Control device and method of conveying system

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device and a control method for a conveying system. The conveying system control device includes a candidate finder (8), a cost estimator (9), a route determiner (14), and a conveyor controller (5). The cost estimator (9) comprises a static cost calculator (10), a state cost calculator (11), a dynamic cost calculator (12), and a total cost estimator (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device and control method for a conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the automation of logistics systems has steadily progressed, and technologies related to automated warehouse management and handling of transported items such as baggage and parcels at airports have also been developed. Technologies related to automated systems in logistics include, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,322,883 B2. This U.S. patent proposes a technique for selecting the shortest length or shortest time route for a conveyor belt.

[0003] Related technical documents Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 10,322,883 B2 However, automatically selecting the optimal conveying route in an automated conveying system remains challenging.

[0004] For example, in an airport's baggage handling system (BHS), checked baggage is eventually loaded onto the destination aircraft via multiple routes.

[0005] As airport services diversify, the automation of baggage handling systems is progressing; however, the route control of checked baggage within these systems is becoming increasingly complex.

[0006] In addition, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for improving the processing speed and accuracy of baggage handling systems.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control device and control method for a conveying system to improve the operating efficiency of the conveying system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A control device for a conveying system having multiple channels through which conveying elements travel, the control device comprising: A candidate finder is used to set multiple expected routes, each expected route including multiple channel segments through which the transport element can travel to its destination; A cost estimator is used to calculate the possible cost of each segment of the intended route; A route determiner for setting a final route by specifying one of the expected routes based on the possible costs calculated by the cost estimator, the final route having a combination of the channel segments; and A conveyor controller is used to control the conveyor system to dispatch the conveyor elements to the destination along a channel corresponding to the final route set by the route determiner, wherein... The cost estimator includes, A static cost calculator is used to calculate static costs, which are the effort values ​​related to the static time required for the conveying element to travel through the corresponding channel segment to the destination. A state cost calculator is used to calculate the state cost, which is the effort value associated with the channel state of the corresponding channel segment. A dynamic cost calculator is used to calculate dynamic costs, which are based on the effort value of dynamic factors, and A total cost estimator is used to set the possible cost by adding the static cost, the state cost, and the dynamic cost calculated by the static cost calculator, the state cost calculator, and the dynamic cost calculator, respectively.

[0009] The expected route includes, A basic route, having a basic combination of the aforementioned channel segments, through which the conveying element can travel to the destination, and The route list defines multiple alternative routes, each with alternative combinations of channel segments different from the basic combination, through which the transport element can travel to the destination. The cost estimator calculates the possible cost of the channel segment for each of the base route and the alternative routes, and The route determiner sets the final route by specifying one of the base route and the alternative routes based on the possible costs calculated by the cost estimator.

[0010] The route determiner sets the final route by specifying one of the expected routes with the lowest possible cost.

[0011] If the existing number of conveying elements in a congested area has reached the congestion capacity of the congested area, the congestion preventer restricts the additional entry of the conveying elements into the congested area, which is a region defined in the conveying system.

[0012] The bifurcation blockage preventer prevents blockage at the bifurcation points where the multiple channels branch off.

[0013] If the fork blockage preventer predicts that the conveying element will stop entering a blocked branch channel at the fork point, the fork blockage preventer controls the conveyor system to redirect the conveying element to an available channel of the branch channel, regardless of the final route set by the route determiner.

[0014] The conveyor system is a pallet conveyor system that includes a pallet conveyor network in which pallets travel to carry transported objects.

[0015] The static cost calculator calculates the static cost based on the length of the corresponding channel segment and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment.

[0016] The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element.

[0017] The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The state of the pallet; The type of pallet; The state of the transport object placed on the pallet; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

[0018] The empty pallet management module manages each empty pallet in the pallet conveyor network.

[0019] The empty pallet control module includes an empty pallet scheduler.

[0020] The empty pallet scheduler performs empty pallet allocation control, which is used to schedule each empty pallet to the pallet demand area or the pallet supply area.

[0021] The empty pallet scheduler performs the empty pallet allocation control for the pallet demand area based on the empty pallet priority calculated according to at least one of the following: Acceptable capacity related to the number of available slots in the pallet demand area that can accommodate the empty pallet; The number of transport objects waiting to be placed on the corresponding empty pallets in the pallet demand area; The number of empty pallets in stock that are queued to receive the transported objects in the pallet demand area; and The number of empty pallets en route to the pallet demand area.

[0022] The loading controller controls the loading unit and buffer channel.

[0023] The pallet conveyor system also includes The loading unit is used to place each of a plurality of transport objects onto each of a plurality of empty pallets, and The buffer channel is used to keep the empty pallet in a standby state and to receive the transport object fed from the loading unit.

[0024] The loading controller controls the loading unit and the buffer channel by performing empty pallet synchronization control, so that each empty pallet at the loading point adjacent to the loading unit in the buffer channel is synchronized with each transport object fed from the loading unit.

[0025] The tray release device prevents blockage of the buffer channel at the entrance of the buffer channel, including the plurality of channels of the buffer channel branching from the entrance of the buffer channel.

[0026] If the pallet releaser predicts that another empty pallet approaching the buffer channel will stop entering the buffer channel at the buffer channel entrance, the pallet releaser will force the release of at least one empty pallet held in the buffer channel downstream and allow the approaching empty pallet to enter the buffer channel.

[0027] The history recorder is used to record the pallet history for each pallet.

[0028] The expiration pallet scheduler dispatches the expiration pallets to the maintenance channel, where maintenance work is performed on the expiration pallets.

[0029] The expired pallet is an empty pallet whose historical maintenance requirements have been met.

[0030] The conveyor system is a belt conveyor system that includes a belt conveyor network, which has multiple belt conveyor channels on which transported objects are carried.

[0031] The static cost calculator calculates the static cost based on the length of the corresponding channel segment of the belt conveyor network and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment.

[0032] The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element.

[0033] The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The transport object's transport object state; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

[0034] The dynamic factors are based on time status.

[0035] The time state is related to at least one of the following: A day's time frame; The days of the week; and Types of tourist seasons.

[0036] The conveying system is installed in the transportation facility.

[0037] The dynamic factors are based on transportation status.

[0038] The transport status is related to at least one of the following: Departure times for public transportation; and The number of public transport services operating within the specified time window.

[0039] The component history analyzer is used to analyze the component history of the transported component; and The analyst explains the results of the component history analysis performed by the component history analyzer to the questioner.

[0040] A control method for a conveying system having multiple channels, wherein conveying elements travel through the channels, the control method comprising the steps of: Multiple expected routes are set, each expected route includes multiple channel segments, through which the conveying element can travel to its destination; Calculate the possible cost for each segment of the expected route; A final route is set by specifying one of the expected routes based on the possible costs calculated by a cost estimator, the final route having a combination of the channel segments; and The control conveyor system schedules the conveyor elements to the destination along the channel corresponding to the final route set by the route determiner, wherein... The calculation of the possible costs includes the following steps: Calculate the static cost, which is the effort value related to the static time required for the conveying element to travel through the corresponding channel segment to the destination. Calculate the state cost, which is the effort value associated with the channel state of the corresponding channel segment. Calculate dynamic costs, which are based on the effort values ​​of dynamic factors, and The possible cost is set by adding the static cost, the state cost, and the dynamic cost calculated by the static cost calculation step, the state cost calculation step, and the dynamic cost calculation step, respectively.

[0041] The expected route includes, A basic route, having a basic combination of the aforementioned channel segments, through which the conveying element can travel to the destination, and Multiple alternative routes are defined in the route list, each alternative route having alternative combinations of the channel segments that are different from the basic combination, and the transport element can travel to the destination through the alternative combinations of the channel segments.

[0042] The step of calculating the possible cost is to calculate the possible cost of the channel segment for each of the basic route and the alternative routes.

[0043] The final route setting step sets the final route by specifying one of the basic route and the alternative routes based on the possible cost calculated by the possible cost calculation step.

[0044] The final route setting step involves specifying one of the expected routes that has the lowest possible cost.

[0045] If the existing number of conveying elements in a congested area has reached the congestion capacity of the congested area, a congestion prevention step restricts the additional entry of the conveying elements into the congested area, which is a region defined in the conveying system.

[0046] The bifurcation blockage prevention steps prevent bifurcation blockage at the bifurcation points where the multiple channels branch off.

[0047] If the conveying element is predicted to stop entering a blocked branch channel at the fork point, the fork blockage prevention step controls the conveyor system to redirect the conveying element to an available channel of the branch channel, regardless of the final route set by the route determiner.

[0048] The conveyor system is a pallet conveyor system that includes a pallet conveyor network in which pallets travel to carry transported objects.

[0049] The static cost calculation step is based on the length of the corresponding channel segment and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment.

[0050] The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element.

[0051] The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The state of the pallet; The type of pallet; The state of the transport object placed on the pallet; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

[0052] The empty pallet management process manages each empty pallet in the pallet conveyor network.

[0053] The empty pallet management process includes steps for implementing empty pallet dispatch control to schedule each empty pallet to either the pallet demand area or the pallet supply area.

[0054] The empty pallet scheduling step performs the empty pallet allocation control for the pallet demand area based on the empty pallet priority calculated according to at least one of the following: Acceptable capacity related to the number of available slots in the pallet demand area that can accommodate the empty pallet; The number of transport objects waiting to be placed on the corresponding empty pallets in the pallet demand area; The number of empty pallets in stock that are queued to receive the transported objects in the pallet demand area; and The number of empty pallets en route to the pallet demand area.

[0055] Loading control steps: Loading control of loading unit and buffer channel.

[0056] The pallet conveyor system also includes The loading unit is used to place each of a plurality of transport objects onto each of a plurality of empty pallets, and The buffer channel is used to keep the empty pallet in a standby state and to receive the transport object fed from the loading unit.

[0057] The loading control step controls the loading unit and the buffer channel by performing empty pallet synchronization control, so that each empty pallet at the loading point adjacent to the loading unit in the buffer channel is synchronized with each transport object fed from the loading unit.

[0058] The buffer channel blockage prevention step prevents buffer channel blockage at the buffer channel entrance by means of the plurality of channels of the buffer channel branching off from the buffer channel entrance, and by forcibly releasing at least one empty tray held in the buffer channel downstream if another empty tray approaching the buffer channel is predicted to stop entering the buffer channel at the buffer channel entrance, and allowing the approaching empty tray to enter the buffer channel.

[0059] The pallet history step records the pallet history for each pallet.

[0060] The expired pallet scheduling step schedules the expired pallets to the maintenance channel, where maintenance work is performed on the expired pallets.

[0061] The expired pallet is an empty pallet whose historical maintenance requirements have been met.

[0062] The conveyor system is a belt conveyor system that includes a belt conveyor network, which has multiple belt conveyor channels on which transported objects are carried.

[0063] The static cost calculation step is based on the length of the corresponding channel segment of the belt conveyor network and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment to calculate the static cost.

[0064] The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element.

[0065] The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The transport object's transport object state; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

[0066] The dynamic factors are based on time status.

[0067] The time state is related to at least one of the following: A day's time frame; The days of the week; and Types of tourist seasons.

[0068] The conveying system is installed in the transportation facility.

[0069] The dynamic factors are based on transportation status.

[0070] The transport status is related to at least one of the following: Departure times for public transportation; and The number of public transport services operating within the specified time window.

[0071] The component history analysis step analyzes the component history of the conveying component.

[0072] The analysis and explanation step explains to the questioner the results of the component history analysis performed by the component history analysis step. Attached Figure Description

[0073] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a conveying system control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a luggage tray system managed by a conveyor system control unit.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a pallet conveyor network for a luggage pallet system managed by a conveyor system control device.

[0076] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the pallet conveyor network shown.

[0077] Figure 5(A) illustrates only based on Figure 4This diagram illustrates the static cost of route search results in the pallet conveyor network.

[0078] Figure 5(B) is a schematic diagram showing the route search results based on the static cost and state cost in the pallet conveyor network shown in Figure 5(A).

[0079] Figure 5(C) is a schematic diagram showing a channel segment of the pallet conveyor network shown in Figure 5(B) with dynamic cost applied.

[0080] Figure 6(A) is a schematic diagram showing the final route set for a standard pallet in a loaded state in the pallet conveyor network shown in Figure 5(C).

[0081] Figure 6(B) is a schematic diagram showing the final route for long pallets in the pallet conveyor network shown in Figure 5(C) when they are in a loaded and empty state.

[0082] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the pallet conveyor network shown.

[0083] Figure 8(A) shows Figure 7 The diagram shows a situation where two pallets exist in a congested area of ​​a pallet conveyor network.

[0084] Figure 8(B) shows Figure 7 The diagram shows a situation where there are three pallets in a congested area of ​​a pallet conveyor network.

[0085] Figure 9(A) shows Figure 7 The diagram shows a congested area with four pallets in the pallet conveyor network.

[0086] Figure 9(B) shows Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a situation where new pallets are temporarily prohibited from entering a congested area in a pallet conveyor network.

[0087] Figure 10(A) shows Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a scenario where new pallets are allowed to enter a congested area within a pallet conveyor network.

[0088] Figure 10(B) shows the new tray that has been placed in the container. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the congestion situation in a pallet conveyor network.

[0089] Figure 11(A) shows Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the pallet conveyor network shown.

[0090] Figure 11(B) is a schematic diagram illustrating a situation where a branch point blockage occurs in the pallet transport network shown in Figure 11(A).

[0091] Figure 12(A) is a schematic diagram showing the situation where a pallet is routed to an available passage in the pallet conveyor network shown in Figure 11(A).

[0092] Figure 12(B) is a schematic diagram showing the unobstructed movement of subsequent pallets in the pallet conveyor network shown in Figure 12(A).

[0093] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the pallet conveyor network shown.

[0094] Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 13 This diagram illustrates a situation where a buffer channel becomes blocked in a pallet conveyor network.

[0095] Figure 15 It is shown in Figure 14 This diagram illustrates a situation where waiting pallets are forcibly released in a pallet transport network.

[0096] Figure 16 This indicates that a new tray has been placed. Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the buffer channels in the pallet conveyor network.

[0097] Figure 17 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the operation of the conveying system control device and the conveying system control method according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the conveying system control device and conveying according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a sub-flowchart regarding empty pallet management.

[0099] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the conveying system control device and the conveying according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a sub-flowchart regarding override control. Detailed Implementation

[0100] Now refer to Figures 1 to 19 Description of embodiments of the present invention like Figure 1 As shown, the conveyor system control device in this embodiment is configured as a flow control server 1 installed in the baggage tray system (BTS) 2 at the airport.

[0101] The luggage pallet system 2 mainly consists of a BTS controller 3 and a BTS network (pallet conveyor network) 4.

[0102] BTS Controller 3 is a control device that includes multiple programmable logic controller (PLC) units.

[0103] BTS controller 3 is connected to the electrical equipment of BTS network 4, thereby enabling individual or collective control of these electrical devices.

[0104] Furthermore, the BTS controller 3 is also connected to the flow control server 1 so that they can communicate with each other. Therefore, the flow control server 1 can always monitor the operational status of the BTS network 4 and control the BTS network 4 via the BTS controller 3.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, unlike typical belt conveyor systems, the luggage pallet system 2 transports items (e.g., soft bags (not shown), suitcases 6002-6004, parcels (not shown), etc.). Each item is individually mounted on a pallet 6005-6007 traveling along the aisle 6001 and is transported.

[0106] Each of trays 6005-6007 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) located in channel 6001, so that each of trays 6005-6007 can travel independently within BTS network 4.

[0107] Pallet types include standard size and long size. Standard size pallets are called standard pallets, while long size pallets are called long pallets.

[0108] In the luggage tray system 2 of this embodiment, a standard tray is used in principle, but a long tray may also be used depending on the situation.

[0109] Each pallet is assigned a unique identifier ID (pallet ID).

[0110] Each tray is attached with an RFID tag (not shown). In addition, each channel of BTS Network 4 is equipped with multiple RFID sensors (not shown).

[0111] In addition, BTS Network 4 is equipped with multiple photoelectric sensors (not shown).

[0112] The flow control server 1 continuously monitors the pallet status based on the detection results of various sensors, including these RFID sensors and photoelectric sensors, including but not limited to the position, travel speed, and loading / empty status of each pallet in the BTS network 4.

[0113] In this embodiment, a pallet loaded with transported objects is called a 'loaded pallet', while a pallet without any loads is called an 'empty pallet'.

[0114] In this embodiment, the name '(multiple) conveying elements' can be used as a generic name for (multiple) transport objects and pallets.

[0115] like Figure 3As shown, BTS network 4 has multiple channels.

[0116] Each channel is assigned a unique identifier. However, in this embodiment, for clarity, only the channels shown below are labeled.

[0117] Channel A Group 24: Channels 101-110 Channel B Group 25: Channels 201-206 Channel C Group 26: Channels 301-303 D Channel Group 27: Channels 401-404 like Figure 1 As shown, the flow control server 1 is equipped with the following application software.

[0118] Conveyor Controller 5 Status Monitor 6 Loading Pallet Dispatcher 7 Candidate Finder 8 Cost Estimator 9 Route Determiner 14 Blockage preventer 15 Branching and Blockage Prevention Device 16 Empty Pallet Dispatcher 17 Load controller 18 Tray releaser 19 History recorder 20 Expired pallet scheduler 21 Component History Analyzer 22 Analysis of Concierge 23 The flow control server 1 includes hardware devices such as a central processing unit (CPU), storage devices, communication devices, and power supply devices (not shown).

[0119] The conveyor controller 5 is a program module that controls the baggage tray system 2 via the BTS controller 3 to dispatch the trays to their destination along the channel corresponding to the conclusive route set by the route determiner 14.

[0120] The control performed by the conveyor controller 5 is called 'conveyor control'.

[0121] The conveyor controller 5 may, by exception, schedule pallets according to an alternative route that takes precedence over the final route, as described further below.

[0122] The destination of each pallet is set by the loaded pallet scheduler 7 or the empty pallet scheduler 17. These features will also be described further below.

[0123] Status monitor 6 is a program module that monitors the operational status of baggage tray system 2 via BTS controller 3.

[0124] In other words, the status monitor 6 obtains various information from the luggage tray system 2, such as the status of each channel (channel status), the position of each tray (tray position), the actual travel speed of each tray (tray speed), the loading / empty status of each tray, and the type of each tray (standard / long).

[0125] Loading pallet scheduler 7 is a program module used to set the destination of each loading pallet in BTS network 4.

[0126] For example, if a passenger's suitcase is loaded onto a pallet, in order to transport the suitcase to the destination in BTS Network 4 corresponding to the aircraft the passenger is boarding, the loading pallet dispatcher 7 sets the channel segment corresponding to the location to which the suitcase is transported to the aircraft as the destination for the loading pallet.

[0127] Candidate Finder 8 is a program module used to search for and set multiple expected routes, each of which includes multiple channel segments through which the tray will reach its destination.

[0128] The control performed by the candidate finder 8 is called 'expected route setting control'.

[0129] The expected route includes a basic route and multiple alternative routes. In other words, the candidate finder 8 can calculate the possible cost for each segment of the basic route and the alternative routes.

[0130] The basic route consists of basic combinations of passageway segments, and the tray will travel along these basic combinations of passageway segments to its destination.

[0131] Each alternative route defined in the route list is a route configured based on the alternative combinations of channel segments. The tray will travel to its destination through the alternative combinations of channel segments.

[0132] Each alternative route and each combination of alternative routes is different from the basic combination.

[0133] Cost Estimator 9 is a program module that calculates the expected cost of each channel segment included in each expected route.

[0134] More specifically, cost estimator 9 calculates the expected cost for each channel segment included in the basic combination.

[0135] Cost estimator 9 also calculates the expected cost for each channel segment included in each alternative combination.

[0136] That is, the cost estimator 9 calculates the expected cost of each channel segment included in the basic route and each alternative route separately.

[0137] The cost estimator 9 has sub-modules such as a static cost calculator 10, a state cost calculator 11, a dynamic cost calculator 12, and a total cost calculator 13.

[0138] The Static Cost Calculator 10 is a program module that calculates static costs, which are the effort values ​​associated with the time (static required time) required for a pallet to travel through the corresponding channel segment to its destination.

[0139] State Cost Calculator 11 is a program module that calculates state cost, which is the effort value associated with the channel state of the corresponding channel segment.

[0140] The Dynamic Cost Calculator 12 is a program module that calculates dynamic costs, which are the effort values ​​associated with dynamic factors.

[0141] The static cost calculator 10, the state cost calculator 11, and the dynamic cost calculator 12 will be described in more detail later.

[0142] The total cost calculator 13 is a program module that adds up the static, state, and dynamic costs calculated by the static cost calculator 10, the state cost calculator 11, and the dynamic cost calculator 12, respectively, to set the possible cost for each channel segment.

[0143] Route determiner 14 is a program module that specifies one of the expected routes based on the possible costs calculated by cost estimator 9, and sets the final route consisting of a combination of channel segments.

[0144] The control performed by the route determiner 14 is called 'route determination control'.

[0145] In this embodiment, the route determiner 14 sets the final route by specifying one of a plurality of expected routes with the lowest possible cost.

[0146] The static cost calculator 10 is a program module that calculates the static cost of each channel segment based on the length of each channel segment and the forward speed of each channel segment.

[0147] will form Figure 4 The static cost calculator 10 is described using the ten channels 101-110 of channel group 24 shown in the figure as an example.

[0148] In this example, the tray travels from channel 101 to channel 105.

[0149] Therefore, in this example, candidate finder 8 sets all the expected routes that the tray will take from channel 101 to channel 105.

[0150] Therefore, in this example, candidate finder 8 sets up five predicted routes, as shown in the list below.

[0151] First expected route: Channel 101 → Channel 106 → Channel 107 → Channel 108 → Channel 105 Second expected route: Channel 101 → Channel 106 → Channel 109 → Channel 103 → Channel 110 → Channel 108 → Channel 105 Third expected route: Channel 101 → Channel 106 → Channel 109 → Channel 103 → Channel 104 → Channel 105 Fourth expected route: Channel 101 → Channel 102 → Channel 103 → Channel 110 → Channel 108 → Channel 105 Fifth expected route: Channel 101 → Channel 102 → Channel 103 → Channel 104 → Channel 105 The static cost calculator 10 calculates the time (static required time) required for the tray to complete traversing each expected route based on the length of each channel segment (channel segment length) and the forward speed of each channel for each expected route set with the candidate finder 8.

[0152] At this point, the static cost calculator 10 sets the effort value corresponding to the static required time as the static cost for each expected route.

[0153] The control performed by the static cost calculator 10 is called 'static cost calculation control'.

[0154] In addition, Candidate Finder 8 identifies the route with the lowest static cost among the expected routes as the base route.

[0155] In addition, Candidate Finder 8 identifies each expected route, in addition to the basic route, as an alternative route.

[0156] In this example, the route with the lowest static cost among the expected routes is Figure 5A The route indicated by the medium-thick arrow is the fifth expected route.

[0157] However, in reality, the state of each channel (channel state) is constantly changing. For example, suppose channel 104 fails, such as... Figure 5B The cross mark 'X' indicates this.

[0158] In this case, the state cost calculator 11 sets the effort value as the state cost of the channel segment associated with the channel 104 based on the degree of the fault state of the channel 104 (e.g., congestion, emergency stop, offline, etc.).

[0159] The control executed by the state cost calculator 11 is called 'state cost calculation control'.

[0160] In this example, the route with the minimum sum of static cost and state cost among the expected routes is: Figure 5B The route indicated by the medium-thick arrow is the fourth predicted route.

[0161] Channel status is not the only possible change.

[0162] In this embodiment, the dynamic cost calculator 12 considers 'component status' as a dynamic factor relative to the luggage tray system 2.

[0163] The control executed by the dynamic cost calculator 12 is called 'dynamic cost calculation control'.

[0164] Component status includes tray status and tray type.

[0165] Pallet status is a factor that indicates the current state of each pallet. In this embodiment, the factors related to the loaded / empty status of each pallet (i.e., whether the pallet is loaded or empty) correspond to the pallet status.

[0166] Pallet type is a factor that indicates the type of each pallet. In this embodiment, the category factor for each pallet (i.e., standard pallet or long pallet) corresponds to the pallet type.

[0167] Here, as shown in Figure 5(C), it is assumed that only empty pallets can pass through channel 103 and only standard pallets can pass through channel 107.

[0168] In this case, if the pallet is a loading pallet, the dynamic cost calculator 12 sets the dynamic cost of channel 103 to the maximum value of the calculation range.

[0169] On the other hand, if the tray is empty, the dynamic cost calculator 12 sets the dynamic cost of channel 103 to the minimum value of the calculation range, i.e., zero.

[0170] In addition, when the pallet is a long pallet, the dynamic cost calculator 12 sets the dynamic cost of channel 107 to the maximum value of the calculation range.

[0171] On the other hand, if the pallet is a standard pallet, the dynamic cost calculator 12 sets the dynamic cost of channel 107 to the minimum value (i.e., zero) of the calculation range.

[0172] Therefore, in this example, if the pallet is a standard pallet in a loaded state, the route with the minimum sum of static cost, state cost and dynamic cost in the expected route is the route indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 6(A), i.e., the first expected route.

[0173] Furthermore, in this example, if the pallet is an empty long pallet, the route with the minimum sum of static cost, state cost, and dynamic cost among the expected routes is the route shown by the thick arrow in Figure 6(B), namely the fourth expected route.

[0174] Note that, in the case shown in Figure 5(C), the loaded long pallet cannot reach channel 105 from channel 101.

[0175] Therefore, in this case, when the pallet to be controlled is a loaded long pallet, the dynamic cost calculator 12 sets the dynamic cost of channel 101 to the maximum value of the calculation range. This prevents loaded long pallets from entering channel group 24.

[0176] The congestion preventer 15 of the flow control server 1 is a program module that performs anti-congestion control to limit new pallets from entering the congestion area when the existing number of pallets in the congestion area reaches the congestion capacity of the congestion area.

[0177] will be Figure 7 The anti-clogging control is described using the six channels 201-206 that form channel group 25 shown as an example.

[0178] Note that in channel group 25, channels 201-203 form a ring channel segment 6008.

[0179] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the annular channel segment 6008 is set as a congestion area.

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of congestion capacities is set to 'four'.

[0181] In other words, if there are four or more trays in the ring road segment 6008, the congestion preventer 15 determines that the congestion capacity has been reached.

[0182] For example, as shown in Figure 8(A), there are two trays (i.e., tray 2001 and tray 2002) in the annular channel segment 6008.

[0183] In this situation, the existing number of trays has not yet reached the congestion capacity, so the congestion preventer 15 does not perform anti-congestion control.

[0184] Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(B), the new tray 2003 can enter the channel 201 from the channel 206.

[0185] Furthermore, in the case shown in Figure 8(B), there are three trays (i.e., tray 2001, tray 2002 and tray 2003) in the annular channel segment 6008.

[0186] Even under these circumstances, the existing number of trays does not reach the congestion capacity, so the congestion preventer 15 does not perform anti-congestion control.

[0187] Therefore, as shown in Figure 9(A), the new tray 2004 can enter the channel 202 from the channel 204.

[0188] In the case shown in Figure 9(A), there are four trays (i.e., tray 2001, tray 2002, tray 2003 and tray 2004) in the annular channel segment 6008.

[0189] At this point, the congestion preventer 15 determines that the existing number of trays in the annular channel segment 6008 has reached the congestion capacity and performs anti-congestion control.

[0190] Then, as shown in Figure 9(B), while performing anti-blocking control, the blockage preventer 15 does not allow the new tray 2005 traveling from channel 206 toward the annular channel segment 6008 to enter channel 201.

[0191] Then, as shown in Figure 10(A), consider the case where tray 2001 leaves channel 202 and enters channel 205.

[0192] At this time, there are three trays in the circular passage section 6008 (i.e., tray 2002, tray 2003 and tray 2004).

[0193] That is, since the existing number of pallets has been reduced below the congestion capacity, the congestion preventer 15 stops performing anti-congestion control.

[0194] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10(B), the tray 2005 waiting in channel 206 can enter channel 201.

[0195] The fork congestion preventer 16 of the flow control server 1 is a program module used to prevent congestion at the fork points of multiple channel forks.

[0196] Note that the control performed by the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 is called 'bifurcation blockage prevention control'.

[0197] Furthermore, each channel extending from the bifurcation point is called a branch channel.

[0198] Here, the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 will be described with reference to Figures 11(A) and (B) and Figures 12(A) and (B), taking the three channels 301-306 forming the C-channel group 26 as an example.

[0199] As shown in Figures 11(A) and (B), channels 302 and 303 branch off from bifurcation point 28.

[0200] In other words, in this example, each of channels 302 and 303 is a branch channel.

[0201] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11(B), the tray 3004 that blocks the bifurcation point 28 is a bifurcation point blockage.

[0202] Furthermore, in this example, as shown in Figure 11(A), channel 302 is congested, and no new trays can enter (i.e., it is in a blocked state). Channel 302 in a blocked state is referred to as a blocked channel.

[0203] Furthermore, in this example, channel 303 is not congested, so new trays can enter without any problems (i.e., are available).

[0204] Channel 303, which is in an available state, is called an available channel.

[0205] In this example, it is assumed that tray 3004 must enter blocking channel 302 while adhering to the original route (final route) of tray 3004.

[0206] In this example, the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 predicts that the tray 3004, which is about to enter the blockage channel 302, will stop at the bifurcation point 28 (see Figure 11(B)).

[0207] At this time, as shown in Figure 12(A), the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 sets a route (detour route) to redirect the tray 3004 to the available channel 303 instead of the original channel 302.

[0208] In other words, when the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 predicts the situation shown in Figure 11(B), the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 locally sets a detour route that has a higher priority than the final route set by the route determiner 14.

[0209] Empty Pallet Scheduler 17 is a program module that manages each empty pallet within the BTS network 4.

[0210] That is, the empty pallet scheduler 17 sets the destination for each empty pallet in the BTS network 4 and schedules the empty pallets to the corresponding destination.

[0211] In addition, the empty pallet dispatcher 17 performs 'empty pallet dispatch control'.

[0212] Empty pallet dispatch control is used to set the pallet demand area or pallet supply area as the destination of empty pallets.

[0213] The pallet demand area is the area within BTS network 4 where empty pallets need to be loaded. In this embodiment, buffer channel 402 and in-line buffer (not shown) correspond to the pallet demand area.

[0214] The pallet supply area is the area within BTS network 4 where empty pallets are stored. In this embodiment, a pallet stacker (not shown), a storage line (not shown), and an in-line buffer (not shown) correspond to the pallet supply area.

[0215] In addition, the empty pallet scheduler 17 performs empty pallet dispatch control according to the empty pallet priority.

[0216] Empty pallet priority is calculated based on at least one of the following four factors.

[0217] - Acceptable capacity of empty pallets - Number of waiting items for transport - Inventory quantity of empty pallets -Number of empty pallets in transit Of these factors, acceptable capacity is the capacity related to the number of slots (available slots) that can accommodate empty pallets in the pallet demand area.

[0218] The waiting number is the number of transported objects that are queued in the pallet demand area to be loaded onto the corresponding empty pallets.

[0219] Inventory quantity is the number of empty pallets queued in the pallet demand area to receive transported objects.

[0220] The number of empty pallets in transit is the number of empty pallets that are moving toward areas of pallet demand.

[0221] like Figure 13 As shown, the luggage tray system 2 in this embodiment has a top loader (loading unit) 601 and a buffer channel 402.

[0222] The top loader 601 is a belt conveyor. Figure 13 In the example shown, the top loader 601 loads multiple suitcases 5001-5005 onto their corresponding empty pallets 4001-4005.

[0223] The buffer channel 402 is a channel for accommodating multiple empty pallets 4001-4006 for receiving multiple suitcases 5001-5005 (transport objects) supplied from the top loader 601.

[0224] The loading controller 18 of the flow control server 1 is a program module that controls both the top loader 601 and the buffer channel 402.

[0225] Load controller 18 performs 'empty pallet synchronization control'.

[0226] Reference Figure 13 Describe the synchronization control of the empty tray.

[0227] The empty pallet synchronization control controls both the buffer channel 402 and the top loader 601, so that the empty pallets 4001-4006 and luggage boxes 5001-5005 supplied from the top loader 602 are synchronized at loading point 29.

[0228] Loading point 29 is located on buffer channel 402 and directly below the end of top loader 601.

[0229] The tray releaser 19 of the flow control server 1 is a program module that performs 'tray release control'.

[0230] Focus on the four channels 401-404 that form channel group 27 in D, and use... Figure 14-16 The example shown describes 'tray release control'.

[0231] In this D-channel group 27, channel 402 is located downstream of channel 401, and channel 403 is located downstream of channel 402.

[0232] Channel 402 is a buffer channel for storing up to six empty trays.

[0233] In addition, channels 402 and 404 branch off from the entrance of buffer channel 402 (buffer channel entrance 30).

[0234] The tray release control prevents blockage (buffer channel blockage) from occurring, which would prevent entry into buffer channel 402 at buffer channel entrance 30.

[0235] Notice, Figure 14 The empty tray 4017' indicated by the dashed line is a blocked buffer channel in this example.

[0236] In other words, in this pallet release control, when pallet releaser 19 predicts that an empty pallet 4017 is approaching buffer channel 402 (see... Figure 14 Arrow A4017 in the diagram will stop when entering buffer channel 402 at the buffer channel entrance, as... Figure 15 As shown, the tray releaser 19 forcibly releases at least one of the empty trays 4011-4016 held in the buffer channel 402 toward the downstream channel 403.

[0237] exist Figure 15 In the example shown, only tray 4011 waiting at loading point 29 is released.

[0238] Therefore, as Figure 16As shown, each of the trays 4012-4016 that remain in the buffer channel 402 then moves downstream sequentially.

[0239] Therefore, an empty slot for accommodating an empty tray is ensured in the buffer channel 402, and the tray releaser 19 allows the approaching empty tray 4017 to enter the buffer channel 402.

[0240] Additionally, since the tray release unit 19 performs tray release control, such as Figure 16 As shown, the subsequent tray 4018, which was initially instructed to enter channel 404, passed through the buffer channel entrance without any problems and proceeded to channel 404 as planned.

[0241] The history recorder 20 of the flow control server 1 is a program module that records the pallet history of each pallet used in the BTS network 4.

[0242] Pallet history includes information about each pallet, such as travel distance, maintenance history, and loading history.

[0243] In this embodiment, each pallet is determined to meet the conditions required for its maintenance and is subjected to maintenance checks whenever its travel distance reaches a predetermined distance threshold (e.g., 5000 km) or the cumulative number of times the pallet loads transported objects (i.e., the number of loads) reaches a predetermined number of loads threshold (e.g., 500 times).

[0244] This maintenance check is performed in the maintenance channel (not shown) set up in BTS Network 4.

[0245] The expiration tray scheduler 21 of the flow control server 1 is a program module that schedules expired trays to the maintenance channel.

[0246] An expired pallet is an empty pallet whose pallet history meets the distance threshold.

[0247] In other words, the due pallet scheduler 21 continuously monitors the pallet history of each pallet. Furthermore, when the due pallet scheduler 21 detects that the travel distance of a pallet has reached a distance threshold since the last maintenance check, and the pallet is empty, the due pallet scheduler 21 identifies the pallet as an due pallet.

[0248] At this time, the due pallet scheduler 21 performs 'maintenance control' to set the destination of the pallet identified as due pallet as a maintenance channel.

[0249] In principle, destinations set by the due pallet scheduler 21 (i.e., maintenance channels) have a higher priority than general destinations set by the empty pallet scheduler 17 (i.e., pallet demand areas or pallet supply areas).

[0250] That is, when an empty pallet is an expired pallet, the empty pallet dispatch control of the empty pallet scheduler 17 is not executed, but the maintenance control of the expired pallet scheduler 21 is executed instead.

[0251] The component history analyzer 22 of the flow control server 1 is a program module that analyzes the component history of each transport component (i.e., each transport object and each pallet).

[0252] The analysis concierge 23 (i.e., the explanation module) of the flow control server 1 is a program module that explains the analysis results of the component history analyzer 22 to the questioner (e.g., external system, operator, etc.).

[0253] In this embodiment, the component history analyzer 22 and the analysis concierge 23 are implemented as artificial intelligence (AI) modules in the flow control server 1.

[0254] With the above arrangement, the conveying system control device according to an embodiment of the present invention operates as follows and provides the following advantages.

[0255] Flow control server 1 according to Figure 17 Follow the main flowchart shown to perform the operation.

[0256] First, when the transport object is loaded onto the pallet (Yes in step S1), the loading pallet scheduler 7 of the flow control server 1 sets the destination of the loading pallet according to the transport object being loaded (step S2).

[0257] On the other hand, if the pallet is not loaded with any transported items (No in step S1), the subroutine related to empty pallet management control is executed (step S3), and the destination of the empty pallet is set. (This will be referred to later.) Figure 18 Describe the empty pallet management control.

[0258] Then, in step S4, the candidate finder 8 of the flow control server 1 performs the expected route setting control.

[0259] Thus, multiple expected routes for the pallet to reach its destination are set.

[0260] Then, in step S5, the static cost calculator 10 performs static cost calculation control for each channel segment of each expected route set in step S4.

[0261] In the example described above with reference to Figure 5(A), the thick arrow in Figure 5(A) indicates the expected route with the minimum total static cost.

[0262] In step S6, the state cost calculator 11 performs state cost calculation control for each channel segment of each expected route.

[0263] That is, the state cost calculator 11 sets the effort value to the state cost of each channel segment included in each expected channel based on the degree of channel failure state (e.g., congestion, emergency stop, offline, etc.).

[0264] In addition, at this time, the total cost calculator 13 will add the static cost obtained through static cost calculation control and the state cost obtained through state cost calculation control.

[0265] In the example described above with reference to Figure 5(B), the thick arrow in Figure 5(B) indicates the expected route that minimizes the total static and state costs.

[0266] Subsequently, in step S7, the dynamic cost calculator 12 performs dynamic cost calculation control for each channel segment of each expected route.

[0267] That is, the dynamic cost calculator 12 sets the dynamic cost of each channel segment based on the loading / empty status of the pallet and the pallet category.

[0268] At this point, the total cost calculator 13 will add up the static cost obtained through static cost calculation control, the state cost obtained through state cost calculation control, and the dynamic cost obtained through dynamic cost calculation control.

[0269] In the examples using Figures 6(A) and (B), the expected route that minimizes the sum of static cost, state cost, and dynamic cost is indicated by the thick arrows in each of Figures 6(A) and (B).

[0270] In step S8, the route determiner 14 performs route determination control.

[0271] That is, the route determiner 14 specifies one of the expected routes that reflects static cost, state cost and dynamic cost, and sets the specified route as the final route.

[0272] Therefore, as described above, in channel group 24, if the pallet leaving channel 101 and arriving at channel 105 is a standard pallet with a loaded state, the route indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 6(A), i.e., the first predicted route, is set as the final route.

[0273] On the other hand, if the pallet is an empty long pallet, the route indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 6(B), i.e., the fourth predicted route, is set as the final route.

[0274] Subsequently, if no other control needs to be prioritized (i.e., no in step S9), the conveyor controller 5 performs conveyor control in step S11.

[0275] That is, the conveyor controller 5 controls the luggage tray system 2 via the BTS controller 3 so as to dispatch the trays to the destination along the channel corresponding to the final route set in step S8.

[0276] When the pallet has been loaded, the destination (channel segment destination) of the loaded pallet has been set in step S2.

[0277] On the other hand, if the pallet is empty, then the destination of that empty pallet (the destination of the passage segment) has already been... Figure 18 The steps S14 or S16 shown are configured.

[0278] If it is necessary to prioritize the execution of another control (i.e., yes in step S9), then the subroutine associated with the override control is executed (step S10).

[0279] Note that references will follow. Figure 19 Describe this override control.

[0280] according to Figure 18 The flowchart shown executes empty tray management control.

[0281] First, in step S13, the due pallet scheduler 21 determines whether a pallet is due.

[0282] That is, the pallet scheduler 21 determines whether the pallet is empty, whether the travel distance of the pallet has reached the distance threshold, or whether the cumulative number of transported objects has reached the predetermined loading threshold.

[0283] If the determination result in step S13 is positive (i.e., yes in step S13), then the due date tray scheduler 21 performs maintenance control in step S14.

[0284] That is, in step S14, the due pallet scheduler 21 sets the destination of the pallet identified as a due pallet as a maintenance channel.

[0285] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S13 is negative (i.e., no in step S13), then the empty pallet scheduler 17 performs empty pallet dispatch control in steps S15 and S16.

[0286] That is, in step S15, the empty pallet scheduler 17 calculates the empty pallet priority based on at least one of four factors: (a) the acceptable capacity of the empty pallets, (b) the number of waiting transport objects, (c) the number of empty pallets in stock, and (d) the number of empty pallets in transit.

[0287] Subsequently, in step S16, the empty pallet scheduler 17 sets the pallet demand area or pallet supply area as the destination of the empty pallets based on the empty pallet priority calculated in step S15.

[0288] according to Figure 19 The flowchart shown demonstrates overdrive control.

[0289] First, in step S17, the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 determines that the bifurcation point is blocked (see...). Figure 11B Does the tray 3004 in the middle occur?

[0290] Here, when the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 predicts that a bifurcation blockage will occur (i.e., yes in step S17), then in step S18, the bifurcation blockage preventer 16 determines whether there is a usable channel at the bifurcation point.

[0291] Then, when the fork blockage preventer 16 determines that an available channel exists (i.e., yes in step S18), the fork blockage preventer 16 sets up a detour route to redirect the pallet to the available channel, instead of the original channel as part of the original route (step S19).

[0292] On the other hand, in step S17, when the fork blockage preventer 16 predicts that the fork point blockage caused by the tray will not occur (i.e., no in step S17), and the tray is facing the congestion area (yes in step S20), the blockage preventer 15 performs anti-blockage control (steps S21 and S22).

[0293] In this embodiment, as referred to Figure 7 The congestion capacity of the ring channel segment 6008 (i.e., the congested area) is set to four.

[0294] Therefore, in this embodiment, in step S21, the congestion preventer 15 determines whether there are four or more trays in the congestion area.

[0295] When the congestion preventer 15 determines that there are four or more trays in the congestion area (i.e., yes in step S21), the congestion preventer 15 prevents the tray from entering the congestion area (step S22).

[0296] On the other hand, if the tray is not directed to the congested area (i.e., no in step S20), but is directed to the buffer channel (i.e., yes in step S23), the tray releaser 19 performs tray release control as appropriate (steps S24 and S25).

[0297] That is, such as Figure 14 As shown by the dashed line, in step S24, the empty tray 4017' tray releaser 19 predicts whether a buffer channel blockage will occur.

[0298] Here, when tray releaser 19 predicts that buffer channel blockage will occur (Yes in step S24), tray releaser 19 forcibly releases at least one of the empty trays 4011-4016 held in buffer channel 402 (in Figure 15 In the example shown, only pallet 4011 is waiting at the loading point and is pushed to the downstream channel 403 (step S25).

[0299] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is conceivable that this invention can be modified and implemented in various ways.

[0300] For example, in the above embodiments, the conveying system is a luggage tray system, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0301] The control device and control method according to the present invention can also be applied to various types of pallet conveyor systems that are not specifically designed for baggage transport.

[0302] The transported objects are not limited to being placed on pallets. In other words, the control device and control method according to the invention can be applied to many types of conveyor systems that individually transport carriers (e.g., pallets, trays, drums, collapsible containers, non-collapsible containers, etc.) on which transported objects are placed.

[0303] In addition, apart from features that are only related to transfer containers such as pallets, the control devices and control methods according to the invention can be applied to multiple belt conveyor systems.

[0304] Furthermore, the control device and control method according to the present invention can be applied to belt conveyor systems, wherein a transfer box containing transport objects is transferred by its belt conveyor.

[0305] Although two types of pallets (standard pallets and long pallets) have been described in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.

[0306] For example, two or more types of pallets can be used. Alternatively, only one type of pallet can be used.

[0307] In the above embodiment, the flow control server 1 continuously monitors the pallet status based on detection results obtained from RFID sensors and photoelectric sensors installed in the BTS network 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.

[0308] For example, conveying elements (i.e., transported objects and / or pallets) can be captured by an optical camera. The status of the conveying elements can then be continuously monitored by analyzing the captured images.

[0309] In the above embodiments, the case in which the annular channel segment 6008 of channel group 25 is set as a congestion area is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0310] Areas that should be avoided from congestion can be defined as congested areas.

[0311] In the above embodiments, the case where the dynamic cost calculator 12 treats the component state as a dynamic factor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0312] For example, a dynamic cost calculator can consider not only the condition of components, but also the condition of time and / or the condition of transportation as dynamic factors.

[0313] In the above embodiments, the component status includes tray status and tray type, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0314] For example, the element status can also include the transfer object status and the transfer object type.

[0315] 'Transfer object status' is a factor that indicates the current state of the transfer object.

[0316] For example, factors such as "explosives inspection of the transported object completed / incomplete" and / or "whether operator assistance is required for the transported object" correspond to the status of the transported object.

[0317] The type of transported object is a factor that indicates the current state of the transported object. For example, factors such as the size (i.e., height, depth, and width) and category (e.g., soft bag, suitcase, parcel, etc.) of the transported object correspond to the type of transported object.

[0318] The tray status is not limited to the situations described in the above embodiments.

[0319] For example, for pallets, factors such as 'loading error', 'empty but dispatched', and 'unloading pending confirmation' can be set as factors corresponding to the pallet status.

[0320] In the above embodiments, the case where the distance threshold is set to 5000km has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.

[0321] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where the loading threshold is set to 500 times has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement.

[0322] Distance and load capacity thresholds can be set based on various factors, such as the configuration of the luggage tray system and the durability of the trays.

[0323] In the above embodiments, the dynamic factors are based on the element states, but are not limited to this arrangement.

[0324] For example, dynamic factors can be set to be based on 'time state'.

[0325] In addition, the time status may be related to at least one of 'time range of a day', 'days of the week', and 'type of tourist season'.

[0326] Based on this arrangement, for example, a dynamic cost calculator can calculate different dynamic costs depending on when the condition "Friday afternoons from 6:00 to 7:00 during the Christmas season (holiday season)" is met, and when another condition "Monday mornings from 8:00 to 9:00 during normal times (non-holiday season)" is met.

[0327] In the above embodiments, the baggage tray system 2 is described as an example installed in an airport, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0328] In other words, the control device and control method according to the present invention can be applied to the conveying system in any type of facility (e.g., factory, warehouse, postal freight facility, express freight facility, railway station, port, etc.).

[0329] That is, the transport system can be installed in transportation facilities such as airports, train stations, bus terminals and ports.

[0330] In this configuration, dynamic factors can be set based on "transportation status".

[0331] Traffic conditions can be associated with at least one of "departure time of public transport" (e.g., departure time of an airplane) and "number of public transport operations within a time window" (e.g., number of flights within a specific time range).

[0332] For example, suppose the plane carrying passengers' luggage is scheduled to depart at 9:30 a.m.

[0333] In this example, the dynamic cost calculator calculates different dynamic costs based on the luggage's check-in time (such as 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM).

[0334] As another example, suppose that "12 flights depart from the airport between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM" and "36 flights depart from the airport between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM".

[0335] In this example, the dynamic cost calculator can calculate the dynamic costs for the time range of 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM and the dynamic costs for the time range of 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM separately.

[0336] In the above embodiment, the candidate finder 8 sets multiple expected routes based on the destination of the pallet, and the static cost calculator 10 calculates the static cost for each of these expected routes. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0337] For example, a candidate finder can search in advance and register all possible expected routes from one channel segment to another.

[0338] In addition, the static cost calculator can pre-calculate and register the static costs of all anticipated routes.

[0339] In addition, each pre-searched expected route and its corresponding static cost can be pre-associated and registered as an XML file.

[0340] As described above, the conveying system control device and conveying system control method according to the present invention can further improve the operating efficiency of the conveying system.

[0341] Furthermore, the simplified processing based on potential costs allows for faster setup of the final route.

[0342] Furthermore, by setting up the final route at the lowest possible cost, efficient transportation routes can be implemented in practice.

[0343] In addition, in the transport system, densely populated areas can be designated as areas where congestion prevention is highly necessary.

[0344] Furthermore, by preventing congestion in this congested area, the overall operating efficiency of the transport system can be improved.

[0345] In addition, by preventing blockages at branch points, the overall operating efficiency of the conveying system can be improved.

[0346] Furthermore, even when using a luggage pallet system as a conveying system, the operating efficiency of the luggage pallet system can be further improved.

[0347] Furthermore, static costs can be obtained through simple arithmetic based on the length of each aisle segment and the forward speed of each aisle segment in the luggage tray system.

[0348] Dynamic costs can be associated with at least one of pallet status, pallet type, transport object status, and transport object type.

[0349] Therefore, the luggage pallet system can be operated effectively, while the status of the pallets and transported objects can be reflected in real time.

[0350] In addition to managing each loaded pallet, you can also manage each empty pallet individually.

[0351] This arrangement allows for control over empty pallets.

[0352] Furthermore, detailed control can be achieved based on the purpose of "use" or "storage" of empty pallets.

[0353] Furthermore, by taking empty pallets into account, more efficient allocation of empty pallets can be achieved.

[0354] Furthermore, by coordinating the control of the loading unit and buffer channels, transported objects can be loaded onto each pallet efficiently and accurately.

[0355] In addition, timely pallet release control can improve the overall operating efficiency of the conveying system.

[0356] In addition, by automatically scheduling due pallets to the maintenance channel, problems caused by pallet failures can be effectively avoided in advance.

[0357] Furthermore, even when using a belt conveyor system as the conveying system, the operating efficiency of the belt conveyor can be further improved.

[0358] Furthermore, static costs can be obtained through simple arithmetic based on the length of each channel segment and the forward speed of each channel segment in the belt conveyor network.

[0359] In addition, dynamic costs can be associated with at least one of the transport object's status and the transport object's type.

[0360] With this arrangement, the belt conveyor network can operate efficiently and reflect the status of the transported objects in real time.

[0361] In addition, dynamic costs can also reflect time states, such as time of day, day of week, and type of tourist season.

[0362] In addition, dynamic costs can reflect factors specific to transportation systems such as airplanes and buses.

[0363] Based on this arrangement, detailed operation of the transportation system can be achieved according to the type of transportation vehicle.

[0364] It can analyze the operational history of the conveyor system and output the analysis results as needed.

[0365] Therefore, it can improve user satisfaction with the conveying system.

[0366] This arrangement also allows for future improvements to the operation of the conveying system.

[0367] In the following claims and the preceding description of the invention, unless the context requires otherwise due to the language of expression or necessary meaning, the word "comprising" or variations such as "comprising" or "including" are inclusive, that is, specifying the presence of the stated feature but not excluding the presence or addition of other features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0368] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be construed as, an admission or in any way an implication that the prior art constitutes part of common general knowledge.

[0369] Reference Symbol List 1. Flow control server (conveying system control device / control unit) 2. Baggage Pallet System (Packet Conveyor System / Baggage Handling System / Conveying System) 3BTS controller 4BTS Network (Pallet Conveyor Network) 5 Conveyor Controller 6. Status Monitor 7 Loading Pallet Dispatcher 8-candidate finder 9 Cost Estimators 10 Static Cost Calculator 11-State Cost Calculator 12 Dynamic Cost Calculator 13 Total Cost Calculator 14-Route Determiner 15 Blockage Prevention Device 16-Bifurcation Blockage Preventer 17 Empty Pallet Dispatcher 18 Loading Controller 20 history recorders 21 Expiry Pallet Scheduler 22-element history analyzer 23 Analysis of Protocol 24A channel group 25B Channel Group 26C channel group 27D channel group 28 branching points Loading point 29 6008 Loop Section (Congested Area)

Claims

1. A control device for a conveying system having multiple channels, wherein conveying elements travel through the channels, the control device comprising: A candidate finder is used to set multiple expected routes, each expected route including multiple channel segments through which the transport element can travel to its destination; A cost estimator is used to calculate the possible cost of each segment of the intended route; A route determiner for setting a final route by specifying one of the expected routes based on the possible costs calculated by the cost estimator, the final route having a combination of the channel segments; as well as A conveyor controller is used to control the conveyor system to dispatch the conveyor elements to the destination along a channel corresponding to the final route set by the route determiner, wherein... The cost estimator includes, A static cost calculator is used to calculate static costs, which are the effort values ​​related to the static time required for the conveying element to travel through the corresponding channel segment to the destination. A state cost calculator is used to calculate the state cost, which is the effort value associated with the channel state of the corresponding channel segment. A dynamic cost calculator is used to calculate dynamic costs, which are based on the effort value of dynamic factors, and A total cost estimator is used to set the possible cost by adding the static cost, the state cost, and the dynamic cost calculated by the static cost calculator, the state cost calculator, and the dynamic cost calculator, respectively.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein... The expected route includes, A basic route, having a basic combination of the aforementioned channel segments, through which the conveying element can travel to the destination, and The route list defines multiple alternative routes, each with alternative combinations of channel segments different from the basic combination, through which the transport element can travel to the destination. The cost estimator calculates the possible cost of the channel segment for each of the base route and the alternative routes, and The route determiner sets the final route by specifying one of the base route and the alternative routes based on the possible costs calculated by the cost estimator.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The route determiner sets the final route by specifying one of the expected routes with the lowest possible cost.

4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A congestion preventer, which restricts additional entry of the conveying elements into the congested area, which is a region defined in the conveying system, if the existing number of the conveying elements in the congested area has reached the congestion capacity of the congested area.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A bifurcation blockage preventer is used to prevent blockage at the bifurcation points where the multiple channels branch off. If the fork blockage preventer predicts that the conveying element will stop entering a blocked branch channel at the fork point, the fork blockage preventer controls the conveyor system to redirect the conveying element to an available channel of the branch channel, regardless of the final route set by the route determiner.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The conveyor system is a pallet conveyor system that includes a pallet conveyor network in which pallets travel to carry transported objects.

7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein... The static cost calculator calculates the static cost based on the length of the corresponding channel segment and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment.

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element. The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The state of the pallet; The type of pallet; The state of the transport object placed on the pallet; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising: An empty pallet management module is used to manage each empty pallet in the pallet conveyor network.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein The empty pallet control module includes an empty pallet scheduler. The empty pallet scheduler performs empty pallet allocation control, which is used to schedule each empty pallet to the pallet demand area or the pallet supply area.

11. The control device according to claim 10, wherein The empty pallet scheduler performs the empty pallet allocation control for the pallet demand area based on the empty pallet priority calculated according to at least one of the following: Acceptable capacity related to the number of available slots in the pallet demand area that can accommodate the empty pallet; The number of transport objects waiting to be placed on the corresponding empty pallets in the pallet demand area; The number of empty pallets in stock that are queued to receive the transported objects in the pallet demand area; and The number of empty pallets en route to the pallet demand area.

12. The control device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, further comprising: The loading controller is used to control the loading unit and the buffer channel, wherein... The pallet conveyor system also includes The loading unit is used to place each of a plurality of transport objects onto each of a plurality of empty pallets, and The buffer channel is used to keep the empty pallet in a standby state and to receive the transport object fed from the loading unit. The loading controller controls the loading unit and the buffer channel by performing empty pallet synchronization control, so that each empty pallet at the loading point adjacent to the loading unit in the buffer channel is synchronized with each transport object fed from the loading unit.

13. The control device according to claim 12, further comprising: A tray release device is used to prevent blockage of the buffer channel at the entrance of the buffer channel, including the plurality of channels of the buffer channel branching from the entrance of the buffer channel, wherein... If the pallet releaser predicts that another empty pallet approaching the buffer channel will stop entering the buffer channel at the buffer channel entrance, the pallet releaser will force the release of at least one empty pallet held in the buffer channel downstream and allow the approaching empty pallet to enter the buffer channel.

14. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: A history recorder is used to record the pallet history of each pallet; as well as An overdue pallet scheduler is used to schedule overdue pallets to a maintenance channel, where maintenance work is performed on the overdue pallets. The expired pallet is an empty pallet whose historical maintenance requirements have been met.

15. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The conveyor system is a belt conveyor system that includes a belt conveyor network, which has multiple belt conveyor channels on which transported objects are carried.

16. The control device according to claim 15, wherein The static cost calculator calculates the static cost based on the length of the corresponding channel segment of the belt conveyor network and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment.

17. The control device according to claim 16, wherein The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element. The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The transport object's transport object state; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

18. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein The dynamic factors are based on time status. The time state is related to at least one of the following: A day's time frame; The days of the week; and Types of tourist seasons.

19. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein The conveying system is installed in the transportation facility. The dynamic factors are based on transportation status. The transport status is related to at least one of the following: Departure times for public transportation; and The number of public transport services operating within the specified time window.

20. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising: A component history analyzer is used to analyze the component history of the transported component; as well as Analysis concierge is used to explain to the questioner the results of the component history analysis performed by the component history analyzer.

21. A control method for a conveying system having multiple channels, wherein a conveying element travels through the channels, the control method comprising the steps of: Multiple expected routes are set, each expected route includes multiple channel segments, through which the conveying element can travel to its destination; Calculate the possible cost for each segment of the expected route; The final route is set by specifying one of the expected routes based on the possible cost calculated by the cost estimator, the final route having a combination of the channel segments; as well as The control conveyor system schedules the conveyor elements to the destination along the channel corresponding to the final route set by the route determiner, wherein... The calculation of the possible costs includes the following steps: Calculate the static cost, which is the effort value related to the static time required for the conveying element to travel through the corresponding channel segment to the destination. Calculate the state cost, which is the effort value associated with the channel state of the corresponding channel segment. Calculate dynamic costs, which are based on the effort values ​​of dynamic factors, and The possible cost is set by adding the static cost, the state cost, and the dynamic cost calculated by the static cost calculation step, the state cost calculation step, and the dynamic cost calculation step, respectively.

22. The control method according to claim 21, wherein The expected route includes, A basic route, having a basic combination of the aforementioned channel segments, through which the conveying element can travel to the destination, and The route list defines multiple alternative routes, each with alternative combinations of channel segments different from the basic combination, through which the transport element can travel to the destination. The calculation steps for the possible costs calculate the possible costs of the channel segments for each of the basic route and the alternative routes, and The final route setting step sets the final route by specifying one of the basic route and the alternative routes based on the possible cost calculated by the possible cost calculation step.

23. The control method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein The final route setting step involves specifying one of the expected routes that has the lowest possible cost.

24. The control method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising the step of: If the existing number of conveying elements in a congested area has reached the congestion capacity of the congested area, further entry of the conveying elements into the congested area is restricted. The congested area is a region defined in the conveying system.

25. The control method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising the step of: To prevent blockage at the bifurcation points where the multiple channels branch off. If the conveying element is predicted to stop entering a blocked branch channel at the fork point, the fork blockage prevention step controls the conveyor system to redirect the conveying element to an available channel of the branch channel, regardless of the final route set by the route determiner.

26. The control method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein The conveyor system is a pallet conveyor system that includes a pallet conveyor network in which pallets travel to carry transported objects.

27. The control method according to claim 26, wherein The static cost calculation step is based on the length of the corresponding channel segment and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment.

28. The control method according to claim 27, wherein The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element. The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The state of the pallet; The type of pallet; The state of the transport object placed on the pallet; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

29. The control method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, further comprising the step of: Manage each empty pallet in the pallet conveyor network.

30. The control method according to claim 29, wherein The empty pallet management steps include the following steps: Implement empty pallet dispatch control to schedule each empty pallet to either the pallet demand area or the pallet supply area.

31. The control method according to claim 30, wherein The empty pallet scheduling step performs the empty pallet allocation control for the pallet demand area based on an empty pallet priority calculated according to at least one of the following: Acceptable capacity related to the number of available slots in the pallet demand area that can accommodate the empty pallet; The number of transport objects waiting to be placed on the corresponding empty pallets in the pallet demand area; The number of empty pallets in stock that are queued to receive the transported objects in the pallet demand area; and The number of empty pallets en route to the pallet demand area.

32. The control method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, further comprising the step of: Loading control loading unit and buffer channel, in which The pallet conveyor system also includes The loading unit is used to place each of a plurality of transport objects onto each of a plurality of empty pallets, and The buffer channel is used to keep the empty pallet in a standby state and to receive the transport object fed from the loading unit. The loading control steps control the loading unit and the buffer channel by performing empty pallet synchronization control, so that each empty pallet at the loading point adjacent to the loading unit in the buffer channel is synchronized with each transport object fed from the loading unit.

33. The control method according to claim 32, further comprising the step of: To prevent blockage at the buffer channel entrance, the plurality of channels of the buffer channel branch off from the buffer channel entrance, including the following: If another empty pallet approaching the buffer channel is predicted to stop entering the buffer channel at the buffer channel entrance, at least one empty pallet held in the buffer channel is forcibly released downstream, allowing the approaching empty pallet to enter the buffer channel.

34. The control method according to any one of claims 21 to 33, further comprising the step of: Record the pallet history for each pallet; and The expired pallets are scheduled to the maintenance channel, where maintenance is performed on them. The expired pallet is an empty pallet whose historical maintenance requirements have been met.

35. The control method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein The conveyor system is a belt conveyor system that includes a belt conveyor network, which has multiple belt conveyor channels on which transported objects are carried.

36. The control method according to claim 35, wherein The static cost calculation steps are based on the length of the corresponding channel segment of the belt conveyor network and the forward speed of the corresponding channel segment.

37. The control method according to claim 36, wherein The dynamic factors are based on the element state of the conveying element. The state of the component is related to at least one of the following: The transport object's transport object state; and The type of transport object placed on the pallet.

38. The control method according to any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein The dynamic factors are based on time status. The time state is related to at least one of the following: A day's time frame; The days of the week; and Types of tourist seasons.

39. The control method according to any one of claims 21 to 38, wherein The conveying system is installed in the transportation facility. The dynamic factors are based on transportation status. The transport status is related to at least one of the following: Departure times for public transportation; and The number of public transport services operating within the specified time window.

40. The control method according to any one of claims 21 to 39, further comprising the step of: Analyze the component history of the conveying element; and Explain to the questioner the results of the component history analysis performed by the component history analysis steps.

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