Pallet operation system and pallet operation method using the same

Abstract

To provide a pallet operation system which realizes efficient operation of pallets and reduces manual loading and unloading of luggage by luggage carriers as much as possible. [Solution] The pallet operation system 1 comprises a plurality of pallets 11, each equipped with a pallet position information transmitter 111, a server 12 having the function of controlling the entire pallet operation system, a pallet user terminal 13 provided by a pallet user who transports cargo using pallets, and a pallet transport company terminal 14 provided by each of a plurality of pallet transport companies. The pallet transport company is responsible for taking an empty pallet out of a first pallet storage V1 in one of a plurality of pallet storages V and carrying it into a pallet delivery location TI where the pallet user begins using the pallet 11, or retrieving it from a pallet recovery location TO where the pallet user ends using the pallet, and storing it in a second pallet storage V2 in another of the plurality of pallet storages V.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet handling system for handling pallets for transporting cargo in a logistics system. [Background technology]

[0002] Technologies for improving the efficiency of logistics systems include a cargo tracking system that allows senders and recipients to quickly and easily ascertain the location information of packages using the Internet, etc. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also a goods transport optimization system that determines the transit and destination points for a specific pallet in real time based on the location information of the transport vehicle and the identification information of the pallet (See, for example, Patent Document 2). There is also a goods transport optimization system that plans these in advance and modifies the advance plan depending on the situation (See, for example, Patent Document 3). Furthermore, there is a simple, low-cost pallet location information confirmation system that does not require a server to store location information, etc., by storing location information, etc. transmitted from a mobile master on a recording medium attached to each pallet (See, for example, Patent Document 4). However, these logistics systems do not focus on the efficient use of pallets themselves, and therefore have the problem of being unable to efficiently use pallets and reducing the number of manual loads and unloads required by cargo carriers when pallets are not used. This also means that ultimately, there is the problem of being unable to significantly improve the loading rate of transport vehicles and reduce empty vehicle distances. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3937222 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6362229 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6362240 [Patent Document 4] Utility Model Registration No. 3220366 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a pallet operation system that focuses on the efficient operation of pallets themselves in a logistics system, thereby realizing efficient operation of pallets and minimizing manual loading and unloading by cargo carriers, thereby significantly improving the loading rate of transport vehicles and reducing empty vehicle distances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The pallet operation system according to the present invention is a pallet operation system for operating pallets for transporting cargo in a logistics system, and the pallet operation system comprises: a plurality of pallets, each equipped with a pallet position information transmitter that has a function of transmitting pallet position information, which is position information including time information, and a predetermined individual identification code; a server that has a function of controlling the entire pallet operation system; pallet user terminals, which are terminals of the server, provided for a plurality of pallet users who transport cargo using pallets; and pallet transport company terminals, which are terminals of the server, provided for a plurality of pallet transport companies, each having predetermined transport company position information, that perform the task of removing an empty pallet from one of a plurality of pallet stores, each having predetermined store location information, and carrying it into a pallet carry-in location where the pallet user begins using the pallet, or collecting it from a pallet collection location where the pallet user ends use of the pallet, and storing it in another one of the plurality of pallet stores. The pallet user terminal transmits pallet usage information, including pallet usage number information, scheduled pallet usage start date and time information, scheduled pallet usage end date and time information, pallet delivery location information, and pallet recovery location information, specified by the pallet user, to the server, and receives delivery acceptance completion information and recovery acceptance completion information from the server. The server receives the pallet usage information from the pallet user terminal, and appropriately selects a specific pallet to be used by the pallet user from among pallets that are close to the pallet delivery location and are stored in the pallet storage using the pallet usage information and the pallet position information and individual identification code received from the pallet position information transmitters of each of the multiple pallets, performs a specific pallet selection process in which the specific pallet storage that stores the specific pallet is designated as the first pallet storage, performs a warehousing storage matching process in which appropriately selects a second pallet storage that is a specific pallet storage that will recover and store the specific pallet, using the multiple storage location information and the pallet usage information, and selects a pallet transport company in charge of delivery that is responsible for the task of removing the specific pallet from the first pallet storage and delivering it to the pallet delivery location specified in the pallet delivery location information.A delivery person matching process is performed to appropriately select from a plurality of pallet delivery companies using a plurality of delivery company location information, pallet usage information, and pallet location information of a specific pallet, and a collection person matching process is performed to appropriately select from a plurality of pallet delivery companies a collection pallet delivery company that will be responsible for the task of collecting the specific pallet from the pallet collection location in the pallet collection location information and storing it in a second pallet storehouse using the plurality of delivery company location information, storage location information of the second pallet storehouse, and pallet usage information, and to transmit to the pallet delivery company terminal information for delivery person including the pallet usage information, the pallet location information of the specific pallet, the individual identification code, and storage location information of the first pallet storehouse, and collection information including the pallet usage information, the individual identification code of the specific pallet, and storage location information of the second pallet storehouse. and receives from the pallet transport company terminal carry-in acceptance refusal information consisting of carry-in acceptance information or carry-in refusal information, and collection acceptance refusal information consisting of collection acceptance information or collection refusal information, and if the carry-in acceptance refusal information is carry-in acceptance information, it sends carry-in acceptance completion information to the pallet user terminal, and if the carry-in refusal information is carry-in refusal information, it performs a carry-in person matching process again and sends the information for the carry-in person again, and if the collection acceptance refusal information is collection acceptance information, it sends collection acceptance completion information to the pallet user terminal, and if the collection refusal information is collection refusal information, it performs a collection person matching process again and sends the information for the collection person again, and the pallet transport company terminal receives the carry-in person information or the collection person information from the server and sends the carry-in acceptance refusal information or the collection acceptance refusal information to the server.

[0006] The pallet operation method of the present invention is a pallet operation method using the pallet operation system of the present invention, and is a pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation. This pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation includes a pallet use information sending process (S1) in which a pallet user terminal sends pallet use information to a server, a pallet use information receiving process (S2) in which the server receives pallet use information from the pallet user terminal, a specific pallet selection process (S3) performed by the server, a delivery person matching process (S4) performed by the server, a delivery person information sending process (S5) in which the server sends information for the delivery person to a pallet transport company terminal of the pallet transport company in charge of delivery, a delivery person information receiving process (S6) in which the pallet transport company terminal of the pallet transport company in charge of delivery receives information for the delivery person from the server, a delivery person acceptance refusal information sending process (S7) in which the pallet transport company terminal of the pallet transport company in charge of delivery sends delivery acceptance refusal information to the server, and a delivery acceptance refusal information receiving process (S8) in which the server receives delivery acceptance refusal information from the pallet transport company terminal of the pallet transport company in charge of delivery. A first determination process (S9) in which the server sends carry-in acceptance completion information to the pallet user terminal if the carry-in acceptance refusal information is carry-in acceptance information, and returns to step S4 if the carry-in acceptance information is carry-in refusal information; a carry-in acceptance completion information reception process (S10) in which the pallet user terminal receives carry-in acceptance completion information from the server; a warehouse storage matching process (S11) performed in the server; a collection person matching process (S12) performed in the server; and a collection person matching process (S13) in which the server sends the collection acceptance completion information to the pallet transport company terminal of the collection person transport company. A collection person information sending process (S13) for sending information for the person in charge, a collection person information receiving process (S14) for receiving information for the collection person from the server at the pallet transport company terminal of the collection pallet transport company, a collection acceptance refusal information sending process (S15) for sending collection acceptance refusal information to the server at the pallet transport company terminal of the collection pallet transport company, a collection acceptance refusal information receiving process (S16) for receiving collection acceptance refusal information from the pallet transport company terminal of the collection pallet transport company, andThe method is characterized by including a second determination process (S17) in which collection acceptance completion information is sent to the pallet user terminal in the case of collection acceptance information, and in the case of collection refusal information, the process returns to step S12, and a collection acceptance completion information reception process (S18) in which the pallet user terminal receives the collection acceptance completion information from the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The pallet operation system of the present invention enables efficient operation of pallets, thereby increasing the opportunities for transporting goods by pallet, thereby minimizing manual loading and unloading by the goods carrier, reducing the physical burden on the goods carrier, and reducing the time required for unloading and loading goods and waiting time for goods carriers. This also improves the loading rate of transport vehicles and reduces the distance that empty vehicles travel. The effect of realizing such a pallet operation system is achieved. The pallet operation system of the present invention has the effect of realizing a pallet operation system in which empty pallets are transported by a third party, so that there is no need for empty pallets to be transported by a luggage transport vehicle before or after luggage is carried out, thereby eliminating the wasteful use of luggage transport vehicles and improving the loading rate of luggage transport vehicles and reducing the distance traveled by empty vehicles. The pallet operation system of the present invention has the effect of realizing a pallet operation system that can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in the supply chain and utilizing idle assets by improving the efficiency of pallet transportation of cargo and by having third parties transport empty pallets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a pallet operation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of a pallet operation method when preparing for pallet operation using a pallet operation system in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a simulation result of transportation by a conventional method. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a simulation result of an actual transportation example according to a pallet operation method using a pallet operation system in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a pallet operation system 1 according to the present embodiment and an embodiment of a pallet operation method using the same will be described with reference to the drawings. [Term definition] In the present invention, the predetermined individual identification code is defined as a code that is preset and recorded in each location information transmitter and server, and is used to identify each individual pallet. In the present invention, the preset location information of each storage unit is defined as the location information of each pallet storage unit that is preset and recorded in the server. In the present invention, the preset location information of each transport company is defined as the location information of each pallet transport company that is preset and recorded in the server. In the present invention, a server is defined as a server configured as any one of a physical server, a virtual server, and a cloud server, or a combination thereof. In this invention, the transmission of information is defined as transmission by radio waves using communication means such as mobile communications such as LTE, 4G, and 5G, wireless LANs such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), and short-range communications such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the present invention, sending / receiving information is defined as sending / receiving each piece of information via the Internet. In this invention, a carton is defined as a cardboard box containing one or more items that is transported on a cargo pallet, as well as a wooden box containing one or more items, a box made of a material other than wood that contains one or more items, or an object that wraps one or more items. In this invention, "pallet operation" refers to the process from when an empty pallet is actually transported to the cargo shipper, when a pallet user uses it to transport cargo, until the empty pallet is collected after use. That is, the pallet transport company in charge of delivery removes the empty pallet from the first pallet storage and transports it to the pallet import location (the cargo shipper). Then, on the scheduled start date of pallet use, the pallet user uses the pallet to transport the cargo from the pallet import location (the cargo shipper) to the pallet collection location (the cargo delivery destination). Furthermore, this refers to the process from when the pallet transport company in charge of collection retrieves the empty pallet from the pallet collection location after the scheduled end date of pallet use, i.e., after the pallet has been used, and stores the pallet of this invention in the second pallet storage. In this invention, "pallet operation preparation" refers to the process of preparation for pallet operation. Because this is preparation for pallet operation, the first pallet storage (specific pallet) and the pallet transport company responsible for delivery must be selected at least before the scheduled start date and time of pallet use or when pallet use actually begins. That is, the processes from the pallet use information transmission process, in which the pallet user terminal transmits pallet use information to the server, to the delivery acceptance completion information reception process, in which delivery acceptance completion information is received from the server, must be completed. Here, the second pallet storage and the pallet transport company responsible for collection do not necessarily have to be selected before the scheduled end date and time of pallet use or when pallet use actually ends, but it is preferable that they have been selected. That is, it is preferable that the processes from the warehouse storage matching process performed by the server to the collection acceptance completion information reception process performed by the pallet user terminal have been completed. Furthermore, this pallet operation preparation does not include the processes of presetting and recording information such as individual identification codes, storage location information, and transport company location information, nor the processes of adding / updating this information. In the present invention, appropriate selection is defined as selection such that the transportation of empty pallets and the movement required for that (empty vehicle distance) are shortest or as close to shortest as possible. In the present invention, the loading start time information, loading end time information, unloading start time information, and unloading end time information are defined as the loading start time, loading end time, unloading start time, and unloading end time themselves, respectively. [Example]

[0010] The present system and method are a pallet operation system 1 for operating pallets for transporting cargo in a logistics system, and a pallet operation method using the same.

[0011] [Configuration of Pallet Operation System 1] The configuration of the pallet operation system 1 according to this embodiment is shown below. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a pallet handling system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0012] The pallet operation system 1 includes a plurality of pallets 11, each equipped with a pallet position information transmitter 111, and a server 12 having a function of controlling the pallet operation system 1 as a whole. The pallet position information transmitter 111 has a function of transmitting pallet position information D21, which is position information including time information, and each individual identification code D22 that has been set in advance.

[0013] The pallet position information D21 may be based on GPS information provided by a GPS device, or may be based on base station information provided by mobile communication if the information is transmitted via mobile communication. Here, the individual identification code D22 is added / updated on the server 12 as needed. Furthermore, the shape and size of the pallet 11 are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the shape and size may be uniform among all pallets, or may vary depending on the application. When the shape and size of individual pallets 11 vary, the shape and size are recorded in the server 12 for each individual identification code D22 of the pallet position information transmitter 111 attached to the pallet 11. The server 12 can recognize the shape and size of any pallet 11 by the individual identification code D22, and use it for pallet management.

[0014] The pallet operation system 1 also includes pallet user terminals 13, which are terminals of the server 12 provided to a plurality of pallet users U who transport cargo using the pallets 11. Furthermore, the pallet operation system 1 includes pallet transport company terminals 14, which are terminals of servers provided by multiple pallet transport companies C, each of which has preset transport company location information. Any one of the multiple pallet transport companies C may, in some cases, retrieve an empty pallet from a first pallet storage V1 in one of multiple pallet storage vaults V, each of which has preset storage location information. The pallet transport company C then transports the empty pallet to a pallet delivery location TI (i.e., the cargo shipper) where a pallet user U begins using the pallet 11 (i.e., starts transporting cargo using the pallet 11). In some cases, the pallet transport company C may also retrieve the empty pallet from a pallet recovery location TO (i.e., the cargo delivery destination) where the pallet user U ends use of the pallet 11. The pallet transport company C then transports the empty pallet to a second pallet storage V2 in another of the multiple pallet storage vaults V.

[0015] 1 shows an embodiment in which the pallet user terminal 13 is provided at a pallet carry-in location TI (the sender of the package). However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the terminal may be provided at a location other than the sender of the package. In other words, pallet transport company C is a so-called cooperating company (cooperating transport company) that transports and collects empty pallets for the pallet operation in question. That is, one pallet transport company C (cooperative company) selected from among multiple pallet transport companies C (cooperative companies) in the loading personnel matching process (described later) will be responsible for the loading work. Also, one pallet transport company C (cooperative company) selected in the collection personnel matching process (described later) will be responsible for the collection work. Here, the shipping company location information and the storage location information are added / updated on the server 12 as needed.

[0016] The pallet user terminal 13 has a function of transmitting pallet usage information D1 to the server 12. The pallet usage information D1 includes information on the number of pallets used, information on the scheduled date and time when pallet usage will start, information on the scheduled date and time when pallet usage will end, information on the pallet delivery location, and information on the pallet recovery location, all of which are specified by the pallet user U. The pallet user terminal 13 also has a function of receiving carry-in acceptance completion information D5 and collection acceptance completion information D8 from the server 12.

[0017] In other words, sending the pallet usage information D1 to the server 12 is an order to a so-called partner company to carry in / collect empty pallets. Furthermore, receiving the carry-in acceptance completion information D5 and the collection acceptance completion information D8 can be said to be, in other words, receiving an acceptance of the order for the above-mentioned work. Details regarding the carry-in acceptance completion information D5 and the collection acceptance completion information D8 will be described later in the section on the pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation.

[0018] The server 12 has a function of receiving pallet use information D1 from the pallet user terminal 13. The server 12 also has a function for performing a specific pallet selection process. Here, the specific pallet selection process is a process for appropriately selecting a specific pallet 112 to be used by a pallet user U from among pallets 11 that are close to the pallet receiving location TI and stored in a pallet storage vault V. To achieve this, the server 12 uses the pallet usage information D1 and the pallet position information D21 and individual identification code D22 of each of the multiple pallets 11 received from the pallet position information transmitter 111. Furthermore, the specific pallet storage v that stores the specific pallet 112 is designated as the first pallet storage vault V1.

[0019] Here, if the communication means is mobile communication, the pallet position information D21 transmitted from the pallet position information transmitter 111 is received by the server 12 via the Internet. If the communication means is wireless LAN or short-range communication, the pallet position information D21 is first received by a nearby receiver for such communication means. The receiver is provided at a base such as the pallet storage warehouse V, pallet delivery location TI, or pallet collection location TO, or in a baggage transport vehicle. The pallet position information D21 is then transmitted from the receiver to the Internet and received by the server 12 via the Internet.

[0020] The server 12 also has a function of performing a warehousing / storage matching process, which is a process of appropriately selecting a second pallet storehouse V2, which is a specific pallet storehouse into which a specific pallet 112 is to be collected and stored, using multiple pieces of storehouse position information and pallet usage information D1. The server 12 also has a function for performing a delivery-person matching process. Here, the delivery-person matching process is a process for appropriately selecting a delivery-person pallet transport company CI from among multiple pallet transport companies C. The delivery-person pallet transport company CI is responsible for removing the specific pallet 112 from the first pallet storage V1 and transporting it to the pallet delivery location TI in the pallet delivery location information. For the matching, multiple transport company location information, pallet usage information D1, and pallet location information D21 of the specific pallet 112 are used. The server 12 also has a function for performing a collection person matching process. Here, the collection person matching process is a process for appropriately selecting a collection person pallet transport company CO from among multiple pallet transport companies C. The collection person pallet transport company CO is responsible for collecting the specific pallet 112 from the pallet collection location TO in the pallet collection location information and storing it in the second pallet storage V2. For the matching, location information of multiple transport companies, storage location information of the second pallet storage V2, and pallet usage information D1 are used. The server 12 also has a function of transmitting information D3 for the person in charge of delivery and information D6 for the person in charge of collection to the pallet transport company terminal 14. The information D3 for the person in charge of delivery includes pallet usage information D1, pallet position information D21 of the specific pallet 112, an individual identification code D22, and storage location information of the first pallet storage V1. The information D6 for the person in charge of collection includes pallet usage information D1, an individual identification code D22 of the specific pallet 112, and storage location information of the second pallet storage V2. The server 12 also has a function of receiving carry-in acceptance refusal information D4 consisting of carry-in acceptance information or carry-in refusal information, and collection acceptance refusal information D7 consisting of collection acceptance information or collection refusal information from the pallet transport company terminal 14. In addition, the server 12 has the function of transmitting delivery acceptance completion information D5 to the pallet user terminal 13 if the delivery acceptance refusal information D4 is delivery acceptance information, and of performing the delivery person matching process again and transmitting the delivery person information D3 again if the delivery acceptance refusal information is delivery refusal information. In addition, the server 12 has the function of transmitting collection acceptance completion information D8 to the pallet user terminal 13 if the collection acceptance refusal information D7 is collection acceptance information, and of performing the collection person matching process again and transmitting information D6 for the collection person again if the collection refusal information is collection refusal information.

[0021] The information D3 for the delivery person is information required when requesting a delivery person, in other words, it can be said to be necessary information included in the request. The information D6 for the collection person is information necessary for requesting a collection person, in other words, necessary information included in the request.

[0022] The pallet transport company terminal 14 has a function of receiving, from the server 12, information D3 for the person in charge of carrying in or information D6 for the person in charge of collection. The pallet transport company terminal 14 also has a function of transmitting to the server 12 the carry-in acceptance refusal information D4 or the collection acceptance refusal information D7.

[0023] Furthermore, the pallet usage number information includes carton number information, which is the number of cartons CT carried on each specific pallet 112. Furthermore, the pallet operation system 1 includes a first time information acquisition means for the server 12 to acquire loading start time information and loading end time information, and a second time information acquisition means for the server 12 to acquire unloading start time information and unloading end time information. Specific examples of the first time information acquisition means and the second time information acquisition means will be described later.

[0024] However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described system in which the pallet usage number information includes carton number information, and the pallet operation system 1 is equipped with the first time information acquisition means and the second time information acquisition means. If the pallet operation method during pallet operation as shown in this embodiment is not implemented, the system may not include such information and may not have such a function.

[0025] In other embodiments, the pallet position information transmitter 111 may be equipped with the following sensors to provide the system with the following functions: temperature and humidity sensors to visualize environmental information about the location where the pallet is installed, and magnetic sensors to visualize the open / close status of doors on a luggage transport vehicle or the like. Ultrasonic sensors can also be equipped to read gestures and send email notifications, and optical sensors can detect whether lights have been left on.

[0026] The sending / receiving of information by each terminal may occur in the following cases. For example, when the server 12 controls the entire pallet operation system through a cloud application (hereafter abbreviated as cloud app). In this case, the sending / receiving of information by each terminal that accesses the cloud app corresponds to the sending / receiving of information to the cloud app. In this case, "receiving" means, in other words, "accessing the information on the cloud app at the terminal." In addition, in this case, when the server 12 sends information to a terminal, it means "making the information on the cloud app accessible at the terminal."

[0027] [Pallet operation method when preparing for pallet operation] The pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation in this embodiment will be described below. The pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation in this embodiment is a pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation using the pallet operation system 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the pallet operation method when preparing for pallet operation using the pallet operation system 1 in the first embodiment. The dashed line with an arrow on the left side of FIG. 2 and the text to the right of it indicate the subject of each process. As described above, the pallet operation system 1 is entirely controlled by the server 12. Therefore, at least a portion of each process on each terminal may actually be performed by the server 12. For example, this is the case when the entire system is controlled by the server 12 using the cloud app described above.

[0028] The pallet operation method in preparation for pallet operation in this embodiment comprises the following steps. <Step 1> When pallet use information D1 is input to the pallet user terminal 13, the pallet use information D1 is transmitted to the server 12, in which pallet use information transmission processing (S1) is performed. (For details of the pallet usage information D1, refer to the description of the configuration of the pallet operation system 1 above.) In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the condition is that pallet use information D1 is input before S1. However, the method according to the present invention is not limited to prompting input. For example, the pallet use information D1 may be recognized from data in another logistics system and transmitted. <Step 2> The server 12 receives the pallet use information D1 from the pallet user terminal 13, and performs pallet use information reception processing (S2). <Step 3> The server 12 performs a specific palette selection process (S3). (For details on the specific pallet selection process, refer to the description of the configuration of pallet operation system 1 above.) <Step 4> The server 12 performs a delivery person matching process (S4). (For details on the delivery person matching process, refer to the description of the configuration of Pallet Operation System 1 above.) The pallet transport company CI responsible for delivery determined in S4 is provisionally determined because it will be re-determined in S9 if pallet transport company C does not receive a delivery request. Only when pallet transport company C receives a delivery request (when it sends delivery acceptance information, which will be described later) will it be officially determined as the pallet transport company CI responsible for delivery. <Step 5> The server 12 performs a carry-in person information transmission process (S5) to transmit the carry-in person information D3 to the pallet transport company terminal 14 of the carry-in person pallet transport company CI. (For details about information D3 for delivery personnel, refer to the description of the configuration of pallet operation system 1 above.) <Step 6> The pallet transport company terminal 14 of the pallet transport company CI in charge of carrying in receives the information D3 for the person in charge of carrying in from the server 12, and performs information reception processing (6) for the person in charge of carrying in. <Step 7> When the delivery acceptance refusal information D4 is input at the pallet transport company terminal 14 of the pallet transport company CI in charge of delivery, the delivery acceptance refusal information sending process (S7) is performed to send the delivery acceptance refusal information D4 to the server 12. That is, the provisionally selected pallet transport company CI in charge of delivery will transmit delivery acceptance information if it accepts the request because it has an open schedule, based on the information D3 for delivery personnel, and will transmit delivery refusal information if it declines the request because it has an open schedule, etc. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the condition is that the delivery refusal information D4, i.e., delivery acceptance information or delivery refusal information, is input between S6 and S7. However, the method according to the present invention is not limited to prompting input. For example, it may be determined automatically based on the schedule data of the pallet transport company CI responsible for delivery. For example, if it is automatically determined from the data that the schedule is open, delivery acceptance information is automatically sent. If it is automatically determined that the schedule is not open, delivery refusal information is automatically sent. <Step 8> The server 12 receives the carry-in acceptance refusal information D4 from the pallet transport company terminal 14 of the pallet transport company CI in charge of carry-in, and performs carry-in acceptance refusal information reception processing (S8). <Step 9> In the server 12, if the delivery acceptance refusal information D4 is delivery acceptance information, delivery acceptance completion information D5 is sent to the pallet user terminal 13, and if it is delivery refusal information, the first judgment process (S9) is performed, returning to step S4. Here, the carry-in acceptance completion information D5 is information for informing the pallet user U that the carry-in pallet transport company CI has been officially decided when the server 12 receives carry-in acceptance information from the provisionally decided carry-in pallet transport company CI. At the same time that the server 12 sends the carry-in acceptance completion information D5 to the pallet user terminal 13, the provisionally decided carry-in pallet transport company CI is confirmed as the formal carry-in pallet transport company CI. <Step 10> The pallet user terminal 13 receives the carry-in acceptance completion information D5 from the server 12, and performs a carry-in acceptance completion information reception process (S10). <Step 11> This is a warehousing / storage matching process (S11) performed by the server 12. (For details on the warehouse matching process, refer to the description of the configuration of Pallet Operation System 1 above.) <Step 12> The server 12 performs a collection person matching process (S12). (For details on the collection person matching process, refer to the description of the configuration of Pallet Operation System 1 above.) The pallet transport company CO responsible for collection determined in S12 is provisionally determined because it will be re-determined in S17 if pallet transport company C does not receive a request for collection. It is only when pallet transport company C receives a request for collection (when it sends the collection acceptance information described below) that it will be officially determined as the pallet transport company CO responsible for collection. <Step 13> The server 12 performs a process of transmitting information for the collection person (S13) to transmit information for the collection person D6 to the pallet transport company terminal 14 of the pallet transport company CO in charge of collection. (For details on information for collection personnel, refer to the description of the configuration of Pallet Operation System 1 above.) <Step 14> The pallet transport company terminal 14 of the pallet transport company CO in charge of collection receives the information D6 for the collection person from the server 12, and performs information reception processing for the collection person (S14). <Step 15> When the collection acceptance refusal information D7 is input to the pallet transport company terminal 14 of the collection-responsible pallet transport company CO, the collection acceptance refusal information D7 is transmitted to the server 12, and a collection acceptance refusal information transmission process (S15) is performed. That is, the provisionally designated pallet transport company CO in charge of collection will transmit collection acceptance information if it accepts the request because it has an open schedule, for example, based on the information D6 for collection personnel. If it declines the request because it has an open schedule, for example, it will transmit collection refusal information. In this embodiment, the condition is that collection acceptance refusal information D7, i.e., collection acceptance information or collection refusal information, is input between S14 and S15 as shown in Figure 2. However, the method according to the present invention is not limited to prompting input. For example, it may be determined automatically based on the schedule data of the collection-responsible pallet transport company CO, and if the schedule is open, collection acceptance information is automatically sent, and if the schedule is not open, collection refusal information is automatically sent. <Step 16> The server 12 receives the collection acceptance refusal information D7 from the pallet transport company terminal 14 of the pallet transport company CO in charge of collection, and performs collection acceptance refusal information reception processing (S16). <Step 17> In the server 12, if the collection acceptance refusal information D7 is collection acceptance information, collection acceptance completion information D8 is sent to the pallet user terminal 13, and if it is collection refusal information, a second judgment process (S17) is performed, returning to step S12. Here, the collection acceptance completion information D8 is information for informing the pallet user U that the collection-responsible pallet transport company CO has been officially decided when the server 12 receives collection acceptance information from the provisionally decided collection-responsible pallet transport company CO. At the same time that the server 12 sends the collection acceptance completion information D8 to the pallet user terminal 13, the provisionally decided collection-responsible pallet transport company CO is confirmed as the official collection-responsible pallet transport company CO. <Step 18> The pallet user terminal 13 receives the collection acceptance completion information D8 from the server 12, and performs collection acceptance completion information reception processing (S18).

[0029] In the above processing steps, steps S3 to S10 and steps S11 to S18 are performed in parallel.

[0030] However, the pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation according to the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned parallel processing. For example, after steps S3 to S10 are performed, that is, after the processing steps proceed to S10, steps S11 to S18 may be performed.

[0031] In this embodiment, the specific pallet selection process (S3) and the delivery person matching process (S4) are carried out independently. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, in order to obtain the best overall matching result, S3 and S4 may be integrated. In this case, in S9, it is necessary to perform the process of "returning to step S3 if delivery refusal information is found." Here, "optimal overall" means, for example, that the travel distance of the empty pallet delivery route PI, which is the total empty vehicle distance at the time of delivery (the total distance between CI-V1 and V1-TI: see Figure 1), is the shortest.

[0032] In this embodiment, the specific pallet selection process (S11) and the delivery person matching process (S12) are carried out independently. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, in order to obtain the best overall matching result, S11 and S12 may be performed together. In this case, in S17, it is necessary to perform the process of "returning to step S11 if collection refusal information is found." Here, "optimal overall" means, for example, that the travel distance of the empty pallet collection route PO, which is the total empty vehicle distance at the time of collection (the sum of the distances between CO-TO and TO-V2: see Figure 1), is the shortest.

[0033] [Pallet operation method] The pallet operation method in this embodiment is as follows. The pallet operation method during pallet operation in this embodiment is a pallet operation method during pallet operation using the pallet operation system 1 of the present invention. It is also a process that is performed in addition to the pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation described above.

[0034] The pallet operation method in this embodiment comprises the following steps. The following processes are all performed by the server 12. As a premise, during pallet operation, a process is always performed to receive pallet position information D21 and individual identification code D22 from the specific pallet 112. In addition, a specific pallet tracking process for the specific pallet 112 is performed using the pallet position information D21 and individual identification code D22 from the specific pallet 112. During this time, the following processes from S21 to S25 are performed in sequence. A first time information acquisition process (S21) acquires loading start time information and loading end time information from a first time information acquisition means. The loading efficiency calculation process (S22) calculates the loading time per unit pallet and the loading time per unit carton as indices showing loading efficiency. The calculation is performed using the loading time, which is the difference between the loading end time information and the loading start time information, the number of pallets used information, and the number of cartons per pallet. The number of pallets or cartons transported per unit time or unit distance is calculated as an index showing the efficiency of cargo transportation, and the amount of CO2 reduction is calculated from the efficiency of cargo transportation (S23).The calculation is performed using the transport distance and transport time between the pallet delivery location TI and the pallet collection location TO of the cargo transport vehicle calculated from the pallet position information D21 and time information of the specific pallet 112 during cargo transportation, the number of pallets used, and the number of cartons per pallet. A second time information acquisition process (S24) acquires unloading start time information and unloading end time information from the second time information acquisition means. The unloading efficiency calculation process (S25) calculates the unloading time per unit pallet and the unloading time per unit carton as indices showing the unloading efficiency. The calculation is performed using the unloading time, which is the difference between the unloading end time information and the unloading start time information, the number of pallets used information, and the number of cartons per pallet.

[0035] Specific examples of the first time information acquisition means and the second time information acquisition means are shown below.

[0036] A specific example is shown below. First, as the first time information acquisition means and the second time information acquisition means, the pallet operation system 1 is further provided with a pallet user portable terminal, which is a terminal of the server 12 carried by the pallet user U. The pallet user portable terminal has a function of transmitting loading start time information, loading end time information, unloading start time information, and unloading end time information to the server 12. Furthermore, as a first time information acquisition means, at the pallet carry-in location TI (i.e., the shipper of the cargo), loading start time information is transmitted from the pallet user's portable terminal to the server 12 when loading of the cargo starts. When loading of the cargo is completed, loading end time information is transmitted. Furthermore, as a second time information acquisition means, at the pallet collection location TO (i.e., the delivery destination of the cargo), unloading start time information is transmitted from the pallet user's portable terminal to the server 12 when unloading of the cargo starts, and unloading end time information is transmitted when unloading of the cargo is completed. Here, the following methods can be considered as a method for the pallet user portable terminal to acquire the loading start time information, loading end time information, unloading start time information, and unloading end time information. That is, a pallet user U (a person who loads or unloads cargo, etc.) who possesses the pallet user portable terminal manually inputs the information into the pallet user portable terminal. Specifically, for example, at the start and end of work such as loading, the pallet user U presses or touches the corresponding button or icon on the screen of the pallet user portable terminal. The pallet user portable terminal creates this time information from the times when these buttons are pressed, etc. Also, here, instead of transmitting the loading start time information and loading end time information by the pallet user portable terminal as the first time information acquisition means, the information may be transmitted by the pallet user terminal 13. The rest is the same as the method using the pallet user portable terminal.

[0037] Another example of a specific example is shown below. First, as the first time information acquisition means and the second time information acquisition means, the pallet position information transmitter 111 is further provided with a function of transmitting acceleration information of the pallet together with the pallet position information D21 and the individual identification code D22. The acceleration information is obtained by an acceleration sensor provided in the pallet position information transmitter 111. Furthermore, as a first time information acquisition means, the server 12 performs processing to detect the lifting or lowering of the specific pallet 112 and set this as loading start time information. If the pallet position information D21 of the specific pallet 112 is at the pallet carry-in location TI and the acceleration information is greater than a specific threshold, it is determined that the specific pallet 112 is being lifted or lowered. Furthermore, if the pallet position information D21 of the specific pallet 112 is 100 m away from the pallet carry-in location TI, the server 12 performs processing to set the time at which this distance occurs as loading end time information. Furthermore, as a second time information acquisition means, the server 12 performs processing to detect the lifting or lowering of the specific pallet 112 and set this as unloading start time information. If the pallet position information D21 of the specific pallet 112 is at the pallet recovery location TO and the acceleration information is greater than a specific threshold, it is determined that the specific pallet 112 is being lifted or lowered. Furthermore, if the pallet position information D21 of the specific pallet 112 is 100 m away from the pallet recovery location TO, the server 12 performs processing to set the time at which this distance occurs as unloading end time information.

[0038] During pallet operation, the pallet transport company C or the pallet user U can access the server 12 using, for example, a mobile terminal to obtain the results of the specific pallet tracking process on the server 12, making it easy to find the specific pallet 112, etc.

[0039] [Simulation of the effect of pallet operation system 1 and pallet operation method] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the simulation results for transportation using the conventional method. FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a simulation result of an actual transportation example according to the pallet operation method using the pallet operation system 1 in the first embodiment. The white circles in Figures 3 and 4 indicate the locations of bases such as the pallet delivery location TI and the pallet collection location TO, and the single-digit numbers near the white circles indicate their numbers. The black circles in Figure 4 indicate the locations of pallet transport company C, and the two-digit numbers in white near the black circles indicate their numbers. The star symbols in Figure 4 indicate pallet storage facility V, and the two-digit numbers near the star symbols indicate their numbers. The thick line with an arrow in the diagram indicates the luggage transport route PR of the pallet user U. The thin line with an arrow indicates the empty pallet delivery route PI (including movement for delivery) of the pallet transport company CI in charge of delivery. The thin dashed line with an arrow indicates the empty pallet collection route PO (including movement for collection) of the pallet transport company CO in charge of collection.

[0040] <Simulation results of transportation using conventional methods> [Example 1] This is an example of a case where 80 cartons are transported from base 3 to base 2 by a forwarding company at base 7. a: First, 8 cartons (10 pallets) are loaded per pallet at location 3 and delivered to location 2. b: Next, the pallet is picked up at a later date at location 2 and returned to location 3. As a result, we were able to charge the shipper for a, but not for b, so we ended up giving instructions to load and unload the goods manually without using pallets. [Example 2] This is an example of a warehouse transfer from location 6 to location 1, where 32 pallets are being transferred. a: The warehouse at location 1 requests the forwarding company at location 4 to transfer 32 of its own pallets from location 6 to location 1. b: The transfer work was prepared at the 6th base and loading onto pallets was carried out over several days. As a result, the transfer will be carried out using two 10-ton trucks, but no one can be found to cover the costs of A, so in the end it will be carried out by manual loading and unloading without using pallets.

[0041] <Explanation of the simulation results of transportation using this method> [Example 1] This is an example of using this system to transport 80 cartons from location 3 (TI) to location 2 (TO). a: This system matches 21 pallet storage warehouses V (V1) with 11 pallet transport companies C (CI), and empty pallets are transported from the 21 pallet storage warehouses V (V1) to three locations (TI) via the empty pallet delivery route PI, shown as a thin solid line. b: This system matches 22 pallet storage warehouses V (V2) with 17 pallet transport companies C (CO), and later collects used empty pallets from two locations (TO) to 22 pallet storage warehouses V (V2) via the empty pallet collection route PO shown by the thin dashed line. [Example 2] This is an example of a warehouse transfer from location 6 (TI) to location 1 (TO), in which 32 pallets are transferred using this system. a: This system matches 22 pallet storage warehouses V (V1) with 16 pallet transport companies C (CI), and empty pallets are transported from the 22 pallet storage warehouses V (V1) to 6 locations (TI) via the empty pallet delivery route PI, shown as a thin solid line. b: This system matches 21 pallet storage warehouses V (V2) with 12 pallet transport companies C (CO), and later collects used empty pallets from base 1 (TO) to 21 pallet storage warehouses V (V2) via the empty pallet collection route PO shown by the thin dashed line.

[0042] <About the effects of this method> In the conventional cases, both Examples 1 and 2 end up being carried out by manual loading and unloading, which is expected to place a physical strain on the baggage carriers and result in longer loading and unloading times and longer waiting times for the baggage carriers. On the other hand, in both Examples 1 and 2, cargo transportation using this system makes it possible to transport cargo using pallets, which is expected to reduce the physical burden on the cargo carrier and reduce the time required for unloading and loading cargo and waiting for the cargo transport vehicle. In addition, by using pallet transport company C located near the base, this system shows that the empty vehicle distance is shorter compared to when this system is not used and cargo is transported using pallets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Pallet operation system 11 Palettes 111 Pallet location information transmitter 112 Specific Palette 12 Servers 13 Palette user terminal 14 Pallet transport company terminal D1 Pallet Usage Information D21 Pallet location information D22 Individual Identification Code D3 Information for delivery personnel D4 Information on items that cannot be accepted D5 Delivery acceptance completion information D6 Information for Collection Officers D7 Collection refusal information D8 Collection acceptance completion information U Pallet User C Pallet transport company V Pallet Storage V1 First Pallet Storage V2 Second Pallet Storage TI pallet loading area TO Pallet collection point Pallet transport company in charge of CI delivery CO collection pallet transport company CT Carton PI Empty pallet delivery route of the pallet transport company in charge of delivery (including movement for delivery) PO Collection route of empty pallets by the pallet transport company (including travel for collection) PR Pallet user's cargo transport route

Claims

1. A pallet operation system for operating pallets for transporting luggage in a logistics system, The pallet handling system includes: a plurality of pallets, each of which is provided with a pallet position information transmitter that has a function of transmitting pallet position information, which is position information including time information, and a preset individual identification code; a server having a function of controlling the entire pallet operation system; A plurality of pallet users who transport cargo using the pallets each have a pallet user terminal, which is a terminal of the server; each pallet transport company terminal being a terminal of the server provided by a plurality of pallet transport companies each having preset transport company location information, which are responsible for the task of removing an empty pallet from one of a plurality of pallet stores having preset store location information, and carrying it into a pallet carry-in location where the pallet user starts using the pallet, or retrieving the empty pallet from a pallet retrieval location where the pallet user finishes using the pallet, and storing it in another one of the plurality of pallet stores; Equipped with The pallet user terminal includes: Transmitting pallet usage information, which is specified by the pallet user, including pallet usage number information, pallet usage start date and time information, pallet usage end date and time information, pallet carry-in location information, and pallet recovery location information, to the server; receiving carry-in acceptance completion information and collection acceptance completion information from the server; The server receiving the pallet usage information from the pallet user terminal; a specific pallet selection process is performed to appropriately select a specific pallet to be used by the pallet user from among the pallets that are close to the pallet carry-in location and stored in the pallet storehouse using the pallet use information, the pallet position information of each of the plurality of pallets received from the pallet position information transmitters, and the individual identification code, and to designate the specific pallet storehouse that stores the specific pallet as a first pallet storehouse; performing a warehousing storage matching process to appropriately select a second pallet storage, which is a specific pallet storage that will retrieve and store the specific pallet, using the multiple pieces of storage storage location information and the pallet usage information; performing a delivery person matching process to appropriately select a delivery-person pallet transport company from among a plurality of pallet transport companies using the plurality of transport company location information, the pallet usage information, and the pallet location information of the specific pallet, the delivery-person pallet transport company being responsible for the task of removing the specific pallet from the first pallet storage warehouse and transporting it to the pallet delivery location in the pallet delivery location information; performing a collection person matching process to appropriately select a collection-responsible pallet transport company from among a plurality of pallet transport companies using the plurality of transport company location information, the storage location information of the second pallet storage, and the pallet usage information, to perform the task of collecting the specific pallet from the pallet collection location in the pallet collection location information and storing it in the second pallet storage; transmit to the pallet transport company terminal information for a delivery person including the pallet usage information, the pallet position information of the specific pallet, the individual identification code, and the storage location information of the first pallet storage, and information for a collection person including the pallet usage information, the individual identification code of the specific pallet, and the storage location information of the second pallet storage; receiving, from the pallet transport company terminal, carry-in acceptance refusal information consisting of carry-in acceptance information or carry-in refusal information, and collection acceptance refusal information consisting of collection acceptance information or collection refusal information; If the delivery acceptance refusal information is delivery acceptance information, the delivery acceptance completion information is transmitted to the pallet user terminal, and if the delivery acceptance refusal information is delivery refusal information, the delivery person matching process is performed again and the delivery person information is transmitted again, If the collection acceptance refusal information is collection acceptance information, the collection acceptance completion information is transmitted to the pallet user terminal, and if the collection refusal information is collection refusal information, the collection person matching process is performed again and the information for the collection person is transmitted again, The pallet transport company terminal receiving the information for the delivery person or the information for the collection person from the server; Sending the delivery acceptance refusal information or the collection acceptance refusal information to the server. A pallet handling system characterized by having the following functions.

2. 2. A pallet operation system according to claim 1, wherein the pallet usage number information further includes carton number information indicating the number of cartons per pallet carried on the specific pallet, The pallet handling system further comprises: a first time information acquisition means for the server to acquire loading start time information and loading end time information; second time information acquisition means for the server to acquire unloading start time information and unloading end time information; A pallet handling system comprising:

3. A pallet operation method using the pallet operation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pallet operation method is performed during preparation for pallet operation, The pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation is as follows: A pallet use information transmission process (S1) in which the pallet user terminal transmits the pallet use information to the server; A pallet use information receiving process (S2) in which the server receives the pallet use information from the pallet user terminal; the specific palette selection process (S3) performed by the server; The delivery person matching process (S4) is performed by the server; In the server, a process for transmitting information for the person in charge of carrying in (S5) is performed to transmit the information for the person in charge of carrying in to the pallet transport company terminal of the pallet transport company in charge of carrying in; A carrying-in person information receiving process (S6) in which the carrying-in person information is received from the server at the pallet transport company terminal of the carrying-in person pallet transport company; A carry-in acceptance refusal information transmission process (S7) in which the carry-in acceptance refusal information is transmitted to the server at the pallet transport company terminal of the carry-in pallet transport company; In the server, the carry-in acceptance refusal information reception process (S8) receives the carry-in acceptance refusal information from the pallet transport company terminal of the pallet transport company in charge of carry-in; A first determination process (S9) in the server, in which if the carry-in acceptance refusal information is the carry-in acceptance information, the carry-in acceptance completion information is transmitted to the pallet user terminal, and if the carry-in acceptance refusal information is the carry-in refusal information, the process returns to step S4; A carry-in acceptance completion information receiving process (S10) in which the pallet user terminal receives the carry-in acceptance completion information from the server; The warehousing / storage matching process (S11) is performed by the server; The collection person matching process (S12) is performed in the server; In the server, a collection person information sending process (S13) is performed to send the collection person information to the pallet transport company terminal of the collection person pallet transport company; A collection person information receiving process (S14) in which the collection person information is received from the server at the pallet transport company terminal of the collection person pallet transport company; A collection acceptance refusal information transmission process (S15) in which the collection acceptance refusal information is transmitted to the server at the pallet transport company terminal of the collection-responsible pallet transport company; In the server, the collection acceptance refusal information reception process (S16) receives the collection acceptance refusal information from the pallet transport company terminal of the collection-responsible pallet transport company; A second determination process (S17) in which the server transmits the collection acceptance completion information to the pallet user terminal if the collection acceptance refusal information is the collection acceptance information, and returns to step S12 if the collection refusal information is the collection refusal information; A collection acceptance completion information receiving process (S18) in which the collection acceptance completion information is received from the server in the pallet user terminal; A method comprising:

4. The pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation according to claim 3, further comprising: The pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation is as follows: The steps from S3 to S10 and the steps from S11 to S18 are parallel processes. A method characterized by:

5. A pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation according to claim 4, The pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation is as follows: Furthermore, the steps S3 and S4, and the steps S11 and S12 are each an integrated process, In S9, the server transmits the carry-in acceptance completion information to the pallet user terminal if the carry-in acceptance refusal information is the carry-in acceptance information, and returns to step S3 if the carry-in acceptance refusal information is the carry-in refusal information. In S17, if the collection acceptance refusal information is collection acceptance information, the server transmits the collection acceptance completion information to the pallet user terminal, and if the collection acceptance refusal information is collection refusal information, the process returns to step S11. A method characterized by:

6. A pallet operation method using the pallet operation system according to claim 2, which is a pallet operation method during pallet operation that is further added to the pallet operation method during preparation for pallet operation according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The pallet operation method during the pallet operation includes, in the server, a process of receiving the pallet position information and the individual identification code from the specific pallet, which is always performed during the pallet operation; a process of tracking the specific pallet using the pallet position information and the individual identification code from the specific pallet, which is always performed during pallet operation; a first time information acquisition process (S21) for acquiring the loading start time information and the loading end time information from the first time information acquisition means; a loading efficiency calculation process (S22) for calculating a loading time per unit pallet and a loading time per unit carton as indices indicating loading efficiency from a loading time that is the difference between the loading end time information and the loading start time information, the pallet usage number information, and the number of cartons per pallet; a luggage transport efficiency calculation process (S23) for calculating the number of pallets or cartons transported per unit time or unit distance as an index indicating luggage transport efficiency from the transport distance and transport time between the pallet delivery location and the pallet recovery location of the luggage transport vehicle calculated from the pallet position information and the time information of the specific pallet during luggage transport, the pallet usage number information, and the number of cartons per pallet, and further calculating the amount of CO2 reduction from the luggage transport efficiency; a second time information acquisition process (S24) for acquiring the unloading start time information and the unloading end time information from the second time information acquisition means; an unloading efficiency calculation process (S25) for calculating the unloading time per unit pallet and the unloading time per unit carton as indices indicating unloading efficiency from the unloading time, which is the difference between the unloading end time information and the unloading start time information, the pallet usage number information, and the number of cartons per pallet; A method comprising:

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