Transportation planning support device and transportation planning support method

Abstract

Support for creating cargo transport plans that can adapt to operational changes in mixed freight and passenger transport using rail. [Solution] A transport plan creation support device that assists in creating a freight transport plan that can accommodate changes in the operation of trains capable of mixed freight and passenger transport in a given train timetable sets train loading conditions for each train regarding the amount of freight that can be transported, excluding the amount of freight already planned, sets originating freight conditions regarding the originating station and time of origin, destination station conditions regarding the destination station, and target time conditions regarding the target time of destination for each target freight that requires a new assignment to a train, and creates a freight transport plan using a predetermined optimization calculation in which the target freight is individually assigned to any train and satisfies the train loading conditions, originating freight conditions and destination station conditions, and the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target time of destination in the train timetable of the assigned train satisfies a predetermined condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportation plan creation support device and the like.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional method for creating a freight transportation plan related to logistics, a method of creating an optimal transportation plan by optimization calculation is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). However, it is difficult to apply these conventional methods to the creation of a freight transportation plan in mixed passenger and freight transportation using railways.

[0003] Specifically, in mixed passenger and freight transportation using railways, freight is also loaded on trains, which are means of transporting passengers, and passengers and freight are transported simultaneously. Since train operations are determined by a train timetable, it is necessary to complete freight handling such as loading and unloading of freight at a stop station within the stop time of that station determined by the train timetable, and it is also necessary to consider the working place and the number of workers for freight handling at the station. In addition, there is an upper limit to the space (volume) inside the train where freight can be loaded, and for each piece of freight to be transported, the volume, the station and time of bringing it in, and the station and time of receiving it are also determined. Thus, the creation of a transportation plan for mixed passenger and freight transportation using railways requires consideration of various constraints and is complicated and not easy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Furthermore, in mixed passenger and freight transport, operational changes such as altering the type of train or train formation may result in situations where cargo cannot be transported on the scheduled train. In such cases, it is necessary to create a new cargo transport plan that allocates the cargo that could not be transported to another train. However, creating a new cargo transport plan becomes even more complex, as it requires considering not only the various constraints mentioned above, but also constraints such as the available space (available volume) in the train based on other allocated cargo, and delays in cargo arrival due to the change in the assigned train.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to support the creation of cargo transport plans that can adapt to operational changes in mixed freight and passenger transport using rail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention for solving the above problem is: A transport planning support device that assists in creating a freight transport plan that can accommodate changes in the operation of trains capable of mixed freight and passenger transport in a given train timetable, A train loading condition setting means (for example, the train loading condition setting unit 202 in Figure 6) sets train loading conditions for the amount of cargo that can be transported, excluding the planned amount of cargo for each of the aforementioned trains, For each of the target packages requiring a new assignment to the aforementioned train, a target package condition setting means (for example, the target package condition setting unit 204 in Figure 6) sets the originating package conditions relating to the originating station and originating time, the destination station conditions relating to the destination station, and the target time conditions relating to the destination target time. A creation means (for example, creation unit 206 in Figure 6) creates a cargo transport plan using a predetermined optimization calculation, in which the target cargo is individually assigned to one of the aforementioned trains, and the cargo transport plan satisfies the train loading conditions, the cargo generation conditions, and the destination station conditions, wherein the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time at the destination station in the train timetable of the assigned train satisfies a predetermined condition. This is a transportation planning support device equipped with [specific features / features].

[0008] Other inventions include, A method for creating a transportation plan that supports the creation of a freight transport plan that can accommodate changes in the operation of trains capable of mixed freight and passenger transport in a given train timetable, For each of the aforementioned trains, train loading conditions are set regarding the amount of cargo that can be transported, excluding the planned amount of cargo. For each of the target packages requiring a new assignment to the aforementioned train, the following conditions must be set: Package origination conditions relating to the originating station and time of origin, destination station conditions relating to the destination station, and target time conditions relating to the target destination time. The objective is to create a cargo transport plan using a predetermined optimization calculation, in which the aforementioned cargo is individually assigned to any of the aforementioned trains, and the cargo transport plan satisfies the train loading conditions, the cargo generation conditions, and the destination station conditions, wherein the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time at the destination station in the train timetable of the assigned train satisfies predetermined conditions. A method for supporting the creation of transportation plans may be configured, including the following:

[0009] According to the first invention, it becomes possible to support the creation of cargo transport plans that can accommodate operational changes in mixed freight and passenger transport using rail. Specifically, it is possible to create a cargo transport plan in which target cargo that requires a new allocation to a train due to operational changes is individually allocated to any train, taking into account the planned cargo volume for each train, and ensuring that the arrival delay time, which is the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time for each target cargo, satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0010] The second invention is, in the above invention, The creation means creates a cargo transport plan in which the sum of the differences for each of the target cargoes satisfies a predetermined minimum condition. This is a transportation planning support device.

[0011] According to the second invention, it is possible to create a cargo transport plan that minimizes the total delay time for the arrival of each cargo.

[0012] The third invention is, in the above invention, The creation means creates the freight transportation plan in which the variation of the difference for each of the target freight meets a predetermined minimum condition. It is a freight transportation plan creation support device.

[0013] According to the third invention, it becomes possible to create a freight transportation plan in which the variation of the arrival delay time of each target freight meets the minimum condition.

[0014] The fourth invention is the above-mentioned invention, The creation means creates the freight transportation plan so as to satisfy the cargo handling condition regarding the allowable capacity of cargo handling within the stop time based on the train schedule determined for each of the departure station and the destination station. It is a freight transportation plan creation support device.

[0015] According to the fourth invention, it becomes possible to create an appropriate freight transportation plan in consideration of the constraints such as the loading and unloading of freight at the station and the stop time of the train.

[0016] The fifth invention is the above-mentioned invention, The train loading condition further includes the loading volume as the freight volume, The target freight condition setting means sets the volume of the target freight to be further included in the generated freight conditions. It is a freight transportation plan creation support device.

[0017] According to the fifth invention, it becomes possible to create an appropriate freight transportation plan in consideration of the constraints such as the volume of freight and the transportable loading volume of the train.

[0018] The sixth invention is the above-mentioned invention, The target freight condition setting means sets the generated freight conditions, the destination station conditions, and the target time conditions with the freight assigned to the train before the change, which is the target of the operation change, as the target freight based on a given pre-change plan, which is the freight transportation plan created before the operation change. The train loading condition setting means sets the amount of cargo that can be newly transported for trains that have undergone the operational change, and the amount of cargo that can be additionally transported for trains that are not subject to the operational change, based on the pre-change plan, as the train loading conditions. This is a transportation planning support device.

[0019] According to the sixth invention, when an operational change is made after the creation of the pre-change plan, which is a cargo transport plan, it becomes possible to create a cargo transport plan in which the cargo that was allocated to the pre-change train that was subject to the operational change in the pre-change plan is designated as the target cargo, the allocation of cargo to trains not subject to the operational change remains unchanged, and the target cargo is allocated to either the post-change train that has undergone the operational change or to any of the trains not subject to the operational change. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrating the creation of a freight transport plan that adapts to changes in train operations. [Figure 2] Diagram explaining the target package. [Figure 3] Diagram illustrating train loading conditions. [Figure 4] Diagram illustrating train loading conditions. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating train loading conditions. [Figure 6] Example of the functional configuration of a transportation planning support device. [Figure 7] An example of pre-change plan data. [Figure 8] An example of cargo transport planning data. [Figure 9] A flowchart for the process of creating a transportation plan. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the applicable forms of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0022] [overview] This embodiment supports the creation of a freight transport plan that can accommodate changes in the operation of trains capable of mixed freight and passenger transport within a given train timetable. Mixed freight and passenger transport in this embodiment refers to transport using rail, where freight is loaded onto trains that transport passengers, transporting both passengers and freight simultaneously. Therefore, a freight transport plan that realizes mixed freight and passenger transport must be created in a way that prioritizes passenger transport and does not affect the train timetable.

[0023] Specifically, for example, loading and unloading of cargo at stations must be carried out within the stopping time stipulated in the train schedule. Furthermore, the location and number of workers for cargo handling at stations must also be considered. In addition, cargo transportation requires specifying the station and time of delivery by the originating shipper, and the receiving station and target time (desired delivery time) by the destination shipper. Moreover, cargo volume (size) varies, and trains have a maximum load capacity (transportation limit) that allows them to transport a certain amount of cargo. It is necessary to create a cargo transportation plan that takes these various constraints related to cargo and trains into consideration.

[0024] Furthermore, after a cargo transport plan has been created, changes in train operations may make it impossible to transport the cargo on the assigned train. In this case, it is necessary to create a new cargo transport plan that will transport the cargo that could not be transported on another train. Changes in train operations include changes in the type of rolling stock or train formation. Changing from a train with a large cargo capacity (cargo space) to a train with a smaller capacity, or reducing the number of cars in the formation, can reduce the amount of cargo that can be transported on the train after the operational change. As a result, it may become impossible to transport some or all of the cargo that was assigned to the train before the operational change.

[0025] Figure 1 is an overview diagram of how to create a freight transport plan in response to changes in train operations. First, before the transport date, a pre-change plan is created, which is the freight transport plan for that transport date. This pre-change plan is created based on the train timetable and train operation plan for the transport date that were assumed during the planning stage, and assigns each piece of cargo to be transported to a train. If a change in train operations occurs after the plan is created, a new freight transport plan is created that assigns the cargo that cannot be transported due to the change to a different train.

[0026] Specifically, based on the revised operational plan, the system extracts the cargo that cannot be transported by the trains assigned in the previous plan from the cargo collection, and designates the remaining cargo as planned cargo that can be transported by the assigned trains. Then, based on the train timetable and the revised operational plan, a new cargo transport plan is created by assigning the cargo to trains using a predetermined optimization calculation.

[0027] The constraints for the optimization calculation include train loading conditions related to the amount of cargo that the train can transport, and cargo conditions related to the cargo in question. The train loading conditions are set excluding the cargo volume of planned cargo, assuming that planned cargo will be transported as allocated. The cargo conditions are set including the originating station (the station where the cargo is brought in) and its time, the receiving station (the destination station) and its time, and the volume of the cargo.

[0028] Furthermore, the optimization calculation aims to minimize the total delay time, which is the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the receiving station in the train timetable for the train to which the cargo is assigned, and the desired receiving time. In other words, it creates a cargo transport plan that satisfies the minimum condition that minimizes the total delay time.

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates the extraction of cargo that cannot be transported due to operational changes. Figure 2 shows an example where the train was originally planned to operate as a 3-car train, but was changed to a 2-car train. It is also assumed that each car in the train has a loading capacity equivalent to two cross-hatched rectangles. As shown on the left side of Figure 2, the maximum loading capacity of the entire train before the operational change was equivalent to six cross-hatched rectangles, with cargo allocated to five of these volumes. From this state, as shown on the right side of Figure 2, the maximum loading capacity of the entire train decreases to four cross-hatched rectangles due to the operational change. In this case, the total volume of cargo allocated to the train before the change (planned volume) is compared with the maximum loading capacity of the train after the operational change. If the planned volume exceeds the maximum loading capacity, all allocated cargo is considered cargo that cannot be transported by that train. If the planned volume is less than or equal to the maximum loading volume, all of these items can be transported on the modified train, and therefore no additional items will be generated. However, in this embodiment, we will explain that additional items will be generated due to the change in operation.

[0030] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the train loading conditions. Figure 3 illustrates the train loading conditions for the target train, which is a train whose operation has been changed. As shown in Figure 3, the transport limit for the target train is the maximum loading volume, which is the amount of cargo that the train can newly transport after the operation change.

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates the loading conditions for trains that are not subject to operational changes. As shown in Figure 4, trains not subject to operational changes continue to transport the planned cargo, which is the cargo allocated according to the plan before the operational change, even after the operational change. Therefore, the transport limit for trains not subject to operational changes is set as the maximum loading volume minus the total volume of the planned cargo (empty loading volume), which is the amount of additional cargo that the train can transport.

[0032] Furthermore, for trains not subject to the regulations, as shown in Figure 5, the available cargo capacity may fluctuate between stations due to loading and unloading of cargo at intermediate stops. Therefore, the minimum available cargo capacity between stations is used as the train's loading condition. In Figure 5, 25% of the train's total maximum cargo capacity at station A represents the train's loading condition (transport limit).

[0033] [Creating a cargo transport plan] While there are various approaches to optimizing cargo transport plans, in this embodiment, as an example, we formulate it as a 0-1 integer programming problem where the variables are integers 0-1, and then solve it to achieve the desired result.

[0034] Specifically, the parameters are defined as follows:

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[0035] Next, we formulate the constraints. First, we define the variables representing the allocation of the cargo to the train as follows:

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[0036] Equation (1) below represents assigning each target package to a single train without dividing it.

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[0037] Furthermore, equation (2) below represents the train loading conditions, indicating that the total volume of the cargo to be allocated to each train is less than or equal to the maximum volume of cargo that can be transported by that train (transport limit).

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[0038] Furthermore, equation (3) below represents the station's cargo handling conditions, stating that the sum of the time required to load the cargo onto the train at the station and the time required to unload the cargo is less than or equal to the train's stopping time at the station. In equation (3), the first term on the left side is the time required to load the cargo, the second term is the time required to unload the cargo, and the right side is the train's stopping time.

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[0039] Based on the above constraints, the optimization problem for creating a cargo transport plan can be formulated as shown in equation (4). By finding the solution to this equation, a cargo transport plan can be created. In other words, the estimated arrival time a of each cargo f at its destination station. ps and the destination time t, which is the time you wish to receive the package. f The variable x represents the assignment of each target package f to train p such that the total delay time, which is the difference between the two, is minimized. fp This can be found as the solution.

number

[0040] [Functional Configuration] Figure 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of the transportation plan creation support device 1. According to Figure 6, the transportation plan creation support device 1 is configured with an operation unit 102, a display unit 104, a communication unit 106, a processing unit 200, and a storage unit 300, and is realized as a type of computer system. The transportation plan creation support device 1 may be realized with a single computer, or it may be configured by connecting multiple computers.

[0041] The operation unit 102 is implemented by an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or various switches, and outputs an operation signal to the processing unit 200 according to the operation performed. The display unit 104 is implemented by a display device such as a liquid crystal display or touch panel, and displays various information based on the display signal from the processing unit 200. The communication unit 106 is a communication device implemented by a wireless communication module, router, modem, jack or control circuit for wired communication cables, etc., and connects to a given communication network to perform data communication with external devices.

[0042] The processing unit 200 is a processor implemented using arithmetic devices and circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and performs overall control of the transportation plan creation support device 1 based on programs and data stored in the storage unit 300, input data from the operation unit 102 and the communication unit 106, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the processing unit 200 performs a transportation plan creation support process (see Figure 9) to support the creation of a freight transport plan that can accommodate changes in the operation of trains capable of mixed freight and passenger transport in a given train timetable, by executing the transportation plan creation support program 302. Functional processing blocks for this purpose include a train loading condition setting unit 202, a target cargo condition setting unit 204, and a creation unit 206. Each of these functional units in the processing unit 200 can be implemented either in software by the processing unit 200 executing a program, or by a dedicated calculation circuit. In this embodiment, the former, software implementation, will be described.

[0044] The train loading condition setting unit 202 sets train loading conditions for each train regarding the amount of cargo that can be transported, excluding the amount of cargo already planned. For example, based on a given pre-change plan, which is a cargo transport plan created before the operational change, the unit sets the amount of cargo that can be newly transported for trains after the operational change, and the amount of cargo that can be additionally transported for trains that are not subject to the operational change, as train loading conditions. The train loading conditions further include the loading volume as cargo amount.

[0045] Specifically, for trains whose operations have been changed, the maximum loading volume, which is the amount of cargo that the train can newly transport, is set as the transport limit (see Figure 3). For trains that are not subject to operational changes, the loading volume obtained by subtracting (deducting) the total volume of planned cargo, which is the cargo allocated according to the previous plan, from the maximum loading volume (empty loading volume) is set as the transport limit for the train, representing the amount of additional cargo that can be transported (see Figure 4). The maximum loading volume of a train can be determined, for example, from the vehicle type specified in the operational plan. The transport limit, which is the train loading condition set by the train loading condition setting unit 202, is stored in the cargo transport plan data 320 for the corresponding transport day.

[0046] The target cargo condition setting unit 204 sets the originating cargo conditions regarding the originating station and time of origin, the destination station conditions regarding the destination station, and the target time conditions regarding the destination target time for each target cargo that requires a new allocation to a train. It also includes the volume of the target cargo in the originating cargo conditions. Furthermore, based on a given pre-change plan, which is a cargo transport plan created before the operational change, it sets the originating cargo conditions, destination station conditions, and target time conditions for the cargo that was allocated to the pre-change train that is subject to the operational change as the target cargo.

[0047] Specifically, if the total volume of luggage allocated to the train subject to the operational change, according to the pre-change plan, exceeds the maximum loading capacity of the train after the change, then all luggage allocated to that train is designated as luggage that cannot be transported by that train (see Figure 2). Then, the conditions for the luggage in question, such as the originating station (the station of origin) and its time, the receiving station (the destination station) and its time, and the volume, are set to be the same as those in the pre-change plan. The conditions for the luggage in question set by the luggage conditions setting unit 204 are stored in the luggage data for each relevant luggage in the luggage transport plan data 320 for the relevant transport day.

[0048] The creation unit 206 creates a cargo transport plan using a predetermined optimization calculation, in which the target cargo is individually assigned to any train, and the plan satisfies the train loading conditions, the cargo generation conditions, and the destination station conditions, and the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time at the destination station in the train timetable of the assigned train satisfies a predetermined condition. It also creates a cargo transport plan in which the sum of the differences for each target cargo satisfies a predetermined minimum condition. Furthermore, it creates a cargo transport plan in which the plan satisfies the cargo handling conditions regarding the allowable amount of cargo handling within the stopping time based on the train timetable determined for each of the originating station and destination station.

[0049] Specifically, the problem of creating a cargo transport plan is formulated mathematically as a 0-1 integer programming problem where the variables are integers between 0 and 1, and the plan is created by solving this problem. That is, as shown in equation (4), equations (1) to (3) are used as constraints, and the variables representing the allocation of cargo to trains are set as integers between 0 and 1. The problem is formulated as a mathematical problem in which the objective function is to minimize the delay time, which is the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time at the destination in the train timetable for the allocated train.

[0050] When creating a cargo transport plan for a given transport day, the constraints shown in equations (1) to (3), such as train loading conditions, cargo handling conditions, and target cargo conditions, are included in the cargo transport plan data 320 for that transport day. The assignment of each target cargo to a train in the created cargo transport plan is then stored in the target cargo data for each cargo.

[0051] The memory unit 300 is implemented using IC (Integrated Circuit) memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), storage devices such as hard disks, and external storage devices built in a cloud environment. It stores programs and data for the processing unit 200 to comprehensively control the transportation plan creation support device 1, and is also used as a workspace for the processing unit 200. Calculation results performed by the processing unit 200 and input data from the operation unit 102 and communication unit 106 are temporarily stored there.

[0052] In this embodiment, the storage unit 300 stores the transportation plan creation support program 302, the pre-change plan data 310, and the cargo transportation plan data 320.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an example of pre-change plan data 310. As shown in Figure 7, pre-change plan data 310 is data relating to the pre-change plan, which is a freight transport plan created before the change in train operations, and is created for each transport day (daily). One pre-change plan data 310 includes the transport day, the train timetable data for that transport day, the train operation plan data, and the freight data relating to the freight to be transported on that transport day. The freight data includes, associated with the freight ID, the originating station (the station where the freight is brought in) and its time, the destination station (the station where the freight is received) and its time, the volume, and the assigned train data relating to the train to which the freight is assigned.

[0054] Figure 8 shows an example of cargo transport plan data 320. As shown in Figure 8, cargo transport plan data 320 is data related to cargo transport plans created in response to changes in train operations, and is created for each transport day (daily). One cargo transport plan data 320 includes the transport day, operational change data related to changes in train operations, train loading condition data, cargo handling condition data, planned cargo data, and target cargo data.

[0055] The operational change data stores information such as the train cars and train formations used after the operational change, for each train number affected by the change. The data may also include the maximum load capacity for each train car.

[0056] The train loading condition data consists of the train loading conditions for each train operating according to the train schedule for the transport day, and includes the transport limit, which is the train loading condition set by the train loading condition setting unit 202, associated with the train number. The cargo handling condition data consists of the cargo handling conditions for each station, and includes cargo handling work efficiency, etc., associated with the station name. This cargo handling condition data is given.

[0057] The planned cargo data is data relating to planned cargo to be transported on the transport date, and includes assigned train data associated with the cargo ID. The cargo to be transported on the transport date is the cargo stored as cargo data in the pre-change plan data 310 for the same transport date. Therefore, the planned cargo data is the same as the corresponding cargo data in the pre-change plan data 310.

[0058] The target cargo data is data relating to the target cargo among the cargo to be transported on the transport day, and is associated with the cargo ID and includes target cargo condition data, assigned train data, and the scheduled arrival time at the destination station. The target cargo data includes the originating station and time, which are the originating cargo conditions, the destination station, which are the destination station conditions, the destination target time, which are the target time conditions, and the volume, which are the originating cargo conditions, and is set by the target cargo condition setting unit 204. The assigned train data is data relating to the newly assigned train and is set by the creation unit 206.

[0059] [Process Flow] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the transportation plan creation support process performed by the transportation plan creation support device 1. This process creates a new cargo transportation plan that corresponds to operational changes made after the creation of the cargo transportation plan (pre-change plan).

[0060] First, the pre-change plan, which is the cargo transport plan for the relevant transport date, is obtained (Step S1). Next, the target cargo condition setting unit 204 extracts cargo that cannot be transported due to the operational change from among the cargo allocated to the train in the pre-change plan, as target cargo requiring a new allocation to the train (Step S3). Subsequently, for each target cargo, target cargo conditions are set, including the originating station (the station of origin), the time of origin, the volume of the cargo, the destination station (the station of arrival), the target time (the target time of destination), and so on (Step S5).

[0061] Furthermore, the train loading condition setting unit 202 sets the upper limit of the transportable cargo volume, excluding the planned cargo volume, as a train loading condition for each train (step S7). Subsequently, the creation unit 206 creates a cargo transport plan that corresponds to the operational change by optimizing calculations to assign each target cargo to any train in order to satisfy the target cargo conditions, train loading conditions, cargo handling conditions, etc., and to create a cargo transport plan in which the sum of the differences between the scheduled arrival time at each destination station and the target arrival time at the destination station for each target cargo satisfies the minimum condition (step S9).

[0062] [Effects and Effects] According to this embodiment, it is possible to support the creation of a cargo transport plan that can adapt to changes in operations in mixed freight and passenger transport using rail.

[0063] In other words, by assigning each target cargo that requires a new allocation to a train due to operational changes to any train, it becomes possible to create a cargo transport plan that minimizes the total delay time of arrival, which is the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time at the destination, taking into account the planned cargo volume for each train. Specifically, if an operational change occurs after the creation of the pre-change cargo transport plan, it is possible to create a cargo transport plan that assigns the cargo that was allocated to the pre-change train that was subject to the operational change to the target cargo, while keeping the cargo allocation to trains not subject to the operational change unchanged, and assigning the target cargo to either the post-change train that was subject to the operational change or the train that was not subject to the operational change.

[0064] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0065] (A) Objective function of the optimization calculation Instead of summing the delay times, which are the differences between the estimated arrival time at each destination station and the target arrival time for each package, a package transportation plan may be created that satisfies the condition of minimizing the variation in delay times. In this case, the problem of creating a package transportation plan is formulated as shown in equation (5) below, instead of equation (4) above.

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[0066] The difference between equation (5) and equation (4) is that the estimated arrival time a of each target package f at its destination station is... ps and destination target time t f The objective function is to minimize the maximum delay time, which is the difference between the specified time and the target time. This allows for the creation of a cargo transport plan that satisfies the minimum condition for minimizing the variation in delay times for each target cargo.

[0067] Furthermore, equation (5) can be transformed into equation (6).

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[0068] (B) Timing of operational changes In the above embodiment, it was assumed that operational changes were known in advance, but this method is also applicable when operational changes are known during the implementation of the cargo transport plan. For example, this could occur if a malfunction occurs in a train during its operation on the day of the trip, requiring the cargo being transported by that train to be transferred to another train at an intermediate station.

[0069] In this case, the cargo in question will be those assigned to the train experiencing the vehicle malfunction and that will be transferred at an intermediate stop. These cargo items will be treated as cargo brought to the intermediate stop where the transfer will take place, and the origin of the cargo will be the intermediate stop where the transfer will take place, with the time of unloading at that station being the origin time. Then, for example, a cargo transport plan will be created covering the period from the time before the train arrives at the intermediate stop in question.

[0070] (C) Applicable packages In the above embodiment, the target cargo was cargo that could no longer be transported due to operational changes. However, the above embodiment may also be applied to all cargo. In that case, instead of creating a cargo transport plan after the operational changes, it would be equivalent to creating a cargo transport plan from scratch. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1…Transportation planning support device 200... Processing Unit 202...Train Loading Condition Setting Section 204... Target cargo condition setting section 206... Creation Department 300...Storage section 302…Transportation planning support program 310…Previous plan data 320...Cargo transport plan data

Claims

1. A transport planning support device that assists in creating a freight transport plan that can accommodate changes in the operation of trains capable of mixed freight and passenger transport in a given train timetable, A train loading condition setting means for setting train loading conditions for each of the aforementioned trains, relating to the amount of cargo that can be transported, excluding the planned amount of cargo; For each target package requiring a new assignment to the aforementioned train, a target package condition setting means sets the originating package conditions relating to the originating station and time of origin, the destination station conditions relating to the destination station, and the target time conditions relating to the destination target time. A means for creating a cargo transport plan using a predetermined optimization calculation, wherein the aforementioned cargo is individually assigned to one of the aforementioned trains, and the cargo transport plan satisfies the train loading conditions, the cargo generation conditions, and the destination station conditions, and the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time at the destination station in the train timetable of the assigned train satisfies a predetermined condition. A transportation planning support device equipped with the following features.

2. The creation means creates a cargo transport plan in which the sum of the differences for each of the target cargoes satisfies a predetermined minimum condition. A transport plan creation support device according to claim 1.

3. The creation means creates a cargo transport plan in which the variation of the difference for each of the target cargo satisfies a predetermined minimum condition. A transport plan creation support device according to claim 1.

4. The creation means creates the cargo transport plan so as to satisfy the cargo handling conditions relating to the allowable amount of cargo handling within the stopping time based on the train schedule determined for each of the originating station and the destination station. A transport plan creation support device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned train loading conditions further include loading volume as the amount of luggage, The aforementioned target cargo condition setting means further includes the volume of the target cargo in the generated cargo conditions when setting the conditions. A transport plan creation support device according to claim 1.

6. The target cargo condition setting means sets the generated cargo conditions, destination station conditions and target time conditions based on a given pre-change plan, which is the cargo transport plan created before the operational change, with the cargo that was assigned to the pre-change train that is subject to the operational change as the target cargo. The train loading condition setting means sets the amount of cargo that can be newly transported for trains that have undergone the operational change, and the amount of cargo that can be additionally transported for trains that are not subject to the operational change, based on the pre-change plan, as the train loading conditions. A transport plan creation support device according to claim 1.

7. A method for creating a transportation plan that supports the creation of a freight transport plan that can accommodate changes in the operation of trains capable of mixed freight and passenger transport in a given train timetable, For each of the aforementioned trains, train loading conditions are set regarding the amount of cargo that can be transported, excluding the planned amount of cargo. For each of the target packages requiring a new assignment to the aforementioned train, the following conditions must be set: Package origination conditions relating to the originating station and time of origin, destination station conditions relating to the destination station, and target time conditions relating to the target destination time. The objective is to create a cargo transport plan using a predetermined optimization calculation, in which the aforementioned cargo is individually assigned to any of the aforementioned trains, and the cargo transport plan satisfies the train loading conditions, the cargo generation conditions, and the destination station conditions, wherein the difference between the scheduled arrival time at the destination station and the target arrival time at the destination station in the train timetable of the assigned train satisfies predetermined conditions. A method for supporting the creation of transportation plans, including the creation of transportation plans.

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