Method and system for managing the loading of a freight train

Abstract

Described is a method for managing the loading of a goods train (TMC), comprising the following steps: receiving (F1 ) reference data (D103), representing an identifier of the train, a train route and a transport date; receiving (F2) loading data (D104), including a list of goods to be transported; receiving (F3) profitability data (D105), representing a cost associated with transporting the goods to be transported; associating (F4) each of the goods (MC) to be transported to a corresponding wagon (VG) of the goods train (TMC), to define a loading diagram (D107) for the train (TMC); calculating (F5) a profitability parameter (PR) of the goods train (TMC), depending on an arrangement of the goods in the train and on the profitability data, thus deriving a first value for the profitability parameter (PR); iteratively generating (F6) an updated arrangement of the loading diagram (D107') for the train (TMC), depending on the loading data (D104) and on the profitability data (D105), and corresponding updating of the calculation of the profitability parameter (PR).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING THE LOADING OF A FREIGHT TRAIN Technical field

[0003] This invention relates to a method and a system for managing the loading of a goods train.

[0004] Background art

[0005] In the sector of the methods and systems for managing the loading of a goods train, there are prior art software systems which, starting from a list of goods to be transported and on the basis of some parameters of the train, determine an optimum loading of said goods.

[0006] In particular, said solutions are configured to optimise an efficiency function, which depends on a series of parameters relative to the train and the goods.

[0007] These methods, however, are not very efficient and are disadvantageous for the following reasons.

[0008] Patent document US2015051941 , which relates to a system for managing and optimising shipments (on trains or other means of transport) in order to maximise the profitability, does not take into consideration safety aspects and constraints relative to the train which are very important, therefore resulting in an inefficient or, often, not very applicable optimisation.

[0009] Patent document US9434398 describes a system for automatic composition of railway trains for optimising the transport of goods. In particular, the system described in patent document US9434398 comprises: a plurality of wagons, each of which is equipped with an operating motor with autonomous power supply and an automatic device for coupling and uncoupling between wagons; a centralised control system which collects information on the transport requirements of the user; a first peripheral control system located in each station of the railway network and configured for receiving information from the centralised control system in order to make up the wagons of a convoy and coordinate the movements of the wagons in the station; a second peripheral control system located on each wagon and configured for moving the wagon on the basis of the information received from the centralised control system and indications coming from sensors on the wagon; a third peripheral control system located on the locomotive of the train, configured for interacting with the centralised control system and with the first peripheral control system for defining the composition of the train and connecting or disconnecting certain wagons along the route followed by the train.

[0010] Consequently, this solution does not solve the problem of optimising the goods load but simplifies the implementation of a predetermined goods load program on the goods train.

[0011] Lastly, patent document US2017267267, which takes into account certain constraints linked to the equipment used in the terminal, for example cranes and trolleys, and patent document US10783466, which deals with the problem that some vehicles are often partly empty and others are too full, are both silent regarding safety considerations in the assessment of the optimum loading on the goods train, resulting in unsafe and not very applicable solutions.

[0012] There are also other non-patent documents which illustrate technical solutions for optimising the goods load. For example, the following are two scientific articles relate to said methods: Upadhyay Amit et al: “Optimal loading of double-stack container trains” XP085232215 and Paul Corry et al: “Optimised loading patterns for intermodal trains” - XP019625882.

[0013] Aim of the invention The aim of the invention is to provide a system and a method for managing the loading of a goods train which overcome the above- mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0014] Said aim is fully achieved by the method and system for managing the loading of a goods train according to the invention as characterised in the appended claims.

[0015] According to an aspect of the invention, a method is provided for managing the loading of a goods train.

[0016] The method comprises a step of receiving reference data, representing an identifier of the train, a train route and a transport date.

[0017] The method comprises a step of receiving loading data, including a list of goods to be transported. It should be noted that for the purpose of the invention, the goods may be individual products to be transported or groups of products to be transported, already grouped together in intermodal transport units, ITUs. In that case, for example, the loading data may include a list of ITUs to be loaded with their respective weight, without taking into consideration the weight of each product contained therein since, such products, cannot be removed from the respective ITUs. According to other embodiments, the loading data include a list of goods, that is, individual products, which can be individually loaded on the wagons or on the ITUs which will then be loaded on the wagons.

[0018] The method comprises a step for receiving profitability data, representing a cost associated with the transport of the goods to be transported.

[0019] The method comprises a step of associating each of the goods to be transported to a corresponding wagon of the goods train, to define a loading diagram for the train.

[0020] The method comprises a step of calculating a profitability parameter of the goods train, depending on an arrangement of the goods in the train and on the profitability data, thus deriving a first value for the profitability parameter.

[0021] The method comprises a step of generating an updated arrangement of the loading diagram for the train, depending on the loading data and the profitability data. The method comprises a step of corresponding updating of the calculation of the profitability parameter, to derive an arrangement of the goods in the goods train which increases the value of the profitability parameter with respect to the first value.

[0022] This allows different loading diagrams and the respective profitability parameter to be determined, in such a way as to allow an aid tool to be used by an operator who must select which loading diagrams to implement.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the step of generating the updated loading diagram is iterative, that is to say, a number of times is performed in sequence and, for each of said generations, the profitability parameter is determined. The generation and the calculation of the iterative profitability parameter allow the generation to be interrupted once the loading diagram which has the highest profitability parameter has been identified.

[0024] This allows a loading diagram to be obtained, automatically, which optimises the profitability parameter, and therefore a loading system which is particularly efficient and high performing from the economic point of view.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the processor receives safety data, representing safety constraints. The processor generates the updated arrangement depending also on the safety data.

[0026] In this way, the system makes it possible to also take into account safety constraints and not only economic constraints, providing a particularly effective and safe loading system and method.

[0027] The safety data represents one or more of the following quantities: a maximum length of the train: a maximum length of each wagon; a maximum weight of the train; a maximum weight of each wagon; a maximum number of intermodal transport units, ITU available on each wagon; a maximum number of goods arranged in each wagon.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step of generating display data, to show on a user interface a graphical representation of the updated arrangement of the loading diagram for the train.

[0029] This feature is important because it makes an easy and intuitive loading diagram accessible to the loading operators, which avoids errors in loading the train.

[0030] According to an example embodiment, the method comprises a step for receiving input data, representing modifications performed by the operator using the graphical interface on the arrangement of the load, to generate an updated arrangement of the load.

[0031] According to this version of the method there is a step of updating the calculation of the profitability parameter, in response to the updated arrangement on the basis of the input data.

[0032] This feature is very advantageous for the loading operations since it allows the automatic optimisation to be linked with the critical aspects of the operator, who, starting from a solution which is already very close to ideal, may intervene selectively on specific aspects or needs, which the flexibility of the human mind can easily manage. Moreover, the user can immediately understand how their actions affect the profitability parameter. Preferably, the display data generate, on the graphical interface, a first window, including the updated arrangement of the loading diagram of the train, and a second window, including a list of the goods and / or a list of ITUs.

[0033] According to a particularly advantageous example, the input data are defined by a dragging of goods or an ITU from the second window to a specific wagon shown in the first window or the dragging of goods from a wagon in the first window to another wagon in the same first window.

[0034] The “drag and drop” activity of goods or an ITU on the respective wagon increases the usability of the system making it robust with respect to human errors and easily usable also by operators who are not trained in the use of information technologies.

[0035] According to an aspect of the invention, the method comprises a step of deriving, for each updated arrangement, a corresponding value of a safety parameter, depending on safety data.

[0036] Said calculated safety parameter value is compared with a corresponding limit safety reference value.

[0037] The method comprises a step of emitting a warning on the graphical interface, in the presence of at least one safety value greater than the corresponding limit safety value.

[0038] Preferably, the profitability data include contractual data, identifying contractual constraints linked to a corresponding goods. Said contractual constraints include penalties in the event of lack of transport or delayed transport beyond a predetermined delivery date.

[0039] The presence of these values in the profitability data makes the calculation of the profitability parameter particularly complex and significant. In fact, simply calculating profitability based on the cost of transport might not necessarily lead to the most profitable solution. In some cases, it might be more convenient to transport high-yield goods by paying a penalty for failure to transport low-yield goods, or vice versa.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the loading data also includes information about goods already arranged on the goods train. This feature is very important because it allows goods to be loaded on intermediate loading stations, thus making the system very flexible.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the processor calculates and updates the profitability parameter for each wagon of the goods train and for the entire goods train. This also makes it possible to discriminate the contributions of each wagon to the total profitability, in order to allow the assessment of specific changes, for example to a less profitable wagon.

[0042] Preferably, for each wagon, the updated arrangement comprises one or more intermodal transport units in which the goods are positioned. According to an embodiment of the method, there is a step of execution of a quadratic unconstrained binary optimisation, QUBO, performed for determining the profitability parameter.

[0043] According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a system for managing a loading of goods on a goods train. The system comprises a processor. The system comprises a screen, connected to the processor to receive display data, representing a user interface, by which an operator is enabled for entering input data and / or displaying a loading diagram.

[0044] The system comprises a memory, accessible to the processor and containing instructions which can be executed by the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method according to any one of the features described in the invention with reference to the loading method.

[0045] Preferably, the system comprises a remote connection. The processor is configured for sending, using the remote connection, an arrangement of the goods on the goods train to one or more control terminals.

[0046] Each control terminal includes a graphical interface and a screen.

[0047] This allows sharing of the optimisation results with the terminals in which the actual loading operations are performed.

[0048] Preferably, the processor comprises a quantum processor, which implements a quadratic unconstrained binary optimisation, QUBO.

[0049] According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the loading method described in the invention when launched on the processor of the system according to the invention.

[0050] Brief description of the drawings

[0051] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the steps of a method for managing the loading of a goods train; Figure 2 schematically illustrates the steps of an embodiment of the method for managing the loading of a goods train of Figure 1 ;

[0053] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the steps of an embodiment of the method for managing the loading of a goods train of Figure 1 ;

[0054] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the steps of an embodiment of the method for managing the loading of a goods train of Figure 1 ;

[0055] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a screen of a user interface formed by a processor of a system for managing the loading of a goods train;

[0056] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a system for managing the loading of goods according to the invention.

[0057] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0058] With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a system for managing the loading of goods MC on a goods train TMC.

[0059] The system 1 comprises a central control terminal 10. Preferably, the system 1 comprises one or more remote control terminals 11 , positioned close to loading stations, at which the goods train TMC stops for loading the goods.

[0060] The system 1 comprises at least one processor 12. The processor 12 is preferably positioned on the central control terminal 10 but it may also be on the remote control terminals 11 .

[0061] The system 1 comprises at least one display unit 13, configured for receiving, from said processor 12, display data D101. Said display data D101 represent a user interface IU, by which an operator is enabled to enter input data D102.

[0062] The system 1 comprises a memory 14. The memory 14 is accessible to the processor 12 and contains instructions which can be executed by the processor 12 to perform one or more steps of a method for managing the loading of goods on a goods train. According to an embodiment, each remote control terminal 11 comprises a respective processor 12’ and a respective display unit 13’. The central control terminal 10 is connected to the remote control terminals 11 by a connection, preferably wireless, for sending the display data, in such a way as to show the display data D101 on each display unit 13’. This allows the operators who actually perform the work to have the loading indications in a fast and intuitive manner, thanks precisely to the user interface IU provided by the system.

[0063] It should be noted that the graphics interface comprises a management screen 131 , on which the information can be viewed and in which it is possible to modify an arrangement of the goods (that is, a loading diagram D107 of the train) or ITUs in the goods train TMC.

[0064] In particular, said management screen 131 comprises a first window 1311 , including the updated arrangement of the loading diagram D107 of the train TMC. In short, in the first window 1311 , there are separate boxes for each wagon and, in each box, are listed the goods MC and / or the ITUs to be loaded in that specific wagon.

[0065] The management screen also comprises a second window 1312, including one or more of the following items of information: a list of the goods MC; a list of the ITUs; a list of the available wagons.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, which allows a very appreciated usability of the tool, the input data D102 is defined by: a dragging of goods from the second window 1312 to a specific wagon shown in the first window 1311 , and vice versa, for loading goods until now outside the train or for unloading goods which have already been loaded, and / or; a dragging of goods MC or ITU from a wagon in the first window 1311 to another wagon in the first window 1311 , to modify the arrangement by moving goods already loaded in the train. The processor of the system 1 is programmed to perform the method for managing the loading of goods MC on the goods train TMC, as described in the following steps.

[0067] The method for managing the loading of a goods train TMC comprises a step F1 for receiving reference data D103, representing an identifier of the train, a train route and / or a transport date. Said data are imported by means of an appropriate insertion form.

[0068] The method comprises a step F2 of receiving loading data D104, including a list of goods MC to be transported. The loading data 104 may also be a list of ITUs, intermodal transport units, which contain goods that can be accumulated for the same customer that requires the transport. In fact, in some situations, the unit cost of the customer is the ITU and not the individual goods.

[0069] The method comprises a step F3 of receiving profitability data D105, representing a cost associated with the transport of the goods MC to be transported. The profitability data D105 can also be representative of the following items: cost of transporting an entire ITU; penalty for late delivery, measured in Euro per day; penalty for cancellation of transport, measured in euros.

[0070] The method comprises a step F4 of associating each of the goods MC to be transported to a corresponding wagon VG of the goods train TMC, to define a loading diagram D107 for the train TMC. The loading diagram represents a diagram in which, for each wagon VG of the goods train TMC, a corresponding ITU allocated thereto or a corresponding goods MC placed there is indicated. By reading the loading diagram D107, the operator is able to easily perform the loading operations.

[0071] The method comprises a step F5 of calculating a profitability parameter PR of the goods train TMC, depending on an arrangement of the goods MC in the train TMC (that is, the loading diagram D107) and on the profitability data D105, thus deriving a first value for the profitability parameter PR.

[0072] The method comprises, iteratively, a step F6 of generating an updated arrangement of the loading diagram D107’ for the train, depending on the loading data D104 and the profitability data D105.

[0073] The method provides that, in response to the generation of the updated loading diagram D107', the method comprises a corresponding updating of the calculation of the profitability parameter PR, to derive an arrangement of the goods MC in the goods train TMC which increases the value of the profitability parameter PR with respect to the first value.

[0074] For example, this iterative process is achieved using an optimisation algorithm, which uses the profitability parameter as a variable to be maximised. With regard to the updated generation of the loading diagram, the processor is programmed using a machine-learned model (for example, by means of a neural network or a decision-making tree); alternatively, the processor is programmed to draw from a knowledge base (for example contained in a database) which contains predetermined rules for modifying the loading diagram as a function of the variables (loading data and profitability data).

[0075] For example, but without limiting the scope of the invention, the processor is configured to generate, on the basis of the loading data D104 and the profitability data D105, a corresponding profitability function, the variables of which are the positions of each of the goods MC or each ITU in the train TMC. The loading diagram D107 which maximises the profitability is therefore calculated by maximising the profitability function.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the method comprises a step F7 for receiving, from the processor 12, safety data, representing safety constraints. For this reason, the step F6 of generating the updated loading diagram D107’ is carried out also depending on safety data D108. In other words, according to the example embodiment in which a profitability function is formulated, the latter is constrained to certain safety parameters, defined by the safety data D108. In particular, the safety data D108 represents one or more of the following quantities: a maximum length of the train LT: a maximum length of each wagon LVG; a maximum weight of the train PT; a maximum weight of each wagon PVG; a maximum number of intermodal transport units, ITU available on each wagon; a maximum number of goods MC arranged in each wagon VG.

[0077] The method comprises a step F8 for generating display data D101 , to show on a user interface IU a graphical representation of the updated arrangement of the loading diagram D107' for the train TMC.

[0078] The user interface IU comprises one or more input commands to allow the user ID to interact with the user interface IU. Therefore, the method comprises a step F9 of receiving input data D102, representing modifications performed by the operator through the graphical interface on the arrangement of the load, that is to say, on the loading diagram D107, to generate an updated loading diagram D107’.

[0079] In response to said modification of the loading diagram D107, the processor automatically updates the calculation of the profitability parameter PR.

[0080] It should be noted that according to a preferred embodiment of the method, after the updating of the loading diagram D107, a deriving step F61 is performed, for each updated arrangement of the loading diagram D107’, by a corresponding value of a safety parameter, depending on safety data D108. For example, following the variation in the loading diagram, the weight of the train, the weight of each individual wagon, the number of ITUs in a wagon, the length of the train and the number of wagons present may be calculated.

[0081] Subsequently, there is a step F62 for comparing between each value of the safety parameter calculated with a corresponding limit safety reference value D108’. For example, the maximum weight of the train is compared with the weight of the train calculated in relation to the specific loading diagram D107.

[0082] Lastly, the method comprises a step F63 of emitting a warning on the graphical interface, in the presence of at least one safety value greater than the corresponding limit safety value. Therefore, if the calculated weight of the train exceeds the limit set by the safety data D108, the processor emits a warning which is displayed by the operator on the control screen 131 .

[0083] According to an embodiment, the loading data D104 also includes a current loading diagram of the goods train TMC, if the goods train is already partly loaded. In other words, the loading data D104 also includes information about goods already arranged on the goods train.

[0084] According to the method, the processor calculates the profitability parameter PR both for the entire train TMC and for the individual wagon VG.

[0085] According to an aspect of the invention, the invention provides a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the method according to any features of the invention when launched on the processor of the system according to any of the featured described in the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for managing the loading of a goods train (TMC), the method comprising the following steps performed by a processor: receiving (F1 ) reference data (D103), representing an identifier of the train, a train route and a transport date; receiving (F2) loading data (D104), including a list of goods to be transported; receiving (F3) profitability data (D105), representing a cost associated with transporting the goods to be transported; associating (F4) each of the goods (MC) to be transported to a corresponding wagon (VG) of the goods train (TMC), to define a loading diagram (D107) for the train (TMC); calculating (F5) a profitability parameter (PR) of the goods train (TMC), depending on an arrangement of the goods in the train and on the profitability data, thus deriving a first value for the profitability parameter (PR); iteratively generating (F6) an updated arrangement of the loading diagram (D107') for the train (TMC), depending on the loading data (D104) and on the profitability data (D105), and corresponding updating of the calculation of the profitability parameter (PR), in order to derive an arrangement of the goods (MC) in the goods train (TMC) which increases the value of the profitability parameter (PR) with respect to the first value.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the processor receives (F7) safety data (D108), representing safety constraints, and generates (F6) the updated arrangement also depending on the safety data (D108).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the safety data (D108) represents one or more of the following quantities: a maximum weight of the train (PT); a maximum weight of each wagon (PVG); a maximum number of intermodal transport units, ITU available on each wagon;a maximum number of goods arranged in each wagon.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the safety data (D108) represents one or more of the following quantities: a maximum length of the train (LT): a maximum length of each wagon (LVG);5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (F8) for generating display data (D101 ), to show on a user interface (IU) a graphical representation of the updated arrangement of the loading diagram (D107') for the train (TMC).

6. The method according to claim 5, comprising the following steps: receiving (F9) input data (D102), representing modifications performed by the operator through the graphical interface on the arrangement of the load, to generate an updated arrangement of the loading diagram (D107'); updating the calculation of the profitability parameter (PR), in response to the updated loading diagram (D107') on the basis of the input data (D102).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the display data (D101 ) generate, on the graphical interface (131 ), a first window (1311 ), including the updated arrangement of the loading diagram (D107') of the train (TMC), and a second window (1312), including a list of the goods, and wherein the input data (D102) is defined by a dragging of goods (MC) from the second window (1312) to a specific wagon shown in the first window (1311 ) or the dragging of goods from a wagon in the first window (1311 ) to another wagon in the first window (1311 ).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: deriving (F61 ), for each updated arrangement, a corresponding value of a safety parameter, depending on safety data (D108); comparing (F62) between each value of the safety parameter calculated with a corresponding limit safety reference value (D108');emitting (F63) a warning on the graphical interface, in the presence of at least one safety value greater than the corresponding limit safety value (D108'), wherein the safety data (D108) and the limit safety values (D108') are representative of one or more of the following quantities: a weight (PT) and a maximum weight of the train, respectively; a weight (PVG) and a maximum weight of each wagon, respectively; a maximum number of goods and a maximum number of goods placed in each wagon, respectively.

9. The method according to claim 8. wherein the safety data (D108) and the limit safety values (D108') are representative of one or more of the following quantities: a length (LT) and a maximum length of the train, respectively; a length (LVG) and a maximum length of each wagon, respectively.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profitability data (D105) include contractual data, identification of contractual constraints linked to corresponding goods and wherein said contractual constraints comprise penalties in the case of lack of transport or delayed transport with respect to a predetermined delivery date.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading data (D104) also includes information regarding goods (MC) already placed on the train goods (TMC).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor calculates and updates the profitability parameter for each wagon (VG) of the goods train and for the entire goods train (TMC).

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each wagon, the updated arrangement of the loading diagram (D107') comprises one or more intermodal transport units, ITU, in which the goods are placed.

14. A system (1 ) for managing a loading of goods on a goods train,comprising: a processor (12); a screen (13), connected to the processor for receiving display data (D101 ), representing a user interface (IU), by which an operator is enabled to enter input data (D102); a memory (14), accessible to the processor (12) and containing instructions which can be performed by the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The system according to claim 14, comprising a remote connection and configured for sending, using the remote connection, an arrangement of the goods on the goods train to one or more remote control terminals (11 ).

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein each remote control terminal (11 ) includes a graphical interface and a screen (13').

17. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the processor (12) comprises a quantum processor, which implements a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization, QUBO.

18. A computer program including instructions for following the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, when launched on the system processor according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

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