Delivery management device, delivery management system, and delivery management method using relay base

Abstract

The present invention realizes a delivery management device that uses a relay base, and that is capable of reducing an increase in maintenance and management cost at the relay base, and of planning an efficient delivery route by adjusting the timing at which a package arrives at the relay base and the timing at which a delivery machine makes a stop at the relay base. A delivery management device 100 comprises: a delivery management server 1; and a route instruction device 6 for providing an instruction regarding a delivery route for a delivery object. When a relay base-bound delivery machine 3 delivers a delivery object to a relay base 4, the delivery management server calculates the period of time for which the delivery object is moved, and calculates a delivery route for a destination-bound delivery machine 5 along which the delivery object can be delivered to the destination at a specified delivery time for the delivery object. The route instruction device 6 instructs the destination-bound delivery machine 5 of the delivery route.

Description

Delivery management device, delivery management system, and delivery management method using relay points

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery management device, a delivery management system, and a delivery management method that instruct a deliverer on a delivery route.

[0002] Due to changes in social dynamics caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for mail order and other services has increased, resulting in an increase in the volume of parcels handled by the delivery industry. Meanwhile, the workforce in the logistics industry is aging, and it is predicted that there will be a shortage of delivery personnel in the future, which will have an impact on the social system.

[0003] In particular, in urban areas, a small number of delivery companies must deliver a large number of packages, but as the distance traveled increases, there is a greater likelihood of being affected by traffic congestion, etc. For this reason, it is important to plan efficient delivery routes.

[0004] On the other hand, in suburban areas, depopulation is progressing due to a decline in population, and while the volume of packages to be delivered is decreasing, the area covered by one logistics base is becoming larger, placing a greater burden on delivery companies. In this case too, there is a need to develop efficient routes that can cover a large area with a small number of vehicles.

[0005] In response to these demands, expectations are rising for collaboration with unmanned delivery systems such as robots. In particular, home delivery using aerial vehicles such as drones is attracting attention because it allows for quick and efficient delivery regardless of traffic conditions. In addition to direct delivery by drones, for example, if multiple relay points were set up within a delivery area and drones could deliver packages to these points, delivery companies could pick up packages and continue delivering without returning to the logistics center.

[0006] This increases the amount of cargo that can be handled in one delivery, making for more efficient delivery. Even vehicles that cannot carry a large amount of cargo, such as motorcycles, can become an efficient means of delivery by receiving cargo at a relay point.

[0007] Patent Document 1 introduces a technology for delivering luggage from a luggage storage facility, which serves as a relay point, using an unmanned transport robot.

[0008] JP 2023-46713 A

[0009] However, in a delivery system in which a delivery company sets up relay points within a delivery area to efficiently deliver packages, and increases the number of packages that can be delivered by receiving additional packages at these relay points during delivery, there was a problem in that efficient delivery could not be achieved if the timing of the package arriving at the relay point did not match the timing of the delivery person stopping at the relay point.

[0010] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that a robot is always on standby at the relay point, which increases the maintenance costs of the relay point, and does not take into account the timing of when packages arrive at the relay point and when deliverers stop by the relay point, which are necessary for efficient delivery.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to realize a delivery management device, delivery management system, and delivery management method that uses relay points, which can suppress increases in maintenance costs of relay points, adjust the timing at which packages arrive at the relay point and the timing at which delivery vehicles stop at the relay point, and plan delivery routes for efficient delivery.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

[0013] A delivery management device using a relay point comprises a delivery management server and a route instruction device that instructs a delivery route for an item to be delivered, wherein the delivery management server calculates the time it takes for the item to travel when a delivery machine for the relay point delivers the item to the relay point, and calculates a delivery route for a delivery machine for a recipient that can deliver the item to the recipient at the specified delivery time for the item, and the route instruction device instructs the delivery route to the delivery machine for the recipient.

[0014] In addition, a delivery management system using a relay point includes a delivery management server, a logistics center where delivery items are collected, a relay point where the delivery items are collected in order to deliver the delivery items to the delivery destination, and a route instruction device that instructs the delivery route of the delivery items, wherein the delivery management server calculates the time it takes for the delivery item to travel when a delivery machine for the relay point delivers the delivery item to the relay point, and calculates a delivery route for a delivery machine for the recipient that can deliver the delivery item to the recipient at the specified delivery time of the delivery item, and the route instruction device instructs the delivery route to the delivery machine for the recipient.

[0015] Also, in a delivery management method using a relay point, an item to be delivered is delivered from a logistics center to a relay point in response to a command from a delivery management server, and the item is then delivered from the relay point to a delivery destination, and when the item to be delivered is delivered to the relay point, the time required for the item to be delivered to be moved is calculated, and the delivery route that will allow the item to be delivered to the recipient at the specified delivery time for the item is indicated.

[0016] It is possible to realize a delivery management device, delivery management system, and delivery management method that use relay points, which can suppress increases in maintenance costs of relay points, adjust the timing when packages arrive at the relay point and the timing when delivery vehicles stop at the relay point, and plan delivery routes for efficient delivery.

[0017] Packages can be delivered quickly without being held up at relay points. Delivery vehicles also do not have to wait for packages to arrive at relay points, allowing for more efficient delivery.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a home delivery management system (delivery management system) using a relay point of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an operation sequence during delivery using a relay point in Example 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a delivery management server in Example 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting a delivery machine in Example 1. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a route instruction device in Example 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen of the route instruction device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting a delivery machine for a recipient who will stop at a relay point for a desired person in Example 2. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting a delivery machine for a recipient when packages are sent to a relay point from multiple logistics points in Example 3. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the delivery arrangement procedure when the amount of packages at a relay point exceeds the maximum capacity in Example 4. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the delivery procedure when rain is expected at a relay point in Example 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the delivery procedure when a recipient of a package specifies a delivery machine for the recipient in Example 1.

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home delivery management system (delivery management system) 100 using relay points in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] 1, the home delivery management system 100 is composed of a delivery management server 1 that manages the location of packages (items to be delivered) and instructs delivery, a logistics base 2 that collects and delivers packages, a relay base 4 where items to be delivered are collected before being delivered to their destinations, a relay base delivery machine 3 that receives packages at the logistics base 2 and delivers the received packages to the relay base 4, a recipient-directed delivery machine (recipient-directed delivery machine) 5 that delivers packages handed over from the logistics base 2 to the relay base 4 to the recipient (recipient), and a route instruction device 6 that instructs the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 on a delivery route. The route instruction device 6 shown in FIG. 1 is located in the recipient-directed delivery machine 5, but it may also be a device independent of the recipient-directed delivery machine 5.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows an operation sequence during delivery using the relay point 4 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the delivery management server 1 in the first embodiment.

[0024] In Figure 3, the delivery management server 1 includes a delivery machine management unit 11 that manages the positions of the delivery machines 3 for relay points and the delivery machines 5 for collectors, the packages being delivered, and the delivery routes; a package management unit 12 that manages the current status, weight, size, and designated delivery time of the packages; a delivery machine instruction unit 13 that creates and sends instructions to the delivery machines; a delivery route planning unit 14 that plans the delivery route for the delivery machine; a relay point management unit 15 that manages the status of packages at the relay point 4; a relay delivery management unit 16 that instructs the delivery machines for the relay point to deliver packages to the relay point; and a delivery management server communication unit 17 that controls communication with the logistics center 2, the relay point 4, and the delivery machines.

[0025] 2, the delivery management server 1 checks whether any of the packages at the logistics base 2 should be delivered to the relay base 4 (step S2). Criteria for determining whether to deliver to the relay base 4 include, for example, when the delivery deadline is approaching or when there are no other deliveries near the delivery destination and adding the package to the next delivery route would be a heavy burden.

[0026] If there is no package to be delivered to the relay point 4, the process ends (step S11).

[0027] If there is a package to be delivered to the relay point 4, the process proceeds to step S3, where the delivery management server 1 instructs the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 to deliver the package to the relay point 4. Since it is important to quickly deliver a small number of packages to the relay point 4, it is assumed that an unmanned transport drone will be used as the relay point-directed delivery machine 3. In this Example 1, hereinafter, it is assumed that a drone will be used as the relay point-directed delivery machine 3.

[0028] The delivery management server 1 instructs the delivery machine 3 for the relay point to transport the package to the relay point 4, and calculates the time when the package will arrive at the relay point 4 (step S3).

[0029] Next, the delivery management server 1 checks the designated delivery time for the recipient set in the package (step S4). Based on the above information, the locations of the multiple recipient-oriented delivery machines 5 around the relay point 4, and the planned delivery route, the delivery management server 1 selects a recipient-oriented delivery machine 5 that will go to the relay point 4 after the package arrives and deliver the package to the recipient at the designated delivery time (step S5).

[0030] The new delivery route is sent to the route instruction device 6 of the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 (step S6), and delivery of the package is instructed (step S7). After the package arrives at the relay point (step S8), the selected recipient-directed delivery machine 5 stops at the relay point 4 to pick up the package (step S9), and delivers the package based on the newly instructed route (step S10). Then, the process ends (step S11).

[0031] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting a delivery machine in the first embodiment.

[0032] In the flowchart of FIG. 4, steps S21 to S30 and S32 are operations of the transportation route planning unit 14.

[0033] After instructing a relay point 4 to deliver a package, the delivery management server 1 lists all of the multiple delivery machines 5 for recipients that the relay point 4 has in its delivery area, and determines whether the delivery machines 5 for recipients should receive the package at the relay point 4 in the following procedure.

[0034] First, the unrated recipient delivery machine 5 is selected (step S20), and a delivery route is created (step S21) for the recipient delivery machine 5 to deliver the package to the delivery destination via the relay point 4. One method for creating the route is to arrange packages that have already been delivered to the relay point 4 and new packages in order of their designated delivery times, and connect them over the shortest distance.

[0035] Next, the time it takes for the parcel to reach its destination when delivered according to the created route is calculated (S22). It is confirmed whether all parcels in the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 can be delivered by the recipient's designated delivery time based on the created route (step S23). If delivery is possible, it is then confirmed whether there is sufficient weight capacity to accommodate the additional parcels (step S24), whether there is sufficient storage space (step S25), and whether the machine has the necessary transport functions (step S26). The necessary transport functions refer to, for example, a refrigerator for parcels that must be refrigerated, and the ability to transport refrigerated parcels. If these confirmations in steps S23 to S26 indicate that the parcel is not suitable, the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 is excluded from the candidates (step S28). If evaluation of all candidate recipient-directed delivery machines 5 has not been completed in step S27, another recipient-directed delivery machine 5 is selected, and the process returns to step S20.

[0036] The above evaluation is performed on all candidate recipient-directed delivery vehicles 5 to confirm whether there are any recipient-directed delivery vehicles 5 that can deliver the package (step S30). If all candidates are not capable of delivery, the delivery management server 1 abandons sending the package to the relay point 4. If there is a delivery vehicle that can deliver the package, the delivery management server 1 decides to send the package to the relay point 4 and instructs the relay point-directed delivery vehicle 3, which is a drone, to deliver the package to the relay point 4 (step S31).

[0037] The delivery management server 1 also selects the most suitable deliverer from among those who can stop by, and instructs the deliverer on a new delivery route (step S32). The most suitable recipient-directed delivery machine 5 can be selected, for example, by selecting the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 with the shortest total distance of the delivery route.

[0038] Then, the delivery machine instruction unit 13 and the delivery route planning unit 14 instruct the selected delivery machine to pick up the package at the relay point and deliver it (step S33).

[0039] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the route indication device 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] In Figure 5, the route instruction device 6 that presents the delivery route planned by the delivery management server 1 to the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 consists of a route management unit 61 that manages the current delivery route and its progress, a loaded cargo management unit 62 that manages information about the loaded cargo, a communication unit 63 for the route instruction device that controls communication with the delivery management server 1 and the like, and a delivery route information display unit 64 that shows information about the delivery route to the recipient-directed delivery machine 5.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen of the route indication device 6. As shown in FIG.

[0042] 6, the display screen of the delivery route information display unit 64 of the route instruction device 6 displays the current position 610 of the recipient-directed delivery machine 5, the delivery destination 600, the delivery route 606 from the current position 610 to the delivery destination 600, the number of packages to be delivered 602, and the estimated arrival time 601. Furthermore, if the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 stops at a relay point 4, the display screen displays the position 603 of the relay point 4, the estimated time 604 to receive the packages, the number of packages to be received 605, the route 607 to the relay point 4, and the delivery route before change 608. When the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 arrives at the relay point or the delivery destination, information such as the ID of the corresponding package is displayed.

[0043] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a package is transported to a relay point 4 by a recipient-directed delivery machine 3, the delivery management server 1 is configured to select a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 that can deliver the package at the specified delivery time, and to display and instruct the delivery route on the route indication device 6, thereby enabling delivery operations to be carried out efficiently.

[0044] That is, according to the first embodiment, the delivery management device and delivery management system include a delivery management server 1, a logistics base 2 where delivery items are accumulated, a relay base 4 where the delivery items are accumulated in order to deliver the delivery items to a delivery destination 600, and a route instruction device 6 that instructs a delivery route for the delivery items. Then, when the relay base-bound delivery machine 3 delivers the delivery items to the relay base, the delivery management server 1 calculates the travel time of the delivery items and calculates a delivery route for the recipient-bound delivery machine that can deliver the delivery items to the recipient at the specified delivery time for the delivery items. The route instruction device 6 instructs the recipient-bound delivery machine 5 about the delivery route.

[0045] Therefore, it is possible to realize a delivery management device, delivery management system and delivery management method that uses a relay point, which can suppress the increase in maintenance costs of the relay point 4, and can adjust the timing when the package arrives at the relay point 4 and the timing when the delivery machine for the recipient 5 stops at the relay point, thereby formulating a delivery route for efficient delivery.

[0046] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0047] The second embodiment of the present invention is an example of a home delivery management system (delivery management system) 100 in which multiple recipient-oriented delivery machines 5 stop at relay points 4 and deliver to desired recipients if delivery is possible.

[0048] The overall configuration of the home delivery management system 100, the functional blocks of the delivery management server 1, and the functional blocks of the route instruction device 6 in the second embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again.

[0049] 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting a recipient-oriented delivery machine 5 that will stop at the relay point 4 for a desired recipient. FIG. 7 shows the procedure from the point in time when there is a recipient-oriented delivery machine 5 that can stop at the relay point 4 and make delivery in step S30 of FIG. 4. The operations from step S42 to step S48 are executed by the package management unit 12 and the delivery machine instruction unit 13.

[0050] In FIG. 7 , the parcel management unit 12 and the delivery machine instruction unit 13 of the delivery management server 1 first check whether there are multiple recipient-directed delivery machines 5 available for delivery (step S42). If there are multiple recipient-directed delivery machines 5 available for delivery in step S42, the communication unit 17 first notifies the communication unit 63 of the route instruction device 6 of all of those eligible machines, inviting those who can stop by the relay point 4 to receive the parcel (step S43). If the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 that received the notification wishes to receive the parcel, it applies to the delivery management server 1 via the communication unit 63. The delivery management server 1 tallys the applications, selects an appropriate recipient-directed delivery machine 5 from among them (steps S45 and S46), and instructs the communication unit 17 to the communication unit 63 to receive and deliver the parcel at the relay point 4 (step S48). One method for selecting an appropriate recipient-directed delivery machine 5 is, for example, to select the machine among the applications that will require the shortest travel distance during delivery.

[0051] If there are no applications in step S45, the delivery management server 1 selects an appropriate recipient delivery machine 5 from among the recipient delivery machines 5 that can stop by (step S47) and instructs the relay point 4 to receive and deliver the package (step S48).

[0052] As described above, in Example 2, if there are multiple recipient-oriented delivery machines 5 that can deliver the item to the recipient at the specified delivery time, the delivery management server 1 notifies the route instruction device communication unit 63 from the delivery management server communication unit 17 that it is recruiting delivery applicants, selects one of the recipient-oriented delivery machines 5 from the recipient-oriented delivery machines 5 that have applied, and instructs the route instruction device 6 of the selected recipient-oriented delivery machine 5 to deliver the item to the recipient from the relay point 4.

[0053] The above-described second embodiment can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment, and can also allocate additional deliveries preferentially to deliverers who wish to make additional deliveries, thereby further reducing delivery costs.

[0054] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0055] The third embodiment of the present invention is an example of a home delivery management system 100 in which, when parcels are sent from a plurality of logistics bases 2 to the same relay base 4, if the arrival times are close, they are all instructed to be delivered together.

[0056] The overall configuration of the home delivery management system 100, the functional blocks of the delivery management server 1, and the functional blocks of the route instruction device 6 in the third embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again.

[0057] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for selecting a delivery machine 5 for a recipient when a package is sent from multiple logistics bases 2 to a relay base 4. Fig. 8 shows the procedure from the point in time when delivery of the package to the relay base 4 is decided and package delivery is instructed in step S7 of Fig. 2. Steps S51 to S53 of Fig. 8 are operations performed by the relay base management unit 15 of the home delivery server 1, and step S54 is an operation performed by the delivery route planning unit 14.

[0058] In FIG. 8, after issuing an instruction to deliver a package to a relay base 4, the delivery management server 1 checks whether there is a package scheduled to be delivered from another physical distribution base to the same relay base 4 (step S51).

[0059] If there are scheduled parcel deliveries within a certain period (here, within period A), the delivery management server 1 checks whether it is more efficient to consolidate those parcels and request delivery from one recipient-directed delivery machine 5 (step S52). One method for checking whether it is more efficient is to determine whether the distance traveled by the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 is shorter when the parcels are consolidated and specified as a single parcel, compared to when a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 is specified individually for each parcel delivered to the relay point 4.

[0060] If consolidating the packages is more efficient, the previously designated recipient delivery machine 5 is cancelled (step S53), and a new recipient delivery machine 5 for consolidating the packages is selected and notified (step S54). The procedure for selecting the recipient delivery machine 5 is, for example, the same as steps S20 to S30 in FIG. 3.

[0061] According to the third embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effect as that of the first embodiment, it is also possible to efficiently arrange for a delivery machine 5 for the recipient even when packages from multiple logistics bases 2 overlap at a relay base 4.

[0062] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0063] The fourth embodiment of the present invention is an example of the home delivery management system 100 in the case where the amount of parcels at the relay point 4 exceeds the storage capacity and therefore parcels are to be delivered urgently.

[0064] The overall configuration of the home delivery management system 100, the functional blocks of the delivery management server 1, and the functional blocks of the route instruction device 6 in the fourth embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a delivery arrangement procedure when the amount of packages at the relay point 4 exceeds the maximum capacity of the relay point 4 in the fourth embodiment.

[0066] In FIG. 9 , when the delivery management server 1 plans to transport a package to the relay base 4 (step S6 in FIG. 2 ), the relay base management unit 15 checks the storage status of the package at the relay base 4 and checks whether the newly arriving package will exceed the maximum capacity (accumulation capacity) at the relay base 4 (step S61). If the maximum capacity is not exceeded, the relay delivery management unit 16 proceeds with delivery to the relay base 4 (step S64). If the maximum capacity is expected to be exceeded, the delivery route planning unit 14 cancels the delivery machine designation for the package currently arriving at the relay base 4 (step S62). Then, the delivery machine instruction unit 13 and the delivery route planning unit 14 select a delivery machine that can pick up the package from the relay base 4 before the new package arrives (step S63). The relay delivery management unit 16 then arranges for the new package to be delivered to the relay base 4 (step S64). Finally, the delivery machine instruction unit 13 and the delivery route planning unit 14 instruct the selected delivery machine to pick up the package at the relay point 4 and deliver it (step S33).

[0067] The above-mentioned Example 4 can achieve the same effect as Example 1, and also prevents the relay center 4 from collecting more parcels than its storage capacity allows, thereby improving delivery efficiency.

[0068] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0069] The fifth embodiment of the present invention is an example of a home delivery management system 100 for preventing the impact on luggage when weather that may affect luggage, such as getting the luggage wet due to rain, is predicted at the relay point 4.

[0070] The overall configuration of the home delivery management system 100, the functional blocks of the delivery management server 1, and the functional blocks of the route instruction device 6 in the fifth embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a delivery procedure when rain is expected at the relay point 4 in the fifth embodiment.

[0072] 10, when the delivery management server 1 plans to transport a package to the relay point 4 (if "Yes" in step S2 of FIG. 2), the package management unit 12 and the relay point management unit 15 check whether it will rain between the time the package arrives at the relay point 4 and the time the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 picks it up (step S71). If rain is not expected, the delivery machine instruction unit 13 and the delivery route planning unit 14 select a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 (step S75) in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Then, the relay point management unit 16 delivers the package to the relay point 4 (step S76). The delivery machine instruction unit 13 instructs the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 to receive the package at an appropriate time (step S77).

[0073] When rain is expected, the delivery machine management unit 11 and the delivery route planning unit 14 select a recipient-destined delivery machine 5 based on the criterion that the recipient-destined delivery machine 5 will be able to wait at the relay point 4 when the package arrives, so that the recipient-destined delivery machine 5 can pick up the package immediately after it arrives at the relay point 4 (S72). After selecting the recipient-destined delivery machine 5, the relay delivery management unit 16 instructs the relay point-destined delivery machine 3, which is a drone, to deliver the package to the relay point 4 (step S73). The delivery machine instruction unit 13 instructs the recipient-destined delivery machine 5, via the delivery management server communication unit 17 to the route instruction device communication unit 63, to pick up the package promptly after it arrives at the relay point 4 (step S74).

[0074] The above-mentioned embodiment 5 can achieve the same effect as embodiment 1, and in addition, it can hand over the package to the recipient delivery machine 5 at the relay point 4 before the package is affected by weather.

[0075] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] The sixth embodiment of the present invention is an example of a home delivery management system 100 in which a recipient of a package can specify a delivery machine 5 for the recipient.

[0077] The overall configuration of the home delivery management system 100, the functional blocks of the delivery management server 1, and the functional blocks of the route instruction device 6 in the sixth embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be illustrated or described again.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a delivery procedure in the case where the recipient of the package has designated and specified the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 in the sixth embodiment.

[0079] When the delivery management server 1 plans to transport a package to a relay base 4 (if Yes in step S2 of FIG. 2), the package management unit 12 checks whether the recipient has designated a delivery machine 5 for that package (step S81). If a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 has been designated, the delivery route planning unit 14 instructs the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 via the delivery management server communication unit 17 to the route instruction device communication unit 63 so that the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 can stop at the relay base 4 to receive and deliver the package (step S82). If a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 has not been designated, the delivery machine management unit 11 and the delivery route planning unit 14 instruct the recipient-directed delivery machine 5 to select a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 and transport and hand over the package, using procedures similar to those in FIGS. 2 and 3 (step S83).

[0080] An example of a delivery machine specification screen 7 for specifying a delivery machine 5 for a recipient in the present Example 6 is shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the delivery machine specification screen 7 displays a delivery machine specification (specified, not specified), a desired delivery date and time (delivery time specified, not specified), whether time specification is not possible, and a price.

[0081] The above-described sixth embodiment can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment, and also has the effect that the person requesting delivery of a package can select whether or not to specify a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 when requesting delivery. Furthermore, even if the person requesting delivery of a package does not specify a recipient-directed delivery machine 5, the person requesting delivery of a package can receive benefits such as being able to specify a delivery time for the package and being able to reduce delivery fees. When specifying a recipient-directed delivery machine 5, the delivery time cannot be specified because it must be tailored to the convenience of the specified recipient-directed delivery machine 5, but the reliability of delivery can be improved by being able to specify a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 with a proven track record.

[0082] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0083] Example 7 of the present invention is an example of a home delivery management system 100 in which multiple recipient-oriented delivery machines 5 are predetermined, and if a recipient-oriented delivery machine 5 capable of delivering a package cannot be detected among these multiple recipient-oriented delivery machines 5, the delivery of the package is entrusted to a delivery machine (contracted) other than the multiple recipient-oriented delivery machines 5 that have been predetermined.

[0084] The overall configuration of the home delivery management system 100, the functional blocks of the delivery management server 1, and the functional blocks of the route instruction device 6 in the seventh embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore illustrations and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for entrusting delivery to an external delivery machine that is not predetermined when a delivery machine 5 for a recipient that can deliver a package cannot be detected in the seventh embodiment.

[0086] In FIG. 13 , the delivery management server 1 searches for a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 capable of delivering the package to the relay point 4 (step S30 in FIG. 3 ). The delivery management unit 11 determines whether a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 capable of delivery exists (step S91). If a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 capable of delivery exists, the delivery machine instruction unit 13 selects that recipient-directed delivery machine 5 and instructs the relay point 4 to deliver the package (step S92). If a recipient-directed delivery machine 5 capable of delivery cannot be detected, the delivery machine management unit 11 requests delivery from an external delivery machine with which the delivery machine has a pre-contract (step S93). For example, an app is distributed to a candidate recipient-directed delivery machine, conditions are presented, and the external recipient-directed delivery machine is selected from among the candidates. When an external delivery machine operator accepts the delivery request, the delivery route planning unit 14 of the delivery management server 1 instructs the external operator's delivery machine via the communication unit 17 on a delivery route so that the delivery machine will deliver the item to the recipient from the relay point at the specified delivery time (step S94).

[0087] The above-mentioned Example 7 can achieve the same effect as Example 1, and also makes it possible to deliver the package via a relay point 4 by an external delivery machine even if a delivery machine 5 for a recipient that can deliver the package cannot be detected.

[0088] 1...Delivery management server, 2...Logistics base, 3...Delivery machine for relay base, 4...Relay base, 5...Delivery machine for recipient, 6...Route instruction device, 7...Delivery machine designation screen, 11...Deliverer management unit, 12...Luggage management unit, 13...Delivery machine instruction unit, 14...Delivery route planning unit, 15...Relay base management unit, 16...Relay delivery management unit, 17...Communication unit for delivery management server, 61...Route management unit, 62...Loaded luggage management unit, 63...Communication unit for route instruction device, 64...Delivery route information display unit, 100...Home delivery management system (delivery management system), 600...Delivery destination, 601...Arrival time, 602...Number of packages to be delivered, 603...Location of relay base 4, 604...Scheduled time of package receipt, 605...Number of packages to be received, 606...Delivery route, 607...Route to relay base 4, 608...Delivery route before change, 610...Current location

Claims

1. A delivery management device using a relay point, comprising: a delivery management server; and a route instruction device that instructs a delivery route for an item to be delivered, wherein the delivery management server calculates a time for the item to travel when a delivery machine for a relay point delivers the item to the relay point, and calculates a delivery route for a delivery machine for a recipient that can deliver the item to the recipient at the specified delivery time for the item, and the route instruction device instructs the delivery route to the delivery machine for the recipient.

2. A delivery management device using a relay point as described in claim 1, wherein the delivery management server, when the delivery item is delivered to the relay point by a delivery machine for the relay point, calculates current positions of the multiple delivery machines for the recipient and the travel time of the multiple delivery machines for the recipient to travel via the relay point to the recipient, selects the delivery machine for the recipient that can deliver the delivery item to the recipient at the specified delivery time of the delivery item, and the route instruction device instructs the selected delivery machine for the recipient on the delivery route.

3. A delivery management device using a relay base as described in claim 2, wherein the delivery management server has a communication unit for the delivery management server, and the route instruction device has a communication unit for the route instruction device, and when there are multiple recipient-destined delivery machines that can deliver the item to the recipient at the specified delivery time, the delivery management server notifies the communication unit for the route instruction device from the communication unit for the delivery management server to the communication unit for the route instruction device of a call for recipient-destined delivery machines that wish to make the delivery, selects one of the recipient-destined delivery machines that have applied, and instructs the route instruction device of the recipient-destined delivery machine selected from the communication unit for the delivery management server to deliver the item from the relay base to the recipient.

4. A delivery management device using a relay point as described in claim 2, wherein the delivery management server has a communication unit for the delivery management server, and the route instruction device has a communication unit for the route instruction device, and when a plurality of delivery items gather at the relay point, the delivery management server selects a delivery machine for the recipient that can deliver the plurality of delivery items, and instructs the route instruction device of the delivery machine for the recipient selected from the communication unit for the delivery management server to deliver the delivery items from the relay point to the recipient.

5. A delivery management device using a relay point as described in claim 2, wherein the delivery management server has a communication unit for the delivery management server, and the route instruction device has a communication unit for the route instruction device, and when the delivery management server predicts that the amount of the delivery items at the relay point will exceed the accumulation capacity of the relay point, it selects a delivery machine for the recipient that can stop at the relay point and deliver the delivery items before the accumulation capacity is exceeded, and instructs the route instruction device of the delivery machine for the recipient selected from the communication unit for the delivery management server to deliver the delivery items from the relay point to the recipient.

6. A delivery management device using a relay point as described in claim 2, wherein the delivery management server has a communication unit for the delivery management server, and the route instruction device has a communication unit for the route instruction device, and when weather that will affect the delivery item delivered to the relay point is predicted, the delivery management server selects a delivery machine for the recipient that can immediately receive the delivery item when the delivery item is delivered to the relay point, and instructs the communication unit for the delivery management server to the communication unit for the route instruction device of the delivery machine for the recipient selected to deliver the delivery item from the relay point to the recipient.

7. A delivery management device using a relay base as described in claim 2, wherein the delivery management server has a communication unit for the delivery management server, and the route instruction device has a communication unit for the route instruction device, and when a delivery machine for the recipient of the delivery object is identified, the delivery management server communication unit instructs the communication unit for the route instruction device of the delivery machine for the recipient to deliver the delivery object from the relay base to the recipient.

8. A delivery management device using a relay base as described in claim 2, wherein the delivery management server has a communication unit for the delivery management server, a plurality of delivery machines for the recipient are predetermined, and if the delivery management server cannot find a delivery machine for the recipient among the plurality of predetermined delivery machines for the recipient that can deliver the item to the recipient at the designated delivery time, the delivery management server entrusts the delivery of the package to an external delivery machine that is not predetermined, and instructs the external delivery machine from the communication unit for the delivery management server on a delivery route to deliver the item to the recipient from the relay base at the designated delivery time.

9. A delivery management device using a relay point as described in claim 2, characterized in that the route instruction device has a delivery route information display unit that displays the current position of the delivery machine for the recipient, the delivery destination, and the delivery route from the current position to the delivery destination.

10. A delivery management system using relay points comprising: a delivery management server; a logistics center where delivery items are collected; a relay point where the delivery items are collected in order to deliver the delivery items to their destinations; and a route instruction device that instructs a delivery route for the delivery items, wherein the delivery management server calculates a time for the delivery items to travel when a delivery machine for the relay point delivers the delivery items to the relay point, and calculates a delivery route for a delivery machine for the recipient that can deliver the delivery items to the recipient at the specified delivery time for the delivery items, and the route instruction device instructs the delivery route to the delivery machine for the recipient.

11. A delivery management method using a relay point, in which a delivery object is delivered from a logistics center to a relay point in response to instructions from a delivery management server, and the relay point delivers the delivery object to a delivery destination, characterized in that when the delivery object is delivered to the relay point, a time required for the delivery object to travel is calculated, and the delivery route that can deliver the delivery object to the recipient at the specified delivery time for the delivery object is indicated.

12. A method of delivery management using a relay point as described in claim 11, wherein the delivery management server has a relay point-bound delivery machine that delivers the delivery items accumulated at the logistics center to the relay point, and a plurality of recipient-bound delivery machines that deliver the delivery items accumulated at the relay point to recipients; when the delivery items are delivered to the relay point by the relay point-bound delivery machine, the server calculates current positions of the plurality of recipient-bound delivery machines and the travel time of the plurality of recipient-bound delivery machines to reach the recipient via the relay point; selects the recipient-bound delivery machine that can deliver the delivery items to the recipient at the specified delivery time of the delivery items, and instructs the selected recipient-bound delivery machine of the delivery route via the route instruction device.

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