Train assignment system, train assignment method, and program

Abstract

To smoothly transport packages using passenger trains.SOLUTION: A physical distribution system 1 (train assignment system) is configured to assign a train to transport a desired package from among a group of passenger trains capable of transporting packages. A server 10 receives transportation request conditions related to the desired package. The server 10 assigns (retrieves), from the passenger train group, a train that satisfies the received transportation request conditions under constraint conditions related to package transportation of the passenger train group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a train reservation system, a train reservation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional delivery system has been disclosed in which a package delivered by the sender to a station is transported by train or other means to the destination station, and after the package arrives at the destination station, the recipient is contacted and the recipient picks up the package at the destination station (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-342051 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the delivery system disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything about how much luggage a train can carry, the amount of luggage requested by the sender, etc. Therefore, depending on the status of the train and the luggage, it may not be possible to load the desired luggage onto the train, and in some cases, the delivery may not be satisfactory to the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to smoothly transport luggage using passenger trains. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the train reservation system of the present invention comprises: A train assignment system for assigning a train to transport a desired baggage from a group of passenger trains capable of transporting the baggage, a reception unit that receives desired transport conditions related to the desired cargo; a designation unit that designates a train from the passenger train group that satisfies the desired transportation conditions accepted by the acceptance unit under constraints related to the luggage transportation of the passenger train group; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, cargo can be transported smoothly using passenger trains. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a logistics system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a train database. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a luggage management table. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of a number of workers management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a transportable cargo management table. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for luggage transportation planning processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery request reception screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search result screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the search result screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the search result screen. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for an alternative transportation planning process. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a train schedule change notification screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an alternative transportation route search result screen. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the train schedule change notification screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the alternative transportation route search result screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the train schedule change notification screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the alternative transportation route search result screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a luggage management table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0010] [Configuration of logistics system] First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a logistics system 1 of this embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the logistics system (train designation system) 1 includes a server 10, an operation control system 20, and a terminal device 30. The server 10 is connected to the operation control system 20 and the terminal device 30 via a communication network N so as to be able to communicate information. Note that, although one terminal device 30 is shown in Fig. 1, the number of terminal devices 30 is not particularly limited.

[0012] Server 10 is a server for providing a service (hereinafter referred to as a station-to-station delivery service) of delivering a user's luggage from a pre-specified departure station (loading station (departure base)) to an arrival station (unloading station (arrival base)) using a passenger train (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a train) capable of transporting luggage.

[0013] The traffic control system 20 is a system that manages the operation of passenger trains. The traffic control system 20 has a train database 21 that stores information about a plurality of passenger trains (passenger train groups) that can transport luggage, for example.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the train database 21. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the train database 21 stores, for each passenger train, information related to items such as "train name," "arrival time, departure time, and arrival platform at each station," and "baggage capacity," which are linked to each other. Passenger trains are assumed to be trains that operate regularly within a specified operating section. The "baggage capacity" item indicates the maximum amount of baggage that can be loaded onto the passenger train. The "baggage capacity" item indicates the baggage capacity for each compartment of the passenger train. The baggage capacity is based on boxes (e.g., cardboard boxes, polystyrene foam boxes, etc.) of a predetermined size (e.g., a total of 120 cm on three sides). For example, for passenger train "Tohoku No. 18," the baggage capacity of compartments 1 and 2 is 20 boxes, and the baggage capacity of compartment 3 is 10 boxes.

[0015] Returning to Fig. 1, the terminal device 30 is a terminal device used by a user who uses the station-to-station delivery service. In other words, the terminal device 30 is a terminal device used by a user when requesting the transport of luggage by the station-to-station delivery service or alternative transport, which will be described later. In the following description, the terminal device 30 is assumed to be a tablet PC (Personal Computer), but it may also be a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a smartphone, or the like.

[0016] The communication network N is assumed to be, for example, the Internet, but may be another network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0017] [Server Configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the server 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 10.

[0018] 3, the server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, a communication unit 16, and a bus 17. The components of the server 10 are connected to each other via the bus 17.

[0019] The CPU (reception unit, designation unit, acquisition unit, determination unit, search unit) 11 is a processor that reads and executes a program 131 stored in the storage unit 13 and performs various arithmetic processing, thereby controlling the operation of each unit of the server 10. Although a single CPU 11 is illustrated in FIG. 3, this is not limiting. Two or more processors such as CPUs may be provided, and the processing executed by the CPU 11 of this embodiment may be shared and executed by these two or more processors.

[0020] The RAM 12 provides a working memory space for the CPU 11 and stores temporary data.

[0021] The storage unit 13 is a non-transitory recording medium readable by the CPU 11 as a computer, and stores a program 131 and various data. The program 131 is stored in the storage unit 13 in the form of a computer-readable program code. Examples of data stored in the storage unit 13 include a baggage management table 132, a worker number management table 133, and a transportable baggage management table 134.

[0022] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the luggage management table 132. The luggage management table 132 is a table for managing luggage for which a request for transportation by the station-to-station delivery service has been accepted. As shown in FIG. 4, the baggage management table 132 stores, for each baggage, information such as a "baggage ID," "baggage quantity," "transportation date," "train name," "transportation section," "loading compartment," and "number of loading and unloading workers" that are linked to each other. The "baggage ID" field indicates information that identifies the baggage. The "baggage quantity" field indicates the quantity of the baggage. As with the baggage carrying capacity described above, this baggage quantity is based on a box (e.g., a cardboard box, a polystyrene foam box, etc.) of a predetermined size (e.g., a total of 120 cm on three sides). The "transportation date" field indicates the date on which the baggage will be transported by a passenger train. The "train name" field indicates the name of the passenger train that will transport the baggage. The "transportation section" field indicates the section (between stations) along which the baggage will be transported. The "loading compartment" field indicates the compartment in which the baggage will be loaded on the passenger train that will transport the baggage. The "number of workers loading and unloading" field indicates the number of workers who will load and unload the baggage in the transport section of the baggage. Specifically, the field indicates the number of workers who will load the baggage at the departure station and the number of workers who will unload the baggage at the arrival station. Although not shown, if there is a transfer station along the transport section, the "number of workers loading and unloading" field also indicates the number of workers who will load and unload the baggage at the transfer station.

[0023] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the worker number management table 133. The worker number management table 133 is a table for managing the number of workers available to load and unload at each stop of the passenger train group described above. 5, the worker number management table 133 indicates the number of workers available to load and unload for each time period (hour) on each date for each stop station of the passenger train group described above. The worker number management table 133 is linked to the baggage management table 132 described above, and when the contents of the baggage management table 132 are updated, the worker number management table 133 is updated accordingly. In other words, when a request for baggage transportation by the station-to-station delivery service is accepted and workers are arranged to load and unload the baggage at the corresponding departure station and arrival station, the number of workers in the worker number management table 133, which corresponds to the departure station and arrival station where the loading and unloading work will be performed by the workers, is reduced by the number of workers arranged.

[0024] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the transportable luggage management table 134. The transportable luggage management table 134 is a table for managing the amount of luggage that can be loaded and unloaded at each stop of the passenger train group described above. As shown in Fig. 6, the transportable baggage management table 134 indicates, for each passenger train, the amount of baggage that can be loaded and unloaded at each station (each stop station) for each operating day. This amount of baggage that can be loaded and unloaded is derived based on, for example, information on the baggage capacity of the passenger train obtained from the train database 21 (see Fig. 2), information on the stop time of the passenger train at each station (each stop station), information on the baggage obtained from the baggage management table 132 (see Fig. 4), and information on the number of workers available to load and unload at each stop station obtained from the worker number management table 133 (see Fig. 5). In other words, the contents of the transportable baggage management table 134 are updated as the train database 21, the baggage management table 132, and the worker number management table 133 are updated.

[0025] 3, the operation unit 14 includes a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, letter and number input keys, and various other function keys, and receives input by pressing each key and outputs the operation information to the CPU 11. The operation unit 14 may also include a pointing device such as a mouse, and receive position input and output the position input to the CPU 11 as operation information.

[0026] The display unit 15 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and performs screen display in accordance with a display control signal from the CPU 11.

[0027] The communication unit 16 performs communication operations in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. Through this communication operation, the communication unit 16 transmits and receives information to and from the traffic control system 20 and the terminal device 30 via the communication network N.

[0028] [Terminal device configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 30.

[0029] 7, the terminal device 30 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a storage unit 33, an operation unit 34, a display unit 35, a communication unit 36, and a bus 37. The components of the terminal device 30 are connected to each other via the bus 37.

[0030] The CPU 31 is a processor that controls the operation of each part of the terminal device 30 by reading and executing a program 331 stored in the storage unit 33 and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0031] The RAM 32 provides a working memory space for the CPU 31 and stores temporary data.

[0032] The storage unit 33 is a non-transitory recording medium readable by the CPU 31, and stores a program 331 and various data. The program 331 is stored in the storage unit 33 in the form of a computer-readable program code.

[0033] The operation unit 34 accepts an input operation from the user and outputs an input signal corresponding to the input operation to the CPU 31. The operation unit 34 includes a touch panel overlaid on the display screen of the display unit 35, and detects contact with a stylus, the user's finger, or the like as an input operation via this touch panel. The operation unit 34 may include hardware buttons in addition to or instead of the touch panel, and may be able to accept input operations via these hardware buttons.

[0034] The display unit 35 is configured with an LCD, an EL display, or the like, and performs various displays according to display information instructed by the CPU 31.

[0035] The communication unit 36 ​​performs a communication operation in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The communication unit 36 ​​transmits and receives information to and from the server 10 via the communication network N through this communication operation.

[0036] [Logistics system operation] Next, the operation of the logistics system 1 will be described. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the baggage transportation planning process executed by the server 10. The baggage transportation planning process is executed by the CPU 11 of the server 10 in cooperation with the program 131 stored in the storage unit 13. The baggage transportation planning process is triggered by a request for application for baggage transportation by the station-to-station delivery service being made to the server 10 from the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 36.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, when the luggage transportation planning process is started, first, the CPU 11 of the server 10 displays a delivery request acceptance screen on the display unit 35 of the terminal device 30 that has made an application request for luggage transportation using the station-to-station delivery service, and accepts the desired transportation conditions (step S1).

[0038] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a delivery request reception screen. As shown in Fig. 9, the delivery request reception screen G1 has text boxes G11 to G14 for inputting the desired transport conditions, such as the pickup origin, delivery destination, delivery date and time, and quantity of luggage, as well as a cancel button G15 and a search button G16. The cancel button G15 is a button used to cancel an application for the station-to-station delivery service. The search button G16 is a button for causing the server 10 to start a search for passenger trains that will transport the luggage based on the desired transport conditions input in the text boxes G11 to G14.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the cancel button G15 on the delivery request reception screen G1 has been operated (step S2).

[0040] In step S2, if it is determined that the cancel button G15 has been operated (step S2; YES), the CPU 11 ends the luggage transportation planning process.

[0041] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S2 that the stop button G15 has not been operated (step S2; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the search button G16 has been operated (step S3).

[0042] In step S3, if it is determined that the search button G16 has not been operated (step S3; NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S2 and performs the subsequent processes.

[0043] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S3 that the search button G16 has been operated (step S3; YES), the CPU 11 searches for passenger trains that will transport the luggage based on the desired transportation conditions entered in the text boxes G11 to G14 (step S4). Here, the search for passenger trains is generally performed so that the nearest station (e.g., Station B) to the collection source (e.g., Hachinohe Port) entered in the text box G11 becomes the departure station (loading station), and the nearest station (e.g., Station H) to the delivery destination (e.g., ABC Supermarket Kiba Branch) entered in the text box G12 becomes the arrival station (unloading station). The search for passenger trains takes into account the travel distance from the arrival station (unloading station) to the delivery destination, and searches to arrive in time for the delivery date and time entered in the text box G13. Furthermore, the search for passenger trains refers to the transportable luggage management table 134 (see FIG. 6 ), and searches for stations that can load and unload the amount of luggage entered in the text box G14 as candidates. In addition, when transporting luggage using the station-to-station delivery service, the transportation of the luggage from the collection point to the departure station (loading station) and the transportation of the luggage from the arrival station (unloading station) to the delivery destination will be carried out under the control of the user who requested the transportation of the luggage using the station-to-station delivery service.

[0044] Next, the CPU 11 displays a search result screen showing the search results for passenger trains on the display unit 35 of the terminal device 30 (step S5).

[0045] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen. As shown in Figure 10, the search result screen G2 is an example of a search result screen when a search is performed by operating the search button G16 on the delivery request reception screen G1 shown in Figure 9, with "Hachinohe Port (collection source)" entered in text box G11, "ABC Supermarket Kiba Store (delivery destination)" entered in text box G12, "February 13, 2024, 4:00 PM (delivery date and time)" entered in text box G13, and "20 boxes (amount of luggage)" entered in text box G14. On the search result screen G2, route G21 (route 1) searched according to the above-mentioned principles is displayed as a search result for passenger trains. Route G21 has Station B, the nearest station to the collection source "Hachinohe Port," as its departure station (loading station), Station H, the nearest station to the delivery destination "ABC Supermarket Kiba Store," as its arrival station (unloading station). The Tohoku 18 departs Station B at 10:45 AM on February 13, 2024, and arrives at Station H at 1:30 PM. This route is designed to be in time for the delivery date and time of "February 13, 2024, 4:00 PM" and to be able to unload the desired amount of cargo (20 boxes) at both Station B and Station H. The determination of whether the desired amount of cargo (20 boxes) can be unloaded at Station B and Station H is performed by referring to the transportable cargo management table 134 shown in FIG. 6, as described above. Route G21 also displays the cargo compartment (e.g., "Compartment 1") in which the desired cargo will be loaded. In addition, the display area of ​​the route G21 is provided with a request button G22 that is used when requesting transportation of luggage (station-to-station delivery) along the route G21. In addition, the search result screen G2 is provided with a cancel button G23 that is used when canceling an application for luggage transportation by the station-to-station delivery service.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the search result screen. As shown in FIG. 11, the search result screen G3 is an example of a search result screen when a search is performed by operating the search button G16 on the delivery request reception screen G1 shown in FIG. 9 after entering "Hachinohe Port (collection point)" in the text box G11, "ABC Supermarket Kiba Store (delivery destination)" in the text box G12, "February 13, 2024, 4:00 PM (delivery date and time)" in the text box G13, and "40 boxes (amount of luggage)" in the text box G14. In this case, because the desired transportation condition is a large amount of luggage, 40 boxes, the search result screen G3 searches for three routes G31, G33, and G35 that are different from the above-mentioned route G21 (see FIG. 10), and displays the search results. The search result screen G3 also has a cancel button G37 that can be used to cancel the application for luggage transportation via the station-to-station delivery service.

[0047] Route G31 (Route 1) has its departure station (loading station) as the starting station, Station A (see Figures 2 and 6), which can load 40 boxes of luggage at once, and its arrival station (unloading station) as Station H, the nearest station to the delivery destination, ABC Supermarket Kiba Branch. The Tohoku 20 train departs Station A at 11:25 AM on February 13, 2024, and arrives at Station H at 2:30 PM, in time for the delivery date and time of 4 PM on February 13, 2024. Route G31 also displays the luggage compartments (e.g., "Locker Room 1" and "Locker Room 2") where the desired luggage will be loaded. The display area for route G31 also includes a request button G32 that can be used to request transportation (station-to-station delivery) of luggage along route G31.

[0048] Route G33 (Route 2) starts (loads) at Station C (see Figures 2 and 6), a designated station where 40 boxes of cargo can be loaded at once (e.g., a station with a long stop where trains are coupled and uncoupled), and ends (unloads) at Station H, the nearest station to the delivery destination, ABC Supermarket Kiba Branch. The Tohoku 20 train departs Station C at 12:15 on February 13, 2024, and arrives at Station H at 2:30, in time for the delivery date and time of 4:00 PM on February 13, 2024. Route G33, like Route G31, also displays the cargo compartments (e.g., "Cargo Compartment 1" and "Cargo Compartment 2") where the desired cargo will be loaded. Similarly to Route G31, the display area for Route G33 also includes a request button G34, which is used to request transportation (station-to-station delivery) of cargo along Route G33.

[0049] Route G35 (Route 3) is a route in which the desired quantity of cargo, 40 boxes, is transported in two separate shipments: the first shipment (20 boxes) and the second shipment (20 boxes). Specifically, the first shipment of Route G35 departs Station B, the nearest station to the collection source, Hachinohe Port, as the departure station (loading station), and Station H, the nearest station to the delivery destination, ABC Supermarket Kiba Store, as the arrival station (unloading station). The first shipment departs Station B at 10:15 on February 13, 2024, and arrives at Station H at 1:00, which is in time for the delivery date and time, 4:00 PM on February 13, 2024, and allows for the loading and unloading of the first shipment's quantity of cargo, 20 boxes, at both the departure station, Station B, and the arrival station, Station H. The second service of route G35 is the "Tohoku 18," which departs from Station B at 10:45 AM and arrives at Station H at 1:30 PM on February 13, 2024, after the first service "Tohoku 16." This service is scheduled to arrive at Station B and Station H at 1:30 PM on February 13, 2024, and is in time for the delivery date and time of "February 13, 2024, 4:00 PM." Route G35 also displays the cargo compartments (e.g., "Cargo Compartment 1") in which the desired cargo will be loaded for each of the first and second services. The display area for route G35 also includes a request button G36, similar to routes G31 and G33, which is used to request transportation (station-to-station delivery) of cargo along route G35.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the search result screen. As shown in Figure 12, the search result screen G4 is an example of a search result screen when a search is performed by operating the search button G16 on the delivery request reception screen G1 shown in Figure 9, with "Hachinohe Port (collection source)" entered in text box G11, "ABC Supermarket Kiba Store (delivery destination)" entered in text box G12, "February 14, 2024, 4:00 PM (delivery date and time)" entered in text box G13, and "20 boxes (amount of luggage)" entered in text box G14. On the search result screen G4, route G41 (route 1) is displayed as the search result for passenger trains. Route G41 has Station B, the nearest station to the collection source Hachinohe Port, as its departure station (loading station), Station H, the nearest station to the delivery destination ABC Supermarket Kiba Store, as its arrival station (unloading station), and is set to Tohoku 16, which departs Station B at 10:15 on February 14, 2024, and arrives at Station H at 1:00 PM, making it possible to make the delivery date and time of 4:00 PM on February 14, 2024, and to load and unload the desired amount of cargo, 20 boxes, at both Station B and Station H. In the transportable cargo management table 134 shown in FIG. 6, the amount of cargo that can be unloaded at Stations B and H on Tohoku 18 on February 14, 2024, is set to 0 boxes, so Tohoku 16, which departs earlier than Tohoku 18 and can unload at Stations B and H, is searched for. The route G41 also displays the luggage compartment (for example, "Luggage compartment 1") where the desired luggage is to be loaded. The display area of ​​the route G41 also has a request button G42 that is used when requesting transportation of luggage along the route G41 (station-to-station delivery). The search result screen G4 also has a cancel button G43 that is used when canceling an application for luggage transportation via the station-to-station delivery service.

[0051] Returning to FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not a stop button (for example, the stop button G23; see FIG. 10) has been operated on the search result screen (for example, the search result screen G2; see FIG. 10) displayed in step S5 (step S6).

[0052] In step S6, if it is determined that the stop button has been operated (step S6; YES), the CPU 11 ends the luggage transportation planning process.

[0053] Also, if it is determined in step S6 that the cancel button has not been operated (step S6; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether a request button (for example, the request button G22; see FIG. 10) has been operated (step S7).

[0054] If it is determined in step S7 that the request button has not been operated (step S7; NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S6 and performs the subsequent processes.

[0055] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S7 that the request button has been operated (step S7; YES), the CPU 11 arranges for workers to load and unload luggage at the departure station and arrival station of the route corresponding to the request button (step S8). For example, if the request button G22 is operated on the search result screen G2 shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11 arranges for workers to load and unload luggage at the departure station "Station B" and the arrival station "Station H" of the route G21 corresponding to the request button G22 (step S8). Here, when arranging workers to load and unload luggage, it is assumed that each worker can load and unload 10 boxes of luggage. Therefore, for example, if 20 boxes of luggage are to be loaded and unloaded at Station B (departure station) and Station H (arrival station), two workers will be arranged for each of Station B (departure station) and Station H (arrival station).

[0056] Next, the CPU 11 registers information about the requested luggage in the luggage management table 132 (see FIG. 4) (step S9). For example, when the request button G22 is operated on the search result screen G2 shown in FIG. 10, the information about the requested luggage, including the luggage ID "100311," the luggage quantity "20 boxes," the transportation date "February 13, 2024," the train name "Tohoku No. 18," the transportation section "Station B to Station H," the loading compartment "compartment 1," and the number of loading and unloading workers "Station B (2 people)_Station H (2 people)," is linked and registered in the luggage management table 132, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] Next, the CPU 11 displays on the display unit 35 of the terminal device 30 that the reception of the request for inter-station delivery has been completed (step S10). Then, the CPU 11 ends the baggage transportation planning process.

[0058] Next, the alternative transportation planning process executed by the server 10 will be described. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the alternative transportation planning process. The alternative transportation planning process is executed by cooperation between the CPU 11 of the server 10 and the program 131 stored in the storage unit 13. The alternative transportation planning process is triggered to be executed when the traffic control system 20 sends a changed traffic schedule to the server 10 in response to a change in the traffic schedule of a passenger train group. In addition, when the traffic control system 20 sends a list of passenger trains whose schedules have been changed to the server 10 in response to a change in the traffic schedule of a passenger train group, the alternative transportation planning process may be triggered to be executed when the traffic control system 20 sends the list of passenger trains to the server 10.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13, when the alternative transportation planning process starts, first, the CPU 11 acquires the changed bus schedule transmitted from the traffic control system 20 (step S21). Here, if the list of passenger trains is transmitted from the traffic control system 20 instead of the changed bus schedule as described above, the CPU 11 acquires the list of passenger trains. The CPU 11 may also acquire operation information related to passenger trains in real time from the traffic control system 20. For example, if a passenger train is delayed by 10 minutes or more, the CPU 11 acquires timetable disruption information (operation information) related to the passenger train transmitted in real time from the traffic control system 20. The CPU 11 may also periodically acquire operation information related to passenger trains from the traffic control system 20.

[0060] Next, based on the changed train schedule acquired in step S21, CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a train (passenger train) for which luggage is being transported by the station-to-station delivery service among the group of passenger trains for which the schedule has been changed (step S22). Here, if the list of passenger trains is transmitted from the traffic management system 20 instead of the changed train schedule as described above, CPU 11 determines based on the list of passenger trains whether or not there is a train (passenger train) for which luggage is being transported by the station-to-station delivery service among the group of passenger trains for which the schedule has been changed.

[0061] In step S22, if it is determined that there is no train currently transporting luggage by the station-to-station delivery service (step S22; NO), the CPU 11 ends the alternative transportation planning process.

[0062] Also, in step S22, if it is determined that there is a train on which luggage is being transported by the station-to-station delivery service (step S22; YES), the CPU 11 notifies the terminal device 30 of the user who requested the transportation of luggage on the train in question that there is a change in the train schedule (step S23).

[0063] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a bus schedule change notification screen that is displayed on the display unit 35 of the terminal device 30 when a change in the bus schedule is notified. As shown in Fig. 14, the train schedule change notification screen G5 displays the operation status of a train (passenger train) currently transporting luggage (for example, "Due to a lightning strike between stations G and H, operation of Tohoku No. 18, which is currently transporting luggage, has been suspended.") G51. The train schedule change notification screen G5 also displays message information (for example, "Do you wish to use an alternative transport route?") G52 asking the user whether or not they would like to use an alternative transport route, and is provided with a YES button G53 and a NO button G54 that the user can use to respond to this question.

[0064] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the above-mentioned train schedule change notification screen. As shown in FIG. 16, the train schedule change notification screen G7 displays the operational status of a train (passenger train) currently transporting luggage (for example, "An abnormality has been found on Tohoku No. 18, which was transporting luggage at Station E, and service has been suspended.") G71. Similarly to the train schedule change notification screen G5 described above, the train schedule change notification screen G7 also displays message information G72 asking the user whether or not they would like to use an alternative transport route (for example, "Do you want to use an alternative transport route?"), and provides a YES button G73 and a NO button G74 that the user can use to respond to this question.

[0065] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the above-mentioned train schedule change notification screen. As shown in Fig. 18, the train schedule change notification screen G9 displays the operational status of a train (passenger train) currently transporting luggage (for example, "The arrival platform at station G where the luggage is scheduled to be unloaded has been changed, so the luggage cannot be unloaded.") G91. Also, like the train schedule change notification screens G5 and G7 described above, the train schedule change notification screen G9 displays message information G92 asking the user whether or not they would like to use an alternative transportation route (for example, "Do you want an alternative transportation route?"), and provides a YES button G93 and a NO button G94 that the user can use to respond to this question.

[0066] Returning to Figure 13, the CPU 11 then determines whether a request for an alternative transportation route has been made, i.e., whether the YES button (e.g., YES button G53; see Figure 14) has been operated on the bus schedule change notification screen (e.g., bus schedule change notification screen G5; see Figure 14) (step S24).

[0067] In step S24, if it is determined that a request for an alternative transportation route has not been made, i.e., that the NO button (e.g., NO button G54; see Figure 14) has been operated on the train schedule change notification screen (e.g., train schedule change notification screen G5; see Figure 14) (step S24; NO), the CPU 11 terminates the alternative transportation planning process.

[0068] Furthermore, in step S24, if it is determined that a request for an alternative transportation route has been made, that is, if it is determined that the YES button (e.g., the YES button G53; see FIG. 14) has been operated on the train schedule change notification screen (e.g., the train schedule change notification screen G5; see FIG. 14) (step S24; YES), the CPU 11 searches for an alternative transportation route (step S25). Here, the search for an alternative transportation route is performed based on the changed train schedule acquired in step S21 and information on the amount of luggage that can be loaded and unloaded at each stop of the passenger train group that is recorded in the transportable luggage management table 134.

[0069] Next, the CPU 11 displays an alternative transportation route search result screen showing the search results for the alternative transportation route on the display unit 35 of the terminal device 30 (step S26).

[0070] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an alternative transportation route search result screen. As shown in Fig. 15, the alternative transportation route search result screen G6 is an example of an alternative transportation route search result screen when the YES button G53 is operated on the bus schedule change notification screen G5 shown in Fig. 14 and an alternative transportation route is searched for. The alternative transportation route search result screen G6 displays an alternative transportation route G61 (alternative transportation route 1) and an alternative transportation route G63 (alternative transportation route 2) that are alternatives to the route G21 displayed on the search result screen G2 shown in Fig. 10. The alternative transportation route search result screen G6 also has a cancel button G65 that is used when canceling a request for alternative transportation.

[0071] The alternative transport route G61 is a route for transporting cargo by changing the originally planned unloading station, H station, to G station, due to the section of the "Tohoku 18" that is no longer in service between G station and H station. The cargo will be transported from G station to the delivery destination, "ABC Supermarket Kiba Store," by truck or other means. In addition, the display area for the alternative transport route G61 is provided with a request button G62 that is used when requesting transportation of cargo (station-to-station delivery) via the alternative transport route G61.

[0072] The alternative transport route G63 is a route in which, due to the fact that the section of Tohoku 18 is no longer in service between Station G and Station H, cargo is unloaded from Tohoku 18 at Station G, transferred to the Higashi-Sakai Line, and transported to Station H, the originally planned unloading station. The cargo is transported from Station H to the delivery destination, ABC Supermarket Kiba Store, by truck or other means. The display area for the alternative transport route G63 also has a request button G64 that is used when requesting transportation of cargo (station-to-station delivery) via the alternative transport route G63.

[0073] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the alternative transportation route search result screen. As shown in Fig. 17, the alternative transportation route search result screen G8 is an example of an alternative transportation route search result screen when the YES button G73 is operated on the bus schedule change notification screen G7 shown in Fig. 16 and an alternative transportation route is searched for. The alternative transportation route search result screen G8 displays an alternative transportation route G81 (alternative transportation route 1) that is an alternative to the route G21 displayed on the search result screen G2 shown in Fig. 10. The alternative transportation route search result screen G8 also has a cancel button G83 that is used when canceling a request for alternative transportation.

[0074] The alternative transport route G81 is a route in which, due to the fact that the originally scheduled transport train, "Tohoku No. 18," has been suspended for an extended period of time at E Station, the cargo is unloaded from "Tohoku No. 18" at E Station, transferred to "Rikuzen No. 5," and transported to H Station, the originally scheduled unloading station. The cargo is transported from H Station to the delivery destination, "ABC Supermarket Kiba Store," by truck or other means. In addition, the display area for the alternative transport route G81 is provided with a request button G82 that is used when requesting transport of cargo (station-to-station delivery) via the alternative transport route G81.

[0075] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the alternative transportation route search result screen. As shown in Figure 19, the alternative transportation route search result screen G10 is an example of an alternative transportation route search result screen when the YES button G93 is operated on the train schedule change notification screen G9 shown in Figure 18 and an alternative transportation route search is performed. The alternative transportation route search result screen G10 displays an alternative transportation route G101 (alternative transportation route 1) that replaces the original route (not shown) of loading luggage onto "Tohoku No. 18" at Station B and unloading the luggage from "Tohoku No. 18" at Station G. The alternative transportation route search result screen G10 also has a cancel button G103 that is used to cancel the request for alternative transportation.

[0076] The alternative transport route G101 is a route for transporting the cargo to H station on "Tohoku No. 18" due to the fact that it is no longer possible to unload the cargo at G station, where it was originally scheduled to be unloaded. The cargo will then be transported by truck or other means from H station to the delivery destination "ABC Supermarket Kiba Store." In addition, the display area for the alternative transport route G101 is provided with a request button G102 that is used when requesting transportation of the cargo (station-to-station delivery) via the alternative transport route G101.

[0077] Returning to FIG. 13, the CPU 11 then determines whether or not a cancel button (e.g., cancel button G65; see FIG. 15) has been operated on the alternative transportation route search result screen (e.g., alternative transportation route search result screen G6; see FIG. 15) displayed on the display unit 35 of the terminal device 30 in step S26 (step S27).

[0078] If it is determined in step S27 that the stop button has been operated (step S27; YES), the CPU 11 ends the alternative transportation planning process.

[0079] Also, if it is determined in step S27 that the cancel button has not been operated (step S27; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a request button (for example, the request button G62; see FIG. 15) has been operated (step S28).

[0080] If it is determined in step S28 that the request button has not been operated (step S28; NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S27 and performs the subsequent processes.

[0081] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S28 that the request button has been operated (step S28; YES), the CPU 11 rearranges workers to load and unload luggage along the alternative transportation route corresponding to the request button (step S29). For example, if the request button G62 is operated on the alternative transportation route search result screen G6 shown in FIG. 15, workers to unload luggage along the alternative transportation route G61 corresponding to the request button G62 are rearranged. In this case, specifically, workers to unload luggage at station G are arranged. Note that in this case, the workers to unload luggage at station H arranged in step S8 of the luggage transportation planning process (see FIG. 8) are canceled. Here, when rearranging workers to unload luggage, it is assumed that one worker can load and unload 10 boxes of luggage, for example. Therefore, when rearranging workers to unload luggage at station G as described above, two workers are arranged.

[0082] Next, the CPU 11 updates and registers information about the luggage for which a request for alternative transportation has been accepted in the luggage management table 132 (see FIG. 4) (step S30). For example, when the request button G62 is operated on the alternative transportation route search result screen G6 shown in FIG. 15, the transportation section information for luggage ID "100311" is updated and registered from "Station B to Station H" to "Station B to Station G" as shown in FIG. 20. In addition, the information about the number of loading and unloading workers for luggage ID "100311" is updated and registered from "Station B (2 people)_Station H (2 people)" to "Station B (2 people)_Station G (2 people)".

[0083] Next, the CPU 11 displays on the display unit 35 of the terminal device 30 a message indicating that the request for alternative transportation has been accepted (step S31). Then, the CPU 11 ends the alternative transportation planning process.

[0084] As described above, the logistics system 1 of this embodiment is a system (train designation system) that designates a train to transport a desired cargo from a group of passenger trains that can transport the cargo, and the server 10 accepts desired transport conditions related to the desired cargo. Furthermore, the server 10 searches (designates) a train that satisfies the accepted desired transport conditions from the passenger train group under constraints related to the cargo transport of the passenger train group. Therefore, according to the logistics system 1, it is possible to appropriately arrange for a passenger train to transport desired luggage, and therefore the luggage can be transported smoothly using the passenger train.

[0085] The server 10 also receives, as desired transport conditions, the collection origin of the desired cargo, the delivery destination and delivery date and time of the desired cargo, and the desired quantity of cargo. Therefore, the server 10 can search for a train that can efficiently transport the desired cargo from the collection point to the delivery destination, and can also search for a train that can transport the cargo in time for the delivery date and time.

[0086] In addition, in the physical distribution system 1, the train database 21 (see FIG. 2) defines the luggage carrying capacity of each train that constitutes a passenger train group. Therefore, according to the logistics system 1, a train that meets the desired transportation conditions is searched for among a group of passenger trains that have the cargo carrying capacity to carry the desired cargo, thereby making it possible to more appropriately arrange for a passenger train to transport the desired cargo.

[0087] In addition, if there is no passenger train with a cargo capacity that can carry the desired amount of cargo that meets the desired transportation conditions, the server 10 divides the desired cargo into multiple pieces and searches (specifies) a passenger train with a cargo capacity that can carry the amount of cargo for each of the divided pieces. Therefore, the server 10 can flexibly search for passenger trains that meet the desired transportation conditions.

[0088] In addition, in the logistics system 1, the transportable baggage management table 134 (see FIG. 6) defines the baggage loading and unloading capacity that can be loaded and unloaded at one time at each station where each passenger train group stops. Therefore, according to the logistics system 1, a train that meets the desired transportation conditions is searched for at a station where the desired cargo can be loaded and unloaded, so that a passenger train that will transport the desired cargo can be arranged more appropriately.

[0089] Furthermore, when there is a change in the schedule of a group of passenger trains, the server 10 acquires the changed schedule. Furthermore, based on the acquired changed schedule, the server 10 determines whether or not there is a passenger train currently transporting luggage among the group of passenger trains whose schedule has been changed. Furthermore, when it is determined that there is a passenger train currently transporting luggage, the server 10 searches for an alternative transportation route for the luggage. Therefore, when there is a change in the schedule of a passenger train transporting luggage, the server 10 can provide an alternative transportation route for the luggage. As a result, the logistics system 1 can transport luggage using passenger trains more smoothly.

[0090] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the traffic control system 20 holds the train database 21, but the server 10 may hold the train database 21.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the delivery request reception screen G1 (see FIG. 9 ) accepts input of the collection origin, delivery destination, delivery date and time, and quantity of luggage as desired transport conditions. However, in addition to these desired transport conditions, input of, for example, the desired train name and desired transport section may also be accepted. Furthermore, if the logistics system 1 can provide a service that undertakes delivery of luggage from the passenger train's arrival station (unloading station) to the delivery destination, or a service that undertakes delivery of luggage from the collection origin to the passenger train's departure station (loading station), the delivery request reception screen G1 may accept input of whether or not the user intends to use these services as desired transport conditions. If the user desires to use such services, the server 10 arranges for delivery means (e.g., trucks) and delivery personnel to deliver the luggage from the arrival station (unloading station) to the delivery destination or from the collection origin to the departure station (loading station).

[0092] In the above embodiment, the delivery request reception screen G1 (see FIG. 9) may accept input of the contents of the package (for example, fresh food). In this case, when searching for a passenger train to transport the package in step S4 of the package transportation planning process (see FIG. 8), if the package contains fresh food such as fish or vegetables that require freshness, a passenger train departing as early as possible may be searched for, whereas if the package contains items that do not require freshness, a passenger train departing as late as possible may be searched for.

[0093] In addition, in the above embodiment, a passenger train stop where luggage can be transported is used as an example of a base for loading and unloading luggage, but the base may be any location where a passenger train can stop, such as a rolling stock center or signal station where the passenger train can stop.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in step S8 of the luggage transportation planning process (see Figure 8), workers are arranged to load and unload luggage at each of the departure station and arrival station, but, for example, it may be possible to arrange only workers to load luggage at the departure station, or only workers to unload luggage at the arrival station.

[0095] In addition, in the above embodiment, if there is a change in the train information related to the passenger train transporting luggage registered in the luggage management table 132 of the server 10 before the luggage is transported (for example, if the loading compartment is changed, or if the luggage carrying capacity of the loading compartment is changed due to a change in the train configuration or vehicle type), it may be possible to arrange for workers to load the luggage at the departure station and workers to unload the luggage at the arrival station based on the changed train information and the luggage information related to the luggage.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if there is a change in the train information for the passenger train transporting a baggage registered in the baggage management table 132 of the server 10 before the baggage is transported (for example, if the cargo compartment is changed, or if the baggage carrying capacity of the cargo compartment is changed due to a change in the train configuration or vehicle type), it may be determined based on the changed train information whether the passenger train satisfies the desired transport conditions accepted in step S1 of the baggage transport planning process (see FIG. 8). If it is determined that the passenger train does not satisfy the desired transport conditions, a train that satisfies the desired transport conditions may be re-specified (searched) from the group of passenger trains that can transport the baggage.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in step S22 of the alternative transportation planning process (see FIG. 13), it is determined whether or not there is a train (passenger train) that is transporting luggage by the inter-station delivery service among the passenger trains whose schedule has been changed. In other words, the alternative transportation planning process is executed for a train (passenger train) that is transporting luggage by the inter-station delivery service, but the alternative transportation planning process may also be executed for a train that is scheduled to transport luggage by the inter-station delivery service, for example.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiment, in step S8 of the luggage transportation planning process (see Figure 8), workers are arranged to load and unload luggage at each of the departure station and arrival station, but the possibility of making such arrangements can be received from each of the departure station and arrival station, and if the arrangements are not possible, another passenger train can be searched for again.

[0099] In the above embodiment, a cargo compartment is allocated to each passenger train (see FIG. 4), but a space that can also be used as passenger seating may be allocated as a cargo compartment. In such a case, for example, when the reservation rate or occupancy rate of the passenger train reaches a predetermined value or higher, the space may be made available as passenger seating.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the CPU 11 of the server 10 executes a series of processes (steps S21 to S31) in the alternative transportation planning process (see FIG. 13), but the user may manually execute the processes. Also, some of the processes in steps S21 to S31 (for example, the process of searching for an alternative transportation route in step S25 and the process of rearranging unloading workers in step S29) may be manually executed by the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Logistics system (train reservation system) 10 Servers 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 Storage section 131 Programs 132 Luggage Management Table 133 Worker Number Management Table 134 Transportable Cargo Management Table 14 Control section 15 Display 16 Communications Department 20 Operation Management System 21 Train Database 30 Terminal Equipment 31 CPU 32 RAM 33 Storage section 331 Program 34 Control section 35 Display section 36 Communications Department

Claims

1. A train assignment system for assigning a train to transport a desired baggage from a group of passenger trains capable of transporting the baggage, a reception unit that receives desired transport conditions related to the desired cargo; a designation unit that designates a train from the passenger train group that satisfies the desired transportation conditions accepted by the acceptance unit under constraints related to the luggage transportation of the passenger train group; A train reservation system comprising:

2. The reception unit Accepting, as the desired transport conditions, at least the collection origin of the desired cargo, the delivery destination and delivery date and time of the desired cargo, and the quantity of the desired cargo; 2. The train reservation system according to claim 1.

3. The constraints on the cargo transportation are: As the constraint condition, at least a luggage carrying capacity capable of carrying the luggage is determined for each train constituting the passenger train group.

3. The train reservation system according to claim 2.

4. The designation unit If there is no train having the cargo carrying capacity capable of loading the desired amount of cargo, which is the desired transportation condition, the desired cargo is divided into multiple pieces, and a train having the cargo carrying capacity capable of loading each of the divided pieces of cargo is specified.

4. The train reservation system according to claim 3.

5. The constraints on the cargo transportation are: As the constraint, a luggage unloading capacity that can be loaded and unloaded at one time at each station where each of the passenger trains stops is determined.

4. The train reservation system according to claim 3.

6. an acquisition unit that acquires a changed bus schedule when a change occurs in the bus schedule of the passenger train group; a determination unit that determines whether the train designated by the designation unit is included in a group of passenger trains whose schedule has been changed, based on the changed schedule acquired by the acquisition unit; and a search unit that searches for an alternative transportation route when the determination unit determines that the train designated by the designation unit is included in the group of passenger trains whose schedule has been changed; 2. The train reservation system according to claim 1, further comprising:

7. an acquisition unit that acquires the changed train information when there is a change in the train information related to the train designated by the designation unit; a determination unit that determines whether the train designated by the designation unit is a train that satisfies the desired transportation conditions accepted by the acceptance unit, based on the changed train information acquired by the acquisition unit; Equipped with When the determination unit determines that the train designated by the designation unit is not a train that satisfies the desired transport conditions accepted by the acceptance unit, the designation unit re-designates a train that satisfies the desired transport conditions from the passenger train group.

2. The train reservation system according to claim 1.

8. A train assignment method executed by a train assignment system that assigns a train to transport a desired baggage from a group of passenger trains capable of transporting the baggage, comprising: a receiving step of receiving desired transport conditions for the desired cargo; a designation step of designating a train from the passenger train group that satisfies the desired transportation conditions accepted in the acceptance step under constraints related to the luggage transportation of the passenger train group; A train designation method comprising:

9. an acquisition step of acquiring a changed bus schedule when a change occurs in the bus schedule of the passenger train group; a determination step of determining whether the train designated in the designation step is included in a group of passenger trains whose schedule has been changed, based on the changed schedule acquired in the acquisition step; a search step of searching for an alternative transportation route when it is determined in the determination step that the train designated in the designation step is included in the group of passenger trains whose schedules have been changed; 9. The train designation method according to claim 8, further comprising:

10. A computer of a train assignment system that assigns a train to transport a desired baggage from a group of passenger trains that are capable of transporting the baggage, a receiving means for receiving desired transport conditions for the desired cargo; a designation means for designating a train from the group of passenger trains that satisfies the desired transport conditions accepted by the acceptance means under constraints related to the luggage transport of the group of passenger trains; A program characterized by functioning as

Images