Method for enabling operations associated with shipping of containers at a terminal and related electronic device

Abstract

A method for enabling operations associated with shipping of a container at a terminal is disclosed. The method includes obtaining input data associated with the shipping of the container and terminal data associated with the terminal. The method includes simulating one or more terminal operations based on the input data and the terminal data. The method includes determining one or more performance indicators associated with the shipping based on the one or more simulated terminal operations. The method includes providing the one or more performance indicators.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of transportation and freight. Specifically, it relates to a method and related electronic devices for enabling operations associated with shipping of containers at a terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Container shipping involves numerous operations, such as those performed at the terminal. These operations include, for example, unloading containers from vehicles, moving unloaded containers to container yards, and loading containers back onto vehicles. Terminal equipment, for instance, can be configured to perform these operations. However, it should be understood that the efficient execution of these operations depends on many variables. Furthermore, the efficiency of these operations can be interrelated, thereby increasing the complexity of operations at the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is a need for electronic devices and methods that can predict operations at a given terminal in the coming hours to determine performance metrics in order to achieve operational efficiency at the terminal even under complex conditions.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for electronic devices and methods to simulate one or more terminal operations associated with shipping containers at the terminal, thereby mitigating, alleviating or resolving existing shortcomings, and allowing for improvements in the reliability, robustness and / or efficiency of controls for operations associated with shipping containers at the terminal.

[0005] A method, performed by an electronic device, for enabling operations associated with shipping of a container at a terminal is disclosed. The method includes acquiring input data associated with the shipping of the container and terminal data associated with the terminal. The method includes simulating one or more terminal operations based on the input data and the terminal data. The method includes determining one or more performance metrics associated with the shipping based on the one or more simulated terminal operations. The method includes providing the one or more performance metrics.

[0006] An electronic device is disclosed, comprising a memory circuit system, a processor circuit system, and an interface, wherein the electronic device is configured to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0007] A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs is disclosed, the one or more programs including instructions that, when executed by an electronic device (optionally having a display and a touch-sensitive surface), cause the electronic device to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0008] The advantages of this disclosure are that the disclosed electronic devices and methods can improve the reliability, robustness, and / or efficiency of operations associated with shipping containers at a terminal. Another advantage is that the disclosed electronic devices and methods can predict operations associated with shipping containers at a terminal within a given future timeframe (e.g., the next 24 hours, or, for example, the next 3 weeks). For example, this can facilitate the identification and resolution of potential current and / or future problems associated with operations, such as bottlenecks, before they occur. In other words, the disclosed electronic devices and methods can enable proactive correction of operations associated with shipping containers at a terminal, such as during the planning phase.

[0009] A further advantage of this disclosure is that the disclosed electronic devices and methods can optimize operations associated with shipping containers at the terminal. For example, one or more performance metrics provided by the electronic devices can be improved by iteratively simulating using updated input data until performance metrics demonstrate satisfactory operational efficiency. Furthermore, the disclosed electronic devices and methods can enable comparison between operations indicated by the disclosed technology and actual operations during shipping, thereby allowing for updates or feedback to the simulation.

[0010] Furthermore, the input data and / or terminal data upon which the simulation of one or more terminal operations is based can be updated (e.g., by the user) to identify plans that can improve efficiency. Increased efficiency and optimized operations further lead to reduced energy consumption at the terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above and other features and advantages of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example simulation process of the disclosed technology performed by an example electronic device, according to this disclosure. Figure 2 It is based on the illustration of the example yard allocation at the wharf in this disclosure. Figures 3A to 3C This is a flowchart illustrating an example method of enabling shipping-related operations associated with containers at a terminal, performed by an electronic device according to this disclosure, and... Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where applicable. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn to scale or not, and elements with similar structure or function are indicated by the same reference numerals in all the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of embodiments. The drawings are not intended as an exhaustive description of this disclosure or a limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiments need not possess all the aspects or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not so illustrated or explicitly described.

[0013] For clarity, the accompanying drawings are schematic and simplified, and only details that aid in understanding this disclosure are shown, while other details are omitted. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0014] Shipping can be viewed, for example, as the optional transport of goods from a first location (e.g., country of origin) to a second location (e.g., destination) via one or more transit points. For example, shipping can be viewed as the transport of containers containing goods (e.g., one or more types of cargo). One or more terminal operations can be viewed, for example, as part of shipping.

[0015] Shipping can be associated with a consignee and a shipper. A consignee can be considered the recipient of the container being shipped. In other words, a consignee can be considered the party responsible for receiving the goods (e.g., articles) from the container. A consignee can be, for example, a party that has requested (e.g., booked) the container for shipping. A consignee can, for example, instruct a shipper associated with the shipping. A shipper can be considered the carrier of the container (e.g., a carrier). For example, a shipper can transport the container (e.g., containing goods) on behalf of the consignee. A shipper can, for example, instruct a shipper associated with the shipping.

[0016] The term "container" as used herein refers to the shell used to enclose goods for transport. The term "container" can refer to one or more different container types and / or container sizes. For example, container types may include one or more of the following: dry containers, refrigerated containers, open-top containers, flatbed containers, etc. For example, container sizes may include one or more of the following: 20-foot containers, 40-foot containers, etc.

[0017] A container may include one or more articles. Articles, as disclosed herein, refer to objects to be placed in a container for transport. For example, articles can be considered cargo items, such as freight items, or objects to be shipped. It should be noted that the term "articles" is used interchangeably with "goods." For example, articles can include commodities that can be placed in a container, such as consumer goods from large manufacturing companies, such as shoes, clothing, and toys, as well as fast-moving consumer goods such as packaged food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

[0018] For example, the items disclosed herein can be considered as goods that can be packaged into rectangular stackable cartons, for example, having variable weight and volume, and transported in one or more containers (such as dry containers and / or refrigerated containers).

[0019] A vehicle can be considered a means of transportation used for shipping. A vehicle is, for example, a ship, such as a vessel. A vehicle can be, for example, a cargo ship, such as a container ship. For instance, a vehicle can transport one or more containers to and / or from a terminal. It should be understood that in some examples, a vehicle can be an aircraft and / or a land vehicle.

[0020] A terminal can be considered as a location associated with operations such as unloading (e.g., removing) containers from a vehicle and / or loading containers onto a vehicle. For example, a terminal can be considered as a location configured for, for example, the transshipment of containers between a vehicle and a container yard. A terminal can be considered, for example, as a location of origin and / or destination and / or transshipment point for shipping. Unloading a container from a vehicle can be considered, for example, as unloading, discharging, and / or shipping a container from a vehicle. A terminal can be, for example, a port. It should be understood that in some examples, the term "terminal" may be used interchangeably with the term "port."

[0021] An anchorage plan ensures that each vehicle berthing at the quay has a dedicated time slot and anchorage area, such as with a limited number of quay cranes. For example, an anchorage plan is considered a plan for assigning space on the quay and unloading and / or unloading equipment to vehicles. In one or more embodiments, the vehicles include land vehicles. An anchorage plan can be considered an output of anchorage scheduling. An anchorage plan can be considered a plan for anchoring and handling a large number of vehicles arriving at the quay over time. An anchorage plan can represent a schedule for one or more vehicles to berth at the quay, taking into account various constraints (e.g., one or more vehicles using the quay as their next stop). An anchorage plan can include vehicle data (such as one or more attributes associated with a corresponding vehicle), estimated arrival time of the vehicle, estimated departure time of the vehicle, and information about its anchorage location given by the identification of the mooring bollards. For example, the anchorage location can define where the vehicle will be anchored to the quay. An anchorage plan can include information about vehicles assigned to its cranes. Crane assignment ensures that there are sufficient quay cranes available for unloading and / or loading goods (e.g., unloading and loading containers, and / or unloading and loading non-containerized goods) between the estimated arrival time and estimated departure time of the vehicle.

[0022] As disclosed herein, a container yard can be considered, for example, as a space within a terminal for storing containers. For instance, a container yard can be considered a container yard, such as a storage yard at a terminal for one or more containers. Containers (such as those unloaded from a vehicle) can be allocated, for example, to storage space within the container yard. In other words, a container yard can be considered part of a terminal, such as an area for storing containers, such as an area for storing containers between unloading and loading. Figure 2 An example of container yard allocation, such as in a yard, can be shown.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to the present disclosure, an example electronic device performing an example simulation process 2 of the disclosed technology. The example simulation process is performed by an example electronic device, such as the electronic devices disclosed herein, such as... Figure 4 Electronic device 300.

[0024] The electronic device is configured to acquire input data and / or terminal data from one or more data sources: for example, the data sources include one or more of the following: anchorage planner system 55, reservation system 56, database 57, terminal operating system 58, and relevant terminal-specific data sources, such as yard map database 59. Database 57 stores, for example, information about terminal assets and / or equipment, including operational status. For example, database 57 may include information about quay cranes, gantry cranes, and / or trucks.

[0025] Figure 1Timeline 20 is shown, which indicates an example time sequence in which the electronic device will execute steps 22 to 54 on the timeline in that time sequence.

[0026] Timeline 20 includes steps 22, 24, 26, 30, 40, 52, and 54. Step 30 includes steps 32, 34, 36, and 38. Step 40 includes steps 42, 44, and 46.

[0027] The steps of Example Simulation Process 2 can, for example, be considered as one or more dock operations. Steps 22 to 54 are associated, for example, with a given time (such as the time and / or time period indicating the start, end, and / or duration of the simulated dock operation), where the dock operation period can, for example, be considered as indicating the time required to perform a given operation (such as step 2). In some examples, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a series of processes (or steps) that a "process" can take in a simulation as a token. A token can be considered an element of the simulation that represents an object (such as an item, a physical object, or a vehicle) such that operations and / or a series of processes (e.g., process flows) can be associated with and / or monitored by that token. For example, a token is simulated to move within a series of processes, operations, and / or decisions. For example, in the anchoring process shown in step 24, the token represents a vehicle. For example, in the unloading and loading processes shown in steps 30 and 40, respectively, the "token" represents a container.

[0028] Figure 1 The steps shown can be viewed, for example, as operations associated with the shipping of containers at a terminal, such as terminal operations. In one or more examples, the electronic device can simulate one or more of the steps in Example Simulation Process 2, such as one or more terminal operations. Simulating these steps 22 to 54 includes, for example, simulating the time required to perform one or more of steps 22 to 54.

[0029] Step 22 may include, for example, simulating the arrival of a vehicle at the pier according to a schedule. In some examples, the vehicle's arrival time may be obtained from an anchorage planning system, such as through retrieval and / or reception. In some examples, step 22 may include simulating (such as predicting) the vehicle's arrival time at the pier.

[0030] Step 24 represents the anchorage process simulation. For example, the anchorage process simulation models the flow of vehicles through the dock. For example, this is the simulated entry point, and each vehicle is a token in step 24. Step 24 includes, for example, the vehicle arriving and berthing when the vehicle token arrival time is met.

[0031] At step 24, the electronic device simulates, for example, a vehicle's request for an anchorage, and optionally simulates the time a vehicle waits for an assigned anchorage after arriving at the quay but not at the yard (e.g., within or near the port). For example, a vehicle may wait until another vehicle occupying its assigned anchorage leaves the quay, thereby freeing up the assigned anchorage for a vehicle associated with shipping. For example, at step 24, the electronic device may simulate a vehicle waiting until one or more mooring bollards associated with the assigned anchorage at the quay become available for mooring.

[0032] Vehicles are assigned anchorages at quays, such as spaces on the shore at the port area of ​​the quay. Anchorages assigned to vehicles associated with shipping can, for example, be considered as designated and / or assigned anchorages by the quay. The assigned anchorages can, for example, be predetermined, such as by using an anchorage planning system. Electronic devices can, for example, be configured to acquire (such as receive and / or retrieve) anchorage planning data indicating the assigned anchorages from the anchorage planning system as part of the quay data.

[0033] At step 26, the electronic device simulates berthing of the vehicle until it has completed berthing at its assigned anchorage. Berthing at the assigned anchorage includes, for example, attaching all ropes (such as cables) between the vehicle and the pier (such as one or more mooring bollards). In other words, at step 26, the electronic device can simulate berthing until all the vehicle's ropes are attached to the pier's mooring bollards. Berthing includes, for example, the period from dropping the first cable from the vehicle to the tensioning (e.g., securing, such as securing to one or more mooring bollards) of all the cables at the pier. In some examples, the time required for berthing is a (pre-)determined time period, such as one hour, provided by anchorage planning data.

[0034] Step 26 is considered, for example, to initiate the unloading process (step 30) and then the loading process (step 40). For example, once the loading process (step 40) is completed, the vehicle can leave.

[0035] Step 30 may, for example, include unloading one or more containers from a vehicle at the terminal (e.g., the start of an unloading or dumping process). Step 30 may, for example, be considered as a simulated dumping process. Step 30 includes simulated steps 32, 34, 36, and 38. Step 30 may, for example, include one or more terminal operations. The dumping process may, for example, treat each container as a token. Step 30 simulates the journey of each container from the vehicle to its stack in the yard. The simulated step 30 or process is initiated from the success hook of the “WaitForFirstCrane” process in the anchoring process. For example, when all containers have been unloaded, the vehicle indicator “Unloading” is set to true, and the “Unloading” process is waiting for this setting to initiate the next step: “StartLoadingToken,” thereby starting the loading process (step 40). Loading step 40 may, for example, include one or more terminal operations.

[0036] Step 32 includes, for example, considering the time it takes for the vehicle to complete berthing at its assigned anchorage. Step 34 includes, for example, simulating the unloading of one or more containers from a vehicle (e.g., from a berthed vehicle) using one or more cranes (e.g., quay cranes and / or gantry cranes) (e.g., crane unloading step). Step 36 includes simulating the transfer of one or more containers to a truck for transport to a container yard (e.g., truck transfer step) and / or rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. Step 36 includes, for example, simulating (e.g., using trucks) transporting one or more unloaded containers to a container yard for storage. Step 38 includes, for example, simulating the transfer of one or more containers, for example, from a truck to the allocated container space in the container yard (e.g., container storage step). In some examples, step 38 includes, for example, using a gantry crane (e.g., a rubber-tired gantry crane) to transfer one or more unloaded containers to the container yard, and then to the container space allocated to those containers in the container yard, for example, to the space allocated to a given container in the container yard (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As indicated in the instructions). RTG cranes can be considered, for example, container yard cranes, such as cranes used to move containers from trucks to container yards or from container yards to trucks. Terminal cranes and / or gantry cranes can be considered, for example, cranes used to move containers into and / or out of berthed vehicles and trucks at the terminal.

[0037] Step 40 may, for example, include loading one or more containers onto a vehicle at the terminal. Step 40 may, for example, be considered as a simulated loading process. Step 40 includes simulating steps 42, 44, and / or 46. Step 40 may, for example, include simulating one or more terminal operations. For example, the loading process treats each container as a token. For example, the loading process simulates loading containers from their stacks in the yard onto a vehicle. For example, the loading process is repeated for each token (e.g., each container) until some or all containers are loaded. For example, a portion of a container may be sufficient to proceed to the next step. For example, when a container is loaded, the vehicle indicator may be updated to indicate that loading is complete, allowing the vehicle token to proceed to the next stage in the anchoring process. For example, when all containers are loaded, the vehicle indicator may change its state to indicate that loading is complete, allowing the vehicle token to proceed to the next stage in the anchoring process.

[0038] Step 42 includes, for example, simulating (e.g., using an RTG crane) retrieving a container from the container yard area (e.g., a container retrieval step). Step 44 includes, for example, simulating, using an RTG crane, transferring one or more containers from their allocated container space in the container yard toward a truck (e.g., a truck transfer step). For example, step 44 includes simulating, for example, using a truck to transport one or more containers from the container yard to a vehicle, such as to an area near the vehicle at a terminal, so that a crane can handle the container in step 46. Step 46 includes, for example, simulating, using one or more cranes to load one or more containers onto a vehicle, such as loading onto a berthed vehicle (e.g., a crane loading process). For example, step 46 includes loading one or more containers from a truck onto a berthed vehicle.

[0039] At step 52, the simulation includes simulating the vehicle beginning to leave its assigned anchorage. Step 52 includes simulating the time required for the vehicle to unmoor (e.g., unmooring to berth) from its assigned anchorage space. Unmooring the vehicle from the assigned anchorage includes, for example, unmooring all the vehicle's ropes (e.g., cables) from the mooring bollards at the quay. In other words, step 52 may indicate the time required between the completion of loading the last container and the unmooring of the last cable securing the vehicle to the mooring bollard at the quay. In some examples, the time period of step 52 (between the completion of loading the last container and the unmooring of the last cable securing the vehicle to the quay) is, for example, a predetermined time period, such as one hour.

[0040] Step 54 is, for example, associated with the scheduled departure time of a vehicle at a simulated berth. The scheduled departure time of a vehicle can be obtained, for example, from an anchorage planning system, such as through retrieval and / or searching. In some examples, step 54 includes the departure time of a vehicle at a simulated berth. In some examples, there may be a period of time after a vehicle leaves the berth space that will not be used by another vehicle, for example, 1 hour.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example yard allocation of 60 at the quay location according to this disclosure. Figure 2 For example, an example allocation of containers in a yard at the dock is shown. Figure 2 The containers shown are, for example, associated with shipping.

[0042] Yard allocation 60 represents an example yard allocation for containers. Yard allocation 60 can be viewed, for example, as a simulated state of yard allocation provided by a simulation, such as the yard allocation at a terminal's container yard. For example, yard allocation 60 can be viewed as representing a predicted yard allocation at a given moment (such as an upcoming time period).

[0043] A container yard includes one or more containers, such as those stored in its allocation space. In some examples, the simulation may include a scenario in which a crane (e.g., an RTG crane) performs operations to move a container to its allocation space corresponding to the yard allocation 60.

[0044] Yard allocation 60 includes container spaces 62 to 92. For example, container spaces 62 to 92 can be considered as container positions within yard allocation 60.

[0045] Yard allocation 60 includes one or more empty spaces 62, such as yard allocation spaces without containers (e.g., container spaces). Empty spaces 62 are indicated, for example, by rectangles without patterns.

[0046] Container slots 62 to 92 show container spaces that include different types of containers, with the filling pattern for each container indicating each type of container.

[0047] As shown in container spaces 72, 80, 76, 82, 86 and 89, one container space can be allocated to two containers, for example, two 20-foot containers.

[0048] Container yard allocations can also be used as terminal data to be input into the simulation. For example, yard allocation data provided to the simulation as terminal data may include data indicating the simulated yard allocations and / or data indicating the actual yard allocations (e.g., previously allocated data).

[0049] Figures 3A to 3CThis is a flowchart of an example method performed by an electronic device according to the present disclosure for enabling operations associated with the shipping of containers at a terminal. Method 100 can be performed to improve operations associated with the shipping of containers at a terminal. Method 100 can be performed to manage and / or control operations associated with the shipping of containers at a terminal. The disclosed method can, for example, be performed to simulate operations associated with the shipping of containers at a terminal.

[0050] One or more operations associated with the shipping of containers at a terminal may be performed, for example, by terminal equipment, and / or by any other type of equipment and / or terminal operators. These operations include, for example, moving containers at a terminal (such as a terminal where vehicles carrying out the shipping of containers are berthed). For example, these operations may include one or more of the following: berthing a vehicle, attaching the mooring lines of a vehicle to the terminal, unloading a container from a vehicle, moving a container into and / or out of an allocated space in a yard, loading a container onto a vehicle, unmooring the mooring lines of a vehicle from the terminal, and / or leaving the terminal.

[0051] Method 100 is performed by an electronic device, such as the electronic devices disclosed herein, such as... Figure 4 Electronic device 300. In some examples, the electronic device is, for example, a user device used for planning dock operations. In some examples, the electronic device is, for example, part of a dock operating system (TOS). In some examples, the electronic device is part of a system including one or more distributed control systems.

[0052] Method 100 includes acquiring, in S102, input data associated with container shipping and terminal data associated with the terminal. In some embodiments, acquiring, in S102, input data associated with container shipping and terminal data associated with the terminal includes, for example, receiving and / or retrieving input data associated with container shipping and terminal data associated with the terminal from one or more data sources. For example, data sources include one or more of the following: anchorage planner systems, reservation systems, databases storing information about equipment and / or assets, TOS (Terminal Operator System), and relevant terminal-specific data sources, such as yard map databases (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0053] In some examples, obtaining the input data associated with container shipping and the terminal data associated with the terminal in S102 includes generating the input data associated with container shipping and the terminal data associated with the terminal.

[0054] Input data and / or terminal data may be obtained periodically, for example, from a shipping-related database (such as one associated with a terminal). Input data and / or terminal data may be obtained at any frequency, for example, every 5 minutes, every hour, every 2 hours, once a day, etc. Input data and / or terminal data may be manually updated, for example, by refreshing. The input data and / or terminal data provided to the simulation may be updated, for example, based on user input to the simulation and / or based on previous actual container shipping and / or previous actual terminal data. Input data may include, for example, time period parameters. Time period parameters indicate, for example, a future time period to be simulated, such as one or more days, weeks, months, etc. In other words, time period parameters indicate, for example, the simulation length, such as 24 hours. Input data may include, for example, escort window times. Escort window times indicate, for example, the time window in which a vehicle can pass through a given area (e.g., the Suez Canal).

[0055] In one or more example methods, the input data includes one or more of the following: vehicle data, container data, and voyage data. In some examples, vehicle data includes, for example, one or more of the following: vehicle identifier data, vehicle type data, vehicle size data, and vehicle equipment data used for loading / unloading. Vehicle identifier data may, for example, indicate the vehicle. For example, vehicle identifier data may include codes, such as alphanumeric codes indicating a vehicle (such as a vehicle associated with shipping). Vehicle identifier data may, for example, indicate the number and / or weight of containers transported by the vehicle. Vehicle type data indicates, for example, the type of vehicle. For example, vehicle type data may indicate the class and / or category of the vehicle. For example, vehicle data may indicate that the vehicle is a cargo ship (such as a container ship), a barge, a ferry, etc. Vehicle size data indicates, for example, the dimensions of the vehicle, such as the dimensions of a vehicle associated with shipping. Vehicle size data indicates, for example, the length, height, and / or width of the vehicle.

[0056] Vehicle equipment data, for example, indicates the equipment associated with a vehicle. In some examples, vehicle equipment data may indicate one or more cranes of the vehicle, such as cranes of the vehicle configured to unload containers from the vehicle. For example, vehicle equipment data may indicate deck cranes of the vehicle, such as the number of deck cranes associated with the vehicle.

[0057] In some examples, container data includes one or more of the following: container type data, container size data, commodity type data, etc. Container type data, for example, indicates the type of container. For example, container type data may include information indicating one or more of the following: dry container, refrigerated container, open-top container, flatbed container, etc. Container size data, for example, indicates the size of the container. Container size data may, for example, indicate the dimensions of the container. For example, container size data may indicate the length, height, and / or width of the container. For example, container size data may indicate one or more of the following: 20-foot container, 40-foot container, etc. Commodity type data, for example, indicates the type of goods associated with shipping, such as goods being shipped. In some examples, commodity type data includes codes, such as alphanumeric codes indicating commodity types. In some examples, commodity type data includes Harmonized System (HS) codes, which indicate commodity types, such as commodity categories.

[0058] In some examples, shipping data includes one or more of the following: origin location data, destination location data, transshipment hub data, inland delivery location data, shipper data, consignee data, etc. Shipping can be considered, for example, to include an origin location (such as a first location) and a destination location (such as a second location). For example, when a vehicle ships a container from a terminal in Dubai (first location) to a terminal in Copenhagen (second location), Dubai can be considered the origin location, and Copenhagen can be considered the destination location. Origin location data, for example, indicates the origin location of the shipping. Destination location data, for example, indicates the destination location of the shipping. Shipping can include, for example, transshipment hubs. For example, a transshipment hub can be considered a transshipment location, such as a transshipment terminal. The vehicle performing the shipping may, for example, berth at one or more transshipment hubs during the shipping. In some examples, one or more containers may be unloaded and / or loaded at a transshipment location during berthing. Transshipment location data, for example, indicates the location of the transshipment hub. In some examples, transit hub data can indicate one or more operations associated with shipping containers at a transit hub. Inland delivery location data can, for example, indicate inland delivery locations, such as the inland location where one or more goods associated with shipping will be delivered. Inland locations can be, for example, warehousing facilities, warehouses, distribution facilities, etc.

[0059] In some examples, input data may be associated with bookings, for instance. For example, vehicle data, container data, and voyage data may be associated with bookings. For example, input data associated with bookings may be provided by users (such as consignees) via a booking platform.

[0060] In one or more example methods, terminal data includes one or more of the following: anchorage planning data, terminal equipment availability data, terminal equipment allocation data, yard data, yard allocation data, and yard inventory data. Anchorage planning data, for example, indicates one or more anchorage plans associated with the terminal. For instance, anchorage planning data may indicate one or more anchorages allocated to vehicles at the terminal. In some examples, anchorage planning data includes, for example, actual data such as actual anchorage planning data, such as historical anchorages at the terminal, and / or planned future anchorages. Anchorage planning data may, for example, be obtained from an anchorage planning system. For example, when an anchorage plan is successfully executed, the anchorage plan may be added to a master anchorage plan stored in the anchorage planning system and may be provided as anchorage planning data.

[0061] The terminal provides terminal equipment that can be used for terminal operations. Terminal equipment includes, for example, one or more cranes associated with the terminal (e.g., quay cranes, gantry cranes, automated gantry cranes, automated stacker cranes), one or more shuttle or straddle carriers, one or more vehicles (e.g., trucks), one or more automated guided vehicles, etc. Terminal equipment can be considered, for example, as equipment located at the terminal and configured to move one or more containers associated with shipping. Terminal equipment includes, for example, cranes such as rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), quay cranes, gantry cranes, overhead gantry cranes, and / or any other suitable crane type. RTG cranes are configured, for example, to move one or more containers into and / or out of the container yard. RTGs can be configured, for example, to move one or more containers between vehicles (such as terminal vehicles) and the container yard. RTGs can be configured, for example, to move containers between one or more spaces in the container yard. For example, RTG cranes can move containers between one or more container areas (e.g., zones) in the container yard. Quay cranes and / or gantry cranes are configured, for example, to move one or more containers into and / or out of a vehicle. For instance, quay cranes and / or gantry cranes may be configured to unload one or more containers from a vehicle. Quay cranes and / or gantry cranes may be configured, for example, to load one or more containers onto a vehicle. In some examples, quay cranes and / or gantry cranes are configured to move one or more containers between a vehicle and a vehicle (such as a terminal vehicle) to transport the container to an RTG crane, which can then move the container to an assigned location in the container yard. In some examples, any equipment on the vehicle while it is berthed at the terminal can be considered terminal equipment.

[0062] In some examples, terminal equipment includes one or more of the following: quay cranes, gantry cranes, RTG cranes, luffing cranes, quay gantry cranes (STS), mobile port cranes, and transport vehicles. Transport vehicles (such as one or more transport vehicles) can be, for example, trucks, cars, vans, flatbed trucks, etc. There are no restrictions on the types of terminal equipment (such as cranes, vehicles, etc.).

[0063] Terminal equipment availability data, for example, indicates the availability of one or more units of terminal equipment (such as cranes and / or vehicles). For instance, terminal equipment availability data could indicate whether a unit of terminal equipment (such as a crane) is capable of performing a greater number of operations. Alternatively, it could indicate that terminal equipment did not perform operations during a given time period (such as the idle time period of the terminal equipment).

[0064] Terminal equipment availability data can, for example, indicate the ratio between one or more types of available terminal equipment. For instance, terminal equipment availability data can indicate a terminal equipment ratio, where the terminal equipment ratio is the ratio between the number of available terminal equipment of different types and the number of terminal equipment types that are occupied, such as the ratio of available terminal equipment types.

[0065] In some examples, method 100 includes selecting terminal equipment based on terminal equipment availability data to perform one or more operations associated with shipping at the terminal in simulation S108.

[0066] Terminal equipment allocation data, for example, indicates the allocation of one or more units of terminal equipment. Terminal equipment allocation data may, for example, indicate one or more operations assigned to a given unit of terminal equipment.

[0067] Yard data, for example, indicates the layout of a terminal yard (such as a container yard) used for placing containers. For example, yard data may include a terminal map. For example, yard data may include a map of a container yard. Yard data may include, for example, information indicating the location and / or routes of terminal equipment. For example, yard data may indicate one or more unloading and / or loading routes associated with anchorages at the terminal. Yard data, for example, indicates areas within the yard where cranes (e.g., RTG cranes) can perform operations (such as moving containers). For example, yard data may indicate one or more container areas, columns, stacks, etc., in the yard where units of terminal equipment (such as RTG cranes) can perform operations.

[0068] Yard allocation data, for example, indicates the allocation of containers within a yard. For instance, yard allocation data may indicate one or more allocation spaces within the yard for one or more containers at the terminal. In other words, yard allocation data may indicate the space within the yard allocated to a given container at the terminal. Yard allocation data may, for example, indicate the amount of space available for containers. In some examples, yard allocation data includes information indicating yard allocation, such as... Figure 2 The diagram shows a yard allocation 60. For example, the yard allocation data includes information indicating the actual yard allocation. Electronic devices may be configured, for example, to acquire the yard allocation data via user input. In some examples, the yard allocation data may indicate the allocation status of the container yard, such as the current or historical allocation status of the container yard. In some examples, the yard allocation data may indicate a predetermined allocation status of the container yard, such as a default status.

[0069] Yard inventory data, for example, indicates the number of units of terminal equipment used to place containers in the yard, such as the number of units of a type (such as each type).

[0070] Method 100 includes simulating one or more terminal operations of S108 based on input data and terminal data. In one or more example methods, simulating one or more terminal operations of S108 based on input data and terminal data includes simulating one or more terminal operations of S108 based on input data and / or terminal data by applying simulation techniques to the input data and / or terminal data. In one or more example methods, the simulation technique is a discrete event simulation technique.

[0071] One or more terminal operations may be performed, for example, by terminal equipment. These terminal operations include, for example, moving containers at a terminal (such as a terminal where vehicles carrying containers for shipping berth). For example, terminal operations may include one or more of the following: unloading containers from vehicles, moving containers into and / or out of allocated space in a yard, loading containers onto vehicles, berthing vehicles, and departing vehicles. In one or more examples, simulation S108 may take previous (such as historical) terminal operations and / or user input instructing the user to select terminal operations to be simulated as input.

[0072] Method 100 includes determining one or more performance metrics associated with shipping, S110, based on one or more simulated terminal operations. The one or more performance metrics, for example, indicate the performance of operations at the terminal. For example, the one or more performance metrics may indicate the efficiency of one or more operations at the terminal. The one or more performance metrics may indicate the efficiency of terminal equipment and / or terminal operators. In one or more example methods, the one or more determined performance metrics include one or more of the following: terminal equipment performance parameters, crane strength parameters, port movement parameters, container movement parameters, crane movement parameters, crane lifting parameters, rope attachment parameters, and last cable removal parameters. Terminal equipment performance parameters, for example, indicate the performance of a given type of terminal equipment (such as cranes (e.g., RTG cranes, quay cranes), trucks, etc.). In some examples, terminal equipment performance parameters may indicate the performance of a given unit of terminal equipment. In some examples, terminal equipment performance parameters may indicate the movement of terminal equipment (e.g., a certain type of terminal equipment and / or a unit of terminal equipment), such as the distance traveled per unit time.

[0073] The time period during which one or more cranes equipped at the terminal can lift containers can be considered a lifting period. In some examples, a lifting period can be considered the crane's active period, such as non-idle time. Crane intensity (CI) parameters, for example, indicate the time spent by the crane performing operations. For example, a crane intensity parameter can include the ratio between the time spent by the crane performing operations and the lifting period (such as the total time the crane can perform operations). In other words, a CI parameter can indicate the proportion of idle time associated with the crane, such as the proportion of time the crane is not used to perform operations. CI parameters can, for example, be considered as simulated CI parameters. Planned CI parameters can, for example, be obtained from an anchorage planner system. The determined CI parameters can, for example, be simulated based on crane assignment per shift, and the CI parameters for each vehicle can be calculated accordingly. The determined CI parameters can, for example, include information indicating the differences between one or more CI parameters.

[0074] Port movement parameters, for example, indicate the number of movements performed at the terminal within a given time period (such as during a lifting period). Port movement parameters can, for example, indicate the total number of terminal equipment movements performed per hour at the terminal, such as the number of crane lifts per hour during a lifting period. In other words, port movement parameters can indicate the total number of terminal equipment movements per unit time period (e.g., per hour) during the number of operating hours of one or more cranes and / or trucks at the terminal. Terminal equipment movements can, for example, include one or more of the following: unloading containers from vehicles onto trucks, transporting containers (e.g., using vehicles such as trucks) to and / or leaving allocated container spaces in the yard, loading containers onto vehicles, and / or moving containers from one space in the container yard to another space in the container yard.

[0075] Container movement parameters, for example, indicate the movement of containers within a given time period. For instance, container movement parameters may indicate the number of movements of one or more containers (such as all containers) at a terminal, e.g., the number of movements per unit time. For instance, container movement parameters may indicate the number of container unloading movements at a terminal. The number of container unloading movements may, for example, be considered as the number of movements (such as the number of operations) within a time period associated with moving a container from a carrier to the space allocated to that container in the container yard. For instance, container movement parameters may include, for example, the total number of movements within a time period associated with moving a container from a carrier to the space allocated to that container in the container yard, such as the total number of movements for all shipping at the terminal. For instance, container movement parameters may indicate the number of container loading movements at a terminal. The number of container loading movements may, for example, be considered as the number of movements (such as the number of operations) within a time period associated with moving a container from its allocated space in the container yard to a carrier. For instance, container movement parameters may include, for example, the total number of movements within a time period associated with moving a container from its allocated space in the container yard to a carrier, such as the total number of movements for all shipping at the terminal. Container movement parameters may include, for example, one or more container movement parameters for a "fully loaded" container, where a fully loaded container can be considered a non-empty container. Container movement parameters may also include, for example, one or more container movement parameters for an empty container (such as a container that does not contain any goods). In some examples, container movement parameters may indicate the movement of one or more containers at a terminal, such as the distance traveled per unit time.

[0076] Crane movement parameters, for example, indicate the number of movements performed by a crane at a terminal. In some examples, crane movement parameters include crane movement per unit time (such as per hour). Crane movement can be considered, for example, an operation performed by the crane, such as moving a container from a carrier to a container yard. Crane movement can include, for example, movement between one or more container areas (such as zones) in a container yard (such as transporting containers), such as movement between container areas. For example, crane movement per unit time can be determined by dividing the number of crane movements by the crane utilization time, where crane utilization time can be considered as the total activity (such as non-idle) time of all cranes assigned to a carrier. Crane movement parameters include, for example, parameters indicating the total number of crane working hours, such as the total activity time of all cranes at the terminal within a given time period.

[0077] Crane lifting parameters, for example, indicate the number of lifts performed by a crane at the terminal, such as the number of container lifts. For instance, crane lifting parameters can indicate the number of lifts performed by the crane per unit time, such as the number of container lifts. In some examples, crane lifting parameters indicate the number of crane lifts per hour (CLPH). In some examples, a crane can lift one or more (such as two) containers in a single lift. In some examples, a 20-foot container lifted simultaneously by a crane can be counted as two separate lifts instead of one.

[0078] Rope attachment parameters can, for example, indicate the simulated time from the vehicle's entry into the quay or port to the securing (e.g., attachment) of all ropes (such as mooring lines) at the assigned anchorage. In other words, rope attachment parameters can indicate the time required for the vehicle to complete berthing (e.g., the time it takes for the vehicle to be attached (such as to a mooring bollard at the quay) so that all ropes for berthing are attached). For instance, rope attachment parameters can be considered as indicating the time required for the vehicle to be anchored in the port area (such as to a quay).

[0079] For example, the last mooring line removal parameter can be considered as the time or event when all mooring lines have been removed, allowing the vehicle to leave the dock. In other words, the last mooring line removal parameter can indicate the time when all mooring lines of the vehicle have been successfully detached from the mooring bollards at the dock.

[0080] Method 100 includes providing one or more performance metrics in S116. In some examples, providing one or more performance metrics in S116 includes displaying a user interface object representing one or more performance metrics. In some examples, providing one or more performance metrics in S116 includes, for example, reporting and / or sending one or more performance metrics to a user device.

[0081] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes generating control data for controlling shipping-related operations in step S122 based on one or more defined performance metrics. The control data can be, for example, considered as data upon which control operations (such as terminal equipment) can be based. In one or more example methods, method 100 includes controlling shipping-related operations in step S124 based on the control data. Controlling shipping-related operations in step S124 includes, for example, providing (such as transmitting) control data to terminal equipment and / or user equipment to perform the operation. In some examples, controlling shipping-related operations in step S124 includes providing (such as transmitting) control signals indicative of control data to terminal equipment and / or user equipment to perform the operation.

[0082] In some examples, method 100 includes updating, for example, input data associated with container shipping and / or terminal data associated with the terminal based on control data (such as control signals). For example, the control data includes updated yard allocation information, such as... Figure 2 The storage yard allocation shown is 60.

[0083] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes obtaining historical data in S104 indicating one or more of the following: one or more historical shippings, historical anchorage planning, and one or more historical terminal operations. Historical data can be, for example, considered actual data, such as actual historical data. One or more historical shippings can be, for example, considered one or more actual historical shippings associated with containers at the terminal, such as previously occurring shippings. Historical anchorage planning can be, for example, considered one or more actual historical anchorage plans associated with shipping of containers at the terminal, such as previously occurring anchorage plans. One or more historical terminal operations can be, for example, considered one or more actual historical terminal operations associated with containers at the terminal, such as previously occurring terminal operations. For example, historical data may include information indicating actual historical operations at the terminal within a given prior time period (e.g., the past two months). In some examples, historical data includes Internet of Things (IoT) cycle data associated with one or more historical operations performed by terminal equipment. Historical data includes, for example, cycle times, such as indicating the cycle time between the berthing and departure of a given vehicle at the terminal. For example, cycle time may be the average cycle time within a given time period. In some examples, historical data includes information indicating one or more historical performance metrics. In some examples, historical data includes information indicating the speed and / or efficiency of quay equipment associated with one or more historical operations at the quay.

[0084] In one or more example methods, simulating one or more terminal operations based on input data and terminal data (S108) includes generating a distribution of historical terminal operations (S108A) based on the input data and terminal data (and optionally based on historical data). For example, an electronic device can generate a distribution of historical terminal operations (such as terminal operations over the past X months, where X is a positive integer) and use the generated distribution to simulate terminal operations based on the inputs (input data and terminal data). This distribution can provide a distribution of various performance metrics over time.

[0085] This distribution can be viewed as a function of the terminal operation over time, such as the distribution of various performance indicators of each terminal equipment over time.

[0086] The generated distribution can advantageously simulate, for example, nonlinear effects associated with operations at the dock with high accuracy. In some examples, generating the S108A distribution involves generating a distribution of dock operations over time based on actual historical data. It is understood that since the distribution is generated based on nonlinear actual data, nonlinear effects have been taken into account. Generating the S108A distribution includes, for example, generating the distribution based on one or more assumptions (e.g., approximations). For example, one or more assumptions may include the assumption that any quay crane and / or gantry crane can reach any location on the vessel. By generating the distribution based on one or more assumptions, a distribution with satisfactory accuracy can be generated while, for example, minimizing simulation complexity, thereby reducing the computational load on the electronics and / or reducing the time required for the electronics to perform the simulation. In some examples, the distribution indicates the cycle time of one or more operations performed at the dock by dock equipment (e.g., cranes).

[0087] In one or more example methods, simulating one or more terminal operations S108 based on input data and terminal data includes predicting one or more terminal operations S108B based on distributions. In some examples, predicting one or more terminal operations S108B includes, for example, predicting one or more terminal operations by sampling historical data (such as actual historical data corresponding to the input data and terminal data). In one or more examples, the input data includes a simulation period. The simulation period, for example, indicates the time period during which operations associated with shipping containers at the terminal need to be predicted.

[0088] In one or more example methods, simulating one or more terminal operations in S108 involves determining the route from S108C to the container yard allocation and the terminal equipment associated with executing that route by applying route planning techniques to one or more of the following: input data, terminal data, and historical data. The route can be viewed, for example, as a path, such as the path taken by the terminal equipment. For instance, a route could be the path taken by a truck as it transports a container to and / or from a vehicle and yard (such as a container yard) (e.g., to a space allocated for the container in the yard). In some examples, determining the terminal equipment associated with executing the route in S108C includes selecting a unit of terminal equipment (such as a truck, crane, etc.) (e.g., the optimal unit of the terminal equipment) to execute the route, such as performing operations associated with the route.

[0089] Route planning techniques may include, for example, applying route planning algorithms to one or more of the following: input data, terminal data, and / or historical data. Route planning techniques may include, for example, determining the shortest path to a yard allocation for a given container. For example, route planning techniques may include determining the shortest route by which a crane unloads one or more containers from a vehicle at the terminal to a truck, and then to the yard allocation. In some examples, route planning algorithms include shortest path algorithms, for example, with additional considerations such as weights for movement and / or routes. The shortest path may be configured, for example, to determine the shortest path for a given operation (such as container movement) at the terminal based on, for example, input data, terminal data, and / or historical data. In some examples, the shortest path may be configured, for example, to determine the total shortest path for one or more operations (such as all operations) at the terminal over, for example, a given time period based on input data, terminal data, and / or historical data. In some examples, route planning techniques include weighting one or more routes and / or unit and / or terminal equipment types. For example, the weight of one or more gantry movements (such as the route taken by a gantry crane) may be higher, for example, due to inefficiency. In some examples, the weight of one or more gantry movements may be lower; for example, fast movements and / or movements that require a smaller weight may have a lower weight.

[0090] In some examples, route planning techniques can determine the time required for a unit of terminal equipment (e.g., trucks and / or RTG cranes) to move along a given route at the terminal. In some examples, determining the route for S108C to container yard allocation and the terminal equipment associated with executing that route involves applying route planning techniques to S108CA on one or more of the following data: input data, terminal data, historical data, and constraint data (e.g., data indicating one or more constraints). For example, constraint data could indicate a one-way system, such as a one-way route.

[0091] In one or more example methods, determining one or more performance metrics associated with shipping for S110 based on one or more simulated terminal operations includes predicting one or more performance metrics for S110A based on one or more simulated terminal operations and / or based on distributions. For example, predicting one or more performance metrics for S110A includes one or more performance metrics for an upcoming time period (e.g., the next 24 hours, the next week, the next two weeks, etc.).

[0092] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes determining constraint data, S106, indicating one or more constraints associated with shipping and / or the terminal, based on input data and / or terminal data. The one or more constraints may be considered, for example, constraints to be followed, such as rules. In some examples, the one or more constraints may be considered rules that operations associated with shipping must not violate, such as rules that must not be deviated from. In some examples, the one or more constraints may be terminal-specific. In other words, the constraint data may be associated with the terminal. The constraint data may be considered, for example, data indicating one or more constraints associated with shipping of containers at the terminal. For example, constraint data may indicate one or more areas in the yard where storage of one or more containers (such as certain types of containers) is restricted. For example, one or more allocated spaces in the yard may not be allocated to one or more types of containers, such as containers containing dangerous goods (e.g., explosive materials, hazardous materials, etc.). In some examples, constraint data indicates one or more physical constraints, such as physical restrictions, for example, terminal equipment. In some examples, constraint data may be obtained, for example, from container data (e.g., container contents), for example, from a booking system and / or from users. In some examples, constraint data may be received and / or retrieved from, for example, container data (e.g., the contents of a container), a booking system, and / or from a user. In some examples, constraint data may be generated, for example, based on user input.

[0093] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes determining bottleneck data, based on one or more predicted performance metrics, S112 indicating bottlenecks in one or more operations associated with shipping of containers at the terminal. The bottleneck in one or more operations can, for example, be considered any step leading to shipping (such as...). Figure 1 A bottleneck is a set of operations that are delayed (any step shown). For example, a bottleneck can be considered as congestion of one or more operations associated with the shipping of containers at a terminal. A bottleneck can be associated, for example, with one or more capacity problems at the terminal (such as insufficient availability of terminal equipment for performing one or more operations at the terminal).

[0094] In one or more example methods, determining the bottleneck data, as indicated by S112, for one or more operations associated with the shipping of containers at the terminal, includes determining whether at least one of one or more predicted performance metrics in S112A meets one or more criteria. In some examples, the one or more predicted performance metrics may correspond to a given criterion. For example, each predicted performance metric may correspond to a given criterion. In some examples, one or more of the one or more criteria include one or more thresholds. In some examples, each criterion includes one or more thresholds. The one or more criteria may, for example, be considered as targets for one or more performance metrics.

[0095] In one or more example methods, one or more criteria are based on one or more thresholds. For example, each criterion may be associated with one or more thresholds. In some examples, whether at least one of the predicted performance metrics meets one or more criteria depends on whether at least one of the predicted performance metrics is greater than (or equal to) or less than at least one of the corresponding thresholds. For example, a predicted performance metric may be considered to meet one or more criteria when at least one of the predicted performance metrics is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold. Conversely, a predicted performance metric may be considered not to meet at least one of the one or more criteria when at least one of the predicted performance metrics is less than the corresponding threshold of one or more thresholds.

[0096] For example, the number of crane lifts per hour (CLPH) is associated with a criterion where a threshold is, for example, 40. For example, when the CLPH is below the threshold (e.g., 40), it can be considered that the CLPH criterion is not met. For example, when the CLPH is greater than or equal to the threshold (e.g., 40), it can be considered that the CLPH criterion is not met. In some examples, the target CLPH can be 30 or higher.

[0097] The predicted performance parameters, for example, indicate heatmaps, showing the utilization of one or more zones (such as container areas) in a yard. A heatmap, for example, indicates how close the capacity of a given area (such as a container area) in the yard is to full capacity (such as full load). For example, a heatmap may include values ​​indicating how close the capacity of an area in the yard is to full load. The heatmap corresponds to a criterion, for example, where the threshold is, for example, 70%, such as 70% full load. For example, when a heatmap indicates that the capacity of an area in the yard is below the threshold (e.g., 70%), it can be considered to meet the criterion associated with the heatmap. For example, when a heatmap indicates that the capacity is greater than or equal to the threshold (e.g., 70%), it can be considered to meet the criterion associated with the heatmap, such as an area of ​​the yard being overloaded.

[0098] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes providing bottleneck data S114 to a user device after determining that at least one of the predicted performance metrics does not meet one or more criteria. The user device is, for example, a device associated with a user. In some examples, the user device is an electronic device associated with a user. For example, the user device may be a computer, smartphone, smartwatch, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc. In some examples, providing bottleneck data S114 to the user device includes, for example, alerting the user to the bottleneck by displaying a notification on the user device, such as alerting the user to a predicted bottleneck associated with shipping.

[0099] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes, after determining that at least one of the predicted performance metrics meets one or more criteria, prohibiting S113 from providing bottleneck data to the user device.

[0100] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes updating the S118 input data and terminal data based on user input. In some examples, the input data and / or terminal data may be updated, for example, to improve the efficiency of one or more operations associated with shipping containers at the terminal. In one or more example methods, method 100 includes updating the input data and / or terminal data after determining that at least one of the predicted performance indicators does not meet one or more criteria. In some examples, updating the S118 input data and terminal data may include, for example, acquiring (such as receiving and / or retrieving) updated input data and / or updated terminal data based on user input from an electronic device (e.g., through iterative simulation). In some examples, updating the S118 input data and terminal data may include acquiring (such as receiving) updated input data and / or terminal data based on user input. In some examples, updating the S118 input data and terminal data may include acquiring (such as receiving) updated input data and / or terminal data from one or more updated data sources (e.g., TOS, equipment database, etc.).

[0101] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes simulating one or more updated dock operations in S120 based on updated input data and updated dock data. In other words, simulating one or more dock operations in S120 includes periodically (e.g., periodically within a unit of time, for example, once per hour) simulating one or more updated dock operations based on updated input data and updated dock data.

[0102] In one or more example methods, controlling the shipping-related operations of S124 based on control data includes one or more of the following: updating the yard allocation of containers in terminal S124A and updating the operations of terminal equipment at terminal S124B.

[0103] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example electronic device 300 according to the present disclosure is shown. The electronic device 300 includes a memory circuitry 301, a processor circuitry 302, and an interface 303. The electronic device 300 is configured to perform... Figures 3A to 3C Any of the methods disclosed herein. In other words, electronic device 300 is configured to enable operations associated with the shipping of containers at the terminal. In some examples, electronic device 300 is an analog device. In some examples, electronic device 300 is a server. In some examples, electronic device is, for example, a user device for planning terminal operations. In some examples, electronic device is, for example, part of a Terminal Operating System (TOS). In some examples, electronic device is part of a system including one or more distributed control systems.

[0104] Electronic device 300 is configured (e.g., via memory circuitry 301 and / or interface 303) to acquire input data associated with container shipping and terminal data associated with the terminal.

[0105] Electronic device 300 is configured (e.g., via processor circuitry 302) to simulate one or more dock operations based on input data and dock data.

[0106] Electronic device 300 is configured (e.g., via processor circuitry 302) to determine one or more performance metrics associated with the terminal based on one or more simulated terminal operations.

[0107] Electronic device 300 is configured (e.g., via processor circuitry 302 and / or interface 303) to provide one or more performance metrics.

[0108] Processor circuit 302 is optionally configured to execute Figures 3A to 3CThe operation of electronic device 300 may be embodied in any of the operations disclosed herein (such as any one or more of the following: S102, S104, S106, S108, S108A, S108B, S108C, S108CA, S110, S110A, S112, S112A, S113, S114, S116, S118, S120, S122, S124, S124A, S124B). The operation of electronic device 300 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory circuitry 301) and executed by processor circuitry 302.

[0109] Furthermore, the operation of electronic device 300 can be considered as a method configured to be performed by electronic device 300. Additionally, while the described functions and operations can be implemented in software, such functions can also be implemented via dedicated hardware or firmware, or some combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software.

[0110] The memory circuit system 301 may be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, hard disk drive, removable media, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), or other suitable devices. In a typical arrangement, the memory circuit system 301 may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory used as system memory for the processor circuit system 302. The memory circuit system 301 may exchange data with the processor circuit system 302 via a data bus. Control lines and an address bus may also exist between the memory circuit system 301 and the processor circuit system 302. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image). The memory circuitry 301 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0111] The memory circuit system 301 can be configured to store input data, terminal data, one or more terminal operations, one or more performance indicators, historical data, distribution, routes, yard allocation, route planning techniques, constraint data and / or bottleneck data in a portion of the memory.

[0112] The implementation of the methods and products (electronic devices) according to this disclosure is set forth in the following terms: Clause 1. A method, performed by an electronic device, for initiating operations associated with shipping of containers at a terminal, the method comprising: Obtain input data associated with the shipping of the container and terminal data associated with the terminal; Simulate one or more dock operations based on the input data and the dock data; Based on the one or more simulated terminal operations, determine one or more performance indicators associated with the shipping; and Provide one or more of the aforementioned performance metrics.

[0113] Clause 2. The method described in Clause 1, wherein the input data includes one or more of the following: vehicle data, container data, and voyage data.

[0114] Clause 3. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the terminal data includes one or more of the following: anchorage planning data, terminal equipment availability data, terminal equipment allocation data, yard data, yard allocation data, and yard inventory data.

[0115] Clause 4. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein one or more of the determined performance indicators include one or more of the following: terminal equipment performance parameters, crane strength parameters, port movement parameters, container movement parameters, crane movement parameters, crane lifting parameters, rope attachment parameters, and last cable removal parameters.

[0116] Clause 5. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the method comprises: Based on the one or more defined performance indicators, generate control data for controlling operations associated with the shipping; and The operations associated with the shipping are controlled based on the control data.

[0117] Clause 6. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the method includes obtaining historical data indicating one or more of the following: one or more historical shipping events, historical anchorage planning, and one or more historical terminal operations.

[0118] Clause 7. The method according to Clause 6, wherein simulating the one or more terminal operations based on the input data and the terminal data includes: - Based on the input data, the terminal data, and the historical data, generate a distribution indicating historical terminal operations; and - Predict one or more terminal operations based on the distribution.

[0119] Clause 8. The method according to any one of Clauses 6 to 7, wherein simulating the one or more terminal operations includes determining the route to the container yard allocation and the terminal equipment associated with executing the route by applying route planning technology to one or more of the following: the input data, the terminal data, and the historical data.

[0120] Clause 9. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 to 8, wherein determining one or more performance indicators associated with the shipping based on the one or more simulated terminal operations includes predicting one or more performance indicators based on the one or more simulated terminal operations and / or based on the distribution.

[0121] Clause 10. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the method includes determining constraint data indicating one or more constraints associated with the shipping and / or the terminal based on the input data and / or the terminal data.

[0122] Clause 11. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the method includes determining bottleneck data based on the one or more predicted performance metrics that indicate bottlenecks in one or more operations associated with the shipping of containers at the terminal.

[0123] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein determining bottleneck data indicating bottlenecks in one or more operations associated with the shipping of containers at the terminal includes determining whether at least one of the predicted performance indicators meets one or more criteria.

[0124] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 12, wherein the method includes providing the bottleneck data to the user device after determining that at least one of the predicted performance metrics does not meet one or more of the criteria.

[0125] Clause 14. The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the method includes updating the input data and the dock data based on user input.

[0126] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 14, wherein the method includes simulating one or more updated terminal operations based on the updated input data and the updated terminal data.

[0127] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 5 to 15, wherein controlling the operations associated with the shipping based on the control data includes one or more of the following: updating the yard allocation of containers in the terminal, and updating the operations of the terminal equipment at the terminal.

[0128] Clause 17. An electronic device comprising a memory circuitry, a processor circuitry, and an interface, wherein the electronic device is configured to perform any of the methods according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16.

[0129] Clause 18. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, said one or more programs including instructions that, when executed by an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform any of the methods described in Clauses 1 to 16.

[0130] The use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," and "auxiliary," etc., does not imply any particular order, but is included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," and "auxiliary," etc., does not indicate any order or importance, but is used to distinguish one element from another. It should be noted that the use of the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," "primary," "secondary," and "auxiliary," etc., here and elsewhere, is solely for labelling purposes and is not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal order. Moreover, the labeling of a first element does not imply the existence of a second element, and vice versa.

[0131] It is understood that the accompanying drawings include some circuit systems or operations shown in solid lines and some circuit systems or operations shown in dashed lines. The circuit systems or operations included in the solid lines are those included in the most broad example embodiments. The circuit systems or operations included in the dashed lines are example embodiments that can be included in or part of the circuit systems or operations of the solid-line example embodiments, or are further circuit systems or operations that can be taken in addition to the circuit systems or operations of the solid-line example embodiments. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. Furthermore, it should be understood that not all operations need to be performed. Exemplary operations can be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0132] It should be noted that the word "including" does not necessarily exclude the existence of other elements or steps besides those listed.

[0133] It should be noted that the words "one" or "a kind" preceding an element do not preclude the existence of multiple such elements.

[0134] It should be noted that the term "indication" can be considered as "associated with," "related to," "description," "characterization," and / or "definition." The terms "indication," "associated with," "related to," "description," "characterization," and "definition" are used interchangeably. The term "indication" can be considered as indicating a relation. For example, weight data indicating weight may include one or more weight parameters.

[0135] It should be noted that the term "based on" can be considered as "as a function of" and / or "derived from". The terms "based on" and "as a function of" are used interchangeably. For example, parameters determined "based on" a dataset can be considered as parameters determined "as a function of the dataset". In other words, parameters can be the output of one or more functions that take the dataset as input.

[0136] Functions can represent the relationship between inputs and outputs, such as mathematical relationships, database relationships, hardware relationships, logical relationships, and / or other suitable relationships.

[0137] It should be further noted that any reference numerals in the drawings do not limit the scope of the claims, exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and certain “components,” “units,” or “devices” may be represented by the same hardware article.

[0138] The various exemplary methods, apparatuses, nodes, and systems described herein are set within the general context of method steps or processes. In one aspect, these method steps or processes may be implemented by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, that are executed by a computer in a networked environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), optical disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), etc. Generally, a program circuit system may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specified task or implement a particular abstract data type. The computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program circuit systems represent examples of program code for performing steps of the methods disclosed herein. Specific sequences of such executable instructions or associated data structures represent examples of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0139] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. Therefore, this specification and accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A method, performed by an electronic device, for initiating operations associated with shipping of containers at a terminal, the method comprising: Obtain input data associated with the shipping of the container and terminal data associated with the terminal; Simulate one or more dock operations based on the input data and the dock data; One or more performance metrics associated with the shipping are determined based on the one or more simulated terminal operations. as well as Provide one or more of the aforementioned performance metrics.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the input data includes one or more of the following: vehicle data, container data, and voyage data.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal data includes one or more of the following: anchorage planning data, terminal equipment availability data, terminal equipment allocation data, yard data, yard allocation data, and yard inventory data.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determined performance indicators include one or more of the following: terminal equipment performance parameters, crane strength parameters, port movement parameters, container movement parameters, crane movement parameters, crane lifting parameters, rope attachment parameters, and last cable removal parameters.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Based on the one or more defined performance indicators, control data is generated for controlling operations associated with the shipping. as well as The operations associated with the shipping are controlled based on the control data.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes acquiring historical data indicating one or more of the following: one or more historical shipping events, historical anchorage planning, and one or more historical terminal operations.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein simulating the one or more terminal operations based on the input data and the terminal data comprises: - Based on the input data, the terminal data, and the historical data, generate a distribution indicating historical terminal operations; as well as - Predict one or more terminal operations based on the distribution.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein simulating the one or more terminal operations includes determining the route to the container yard allocation and the terminal equipment associated with executing the route by applying route planning technology to one or more of the following: the input data, the terminal data, and the historical data.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein determining one or more performance indicators associated with the shipping based on the one or more simulated terminal operations comprises predicting one or more performance indicators based on the one or more simulated terminal operations and / or based on the distribution.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises determining constraint data indicating one or more constraints associated with the shipping and / or the terminal based on the input data and / or the terminal data.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes determining bottleneck data based on the one or more predicted performance metrics that indicate bottlenecks in one or more operations associated with the shipping of containers at the terminal.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining bottleneck data indicating bottlenecks in one or more operations associated with the shipping of containers at the terminal includes determining whether at least one of the predicted performance metrics meets one or more criteria.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method includes providing the bottleneck data to the user device after determining that at least one of the predicted performance metrics does not meet one of the one or more criteria.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method includes updating the input data and the dock data based on user input.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method includes simulating one or more updated terminal operations based on the updated input data and the updated terminal data.

16. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 15, wherein controlling the operation associated with the shipping based on the control data includes one or more of the following: updating the yard allocation of containers in the terminal, and updating the operation of the terminal equipment at the terminal.

17. An electronic device comprising a memory circuitry, a processor circuitry, and an interface, wherein the electronic device is configured to perform any one of the methods according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, said one or more programs including instructions that, when executed by an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform any of the methods according to claims 1 to 16.

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