Delivery management system and delivery management method

Abstract

To provide a collection / delivery management system capable of achieving cost reduction of collection / delivery work, and to provide a collection / delivery management method therefor.SOLUTION: According to a collection / delivery area comprising at least one relay point at which a collection / delivery article transported by relay transportation means is relayed with a collection / delivery base in between as the collection / delivery base of the collection / delivery article by incorporating collection / delivery means for collecting and delivering the collection / delivery article in a collection / delivery route for passing through a plurality of collection / delivery destinations; by searching a ground route of the collection / delivery means, the collection / delivery means calculates arrival time at the relay point; the relay transportation means calculates the arrival time at the relay point; and an operation of the relay transportation means is planned to control the operation of the relay transportation means based on a planned operation in such a manner that the relay transportation means arrives at the relay point by the time when the collection / delivery means arrives at the relay point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a collection and delivery management system and a collection and delivery management method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the practical use of drones and other flying objects in logistics has been progressing, and for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a parcel collection and delivery system that includes a receiving point setting unit that sets a point on the route to the delivery destination of a parcel recipient who is away from the delivery destination, where an aircraft flying in the air can land, as the receiving point, an estimated arrival time acquisition unit that acquires the estimated arrival time of the recipient to arrive at the receiving point, and an operation plan creation unit that creates an operation plan for the aircraft holding the parcel so that the aircraft will arrive at the receiving point at the estimated arrival time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-097444 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technologies are often targeted at urban areas due to the cost-effectiveness of economies of scale.

[0006] On the other hand, considering the role of logistics as a universal service, it is desirable to ensure convenience on a nationwide scale while reducing the costs of collection and delivery operations in regional areas, where it is difficult to expect cost-effectiveness through economies of scale.

[0007] Some areas that require collection and delivery services have low population density, are located far from collection and delivery centers, and are connected by narrow roads. In such cases, the low population density means that the distance between collection and delivery centers is long, and therefore the distance between collection and delivery centers and collection and delivery points is also long. In addition, roads are often not well maintained, so long-distance transportation is required via narrow roads. Furthermore, transportation means that can pass through narrow roads are limited to small vehicles with low loading capacity (weight). In other words, collection and delivery requires repeated round trips between collection and delivery centers and collection and delivery points, which is an obstacle to reducing costs.

[0008] Since the costs of universal services are often borne by all users, including those in urban areas as well as those in rural areas, reducing the costs of collection and delivery operations in rural areas will ultimately lead to a reduction in the cost burden of universal services for all users, including those in urban areas.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a collection and delivery management system and a collection and delivery management method that can reduce the cost of collection and delivery operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present application includes multiple means for solving the above problem, and one example is a collection and delivery control device that controls a relay transportation means in a collection and delivery area in which a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items is incorporated into a collection and delivery route that travels around multiple collection and delivery destinations, and which has at least one relay point where the items transported by a relay transportation means are relayed between a collection and delivery center that serves as the base for collection and delivery of the items, and the collection and delivery control device has a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of the collection and delivery means, a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates the time at which the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point, a relay transportation means arrival time calculation unit that calculates the time at which the relay transportation means arrives at the relay point, a relay transportation means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transportation means so that the relay transportation means arrives at the relay point by the time the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point, and a relay transportation means control unit that controls the operation of the relay transportation means based on the operation planned by the relay transportation means operation planning unit. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the cost of collection and delivery operations can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic collection and delivery process. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the total weight handled in a collection and delivery area, the handling means, and the load capacity. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a first embodiment together with related configuration. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a process for changing a departure time of a relay transportation means. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a second embodiment together with related configuration. FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a collection and delivery demand and a collection and delivery plan for each section of a collection and delivery area. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a third embodiment together with related configuration. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing content of processing for changing a relay point. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of a process for changing a relay point and a relay transportation means departure time. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing contents of the processing for changing a relay point and a relay transportation means departure time. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram illustrating a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a fifth embodiment together with related configuration. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of a process for changing a departure time of a relay transportation means and a relay transportation means. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection and delivery vehicle over time during delivery, and shows the state during normal demand. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection and delivery vehicle over time during delivery, and shows the state during times of high demand. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection / delivery vehicle over time during collection, and shows the state during normal demand. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection / delivery vehicle over time during collection, and shows the state during times of high demand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <First embodiment> The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic collection and delivery process according to the present embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, in a collection and delivery area 30 that is the target of collection and delivery using the collection and delivery management system of this embodiment, there are disposed a collection and delivery base 20 (logistics base) that serves as the base for collection and delivery of items, a collection and delivery means 10 that collects and delivers the items by visiting multiple (m locations) collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m (m is a positive integer), at least one (n locations) relay point 21-1 to 21-n (n is a positive integer) where the collection and delivery means 10 is incorporated into a collection and delivery route that visits the multiple collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m and relays the items transported between the collection and delivery base 20, and relay transport means 11-1 to 11-n (n is a positive integer) that transports the items between each of the relay points 21-1 to 21-n and the collection and delivery base 20.

[0017] Here, "collection and delivery" includes both "collection" of collecting and storing items (here, collected parcels) from a collection and delivery destination (here, collection destination) and "delivery" of delivering items (here, delivery items) to a collection and delivery destination (here, delivery destination), and indicates either collection or delivery, or both. Note that in this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, the explanation may be limited to the case of delivery, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of collection or both collection and delivery.

[0018] In the collection and delivery area 30, the collection and delivery means 10 leaves the collection and delivery base 20, then travels around the relay points 21-1 to 21-n and collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m in the collection and delivery area 30, before returning to the collection and delivery base 20. During this time, the relay transport means 11-1 to 11-n transport the items between the collection and delivery base 20 and the relay points 21-1 to 21-n, respectively, and transfer the items between the collection and delivery means 10 and the relay points 21-1 to 21-n.

[0019] The intervals between relay points are determined so that the predicted handling volume for the section on the route between the collection and delivery destinations of the collection and delivery means between the relay points does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means. The predicted handling volume for the section is calculated from the population density of the collection and delivery area, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area, and the actual handling volume per population per day. Specifically, it is calculated as follows: [Predicted handling volume] = [Population density of the collection and delivery area] x [Area of ​​the collection and delivery section] x [Actual handling volume per population per day]. It is preferable that the collection and delivery means be light vehicles such as motorcycles and light trucks, and that the relay transport means be flying objects such as drones that can transport goods in mountainous areas. It is also preferable to use an automatic driving means as the relay transport means in order to reduce labor costs.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the total weight handled in a collection and delivery area and the handling means and load capacity, with the horizontal axis showing the total weight handled X and the vertical axis showing the handling means and their load capacity.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, for example, if the collection and delivery means 10 is a motorbike with a maximum load capacity of 30 kg, when the total handling weight X in the collection and delivery area 30 is less than 30 kg, which is the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle), collection and delivery in the collection and delivery area 30 can be performed by only one collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle). Note that "load capacity" can also be rephrased as "load weight".

[0022] Also, for example, if the collection and delivery means 10 is a motorbike with a maximum load capacity of 30 kg, and the relay transport means 11 is a drone, when the total handling weight X in the collection and delivery area 30 exceeds 30 kg, which is the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle), the relay transport means 11 (drone) transports the items between the collection and delivery base 20 and the relay points 21-1 to 21-n, and the items are transshipped between the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle) and the relay transport means 11 (drone). As described above, according to the collection and delivery management system of this embodiment, it is no longer necessary to make multiple round trips between the collection and delivery base 20 and the collection and delivery area 30 by the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle) or to prepare multiple collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle), thereby improving the efficiency of collection and delivery.

[0023] The predicted total weight X [kg] of the collection and delivery area shown in FIG. 2 is calculated by the following formula 1. X=ρ S α (Eq. 1)

[0024] where ρ is the population density of the collection and delivery area [persons / km 2 ], S is the collection and delivery area [km 2 ], and α is the handling incidence rate [kg / person / day].

[0025] In Figure 2, an example is shown in which a motorcycle with a maximum load capacity of 30 kg is used as the collection and delivery means 10, and a drone with a maximum load capacity of 5 kg is used as the relay transport means 11. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a light truck with a maximum load capacity of 350 kg as the collection and delivery means 10, or a large drone with a maximum load capacity of 30 kg or more as the relay transport means 11.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the collection and delivery control device in the collection and delivery management system according to the present embodiment together with related configuration.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the collection and delivery control device 230 is mainly composed of a ground route search unit 231, a collection and delivery means control unit 232, a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233, a relay transport means operation planning unit 234, a relay transport means control unit 235, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236, and a time determination unit 237.

[0028] The ground route search unit 231 searches for a ground route based on the collection and delivery area map information 110 , and outputs the searched ground route to the collection and delivery means control unit 232 .

[0029] The collection and delivery means control unit 232 generates control information for the collection and delivery means 10 based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231 , and controls the collection and delivery means 10 by outputting the generated control information to the collection and delivery means 10 .

[0030] The relay transport means operation plan unit 234 generates an operation plan for the relay transport means 11 and outputs it to the relay transport means control unit 235.

[0031] The relay transport means control unit 235 generates control information for the relay transport means 11 based on the operation plan (relay transport means departure time) generated by the relay transport means operation planning unit 234, and controls the operation of the relay transport means by outputting the generated control information to the relay transport means 11.

[0032] The collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233 calculates the time when the collection and delivery means 10 arrives at the relay point based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231. Note that the collection and delivery means arrival time may be affected by the degree of congestion on the collection and delivery route and meteorological conditions such as weather, so the collection and delivery means arrival time may be calculated taking such information into account.

[0033] The relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236 calculates the time when the relay transport means 11 arrives at the relay point based on the operation plan generated by the relay transport means operation plan unit 234. Note that the relay transport means arrival time may be affected by meteorological conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, visibility, and weather, so the relay transport means arrival time may be calculated taking such information into account.

[0034] The time determination unit 237 compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, outputs a change request to the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 to advance the departure time of the relay transport means 11, and the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the time at which the relay transport means 11 departs from the collection and delivery base 20 (relay transport means departure time) based on the change request from the time determination unit 237.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the processing for changing the departure time of the relay transportation means.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, first, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 initializes the relay transport means departure time, that is, the time when the relay transport means 11 departs from the collection and delivery base 20 (step S110).

[0037] Next, the time determination unit 237 determines whether the relay transportation means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time (step S120).

[0038] If the determination result in step S120 is NO, that is, if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the departure time of the relay transport means in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237 (step S130), and returns to the determination process of step S120. Then, the processes of steps S120 and S130 are repeated until the determination result in step S120 is YES, that is, until the arrival time of the relay transport means is earlier than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means.

[0039] If the determination result in step S120 is YES, the process ends.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transportation means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, for example, when the relay transportation means departure time is the initial value, that is, the relay transportation means departure time (0), consider a case in which the relay transportation means arrival time at which the relay transportation means 11 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 5) arrives at the relay point 21 is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time at which the collection and delivery means 10 (shown by a solid line in Figure 5) arrives at the relay point 21.

[0042] In this case, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 first advances the relay transport means arrival time to the relay transport means departure time (1) based on a change request from the time determination unit 237, and if the relay transport means arrival time is still later than the collection and delivery means arrival time, it further advances it to the relay transport means departure time (2) so that the relay transport means arrival time is made earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time.

[0043] The effects of the present embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0044] Since the costs of universal logistics services are often borne by all users, including those in urban areas as well as those in rural areas, reducing the costs of collection and delivery operations in rural areas will ultimately lead to a reduction in the cost burden of universal services for users in urban areas as well.

[0045] In this embodiment, a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items is incorporated into a collection and delivery route that travels around a number of collection and delivery destinations, and a collection and delivery control device is provided that controls a relay transport means in a collection and delivery area that has at least one relay point where items transported by a relay transport means are relayed between a collection and delivery center that serves as the base for collection and delivery of the items.The collection and delivery control device is configured to have a ground route search unit that searches for the ground route of the collection and delivery means, a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates the time at which the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit that calculates the time at which the relay transport means arrives at the relay point, a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the relay point by the time the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point, and a relay transport means control unit that controls the operation of the relay transport means based on the operation planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit, thereby reducing the costs of collection and delivery operations.

[0046] That is, by linking the collection and delivery means with the relay transport means, that is, by adjusting the expected arrival time of the relay transport means to match the expected arrival time of the collection and delivery means at the relay point, the efficiency of the collection and delivery operations can be improved.

[0047] For example, in collection and delivery areas with a handling volume of one light vehicle or more, by adding a relay transport means to one light vehicle and collection and delivery worker, it becomes unnecessary to repeatedly travel back and forth between the collection and delivery base and the collection and delivery point, and collection and delivery operations can be made more efficient. Also, by determining the installation interval of the relay points so that the predicted section handling volume value on the route between the collection and delivery destinations of the collection and delivery means between the relay points does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means, it becomes possible to continue collection and delivery by the collection and delivery means while utilizing relay transportation by the relay transport means while preventing the weight of the items to be collected and delivered from exceeding the maximum load capacity.

[0048] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] In this embodiment, the relay point selection unit selects relay points based on collection and delivery area map information and collection and delivery demand. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the collection and delivery control device in the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment together with related configuration.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the collection and delivery control device 230A is mainly composed of a ground route search unit 231, a collection and delivery means control unit 232, a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233A, a relay transport means operation planning unit 234, a relay transport means control unit 235, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236A, a time determination unit 237, and a relay point selection unit 238.

[0052] The ground route search unit 231 searches for a ground route based on the collection and delivery area map information 110 , and outputs the searched ground route to the collection and delivery means control unit 232 .

[0053] The collection and delivery means control unit 232 generates control information for the collection and delivery means 10 based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231 , and controls the collection and delivery means 10 by outputting the generated control information to the collection and delivery means 10 .

[0054] The relay transport means operation plan unit 234 generates an operation plan for the relay transport means 11 and outputs it to the relay transport means control unit 235.

[0055] The relay transport means control unit 235 generates control information for the relay transport means 11 based on the operation plan (relay transport means departure time) generated by the relay transport means operation planning unit 234, and controls the operation of the relay transport means by outputting the generated control information to the relay transport means 11.

[0056] The collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233A calculates the time when the collection and delivery means 10 arrives at the relay point, based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231 and the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit 238. Note that the collection and delivery means arrival time may be influenced by the degree of congestion on the collection and delivery route and meteorological conditions such as weather, so the collection and delivery means arrival time may be calculated taking such information into account.

[0057] The relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236A calculates the time when the relay transport means 11 arrives at the relay point based on the operation plan generated by the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 and the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit 238. Note that the relay transport means arrival time may be influenced by meteorological conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, visibility, and weather, so the relay transport means arrival time may be calculated taking into account such information.

[0058] The time determination unit 237 compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, outputs a change request to the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 to advance the departure time of the relay transport means 11, and the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the time at which the relay transport means 11 departs from the collection and delivery base 20 (relay transport means departure time) based on the change request from the time determination unit 237.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the collection and delivery demand (delivery demand) for each section of a collection and delivery area and the collection and delivery plan, with the horizontal axis indicating the section and the vertical axis indicating the weight of the item to be collected or delivered.

[0060] In Fig. 7, the section shown on the horizontal axis indicates which relay points are between which relay points in the collection and delivery area. Note that Xmax1 is the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means 10, for example, 30 kg for a motorcycle. Also, the weight of each item A to N often differs, but for simplicity, it is assumed here that each weight is the same.

[0061] Items A to C are delivered in the section from the collection and delivery base 20 to the relay point 21-1. Similarly, items D to H are delivered in the section from the relay point 21-1 to the relay point 21-2, items I and J are delivered in the section from the relay point 21-2 to the relay point 21-3, item K is delivered in the section from the relay point 21-3 to the relay point 21-4, and items L to N are delivered in the section from the relay point 21-4 to the relay point 21-5.

[0062] First, delivery items A to C are loaded onto the collection and delivery means 10 when it leaves the collection and delivery base 20, and are delivered in the section up to the relay point 21-1. Delivery items D to H are transported to the relay point 21-1 by the relay transport means 11, loaded onto the collection and delivery means 10, and delivered in the section from the relay point 21-1 to the relay point 21-2. At this time, delivery items D to H exceed the maximum load capacity Xmax1 of the collection and delivery means 10, so delivery items D to F are transported to the relay point 21-1 as the first shipment by the relay transport means 11, and delivered in the section from the relay point 21-1 to the relay point 21-2, after which delivery items G and H are transported to the relay point 21-1 as the second shipment by the relay transport means 11, and delivered in the section from the relay point 21-1 to the relay point 21-2.

[0063] Next, the items I and J are transported to the relay point 21-2 by the relay transport means 11, loaded onto the collection and delivery means 10, and delivered in the section from the relay point 21-2 to the relay point 21-3. The item K is transported to the relay point 21-3 by the relay transport means 11, loaded onto the collection and delivery means 10, and delivered in the section from the relay point 21-3 to the relay point 21-4. At this time, since the maximum load capacity Xmax1 of the collection and delivery means 10 has a margin, the items I to K may be transported to the relay point 21-2 by the relay transport means 11, loaded onto the collection and delivery means 10, and delivered in the section from the relay point 21-2 to the relay point 21-4. In this case, it is possible to reduce the number of times the items are transferred from the relay transport means 11 to the collection and delivery means 10, and also to reduce the number of round trips of the relay transport means 11 between the collection and delivery base 20 and the relay point. In addition, the maximum loading capacity of the collection and delivery means 10 and the relay transport means 11 are not necessarily equal, and if the maximum loading capacity of the collection and delivery means 10 is greater than the maximum loading capacity of the relay transport means 11, it is possible to transport the items to the relay point using multiple relay transport means 11, or to transport them by making multiple round trips in advance.

[0064] In this embodiment, the delivery of items for collection and delivery has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a collection plan based on collection demand (collection and delivery demand) can be created for collection of items for collection and delivery as well, and the collection and delivery means 10 and the relay transport means 11 can collect and deliver items simultaneously. Also, collection demand may occur unscheduled, and in that case, it is desirable to provide the collection and delivery means 10 with a scale for measuring the weight of the collected items.

[0065] The other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0066] The present embodiment configured as above can also provide the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0067] <Third embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0068] In this embodiment, the relay point is changed based on a change request. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the collection and delivery control device in the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment together with related configuration.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the collection and delivery control device 230B is roughly composed of a ground route search unit 231, a collection and delivery means control unit 232, a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233A, a relay transport means operation planning unit 234, a relay transport means control unit 235, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236A, a time determination unit 237B, and a relay point selection unit 238B.

[0071] The ground route search unit 231 searches for a ground route based on the collection and delivery area map information 110 , and outputs the searched ground route to the collection and delivery means control unit 232 .

[0072] The collection and delivery means control unit 232 generates control information for the collection and delivery means 10 based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231 , and controls the collection and delivery means 10 by outputting the generated control information to the collection and delivery means 10 .

[0073] The relay transport means operation plan unit 234 generates an operation plan for the relay transport means 11 and outputs it to the relay transport means control unit 235.

[0074] The relay transport means control unit 235 generates control information for the relay transport means 11 based on the operation plan (relay transport means departure time) generated by the relay transport means operation planning unit 234, and controls the operation of the relay transport means by outputting the generated control information to the relay transport means 11.

[0075] The collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233A calculates the time when the collection and delivery means 10 arrives at the relay point based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231 and the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit 238B. Note that the collection and delivery means arrival time may be affected by the degree of congestion on the collection and delivery route and meteorological conditions such as weather, so the collection and delivery means arrival time may be calculated taking such information into account.

[0076] The relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236A calculates the time when the relay transport means 11 arrives at the relay point based on the operation plan generated by the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 and the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit 238B. Note that the relay transport means arrival time may be affected by meteorological conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, visibility, and weather, so the relay transport means arrival time may be calculated taking into account such information.

[0077] The time determination unit 237B compares the collection and delivery means arrival time with the relay transport means arrival time, and outputs a change request to the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 or the relay point selection unit 238B when the relay transport means arrival time is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time. In this embodiment, when the time determination unit 237B outputs a change request to change the relay point 21 to the relay point selection unit 238B, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point 21 based on the change request from the time determination unit 237B. Note that, when the time determination unit 237B incorporates a process of outputting a change request to the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 to advance the time at which the relay transport means 11 departs, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the time at which the relay transport means 11 departs from the collection and delivery base 20 (relay transport means departure time) based on the change request from the time determination unit 237B.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the relay point.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the relay point selection unit 238B initializes the relay points (step S210).

[0080] Next, the time determination unit 237B determines whether the relay transportation means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time (step S220).

[0081] If the result of the determination in step S220 is NO, that is, if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237B (step S230), and returns to the determination process of step S120. Then, the processes of steps S220 and S230 are repeated until the result of the determination in step S220 is YES, that is, until the arrival time of the relay transport means is earlier than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means.

[0082] If the determination result in step S220 is YES, the process ends.

[0083] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transportation means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10, for example, when the relay point is the initial value of relay point 21-1 and the relay transportation means departure time is the initial value of relay transportation means departure time (0), consider a case where the relay transportation means arrival time at which the relay transportation means 11 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 10) arrives at the relay point 21-1 is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time at which the collection and delivery means 10 (shown by a solid line in Figure 10) arrives at the relay point 21-1.

[0085] In this case, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point to the relay point 21-2 based on a change request from the time determination unit 237B, thereby making the relay transport means arrival time earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time.

[0086] The other configurations are similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0087] The present embodiment configured as above can also provide the same effects as the first and second embodiments.

[0088] <Fourth embodiment> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0089] In this embodiment, the relay point and the departure time of the relay transportation means are changed based on a change request. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0090] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of changing the relay point and the relay transportation means departure time. In this process, the relay point selection unit 238B first changes the relay point, and if the relay transportation means arrival time cannot be made earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time by only changing the relay point, the relay transportation means operation planning unit 234 advances the relay transportation means departure time.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, first, the relay point selection unit 238B initializes the relay points, and the relay transportation means operation planning unit 234 initializes the relay transportation means departure time (step S310).

[0092] Next, the time determination unit 237B determines whether the relay transportation means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time (step S320).

[0093] If the determination result in step S320 is NO, i.e., if the arrival time of the relay transportation means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237B (step S330), and then determines whether the determination in step S320 has been attempted for all relay points (step S340).

[0094] If the result of the determination in step S340 is NO, the process returns to the determination process in step S320. Then, the process in steps S320 to S340 is repeated until the result of the determination in step S320 or S340 becomes YES, that is, until the arrival time of the relay transportation means becomes earlier than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means due to a change in the relay point.

[0095] If the determination result in step S340 is YES, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the relay transport means departure time in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237B (step S350), and returns to the determination process of step S320. Then, the processes of steps S320 to S350 are repeated until the determination result in step S320 is YES, that is, until the relay transport means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time by advancing the relay transport means departure time.

[0096] If the determination in step S320 is YES, the process ends.

[0097] 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the process of changing the relay point and the relay transportation means departure time. In this process, the relay transportation means operation planning unit 234 first advances the relay transportation means departure time, and if the relay transportation means arrival time cannot be made earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time by this process alone, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 12, first, the relay point selection unit 238B initializes the relay points, and the relay transportation means operation planning unit 234 initializes the relay transportation means departure time (step S410).

[0099] Next, the time determination unit 237B determines whether the relay transportation means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time (step S420).

[0100] If the determination result in step S420 is NO, i.e., if the arrival time of the relay transportation means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, the relay transportation means operation planning unit 234 advances the departure time of the relay transportation means in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237B (step S430), and then determines whether the departure time of the relay transportation means can be further advanced (step S440).

[0101] If the determination result in step S440 is YES, the process returns to the determination process in step S420. Then, the processes in steps S420 to S440 are repeated until the determination result in step S420 becomes YES or the determination result in step S440 becomes NO, that is, until the relay transport means departure time is advanced so that the relay transport means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time.

[0102] If the result of the determination in step S440 is NO, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237B (step S440), and returns to the determination process of step S420. Then, the processes of steps S420 to S450 are repeated until the result of the determination in step S420 becomes YES, that is, until the relay transportation means arrival time becomes earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time by changing the relay point.

[0103] If the determination result in step S420 is YES, the process ends.

[0104] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transportation means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 13, for example, when the relay point is the initial value of relay point 21-1 and the relay transport means departure time is the initial value of relay transport means departure time (0), consider a case where the relay transport means arrival time at which the relay transport means 11 (shown by a dashed line in Fig. 13) arrives at the relay point 21-1 is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time at which the collection and delivery means 10 (shown by a solid line in Fig. 13) arrives at the relay point 21-1. In this case, as shown in Fig. 12, first, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 performs a process to advance the relay transport means departure time, and if this process alone cannot make the relay transport means arrival time earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point.

[0106] First, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the relay transport means departure time to relay transport means departure time (1) and relay transport means departure time (2) based on a change request from the time determination unit 237B. Here, if the relay transport means arrival time at the relay point 21-1 is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time even if the relay transport means departure time is advanced to the relay transport means departure time (2), which is the earliest of the operation time (possible departure time) of the relay transport means 11, the relay point selection unit 238B then changes the relay point to relay point 21-2 based on the change request from the time determination unit 237. This allows the relay transport means arrival time to be earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time.

[0107] In addition, the operational time (possible departure time) of the relay transport means 11 is limited by the start and end times of the relay transport means 11 operation, and also by the time periods used for other collection and delivery means 10.

[0108] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments.

[0109] The present embodiment configured as above can also provide the same effects as the first to third embodiments.

[0110] <Fifth embodiment> A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0111] In this embodiment, the relay transport means departure time and the relay transport means are changed based on a change request. Specifically, first, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234C performs a process to advance the relay transport means departure time, and if this process alone does not allow the relay transport means arrival time to be earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time, the relay transport means is changed. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted as appropriate.

[0112] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the collection and delivery control device in the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment together with the related configuration.

[0113] As shown in Figure 14, the collection and delivery control device 230C is mainly composed of a ground route search unit 231, a collection and delivery means control unit 232, a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233A, a relay transport means operation planning unit 234C, a relay transport means control unit 235, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236A, a time determination unit 237, and a relay point selection unit 238.

[0114] The ground route search unit 231 searches for a ground route based on the collection and delivery area map information 110 , and outputs the searched ground route to the collection and delivery means control unit 232 .

[0115] The collection and delivery means control unit 232 generates control information for the collection and delivery means 10 based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231 , and controls the collection and delivery means 10 by outputting the generated control information to the collection and delivery means 10 .

[0116] The relay transport means operation plan unit 234 generates an operation plan for the relay transport means 11 and outputs it to the relay transport means control unit 235.

[0117] The relay transport means control unit 235 generates control information for the relay transport means 11 based on the operation plan (relay transport means departure time) generated by the relay transport means operation planning unit 234, and controls the operation of the relay transport means by outputting the generated control information to the relay transport means 11.

[0118] The collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit 233A calculates the time when the collection and delivery means 10 arrives at the relay point, based on the ground route searched by the ground route search unit 231 and the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit 238. Note that the collection and delivery means arrival time may be influenced by the degree of congestion on the collection and delivery route and meteorological conditions such as weather, so the collection and delivery means arrival time may be calculated taking such information into account.

[0119] The relay transport means arrival time calculation unit 236A calculates the time when the relay transport means 11 arrives at the relay point based on the operation plan generated by the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 and the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit 238. Note that the relay transport means arrival time may be influenced by meteorological conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, visibility, and weather, so the relay transport means arrival time may be calculated taking into account such information.

[0120] The time determination unit 237 compares the collection and delivery means arrival time with the relay transport means arrival time, and if the relay transport means arrival time is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time, outputs a change request to the relay transport means operation planning unit 234C. The relay transport means operation planning unit 234C first performs processing to advance the time at which the relay transport means 11 departs from the collection and delivery base 20 (relay transport means departure time) based on the change request from the time determination unit 237, and if the relay transport means arrival time cannot be made earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time by this processing alone, it changes the relay transport means 11.

[0121] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing contents of the processing for changing the relay transportation means departure time and the relay transportation means.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 15, first, the relay point selection unit 238 initializes the relay points, and the relay transportation means operation planning unit 234C initializes the relay transportation means departure time (step S510).

[0123] Next, the time determination unit 237 determines whether the relay transportation means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time (step S520).

[0124] If the determination result in step S520 is NO, i.e., if the arrival time of the relay transportation means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, the relay transportation means operation planning unit 234C advances the departure time of the relay transportation means in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237 (step S530), and then determines whether the departure time of the relay transportation means can be further advanced (step S540).

[0125] If the determination result in step S540 is YES, the process returns to the determination process of step S520. Then, the processes of steps S520 to S540 are repeated until the determination result in step S520 becomes YES or the determination result in step S540 becomes NO, that is, until the relay transportation means departure time is advanced so that the relay transportation means arrival time is earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time.

[0126] If the result of the determination in step S540 is NO, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point in response to the change request from the time determination unit 237B (step S540), and returns to the determination process of step S520. Then, the processes of steps S520 to S550 are repeated until the result of the determination in step S520 is YES, that is, until the relay transportation means arrival time becomes earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time by changing the relay point.

[0127] If the determination result in step S520 is YES, the process ends.

[0128] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transportation means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

[0129] As shown in Figure 16, for example, when the relay transportation means departure time is the initial value, which is the relay transportation means departure time (0), consider a case where the relay transportation means arrival time at which the relay transportation means 11-1 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 16) arrives at the relay point 21 is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time at which the collection and delivery means 10 (shown by a solid line in Figure 5) arrives at the relay point 21.

[0130] In this case, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234C first advances the relay transport means arrival time to the relay transport means departure time (1) based on a change request from the time determination unit 237. Here, if the relay transport means arrival time is later than the collection and delivery means arrival time even if the relay transport means arrival time is advanced to the relay transport means departure time (1), it is necessary to further advance the relay transport means arrival time. However, due to the constraint of the operation time (possible departure time) of the relay transport means 11-1, the relay transport means departure time cannot be advanced any further. Therefore, the relay transport means is changed to the relay transport means 11-2, whose operation time (possible departure time) is earlier than that of the relay transport means 11-1, and the relay transport means departure time is further advanced to the relay transport means departure time (2), thereby making the relay transport means arrival time earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time.

[0131] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0132] The present embodiment configured as above can also provide the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments.

[0133] Sixth embodiment A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0134] In this embodiment, the collection and delivery means 10 performs collection and delivery while stopping at a plurality of relay points 21-1, 21-2. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0135] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transportation means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

[0136] As shown in Fig. 17, when the collection and delivery means 10 makes collection and delivery stops at multiple relay points 21-1, 21-2, the relay transport means 11 arrives at the relay points 21-1, 21-2 before the collection and delivery means 10 arrives, and after the collection and delivery means 10 arrives, the items to be collected and delivered are transferred between the collection and delivery means 10 and the relay transport means 11, and when the transfer is completed, the collection and delivery means 10 heads for the collection and delivery destination. In addition, by charging the relay transport means 11 between its arrival at the relay points 21-1, 21-2 and its departure, the waiting time until the arrival of the collection and delivery means 10 can be effectively utilized.

[0137] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0138] The present embodiment configured as above can also provide the same effects as the first to fifth embodiments.

[0139] <Seventh embodiment> A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0140] This embodiment shows a case where the number of relay points is increased or decreased according to the demand for collection and delivery. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first to sixth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0141] Figures 18 and 19 are graphs showing the change in the load of a collection and delivery vehicle over time during delivery, with Figure 18 showing a time of normal demand and Figure 19 showing a time of high demand. In Figures 18 and 19, the horizontal axis shows time (in other words, the distance traveled) and the vertical axis shows the load.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 18, for example, during normal demand (e.g., weekdays), relay points 21-1 and 21-3 are skipped, and only relay points 21-2 and 21-4 are passed through. In this case, when leaving the distribution center 20, the distribution means 10 loads and delivers an amount close to the maximum load capacity, and the load capacity decreases as the delivery progresses. To ensure the order of the delivery points and relay points and the degree of freedom of the route (room for optimization), the vehicle arrives at relay points 21-2 and 21-4 while leaving some load capacity remaining. This is because if it always arrives at relay points 21-2 and 21-4 after the load capacity becomes 0 (zero), there will be no room for the distribution means 10 to select the order of the delivery points and relay points. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, for example, during high demand (e.g., the day after a holiday), all relay points 21-1 to 21-4 are passed through. Note that the relay points to be skipped may be changed according to the daily demand.

[0143] The predicted value x of the sectional handling weight in the distribution section belonging to each relay point is calculated by the following (Equation 2). x = ρ·s·α ···(Equation 2)

[0144] Here, x is the predicted value of the sectional handling weight [kg], ρ is the population density of the distribution area [persons / km 2 , s is the sectional area of the distribution section [km 2 , and α is the handling generation rate [kg / person / day].

[0145] Note that the predicted total handling weight X [kg] and the distribution area S [km 2 given in FIG. 2 are related to the predicted value x of the sectional handling weight [kg] and the sectional area s of the distribution section [km 2 by the relationships X = Σx and S = Σs, respectively.

[0146] Here, in order for a distribution management method that combines the relay transport means 11 with the distribution means 10 to be established, it is necessary that the load capacity (predicted value x of the sectional handling weight) of the distribution means 10 at each relay point does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the distribution means 10, that is, it is necessary to satisfy the condition expressed by the following (Equation 3). x = ρ·s·α < xmax ···(Equation 3)

[0147] In addition, when taking into consideration prediction errors and daily fluctuations in the section handling weight, the condition expressed by the above (Equation 3) is left with a margin and the condition expressed by the following (Equation 4) is used. x=ρ·s·α=β·xmax (Formula 4)

[0148] Here, β is a margin coefficient (β=0.5 to 0.8).

[0149] Figures 20 and 21 show the change in the load of a collection / delivery vehicle over time during collection, with Figure 20 showing a time of normal demand and Figure 21 showing a time of high demand. In Figures 20 and 21, the horizontal axis shows time (in other words, the distance traveled) and the vertical axis shows the load.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 20, for example, in the case of normal demand (for example, on weekdays), the relay points 21-1 and 21-3 are skipped, and only the relay points 21-2 and 21-4 are passed through. In this case, the load of the collection and delivery means 10 is almost 0 (zero) when the collection and delivery base 20 is departed from the collection and delivery base 20, and the load increases as collection and delivery proceeds. In order to secure the degree of freedom (room for optimization) of the order of the collection and delivery points and the relay points, the collection and delivery means 10 arrives at the relay points 21-2 and 21-4 with a margin up to the maximum load. This is because if the load always reaches the maximum load and the collection and delivery means 10 arrives at the relay points 21-2 and 21-4, there is no room for the collection and delivery means 10 to select the order of the collection and delivery points and the relay points. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, for example, in the case of high demand (for example, the day after a holiday), all the relay points 21-1 to 21-4 are passed through. Note that the relay points to be skipped may be changed depending on the demand of each day. Collection and delivery may also be performed simultaneously.

[0151] The other configurations are the same as those of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0152] The present embodiment configured as above can also provide the same effects as the first to sixth embodiments.

[0153] <Additional Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications and combinations within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to those having all the configurations described in the above-described embodiment, and includes those in which some of the configurations are deleted. Each of the configurations and functions described in the present embodiment may be realized by designing a part or all of them, for example, in an integrated circuit. Each of the configurations and functions described above may be realized by software, in which a processor interprets and executes a program that realizes each function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 10... collection and delivery means, 11... relay transport means, 20... collection and delivery base, 21... relay point, 22... collection and delivery destination, 30... collection and delivery area, 110... collection and delivery area map information, 230, 230A, 230B, 230C... collection and delivery control device, 231... ground route search unit, 232... collection and delivery means control unit, 233, 233A... collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit, 234, 234C... relay transport means operation plan unit, 235... relay transport means control unit, 236, 36A... relay transport means arrival time calculation unit, 237, 237B... time determination unit, 238, 238B... relay point selection unit

Claims

1. A collection and delivery control device that controls relay transportation means in a collection and delivery area having a relay point, a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items; a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point; a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit for calculating a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point; a time determination unit that compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and outputs a change request to change the relay point if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means; a relay point selection unit that changes the relay point based on the change request output by the time determination unit; a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the changed relay point by the arrival time of the collection and delivery means; a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on an operation plan planned by a relay transport means operation planning unit.

2. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1, A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay point is a point where collection and delivery items are transferred between a relay transport means that transports collection and delivery items between a collection and delivery base and the relay point and the collection and delivery means.

3. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit for calculating a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point; a relay point selection unit that selects the relay point on the ground route, the collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit calculates the time at which the collection and delivery means will arrive at the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit; the relay transport means arrival time calculation unit calculates the time at which the relay transport means arrives at the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit; A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay point selection unit selects a relay point to which the relay transportation means will deliver the delivery item using the time calculated by the collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit and the time calculated by the relay transportation means arrival time calculation unit.

4. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit for calculating a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point; a time determination unit that compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and when the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, outputs a change request to the relay transport means operation planning unit to advance the departure time of the relay transport means; A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay transport means operation planning unit plans an operation to advance the time at which the relay transport means departs from the collection and delivery center based on the change request output by the time determination unit.

5. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1, A collection and delivery control device, characterized in that the installation intervals of the relay points are determined so that a predicted value of the handling volume does not exceed a maximum loading capacity of the collection and delivery means.

6. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 5, A collection and delivery control device, characterized in that the predicted handling volume value is calculated from the population density of the collection and delivery area, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area, and the actual handling volume per capita.

7. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1, A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay transport means is controlled by automatic driving.

8. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1, The collection and delivery control device is characterized in that the relay transport means is an aircraft.

9. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 7, A collection and delivery control device, wherein the collection and delivery means is either a motorcycle or a truck.

10. A collection and delivery control device for controlling relay transport means for transporting items between a collection and delivery center and a plurality of relay points in a collection and delivery area, comprising: The plurality of relay points are points where the collection and delivery items are transferred between the collection and delivery means that travels to the plurality of collection and delivery destinations via the plurality of relay points and the relay transport means, The intervals between the relay points are determined so that a predicted handling volume does not exceed a maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means, a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of the collection and delivery means; a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point; a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the relay point by the collection and delivery means arrival time; a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on the operation plan planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit.

11. A collection and delivery control device that controls relay transport means in a collection and delivery area having relay points; A collection and delivery management system including the relay transportation means, The collection and delivery control device includes: a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items; a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point; a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit for calculating a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point; a time determination unit that compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and outputs a change request to change the relay point if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means; a relay point selection unit that changes the relay point based on the change request output by the time determination unit; a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the changed relay point by the arrival time of the collection and delivery means; a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on the operation plan planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit; A collection and delivery management system, characterized in that the relay transport means controls operation based on the control information generated by the relay transport means control unit.

12. A collection and delivery area has at least one relay point where a collection and delivery means for collecting and delivering items is incorporated in a collection and delivery route that goes around a plurality of collection and delivery destinations, and where the collection and delivery area has at least one relay point where the collection and delivery items transported by a relay transport means are relayed between the collection and delivery base that is the base for collection and delivery of the collection and delivery items, A step of searching for a ground route of the collection and delivery means; Calculating the time when the collection and delivery means will arrive at the relay point; calculating a time when the relay transportation means will arrive at the relay point; a step of comparing a time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point with a time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point, and outputting a change request to change the relay point if the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point is later than the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point; changing the relay point based on the output change request; A procedure for planning the operation of the relay transportation means so that the relay transportation means arrives at the changed relay point by the time the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point; controlling the operation of the relay vehicle based on the planned operation; A collection and delivery management method comprising the steps of:

13. A collection and delivery control device that controls relay transportation means in a collection and delivery area having a relay point, The intervals at which the relay points are installed are determined so that the predicted handling volume does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means, a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items; a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point; a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the relay point by the collection and delivery means arrival time; a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on the operation plan planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit; A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the predicted handling volume value is calculated using the population density of the collection and delivery area, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area, and the handling volume record per capita.

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