STOWAGE SUPPORT DEVICE, STOWAGE SUPPORT SYSTEM, STOWAGE SUPPORT METHOD AND PROGRAM

Abstract

A stowage assistance device (106) comprises a situation analysis unit (113) that obtains the difference between a stowage plan for stowing a plurality of loads (102) into a stowage space (101) and a stowage situation that is the situation of the stowage space (101) actually stowed with some or all of the plurality of loads (102), and an output control unit (119) that causes a first output unit (107) to output the difference.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stowage support device, a stowage support system, a stowage support method, and program Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In the logistics industry, the amount of freight being transported is on the rise. However, there are cases where the loading capacity of trucks is less than 50%, making the efficiency of transportation a social issue. To increase transportation efficiency, it is important to load freight more efficiently into containers, truck beds, etc.

[0003] For example, the stowage planning device described in Patent Document 1 includes an acquisition means for acquiring baggage information related to the stowage of sorted baggage, and stowage location information related to the available space at the stowage location where the baggage is stowed. Furthermore, the stowage planning device includes a planning means for determining a stowage plan for the stowage location where the baggage is stowed, and an output means for outputting information instructing the stowage plan. When an event occurs that may affect the stowage of the baggage, the planning means determines the stowage plan based on the baggage information and the stowage location information for the case where the event occurs that may affect the stowage of the baggage.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an event that may affect the stowing of luggage, such as a case where luggage is stowed in a procedure different from the determined procedure due to an operator's error, etc. In such a case, it describes that a luggage stowage plan is determined again based on luggage information of the erroneously stowed luggage and loading location information that indicates the state of the loading location at that time.

[0005] For example, the information processing device described in Patent Document 2 includes a memory and at least one processing circuit. The at least one processing circuit is configured to execute the following: generating state information when a first object to be loaded is loaded into one of a plurality of loading position candidates; and inputting the state information of the loading position candidates into a loading state evaluation model to obtain an evaluation value. The loading state evaluation model outputs an evaluation value for the loading state of the object in a predetermined space. Then, the at least one processing circuit determines a loading position for the first object from a plurality of loading position candidates based on the obtained evaluation value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 172194 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 009024 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, if cargo is stowed in a procedure different from the determined procedure, even if it is an error made by a worker, a stowage plan for the cargo is decided again in the incorrectly stowed state. Therefore, the worker cannot notice the stowage error, and it is difficult to correct the error.

[0008] Even in the information processing device of Patent Document 2, if the first object is loaded at a position different from the determined loading position of the first object, the worker cannot notice the loading error and it is difficult to correct the error.

[0009] As described above, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot correct stowing errors, and therefore there is a risk that the efficiency of stowing luggage may decrease.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objects is to support more efficient loading of luggage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a stowage support device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: a situation analysis means for determining a difference between a stowage plan for stowage of a plurality of cargo items in a stowage space and a stowage situation, which is a situation of the stowage space in which a part or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually stowed; a plan correction means for correcting the stowage plan by inputting at least one of the loading status and the difference into a stowage algorithm that outputs a stowage plan for stowage of one or more cargo items in a stowage space; An evaluation acquisition means for acquiring an evaluation result for the difference; an update means for updating the stowage algorithm based on the results of the evaluation; The difference and the revised loading plan. and an output control means for causing the output means to output the signal.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a stowage support system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: The above-mentioned stowage support device; and a terminal device including the output means.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, a stowage support method according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises: The computer A difference is calculated between a loading plan for loading a plurality of cargo items into a loading space and a loading status, which is a status of the loading space when a part or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually loaded; modifying the stowage plan by inputting at least one of the loading conditions and the difference into a stowage algorithm, the stowage algorithm outputting a stowage plan for stowage of one or more cargo items into a stowage space; obtaining a result of an evaluation of the difference; updating the stowage algorithm based on results of the evaluation; The difference and the revised loading plan. to the output means.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention comprises: On the computer, A difference is calculated between a loading plan for loading a plurality of cargo items into a loading space and a loading status, which is a status of the loading space when a part or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually loaded; modifying the stowage plan by inputting at least one of the loading conditions and the difference into a stowage algorithm, the stowage algorithm outputting a stowage plan for stowage of one or more cargo items into a stowage space; obtaining a result of an evaluation of the difference; updating the stowage algorithm based on results of the evaluation; and outputting the difference and the revised stowage plan to an output means. thing This is to enable the execution of the above. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to assist in more efficient loading of luggage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a stowage support system and a stowage site according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a stowage support device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of package information. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of a stowage support device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is an example of a flowchart of a stowage plan generation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a shape indicated by free space information regarding a stowage space in an initial state according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a flowchart of a loading plan revision process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a shape indicated by loaded baggage information and available space information at times T1 and T2 after stowage work has started. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an update process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a stowage support device according to Modification 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a stowage support device according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 12]13 is a flowchart showing an example of a stowage support process according to Modification 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0018] A stowage support system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system for supporting the stowage of a plurality of luggage 102 into a stowage space 101, the configuration of which and an outline of a stowage site are shown in Fig. 1. The stowage space 101 is a space in which the luggage 102 are stowed. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the stowage support system 100 is applied to a loading site where luggage 102 is stowed into the stowage space 101 provided in a transport truck.

[0019] The transportation means having the stowage space 101 is not limited to a truck, and may be various transportation means such as a freight train, a ship, an airplane, etc. The stowage space 101 may be a space in which cargo 102 is stowed in a container, a warehouse, etc. Furthermore, the stowage space 101 may be a space in which in-process manufacturing products are temporarily stored.

[0020] <<Overview of the loading site>> 1 shows an example of a predetermined loading space 101 inside the bed of a truck as viewed from above. A baggage storage area 103 is provided near the loading space 101 (to the left of the loading space 101 in FIG. 1). The baggage storage area 103 is a place where baggage 102 to be loaded into the loading space 101 is temporarily stored. The baggage 102 is transported to the baggage storage area 103 by, for example, a conveyor, a forklift, a dolly, or the like (not shown).

[0021] The loading work in the baggage storage area 103 is performed by, for example, workers (not shown). The workers include a manager who manages the loading work at the loading site, and workers who perform the loading work according to the instructions of the manager. The loading work is a job of transporting baggage 102 from the baggage storage area 103 and loading it into the stowage space 101.

[0022] The number of workers may be one, or the manager may be the worker who performs the stowing work, or there may be multiple workers. The worker may be a person who operates the terminal device 105 described later.

[0023] In the following, when distinguishing whether or not the luggage 102 has been loaded in the stowage space 101, the luggage 102 that has not been loaded in the stowage space 101, i.e., the luggage 102 in the luggage storage area 103, will be referred to as "luggage 102a" as shown in Fig. 1. Also, the luggage 102 that has been loaded in the stowage space 101 will be referred to as "luggage 102b".

[0024] <<Functional configuration of the loading support system 100>> The stowage support system 100 includes a measuring instrument 104, a terminal device 105, and a stowage support device 106 that supports the stowage of a plurality of baggage items 102 into a stowage space 101 by creating a stowage plan or the like.

[0025] The stowage plan is information indicating a procedure for stowage of multiple cargo items 102 in a stowage space 101 .

[0026] Each of the measuring instruments 104 and the terminal devices 105 is connected to the stowage support device 106 so as to be able to transmit and receive information to and from the stowage support device 106 via a network N. The network N may be constructed using wired or wireless lines or an appropriate combination of these. The network N in this embodiment is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) provided at a base for trunk line transportation.

[0027] <Functional configuration of measuring instrument 104> The measuring instrument 104 performs measurements to determine whether the baggage 102 has been stowed in the stowage space 101 in accordance with the stowage plan, and generates and outputs measurement information including the measurement results.

[0028] The measurement information is information for determining whether or not the baggage 102 is being loaded in the stowage space 101 in accordance with the stowage plan, and includes information indicating time-series changes in the loading situation (loading situation information).

[0029] In detail, for example, the measurement information associates time information indicating a time with the stowage status of the stowage space 101 at that time. Note that the time indicated by the time information may include a date expressed, for example, in the form of year, month, and day, and the same applies hereinafter.

[0030] The loading status information is information indicating the status (loading status) of the loading space 101 in which one or more pieces of luggage 102b are actually loaded, and includes, for example, loaded luggage information indicating the loaded luggage status and vacant space information indicating the vacant space status.

[0031] The loaded luggage information is information indicating the status (loaded luggage status) of the luggage 102b actually loaded in the stowage space 101. The loaded luggage information includes, for example, the position, shape, size, volume, etc. in the stowage space 101 for each of the luggage 102b.

[0032] The empty space information is information that indicates the status (empty space status) of the empty space that is the space in which no baggage 102b is loaded in the stowage space 101. The empty space information includes, for example, the shape, size, volume, etc. of the empty space in the stowage space 101.

[0033] <Physical configuration of measuring instrument 104> The measuring instrument 104 is, physically, for example, a 3D (Dimension) camera that captures an image of the stowage site. The 3D camera as the measuring instrument 104 simultaneously generates image information indicating an image captured of the stowage site including the stowage space 101, and distance information indicating the distance from the 3D camera to a subject included in the image. Such image information and distance information simultaneously generated by the 3D camera are an example of the above-mentioned measurement information.

[0034] A 3D camera that can generate image information showing a color image in addition to distance information is desirable. By including color information of the subject in the image information, it is possible to obtain more accurate information on the loading status, storage location status, work status, etc.

[0035] A conventional technique may be applied to generate the distance information.

[0036] For example, distance information may be generated by a time-of-flight (ToF) method that measures the distance to an object based on the time it takes for light emitted from a light source to return to a camera, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR), etc. Furthermore, distance information may be generated by a stereo method that measures the distance to an object based on the parallax of images captured by each of a plurality of cameras.

[0037] Note that the measuring instrument 104 does not have to be physically composed of one device, and may be composed of, for example, multiple devices. An example of the measuring instrument 104 physically composed of multiple devices is one in which it is composed of a camera for taking pictures and a distance measuring device for measuring distance. Another example of the measuring instrument 104 physically composed of multiple devices is one in which it is composed of a camera for taking pictures and a projector that irradiates a special pattern light for measuring distance.

[0038] <Functional and physical configuration of terminal device 105> The terminal device 105 is a device that communicates with the stowage support device 106 via the network N as described above, and is physically, for example, a general-purpose computer that is installed at the stowage site. The terminal device 105 includes a first output unit 107 and a first input unit 108.

[0039] When the terminal device 105 acquires information from the stowage support device 106, the first output unit 107 displays the information under the control of the terminal device 105. The information displayed on the first output unit 107 is viewed by, for example, a worker.

[0040] The first output unit 107 is physically configured by, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, a projector, AR (Augmented Reality) glasses, or the like, which is connected to the terminal device 105 via a wired or wireless line.

[0041] The first input unit 108 accepts input from an operator. The terminal device 105 transmits information to the stowage support device 106 in response to the input to the first input unit 108.

[0042] The first input unit 108 is physically, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a motion capture device, or the like, which are connected to the terminal device 105 via a wired or wireless line.

[0043] The terminal device 105 may be integrally equipped with either or both of the first output unit 107 and the first input unit 108, and may be a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like carried by each worker.

[0044] In addition, the method of outputting information from the first output unit 107 is not limited to displaying an image, and may be sound output together with or instead of an image. When the first output unit 107 outputs sound, a speaker may be connected to the terminal device 105.

[0045] <Functional configuration of the stowage support device 106> As described above, the stowage support device 106 is a device that supports the stowage of a plurality of baggage items 102 into the stowage space 101. As shown in Fig. 2 , the stowage support device 106 includes a second output unit 109, a second input unit 110, a baggage storage unit 111, a situation acquisition unit 112, a situation analysis unit 113, an algorithm storage unit 114, an initial plan unit 115, a plan correction unit 116, an evaluation acquisition unit 117, an update unit 118, and an output control unit 119.

[0046] The second output unit 109 displays information viewed by the operator of the stowage support device 106. The second input unit 110 accepts input from the operator of the stowage support device 106.

[0047] The luggage memory unit 111 holds luggage information 111 a which is information relating to one or more luggage 102 to be stowed in the stowage space 101 .

[0048] The package information 111a is information in which, for example, "package ID (Identification)", "size", "current status", and the like are associated with each other, as shown in FIG.

[0049] The “baggage ID” is information for identifying each baggage 102 .

[0050] "Size" is information indicating the size of the package 102 identified by the associated package ID, and includes, for example, the length in each of the length, width, and height directions.

[0051] The "current status" is information indicating the current state of the luggage 102 identified by the associated luggage ID. The "current status" may be set to, for example, "not loaded" indicating that the luggage has not yet been loaded, or "loaded" indicating that the luggage has been loaded in the loading space 101. For example, the "current status" of the luggage 102 that has been brought to the luggage storage area 103 is set to "not loaded," and when it is determined based on the measurement information that the luggage 102 has been loaded in the loading space 101, the "current status" is set to "not loaded."

[0052] When the measurement information includes a measurement result regarding the luggage 102a in the luggage storage area 103, the status acquisition unit 112 described later may determine whether the luggage 102 is in the luggage storage area 103 or in the stowage space 101 based on the measurement information, and update the "current status" according to the determination result. Also, the "current status" may be updated at any time based on an input, such as an input by an operator to the first input unit 108.

[0053] The luggage storage unit 111 holds luggage information 111a relating to one or more luggage 102 designated by an operator in advance. The luggage 102 is designated, for example, by an input from the operator. Alternatively, the luggage 102 may be designated by reading a luggage ID from a two-dimensional code, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, or the like attached to the luggage 102 using a barcode reader or an RFID reader.

[0054] In addition, if some or all of the luggage information 111a can be obtained via a network from other systems such as a TMS (Transport Management System) or a WMS (Warehouse Management System), it may be obtained from the other systems by a communication unit not shown and stored in the luggage memory unit 111.

[0055] The status acquisition unit 112 acquires measurement information from the measuring instrument 104 via the network N, and acquires stowage status information (stowed luggage information and available space information) based on the measurement information. The status acquisition unit 112 according to this embodiment acquires the measurement information in real time, thereby acquiring stowage status information in real time.

[0056] In particular, when the measurement information includes redundant information, the status acquiring unit 112 removes the redundant information from the measurement information.

[0057] The redundant information is information indicating the results of measurements on people and objects other than the cargo platforms forming the stowage space 101 and the cargo 102b loaded in the stowage space 101. Examples of redundant information include workers who carry in cargo to the cargo storage area 103, workers who perform stowage work, etc.

[0058] Since redundant information is regarded as noise in three-dimensional data, the removal of redundant information can be achieved by statistical analysis, machine learning (deep learning), and the like.

[0059] For example, when machine learning is adopted to remove redundant information, the situation acquisition unit 112 detects redundant information using a learning model trained by machine learning. That is, the situation acquisition unit 112 detects redundant information by inputting measurement information to a trained learning model that has undergone machine learning to detect redundant information.

[0060] Input data to the learning model during learning is measurement information including redundant information. In machine learning, it is preferable to perform supervised learning in which redundant information corresponding to the measurement information is used as the correct answer.

[0061] When redundant information is detected in this way, the status acquiring unit 112 removes the detected redundant information from the measurement information.

[0062] The measuring device 104 may further include an infrared sensor that detects the body temperature of a person. In this case, the situation acquisition unit 112 may acquire measurement information that further includes sensor information measured by the infrared sensor, detect superimposed information based on the sensor information, and remove the detected redundant information from the measurement information. The situation acquisition unit 112 may also discard the measurement information at the time that includes the redundant information.

[0063] When the measurement information from which redundant information has been removed is acquired, the status acquisition unit 112 acquires loaded baggage information and available space information based on the measurement information from which redundant information has been removed.

[0064] For example, the situation acquisition unit 112 identifies the inner walls of the loading platform that form the stowage space 101 and the baggage 102b loaded in the stowage space 101 based on the image information included in the measurement information.

[0065] Then, the situation acquisition unit 112 obtains the position, shape, size, and volume of each of the luggage 102b based on the distance information included in the measurement information, and obtains the shape, size, and volume of the free space. More specifically, for example, when LiDAR is used to obtain the distance information, the distance information includes the coordinates of where the irradiated laser hits an obstacle. In this case, the position, shape, size, and volume of each of the luggage 102b may be obtained from those coordinates, and the shape, size, and volume of the free space may be obtained. In this way, the situation acquisition unit 112 can obtain loaded luggage information and free space information.

[0066] When part or all of the measurement information is held in another system such as a Transport Management System (TMS) or a Warehouse Management System (WMS), the status acquisition unit 112 may acquire part or all of the measurement information from the other system via a network. When it is difficult to perform measurement using the measuring instrument 104, the status acquisition unit 112 may acquire part or all of the measurement information based on an input to the first input unit 108 or the second input unit, for example.

[0067] The situation analyzing unit 113 determines the difference between a stowage plan for stowage of a plurality of luggage items 102 in the stowage space 101 and a stowage situation that indicates the situation of the stowage space in which some or all of the plurality of luggage items 102 are actually stowed.

[0068] In this embodiment, the situation analyzing unit 113 determines the difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation in real time based on the stowage situation information acquired in real time by the situation acquiring unit 112.

[0069] The algorithm storage unit 114 holds one or more stowage algorithms and parameter information indicating values ​​of parameters applied to each of the stowage algorithms.

[0070] As described above, the stowage plan is information indicating the procedure for stowage of a plurality of luggage 102 in the stowage space 101, and indicates which luggage 102 should be stowed, in which position, and in which order.

[0071] The stowage algorithm is a program for generating a stowage plan. When cargo information on one or more cargoes 102 and stowage space information on the stowage space 101 are input, the stowage algorithm outputs a stowage plan for stowage of the one or more cargoes 102 in the stowage space 101.

[0072] The loading algorithm may be based on conventional techniques, such as the Deepest-Bottom-Left (DBL) method and the 3-Dimensional Best-Fit (3BF) method, which are solutions to three-dimensional packing problems.

[0073] The loading algorithm can include various constraints such as the dimensions of the luggage 102, the order in which the luggage 102 are loaded, the positions at which the luggage 102 are placed, whether the luggage 102 can be rotated or stacked, the order in which the luggage 102 is stacked depending on the luggage weight and packaging shape, and not concentrating heavy luggage 102 on one side of the loading platform. Examples of documents disclosing such constraints include https: / / www.vanning-master.jp / vm_algorithm.html and https: / / www.msi.co.jp / userconf / 2016 / pdf / muc16_BR_3.pdf.

[0074] The parameter information includes values ​​of parameters related to constraints on loading that are applied to the loading algorithm.

[0075] When multiple loading algorithms are stored in the algorithm storage unit 114, each of the loading algorithms has different constraints, for example. In this case, the algorithm storage unit 114 stores parameter information corresponding to each of the multiple loading algorithms.

[0076] The initial planning unit 115 determines, as an initial stowage plan, a stowage plan generated by inputting, into a stowage algorithm, baggage information on a plurality of baggage 102 to be stowed in the stowage space 101 and stowage space information on the stowage space 101 in an initial state. The initial state stowage space 101 is a state of the stowage space 101 in which no baggage 102 has been stowed yet.

[0077] When a plurality of stowage algorithms are stored in the algorithm storage unit 114, the initial planning unit 115 uses, for example, a predetermined stowage algorithm or a stowage algorithm designated by an operator.

[0078] Since generating a stowage plan may require a long processing time, the initial planning unit 115 may determine, as the initial stowage plan, a stowage plan generated by an external information processing device connected to the network N. Also, the initial planning unit 115 may determine, as the initial stowage plan, a stowage plan input by an operator.

[0079] The plan correction unit 116 corrects the stowage plan based on at least one of the stowage situation and the difference. In detail, the plan correction unit 116 determines, as the corrected stowage plan, a stowage plan generated by inputting the baggage information 111a related to one or more baggage 102a not yet loaded in the stowage space 101 and the stowage space information including at least one of the stowage situation and the difference.

[0080] The plan correction unit 116 according to this embodiment acquires baggage information 111a related to one or more baggage 102a not yet loaded in the stowage space 101, and stowage space information including at least one of a loading status and a difference. In detail, the plan correction unit 116 acquires baggage information 111a of baggage not yet loaded in the "current state" from the baggage storage unit 111, for example. In addition, when acquiring the stowage space information, the plan correction unit 116 may acquire the stowage space information acquired by the situation acquisition unit 112 based on the measurement information from the measuring instrument 104, or may acquire the stowage space information by an input from an operator. When acquiring a difference, the plan correction unit 116 may acquire the difference acquired by the situation analysis unit 113.

[0081] Then, the plan modification unit 116 generates a stowage plan by inputting the acquired cargo information 111a and at least one of the stowage status and the difference into a stowage algorithm. The plan modification unit 116 determines the generated stowage plan as a modified stowage plan.

[0082] When multiple loading algorithms are stored in the algorithm storage unit 114, the plan modification unit 116 uses, for example, a predetermined loading algorithm or a loading algorithm designated by an operator. The loading algorithm used by the plan modification unit 116 may be the same as the loading algorithm used by the initial planning unit 115, or may be different.

[0083] Since generating a stowage plan may require a long processing time, the plan correction unit 116 may determine the stowage plan generated by an external information processing device connected to the network N as the corrected stowage plan.

[0084] The evaluation acquisition unit 117 acquires the result of the evaluation of the difference. For example, the evaluation acquisition unit 117 acquires the evaluation input to the first input unit 108 by the worker who performs the stowing work of multiple packages from the terminal device 105 via the network.

[0085] The evaluation result includes a judgment result as to whether or not the difference corresponds to a more desirable loading situation than the situation that would occur if loading work were performed according to the loading plan. Such an evaluation result is indicated, for example, by an input to an evaluation item related to the operation of the loading algorithm (branching of logic, parameter values ​​related to constraint conditions, etc.). Depending on the evaluation result, it can be judged whether or not to provide feedback for updating the operation of the loading algorithm.

[0086] In detail, for example, the evaluation acquisition unit 117 generates at least one evaluation item for evaluating the difference based on the initial stowage plan, the loading status, the difference, and the corrected stowage plan. For example, the evaluation item may be a branch or parameter of logic related to a part where a difference has occurred in the stowage plan among the operations of the stowage algorithm. The evaluation item is transmitted by the evaluation acquisition unit 117 to the terminal device 105 and displayed on the first output unit 107. This makes it possible to prompt the operator to determine whether the difference corresponds to a desirable stowage status or not.

[0087] Input for an evaluation item can be made in a format in which one item is selected from a plurality of corresponding items, in a format in which a numerical value within a specified range is input, in a format in which an existing value is changed, or the like.

[0088] The evaluation items may also include conditions, attributes, tolerances, etc. for determining whether the difference corresponds to a desirable loading situation. Such evaluation items and their conditions, attributes, tolerances, etc. may be acquired by input by an operator or may be acquired from an external system.

[0089] Examples of external systems that acquire evaluation items include a system that manages the location information of workers based on measurement information and current location information from terminal devices carried by workers, a system that analyzes the behavior of workers, etc. Examples of external systems that acquire evaluation items include a system that manages trucks that include the stowage space 101, and an input terminal of a remote manager.

[0090] Furthermore, the evaluation items may include items for correcting errors in the loading algorithm or correcting errors in the loading support system 100. This makes it possible, for example, to correct errors in the loading algorithm (by overriding or correcting), or to correct errors occurring in the measuring instruments 104 or the loading algorithm.

[0091] For example, an operator refers to the difference and the corrected stowage plan displayed in the first output unit 107, and if the difference corresponds to a desirable loading situation, inputs a value (feedback value) for the evaluation item as an evaluation in the first input unit 108. Also, for example, an operator refers to the difference and the corrected stowage plan displayed in the first output unit 107, and if the difference does not correspond to a desirable loading situation, he or she may input that fact as an evaluation in the first input unit 108, or may not input anything for the evaluation item.

[0092] The feedback value may be obtained, for example, from an external system that obtains the above-mentioned evaluation items. Examples of information including the feedback value obtained from the external system include information on the weight and weight distribution of the cargo 102b loaded on the truck or the like including the stowage space 101, information on the inclination of the truck or the like including the stowage space 101, information on impact on the truck or the like including the stowage space 101, and information such as audio and image. The information obtained from the external system may be displayed on the first output unit 107, and the worker may input a value (feedback value) for the evaluation item together with the information from the external system.

[0093] The evaluation acquisition unit 117 acquires the feedback value input to the first input unit 108 for the evaluation item from the terminal device 105 via the network N.

[0094] The evaluations for the evaluation items may be acquired via the network N from another information processing device (not shown).

[0095] The update unit 118 updates the stowage algorithm in the algorithm storage unit 114 based on the result of the evaluation acquired by the evaluation acquisition unit 117.

[0096] In detail, if the result of the evaluation does not include the feedback value, i.e., indicates that the difference does not correspond to the desired loading situation, the update unit 118 does not update the stowage algorithm. In this case, the position of the baggage 102b loaded in the stowage space 101 is corrected so that the difference is eliminated.

[0097] evaluation Results If includes a feedback value, i.e. indicates that the difference corresponds to a desired loading situation, the update unit 118 updates the loading algorithm used to generate the evaluated loading plan based on the feedback value.

[0098] In addition, evaluation Results includes a feedback value, it may be determined whether the feedback value is within a predetermined range, and if the feedback value is within the predetermined range, the update unit 118 may not update the stowage algorithm. Also, if the feedback value exceeds the predetermined range, the update unit 118 may update the stowage algorithm based on the feedback value. Furthermore, whether the feedback value is within the predetermined range may be determined probabilistically depending on the feedback value.

[0099] The output control unit 119 transmits information to the terminal device 105 via the network N. As a result, the terminal device 105 acquires the information, and the first output unit 107 displays the information. That is, the output control unit 119 according to the present embodiment transmits information to the terminal device 105 via the network N, thereby causing the first output unit 107 to display the information.

[0100] The information that the output control unit 119 displays on the first output unit 107 includes, for example, differences, initial stowage plan, revised stowage plan, evaluation items and corresponding input forms, etc., which are transmitted to the terminal device 105 and displayed on the first output unit 107.

[0101] When a work machine such as a robot is used for the stowage work, the output control unit 119 may transmit the stowage plan and the like to the work machine. This makes it possible to directly instruct the work machine on the stowage plan.

[0102] <Physical configuration of the stowage support device 106> The stowage support device 106 is physically, for example, a general-purpose computer.

[0103] In detail, for example, the stowage support device 106 physically comprises a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a network interface 1050, an input interface 1060, and an output interface 1070, as shown in FIG.

[0104] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data between the processor 1020, the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, the network interface 1050, the input interface 1060, and the output interface 1070. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to a bus connection.

[0105] The processor 1020 is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0106] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0107] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules for realizing each functional unit of the stowage support device 106. The processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them to realize each functional unit corresponding to the program module. This program module includes a stowage algorithm.

[0108] The network interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the stowage support device 106 to the network N.

[0109] The input interface 1060 is connected to a second input unit 110 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a motion capture device, etc., for an operator to input information.

[0110] The output interface 1070 is connected to a second output unit 109 for outputting information to an operator. The second output unit 109 may be, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) monitor, a projector, an AR (Augmented Reality) M Gane Where? be.

[0111] Although the physical configuration of the terminal device 105 is not shown, in the terminal device 105, the first input unit 108 and the first output unit are connected to the input interface 1060 and the output interface 1070, respectively. Except for this, the terminal device 105 may be physically configured in the same manner as the stowage support device 106 shown in FIG.

[0112] The configuration of the stowage support system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above. From here, the operation of the stowage support system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0113] <Loading support processing> The stowage support system 100 according to this embodiment performs a stowage support process for supporting the stowage of luggage 102 into a stowage space 101. The stowage support process includes a stowage plan generation process, a stowage plan correction process, and an update process.

[0114] The loading plan generation process is a process for generating an initial loading plan. The loading plan modification process is a process for generating a modified loading plan. The update process is a process for updating the loading algorithm used to generate the loading plan. Each of these processes will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0115] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the stowage plan generation process according to this embodiment.

[0116] The stowage plan generation process is a process that is performed before the start of stowage work in which workers stow luggage 102a in the stowage space 101, and is started, for example, in response to an instruction from an operator to the stowage support device 106. Baggage information 111a regarding the luggage 102a to be stowed in the stowage space 101 is held in advance in the luggage storage unit 111. The "current state" of the luggage information 111a at this time is that all luggage 102a have not been stowed.

[0117] The initial planning unit 115 acquires the package information 111a from the package storage unit 111 (step S101).

[0118] The status acquisition unit 112 acquires measurement information from the measuring instrument 104 (step S102).

[0119] The status acquisition unit 112 acquires information about the free space in the stowage space 101 in the initial state based on the measurement information acquired in step S102 (step S103).

[0120] Fig. 6 shows an example of the shape indicated by the free space information for the stowage space 101 in the initial state acquired in step S103. As shown in the figure, the stowage space 101 according to this embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped. The free space information acquired in step S103 includes the dimensions of the width, depth, height, and volume of the stowage space 101.

[0121] In addition, the status acquisition unit 112 may acquire the free space information by the input of the operator in step S103, in which case the process of step S102 may not be performed. In addition, the shape of the stowage space is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and may be any appropriate shape.

[0122] Referring again to FIG. The initial planning unit 115 acquires a designation of a loading algorithm for specifying a loading algorithm to be used to generate an initial loading plan from among the multiple loading algorithms stored in the algorithm storage unit 114 (Step S104).

[0123] The stowage algorithm is specified, for example, by an operator through input to the second input unit 110. For example, in the case of the DBL method, the positions at which the luggage 102a should be stowed in the stowage space 101 are calculated in the order of the luggage 102a to be stowed. Therefore, the positions at which the luggage 102a should be stowed in the stowage space 101 can be calculated based on the free space in the stowage situation measured by the measuring instrument 104, the size of the luggage 102a to be stowed next, and other constraints.

[0124] In addition, when there is only one stowage algorithm stored in the algorithm storage unit 114, when a stowage algorithm for generating an initial stowage plan is determined in advance, etc., step S104 does not need to be performed.

[0125] The initial planning unit 115 sets the free space information acquired in step S103 as stowage space information. Then, the initial planning unit 115 generates a stowage plan by inputting the stowage space information and the cargo information 111a acquired in step S101 into the stowage algorithm specified in step S104 (step S105). The initial planning unit 115 determines the stowage plan generated in step S105 as the initial stowage plan.

[0126] In the stowage plan generation process in step S105, for example, the number of packages 102a and the dimensions of each package 102a included in the package information 111a are used.

[0127] The output control unit 119 transmits the stowage plan generated in step S105 as an initial stowage plan to the terminal device 105 via the network N (step S106).

[0128] When the output control unit 119 transmits the initial stowage plan, the terminal device 105 acquires the initial stowage plan, and the first output unit 107 displays the initial stowage plan. This allows the worker to perform the stowage work of the baggage 102a in the stowage space 101 by referring to the initial stowage plan.

[0129] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the staging plan revision process according to this embodiment.

[0130] The stowage plan modification process is performed following the stowage plan generation process. The stowage plan modification process is repeatedly performed until all of the cargo 102a to be stowed in the stowage space 101 is stowed in the stowage space 101.

[0131] The status acquisition unit 112 acquires measurement information from the measuring instrument 104 (step S201).

[0132] The measurement information may be output from the measuring instrument 104 at a predetermined time interval, for example, or may be acquired by the status acquiring unit 112 inquiring of the measuring instrument 104. The status acquiring unit 112 may also hold the measurement information, and in this case, the frequency of holding the measurement information may be changed by combining multiple pieces of measurement information into one, thinning out one or multiple pieces of measurement information, etc., depending on the frequency of acquiring the measurement information.

[0133] The same applies to the case where a part or all of the measurement information is acquired via a network from another system such as a TMS, a WMS, etc. A part or all of the measurement information may be transmitted from the other system at a predetermined time interval, for example, or may be acquired by the status acquisition unit 112 making an inquiry to the other system.

[0134] Furthermore, when the situation acquisition unit 112 holds the measurement information, the data may be processed and then held according to the data format of the measurement information generated by the measuring instrument 104. For example, data in Point Cloud format may be acquired from a LiDAR 3D sensor, and in this case, the situation acquisition unit 112 may hold the measurement information after changing the data format to another format such as a polygon format, a voxel format, or a geometric shape representation using a mathematical formula.

[0135] The status acquisition unit 112 acquires stowage status information based on the measurement information acquired in step S102 (step S202).

[0136] 8 shows an example of a shape indicated by the loaded luggage information and the free space information at times T1 and T2 after the start of stowage work. Time T2 is a time after time T1. Each of the loaded luggage information and the free space information acquired in step S202 includes the dimensions of each side, the volume of the loaded luggage 102b, the volume of the free space, etc.

[0137] In addition, when the measuring instrument 104 includes a 3D sensor, it may be difficult to determine which luggage 102b has been loaded and which luggage 102a has not been loaded. In this case, for example, information on the luggage 102 that has not been loaded or has been loaded may be input by a worker via the first input unit 108 and acquired by the status acquisition unit 112. Alternatively, the luggage 102 that has not been loaded or has been loaded may be estimated based on the stowage plan and the space in the stowage space 101 in which the luggage 102b has been loaded. Furthermore, the information on the estimated luggage 102 that has not been loaded or has been loaded may be displayed on the first output unit 107, and the information may be corrected by the worker, and the status acquisition unit 112 may acquire the corrected information.

[0138] Referring again to FIG. The status acquisition unit 112 determines whether or not there is any newly loaded luggage 102b in the stowage space 101 based on the loaded luggage information included in the stowage status information acquired in step S202 (step S203).

[0139] When it is determined that there is a newly loaded baggage 102b in the stowage space 101 (step S203; Yes), the status acquisition unit 112 updates the baggage information 111a of the baggage 102b (step S204).

[0140] In detail, the status acquisition unit 112 updates the "current status" included in the cargo information 111a of the cargo 102b to "loaded."

[0141] If it is determined that there is no newly loaded baggage 102b in the stowage space 101 (step S203; No), or following step S204, the situation analyzing unit 113 calculates the difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation (step S205).

[0142] In detail, for example, the situation analyzing unit 113 compares the stowage plan referred to in the current stowage work with the stowage situation indicated by the stowage situation information acquired in step S202. In this way, the situation analyzing unit 113 obtains the difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation.

[0143] More specifically, the situation analyzing unit 113 estimates, from the free space situation indicated by the free space information, at what time and at what position in the stowage space 101 what size of luggage 102b was loaded. For example, the free space at time T1 is compared with the free space at time T2, and the difference between the shape and volume of the two is estimated to be the luggage 102b loaded between time T1 and time T2.

[0144] Alternatively, the situation analyzing unit 113 estimates, from the loaded luggage situation indicated by the loaded luggage information, at what time and at what position in the stowage space 101 and what size of luggage 102b was loaded. For example, the loaded luggage situation at time T1 is compared with the loaded luggage situation at time T2, and the difference in shape and volume between the two is estimated to be the luggage 102b loaded between time T1 and time T2.

[0145] The loading situation and the available space situation are at a minimum friend By repeating such estimation and storing the estimation results based on one side, it is possible to obtain time-series information indicating in time series what size of baggage 102b is loaded and where in stowage space 101 it is loaded.

[0146] Since the stowage plan shows the procedure for stowage of multiple baggage 102 in the stowage space 101, it is possible to obtain the difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation by comparing the stowage plan with the time-series information. In this way, the situation analysis unit 113 obtains the difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation.

[0147] The data format of the difference may be, for example, a numerical value, a vector / matrix, a graph, or geometric information. Since workers refer to the difference when making their evaluation, it is advisable to process the difference in a format that is easy for workers to understand.

[0148] The method of calculating the difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation described here is merely an example and may be modified as appropriate.

[0149] For example, the loading situation may be compared with multiple loading plans, examples of which include loading plans generated using different algorithms, such as the DBL method and the 3BF method, and loading plans generated using the same algorithm but with different parameters.

[0150] Also, for example, the comparison method may be changed depending on the measuring instrument 104. For example, if the measuring instrument 104 includes a device that reads a baggage ID from a two-dimensional code, an RFID tag, or the like attached to the baggage 102, the difference may be found by appropriately using the baggage information 111a. Also, for example, if the measuring instrument 104 includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the baggage 102, a hyperspectral camera that measures the condition of the baggage 102, or the like, information acquired from these devices may be used to detect an abnormality in the baggage, and the detected abnormality may be included in the difference.

[0151] Also, for example, if the measuring instrument 104 measures the movements of the workers and the loading plan also includes the movements of the workers (e.g., as feedback from the loading model update function), it becomes possible to compare the movements of the workers.

[0152] Furthermore, for example, the stowage plan and the stowage status information may each be processed by statistical analysis or the like, and the processed stowage plan and the stowage status information may be compared.

[0153] The situation analyzing unit 113 determines whether or not there is a difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation based on the difference calculated in step S205 (step S206).

[0154] Here, the situation analyzing unit 113 may hold in advance a threshold value for determining whether or not there is a difference. In this case, the situation analyzing unit 113 determines that there is no difference when the difference obtained in step S205 is less than the threshold value. Moreover, the situation analyzing unit 113 determines that there is a difference when the difference obtained in step S205 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The threshold value may be set according to information obtained from outside, such as the measured value of an environmental sensor, an error of the measuring instrument 104, etc.

[0155] If it is determined that there is no difference (step S206; No), the state analyzing unit 113 returns to the process of step S201.

[0156] If it is determined that there is a difference (step S206; Yes), the plan correction unit 116 generates a stowage plan (step S207).

[0157] In step S207, for example, a stowage plan is generated based on the stowage plan referred to in the current stowage work, the stowage status information acquired in step S202, and the difference calculated in step S205. The plan correction unit 116 determines the stowage plan generated in step S207 as a corrected stowage plan.

[0158] The loading algorithm applied in step S207 may be the loading algorithm applied when generating the loading plan referred to in the current loading operation, or may be specified by the operator.

[0159] The output control unit 119 performs steps S202 and S20 5 The stowage status information and the difference acquired in step S202 and the stowage plan (modified stowage plan) generated in step S207 are transmitted to the terminal device 105 via the network N (step S208).

[0160] The difference to be transmitted in step S208 is 5 The information may include information indicating the amount of change over time of the difference calculated by

[0161] When the output control unit 119 transmits the information in step S208, the terminal device 105 acquires the information, and the first output unit 107 displays the information. This allows the worker to evaluate whether the difference corresponds to a desirable stowage situation by referring to the difference, the stowage situation information, and the revised stowage plan. If the difference corresponds to a desirable stowage situation, the worker can perform the stowage work of the cargo 102a in the stowage space 101 by referring to the revised stowage plan.

[0162] The output control unit 119 may transmit other information in step S208. The other information may be, for example, information indicating instructions by a worker, information indicating annotations, acquired sensor information such as external environment information, etc. As a result, the first output unit 107 displays other information in addition to the difference, stowage status information, and corrected stowage plan. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, the worker can evaluate the difference based on more information and input values ​​for more appropriate evaluation items as necessary. This makes it possible to support more efficient stowage of cargo.

[0163] figure 9 10 is a flowchart of the update process according to this embodiment. The update process is performed following step S208 of the stowage plan revision process.

[0164] The evaluation acquisition unit 117 generates evaluation items for evaluating the differences (step S301).

[0165] The evaluation acquisition unit 117 transmits the evaluation items generated in step S301 (step S302). At this time, the evaluation acquisition unit 117 may transmit an input form corresponding to the evaluation items together with the evaluation items.

[0166] When the evaluation acquisition unit 117 transmits the evaluation items and the input form, the terminal device 105 acquires the evaluation items and the input form, and the first output unit 107 displays the evaluation items and the input form. This allows the worker to refer to the information and evaluation items transmitted in step S208 and determine whether the difference corresponds to a desirable stowage situation.

[0167] For example, when the difference does not correspond to the desired loading situation, it is when the difference in the current loading situation occurs due to a loading error or the like. In this case, since there is no need to update the loading algorithm, the worker does not input anything to the evaluation item. Then, the worker corrects the loading of the cargo 102b with the difference so that it conforms to the loading plan.

[0168] In addition, for example, a case where the difference corresponds to a desirable loading situation is a case where a difference in the current loading situation occurs due to intentionally performing loading different from the stowage plan in order to perform loading more efficiently than the stowage plan. In this case, since it is desirable to update the stowage algorithm, the operator inputs feedback values ​​for the evaluation items through the first input unit 108 and transmits them to the stowage support device 106.

[0169] Generally, the loading rate varies depending on the skill level of the worker. The more skilled the worker is, the higher the loading rate is. Loading rate Therefore, if an experienced worker is able to load the cargo 102 at a loading rate higher than the loading plan, there is a possibility that the cargo 102 can be loaded at a loading rate higher than the loading plan.

[0170] Therefore, if a worker intentionally loads differently from the loading plan, a feedback value is input to update the loading algorithm according to the worker's judgment. I The presence or absence of a feedback value corresponds to whether or not the difference corresponds to a loading situation that is more desirable than the situation that would result if loading operations were carried out according to the loading plan.

[0171] Here, the loading rate is an index showing the efficiency of loading cargo in a loading space. The loading rate is expressed, for example, by the ratio of the volume of the cargo loaded in the loading space to the total volume of the loading space. Also, for example, the loading rate is expressed by the ratio of the weight of the cargo loaded in the loading space to the maximum load weight predetermined for the bed of the truck.

[0172] In addition, workers will provide feedback. value Instead of inputting the feedback value, the feedback value may be obtained from another system (not shown). Also, the feedback value may be obtained by utilizing an inference technique such as machine learning (deep learning).

[0173] The evaluation acquisition unit 117 determines whether or not a feedback value has been acquired from the terminal device 105 (step S303).

[0174] For example, if a feedback value is not acquired within a predetermined time, if an evaluation result not including a feedback value is acquired, etc., the evaluation acquisition unit 117 determines that a feedback value has not been acquired. If it is determined that a feedback value has not been acquired (step S303; No), the evaluation acquisition unit 117 ends the update process.

[0175] Also, for example, when the evaluation result including the feedback value is acquired from the terminal device 105, the evaluation acquisition unit 117 judges that the feedback value has been acquired. When it is judged that the feedback value has been acquired (step S303; Yes), the evaluation acquisition unit 117 updates the stowage algorithm based on the acquired feedback value (step S304), and ends the update process.

[0176] The loading algorithm to be updated in step S304 is, for example, the loading algorithm applied when generating the loading plan referred to in the current loading operation (selected loading algorithm).

[0177] The method of updating the loading algorithm may be any method that can change the operation of the program. For example, the method of updating the loading algorithm is to change the values ​​of parameters referenced by the program (e.g., changing the ON / OFF of constraint conditions of the loading algorithm, flag values, threshold values, and weighting values). Another example of the method of updating the loading algorithm is to change the logic of a model that uses reinforcement learning such as a genetic algorithm or machine learning.

[0178] As described above, the algorithm storage unit 114 can hold a plurality of loading algorithms and parameter information to be applied to each of the loading algorithms. Then, the initial planning unit 115 and the plan modification unit 116 can select one of the plurality of loading algorithms to be used for generating a loading plan.

[0179] In updating the loading algorithm, the currently selected loading algorithm and set of parameter information may be overwritten.

[0180] In addition, when updating the loading algorithm, it is preferable to store both the set of the selected loading algorithm and parameter information and the updated set under different names, etc. This makes it possible to store multiple different models and use them according to the attributes of operators (e.g., their skill level in loading work), for example.

[0181] By performing such an update process, the knowledge of the worker who can stow the baggage 102 at a high stowage rate can be reflected in the stowage algorithm. Then, by generating a stowage plan using the updated stowage algorithm, even a worker with a relatively low level of proficiency can stow the baggage 102 at a high stowage rate. Therefore, it is possible to support more efficient stowage of baggage.

[0182] Furthermore, as described above, the stowage plan modification process is repeatedly executed until all the cargo 102a are stowed. Therefore, when the stowage algorithm is updated, a modified stowage plan can be created using the updated stowage algorithm almost immediately thereafter. This allows stowage work to be performed in real time according to the stowage plan created using the updated stowage algorithm. This makes it possible to support more efficient stowage of cargo.

[0183] According to this embodiment, the difference between the stowage plan and the stowage situation is displayed on the first output unit 107. This allows the worker to know that the stowage situation differs from the stowage plan, and to determine whether the stowage situation or the stowage plan should be revised in order to stow cargo more efficiently. This makes it possible to support more efficient stowage of cargo.

[0184] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and may be modified as appropriate.

[0185] (Variation 1) The measuring instrument 104 may further measure the luggage information 111a of the luggage 102, and operation information of the worker or the equipment carrying in the luggage 102 (information indicating when, where, and what operation was performed). 8 may be entered into

[0186] As shown in FIG. 10, the stowage support device 206 may include a correction instruction unit 220 in addition to the components included in the stowage support device 106 according to the embodiment.

[0187] The correction instruction unit 220 may hold information indicating a dangerous operation in advance, and when the operation indicated by the operation information matches the dangerous operation, transmit a correction instruction indicating that a dangerous operation has been performed to the terminal device 105 via the network N. As a result, the terminal device acquires the correction instruction, and the first output unit 107 displays the correction instruction. Since the worker can notice the dangerous operation, it is possible to improve the safety of the stowage work.

[0188] Furthermore, when operation information is measured or input as in this modified example, the update unit 118 may further refer to the operation information to update the stowage algorithm.

[0189] For example, the update unit 118 may detect that a worker is in a dangerous state based on the operation information, and when a dangerous state of the worker is detected, update the stowage algorithm (model) so that the dangerous state can be avoided. The dangerous state may be detected by the update unit 118 preliminarily storing information indicating the dangerous state and comparing the information with the operation information, or the dangerous state may be detected using a learning model trained by machine learning in which the update unit 118 performs machine learning to detect a dangerous state using operation information as input. When learning the learning model, it is preferable to perform supervised learning in which operation information including a dangerous state and operation information not including a dangerous state are input, and operation information including a dangerous state is output.

[0190] For example, the update unit 118 may obtain the work efficiency of the worker based on the operation information, and update the stowage algorithm (model) so as to improve the work efficiency. For example, the update unit 118 may obtain the amount of exercise of the worker based on the operation information, and update the stowage algorithm (model) so as to reduce the amount of exercise.

[0191] Further, for example, the update unit 118 may hold in advance one or more update rules that associate the actions of an operator with update methods of the stowage algorithm, and when an action of an operator included in an update rule is detected from the action information, the update unit 118 may update the stowage algorithm with the update method associated with the action of the operator. The update method may be, for example, changing parameters, changing logic, etc.

[0192] Furthermore, when the motion information is measured or input as in this modified example, the output control unit 119 may transmit the motion information to the terminal device 105 via the network N. This allows the terminal device 105 to acquire the motion information, and the first output unit 107 to display the motion information. That is, the motion information can be displayed on the first output unit 107.

[0193] The worker can determine whether to change the operation in the stowage work and, if so, how to change it by viewing the operation information displayed on the first output unit 107. As a result, it becomes possible to perform a more efficient stowage work according to the stowage plan.

[0194] (Variation 2) In the embodiment, the measuring instrument 104 is described as measuring the shape, size, etc. of the stowage space 101. However, the baggage information 111a may be referred to in order to find the difference.

[0195] For example, the baggage information 111a may be acquired from the baggage storage unit 111 based on a baggage ID read from a two-dimensional code, an RFID tag, or the like attached to the baggage 102. In this case, the measuring instrument 104 may further include a barcode reader, an RFID reader, or the like. Furthermore, the devices included in the measuring instrument 104 are not limited to fixed installation types, and may be handheld, wearable, or other various types, and an easy-to-use device may be selected from these.

[0196] For example, the luggage information 111a may further acquire the weight, destination, and loading conditions such as top and bottom freezing of the luggage 102 from another system based on the luggage ID read from a two-dimensional code, an RFID tag, etc. Examples of such another system include a TMS, a WMS, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and a CRM (Customer Relationship Management).

[0197] By using the package information 111a together with the measurement information, the difference can be found based on more accurate information about the packages 102a. Also, since packages 102a that are the same in shape and size but different can be distinguished, the difference can be found with higher accuracy.

[0198] (Variation 3) For example, the loading situation obtained by the measuring instrument 104 and the situation analysis unit 113 may be used to model a new loading algorithm (model). When a loading algorithm is created from the loading situation obtained by the loading work of an expert, this loading algorithm (model) can output a loading plan that is tacit knowledge of the loading of the expert. This is effective when loading done by an expert loading worker is used as a model teaching material to compare with the loading done by a junior worker.

[0199] (Variation 4) 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the stowage support device 306 according to Modification 4. The stowage support device 306 may include, for example, a situation analysis unit 313 and an output control unit 319.

[0200] The situation analysis unit 313 obtains a difference between a stowage plan for stowage of a plurality of cargo items in a stowage space and a stowage situation, which is a situation of the stowage space in which some or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually stowed. The output control unit 319 outputs the difference to the output unit.

[0201] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the stowage support process according to Modification 4. This stowage support process is executed by the stowage support device 306, for example.

[0202] Situation Analysis Department 3 13 calculates the difference between a stowage plan for stowing a plurality of cargo items in a stowage space and a stowage status, which is the status of the stowage space when some or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually stowed (step S401).

[0203] The output control unit 119 causes the output unit to output the difference (step S402).

[0204] As with the embodiment, this modified example also makes it possible to assist in more efficient loading of luggage.

[0205] Although the embodiment and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0206] In addition, in the flowcharts used in the above description, multiple steps (processing) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps performed in each of the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In each of the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments and variations can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

[0207] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0208] 1. A situation analysis means for determining a difference between a loading plan for loading a plurality of cargo items into a loading space and a loading situation, which is a situation of the loading space in which a part or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually loaded; and an output control means for causing an output means to output the difference. Loading support equipment. 2. The system further comprises a plan modification means for modifying the stowage plan based on at least one of the loading status and the difference, The output control means further causes the output means to output the revised stowage plan. The stowage support device described in 1. above. 3. The plan correction means determines, as a corrected stowage plan, a stowage plan generated by inputting, to a stowage algorithm that receives input of cargo information on one or more cargoes and stowage space information on the stowage space, a stowage plan for stowage of the one or more cargoes in the stowage space, and inputs cargo information on one or more cargoes not yet loaded in the stowage space and the stowage space information including at least one of the loading status and the difference. The stowage support device described in 2. above. 4. An evaluation acquisition means for acquiring an evaluation result for the difference; and updating means for updating the stowage algorithm based on the result of the evaluation. The stowage support device described in 3. above. 5. The evaluation shall include a judgment as to whether the difference corresponds to a more desirable loading situation than that which would result if loading operations were carried out in accordance with the loading plan. The stowage support device described in 4. above. 6. The evaluation acquisition means acquires the result of an evaluation made by a worker who performs the stowing work of the plurality of packages with respect to the difference. 4. A stowage support device as described in 4. or 5. above. 7. The output control means causes the output means to output evaluation items for evaluating the difference. A loading support device as described in any one of 4. to 6. above. 8. The method further comprises an initial planning means for determining, as an initial stowage plan, a stowage plan generated by inputting, to the stowage algorithm, the baggage information relating to a plurality of baggage items to be stowed in the stowage space and the stowage space information indicating an initial state of the stowage space; The output control means further causes the output means to output the initial stowage plan. A stowage support device as described in any one of 3. to 7. above. 9. The vessel further comprises a status acquisition means for acquiring loading status information indicating the loading status in real time; The situation analysis means obtains a difference between the loading plan and the loading situation in real time. A loading support device as described in any one of 1. to 8. above. 10. A stowage support device according to any one of 1. to 9. above; a terminal device including the output means; Loading assistance system. 11. Calculate the difference between a loading plan for loading a plurality of cargo items into a loading space and a loading status, which is the status of the loading space when some or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually loaded; The difference is output to an output means. Loading support method. 12. On the computer: A program for executing the loading support method described in 11 above. 13. A recording medium on which the program described in 12 above is recorded.

[0209] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-169775, filed on October 15, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 100 Loading Support System 101 Stowage space 102 Luggage 103 Luggage storage 104 Measuring Instruments 105 Terminal Equipment 106,206,306 Loading support equipment 107 First output section 108 First input section 109 Second output section 110 Second input section 111 Luggage storage unit 111a Baggage Information 112 Status Acquisition Unit 113,313 Situation Analysis Department 114 Algorithm Memory Unit 115 Initial Planning Department 116 Plan Revision Section 117 Evaluation Department 118 Update Department 119,319 Output control section 220 Correction instruction section

Claims

1. a situation analysis means for determining a difference between a stowage plan for stowage of a plurality of cargo items in a stowage space and a stowage situation, which is a situation of the stowage space in which a part or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually stowed; a plan correction means for correcting the stowage plan by inputting at least one of the loading status and the difference into a stowage algorithm that outputs a stowage plan for stowage of one or more cargo items in a stowage space; An evaluation acquisition means for acquiring an evaluation result for the difference; an update means for updating the stowage algorithm based on the results of the evaluation; and an output control means for causing an output means to output the difference and the revised stowage plan. Loading support equipment.

2. The plan correction means determines, as a corrected stowage plan, a stowage plan generated by inputting, to the stowage algorithm, when cargo information on one or more cargoes and stowage space information on the stowage space are input, a stowage plan for stowage of the one or more cargoes in the stowage space, and the stowage space information including at least one of the stowage status and the difference.

2. The stowage support device according to claim 1.

3. The evaluation includes a judgment result as to whether the difference corresponds to a loading situation more desirable than the situation that would occur if loading operations were carried out in accordance with the loading plan. The stowage support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The output control means causes the output means to output evaluation items for evaluating the difference. The stowage support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The loading status information acquisition means further includes a loading status acquisition means for acquiring loading status information indicating the loading status in real time, The situation analysis means obtains a difference between the loading plan and the loading situation in real time. The stowage support device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The stowage support device according to claim 1 or 2, a terminal device including the output means; Loading assistance system.

7. A computer comprising: A difference is obtained between a loading plan for loading a plurality of cargo items into a loading space and a loading status, which is a status of the loading space in which a part or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually loaded; modifying the stowage plan by inputting at least one of the loading conditions and the difference into a stowage algorithm, the stowage algorithm outputting a stowage plan for stowage of one or more cargo items into a stowage space; obtaining a result of an evaluation of the difference; updating the stowage algorithm based on results of the evaluation; and outputting the difference and the revised stowage plan to an output means. Loading support method.

8. On the computer, A difference is obtained between a loading plan for loading a plurality of cargo items into a loading space and a loading status, which is a status of the loading space in which a part or all of the plurality of cargo items are actually loaded; modifying the stowage plan by inputting at least one of the loading conditions and the difference into a stowage algorithm, the stowage algorithm outputting a stowage plan for stowage of one or more cargo items into a stowage space; obtaining a result of an evaluation of the difference; updating the stowage algorithm based on results of the evaluation; and outputting the difference and the revised stowage plan to an output means. A program to make it happen.

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