JP7649347B2 - Delivery management system and delivery management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a collection and delivery management system and a collection and delivery management method.

In recent years, drones and other flying objects have been put to practical use in logistics, and one example is described in Patent Document 1.

Patent Document 1 discloses a parcel collection and delivery system that includes a receiving point setting unit that sets a point on the route taken by a parcel recipient who is away from a delivery destination, where an aircraft flying in the air can land, as a receiving point, and 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.

JP 2018-097444 A

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

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

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 distance between collection and delivery centers is long, and therefore the distance between the collection and delivery centers and collection and delivery points is also long. Furthermore, roads are often not well maintained, making it necessary to transport goods long distances via narrow roads. Furthermore, the only means of transportation that can pass through narrow roads are small vehicles with low load capacity (weight). In other words, collection and delivery requires repeated round trips between the collection and delivery center and collection and delivery point, which is an obstacle to reducing costs.

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.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a collection and delivery management system and a collection and delivery management method that can reduce the cost of collection and delivery operations.

The present application includes a number of means for solving the above problem, and an example thereof is a collection and delivery control device that controls a relay transport means in a collection and delivery area having at least one relay point where a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items is incorporated into a collection and delivery route that travels around a number of collection and delivery destinations and where the collection and delivery control device controls the relay transport means, and the collection and delivery control device includes a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of the collection and delivery means, a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point, a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit that calculates the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point, a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the relay point by the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point, and a relay transport means control unit that controls the operation of the relay transport means based on the operation planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit.

This invention can reduce the cost of collection and delivery operations.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic collection and delivery process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the total weight handled in a collection and delivery area and the handling means and load capacity. 1 is a diagram illustrating a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a first embodiment together with related configuration. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a process for changing a departure time of a relay transportation means. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. 13 is a diagram illustrating a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a second embodiment together with related configuration. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between a collection and delivery demand and a collection and delivery plan for each section of a collection and delivery area. 13 is a diagram illustrating a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a third embodiment together with related configuration. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process of changing a relay point. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of a process for changing a relay point and a relay transportation means departure time. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing contents of the processing for changing a relay point and a relay transportation means departure time. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. 13 is a diagram illustrating a collection and delivery control device in a collection and delivery management system according to a fifth embodiment together with related configuration. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing contents of a process for changing a relay transportation means departure time and a relay transportation means. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a diaphragm of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection and delivery vehicle over time during delivery, and shows the state during normal demand. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection and delivery vehicle over time during delivery, and shows the state during times of high demand. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection/delivery vehicle over time during collection, and shows the state during normal demand. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the load of a collection/delivery vehicle over time during collection, and shows the state during times of high demand.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 1 shows the basic collection and delivery process for this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the collection and delivery area 30 targeted for collection and delivery using the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment, there are arranged a collection and delivery base 20 (logistics base) that serves as the base for collection and delivery of items, a collection and delivery means 10 that travels to multiple (m locations) collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m (m is a positive integer) to collect and deliver the items, at least one (n locations) relay point 21-1 to 21-n (n is a positive integer) that relays the items transported between the collection and delivery base 20 and the collection and delivery means 10 is incorporated into the collection and delivery route that travels to the multiple collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m, and relay transport means 11-1 to 11-n (n is a positive integer) that transport the items between each of the relay points 21-1 to 21-n and the collection and delivery base 20.

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

In the collection and delivery area 30, the collection and delivery means 10 leaves the collection and delivery base 20, travels around the relay points 21-1 to 21-n and the collection and delivery destinations 22-1 to 22-m in the collection and delivery area 30, and returns to the collection and delivery base 20. During this time, the relay transport means 11-1 to 11-n transport the items between the collection and delivery base 20 and the relay points 21-1 to 21-n, respectively, and transfers the items between the collection and delivery means 10 at the relay points 21-1 to 21-n.

The intervals between relay points are determined so that the predicted handling volume for the section on the route between the collection and delivery destinations of the collection and delivery means between the relay points does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means. The predicted handling volume for the section is calculated from the population density of the collection and delivery area, the area of the collection and delivery area, and the actual handling volume per 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 preferable that the collection and delivery means be light vehicles such as motorcycles and light trucks, and that the relay transport means be flying objects such as drones that enable transport in mountainous areas. It is also preferable to use an autonomous driving means as the relay transport means in order to reduce labor costs.

Figure 2 shows the relationship between the total weight handled in a collection and delivery area and the handling means and load capacity, with the horizontal axis showing the total weight handled X and the vertical axis showing the handling means and their load capacity.

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

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 a drone, when the total handling weight X in the collection and delivery area 30 exceeds the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle), which is 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 transferred between the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle) and the relay transport means 11 (drone). As described above, the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment eliminates the need to make multiple round trips between the collection and delivery base 20 and the collection and delivery area 30 with the collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycle) or to prepare multiple collection and delivery means 10 (motorcycles), thereby improving the efficiency of collection and delivery.

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

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

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. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a light truck with a maximum load capacity of 350 kg as the collection and delivery means 10, or a large drone with a maximum load capacity of 30 kg or more as the relay transport means 11.

Figure 3 shows the collection and delivery control device and related configuration in the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process for changing the departure time of an intermediate transport means.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 initializes the relay transport means departure time, i.e., the time when the relay transport means 11 departs from the collection and delivery center 20 (step S110).

Next, the time determination unit 237 determines whether the arrival time of the relay transport means is before the arrival time of the collection and delivery means (step S120).

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

Also, if the determination result in step S120 is YES, the process ends.

Figure 5 shows an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

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

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

The effects of this embodiment configured as above are explained below.

The costs of universal logistics services are often borne by all users, including those in urban areas as well as those in rural areas, so 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.

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

In other words, by linking the collection and delivery means with the relay transport means, i.e., by adjusting the expected arrival time of the relay transport means to match the expected arrival time of the collection and delivery means at the relay point, the efficiency of collection and delivery operations can be improved.

For example, in collection and delivery areas with a handling volume equivalent to one light vehicle or more, by adding a relay transport means to one light vehicle and collection and delivery worker, it is no longer necessary to repeatedly travel back and forth between the collection and delivery base and collection and delivery point, and collection and delivery operations can be made more efficient. In addition, by determining the installation interval of relay points so that the predicted section handling volume on the route between the collection and delivery destinations of the collection and delivery means between relay points does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means, it is possible to continue collection and delivery by the collection and delivery means while utilizing relay transportation by the relay transport means while ensuring that the weight of the items to be collected and delivered does not exceed the maximum load capacity.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

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

Figure 6 shows the collection and delivery control device and related configuration in the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 7 shows an example of the relationship between the collection and delivery demand (delivery demand) for each section of a collection and delivery area and the collection and delivery plan, with the horizontal axis showing the section and the vertical axis showing the weight of items to be collected and delivered.

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, the delivery of collected items has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to create a collection plan based on collection demand for collected items, and the collection and delivery means 10 and the relay transport means 11 can collect and deliver items simultaneously. It is also possible that collection demand will occur unscheduled, in which case it is desirable to provide the collection and delivery means 10 with a scale for measuring the weight of the collected items.

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.

The present embodiment, configured as described above, can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, the relay point is changed based on a change request. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted as appropriate.

Figure 8 shows the collection and delivery control device in the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment, together with the related configuration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process for changing the relay point.

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

Next, the time determination unit 237B determines whether the arrival time of the relay transport means is before the arrival time of the collection and delivery means (step S220).

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

Also, if the determination result in step S220 is YES, the process ends.

Figure 10 shows an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

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

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

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

The present embodiment, configured as described above, can also achieve the same effects as the first and second embodiments.

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

In this embodiment, relay points and relay transportation means departure times are changed based on change requests. In this embodiment, the same components as in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

Figure 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the process of changing the relay point and the departure time of the relay transport means. In this process, the relay point selection unit 238B first changes the relay point, and if the arrival time of the relay transport means cannot be made earlier than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means by changing the relay point alone, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the departure time of the relay transport means.

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

Next, the time determination unit 237B determines whether the arrival time of the relay transport means is before the arrival time of the collection and delivery means (step S320).

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

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

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

Also, if the determination result in step S320 is YES, the process ends.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the process contents of the process of changing the relay point and the relay transport means departure time. In this process, first, the relay transport means operation planning unit 234 advances the relay transport means departure time, and if this process alone does not allow the relay transport means arrival time to be earlier than the collection and delivery means arrival time, the relay point selection unit 238B changes the relay point.

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

Next, the time determination unit 237B determines whether the arrival time of the relay transport means is before the arrival time of the collection and delivery means (step S420).

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

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

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

Also, if the determination result in step S420 is YES, the process ends.

Figure 13 shows an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

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

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

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

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first to third embodiments.

The present embodiment, configured as described above, can also achieve the same effects as the first to third embodiments.

Fifth embodiment
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

Figure 14 shows the collection and delivery control device in the collection and delivery management system according to this embodiment, together with the related configuration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the time determination unit 237 determines whether the arrival time of the relay transport means is before the arrival time of the collection and delivery means (step S520).

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

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

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

Also, if the determination result in step S520 is YES, the process ends.

Figure 16 shows an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

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

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

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.

The present embodiment, configured as described above, can also achieve the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments.

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

This embodiment shows a case where the collection and delivery means 10 performs collection and delivery while stopping at multiple relay points 21-1, 21-2. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 17 shows an example of a diaphragm (a graph showing the relationship between time and position (distance from the collection and delivery center 20)) of a collection and delivery means and a relay transport means, with the horizontal axis showing time and the vertical axis showing distance from the collection and delivery center.

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

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first to fifth embodiments.

The present embodiment configured as described above can also achieve the same effects as the first to fifth embodiments.

Seventh embodiment
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 18, for example, in the case of normal demand (for example, on a weekday), the relay points 21-1 and 21-3 are skipped, and only the relay points 21-2 and 21-4 are passed through. In this case, when the collection and delivery means 10 leaves the collection and delivery base 20, it is loaded with an amount close to the maximum load, and the load decreases as the delivery is made. In order to ensure the freedom of the order of the collection and delivery points and the relay points, and the degree of freedom of the route (room for optimization), the relay points 21-2 and 21-4 are reached with the remaining load. This is because if the relay points 21-2 and 21-4 are always approached after the load reaches 0 (zero), there is no room for the collection and delivery means 10 to select the order of the collection and delivery points and the relay points. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, for example, in the case of high demand (for example, the day after a holiday), all the relay points 21-1 to 21-4 are passed through. Note that the relay points to be skipped may be changed depending on the demand for each day.

The section handling weight prediction value x in the collection and delivery section belonging to each relay point is calculated by the following (Equation 2).
x=ρ・s・α...(Formula 2)

Here, x is the predicted weight handled in the section [kg], ρ is the population density of the collection and delivery area [people/km ² ], s is the area of the collection and delivery section [km ² ], and α is the handling occurrence rate [kg/person/day].

The predicted total handling weight X [kg] and the collection and delivery area S [km ² ] shown in FIG. 2 are related to the predicted section handling weight x [kg] and the collection and delivery section area s [km ² ] as X=Σx and S=Σs, respectively.

Here, in order for a collection and delivery management method that uses a collection and delivery means 10 in combination with a relay transportation means 11 to be effective, it is necessary that the load capacity of the collection and delivery means 10 at each relay point (predicted section handling weight value x) does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means 10, that is, it is necessary to satisfy the condition expressed by the following (Equation 3).
x=ρ・s・α<xmax...(Formula 3)

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

Here, β is the margin coefficient (β = 0.5 to 0.8).

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

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

The rest of the configuration is the same as in the first to sixth embodiments.

The present embodiment configured as described above can also achieve the same effects as the first to sixth embodiments.

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

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

Claims (13)

A collection and delivery control device that controls relay transportation means in a collection and delivery area having a relay point,
a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items;
a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point;
a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit for calculating a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point;
a time determination unit that compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and outputs a change request to change the relay point if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means;
a relay point selection unit that changes the relay point based on the change request output by the time determination unit;
a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the changed relay point by the arrival time of the collection and delivery means;
a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on an operation plan planned by a relay transport means operation planning unit. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1,
A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay point is a point where collection and delivery items are transferred between a relay transport means that transports collection and delivery items between a collection and delivery base and the relay point and the collection and delivery means. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1,
a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point;
a relay point selection unit that selects the relay point on the ground route,
the collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit calculates the time at which the collection and delivery means will arrive at the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit;
the relay transport means arrival time calculation unit calculates the time at which the relay transport means arrives at the relay point selected by the relay point selection unit;
A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay point selection unit selects a relay point to which the relay transportation means will deliver the delivery item using the time calculated by the collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit and the time calculated by the relay transportation means arrival time calculation unit. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1,
a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit for calculating a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point;
a time determination unit that compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and when the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means, outputs a change request to the relay transport means operation planning unit to advance the departure time of the relay transport means;
A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay transport means operation planning unit plans an operation to advance the time at which the relay transport means departs from the collection and delivery center based on the change request output by the time determination unit. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1,
A collection and delivery control device, characterized in that the installation intervals of the relay points are determined so that a predicted value of the handling volume does not exceed a maximum loading capacity of the collection and delivery means. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 5,
A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the predicted handling volume value is calculated from the population density of the collection and delivery area, the area of the collection and delivery area, and the actual handling volume per capita. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1,
A collection and delivery control device characterized in that the relay transport means is controlled by automatic driving. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 1,
The collection and delivery control device is characterized in that the relay transport means is an aircraft. The collection and delivery control device according to claim 7,
A collection and delivery control device, wherein the collection and delivery means is either a motorcycle or a truck. A collection and delivery control device that controls a relay transport means that transports items between a collection and delivery base and a plurality of relay points in a collection and delivery area,
The plurality of relay points are points where the collection and delivery items are transferred between the collection and delivery means that travels to the plurality of collection and delivery destinations via the plurality of relay points and the relay transport means,
The installation intervals of the plurality of relay points are determined so that a predicted value of a handling volume does not exceed a maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means,
a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of the collection and delivery means ;
a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point;
a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the relay point by the collection and delivery means arrival time;
a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on the operation plan planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit. A collection and delivery control device that controls relay transport means in a collection and delivery area having relay points;
A collection and delivery management system including the relay transportation means,
The collection and delivery control device includes:
a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items;
a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point;
a relay transport means arrival time calculation unit for calculating a relay transport means arrival time, which is the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point;
a time determination unit that compares the arrival time of the collection and delivery means with the arrival time of the relay transport means, and outputs a change request to change the relay point if the arrival time of the relay transport means is later than the arrival time of the collection and delivery means;
a relay point selection unit that changes the relay point based on the change request output by the time determination unit;
a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the changed relay point by the arrival time of the collection and delivery means;
a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on the operation plan planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit;
A collection and delivery management system, characterized in that the relay transport means controls operation based on the control information generated by the relay transport means control unit. A collection and delivery area has at least one relay point where a collection and delivery means for collecting and delivering items is incorporated in a collection and delivery route that goes around a plurality of collection and delivery destinations, and where the collection and delivery area has at least one relay point where the collection and delivery items transported by a relay transport means are relayed between the collection and delivery base that is the base for collection and delivery of the collection and delivery items,
A step of searching for a ground route of the collection and delivery means;
calculating a time when the collection and delivery means will arrive at the relay point;
calculating a time when the relay transportation means will arrive at the relay point;
a step of comparing a time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point with a time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point, and outputting a change request to change the relay point if the time when the relay transport means arrives at the relay point is later than the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point;
changing the relay point based on the output change request;
A procedure for planning the operation of the relay transportation means so that the relay transportation means arrives at the changed relay point by the time the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point;
and a procedure for controlling the operation of the relay transport means based on the planned operation. A collection and delivery control device that controls relay transportation means in a collection and delivery area having a relay point,
The intervals at which the relay points are installed are determined so that the predicted handling volume does not exceed the maximum load capacity of the collection and delivery means,
a ground route search unit that searches for a ground route of a collection and delivery means that collects and delivers items;
a collection and delivery means arrival time calculation unit that calculates a collection and delivery means arrival time, which is the time when the collection and delivery means arrives at the relay point;
a relay transport means operation planning unit that plans the operation of the relay transport means so that the relay transport means arrives at the relay point by the collection and delivery means arrival time;
a relay transport means control unit that generates control information for the relay transport means based on the operation plan planned by the relay transport means operation planning unit;
A collection and delivery control device , characterized in that the predicted handling volume value is calculated using the population density of the collection and delivery area, the area of the collection and delivery area, and the handling volume record per capita .

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