Transportation planning system and transportation planning method

JP7638205B2Active Publication Date: 2025-03-03HITACHI LTD
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021209178
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-23
Publication Date
2025-03-03
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-23

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0009】 本発明の一態様によれば、荷物形状により制限される積付位置を考慮して移動効率と荷卸効率の観点から効率的な輸送ができる。上記した以外の課題、構成及び効果は、以下の実施例の説明によって明らかにされる。

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007638205000006
    Figure 0007638205000006
  • Figure 0007638205000007
    Figure 0007638205000007
  • Figure 0007638205000008
    Figure 0007638205000008
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a technique for evaluating a trade-off between movement efficiency and unloading efficiency in consideration of a stowage position limited by a luggage shape and planing both an efficient transportation plan and an efficient stowage plan.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a transportation plan system having a control unit and a storage unit connected to the control unit. The control unit generates a plurality of transportation plans indicating an order in which one or more vehicles transporting cargoes arrive at each point and cargoes to be unloaded at each point, generates, for each transportation plan, a plurality of stowage plans including a stowage position for each vehicle of each cargo to be transported in accordance with the transportation plan, calculates, for each transportation plan, movement efficiency of the vehicle between a plurality of points in accordance with the transportation plan, calculates unloading efficiency at the plurality of points for each combination of the transportation plan and the stowage plan, and calculates efficiency of combination of the transportation plan and the stowage plan based on the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for formulating a transportation plan and a stowage plan. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for formulating a transportation plan that takes into account the shape of the cargo is described in JP 2010-168205 A (Patent Document 1). This publication states that "a coefficient indicating the degree to which the cargo of the delivery unit consumes the loading capacity of the vehicle is derived by using a characteristic value that has the greatest effect on the consumption of the loading capacity of the vehicle among values ​​indicating the characteristics of the cargo of the delivery unit," and that "an optimal vehicle allocation system characterized by comprising a vehicle allocation plan formulating means for optimally allocating the cargo to the vehicle so as not to exceed the loading capacity value of the vehicle." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-168205 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When transporting cargo of different shapes, the possible loading position may vary depending on the cargo shape, such as placing tall cargo on the driver's side. Therefore, transport companies draw up a transportation plan taking into account the cargo weight, and then draw up a loading plan taking into account the cargo shape once the cargo to be loaded onto each vehicle has been determined. In this case, when unloading the loaded cargo from the vehicle, it is necessary to unload the cargo in order starting from the door side of the vehicle.

[0005] In the preparation of transportation plans and loading plans, if the visiting order of the transportation plan is changed so that unloading work is performed from the door side of the vehicle to the opposite side in order to improve the efficiency of unloading work, the travel time increases and the driving burden of the transportation workers increases. On the other hand, if cargo is loaded from the door side of the vehicle to the opposite side in an order different from the visiting order, unloading and loading work is required for cargo that is not to be delivered at the destination. Therefore, the unloading time increases, which increases the unloading workload of the transportation workers, and also leads to an increase in the occupancy time of the berth and traffic congestion. Therefore, it is desirable to prepare efficient transportation plans and loading plans in terms of both travel efficiency and unloading efficiency.

[0006] The system described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the loading position, and therefore cannot evaluate the unloading efficiency.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technology that evaluates the trade-off between movement efficiency and unloading efficiency while taking into account the stowage position restrictions imposed by the shape of the cargo, and simultaneously creates efficient transportation plans and stowage plans. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A representative transportation planning system of the present invention for solving at least one of the above problems is as follows: A transportation planning system having a control unit and a storage unit connected to the control unit, the storage unit holds luggage information including at least the shape, destination, and transportation amount of luggage based on an order, vehicle information including information regarding the load capacity of one or more vehicles used to transport the luggage, and location information indicating a plurality of locations to which the luggage is to be transported, the control unit generates a plurality of transportation plan proposals based on the luggage information, the vehicle information, and the location information, indicating the order in which one or more vehicles transporting the luggage based on the order will arrive at each location, and the luggage to be unloaded at each location, and the luggage information and The method is characterized in that, for each of the proposed transportation plans based on the vehicle information, a plurality of proposed stowage plans including the stowage positions on each vehicle of each cargo transported according to the proposed transportation plan are generated, a movement efficiency is calculated for each of the proposed transportation plans, which is an index showing the efficiency with which the vehicles move between the plurality of locations in accordance with the proposed transportation plan, and, for each combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan, an unloading efficiency is calculated, which is an index showing the efficiency of at least the efficiency of unloading work at the plurality of locations, and the efficiency of the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan is calculated based on the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, efficient transportation can be achieved in terms of movement efficiency and unloading efficiency, taking into account the loading position restrictions due to the shape of the cargo. Other problems, configurations, and effects than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a transportation planning system and an example of a functional configuration of a transportation planning device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a transportation planning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for formulating a transportation plan and a stowage plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of package information according to the first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of vehicle information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of point information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of birth information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of travel cost information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of evaluation information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of proposed transportation plan information according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of proposed stowage plan information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a plan evaluation process performed by a plan evaluation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a vehicle transportation schedule result summary displayed on a display device of the transportation planning device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a vehicle stowage plan summary displayed on a display device of the transportation planning device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the in-vehicle terminal according to the first embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a plan management terminal of each collection and delivery point according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of stowage pattern information according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted. Note that the present embodiment is merely an example for realizing the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a transportation planning system 1 and an example of a functional configuration of a transportation planning device 100 according to a first embodiment.

[0013] The transportation planning system 1 includes a transportation planning device 100, an in-vehicle terminal 200 communicably connected to the transportation planning device 100 via a network N, and a plan management terminal 300 at each collection / delivery point.

[0014] The transportation planning device 100 includes a storage unit 110 , a control unit 120 , an input unit 130 , a display unit 140 , and a communication unit 150 .

[0015] The storage unit 110 stores baggage information 111, vehicle information 112, location information 113, berth information 114, movement cost information 115, evaluation information 116, transportation plan information 117, and stowage plan information 118. The baggage information 111 is information on baggage to be transported. The baggage information 111 may include, for example, information on the shape, weight, destination, and transportation amount of the baggage based on the order. Here, the shape of the baggage may be, for example, information on the size of the baggage, or information on whether or not a certain baggage can be stowed on top of another baggage. The vehicle information 112 is information on vehicles that can be used when executing the plan. The location information 113 is information on locations such as factories. The berth information 114 is information on berths at each collection and delivery point. The movement cost information 115 is information that defines the cost required for movement between two locations. The evaluation information 116 is information on parameters that evaluate the combination of the proposed transportation plan and stowage plan. The proposed transportation plan information 117 is information on the proposed transportation plan created by the control unit 120. The proposed stowage plan information 118 is information on the proposed stowage plan created by the control unit 120.

[0016] The control unit 120 includes a transportation plan proposal creating unit 121, a stowage plan proposal creating unit 122, and a plan evaluation unit 123. The transportation plan proposal creating unit 121 generates a transportation plan proposal using the baggage information 111, the vehicle information 112, the location information 113, the berth information 114, and the movement cost information 115, and stores the transportation plan proposal in the transportation plan proposal information 117. The stowage plan proposal creating unit 122 generates a stowage plan proposal using the baggage information 111, the vehicle information 112, and the generated transportation plan proposal, and stores the stowage plan proposal in the stowage plan proposal information 118. The plan evaluation unit 123 evaluates the efficiency of the plan using the vehicle information 112, the location information 113, the evaluation information 116, and the generated transportation plan proposal and stowage plan proposal, and stores the most efficient plan among the combinations of the transportation plan proposal and the stowage plan proposal whose efficiency has been evaluated, as an optimal plan.

[0017] The input unit 130 accepts an input operation from the user.

[0018] The display unit 140 displays the transportation plan and stowage plan prepared by the control unit 120 on a display device.

[0019] The communication unit 150 transmits and receives information between the vehicle-mounted terminal 200 and the plan management terminal 300 at each collection and delivery point.

[0020] The on-board terminal 200 is mounted on a transport vehicle. The communication unit 210 receives a transport plan for each transport vehicle transmitted from the communication unit 150. The display unit 220 displays the received transport plan.

[0021] The plan management terminal 300 at each collection and delivery point is disposed at each collection and delivery point. The communication unit 310 receives the transportation plan and the stowage plan transmitted from the communication unit 150. The display unit 320 displays the received transportation plan and the stowage plan.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the transportation planning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] The transportation planning device 100 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 410, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 420, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 430, an auxiliary storage device 440, a display device 450, an input device 460, a media reading device 470, and a communication device 480. The transportation planning device 100 is capable of transmitting and receiving data between an in-vehicle terminal 200 (not shown in FIG. 2) of a vehicle 510 and a plan management terminal 300 (not shown in FIG. 2) of a collection / delivery point 520 via the communication device 480.

[0024] The CPU 410 executes various calculations. The RAM 420 is a memory that stores programs and data executed by the CPU 410. The ROM 430 is a memory that stores programs necessary for starting the transportation planning system. The auxiliary storage device 440 is, for example, a device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The display device 450 is, for example, a device such as a liquid crystal display. The input device 460 is, for example, a device such as a keyboard that is used by a user to input information to the transportation planning device 100. The media reading device 470 is a device that reads information from a portable storage medium such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory. The communication device 480 transmits or receives information to or from an external device via the network N.

[0025] 1 is a function of the CPU 410, and the storage unit 110 is a function of the RAM 420, the ROM 430, and the auxiliary storage device 440. For example, information stored in the storage unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 is stored in the RAM 420 or the like. Furthermore, the functions of each unit in the control unit 120 are realized by the CPU 410 executing a program stored in the RAM 420 or the like. Furthermore, the input unit 130 shown in FIG. 1 is a function of the input device 460, the display unit 140 is a function of the display device 450, and the communication unit 150 is a function of the communication device 480.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of creating a transportation plan and a stowage plan according to the first embodiment.

[0027] The process of creating a transportation plan and a stowage plan is started, for example, when the input unit 130 accepts an input. For example, information regarding a delivery order to be transported on a specific work day for which a transportation plan and a stowage plan should be created is input. When the process is started, the transportation planning device 100 reads input data from the in-vehicle terminal 200, the plan management terminal 300 at the collection and delivery point, and the input device 460 into the storage unit 110 (step S100).

[0028] Next, the transportation plan proposal creating unit 121 generates a plurality of candidates for a transportation plan proposal when each of one or more vehicles transports the assigned cargo, and stores the candidates in the transportation plan proposal information 117 (step S200).

[0029] Thereafter, the transportation planning device 100 performs steps S300 to S400 for all the created transportation plans.

[0030] In step S300, the stowage plan proposal creation unit 122 generates multiple candidate stowage plan proposals for each vehicle for which the cargo to be loaded has been determined in the transportation plan proposal information 117, taking into consideration the cargo shape, and stores the stowage plan proposal for all vehicles, which is generated by combining the stowage plans of each vehicle, in the stowage plan proposal information 118.

[0031] Specifically, the stowage plan creation unit 122 may generate a stowage plan proposal by acquiring information such as the size of the luggage to be loaded on each vehicle according to the generated transportation plan information 117 from luggage information 111 described later, acquiring the size of the bed of each vehicle from vehicle information 112 described later, and simulating loading of luggage on the bed of each vehicle. In addition to the luggage size information, the stowage plan proposal may be created based on information on whether or not a certain luggage has a shape that allows other luggage to be loaded on top of it. Specifically, for example, for the candidates for the created stowage plan proposal, it may be determined whether or not other luggage is loaded on top of one or more luggage that has a shape that allows other luggage to be loaded on top of it, and the candidate that is determined to have other luggage loaded on it may be excluded from the candidates for the stowage plan proposal. Here, the vehicle information 112 may include information indicating the position of a door (i.e., an entrance / exit) for loading and unloading luggage from the bed of each vehicle. In this case, the stowage plan proposal creation unit 122 may generate a stowage plan proposal so that cargo is brought in through the door position and stowed at a position on the loading platform where stowage is possible.

[0032] Thereafter, the transportation planning device 100 performs step S400 for all the created stowage plans.

[0033] In step S400, the plan evaluation unit 123 performs a plan evaluation process. The plan evaluation process is a process for evaluating a combination of a proposed transportation plan and a proposed stowage plan, and storing a provisional combination of the transportation plan and the stowage plan (provisional solution).

[0034] Finally, in step S500, the transportation planning device 100 outputs the tentative solution to the display unit 140. In addition, the communication unit 150 transmits the transportation schedule via the network N to the vehicle-mounted terminal 200 and the plan management terminal 300 at each collection and delivery point.

[0035] Each step in FIG. 3 will now be described.

[0036] In step S100, the storage unit 110 reads the baggage information 111, the vehicle information 112, the location information 113, the travel cost information 115, and the evaluation information 116 from the input device 460. The storage unit 110 may further read the berth information 114.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the package information 111 according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The parcel information 111 has at least the following items: an "order number" to identify the order, a "collection source code" indicating the collection source, a "delivery destination code" indicating the delivery destination, a "number" indicating the number of parcels, a "length" indicating the length of the parcel, a "width" indicating the width of the parcel, a "height" indicating the height of the parcel, a "collection date and time" indicating the date and time when the parcel can be collected, and a "delivery date and time" indicating the date and time when the parcel can be delivered.

[0039] The "number" may be substituted with, for example, "weight" indicating the total weight of the luggage, or "volume" indicating the total volume of the luggage, or a partial combination of "quantity", "weight" and "volume", or "amount of luggage" indicating the amount of luggage. The "collection date and time" and the "delivery date and time" may each have a "start" indicating the start date and time of the period when collection or delivery is possible, and an "end" indicating the end date and time of the period when collection or delivery is possible.

[0040] The luggage information 111 may further include a "stack position designation parameter" indicating restrictions on the luggage stowage position. The "stack position designation parameter" is, for example, a parameter corresponding to a constraint on how luggage is loaded, such as no stacking allowed, information on whether a luggage shape allows other luggage to be loaded on top of another luggage, or a constraint on placement, such as placing luggage on the driver's side.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the vehicle information 112 according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Vehicle information 112 includes at least a "vehicle name" that identifies the vehicle, a "loading limit" that indicates the maximum loading capacity of the vehicle, a "loading platform length" that indicates the length of the vehicle's loading platform, a "loading platform width" that indicates the width of the vehicle's loading platform, a "loading platform height" that indicates the height of the space on the vehicle's loading platform in which cargo can be loaded, a "vehicle unit price" that indicates the arrangement fee charged for one vehicle, a "operation unit price" that indicates the vehicle usage fee charged per vehicle operation hour, and an "unloading order designation parameter" that specifies the order in which cargo can be unloaded, which depends on the loading position.

[0043] The "loading number limit" may be substituted with, for example, a "loading weight limit" indicating the upper limit of the loading weight of the vehicle, or a "loading volume limit" indicating the upper limit of the loading volume of the vehicle, or a partial combination of the "loading number limit", "loading weight limit" and "loading volume limit", or a "loading amount limit" indicating the upper limit of the amount of luggage that can be loaded in the vehicle. The "unloading order designation parameter" may also include information on the position of the door (i.e., the entrance / exit) of the loading platform of each vehicle used for loading and unloading luggage, information on the height from the loading platform to the ground, and information on other conditions related to the vehicle equipment. The vehicle information 112 may further include a "driver unit price" indicating the labor cost of the driver per vehicle operating time.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the point information 113 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] The location information 113 includes at least a "location name" for identifying the location, and a "loading / unloading time" indicating the time required to load or unload at each location. The "loading / unloading time" is a value that varies depending on the information of equipment and workers related to loading or unloading at each location, and may be set in advance as an estimated time required to load or unload one load at each location. The "loading / unloading time" may be a value calculated from actual data of past loading and unloading times at each location. The "loading / unloading time" may include a "loading time" indicating a unit time for loading, and an "unloading time" indicating a unit time for unloading. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, it is shown that it takes 0.5 seconds to load or unload one load at location 1, and it takes 1 second to load or unload one load at location 2.

[0046] The point information 113 may further include "latitude" indicating the latitude of the point, and "longitude" indicating the longitude of the point.

[0047] The location information 113 may further include an "unloading load parameter" indicating the magnitude of the impact of unloading work at a location (for example, on surrounding traffic, etc.). The magnitude of the impact of unloading work at a location is considered to be small, for example, in a warehouse with a low transportation frequency and a large number of berths, because even if the time required for unloading is long, there is little risk of interfering with other transportation. On the other hand, for example, at a location with a small number of berths (or no berths), unloading may be performed on the road, and there is a risk that unloading on the road will cause traffic congestion. For this reason, the impact of unloading work at the location is considered to be large. The "unloading load parameter" may be a value that is set in advance for each location name, or may be a value calculated based on the usage status of the berth at each location and the congestion status of the surrounding roads. In addition to the usage status of the berth at each location and the congestion status in the surrounding area, a predicted value of an index related to the unloading load at any future time point may be calculated based on past usage data of the berth and information on delivery schedules to each location. This makes it possible to develop a work plan according to the actual usage status and traffic conditions. Information regarding the usage status of berths and the surrounding congestion status may be obtained by the plan management terminal 300, such as work progress information and sensor information at each collection and delivery point. The transportation planning device 100 may obtain the information from the plan management terminal 300 at each collection and delivery point via a network.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the birth information 114 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] The berth information 114 includes at least a "location name" that identifies the location, a "berth name" that identifies a berth at the location, and an "acceptance time" that indicates the time when the berth is available to accept a vehicle. The "acceptance time" may include a "start" that indicates the start time of the period when acceptance is available, and an "end" that indicates the end time of the period when acceptance is available. The berth information 114 may also include information regarding the usage status of the berth and the traffic congestion status of surrounding roads. The information regarding the usage status of the berth may be, for example, information regarding whether the berth is currently in use or not, and information regarding the schedule when the berth is reserved for use.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the travel cost information 115 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] The travel cost information 115 includes at least a "start point" that identifies a starting point of the travel, a "destination point" that identifies a destination point of the travel, and a "travel time" that indicates the travel time from the start point to the destination. The travel cost information 115 may further include a "travel distance" that indicates the travel distance from the start point to the destination.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the evaluation information 116 according to the first embodiment.

[0053] The evaluation information 116 includes at least a "movement efficiency parameter" indicating the degree of influence of operation efficiency on transportation efficiency, and an "unloading efficiency parameter" indicating the degree of influence of unloading efficiency on transportation efficiency. The evaluation information 116 may be a preset value, or may be a value automatically calculated based on a simulation based on past performance data.

[0054] Here, the "travel efficiency parameter" and the "unloading efficiency parameter" may be values ​​set for each candidate of the proposed transportation plan. Specifically, the "travel efficiency parameter" and the "unloading efficiency parameter" may be calculated or determined based on the number of destination points in each candidate of the proposed transportation plan, the travel distance between each point, or an unloading load parameter indicating the load related to unloading at each point included in the point information 113. It becomes possible to evaluate the influence of each of the travel efficiency and the unloading efficiency on the overall efficiency of the transportation system for each proposed transportation plan, which can contribute to the overall efficiency of the transportation system. An example of determining the "travel efficiency parameter" and the "unloading efficiency parameter" will be described below.

[0055] When the distance between destinations included in the transportation plan is long, the fluctuation in the travel distance when the destination is changed also becomes large, and therefore the impact of the travel efficiency of the vehicle on the overall efficiency of the transportation system becomes large. For example, an example of such a transportation form is trunk line transportation in which cargo is transported via specific large base warehouses. Therefore, as an example, the transportation planning device 100 may control the "travel efficiency parameter" so that the larger the index related to the distance between destinations included in the transportation plan is, the larger the "travel efficiency parameter" is. The index related to the distance between destinations may be, for example, the average value or median value of the distance between destinations. Also, as an example, the transportation planning device 100 may control the "travel efficiency parameter" to be set to a value larger than the "unloading efficiency parameter" when the distance between destinations included in the transportation plan is larger than a predetermined threshold value.

[0056] On the other hand, when the locations and conditions for loading and unloading are limited, the impact of the unloading efficiency on the overall efficiency of the transportation system becomes large. For example, an intra-regional delivery, such as delivery of goods from a warehouse to a store in a specific region, is considered as such a transportation form. Therefore, as an example, the transportation planning device 100 may control the "unloading efficiency parameter" so that the larger the index related to the unloading load parameter of each point of the destination included in the transportation plan, the larger the "unloading efficiency parameter". The index related to the unloading load parameter may be, for example, the average value or median value of the unloading load parameter of each point. Also, as an example, the transportation planning device 100 may control the "unloading efficiency parameter" to be set to a value larger than the "movement efficiency parameter" when the index related to the unloading load parameter of each point of the destination is larger than a predetermined threshold value.

[0057] As another example, the transportation planning device 100 may determine the degree of influence of each of the travel efficiency and the unloading efficiency on the overall efficiency of the transportation system based on an index related to the distance between the destinations included in the transportation plan and an index related to the unloading load parameter of each point of the destination, and may determine the "unloading efficiency parameter" and the "travel efficiency parameter" based on the determination result. For example, when it is determined that the degree of influence of the travel efficiency is greater than the degree of influence of the unloading efficiency, the "travel efficiency parameter" may be controlled to be greater than the "unloading efficiency parameter". This allows for planning that takes into account the degree of influence of each of the travel efficiency and the unloading efficiency on the overall efficiency of the transportation system.

[0058] Furthermore, the evaluation information 116 may be set to different values ​​depending on the delivery mode such as the above-mentioned trunk line transportation, or depending on the work time period. For example, it is considered that the road congestion situation and the place and conditions for unloading may change depending on the work time period. Therefore, when determining the "travel efficiency parameter" and the "unloading efficiency parameter", the "travel efficiency parameter" and the "unloading efficiency parameter" for a specific time period may be determined based on the above-mentioned information, as well as information on the unloading load for each specific time period and traffic information for the specific time period.

[0059] Although an example has been shown in which the evaluation information 116 is used as two parameters, the "movement efficiency parameter" and the "unloading efficiency parameter", it may be a single parameter indicating the ratio between the "movement efficiency parameter" and the "unloading efficiency parameter".

[0060] In step S200 in Fig. 3, the transportation plan proposal creation unit 121 uses the baggage information 111, vehicle information 112, location information 113, and movement cost information 115 to generate multiple transportation plan proposals for transportation using only available transportation resources and facilities, and stores the transportation plan proposals in transportation plan proposal information 117. The transportation plan proposal creation unit 121 may use the berth information 114 to generate a transportation plan proposal that also includes a plan for a berth for loading and unloading. The transportation plan proposal is generated, for example, by exhaustive search or simulation.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the transportation plan information 117 according to the first embodiment.

[0062] The transportation plan information 117 has at least a plurality of transportation plan plans. Each transportation plan plan has at least a "vehicle name" for identifying a vehicle, a "location name" for identifying a location of a transportation destination, a "berth name" for identifying a berth where work is performed, a "status" for indicating work to be performed at the location, an "order number" for indicating an order to be worked on, a "number" for indicating the quantity of luggage, and a "time" for indicating the time when the work is performed. The "number" may be substituted with, for example, a "weight" for indicating the total weight of luggage, or a "volume" for indicating the total volume of luggage, or a partial combination of the "number", "weight" and "volume", or a "amount of luggage" for indicating the amount of luggage. The "time" may also have a "start" for indicating the start date and time of the time period when the work is performed, and an "end" for indicating the end date and time of the time period when the work is performed.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 3, in step S300, the stowage plan proposal creation unit 122 uses the baggage information 111, the vehicle information 112, and the proposed transportation plan generated in step S200 to generate multiple stowage plans for each vehicle for which baggage to be loaded has been determined in the proposed transportation plan, taking into consideration the baggage shape, and stores the stowage plan proposal for all vehicles generated by combining the stowage plans for each vehicle in the proposed stowage plan information 118. When a loading position specification parameter is set for the baggage, only a stowage plan proposal that satisfies the constraint is generated. For example, when a parameter A indicating that stacking is not possible is set for the baggage of order number 2, a stowage plan proposal that does not stack the baggage of order number 2 is generated. The stowage plan proposal is generated, for example, by exhaustive search or simulation.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the stowage plan information 118 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] The stowage plan proposal information 118 includes a plurality of stowage plan proposals. Each stowage plan proposal has at least an "order number" for identifying an order to be stowed, a "loading order" indicating the order in which the luggage in the order is loaded, a "number" indicating the quantity of luggage, a "length" indicating the length of the luggage, a "width" indicating the width of the luggage, a "height" indicating the height of the luggage, and a "loading position" indicating the position where the luggage is loaded. The "number" may be substituted with, for example, a "weight" indicating the total weight of the luggage, or a "volume" indicating the total volume of the luggage, or a partial combination of the "number", "weight" and "volume", or a "amount of luggage" indicating the amount of luggage.

[0066] Although FIG. 11 shows only a stowage plan proposal for one vehicle (vehicle A) as an example, the actual stowage plan proposal information 118 includes a stowage plan proposal generated for each vehicle.

[0067] Returning to Fig. 3, in step S400, the plan evaluation unit 123 performs plan evaluation processing using the vehicle information 112, the location information 113, the evaluation information 116, one of the proposed transportation plans generated in step S200, and one of the proposed stowage plans generated in step S300.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a plan evaluation process performed by the plan evaluation unit 123 according to the first embodiment.

[0069] When the process starts, the plan evaluation unit 123 reads the vehicle information 112, the location information 113, the evaluation information 116, one of the transportation plan proposals stored in the transportation plan proposal information 117, and one of the loading plan proposals stored in the loading plan proposal information 118 from the memory unit 110 (S610).

[0070] In step S620, the plan evaluation unit 123 determines whether or not all of the cargo items assigned to each vehicle in the proposed transportation plan read in step S610 have been loaded in the proposed loading plan read in step S610.

[0071] Only when it is determined in step S620 that all of the transportation plans have been allocated, does the plan evaluation unit 123 execute steps S630 to S660 for all of the created transportation plans.

[0072] In step S630, the plan evaluation unit 123 evaluates the travel efficiency using the vehicle information 112, the location information 113, and the proposed transportation plan. The travel efficiency is calculated, for example, as shown in the following formula (1). In formula (1), the smaller the travel efficiency value, the better the efficiency of travel. A predetermined evaluation value may be calculated based on the travel efficiency value. For example, the inverse of the travel efficiency value may be used, and the larger the evaluation value, the better the efficiency of travel.

[0073]

number

[0074] Here, the relationship between travel time and vehicle operating time is expressed by the following equation (2).

[0075]

number

[0076] In step S640, the plan evaluation unit 123 evaluates the unloading efficiency using the vehicle information 112, the location information 113, the proposed transportation plan, and the proposed stowing plan. The unloading efficiency is calculated, for example, as shown in the following formula (3). In formula (3), the smaller the value of the unloading efficiency, the better the unloading efficiency. A predetermined evaluation value may be calculated based on the value of the unloading efficiency. For example, the reciprocal of the value of the unloading efficiency may be used, and the larger the evaluation value, the better the efficiency of unloading.

[0077]

number

[0078] The unloading time of each vehicle at each point can be calculated, for example, using the following formula (4).

[0079]

number

[0080] Here, the luggage to be temporarily unloaded refers to luggage that needs to be unloaded in order to take out the luggage to be delivered. The luggage to be temporarily unloaded is specified based on the luggage loading position in the proposed loading plan and the unloading order specified by the unloading order specification parameter. The unloading time or loading time of each luggage may use the loading / unloading time information included in the location information 113. The unloading time or loading time of each luggage may be calculated based on the information on the shape and weight of the luggage included in the luggage information 111, the information on the unloading order specification parameter including the position information of the door (i.e., the entrance / exit) of the loading platform of each vehicle used for carrying in and out the luggage included in the vehicle information 112, and the information on the loading position of each luggage included in the proposed loading plan information 118.

[0081] In step S650, the plan evaluation unit 123 evaluates the overall efficiency of the transportation system using the evaluation information 116, the movement efficiency calculated in step S630, and the unloading efficiency calculated in step S640, using a weighted sum of the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency as shown in the following formula (5). Then, in step S660, the plan evaluation unit 123 saves the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan as a tentative solution only if it is determined that the efficiency is good.

[0082]

number

[0083] Note that the above calculation method is an example, and other calculation methods based on information stored in the storage unit 110 may be used. For example, the travel efficiency may be calculated based on the cost required for travel in addition to (or instead of) the travel time. The cost required for travel may be calculated based on cost-related information such as the vehicle unit price, operation unit price, and driver unit price included in the vehicle information. In that case, to explain using the example of formula (1), for example, the travel efficiency is calculated to be smaller as the cost is smaller. In other words, the smaller the cost, the better the efficiency regarding travel.

[0084] Furthermore, the unloading efficiency may be calculated based on the magnitude of the impact that the unloading work has on the surroundings of each point in addition to (or instead of) the time required for unloading. The magnitude of the impact that the unloading work has on the surroundings of each point is given, for example, by the unloading load parameter of the point information. In that case, to explain using the example of formula (3), for example, the unloading efficiency may be calculated so that the smaller the impact on the surroundings is, the smaller the unloading efficiency is. In other words, the smaller the impact on the surroundings is, the better the efficiency of unloading is.

[0085] In the above example, the weighted sum of the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency is calculated as an index showing the efficiency of the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan, and the index is evaluated to output the combination that is determined to have the highest overall efficiency of the transportation system. As an example, in accordance with the above-mentioned formula (1) and formula (3), the combination that has the smallest weighted sum of the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency is determined to have the best overall efficiency of the transportation system. However, such a calculation method and output method are only an example, and other calculation methods and output methods may be used. For example, the movement efficiency and unloading efficiency of all combinations of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan, or a plurality of combinations whose calculated efficiency is higher than a predetermined standard, may be output, and the user may select one of them. Alternatively, the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan in which the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency are Pareto optimal may be output.

[0086] Returning to Fig. 3, the explanation will be given. Finally, in step S500, the provisional solution is output to the display unit 140. In addition, the communication unit 150 transmits the transportation schedule via the network N to the vehicle-mounted terminal 200 and the plan management terminal 300 at each collection and delivery point.

[0087] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 600 for displaying an overview of a vehicle transportation schedule result displayed on the display device 450 of the transportation planning device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] The display screen 600 has a display area 610 for the vehicle transportation schedule, a display area 620 for the vehicle transportation route, and a display area 630 for the plan evaluation results. The display screen 600 allows easy acquisition of the transportation schedule and confirmation of the cost.

[0089] The display area 610 of the vehicle transportation schedule displays the transportation schedule in the most efficient plan. Specifically, the transportation vehicle, the name of the location where the work is performed, the status of the work, the order number of the work target, and the time to perform the work are displayed. Furthermore, the name of the berth where the work is performed may be displayed. Furthermore, the transportation volume of the order may be displayed. The status of the work may be, for example, any of departure, loading, unloading, and arrival, but may be other states. The transportation volume may be substituted with the quantity, weight, volume, length, width, height, or a combination thereof of the ordered luggage. Furthermore, the time may include the start date and time and the end date and time when the work is performed. The time may be substituted with the time the vehicle stays at the location. The transportation schedule may be visualized in a Gantt chart (not shown) with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing each vehicle.

[0090] In the vehicle transportation route display area 620, buttons for selecting the transportation route of each vehicle or the transportation route of all vehicles, and the transportation route on the map of the vehicle selected by the button are displayed. In Fig. 13, the transportation route of vehicle A is selected and displayed. When the latitude and longitude of each collection and delivery point are stored in the point information 113, they are displayed according to them.

[0091] The transportation cost display area 630 displays the evaluation results of the plan. Specifically, the cost of travel in the transportation schedule displayed in the vehicle transportation schedule display area 610 is displayed. In addition, the costs of transportation resources such as vehicle costs and personnel costs such as drivers may be displayed separately. Furthermore, the total time required for travel may be displayed. Furthermore, the time and cost required for unloading in the most efficient loading plan for the transportation schedule may be displayed. Furthermore, the total transportation cost and total transportation time may be displayed. Furthermore, the evaluation parameters used for evaluating travel and unloading may be displayed.

[0092] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 700 of a vehicle stowage plan outline displayed on the display device 450 of the transportation planning device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0093] The display screen 700 has a display area 710 for a vehicle stowage plan, a display area 720 for a vehicle stowage diagram, and a display area 730 for the plan evaluation results. The display screen 700 allows easy acquisition of a vehicle stowage plan and confirmation of costs.

[0094] The vehicle loading plan display area 710 displays the vehicle loading plan for the most efficient plan. Specifically, the name of the loading location, the loading time, the order number of the cargo to be loaded, the loading order of the cargo, and the loading position of the cargo are displayed. Furthermore, the name of the berth where the cargo is loaded may be displayed. Furthermore, the transportation volume of the order may be displayed. The transportation volume may be substituted with the quantity, weight, volume, length, width, height, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the time may include the loading start date and time and the end date and time.

[0095] In the vehicle stowage plan display area 720, buttons for selecting the stowage plan of each vehicle and the stowage plan of the vehicle selected by the button are displayed. In Fig. 14, the stowage plan of vehicle A is selected and displayed. In Fig. 14, a perspective view of the arrangement of the luggage loaded on the vehicle bed is displayed as the stowage plan.

[0096] The transportation cost display area 630 displays the plan evaluation results. Specifically, the loading plan displayed in the vehicle loading plan display area 710 and the unloading cost in the most efficient transportation schedule for the loading plan are displayed. The transportation cost display area 630 may display the same contents as the items displayed in the transportation cost display area 630.

[0097] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen 800 of the in-vehicle terminal 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0098] The display screen 800 displays the transportation schedule of the vehicle 510. Specifically, in addition to the display items similar to those in the display area 610 of the vehicle transportation schedule, information showing the progress of the transportation work of the luggage (for example, whether the transportation work is completed or not) is displayed. The display screen 800 allows the driver to check the transportation schedule to be followed and the progress of the transportation.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 900 of the plan management terminal 300 at each collection / delivery point according to the first embodiment.

[0100] The display screen 900 displays a schedule of transportation-related work performed at the collection and delivery point 520. Specifically, the display screen 900 displays the order number of the work target, the time to perform the work, and the status of the work. The status of the work is, for example, either collection or delivery, but if another status of the work occurs, that status may be displayed. The display screen 900 may also display the name of the berth where the work is performed. Furthermore, the transportation volume of the order may be displayed. The transportation volume may be substituted with the quantity, weight, volume, length, width, height, or a combination thereof. The time may include the start date and time of the work and the end date and time. The display screen 900 allows the planning and operation staff and workers at each collection and delivery point to check the schedule of the transportation-related work performed at each collection and delivery point. EXAMPLES

[0101] In this embodiment, the stowage plan proposal preparation unit 122 prepares a stowage plan proposal in accordance with stowage pattern information. Except for the differences described below, each unit of the system in the second embodiment has the same function as each unit in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 16 with the same reference numerals, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The storage unit 110 of the second embodiment stores, in addition to the information stored in the storage unit 110 of the first embodiment, stowage pattern information 161 that is information on patterns of combinations of vehicles and cargo that can be stowed, and cargoes themselves.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the stowage pattern information 161 according to the second embodiment.

[0104] The stowage pattern information 161 has at least a "pattern code" that identifies the loading pattern, and a "baggage name" that identifies each baggage to be stowed. Each "baggage name" has a "type" that indicates the type of baggage, and a "loading position" that indicates the location of the baggage. The "loading position" may have a "row" that indicates the loading position counted from the front to the rear of the vehicle, a "column" that indicates the loading position counted from the right side to the left side of the vehicle, and a "tier" that indicates the loading position counted from the bottom to the top of the vehicle. The "loading position" may also be expressed in coordinates.

[0105] Returning to the explanation of the changes from the first embodiment to the second embodiment,

[0106] The package information 111 includes "type" (not shown) indicating the type of package in addition to the information included in the package information 111 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 4). Here, the "type" may be information indicating a classification based on the size or weight of the package.

[0107] The vehicle information 112 includes, in addition to the information included in the vehicle information 112 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 5), a "loading pattern" (not shown) that indicates all possible loading patterns of the vehicle and is associated with the "type" information of the cargo. Here, the "loading pattern" may be a loading pattern that has been proven in the past.

[0108] In step S100, the storage unit 110 reads the stowage pattern information 161 from the input device 460 in addition to the information read in step S100 in the first embodiment.

[0109] In step S300, the stowage plan proposal creation unit 122 generates a stowage plan proposal for all vehicles using the baggage information 111, the vehicle information 112, the stowage pattern information 161, and the transportation plan proposal generated in step S200, and stores the stowage plan proposal in the stowage plan proposal information 118. The stowage plan proposal for all vehicles is generated by searching for a stowage pattern for each vehicle for which baggage to be loaded has been determined in the transportation plan proposal, adopting a stowage pattern that allows all baggage to be loaded as the stowage plan proposal, and combining the stowage plan proposals for each vehicle.

[0110] Here, as an example, a search for a loading pattern will be described when it is decided in the proposed transportation plan that 5 pieces of luggage of type L, 10 pieces of luggage of type M, and 10 pieces of luggage of type S will be loaded onto vehicle A. In this case, among the loading patterns that vehicle A can take, a loading pattern that allows 5 or more pieces of luggage of type L, 10 or more pieces of luggage of type M, and 10 or more pieces of luggage of type S to be loaded is searched for.

[0111] In the invention described in the second embodiment, a stowage plan can be created by using information indicating the type of cargo and a stowage pattern prepared in advance without using detailed information on the size of the cargo, etc., which makes it easier to manage cargo data and create a stowage plan, and allows for more efficient planning. Also, since a stowage plan is created according to stowage pattern information prepared in advance based on cargo type information, and a completely new stowage pattern is not created each time, a highly reliable stowage plan can be created even without detailed information on the size of the cargo, etc.

[0112] The transportation planning system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. With such a transportation planning system, efficient transportation can be achieved in terms of movement efficiency and unloading efficiency by taking into account the shape of the cargo.

[0113] Furthermore, the system according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured as follows.

[0114] (1) A transportation planning system having a control unit (e.g., control unit 120) and a memory unit (e.g., memory unit 110) connected to the control unit, in which the memory unit holds baggage information (e.g., baggage information 111) including at least the shape, destination, and transportation amount of baggage based on an order, vehicle information (e.g., vehicle information 112) including information regarding the load capacity of one or more vehicles used to transport the baggage, and location information (e.g., location information 113) indicating multiple locations to which the baggage is to be transported, and the control unit generates multiple transportation plan proposals (e.g., For example, step S200), for each proposed transportation plan, multiple stowage plans are generated based on the cargo information and vehicle information, including the stowage positions on each vehicle for each cargo to be transported according to the proposed transportation plan (for example, step S300), for each proposed transportation plan, a movement efficiency is calculated which is an index showing the efficiency with which vehicles move between multiple locations in accordance with the proposed transportation plan (for example, step S630), and for each combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan, an unloading efficiency is calculated which is an index showing the efficiency of at least the efficiency of unloading work at multiple locations (for example, step S640), and the efficiency of the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan is calculated based on the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency (for example, step S650).

[0115] This allows for efficient transportation in terms of movement efficiency and unloading efficiency, taking into account the loading position restrictions imposed by the shape of the cargo.

[0116] (2) In the transportation planning system described in (1) above, the memory unit further retains berth information (e.g., berth information 114) indicating available berths at each location, and the control unit generates multiple transportation plan proposals based on the baggage information, vehicle information, location information, and berth information.

[0117] This makes it possible to generate transportation plans suited to the actual conditions at each location.

[0118] (3) In the transportation planning system described in (1) above, the vehicle information includes information indicating the position of the cargo bed doors of each vehicle (e.g., a parameter specifying the unloading order), and the control unit generates a loading plan proposal so that the cargo assigned to each vehicle based on the transportation plan proposal is brought in from the position of the cargo bed door of each vehicle and loaded sequentially into a position where it can be loaded.

[0119] This allows a feasible loading plan to be generated.

[0120] (4) In the transportation planning system described in (1) above, the memory unit further retains stowage pattern information (e.g., stowage pattern information 161) that corresponds the type of cargo to the stowage position, and the control unit generates a proposed stowage plan based on the stowage pattern information.

[0121] This makes it easier to generate a loading plan proposal, and if there is a loading pattern that has a proven track record in the past, it can be used to generate a new loading plan proposal.

[0122] (5) In the transportation planning system described in (1) above, the memory unit further retains weighting coefficients (e.g., evaluation information 116) to be assigned to the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency, and the control unit calculates the efficiency of a combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan based on a weighted sum of the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency based on the weighting coefficients.

[0123] This makes it possible to appropriately evaluate the efficiency of the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan based on the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency.

[0124] (6) A transportation planning system as described in (5) above, wherein the location information includes load information indicating the extent of the impact that unloading operations at each location have on the surrounding area of ​​each location, and the weighting coefficient is determined based at least on the load information.

[0125] This makes it possible to appropriately evaluate the efficiency of the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan.

[0126] (7) In the transportation planning system described in (5) above, the weighting coefficient is determined based on at least travel distances between a plurality of points.

[0127] This makes it possible to appropriately evaluate the efficiency of the combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan.

[0128] (8) A transportation planning system as described in (1) above, wherein the vehicle information includes information indicating the costs of each vehicle and driver (e.g., vehicle unit price, operating unit price, driver unit price, etc.), and the control unit calculates travel efficiency based on the costs of each vehicle and driver corresponding to travel between multiple points.

[0129] This allows the transfer efficiency to be calculated appropriately.

[0130] (9) In the transportation planning system described in (1) above, the control unit calculates information on the time required for unloading at each location based on luggage information and vehicle information, and calculates the unloading efficiency based on the time required for unloading (for example, equation (3)).

[0131] This allows the unloading efficiency to be properly calculated.

[0132] (10) A transportation planning system as described in (9) above, wherein the vehicle information includes information indicating the position of the doors of the cargo bed of each vehicle (e.g., a parameter specifying the unloading order), and the time required for unloading at each point includes the time required to unload cargo whose destination is each point and the time required to unload and reload cargo that is temporarily unloaded in order to unload the cargo, calculated based on the relationship between the position of the cargo and the position of the door (e.g., formula (4)).

[0133] This allows the unloading efficiency to be properly calculated.

[0134] (11) A transportation planning system as described in (10) above, wherein the location information includes load information (e.g., unloading load parameters) indicating the magnitude of the impact that unloading work at each location has on the surrounding area of ​​each location, and the control unit calculates unloading efficiency based on the baggage information, vehicle information and load information.

[0135] This allows the unloading efficiency to be properly calculated.

[0136] (12) The transportation planning system described in (1) above, further comprising a display unit (e.g., display unit 140) connected to the control unit, wherein the display unit displays a combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan that is determined to have the highest calculated efficiency.

[0137] This makes it possible to present to the user the most efficient combination of proposed transportation plans and proposed stowage plans.

[0138] (13) The transportation planning system described in (1) above, further comprising a display unit (e.g., display unit 140) connected to the control unit, the display unit displaying a plurality of combinations of proposed transportation plans and proposed stowage plans, and movement efficiency and unloading efficiency corresponding to each combination.

[0139] This allows the user to select from several possible combinations of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan.

[0140] (14) A transportation planning system as described in (1) above, further comprising a vehicle terminal (e.g., in-vehicle terminal 200) mounted on each vehicle and communicating with a control unit via a network (e.g., network N), and a location management terminal (e.g., planning management terminal 300 at each collection / delivery point) installed at each point and communicating with the control unit via the network, wherein the vehicle terminal mounted on each vehicle outputs information about each vehicle (e.g., display screen 800) from among the information included in the transportation plan, and the location management terminal installed at each point outputs information about each point (e.g., display screen 900) from among the information included in the transportation plan.

[0141] This makes it possible to provide the necessary information to drivers of each vehicle and workers at each location.

[0142] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but includes various modifications. For example, the above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail for a better understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. Also, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

[0143] In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in part or in whole by hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as a program, table, file, etc. that realizes each function can be stored in a storage device such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or in a computer-readable non-transitory data storage medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

[0144] In addition, the control lines and information lines are shown as those considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are shown. In reality, it can be considered that almost all components are connected to each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1...transportation planning system, 100...transportation planning device, 110...memory unit, 111...baggage information, 112...vehicle information, 113...location information, 114...berth information, 115...movement cost information, 116...evaluation information, 117...transportation plan proposal information, 118...loading plan proposal information, 120...control unit, 121...transportation plan proposal creation unit, 122...loading plan proposal creation unit, 123...plan evaluation unit, 130...input unit, 140...display unit, 150...communication unit, N...network, 200...on-board terminal, 210...communication unit, 220...display unit, 300...plan management terminal at each collection and delivery point, 310...communication unit, 320...display unit.

Claims

1. A transportation planning system having a control unit and a storage unit connected to the control unit, the storage unit holds cargo information including at least a shape, a destination, and a transportation amount of the cargo based on the order, vehicle information including information regarding a load capacity of one or more vehicles used for transporting the cargo, and location information indicating a plurality of locations to which the cargo is to be transported; The control unit is generating a plurality of transportation schedule plans based on the luggage information, the vehicle information, and the location information, the transportation schedule plans indicating an order in which one or more vehicles transporting luggage based on the order will arrive at each location and luggage to be unloaded at each location; generating, for each of the transportation plan proposals, a plurality of stowage plans including stowage positions on each of the vehicles of each of the packages to be transported according to the transportation plan proposals, based on the package information and the vehicle information; calculating, for each of the transportation plan proposals, a travel efficiency which is an index indicating efficiency with which the vehicle travels between the plurality of points in accordance with the transportation plan proposal; calculating an unloading efficiency, which is an index showing at least the efficiency of unloading work at the plurality of points, for each combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan; A transportation planning system comprising: a transportation planning unit that calculates an efficiency of a combination of the transportation plan and the stowage plan based on the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency.

2. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, The storage unit further stores berth information indicating available berths at each of the locations, The control unit generates a plurality of proposed transportation plans based on the baggage information, the vehicle information, the location information, and the berth information.

3. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, The vehicle information includes information indicating a position of a door of a cargo bed of each of the vehicles, The control unit generates the proposed loading plan so that the cargo assigned to each vehicle based on the proposed transportation plan is brought in through the position of the cargo bed door of each vehicle and loaded sequentially into a position where it can be loaded.

4. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, The storage unit further stores stowage pattern information that associates the types of luggage with stowage positions, The transportation planning system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates the proposed stowage plan based on the stowage pattern information.

5. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, The memory unit further stores a weighting coefficient to be assigned to the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency, The control unit calculates efficiency of a combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan based on a weighted sum of the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency based on the weighting coefficient.

6. 6. The transportation planning system according to claim 5, The location information includes load information indicating the magnitude of the impact that the unloading operation at each of the locations has on the surrounding area of ​​each of the locations, A transportation planning system, wherein the weighting coefficient is determined based on at least the load information.

7. 6. The transportation planning system according to claim 5, A transportation planning system, characterized in that the weighting coefficient is determined based on at least travel distances between the plurality of points.

8. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, The vehicle information includes information indicating a cost of each vehicle and driver, The control unit calculates the travel efficiency based on the costs of each of the vehicles and the drivers corresponding to the travel between the multiple points.

9. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, A transportation planning system characterized in that the control unit calculates information on the time required for unloading at each location based on the luggage information and the vehicle information, and calculates the unloading efficiency based on the time required for unloading.

10. 10. The transportation planning system of claim 9, The vehicle information includes information indicating a position of a door of a cargo bed of each of the vehicles, A transportation planning system characterized in that the time required for unloading at each of the above locations includes the time required for unloading cargo whose destination is each of the above locations, and the time required for unloading and reloading cargo that is temporarily unloaded in order to unload the cargo, which is calculated based on the relationship between the location of the cargo and the location of the door.

11. 11. The transportation planning system of claim 10, The location information includes load information indicating the magnitude of the impact that the unloading operation at each of the locations has on the surrounding area of ​​each of the locations, A transportation planning system characterized in that the control unit calculates the unloading efficiency based on the luggage information, the vehicle information, and the load information.

12. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, A display unit connected to the control unit is further provided. The transportation planning system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a combination determined to have the highest calculated efficiency among combinations of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan.

13. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, A display unit connected to the control unit is further provided. The transportation planning system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a plurality of combinations of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan, and the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency corresponding to each of the combinations.

14. 2. The transportation planning system of claim 1, The vehicle terminal is mounted on each vehicle and communicates with the control unit via a network, and a location management terminal is installed at each location and communicates with the control unit via the network, The vehicle terminal mounted on each of the vehicles outputs information regarding each of the vehicles among information included in the transportation plan; A transportation planning system characterized in that the location management terminal installed at each of the locations outputs information about each of the locations from among information included in the proposed transportation plan.

15. A transportation planning method executed by a transportation planning system having a control unit and a storage unit connected to the control unit, the storage unit holds cargo information including at least a shape, a destination, and a transportation amount of the cargo based on the order, vehicle information including information regarding a load capacity of one or more vehicles used for transporting the cargo, and location information indicating a plurality of locations to which the cargo is to be transported; The transportation planning method includes: A step in which the control unit generates a plurality of transportation schedule proposals indicating an order in which one or more vehicles transporting luggage based on the order will arrive at each of the locations and luggage to be unloaded at each of the locations based on the luggage information, the vehicle information, and the location information; a step of the control unit generating, for each of the transportation plan proposals, a plurality of stowage plan proposals including stowage positions on each of the vehicles of each of the packages to be transported according to the transportation plan proposals, based on the package information and the vehicle information; a step of the control unit calculating, for each of the proposed transportation plans, a movement efficiency which is an index indicating an efficiency with which the vehicle moves between the plurality of points according to the proposed transportation plan; a step of the control unit calculating an unloading efficiency, which is an index showing at least efficiency of unloading work at the plurality of points, for each combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan; a step of calculating efficiency of a combination of the proposed transportation plan and the proposed stowage plan based on the movement efficiency and the unloading efficiency, by the control unit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Stacking method, device and storage medium for freight in vehicle compartment

    CN108910553A

  • Cargo loading planning device, cargo loading planning method, and cargo loading planning program

    JP2004075320A

  • Round cargo collection and delivery planning method

    JP2004083233A

  • System, apparatus, method and program for optimum vehicle assignment

    JP2010168205A

  • Delivery plan generating device, system and method, and computer readable storage medium

    JP2020173789A