Relay necessity determination device and relay necessity determination method

Abstract

According to the present invention, a collection and delivery area that includes a collection and delivery base, which serves as a base for collecting and delivering collection and delivery items, and an existing collection and delivery means, which travels to a plurality of collection and delivery destinations to collect and deliver collection and delivery items, is determined to be a non-relay area if the volume of items to be collected and delivered in the collection and delivery area is less than the maximum loading capacity of the existing collection and delivery means, or is determined to be a relay-required area if the volume of items to be collected and delivered is greater than the maximum loading capacity of the existing collection and delivery means, and the determination result is output. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of collection and delivery operations.

Description

Relay necessity determining device and relay necessity determining method

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay necessity determining device and a relay necessity determining method.

[0002] In recent years, the practical application of air vehicles such as drones in logistics has progressed, and for example, the system described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a parcel delivery system that includes a receiving point setting unit that sets a point on the route that a recipient of a parcel who is out from a delivery destination will take to the delivery destination as a receiving point, where the aircraft flying in the air can land; an estimated arrival time acquisition unit that acquires the estimated arrival time at which the recipient will 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.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-097444

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technologies, urban areas are often targeted 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 rural areas, where it is difficult to expect cost-effectiveness through economies of scale.

[0007] Some areas requiring 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 distances between collection and delivery centers are long, and therefore the distances between collection and delivery points are also long. In addition, roads are often poorly maintained, necessitating long-distance transportation via narrow roads. Furthermore, the only transportation methods that can traverse narrow roads are small vehicles with low load capacity (weight). In other words, collection and delivery requires repeated round trips between collection and delivery centers and collection and delivery points, which hinders cost reduction.

[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 users in urban areas as well.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a relay necessity determining device and a relay necessity determining method that can reduce costs of collection and delivery operations.

[0010] The present application includes multiple means for solving the above problem, and one example is that if the volume of items to be collected and delivered in a collection and delivery area that has a collection and delivery base that serves as a base for collecting and delivering items to be collected and delivered and an existing collection and delivery means that travels to multiple collection and delivery destinations to collect and deliver the items to be collected and delivered is smaller than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection and delivery means, the area is determined to be an area that does not require relaying, or if the volume of items to be collected and delivered is larger than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection and delivery means, the area is determined to be an area that requires relaying, and output is provided.

[0011] According to the present invention, costs of collection and delivery operations can be reduced.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing a basic collection and delivery process. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the total handling weight in a collection and delivery area and the handling means and load capacity. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between collection and delivery volume (weight) and cost, showing a case where collection and delivery is performed by combining a small collection and delivery means with a relay transport means. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between collection and delivery volume (weight) and cost, showing a case where collection and delivery is performed by adding a large collection and delivery means. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a relay necessity determination device in a delivery system, along with related configuration. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a collection and delivery determination process for determining a collection and delivery area by the relay necessity determination device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of a collection and delivery determination process for determining a collection and delivery area by the relay necessity determination device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between collection and delivery areas and delivery means. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a method for calculating a handling incidence rate. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for selecting and determining a delivery area. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in the load capacity of a collection and delivery means over time during delivery, showing a state during normal demand. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the change in the load capacity of a collection and delivery means over time during delivery, showing a state during high demand. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing changes in the load capacity of a collection / delivery vehicle over time during collection, showing the state during normal demand and high demand, respectively.

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

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic collection and delivery process according to this embodiment.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, in a collection and delivery area 30 that is the target of collection and delivery using the delivery system of this embodiment, there are arranged a collection and delivery base 20 (logistics base) that serves as the base for collection and delivery of items to be collected and delivered, a collection and delivery means 10 that travels around multiple (m locations) collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m (m is a positive integer) to collect and deliver the items to be collected and delivered, 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 the collection and delivery route that travels around the multiple collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m and relays the items transported to and from the collection and delivery base 20, and relay transport means 11-1 to 11-n (n is a positive integer) that transport the items to and from the collection and delivery base 20, respectively.

[0016] Here, "collection and delivery" includes both "collection" of collecting and storing a collection item (here, a collected parcel) from a collection and delivery destination (here, a collection destination) and "delivery" of delivering a collection item (here, a delivery item) to a collection and delivery destination (here, a 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 to both the case of collection and delivery.

[0017] In the collection and delivery area 30, the collection and delivery means 10 leaves the collection and delivery base 20, then travels around relay points 21-1 to 21-n and collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m within 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 to be delivered between the collection and delivery base 20 and each of the relay points 21-1 to 21-n, and transship the items to and from the collection and delivery means 10 at the relay points 21-1 to 21-n.

[0018] The intervals between relay points are determined so that the predicted handling volume for the section along the route of the collection and delivery vehicle between the relay points does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery vehicle. 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 capita 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 capita per day]. It is desirable that the collection and delivery vehicle be a light vehicle such as a motorcycle or a light truck, and that the relay transport vehicle be an aerial vehicle such as a drone that can transport goods in mountainous areas. It is also desirable to use an autonomous driving vehicle as the relay transport vehicle to reduce labor costs.

[0019] 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 representing the total weight handled X and the vertical axis representing the handling means and their load capacity.

[0020] As shown in Figure 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 just one collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle). Note that "load capacity" can also be rephrased as "load weight."

[0021] Also, for example, if the collection and delivery means 10 is a motorcycle with a maximum load capacity of 30 kg and the relay transport means 11 is an air vehicle such as a drone, when the total handling weight X of the collection and delivery area 30 exceeds the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle), 30 kg, the relay transport means 11 (drone) transports the items between the collection and delivery base 20 and 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, the collection and delivery system according to this embodiment eliminates the need to make multiple round trips by the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle) between the collection and delivery base 20 and the collection and delivery area 30 or to prepare multiple collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycles), thereby improving the efficiency of collection and delivery.

[0022] 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 (Formula 1)

[0023] where ρ is the population density of the collection and delivery area [people / km ２ ], S is the collection and delivery area [km ２ ], and α is the handling incidence rate [kg / person / day].

[0024] Note that Figure 2 illustrates an example 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, but 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.

[0025] Figures 3 and 4 show the relationship between delivery volume (weight) and cost, with Figure 3 showing a case where delivery is performed using a combination of small delivery vehicles and relay transport vehicles, and Figure 4 showing a case where delivery is performed using a larger delivery vehicle in addition to the operation in Figure 3. In Figures 3 and 4, the vertical axis shows cost and the horizontal axis shows delivery volume (weight).

[0026] In Figure 3, line C0 represents the operating cost of a relatively small collection and delivery means 10 (hereinafter referred to as collection and delivery means 10 (small)), and is expressed as the sum of RC (Recurring Cost), which occurs repeatedly in proportion to the collection and delivery volume (weight), and NRC (Non-recurring Cost)0, which is independent of the collection and delivery volume (weight). Here, RC is the energy cost and hourly labor cost for operating the collection and delivery means 10 (small), and NRC0 is the purchase cost and maintenance cost of the collection and delivery means 10 (small) divided by the operation period. The collection and delivery means 10 (small) is, for example, a motorcycle with a maximum load capacity of approximately 30 kg.

[0027] Furthermore, line segment C0' indicates the operating cost when delivering items exceeding the maximum load capacity Xmax1 of the small collection and delivery means 10 (small) by having the small collection and delivery means 10 (small) travel back and forth between the collection and delivery base 20. In this case, similar to line segment C0, it is expressed as the sum of RC, which occurs repeatedly in proportion to the collection and delivery volume (weight), and NRC0', which does not depend on the collection and delivery volume (weight). Here, RC is the energy cost and hourly labor cost for operating the small collection and delivery means 10 (small), and is the same as in the case of line segment C0. Furthermore, NRC0' is the energy cost and hourly labor cost for the small collection and delivery means 10 (small) to travel back and forth between the collection and delivery base 20.

[0028] C1 indicates the operating cost of the relay transport means 11, and is expressed as the sum of RC, which occurs repeatedly in proportion to the collection and delivery volume (weight), and NRC1, which is independent of the collection and delivery volume (weight). Here, RC is the energy cost and hourly labor cost for operating the relay transport means 11, and NRC01 is the purchase cost and maintenance cost of the relay transport means 11 divided by the operation period.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, when the collection and delivery volume (weight) is between 0 (zero) [kg] and Xmax1, the operating cost C0 of the collection and delivery means 10 (small) represented by the line segment A1-B1 is the smallest. When the collection and delivery volume (weight) exceeds Xmax1, the operating cost represented by the line segment B2-C, i.e., the operating cost C1' (= C0 + C1) of the combination of the collection and delivery means 10 (small) and the relay transport means 11, is the smallest. Note that in this case, the operating costs represented by the lines B3-B4, B5-B6, ..., i.e., the operating cost C0' when delivery is made by the collection and delivery means 10 (small) traveling back and forth between the collection and delivery base 20, is greater than the cost C1' (= C0 + C1) of the combination of the collection and delivery means 10 (small) and the relay transport means 11.

[0030] In Figure 4, line C2 represents the operating cost of the larger collection and delivery vehicle 12 (hereinafter referred to as the collection and delivery vehicle 12 (large)). It is expressed as the sum of RC, which is generated repeatedly in proportion to the volume (weight) of collection and delivery, and NRC2, which is independent of the volume (weight). Here, RC is the energy cost and hourly labor cost for operating the collection and delivery vehicle 12 (large), and NRC0 is the purchase cost and maintenance cost of the collection and delivery vehicle 12 (large) divided by the operating period. The collection and delivery vehicle 12 (large) may be, for example, a light truck with a maximum load capacity of approximately 350 kg or a large collection and delivery truck with an even larger maximum load capacity. In other words, the maximum load capacity of the large collection and delivery vehicle (the collection and delivery vehicle 12 (large)) is greater than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection and delivery vehicle (the collection and delivery vehicle 10 (small)).

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, when the collection and delivery volume (weight) is between 0 (zero) [kg] and Xmax1, the operating cost represented by the line segment A1-B1, i.e., the operating cost C0 of the collection and delivery means 10 (small), is the smallest. When the collection and delivery volume (weight) is between Xmax1 and Xmax2, the delivery cost represented by the line segment B2-C', i.e., the operating cost C1' (= C0 + C1) of the combination of the collection and delivery means 10 (small) and the relay transport means 11, is the smallest. Note that in this case, the operating costs represented by the lines B3-B4, B5-B6, ..., i.e., the operating cost C0' when delivering by traveling the collection and delivery means 10 (small) back and forth between the collection and delivery base 20, and the operating cost C2 of the collection and delivery means 12 (large) represented by the line segment A2-C', are greater than the operating cost C1' (= C0 + C1) of the combination of the collection and delivery means 10 (small) and the relay transport means 11. When the collection and delivery volume (weight) exceeds Xmax2, the operating cost represented by the line segment C'-D1, i.e., the operating cost C2 of the collection and delivery means 12 (large), is minimum. At this time, the operating cost C0' when delivering by making the collection and delivery means 10 (small), represented by the lines B3-B4, B5-B6, ..., to and from the collection and delivery base 20, and the operating cost represented by the line segment C'-C, i.e., the operating cost C1' (= C0 + C1) of the combination of the collection and delivery means 10 (small) and the relay transport means 11, will be greater than the operating cost C2 of the collection and delivery means 12 (large).

[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relay necessity determining device in the collection and delivery system according to this embodiment, together with related components.

[0033] The relay necessity determination device 210 (collection and delivery item relay area determination device) identifies collection and delivery areas 30 where the efficiency of collection and delivery can be improved by setting up relay points 21-1 to 21-n, as areas requiring relay transportation, and outputs these as collection and delivery areas.

[0034] 5, the relay necessity determining device 210 of the collection and delivery system is configured to include collection and delivery map information 110 having information such as data on candidate relay points, topographical data, and collection and delivery area S, a population density database 120 having data on population density ρ, and handling record information 130 having data on handling occurrence rate α. The relay necessity determining device 210 calculates a predicted total handling weight using the information on candidate relay points and collection and delivery area s from the collection and delivery map information 110, the population density ρ data from the population density database 120, and the information on handling occurrence rate α from the handling record information 130, and outputs the area in the sweet spot region (see FIG. 2) as collection and delivery area data 410 using the calculation result.

[0035] The method for determining the divisions and calculating the area of ​​the collection and delivery area 30 should be consistent with the method for calculating the area used as the denominator when calculating the population density ρ. Typically, population density is calculated using the population and area of ​​each administrative division, such as a prefecture, state, province, district, county, or municipality. Therefore, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area 30 should be calculated based on the area on a map, using town names or block codes that cover the collection and delivery area. Since the area of ​​each administrative division is typically calculated without taking into account the presence or absence of houses, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area 30 should also be calculated without taking into account the presence or absence of houses. If the area of ​​the collection and delivery area 30 is calculated taking into account the presence or absence of houses, the area will be smaller than when calculating the population density ρ, and the predicted values ​​for the population and handling volume will also be smaller. Even when street addresses are used to indicate addresses, it is easier to calculate the area by dividing the collection and delivery area 30 according to block addresses.

[0036] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a collection and delivery determination process for determining a collection and delivery area by a relay necessity determination device. The collection and delivery determination process shown in this flowchart is a process for determining a collection and delivery area having a collection and delivery base 20 that serves as a base for collection and delivery of items and an existing collection and delivery means that travels to multiple collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m to collect and deliver items, and for outputting the process, if the amount of items to be delivered in a collection and delivery area is smaller than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection and delivery means, the area is determined to be a no-relay area, and if the amount of items to be delivered is larger than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection and delivery means, the area is determined to be a relay-required area.

[0037] In FIG. 6, the relay necessity determining device 210 first selects a collection / delivery area for which a determination is to be made first from among a plurality of target collection / delivery areas (step S110).

[0038] Next, for the collection and delivery area selected in step S110, the collection and delivery area area S from the collection and delivery map information 110, the collection and delivery area population density ρ data from the population density database 120, and the handling occurrence rate α from the handling performance information 130 are read (step S120).

[0039] Next, using the data read in step S120, a predicted total handling weight X is calculated using the following (Equation 1) (step S130): X=ρ·S·α (Equation 1)

[0040] Next, it is determined whether the predicted total handling weight value X calculated in step S130 is greater than the maximum load capacity xmax of the collection and delivery means 10 (step S140), and if the determination result is YES, the collection and delivery area is designated as an area eligible for relay delivery, that is, a relay-required area (optimal collection and delivery area) where collection and delivery can be made more efficient by installing relay points 21-1 to 21-n (step S150).On the other hand, if the determination result in step S140 is NO, the collection and delivery area is designated as an area not eligible for relay delivery (relay-free area) (step S151).

[0041] After the processing of steps S150 and S151 is completed, it is next determined whether the current target area is the last collection / delivery area, i.e., whether all collection / delivery areas have been determined (step S160). If the determination result is NO, the next collection / delivery area to be determined is selected (step S161), and the processing of steps S120 to S150 and S151 is performed for the selected collection / delivery area. If the determination result of step S160 is NO, the processing is terminated.

[0042] 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the collection and delivery determination process for determining the optimal collection and delivery area by the relay necessity determining device. In FIG. 7, a case where a larger collection and delivery means 12 (large) is added to the collection and delivery means 10 (small) is also considered as a comparison object, and a collection and delivery area where the predicted total handling weight value X satisfies the condition of Xmax to Xmax2 is determined to be a relay-requiring area (optimal collection and delivery area).

[0043] 4, when the case where a collection and delivery means 12 (large) is added is considered, if Xmax2 is exceeded, the operating costs of using a large collection and delivery means 12 (large) are lower than those of using a relay transport means, and thus a determination is made taking such conditions into consideration. Specifically, in an area determined as a relay-requiring area, a collection and delivery means is incorporated into a collection and delivery route that travels around collection and delivery destinations, at least one relay point is provided to relay items transported between collection and delivery centers, a first cost is calculated which is the cost of transporting items between the relay point and the collection and delivery center by the relay transport means and performing collection and delivery by the collection and delivery means, and a second cost is calculated which is the cost of performing collection and delivery only by the large collection and delivery means in the area determined as a relay-requiring area, and the first cost and the second cost are compared to determine the collection and delivery area with the smaller first cost as a relay-requiring area, and determine the collection and delivery area with the larger first cost as a no-relay area, and output them.

[0044] In FIG. 7, the relay necessity determining device 210 first selects a collection / delivery area for which a determination is to be made first from among a plurality of target collection / delivery areas (step S110).

[0045] Next, for the collection and delivery area selected in step S110, the collection and delivery area area S from the collection and delivery map information 110, the collection and delivery area population density ρ data from the population density database 120, and the handling occurrence rate α from the handling performance information 130 are read (step S120).

[0046] Next, using the data read in step S120, the predicted total handling weight X is calculated using the above (Equation 1) (step S130).

[0047] Next, it is determined whether the predicted total handling weight X calculated in step S130 is greater than the maximum load capacity xmax of the collection and delivery means 10 and less than Xmax2 (step S240). If the determination result is YES, the collection and delivery area is designated as an area eligible for relay delivery, that is, a relay-required area (optimal collection and delivery area) where collection and delivery can be made more efficient by installing relay points 21-1 to 21-n (step S150). If the determination result in step S140 is NO, the collection and delivery area is designated as an area not eligible for relay delivery (relay-free area) (step S151).

[0048] After the processing of steps S150 and S151 is completed, it is next determined whether the current target area is the last collection / delivery area, i.e., whether all collection / delivery areas have been determined (step S160). If the determination result is NO, the next collection / delivery area to be determined is selected (step S161), and the processing of steps S120 to S150 and S151 is performed for the selected collection / delivery area. If the determination result of step S160 is NO, the processing is terminated.

[0049] 7, if there are multiple collection and delivery areas determined to be areas requiring relay, a second cost is calculated for each of the multiple collection and delivery areas determined to be areas requiring relay, which is the cost when collection and delivery is performed only by large collection and delivery means (collection and delivery means 12 (large)). Also, if there are multiple collection and delivery areas determined to be areas requiring relay, it may be determined whether collection and delivery is possible for the multiple collection and delivery areas determined to be areas requiring relay using a single collection and delivery route, and if it is determined that collection and delivery is possible, the multiple collection and delivery areas determined to be areas requiring relay may be combined into a single collection and delivery area, and the second cost is calculated, which is the cost when collection and delivery is performed only by large collection and delivery means (collection and delivery means 12 (large)).

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between collection and delivery areas and delivery means.

[0051] Figure 8 assumes that collection and delivery areas are the entire country, prefectures, and municipalities, and shows the population of each collection and delivery area, population density ρ obtained by dividing the population by the area, predicted handling weight per area, and the appropriate collection and delivery means for each collection and delivery area. The handling weight per area is predicted by multiplying the population density ρ by the handling occurrence rate α. The handling occurrence rate α is set to 0.3 kg / person / day.

[0052] The appropriate delivery method for each delivery area is as follows: ２ , 5km ２ , 10km ２ , 20km ２In each of the above cases, if the handling weight in the collection and delivery area, i.e., the handling weight per area multiplied by the area of ​​the collection and delivery area, is less than Xmax1 (e.g., the maximum load capacity of a motorcycle, 30 kg), it is determined to be "one motorcycle." If it is equal to or greater than Xmax1 (30 kg) but less than Xmax2 (e.g., half the maximum load capacity of a light truck, 175 kg), it is determined to be "one motorcycle + drone." If it is equal to or greater than Xmax2 (175 kg) but less than Xmax3 (e.g., the maximum load capacity of a light truck, 350 kg), it is determined to be "one light truck." If it is equal to or greater than Xmax3 (350 kg), it is determined to be "n light trucks." In addition, in the case of "n light trucks," if a large drone is available, it can be considered "one light truck + large drone." In other words, if the collection and delivery method includes a "drone" (large drone), it is determined to be relay delivery.

[0053] If the total weight handled annually is known, the handling rate α can be calculated by dividing it by the population and the number of days (365 days). Furthermore, if information on the total weight handled annually is unavailable, it can also be calculated from the number of items handled by type and the average weight of each type. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the annual number of accepted items is 15 billion letters, 1 billion parcels (medium-large), and 3.3 billion parcels (small: A4 x 3 cm), the population is 120 million, and the average weights are 0.1 kg, 10 kg, and 0.5 kg, respectively, the handling rate α can be calculated to be approximately 0.3 kg / person / day.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method for selecting and determining a collection / delivery area.

[0055] In Fig. 10, a collection and delivery area is selected and determined on the map using a pointing device such as a mouse. For example, when K city M town 1 chome, M town 4 chome, and L town 2 chome (hatched area) are selected as a collection and delivery area on the map, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area is yyy [km ２ ] is calculated, and the population density data for K city is xxx [people / km ２], the total population of the collection and delivery area is calculated as zzzz [people]. Furthermore, the total handled weight is calculated as www [kg] based on the handling incidence rate α, and the collection and delivery method is determined and displayed based on the total handled weight www [kg]. For example, if the total handled weight www [kg] of K City M Town 1-chome, M Town 4-chome, and L Town 2-chome (hatched area) selected as the collection and delivery area on the map is between 30 kg and 175 kg, the collection and delivery method determined to be "one motorcycle + drone" is displayed.

[0056] 11 and 12 are graphs showing the change in the load of a collection and delivery vehicle over time during delivery, with Fig. 11 showing a time of normal demand and Fig. 12 showing a time of high demand. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the horizontal axis shows time (in other words, the distance traveled) and the vertical axis shows the load.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 11 , for example, during normal demand (e.g., weekdays), the delivery vehicle 10 skips the relay points 21-1 and 21-3 and passes only through the relay points 21-2 and 21-4. In this case, when the delivery vehicle 10 leaves the collection and delivery base 20, it is loaded with a load close to its maximum capacity, and the load decreases as the delivery proceeds. To ensure flexibility (room for optimization) in the order of the collection and delivery points and the route, the delivery vehicle 10 arrives at the relay points 21-2 and 21-4 with a remaining load. This is because if the delivery vehicle 10 always waits until the load reaches zero before stopping at the relay points 21-2 and 21-4, there is no room for the delivery vehicle 10 to select the order of the collection and delivery points and the relay points. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12 , during high demand (e.g., the day after a holiday), the delivery vehicle 10 passes through all of the relay points 21-1 to 21-4. The relay points to be skipped may be changed depending on the demand for each day.

[0058] 13 and 14 are graphs showing the change in the load of a collection / delivery vehicle over time during collection, with Fig. 13 showing a time of normal demand and Fig. 14 showing a time of high demand. In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the horizontal axis shows time (in other words, the distance traveled) and the vertical axis shows the load.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13 , for example, during normal demand (e.g., weekdays), the relay points 21-1 and 21-3 are skipped, and only relay points 21-2 and 21-4 are passed through. In this case, the load of the collection and delivery means 10 is almost zero when the collection and delivery base 20 is departed, and the load increases as collection and delivery progresses. To ensure flexibility (room for optimization) in the order of collection and delivery points and relay points and the route, the vehicle arrives at relay points 21-2 and 21-4 with a margin up to the maximum load. This is because if the vehicle always arrives at relay points 21-2 and 21-4 after the maximum load is reached, the collection and delivery means 10 would not be able to select the order of collection and delivery points and relay points. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 , 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 depending on the demand for each day. Collection and delivery may also be performed simultaneously.

[0060] The effects of the present embodiment configured as above will be described.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In this embodiment, if the volume of items to be collected or delivered in a collection and delivery area having a collection and delivery base 20 that serves as the base for collection and delivery of items to be collected or delivered, and an existing collection and delivery means 10 (small) that travels around a plurality of collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m to collect and deliver items to be collected or delivered, is smaller than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection and delivery means 10 (small), the area is determined to be a no-relay area, and if the volume of items to be collected or delivered is larger than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection and delivery means 10 (small), the area is determined to be a relay-required area and output, thereby reducing the cost of collection and delivery operations.

[0063] In other words, it becomes possible to identify areas where a method of transporting items using relay transport means is suitable, and a method of transporting items that suits the characteristics of the area can be selected, thereby improving the efficiency of collection and delivery operations.

[0064] For example, in collection and delivery areas with a handling volume equivalent to one light vehicle or more, adding a relay transport means to one light vehicle and collection and delivery worker can reduce the need for repeated round trips between the collection and delivery base and the collection and delivery point, thereby improving the efficiency of collection and delivery operations. Also, by determining the installation intervals of relay points so that the predicted section handling volume on the route 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.

[0065] <Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications and combinations within the scope of the gist thereof. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to those having all of the configurations described in the above-described embodiments, and also includes those in which some of the configurations are omitted. Furthermore, the configurations, functions, etc. described in the present embodiments may be realized in part or in whole by designing them as, for example, integrated circuits. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function.

[0066] 1...Light vehicle, 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, 31...Collection and delivery section, 110...Collection and delivery map information, 120...Population density database, 130...Handling record information, 210...Relay necessity determining device, 410...Collection and delivery area data

Claims

1. A relay necessity determining device which, when the volume of items to be collected or delivered in a collection / delivery area having a collection / delivery base that serves as the base for collection and delivery of items to be collected or delivered and an existing collection / delivery means that travels to multiple collection / delivery destinations to collect and deliver the items to be collected or delivered, determines the area to be a no-relay area when the volume of items to be collected or delivered is smaller than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection / delivery means, or determines the area to be a relay-required area when the volume of items to be collected or delivered is larger than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection / delivery means, and outputs the result.

2. A relay necessity determining device according to claim 1, characterized in that it outputs whether the area is a no-relay area or a required-relay area.

3. A relay necessity determining device as described in claim 1, characterized in that within the area determined as requiring relay, the existing collection and delivery means is incorporated into the collection and delivery route around the collection and delivery destination, at least one relay point is provided to relay the items transported between the collection and delivery center, a relay transport means is used to transport the items between the relay point and the collection and delivery center, and collection and delivery is performed by the existing collection and delivery means, a first cost is calculated which is the cost when collection and delivery is performed only by large collection and delivery means other than the existing collection and delivery means within the area determined as requiring relay, the first cost is compared with the second cost, and a collection and delivery area with a smaller first cost is determined as a relay requiring area, and a collection and delivery area with a larger first cost is determined as a no-relay area, and outputting the first cost and the second cost.

4. The relay necessity determining device according to claim 3, wherein the existing collection and delivery means is a motorcycle or a light truck, and the relay transport means is a drone.

5. A relay necessity determining device according to claim 3, characterized in that the maximum loading capacity of the large collection and delivery means is greater than the maximum loading capacity of the existing collection and delivery means.

6. In the relay necessity determination device as described in claim 3, when there are multiple collection and delivery areas determined to be areas requiring relay, a second cost is calculated for each of the multiple collection and delivery areas determined to be areas requiring relay, which is the cost of collection and delivery being performed only by the large collection and delivery means.

7. A relay necessity determining device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, when there are multiple collection and delivery areas determined as areas requiring relay, it is determined whether or not collection and delivery is possible for the multiple collection and delivery areas determined as areas requiring relay via a single collection and delivery route, and if collection and delivery is possible, the multiple collection and delivery areas determined as areas requiring relay are combined into a single collection and delivery area, and a second cost is calculated, which is the cost of collection and delivery being performed only by the large collection and delivery means.

8. A relay necessity determining device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first cost is calculated using the population density of the collection and delivery area including the collection and delivery destination, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area, and the actual handling volume per capita.

9. A relay necessity determination device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it judges whether or not the relay necessity has been determined for all collection and delivery areas, and if the judgment is no, selects a collection and delivery area for which the relay necessity is to be determined, and determines whether or not the relay necessity is required for the selected collection and delivery area.

10. A relay necessity determining device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second cost is calculated using the population density of the collection and delivery area including the collection and delivery destination, the area of ​​the collection and delivery area, and the actual handling volume per capita.

11. A method for determining whether or not relay is required, comprising the steps of: determining an area where relay is not required if the volume of items to be collected or delivered in a collection / delivery area where a collection / delivery base that serves as the base for collection and delivery of items to be collected or delivered and an existing collection / delivery means that travels around a plurality of collection / delivery destinations to collect and deliver the items is smaller than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection / delivery means; or determining an area where relay is required if the volume of items to be collected or delivered is larger than the maximum load capacity of the existing collection / delivery means, and outputting the step.

12. A method for determining whether or not relaying is required as described in claim 11, comprising the steps of: within the area determined as requiring relaying, the collection and delivery means is incorporated into the collection and delivery route around the collection and delivery destinations, at least one relay point is provided to relay the items transported between the collection and delivery center, the items are transported between the relay point and the collection and delivery center by a relay transportation means, and collection and delivery is performed by the collection and delivery means; calculating a first cost which is the cost when collection and delivery is performed only by large collection and delivery means within the area determined as requiring relaying; and comparing the first cost with the second cost, determining a collection and delivery area with a smaller first cost as a collection and delivery area requiring relaying, and determining a collection and delivery area with a larger first cost as a no-relay area, and outputting the results.

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