Transport support system, information provision system, transport control system, and program

Abstract

To provide a transport support system, an information provision system, a transport control system, and a program capable of providing operation information of a plurality of types of transport devices.SOLUTION: A transportation support system 1 includes a transportation control system 4 and an information providing system 2. The transport control system 4 is capable of controlling a plurality of types of transport devices 6. The information provision system 2 includes an acquisition unit 23 and a provision unit 24. The acquisition unit 23 acquires operation information of the plurality of types of transport devices 6 for each type. The operation information includes at least information on operation rates of the plurality of types of transport devices 6 and the number of operation errors that have occurred in the plurality of types of transport devices 6 per unit time. The provision unit 24 can provide the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 23 for each of the plurality of types of transport devices 6 to an external system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport assistance system, an information providing system, a transport control system, and a program. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a transport assistance system, an information providing system, a transport control system, and a program that can provide information about a transport device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control system for controlling a moving body (transportation device) for transporting an object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 179386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A user of a transport control system capable of controlling a plurality of types of transport devices has a desire to check the operating status of the plurality of types of transport devices that are the control targets of the transport control system.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a transport assistance system, an information providing system, a transport control system, and a program that are capable of providing operation information of a plurality of types of transport devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A transportation assistance system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes one or more transportation control systems capable of controlling multiple types of transportation devices, and an information providing system. The information providing system includes an acquisition unit and a provision unit. The acquisition unit acquires operation information for each type of transportation device. The provision unit is capable of providing the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit for each type of transportation device to an external system. The operation information includes at least information on the availability rates of the multiple types of transportation devices and the number of operational errors that occurred in the multiple types of transportation devices per unit time.

[0007] An information providing system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit and a provision unit. The acquisition unit acquires operation information for each type of conveyance device that is a control target of one or more conveyance control systems capable of controlling the multiple types of conveyance devices. The provision unit is capable of providing the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit for each type of conveyance device to an external system. The operation information includes at least information on the availability rates of the multiple types of conveyance devices and the number of operational errors that occur in the multiple types of conveyance devices per unit time.

[0008] A transport control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a transport control unit, a collection unit, and an output unit. The transport control unit is capable of controlling multiple types of transport devices. The collection unit collects log data indicating the operating status of each of the multiple types of transport devices from each of the multiple types of transport devices, and determines operation information for each type of the multiple types of transport devices based on the log data. The output unit is capable of outputting the operation information determined by the collection unit. The operation information includes at least information on the operating rates of the multiple types of transport devices and the number of operational errors that occurred in the multiple types of transport devices per unit time.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute a receiving process and a presenting process. In the receiving process, operation information provided from an information providing system is received. The information providing system acquires the operation information, including at least information on the availability rates of multiple types of transport devices and the number of operational errors that occurred per unit time for the multiple types of transport devices, for each type of the multiple types of transport devices, and provides the acquired operation information. In the presenting process, the operation information received in the receiving process is presented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a transport assistance system, an information providing system, a transport control system, and a program that are capable of providing operation information of a plurality of types of transport devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a transportation assistance system including an information providing system and a transportation control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation screen provided by the information provision system of the above embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation screen provided by the information provision system of the above embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation screen provided by the information provision system of the above embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an information providing system, a transport control system, and a transport support system according to embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0013] (Embodiment) (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1, a transportation support system 1 according to this embodiment includes one or more (for example, two in the example of FIG. 1) transportation control systems 4 and an information providing system 2.

[0014] One or more transport control systems 4 can control multiple types of transport devices 6.

[0015] The information providing system 2 includes an acquiring unit 23 and a providing unit 24.

[0016] The acquisition unit 23 acquires operation information of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 for each type of the multiple types of conveying devices 6. The operation information includes at least information on the operation rates of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 and the number of operation errors of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 that occurred per unit time.

[0017] The providing unit 24 provides the external system 7 with the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 for each of the plurality of types of transport devices 6 .

[0018] In other words, the acquisition unit 23 acquires operation information of multiple types of conveyance devices 6 that are controlled by one or more conveyance control systems 4 that can control multiple types of conveyance devices 6, for each type of multiple types of conveyance devices 6. The provision unit 24 can provide the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 23 for each type of multiple types of conveyance devices 6 to the external system 7.

[0019] Although FIG. 1 shows two transport control systems 4, the number of transport control systems 4 may be one or three or more. When there are multiple transport control systems 4, for example, the multiple transport control systems 4 correspond one-to-one to multiple facilities, and each of the multiple transport control systems 4 performs transport operations at the corresponding facility. Note that the facilities into which the transport control systems 4 are installed include facilities of various industries, such as manufacturing plants and logistics warehouses, and the multiple transport control systems 4 may be installed in multiple facilities of the same industry, or in multiple facilities of different industries. Furthermore, each of one or more transport control systems 4 can control multiple types of transport devices 6, but the number of transport devices 6 that each of one or more transport control systems 4 actually controls may be one type, or two or more types.

[0020] The conveying device 6 is used for transporting objects in facilities such as factories, logistics centers (including distribution centers), offices, stores, schools, and hospitals. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the conveying device 6 performs transport work in a facility where equipment 8, such as manufacturing equipment, is installed. The conveying device 6 is, for example, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), but may also be an automatic guided vehicle (AGV). The conveying device 6 is, for example, a wheeled, crawler, or legged (including walking) robot. There are multiple types of conveying devices 6, depending on, for example, differences in manufacturer, shape, size, conveying capacity, etc. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which there are three types of conveying devices 6. In the following description, when the types of conveying devices 6 are to be distinguished from one another, the three types of conveying devices 6 will be referred to as conveying devices 6A, 6B, and 6C. The three types of conveyance devices 6A to 6C are manufactured by different manufacturers, for example, and the multiple types of conveyance devices 6A to 6C are AMRs manufactured by different manufacturers.

[0021] The acquiring unit 23 acquires operation information from, for example, one or more transport control systems 4. The acquiring unit 23 may acquire the operation information from a database server that stores the operation information, or may acquire the operation information from a recording medium that stores the operation information, such as a memory card or USB (registered trademark) memory. That is, the acquiring unit 23 may acquire the operation information from one or more transport control systems 4, a database server that stores the operation information, or a recording medium that stores the operation information.

[0022] The external system 7 to which the providing unit 24 provides operation information includes, for example, a first computer terminal 7A used by a user of the transport control system 4. The external system 7 may also include, for example, a first computer terminal 7A used by a user considering introducing the transport control system 4. The external system 7 may also include, for example, a second computer terminal 7B used by a system integrator in charge of building the transport control system 4. The external system 7 may also include, for example, a third computer terminal 7C used by a person in charge of the manufacturer of the transport device 6. The manufacturer of the transport device 6 is not limited to the manufacturing company that manufactures the transport device 6, but may also include a sales company that sells the transport device 6 manufactured by the manufacturer. The external system 7 may also include, for example, a fourth computer terminal 7D used by a user who accesses a review site that publishes information about the transport device 6 and views information about the transport device 6.

[0023] In the transportation assistance system 1 and the information providing system 2 of this embodiment, the providing unit 24 provides the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 for each of the multiple types of transportation devices 6. Therefore, a person or an external system 7 who receives the operation information provided by the providing unit 24 can understand the operation status of the multiple types of transportation devices 6 based on the operation information.

[0024] The transport control system 4 according to this embodiment also includes a transport control unit 44, a collection unit 45, and an output unit 47.

[0025] The transport control unit 44 is capable of controlling a plurality of types of transport devices 6.

[0026] The collection unit 45 collects operation information for each type of the multiple types of transport devices 6. The operation information includes at least information on the operation rates of the multiple types of transport devices 6 and the number of operation errors of the multiple types of transport devices 6 that occurred per unit time.

[0027] The output unit 47 can output the operation information collected by the collection unit 45 for each type of the plurality of types of transport devices 6.

[0028] Here, the output unit 47 outputs the operation information to, for example, the information providing system 2. Note that the output unit 47 may output the operation information to, for example, a database server that accumulates the operation information, or may output the operation information to a recording medium such as a memory card or USB memory that stores the operation information.

[0029] In the transport control system 4 of this embodiment, the collection unit 45 collects operation information for each type of multiple types of transport devices 6, and the output unit 47 outputs the collected operation information. Therefore, a person or an external system 7 that receives the operation information output from the output unit 47 can understand the operation status of the multiple types of transport devices 6 based on the operation information.

[0030] (2)Details The transport system 3 is configured by the transport control system 4 described above, a host system 5 that outputs transport instructions to the transport control system 4, and a transport device 6.

[0031] The transport system 3, the information providing system 2, and the external system 7 will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0032] (2.1) Transport system The transfer system 3 includes a transfer control system 4, a transfer device 6, and a host system 5.

[0033] The information providing system 2 can acquire operation information of the transport device 6 from one or more transport control systems 4 provided in each of one or more transport systems 3. In Fig. 1, the information providing system 2 can acquire operation information of the transport device 6 from two transport control systems 4A and 4B provided in two transport systems 3A and 3B, respectively. The number of transport control systems 4 from which the information providing system 2 can acquire operation information may be one, or may be three or more.

[0034] Since the two transport systems 3A and 3B have the same configuration, the transport system 3A will be described as an example, and a description of the transport system 3B will be omitted. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the transport system 3B includes a transport device 6 that transports parts and the like to the equipment 8.

[0035] The transport system 3A includes a transport control system 4A, a plurality of transport devices 6 controlled by the transport control system 4A, and a host system 5A. In the example of Fig. 1, the plurality of transport devices 6 controlled by the transport control system 4A include a plurality of types (for example, three types) of transport devices 6A to 6C.

[0036] The conveyance system 3A is installed, for example, in a facility where equipment 8, which is manufacturing equipment, is installed, and causes the conveyance devices 6A to 6C to perform conveyance operations to supply parts, etc. to the manufacturing equipment. The conveyance system 3A causes the conveyance devices 6A to 6C to perform, for example, conveyance operations to convey parts to be used in the manufacturing equipment to the manufacturing equipment, conveyance operations to convey finished products or semi-finished products manufactured in the manufacturing equipment to their destinations, and conveyance operations to collect waste, etc. discharged from the manufacturing equipment. Here, the objects to be conveyed by the conveyance device 6 may include parts to be used in the manufacturing equipment, component supply units for supplying parts to the manufacturing equipment, or finished products or semi-finished products manufactured in the manufacturing equipment. The objects to be conveyed by the conveyance device 6 may also include waste discharged from the manufacturing equipment or carts for transporting waste, etc.

[0037] (2.1.1) Upper system The host system 5A outputs a transport instruction for the transport object to the transport control system 4A in accordance with a production plan for the product in the manufacturing equipment, which is the equipment 8 installed in the facility.

[0038] The host system 5 includes a transport instruction unit 50 and a communication unit 51.

[0039] The communication unit 51 is configured to be able to communicate with the transport control system 4 via a communication network NT1, which is a LAN or a WAN. The communication method of the communication unit 51 may be a wireless communication method or a wired communication method.

[0040] The transfer instruction unit 50 creates a transfer instruction for transferring the object to the manufacturing facility in accordance with the production plan of the product at the manufacturing facility, and causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the transfer instruction to the transfer control system 4A.

[0041] (2.1.2) Conveyor The transfer device 6 is, for example, an autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

[0042] The transport device 6 is equipped with a laser sensor such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or a visible light camera for detecting the surrounding conditions, and estimates its own position based on the detection results of the LiDAR or visible light camera. The transport device 6 has electronic map information of the movement area in which the transport device 6 moves, and estimates the position coordinates of its own position on the electronic map based on the detection results of the LiDAR or visible light camera.

[0043] The conveying device 6 has a communication unit that communicates with the conveying control system 4A by wireless communication. The conveying device 6 autonomously travels within the movement area based on the control command received by the communication unit from the conveying control system 4A and the result of estimating its own position, and performs a conveying operation of conveying the conveyed object from a first position to a second position.

[0044] The transport device 6 transmits log data including the position coordinates of its own position from the communication unit to the transport control system 4. The transport device 6 transmits the log data periodically (e.g., at intervals of one second to several tens of seconds), for example, but may also transmit the log data upon receiving a transmission request from the transport control system 4. Note that the log data may include error information regarding an operation error that has occurred in the transport device 6, in addition to the position coordinates of the transport device 6's own position. The log data may also include information regarding the current operation state of the transport device 6 (e.g., running, stopped, or charging), battery information regarding the remaining charge of the battery provided in the transport device 6, etc. There are multiple types of operation errors that can occur in the transport device 6, and each of the multiple types of operation errors is assigned individual error code information. The error information may include date and time information regarding the date and time the operation error occurred, error code information assigned to the operation error that occurred, severity information indicating the severity of the operation error that occurred, etc.

[0045] The multiple transport devices 6 that are the control targets of the transport control system 4A may include multiple types of transport devices 6A to 6C. The multiple types of transport devices 6A to 6C differ from one another, for example, in one or more of the manufacturer, shape, and size of the transport device 6. In this embodiment, the multiple types of transport devices 6A to 6C differ from one another, for example, in manufacturer, and the multiple types of transport devices 6A to 6C are AMRs manufactured by different manufacturers.

[0046] (2.1.3) Transport control system The transfer control system 4A can control the multiple transfer devices 6 included in the transfer system 3A. The multiple transfer devices 6 included in the transfer system 3A include multiple types of transfer devices 6A to 6C. Therefore, the transfer control system 4A can control the multiple types of transfer devices 6A to 6C.

[0047] The transport control system 4A includes a processing unit 40, a first communication unit 41, a second communication unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0048] The first communication unit 41 is capable of communicating with the higher-level system 5, the information providing system 2, and the like via the communication network NT1.

[0049] The second communication unit 42 is capable of communicating, for example, via wireless communication with the plurality of transport devices 6 (6A to 6C) that are controlled by the transport control system 4A. The second communication unit 42 is capable of receiving log data transmitted from the transport devices 6. The second communication unit 42 may communicate with each of the plurality of transport devices 6 indirectly via a repeater or the like arranged in the facility, or may communicate directly without using a repeater or the like.

[0050] The storage unit 43 includes a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 43 stores, for example, log data received from a plurality of transport devices 6. Identification information is assigned to each of the plurality of transport devices 6. The storage unit 43 stores the log data received from the transport device 6 in association with the identification information of the transport device 6. That is, the storage unit 43 stores the log data received from the plurality of transport devices 6 for each transport device 6. Here, the identification information of the transport device 6 includes type information indicating the type of the transport device 6. The type information may include, for example, a manufacturer code indicating the manufacturer of the transport device 6, a model code indicating the model number of the transport device 6, etc. The storage unit 43 also stores the operation information collected by the collection unit 45 for each type of the plurality of transport devices 6A to 6C. The storage unit 43 stores the operation information collected by the collection unit 45 in association with type information indicating the type of the transport device 6. The storage unit 43 also stores facility information indicating the operating status of the facility devices 8 collected by the collection unit 45. Individual facility identification information is assigned to the facility devices 8, and the storage unit 43 stores the facility information of the facility devices 8 collected by the collection unit 45 in association with the facility identification information.

[0051] The processing unit 40 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the processing unit 40 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0052] The processing unit 40 has the functions of the transport control unit 44, the collection unit 45, and the output unit 47 described above. The processing unit 40 also has the function of the determination unit 46. Note that the transport control unit 44, the collection unit 45, the determination unit 46, and the output unit 47 merely indicate the functions realized by the processing unit 40, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0053] The transport control unit 44 causes the transport device 6 to perform the transport task of transporting the object based on a transport instruction from the host system 5A. Based on the transport instruction from the host system 5A, the transport control unit 44 selects a transport device 6 to which the transport task is to be assigned from the multiple transport devices 6, and causes the communication unit 51 to transmit a control command instructing the transport task to the transport device 6 to which the transport task is assigned. Upon receiving this control command, the transport device 6 performs the transport task of the object based on the control command.

[0054] The collection unit 45 collects operation information of the multiple types of transport devices 6A to 6C for each type of the multiple types of transport devices 6A to 6C. The collection unit 45 obtains operation information of each transport device 6 based on log data acquired from each of the multiple transport devices 6 by the second communication unit 42, and stores the operation information of each transport device 6 in the storage unit 43 in association with identification information of the transport device 6. The collection unit 45 also aggregates the operation information of the multiple transport devices 6 for each type of transport device 6, obtains operation information of the multiple transport devices 6 for each type of transport device 6, and stores the operation information of each type in the storage unit 43 in association with type information.

[0055] The determination unit 46 determines the authenticity of the log data stored in the storage unit 43. In other words, the determination unit 46 determines the authenticity of the log data collected by the collection unit 45. The log data stored in the storage unit 43 may have been altered in some way by a user of the transport system 3A. Furthermore, if the processing unit 40 of the transport control system 4A has a function of simulating the transport operation by the transport device 6, the log data stored in the storage unit 43 may include analysis results obtained by the simulation.

[0056] If the log data has been altered in some way, the movement speed of the transport device 6 calculated from the position information included in the log data may exceed the maximum speed of the transport device 6, or the movement course of the transport device 6 calculated from the position information may deviate from the predetermined transport route. If the movement speed of the transport device 6 calculated from the log data stored in the memory unit 43 exceeds the maximum speed or the movement course deviates from the predetermined transport route, the determination unit 46 determines that the log data is not authentic data.

[0057] Furthermore, if the log data is an analysis result obtained by simulation, there is no identification number associated with this log data of the transport device 6. If the identification number of the transport device 6 is not associated with the log data stored in the storage unit 43, the determination unit 46 determines that this log data is not authentic data.

[0058] The collection unit 45 obtains operation information for each of the plurality of transport devices 6 based on the log data stored in the storage unit 43. In this embodiment, the determination unit 46 determines the authenticity of the log data stored in the storage unit 43. Therefore, the collection unit 45 obtains operation information for each of the plurality of transport devices 6 based on the log data determined by the determination unit 46 to be authentic. The log data includes the position coordinates of the transport device 6, error information, information about the current operating state of the transport device 6, battery information, and the like. For example, the collection unit 45 collects the average movement speed of the transport device 6 as operation information based on the position coordinates included in the log data. Furthermore, the collection unit 45 collects the number of operation errors that occurred in the transport device 6 per unit time as operation information based on the error information included in the log data. Furthermore, the storage unit 43 of the transport control system 4 pre-registers information indicating the severity of the operation error in association with error code information indicating the content of the operation error. The collection unit 45 collects the severity of the operation error that occurred in the transport device 6 as operation information based on the error code information included in the log data. Furthermore, the collection unit 45 collects, as operation information, the use start date (also referred to as the line-in date) when use of the transport device 6 began in the facility, based on the log data. Furthermore, the collection unit 45 collects, as operation information, the use end date (also referred to as the line-out date) when use of the transport device 6 ended in the facility, based on the date and time when the second communication unit 42 became unable to receive log data from the transport device 6. Furthermore, the collection unit 45 collects operation information for each type of transport device 6 by aggregating the operation information collected for each of the multiple transport devices 6 for each type of transport device 6.

[0059] Furthermore, the collection unit 45 can collect equipment status information indicating the operating status of one or more equipment devices 8 that operate in conjunction with multiple types of conveying devices 6. The equipment device 8 operating in conjunction with multiple types of conveying devices 6 includes, for example, at least one of the equipment device 8 operating using objects conveyed by the multiple types of conveying devices 6 and the multiple types of conveying devices 6 conveying objects generated in response to the operation of the equipment 8. If the equipment device 8 is manufacturing equipment, the manufacturing equipment operating in conjunction with multiple types of conveying devices 6 includes at least one of manufacturing products using parts that are objects conveyed by the conveying devices 6 and the conveying devices 6 conveying semi-finished products or finished products produced by the manufacturing equipment.

[0060] Then, when the equipment 8 is, for example, a manufacturing facility that manufactures products using parts transported by the transport device 6, the equipment information of the equipment 8 includes, for example, at least one of the availability rate of the equipment 8, the production quantity of products that the equipment 8 produces per unit time, and the number of operation errors that occur in the equipment 8 per unit time. When the collection unit 45 collects equipment information indicating the operating status of one or more equipment devices 8, the collection unit 45 stores the collected equipment information in the storage unit 22 in association with equipment identification information assigned to the equipment devices 8.

[0061] The output unit 47 outputs the operation information collected by the collection unit 45 for each of the multiple types of transport devices 6 to the information providing system 2. The output unit 47 causes the first communication unit 41 to transmit the operation information collected by the collection unit 45 for each of the multiple types of transport devices 6 to the information providing system 2. In addition, in this embodiment, the collection unit 45 collects equipment information on the equipment 8, and therefore the output unit 47 can output the operation information and the equipment information.

[0062] (2.2) External Systems The external system 7 is a computer terminal that exchanges information with the information providing system 2.

[0063] The external system 7 may include, for example, a first computer terminal 7A used by a user who has introduced the transportation system 3 or a user who is considering introducing the transportation system 3.

[0064] The external system 7 may also include a second computer terminal 7B used by the system integrator who constructed the transport system 3.

[0065] The external system 7 may also include a third computer terminal 7C used by a person in charge of the manufacturer of the transport device 6.

[0066] The external system 7 may also include a fourth computer terminal 7D used by a user to access a word-of-mouth website that publishes information about the transport device 6 and view the information about the transport device 6.

[0067] Here, since the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D have the same configuration, the configuration of the first computer terminal 7A will be explained, and illustrations and explanations of the configurations of the second to fourth computer terminals 7B to 7D will be omitted.

[0068] The first computer terminal 7A includes a processing unit 70, a communication unit 71, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 72.

[0069] The communication unit 71 is capable of communicating with the information providing system 2 and the like via the communication network NT1.

[0070] The HMI 72 includes an input device for the user of the first computer terminal 7A to input information and an output device for outputting information to the user of the first computer terminal 7A. The input device may include, for example, a device such as a keyboard or a mouse that the user operates with their hands to input information. The input device may include a voice recognition engine that enables the input of information by recognizing voices uttered by the user. The output device may include, for example, a display device that outputs information visually, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The output device may also include, for example, an audio output device that outputs information audibly, such as a speaker.

[0071] The processing unit 70 is primarily composed of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the processing unit 70 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0072] When the communication unit 71 receives the operation information from the information providing system 2, the processing unit 70 causes the operation information received by the communication unit 71 to be displayed on the display device of the HMI 72, for example.

[0073] The first computer terminal 7A is used, for example, by a user to check the operation information of multiple types of conveying devices 6 used in an already introduced conveying control system 4, or to check the operation information of a conveying device 6 that is being considered for introduction.

[0074] The second computer terminal 7B is, for example, a computer terminal used by a system integrator who constructed the transport system 3. The second computer terminal 7B is used, for example, by the system integrator to input operation information related to the operating conditions of the transport device 6 in the transport system 3, and the input operation information is transmitted to the information providing system 2.

[0075] The third computer terminal 7C is, for example, a computer terminal used by a person in charge of the manufacturer of the conveying device 6. The third computer terminal 7C is used, for example, by the person in charge of the manufacturer to input product information about the conveying device 6, and the input product information is transmitted to the information providing system 2.

[0076] The fourth computer terminal 7D is used to access a word-of-mouth website that publishes information about the transport device 6, for example, and to view information about the transport device 6.

[0077] (2.3) Information provision system The information providing system 2 is, for example, a server computer having a web server function.

[0078] The information providing system 2 includes a processing unit 20, a communication unit 21, and a storage unit 22.

[0079] The communication unit 21 is capable of communicating with the transport control system 4 and the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D via the communication network NT1.

[0080] The storage unit 22 includes, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 43 stores the operation information collected by the collection unit 45 of the transport control system 4 for each type of the multiple types of transport devices 6A to 6C.

[0081] The processing unit 20 is mainly composed of a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. The functions of the processing unit 20 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0082] The processing unit 20 has the functions of the above-mentioned acquisition unit 23 and provision unit 24. The processing unit 20 also has the functions of a proposal unit 26, an incentive setting unit 27, and a word-of-mouth information acquisition unit 28. Note that the acquisition unit 23, the provision unit 24, the proposal unit 26, the incentive setting unit 27, and the word-of-mouth information acquisition unit 28 merely indicate functions realized by the processing unit 20, and do not necessarily indicate actual configurations.

[0083] The acquisition unit 23 acquires operation information of multiple conveyance devices 6 from the conveyance control systems 4A and 4B via the communication unit 21. The operation information of the conveyance devices 6 is associated with identification information of the conveyance devices 6. The acquisition unit 23 acquires the operation information of multiple conveyance devices 6 for each conveyance device 6 based on the identification information associated with the operation information. Furthermore, since the identification information includes type information of the conveyance device 6, the acquisition unit 23 can acquire operation information of multiple types of conveyance devices 6 for each type based on the type information of the identification information associated with the operation information. In other words, the acquisition unit 23 acquires operation information of multiple types of conveyance devices 6 from one or multiple conveyance control systems 4.

[0084] The acquiring unit 23 can also acquire product information about the conveying device 6, for example, via the communication unit 21, from a third computer terminal 7C used by a person in charge of the manufacturer of the conveying device 6. In other words, the acquiring unit 23 can acquire product information about multiple types of conveying devices 6 for each type of conveying device 6. The product information includes, for example, at least one of the following: external dimension information about the conveying device 6; the weight of the conveyed object that can be conveyed (carrying weight capacity); whether the conveying device 6 has an automatic charging function that automatically moves to the installation location of a charging device and charges; information about whether optional items or optional functions can be added; elevator compatibility information indicating whether the conveying device 6 can be accessed by an elevator; price information about the selling price; and delivery date information about the delivery date. The acquiring unit 23 stores the product information about the conveying device 6 acquired from the third computer terminal 7C in the storage unit 22 in association with the identification information of the conveying device 6.

[0085] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 23 of this embodiment can acquire, from each of one or more transport control systems 4, operation information on the operation conditions for operating the multiple types of transport devices 6 and operation information on the operation conditions for operating the multiple types of transport devices 6. The operation information includes at least one of the following information: the size and shape of the movement area in which the transport devices 6 move; the movement distance traveled by the transport devices 6; the number of transport devices 6 used in the movement area; and route information on the movement route of the transport devices 6. A plurality of nodes and a plurality of paths are set on an electronic map of the movement area in which the transport devices 6 move. The nodes indicate points through which the transport devices 6 can pass. The plurality of nodes includes a gripping node indicating a position where the transport device 6 grips a transported object and a non-gripping node indicating a position where the transport device 6 no longer grips the transported object that it was gripping. The plurality of nodes also includes a charging node indicating the position of a charging device that charges the transport device 6 and a standby node indicating a standby position where the transport device 6 waits when not performing transport work. A path is a route connecting two of multiple nodes, and indicates a route that the transport device 6 can travel. The multiple paths include one-way paths that the transport device 6 can travel in only one direction, and two-way paths that the transport device 6 can travel in both directions. The route information may include information such as the number of gripping nodes, the number of non-grasping nodes, the number of one-way paths, the number of two-way paths, the number of charging nodes, and the number of waiting nodes.

[0086] In addition, the acquisition unit 23 can acquire operational information regarding the operating conditions of the conveying device 6 in the conveying system 3, for example, via the communication unit 21 from a third computer terminal 7C used by the system integrator who built the conveying system 3.

[0087] The word-of-mouth information acquiring unit 28 acquires word-of-mouth information about the conveying device 6 input by a user of the conveying control system 4, for example, from a first computer terminal 7A used by the user of the conveying control system 4. The word-of-mouth information acquiring unit 28 also acquires word-of-mouth information about the conveying device 6 input by a system integrator that builds the conveying control system 4, for example, from a second computer terminal 7B used by the system integrator. The word-of-mouth information may include, for example, information about the user experience of the conveying device 6, the reason for selection, etc.

[0088] The providing unit 24 can provide the external system 7 with the operation information and management information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 from each of the one or more transport control systems 4.

[0089] For example, the providing unit 24 provides the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 for each of the multiple types of conveyance devices 6 to the external system 7 via the communication unit 21. For example, the providing unit 24 provides the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 to a first computer terminal 7A used by a user who has already introduced or is considering introducing a conveyance control system 4 via the communication unit 21. The providing unit 24 may also provide the operation information and product information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 to the first computer terminal 7A via the communication unit 21. In other words, the providing unit 24 can provide the operation information and product information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 for each of the multiple types of conveyance devices 6 to the external system 7. The providing unit 24 may also provide the operation information and product information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 and the word-of-mouth information acquired by the word-of-mouth information acquiring unit 28 to the first computer terminal 7A via the communication unit 21. The providing unit 24 may also provide the operation information and operational information acquired by the acquiring unit 23 from each of one or more conveyance control systems 4 to the external system 7. The providing unit 24 provides, for example, a web page that presents the operation information and management information acquired from each of one or more transport control systems 4. When a user of the first computer terminal 7A accesses the information providing system 2 using the HMI 72, the web page (see FIGS. 6 to 8) provided by the providing unit 24 is displayed on the display device of the HMI 72.

[0090] The incentive setting unit 27 sets an incentive to be granted to a user of a transport system 3 that has provided operation information to the information providing system 2. That is, the incentive setting unit 27 sets an incentive to be granted to each user of one or more transport control systems 4 based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 23 from each of the one or more transport control systems 4. The incentive set by the incentive setting unit 27 is, for example, a discount rate for the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 borne by the user of the transport control system 4. That is, the incentive setting unit 27 sets the discount rate for the maintenance costs of each of the one or more transport control systems 4 as an incentive. When operation information and operational information are provided from multiple transport control systems 4, operation information and operational information provided from a transport control system 4 with a higher operation rate of the transport device 6 is considered to be more useful information than operation information and operational information provided from a transport control system 4 with a lower operation rate of the transport device 6. Furthermore, operation information and management information provided by a transport control system 4 with a smaller number of operation errors per unit time is more useful than operation information and management information provided by a transport control system 4 with a larger number of operation errors of the transport device 6. Therefore, the incentive setting unit 27 sets a higher discount rate, for example, the higher the operation rate, and the lower the number of operation errors per unit time. This makes it possible to encourage users of transport control systems 4 with a higher operation rate of the transport device 6 or transport control systems 4 with a smaller number of operation errors per unit time to provide operation information and management information.

[0091] The proposal unit 26 can provide the external system 7 with the operation information and management information acquired by the acquisition unit 23 from each of one or more transport control systems 4. For example, the acquisition unit 23 acquires operation information and management information from multiple transport control systems 4, and the multiple transport control systems 4 include a first transport control system 4 that is the target of configuration and one or more second transport control systems 4 other than the first transport control system 4. In this case, the proposal unit 26 proposes, as changes to the operation information of the first transport control system 4, the management information of a reference second transport control system 4 selected from one or more second transport control systems 4 based on the management information of the first transport control system 4. For example, the proposal unit 26 selects, from one or more second transport control systems 4, a second transport control system 4 that has a higher operation rate or fewer operational errors than the first transport control system 4 as the reference second transport control system. If there are multiple second transfer control systems 4 that have a higher operation rate or fewer operation errors than the first transfer control system 4, the proposal unit 26 selects the second transfer control system 4 with the highest operation rate or the fewest operation errors from the multiple second transfer control systems 4 as the reference second transfer control system. The proposal unit 26 transmits information indicating the changes from the communication unit 21 to the first computer terminal 7A used by the user of the first transfer control system 4. The changes transmitted by the proposal unit 26 are transmitted to the display device of the first computer terminal 7A, so that the user of the first transfer control system 4 can review the operating conditions of the transfer device 6 in the first transfer control system 4 based on the changes displayed on the display device.

[0092] (2.4) Operation explanation The operation of the information providing system 2 of this embodiment and the transportation assistance system 1 including the information providing system 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0093] (2.4.1) Operation of the information provision system The process in which the information providing system 2 according to this embodiment acquires operation information and the like and provides it to the external system 7 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 2 and 3. Note that the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 and 3 are merely an example of the process performed by the information providing system 2 according to this embodiment, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0094] The information providing system 2 functions as a web server that can provide a web page that accepts input of information such as operation information from the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D, or a web page that provides information such as operation information to the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D.

[0095] First, the process of acquiring operation information and the like by the processing unit 20 of the information providing system 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0096] When a user of any of the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D uses the HMI 72 to log in to the information providing system 2 in order to input information such as operation information into the information providing system 2, a login request is transmitted to the information providing system 2. The first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D transmit the login request and terminal identification information individually assigned to the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D to the information providing system 2.

[0097] When the processing unit 20 of the information providing system 2 receives a login request from any of the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D via the communication unit 21, the processing unit 20 performs an authentication process to authenticate the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D that have transmitted the login request (S1). The storage unit 22 has pre-registered therein the terminal identification information of the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D that are permitted to log in, and the processing unit 20 performs the authentication process by comparing the terminal identification information transmitted together with the login request with the terminal identification information registered in the storage unit 22.

[0098] In the authentication process of step S1, if the first computer terminal 7A used by a user who has already installed the transport control system 4 is authenticated (S2: Yes), the acquisition unit 23 performs an acquisition process to acquire operation information and management information of the transport device 6 from the transport control system 4 installed by the user of the first computer terminal 7A (S3). Here, the acquisition unit 23 may further acquire setting information related to the transport work of the transport device 6 and equipment information indicating the operating status of the equipment 8 that operates in conjunction with the transport device 6 from the transport control system 4 installed by the user of the first computer terminal 7A.

[0099] If the authentication process in step S1 authenticates that the second computer terminal 7B is used by the system integrator (S2: No, S6: Yes), the acquisition unit 23 performs an acquisition process to acquire operational information indicating the operating conditions of the conveying device 6 in the conveying control system 4 constructed by the system integrator from the second computer terminal 7B (S7).

[0100] After completing the acquisition process of step S3 or S7, the word-of-mouth information acquisition unit 28 performs an acquisition process to acquire word-of-mouth information input by the user of the first computer terminal 7A or the second computer terminal 7B by operating the HMI 72 (S4). Note that the word-of-mouth information input by the user of the first computer terminal 7A may include, for example, information regarding the operating status of the transport device 6 currently operating in the introduced transport control system 4. Furthermore, the word-of-mouth information input by the user of the second computer terminal 7B may include, for example, information written by a system integrator regarding the reason for selecting the transport device 6 to be used in the transport control system 4 from multiple types of transport devices 6.

[0101] Furthermore, if the authentication process in step S1 authenticates that the third computer terminal 7C is used by a person in charge at the manufacturer of the conveying device 6 (S2, S6: No, S8: Yes), the acquisition unit 23 performs an acquisition process to acquire product information of the conveying device (AMR) 6 from the third computer terminal 7C (S9).

[0102] Furthermore, if the authentication process in step S1 authenticates that the fourth computer terminal 7D is used by the user browsing the review site (S2, S6, S8: No), the acquisition unit 23 performs an acquisition process to acquire the browsing history of the transport device (AMR) 6 from the fourth computer terminal 7D (S10). The browsing history is information about the transport devices 6 that the user of the fourth computer terminal 7D has previously viewed, and may include evaluation information entered by the user in evaluation of the transport device 6.

[0103] When the acquisition process of step S4, S9, or S10 is completed, the acquisition unit 23 performs a counting process (S5) to count the operation information, etc. acquired from the multiple transport control systems 4 based on the information acquired from the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D. By counting the operation information, etc. acquired from the multiple transport control systems 4, the acquisition unit 23 can acquire, for example, the average value of the operation rate of the transport devices 6 in the multiple transport control systems 4, the average value of the number of occurrences of operation errors, etc.

[0104] Next, the process by which the information providing system 2 provides operational information and the like will be described with reference to FIG.

[0105] When the processing unit 20 of the information providing system 2 receives a login request to a web page that provides operational information, etc. from any of the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D via the communication unit 21, the processing unit 20 performs authentication processing to authenticate the first to fourth computer terminals 7A to 7D that sent the login request (S11).

[0106] If the authentication process in step S11 identifies the first computer terminal 7A as being used by a user who has already installed the transport control system 4 (S11: Yes), the providing unit 24 causes the display device of the first computer terminal 7A to display, for example, a web page displaying operation information (S12). The providing unit 24 causes the display device of the first computer terminal 7A to display, for example, a web page displaying standard operation information of the transport device 6 used in the already installed transport control system 4 and actual operation information of the transport device 6 in the transport control system 4. By checking the web page displayed on the display device, the user of the first computer terminal 7A can compare the actual operation information of the transport device 6 used in the already installed transport control system 4 with the standard operation information. In other words, the user of the transport control system 4 can use the first computer terminal 7A to compare the operation information of the transport control system 4 used by the user with the overall operation information, including operation information of transport control systems 4 used by others. When the user of the first computer terminal 7A uses the HMI 72 to switch to a web page displaying the operation information of the transport device 6, the providing unit 24 causes the display device of the first computer terminal 7A to display a web page displaying the operation information of the transport control system 4 introduced by the user and the operation information of the standard transport control system 4 (S13). By checking the web page displayed on the display device, the user of the first computer terminal 7A can compare the operation information of the transport device 6 in the introduced transport control system 4 with the standard operation information.

[0107] Furthermore, when the user of the first computer terminal 7A performs an operation to switch to a web page displaying word-of-mouth information using the HMI 72, the providing unit 24 causes a web page displaying word-of-mouth information related to the transport device 6, etc., to be displayed on the display device of the first computer terminal 7A (S14). The user of the first computer terminal 7A can check the word-of-mouth information about the transport device 6, etc., by checking the web page displayed on the display device.

[0108] If a login request is made to the information providing system 2 from the fourth computer terminal 7D (S11: No, S15; Yes), the providing unit 24 determines that a visitor to the review site has logged in, and performs processing to provide information that can be provided to the visitor to the review site. The providing unit 24 causes the display device of the fourth computer terminal 7D to display a web page that displays operation information of all of the transport devices 6 used in the multiple transport control systems 4 by type of transport device 6 (S16). The user of the fourth computer terminal 7D can check the operation information of all of the transport devices 6 aggregated by type of transport device 6 by checking the web page displayed on the display device.

[0109] Thereafter, when the user of the fourth computer terminal 7D performs an operation to switch to a web page displaying word-of-mouth information using the HMI 72, the providing unit 24 causes a web page displaying word-of-mouth information related to the transport device 6, etc. to be displayed on the display device of the fourth computer terminal 7D (S14). The user of the fourth computer terminal 7D can check the word-of-mouth information about the transport device 6, etc. by checking the web page displayed on the display device.

[0110] Furthermore, if a login request is made to the information providing system 2 from the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C (S11: No, S15; Yes), the providing unit 24 determines that a system integrator or a manufacturer's staff member has logged in. The providing unit 24 performs a process of providing information that can be provided to the system integrator or the manufacturer's staff member. For example, the providing unit 24 displays operation information of all the transport devices 6 used in the multiple transport control systems 4 by type of transport device 6, and causes a web page displaying the operation information of the multiple transport control systems 4 to be displayed on the display device of the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C (S17). The user of the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C can check the operation information of all the transport devices 6 aggregated by type of transport device 6 by checking the web page displayed on the display device.

[0111] Thereafter, when the user of the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C performs an operation to switch to a web page displaying word-of-mouth information using the HMI 72, the providing unit 24 causes a web page displaying word-of-mouth information related to the transport device 6, etc. to be displayed on the display device of the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C (S14). The user of the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C can check the word-of-mouth information about the transport device 6, etc. by checking the web page displayed on the display device.

[0112] In the display process of step S17, the providing unit 24 may cause the display device of the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C to display a web page that displays operation information of the transport device 6 in each of the multiple transport control systems 4 and operation information of the facility to which each of the multiple transport control systems 4 is applied, in addition to the operation information of the transport device 6. By checking the web page displayed on the display device, the user of the second or third computer terminal 7B, 7C can grasp the operation information of each of the multiple transport control systems 4 and the operation information of the facility, in addition to the operation information of the transport device 6. In addition, if the facility is a factory in which equipment 8 such as manufacturing equipment is installed, the operation information of the facility may include information indicating the operation rate of the manufacturing equipment installed in the facility.

[0113] (2.4.2) Operation of the transport control system The process in which the transport control system 4 according to this embodiment collects operation information and the like and outputs it to the information providing system 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 4. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 is merely an example of the process performed by the transport control system 4 according to this embodiment, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0114] When the first communication unit 41 of the transport control system 4 receives a request to output operation information from the information providing system 2, the processing unit 40 determines whether or not output of the operation information is permitted (S21). A permission flag indicating whether or not output of the operation information is permitted is set in advance in each of the multiple transport control systems 4, and this permission flag is stored in the storage unit 43. The processing unit 40 determines whether or not output of the operation information is permitted based on the value of the permission flag stored in the storage unit 43, and ends the processing if output of the operation information is not permitted (S21: No).

[0115] On the other hand, if the output of operation information is permitted (S21: Yes), the collection unit 45 performs a collection process to collect log data of one or more transport devices 6 to be controlled (S22). In this embodiment, log data periodically received from the transport devices 6 to be controlled is stored in the storage unit 43 of the transport control system 4, so the collection unit 45 collects the log data of the one or more transport devices 6 to be controlled from the storage unit 43. The collection unit 45 also performs a collection process to collect operation information (e.g., route information) in addition to the log data including the operation information of the one or more transport devices 6 to be controlled. Since the operation information of the transport control system 4 is registered in the storage unit 43, the collection unit 45 acquires (collects) the operation information registered in the storage unit 43 from the storage unit 43. The collection unit 45 can acquire (collect) operation information for each type of transport device 6 by aggregating the operation information acquired from the storage unit 43 by type of multiple types of transport devices 6.

[0116] When the collection unit 45 collects log data of one or more transport devices 6, the determination unit 46 determines the authenticity of the log data collected by the collection unit 45 (S23). In other words, the determination unit 46 determines the authenticity of the log data collected by the collection unit 45 for each of multiple types of transport devices 6. The log data stored in the memory unit 43 may include log data obtained by simulation or log data that has been altered in some way. When the determination unit 46 determines that the log data collected by the collection unit 45 includes fraudulent data (S23: Yes), the determination unit 46 deletes the fraudulent data (S24) and proceeds to step S25.

[0117] The collection unit 45 performs a counting process based on the log data after the invalid data has been deleted, and obtains operation information for each type of the plurality of types of transport devices 6 (S25).

[0118] Specifically, since the log data includes the history of the position information of the transport device 6, the collection unit 45 collects information such as the travel distance and travel speed of the transport device 6 from the history of the position information of the transport device 6.

[0119] Furthermore, since the log data includes information indicating whether the transport device 6 is performing a transport operation, the collection unit 45 collects the operation rate based on the ratio between a first time during which the transport device 6 is performing a transport operation and a second time during which the transport device 6 is not performing a transport operation. In other words, the collection unit 45 collects the operation rate for each of the multiple types of transport devices 6 based on the log data, based on the ratio between the first time during which each of the multiple types of transport devices 6 is performing a transport operation and the second time during which each of the multiple types of transport devices 6 is not performing a transport operation. More specifically, the collection unit 45 calculates the operation rate based on the ratio of the first time to a third time, which is the sum of the first time and the second time. The collection unit 45 can calculate the operation rate based on the first time and the second time calculated from the log data. Note that when there are multiple transport devices 6 of the same type, the collection unit 45 may calculate the operation rate of the transport device 6 of that type by calculating the operation rate for each of the multiple transport devices 6 of the same type and averaging the calculated values.

[0120] Furthermore, since the log data also includes information on operation errors that have occurred in the transport devices 6, the collection unit 45 determines the number of operation errors that have occurred in a unit time (for example, several hours, several days, several weeks, or several months) based on the log data. Furthermore, the collection unit 45 tallies the number of operation errors that have occurred in a unit time for each of the multiple types of transport devices 6. The collection unit 45 can determine the severity of the operation error from the content of the operation error that has occurred in the transport devices 6, and can also tallie the number of operation errors whose severity is at or above a certain level. The collection unit 45 calculates the operation information for each of the multiple types of transport devices 6 by aggregating the operation information calculated for each of the multiple types of transport devices 6 for each of the multiple types of transport devices 6.

[0121] When the collection unit 45 collects the operation information and management information for each type of the plurality of types of transport devices 6, the output unit 47 outputs the operation information and management information collected by the collection unit 45 from the first communication unit 41 to the information providing system 2 (S26). Note that the output unit 47 may output the operation information collected by the collection unit 45 for each of the plurality of transport devices 6 from the first communication unit 41 to the information providing system 2.

[0122] As a result, the information providing system 2 can acquire the operation information obtained for each type of the plurality of types of conveyance devices 6 from one or a plurality of conveyance control systems 4.

[0123] (2.4.3) Incentive setting process by information provision system The process in which the information providing system 2 according to this embodiment sets an incentive for a user of the transport control system 4 that has provided operation information will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is merely an example of the process performed by the information providing system 2 according to this embodiment, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0124] When the processing unit 20 of the information providing system 2 acquires information such as operation information from the transport control system 4, the processing unit 20 determines whether the transport control system 4 permits the acquisition of information such as operation information (S31).

[0125] If the transport control system 4 does not allow the acquisition of information such as operation information (S31: No), the incentive setting unit 27 sets the discount rate for the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 to zero, that is, sets the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 to the regular rate (S43), and terminates the processing.

[0126] If the transport control system 4 permits the acquisition of information such as operation information (S31: Yes), the incentive setting unit 27 collects production plan information related to the production schedule of the equipment 8 from the transport control system 4 or the higher-level system 5 via the communication unit 21 (S32). The incentive setting unit 27 also collects operation information of multiple types of transport devices 6 from the transport control system 4 via the communication unit 21, and tally up travel information of the multiple types of transport devices 6 based on the collected operation information (S33). The incentive setting unit 27 calculates, for example, a first distance traveled by the transport device 6 while performing a transport task, and a second distance traveled by the transport device 6 while not performing a transport task.

[0127] Furthermore, the incentive setting unit 27 collects equipment information indicating the operating status of the equipment 8 that operates in conjunction with the conveyance device 6 from the conveyance control system 4 via the communication unit 21 (S34). The incentive setting unit 27 collects information regarding, for example, the daily production volume of the equipment 8 and the number of times the conveyance device 6 performed conveyance work, such as the work of supplying parts to the equipment 8, in a day (S34).

[0128] Then, the incentive setting unit 27 acquires the availability rate R of the transport device 6 from the operation information acquired from the transport control system 4 (S35), and compares the availability rate R with a predetermined threshold value Rth (S36).

[0129] If the availability rate R is equal to or less than the threshold value Rth (S36: No), the incentive setting unit 27 sets the discount rate for the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 to zero, that is, sets the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 to the regular rate (S43), and terminates the processing.

[0130] If the availability rate R is higher than the threshold value Rth (S36: Yes), the incentive setting unit 27 determines whether the operation information and management information of the transport control system 4 can be made public (S37).

[0131] If the operation information and management information of the transport control system 4 cannot be made public (S37: No), the incentive setting unit 27 sets the discount rate for the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 to the first discount rate (S38), sets the discounted fee after discounting at the first discount rate (S42), and terminates the processing.

[0132] If the operation information and management information of the transport control system 4 can be made public (S37: Yes), the incentive setting unit 27 determines whether the operation information and management information of the transport control system 4 are being referenced by a third party (S39). The third party is a user of another transport control system 4 or a customer considering introducing the transport control system 4.

[0133] If the operation information and management information of the transport control system 4 are not being referenced by a third party (S39: No), the incentive setting unit 27 determines the discount rate for the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 to be a second discount rate that is higher than the first discount rate (S40). The incentive setting unit 27 sets the discounted fee after discounting at the second discount rate (S42) and ends the process.

[0134] On the other hand, if the operation information and management information of the transport control system 4 have been referenced by a third party (S39: Yes), the incentive setting unit 27 determines the discount rate for the maintenance costs of the transport control system 4 to be a third discount rate, which is higher than the second discount rate (S41). The incentive setting unit 27 sets the discounted fee after discounting at the third discount rate (S42), and ends the process.

[0135] In this way, when the availability rate R is higher than the threshold value Rth, the incentive setting unit 27 sets the maintenance cost as a discounted fee at the first discount rate, thereby encouraging users of the transport control system 4 whose availability rate R is higher than the threshold value Rth to provide operation information. Furthermore, the incentive setting unit 27 sets the discount rate to the second discount rate if the operation information can be made public, and further sets the discount rate to the third discount rate if the publicly disclosed operation information is referenced, thereby encouraging users of the transport control system 4 to disclose their operation information.

[0136] In addition, the incentive setting unit 27 may set a high discount rate if the number of operational errors per unit time is less than a predetermined value, and can encourage users of the transport control system 4 with a small number of operational errors to provide operation information.

[0137] (2.5) Description of the information provided by the information provision system The information provided by the information providing system 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0138] 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams of a provision screen P1 for providing information to be provided, which is displayed on the display device of the external system 7. FIG.

[0139] (2.5.1) Display screen of information provided to users considering introducing a transport control system When a user considering introducing the transport control system 4 performs an operation to request operation information of the transport device 6 using the first computer terminal 7A, the providing unit 24 of the information providing system 2 displays a providing screen P1 as shown in Figure 6 on the display device of the first computer terminal 7A.

[0140] FIG. 6 is an example of a presentation screen P1 that presents operation information of a plurality of types of conveyance devices 6 for each type of the plurality of types of conveyance devices 6. In FIG.

[0141] The presentation screen P1 in Figure 6 includes a first display area A1 on the upper side and a second display area A2 on the lower side. The first display area A1 displays an external photograph of the transport device 6A and its operation information, while the second display area A2 displays an external photograph of the transport device 6B and text information such as its operation information. Because the items displayed in the first display area A1 and the items displayed in the second display area A2 are the same, we will explain the items displayed in the first display area A1 and omit explanation of the second display area A2.

[0142] The first display area A1 displays, for example, product information and operation information for the conveying device 6A. The product information includes information about the quality, price, delivery time, size, and payload capacity of the conveying device 6A. The operation information includes information about the average operation rate, which is the average value of the operation rate of the conveying device 6A, the average number of errors, which is the average number of operation errors that occur, and the defect resolution lead time, which is the average time it takes to resolve an operation error. The first display area A1 also displays information about the number of reviews posted about the conveying device 6A. The first display area A1 also displays graphs showing the changes over time in the average operation rate and the average number of errors.

[0143] Note that, when there are multiple conveying devices 6, the information of the multiple conveying devices 6 is displayed, for example, in descending order of quality rank. The information of the multiple conveying devices 6 may be displayed in descending order of quality rank, price rank, earliest delivery time, highest availability rate, or lowest average error count, and rearrangement is possible. Furthermore, the provision screen P1 displays the operation information of two conveying devices 6, but one provision screen P1 may display the operation information of only one conveying device 6, or may display the operation information of three or more conveying devices 6.

[0144] Users considering introducing the transport control system 4 can easily select the transport device 6 to be used in the transport control system 4 based on the operation information for each type of transport device 6 displayed on the provision screen P1, thereby reducing the burden of the selection work on the user.

[0145] (2.5.2) Display screen of information provided to users who have already installed the transport control system When a user who has introduced the transport control system 4 uses the first computer terminal 7A to request operation information of the transport device 6 used in the introduced transport control system 4, the providing unit 24 of the information providing system 2 displays a providing screen P2 as shown in Figure 7 on the display device of the first computer terminal 7A.

[0146] For example, if a company has installed a conveying control system 4 in two factories (e.g., the Osaka factory and the Kyoto factory), Figure 7 is an example of a presentation screen P2 that provides operation information for each of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 used in the Osaka factory.

[0147] The provision screen P2 in Figure 7 includes a first display area A3 on the upper side and a second display area A4 on the lower side. The first display area A3 displays an external photograph and operational information of the transport device 6A, and the second display area A4 displays an external photograph and operational information of the transport device 6B. Since the items displayed in the first display area A3 and the items displayed in the second display area A4 are the same, we will explain the items displayed in the first display area A3 and omit explanation of the second display area A4.

[0148] The first display area A3 displays the name of the conveying device 6A and the number of conveying devices 6A used at the Osaka factory. The first display area A3 also displays, for example, operation information for the conveying device 6A. The operation information includes information such as the average availability rate, average number of errors, fault resolution lead time, travel distance, and travel speed of the conveying device 6A. The first display area A3 displays the operation information obtained for the conveying device 6A used at the Osaka factory and the operation information obtained for the conveying devices 6A used at factories across the country side by side.

[0149] The first display area A3 also displays a graph showing the time-varying average availability and average number of errors. The graph showing the time-varying average availability and average number of errors plots data on the average availability and average number of errors obtained for the conveyance device 6A used in the Osaka factory and data on the average availability and average number of errors obtained for the conveyance devices 6A used in factories nationwide. The solid line in the graph represents the data obtained for the conveyance device 6A used in the Osaka factory, and the dotted line in the graph represents the data obtained for the conveyance devices 6A used in factories nationwide.

[0150] If there are multiple conveyance devices 6 used in the Osaka factory, the information on the multiple conveyance devices 6 is displayed, for example, in descending order of average availability. The information on the multiple conveyance devices 6 may be displayed, for example, in descending order of average error count, or in descending order of the number of devices used (owned) at the Osaka factory, and rearrangement is possible. Furthermore, the provision screen P2 displays the operation information of two conveyance devices 6, but one provision screen P2 may display the operation information of only one conveyance device 6, or may display the operation information of three or more conveyance devices 6.

[0151] As described above, the provision screen P2 in FIG. 7 displays the operation information of the Osaka factory and the national average operation information for each of the multiple types of conveyance devices 6 used in the Osaka factory side by side. In other words, the provision unit 24 can provide the external system 7 with display data that displays a comparison between the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 23 from the conveyance control system 4 to be evaluated among one or more conveyance control systems 4 and the overall average value of the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit 23 from each of the one or more conveyance control systems 4. The external system 7 displays the provision screen P2 as shown in FIG. 7 on the display device based on the display data provided by the provision unit 24. Therefore, a user who has introduced a conveyance control system 4 can compare the operation information of the conveyance devices 6 used in the introduced conveyance control system 4 with the national average based on the display content of the provision screen P2. Therefore, a user who has introduced a conveyance control system 4 can obtain an opportunity to review the operation information of the conveyance devices 6 by comparing the operation information of the conveyance devices 6 used in the introduced conveyance control system 4 with the national average.

[0152] (2.5.3) Screen to provide information on projects similar to the transport control system already implemented When a user who has already introduced the transport control system 4 uses the first computer terminal 7A to request information on a case similar to the introduced transport control system 4, the providing unit 24 of the information providing system 2 displays a providing screen P3 as shown in Figure 8 on the display device of the first computer terminal 7A.

[0153] For example, if a company has two factories (e.g., the Osaka factory and the Kyoto factory) that have installed transport control systems 4, and a user uses the first computer terminal 7A to request information on projects similar to those at the Osaka factory, the information provision system 2 will extract similar projects that are approximately the same size as the Osaka factory from among the multiple transport control systems 4 that have been installed. The information provision system 2 will extract, as similar projects, transport control systems 4 that have, for example, similar movement areas (factory scale) and similar numbers of transport devices 6 used (number of devices in operation). The information provision system 2 then creates a provision screen P3 that provides operational information and management information for the extracted similar projects, and displays the created provision screen P3 on the display device of the first computer terminal 7A.

[0154] FIG. 8 is an example of a provision screen P3 that provides operation information and management information of two factories (Factory A and Factory B) that are approximately the same size as the Osaka factory.

[0155] The provision screen P3 in FIG. 8 includes a first display area A5 on the upper side and a second display area A6 on the lower side. The first display area A5 displays a schematic floor plan MP1 of Factory A, and displays the operation information and management information, etc., of the Osaka Factory and Factory A in a comparative manner. The second display area A6 displays a schematic floor plan MP2 of Factory B, and displays the operation information and management information, etc., of the Osaka Factory and Factory B in a comparative manner. The first display area A5 also displays an acquire button B1 that is operated to acquire settings such as the operation information of Factory A and apply them to the Osaka Factory, and the second display area A6 displays an acquire button B2 that is operated to acquire settings such as the operation information of Factory B and apply them to the Osaka Factory.

[0156] The following describes each item displayed in the first display area A5. Note that since the items displayed in the first display area A5 and the items displayed in the second display area A6 are the same, only the items displayed in the first display area A5 will be described, and a description of the second display area A6 will be omitted.

[0157] The first display area A5 displays the size of the travel area (factory scale), the number of conveyance devices 6 used (operating number), and operation information for each of the Osaka factory and Factory A. Here, the operation information includes information such as daily operation hours, average operation rate, average number of errors, defect resolution lead time, travel distance, and travel speed. The first display area A5 also displays a graph showing the time-varying average operation rate and average number of errors. The graph showing the time-varying average operation rate and average number of errors plots data for all conveyance devices 6 used in the Osaka factory and data for all conveyance devices 6 used in Factory A. The solid line in the graph represents data calculated for all conveyance devices 6 used in the Osaka factory, and the dotted line represents data calculated for all conveyance devices 6 used in Factory A.

[0158] Note that, when there are multiple similar projects, the information on the multiple similar projects is displayed, for example, in descending order of factory size. The information on the multiple similar projects may be displayed in descending order of the number of operating conveying devices 6, the length of operating hours, the length of travel distance of the conveying devices 6, or the number of types of conveying devices 6, and rearrangement is possible. Furthermore, although information on two similar projects is displayed on the provision screen P3, information on one similar project may be displayed on one provision screen P3, or information on three or more similar projects may be displayed.

[0159] As described above, the provision screen P3 in FIG. 8 displays the operation information of the Osaka Factory and the similar projects, Factory A and Factory B, in comparison. Therefore, the user can search for similar projects that are operating more efficiently than the Osaka Factory based on the display contents of the provision screen P3. If the user finds a similar project that is operating more efficiently than the Osaka Factory and wants to apply the operation information of the similar project to the Osaka Factory, the user operates the Acquire button B1. The information provision system 2 then transmits the operation information of the similar project for which the Acquire button B1 was operated to the transport control system 4 installed in the Osaka Factory. Upon receiving the operation information of the similar project from the information provision system 2, the processing unit 40 of the transport control system 4 can change the current operation information based on the operation information of the similar project, thereby enabling the transport device 6 to be operated more efficiently. This allows the user to improve the operation information of the currently installed transport control system 4 based on the operation information of the similar project that operates the transport device 6 more efficiently, thereby improving the availability rate and the number of operational errors of the transport device 6 in the currently installed transport control system 4.

[0160] (3) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the above embodiment are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the information providing system 2 may be embodied in an information providing method, a computer program, a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, or the like. An information providing method according to one aspect includes an acquisition process and a provision process. In the acquisition process, operation information of multiple types of conveying devices 6 that are controlled by one or more conveying control systems 4 capable of controlling multiple types of conveying devices 6 is acquired for each type of the multiple types of conveying devices 6. In the provision process, the operation information acquired for each type of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 in the acquisition process can be provided to an external system 7. The operation information includes at least information on the availability rates of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 and the number of operational errors of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 that occurred per unit time. A (computer) program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer system to execute the above information providing method.

[0161] Furthermore, a program according to one embodiment is a program executed by a computer system that displays operation information provided by the information providing system 2. This program causes one or more processors to execute a reception process and a display process. In the reception process, operation information provided from the information providing system 2 is received. The information providing system 2 acquires operation information for each type of multiple types of conveying devices 6 and provides the acquired operation information. The operation information includes at least information on the operation rates of the multiple types of conveying devices 6 and the number of operational errors that occurred in the multiple types of conveying devices 6 per unit time. In the presentation process, the operation information received in the reception process is presented.

[0162] Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0163] The information provision system 2, the transport control system 4, or the information provision method of the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the information provision system 2, the transport control system 4, or the information provision method of the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being stored on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integration (VLSI), or ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be employed as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, a microcontroller may also be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0164] Furthermore, it is not essential for the information providing system 2 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the information providing system 2 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the information providing system 2 may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0165] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0166] A transport assistance system (1) of a first aspect includes one or more transport control systems (4) capable of controlling multiple types of transport devices (6), and an information providing system (2). The information providing system (2) has an acquisition unit (23) and a provision unit (24). The acquisition unit (23) acquires operation information of the multiple types of transport devices (6) for each type of the multiple types of transport devices (6). The provision unit (24) can provide the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit (23) for each type of the multiple types of transport devices (6) to an external system (7). The operation information includes at least information on the availability rates of the multiple types of transport devices (6) and the number of operation errors that occurred in the multiple types of transport devices (6) per unit time.

[0167] According to this aspect, the information providing system (2) can provide the external system (7) with operation information on a plurality of types of transport devices.

[0168] The information providing system (2) of the second aspect includes an acquiring unit (23) and a providing unit (24). The acquiring unit (23) acquires operation information of multiple types of transport devices (6) that are controlled by one or multiple transport control systems (4) that can control the multiple types of transport devices (6), for each type of the multiple types of transport devices (6). The providing unit (24) can provide the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit (23) for each type of the multiple types of transport devices (6) to an external system (7). The operation information includes at least information on the availability rates of the multiple types of transport devices (6) and the number of operation errors that occurred in the multiple types of transport devices (6) per unit time.

[0169] According to this aspect, the information providing system (2) can provide operation information of a plurality of types of transport devices.

[0170] In the information providing system (2) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, the acquiring unit (23) acquires operation information of a plurality of types of transport devices (6) from one or a plurality of transport control systems (4).

[0171] According to this aspect, the acquisition unit (23) can acquire the operation information from the transport control system (4).

[0172] In the information providing system (2) of the fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the providing unit (24) can provide to the external system (7) display data that displays a comparison between the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit (23) from the transport control system (4) to be evaluated among one or more transport control systems (4) and the overall average value of the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit (23) from each of the one or more transport control systems (4).

[0173] According to this aspect, it is possible to compare the operation information of the transport control system (4) to be evaluated with the overall average value.

[0174] In the information providing system (2) of the fifth aspect, in the third or fourth aspect, the acquiring unit (23) acquires operation information of multiple types of transport devices (6) and operation information related to operation conditions for operating the multiple types of transport devices (6) from each of one or more transport control systems (4). The operation information includes at least one of the size and shape of a movement area in which the transport devices (6) move, the movement distance moved by the transport devices (6), the number of transport devices (6), and route information related to the movement route of the transport devices (6). The providing unit (24) can provide the operation information and operation information acquired by the acquiring unit (23) from each of the one or more transport control systems (4) to an external system (7).

[0175] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide the operation information and management information of a plurality of types of conveyance devices (6).

[0176] The information providing system (2) of the sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, further including a proposal unit (26). The acquisition unit (23) acquires operation information and management information from a plurality of transport control systems (4). The plurality of transport control systems (4) includes a first transport control system (4) to be configured and one or more second transport control systems (4) other than the first transport control system (4). The proposal unit (26) proposes changes to the management information of the first transport control system (4) based on the management information of a reference second transport control system (4) selected from the one or more second transport control systems (4) based on the management information of the first transport control system (4).

[0177] According to this aspect, the proposing unit (26) can propose changes to the operation information based on the operation information of the second transport control system (4).

[0178] The information providing system (2) of the seventh aspect is in any one of the second to sixth aspects, and further includes an incentive setting unit (27). The incentive setting unit (27) sets an incentive to be given to each user of the one or more transport control systems (4) based on the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit (23) from each of the one or more transport control systems (4).

[0179] According to this aspect, by setting an incentive for the user of the transport control system (4) who provided the operation information, it is possible to encourage the user to provide the operation information.

[0180] In an information providing system (2) of an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the incentive setting unit (27) sets, as an incentive, a discount rate for the maintenance costs of one or more transport control systems (4). The incentive setting unit (27) sets the discount rate to a higher value as the operation rate is higher, and sets the discount rate to a higher value as the number of operational errors is lower.

[0181] According to this aspect, it is possible to encourage users of the transport control system (4) with a high operation rate or users with a small number of operation errors to provide operation information.

[0182] The information providing system (2) of a ninth aspect is any one of the second to eighth aspects, in which the acquiring unit (23) acquires product information related to a plurality of types of conveying devices (6) for each type of the plurality of types of conveying devices (6). The providing unit (24) can provide the operation information and product information acquired by the acquiring unit (23) for each type of the plurality of types of conveying devices (6) to the external system (7).

[0183] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide operation information and product information for each of a plurality of types of conveyance devices (6).

[0184] A transport control system (4) of a tenth aspect includes a transport control unit (44), a collection unit (45), and an output unit (47). The transport control unit (44) is capable of controlling multiple types of transport devices (6). The collection unit (45) collects log data indicating the operation status of the multiple types of transport devices (6) from each of the multiple types of transport devices (6) and determines operation information for each type of the multiple types of transport devices (6) based on the log data. The output unit (47) is capable of outputting the operation information determined by the collection unit (45). The operation information includes at least information on the operation rates of the multiple types of transport devices (6) and the number of operation errors that occurred in the multiple types of transport devices (6) per unit time.

[0185] According to this aspect, the transport control system (4) can output operation information of a plurality of types of transport devices (6).

[0186] The transport control system (4) of an eleventh aspect is the tenth aspect, further comprising a determination unit (46) that determines the authenticity of the log data collected by the collection unit (45).

[0187] According to this aspect, the operation information can be obtained accurately.

[0188] A twelfth aspect of the transport control system (4) is the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the collection unit (45) collects facility information indicating the operating status of one or more facility devices (8) that operate in conjunction with multiple types of transport devices (6). The output unit (47) is capable of outputting the operating information and the facility information.

[0189] According to this aspect, the transport control system (4) can output operation information and facility information of a plurality of types of transport devices (6).

[0190] In a thirteenth aspect of the transport control system (4), in any of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the collection unit (45) calculates an operating rate for each of the plurality of types of transport devices (6) based on the log data, based on the ratio of a first time during which each of the plurality of types of transport devices (6) is performing transport work to a second time during which each of the plurality of types of transport devices (6) is not performing transport work.

[0191] According to this aspect, the collection unit (45) can determine the operation rate based on the log data collected from the transport device (6).

[0192] The program of the fourteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute a receiving process and a presenting process. In the receiving process, operation information provided from an information providing system (2) is received. The information providing system acquires operation information for each type of the multiple types of conveying devices (6), the operation information including at least information on the availability rates of the multiple types of conveying devices (6) and the number of operation errors that occurred in the multiple types of conveying devices (6) per unit time, and provides the acquired operation information. In the presenting process, the operation information received in the receiving process is presented.

[0193] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide operation information of a plurality of types of conveyance devices (6) provided from the information providing system (2).

[0194] Not limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the information provision system (2) according to the embodiment can be embodied as an information provision method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded, etc.

[0195] The configurations according to the third to ninth aspects are not essential for the information providing system 2 and may be omitted as appropriate. The configurations according to the eleventh to thirteenth aspects are not essential for the transport control system 4 and may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1. Transport support system 2. Information provision system 4. Transport control system (first transport control system, second transport control system) 6. Conveyor equipment 7 External Systems 8 Equipment 23 Acquisition Department 24 Providing Department 26 Proposal Department 27 Incentive Setting Department 44 Transport control unit 45 Collection Department 46 Judgment section 47 Output section

Claims

1. one or more transport control systems capable of controlling a plurality of types of transport devices; an information providing system; The information providing system includes: an acquisition unit that acquires operation information of the plurality of types of conveyance devices for each type of the plurality of types of conveyance devices; a providing unit capable of providing the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit for each of the plurality of types of conveying devices to an external system, the operation information includes at least information on the operation rates of the plurality of types of conveyance devices and the number of operation errors that have occurred in the plurality of types of conveyance devices per unit time; Transportation support system.

2. an acquisition unit that acquires operation information of the plurality of types of transport devices that are targets of control of one or more transport control systems that can control the plurality of types of transport devices, for each type of the plurality of types of transport devices; a providing unit capable of providing the operation information acquired by the acquiring unit for each of the plurality of types of conveying devices to an external system, the operation information includes at least information on the operation rates of the plurality of types of conveyance devices and the number of operation errors that have occurred in the plurality of types of conveyance devices per unit time; Information provision system.

3. the acquiring unit acquires the operation information of the plurality of types of conveyance devices from the one or more conveyance control systems. The information providing system according to claim 2 .

4. The providing unit and capable of providing to the external system display data that displays a comparison between the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit from the transport control system to be evaluated among the one or more transport control systems and an overall average value of the operation information acquired by the acquisition unit from each of the one or more transport control systems. The information providing system according to claim 3 .

5. the acquisition unit acquires, from each of the one or more transport control systems, the operation information of the plurality of types of transport devices and operation information related to operation conditions for operating the plurality of types of transport devices; the operation information includes information regarding at least one of the size and shape of a movement area in which the transport device moves, the movement distance in which the transport device moves, the number of the transport devices, and route information regarding the movement route of the transport device; the providing unit is capable of providing the operation information and the management information acquired by the acquiring unit from each of the one or more transport control systems to the external system. The information providing system according to claim 3 .

6. Further comprising a proposal unit, the acquisition unit acquires the operation information and the management information from a plurality of the transport control systems; the plurality of transport control systems include a first transport control system to be set and one or more second transport control systems other than the first transport control system, the proposal unit proposes changes to the operation information of the first transport control system based on the operation information of the second transport control system for reference selected from the one or more second transport control systems based on the operation information of the first transport control system. The information providing system according to claim 5 .

7. an incentive setting unit that sets an incentive to be given to each user of the one or more transport control systems based on the operation information acquired from each of the one or more transport control systems by the acquisition unit; The information providing system according to claim 2 .

8. the incentive setting unit sets a discount rate for maintenance costs of each of the one or more transport control systems as the incentive; the incentive setting unit sets the discount rate to a higher value as the availability rate is higher, and sets the discount rate to a higher value as the number of operation errors is lower; The information providing system according to claim 7.

9. the acquiring unit acquires product information relating to the plurality of types of conveying devices for each type of the plurality of types of conveying devices; the providing unit is capable of providing the operation information and the product information acquired by the acquiring unit for each of the plurality of types of conveying devices to the external system. The information providing system according to claim 2 .

10. a transport control unit capable of controlling a plurality of types of transport devices; a collection unit that collects log data indicating operation statuses of the plurality of types of transport devices from each of the plurality of types of transport devices and obtains operation information for each type of the plurality of types of transport devices based on the log data; an output unit capable of outputting the operation information obtained by the collection unit, the operation information includes at least information on the operation rates of the plurality of types of conveyance devices and the number of operation errors that have occurred in the plurality of types of conveyance devices per unit time; Conveyance control system.

11. The log data collection device further includes a determination unit that determines authenticity of the log data collected by the collection unit. The transport control system according to claim 10.

12. the collection unit collects equipment information indicating the operating status of one or more equipment devices that operate in conjunction with the plurality of types of transport devices; The output unit is capable of outputting the operation information and the equipment information. The transport control system according to claim 10.

13. The collection unit calculates the availability rate for each of the plurality of types of transport devices based on the log data, based on a ratio of a first time during which each of the plurality of types of transport devices is performing transport work to a second time during which each of the plurality of types of transport devices is not performing transport work. The transport control system according to claim 10.

14. one or more processors, a receiving process for acquiring operation information for each type of the plurality of types of conveying devices, the operation information including at least information on the availability rates of the plurality of types of conveying devices and the number of operation errors that have occurred in the plurality of types of conveying devices per unit time, and receiving the operation information provided from an information providing system that provides the acquired operation information; a presentation process for presenting the operation information received in the reception process; A program to execute.

Images