NFTs and service NFTs shared and managed on the blockchain BC, rather than service information managed by large-scale delivery companies.

[0122] In addition, delivery companies participating in logistics system 1 can transact directly with shippers who wish to ship packages anywhere in the country without going through a large-scale delivery company, and can therefore appropriately respond to the needs of the requester, such as price and delivery date and time.

[0123] Furthermore, delivery companies participating in the logistics system 1 are not subcontractors of large delivery companies with nationwide logistics systems, and therefore can receive fair compensation for their delivery work.

[0124] In addition, since logistics system 1 manages information using NFTs, it is expected to enable efficient use of resource information, improved transparency and reliability of resource information, improved reliability of transactions between delivery companies, more efficient delivery operations, and transparency of the entire delivery operation.

[0125] The consignor terminal 60 or the consignee terminal 70 may also be configured to participate in the logistics system 1. In this case, the consignor terminal 60 or the consignee terminal 70 can use resource NFTs and service NFTs to create a delivery plan.

[0126] Furthermore, the system may require delivery companies to pay a deposit when participating in the logistics system 1. For example, the management device 20 may pool the deposits and provide a guarantee for any trouble that occurs during delivery work. This allows the logistics system 1 to provide a guarantee for any trouble such as lost packages or injuries to delivery workers.

[0127] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0128] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0129] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software linked to hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0130] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0131] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility. [Industrial Applicability]

[0132] The present disclosure is useful as a logistics system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1. Logistics system 10 Carrier equipment 20 Management device 30 Smart Contracts 60 Shipper terminal 70 Consignee Terminal

Claims

1. A logistics system that uses a blockchain to decentralize and manage information related to logistics, The blockchain includes a plurality of delivery company devices that are used by each of a plurality of delivery companies and issue resource NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) related to resource information of the delivery company's own delivery, a first delivery company device among the plurality of delivery company devices creates a delivery plan based on a first resource NFT issued by the first delivery company device and a second resource NFT issued by a second delivery company device among the plurality of delivery company devices, and issues a service NFT related to the delivery plan; Logistics system.

2. the first delivery company device issues the service NFT and then locks the first resource NFT and the second resource NFT; The logistics system according to claim 1 .

3. The first delivery company device calculates a delivery fee based on the service NFT, and determines a first delivery fee and a second delivery fee to be allocated to the first delivery company device and the second delivery company device among the delivery fees. The logistics system according to claim 2 .

4. A management device connected to the blockchain, the first delivery company device remits the second delivery fee to the management device; the management device stores the second delivery fee; The logistics system according to claim 3 .

5. A management device connected to the blockchain, the first delivery company device receives a delivery fee from the shipper and transfers the amount remaining after deducting a first delivery fee allocated to the first delivery company device from the delivery fee to the management device; The logistics system according to claim 2 .

6. the delivery plan includes a first delivery plan executed by the first delivery company device and a second delivery plan executed by the second delivery company device; After completing the first delivery plan, the first delivery company device notifies the management device of a first task completion. The logistics system according to claim 4.

7. After completing the second delivery plan, the second delivery company device notifies the management device of a second task completion; the management device receives the second work completion notification and pays the second delivery fee to the second delivery company device; The logistics system according to claim 6.

8. The resource NFT is associated with resource information, including carrier information, shipping information, storage information, and fee information. The logistics system according to claim 1 .

9. The service NFT is related to service information including delivery request information and delivery plan information. The logistics system according to claim 1 .

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