CN1447946A

CN1447946A - Method, computer system and computer system network

Info

Publication number: CN1447946A
Application number: CN 01812452
Authority: CN
Inventors: 匹特罗斯·戴美特里亚德斯; 托德·摩根; 西蒙·帕特森; 戴维·拉维奇; 戴美特里奥斯·佐珀斯
Original assignee: Gf-X Business Co Ltd
Current assignee: Gf-X Business Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-07-07
Filing date: 2001-07-06
Publication date: 2003-10-08
Also published as: EP1299816A2; AU2001269293A1; WO2002005109A3; WO2002005109A8; WO2002005109A2; AU2001269284A1; WO2002008934A2; WO2002008934A3

Abstract

A computer system for providing an integrated representation of transport service levels for routes in a transport system comprising a multiplicity of connectable stations is disclosed. Datas are obtained from a plurality of transport providers. The computer system comprises a processing unit, an interface unit for communication with said processing unit and a memory unit. The system is configured to store in the memory unit a short term schedule of inividual instances of transport provider route legs, each route leg corresponding to a directly connectable station pair. A route segment table comprising one or more route segments, each route segment corresponding to a route leg instance or a combination of route leg instances is derived based on the short term schedule.

Description

Method, computer system and computer system network

The present invention relates to be used for generate automatically method, the computer system and computer system network of the routing option of transportation system.Especially, the present invention relates to but be not limited to generate automatically the routing option of airfreight transportation system.

Although the passenger transport system adopts computer based reservation system technology such as transportation by railroad and air transportation, to handle and management passenger transport and movement capacity, the technology of transportation management system is not state-of-the-art.For example, by central reservation system (CRS), airline provides air ticket to the passenger, and the travel agent makes a reservation.Therefore, owing to lack technical tool, the air transportation industry is endured the hardship of poor efficiency to the fullest extent.

Freight industry is disperseed very much.For example, in the air transport industry, carrier (airline) and shipping agency (air transport/cargo carrying capacity middle man) comprise many mutually different irrelevant enterprises.The shipping agency can't use central communication system or reservation system to subscribe cargo carrying capacity to the carrier, therefore, the shipping agency who adapts to the available space variation of airline can cause a large amount of stand-by period, and the airline of the required volume of adaptation shipping agency also can cause a large amount of stand-by period.Consider the above-mentioned stand-by period, the shipping agency often subscribed cargo carrying capacity before 6 months, and this type of reservation is normally overbooked, thereby the carrier has in a large number " guest who abandons making a reservation ".Overbook in order to compensate, in order to reduce " guest who abandons making a reservation ", the carrier exceeds the quata to draw up airliner, still has the number of times of not selling volume with minimizing.Therefore, if outnumber expectation value to the shipping agency of seat, then the carrier must unload some shipping agency's goods.This means and reduce the service that the carrier provides to the shipping agency.Simultaneously, because above-mentioned situation, the shipping agency attempts the reservation by the specific airliner of adhering to guaranteeing in advance, accurately manages the carrier, thereby causes the discontented situation of client (consignor) to avoid occurring unloading.Discontented and the idle volume of the client that may occur can cause revenue losses to the carrier, because the carrier need bear the higher fixed expense and the asset risk of managing aircraft and route.On the contrary, can subscribe especially, with the deficiency in the cargo carrying capacity demand that remedies the shipping agency.Yet special efficient of subscribing is very low, because shipping agency or shipping agent must pass through the numerous carriers of phone, fax or e-mail connection, so that obtain the information of relevant volume availability and price.Usually need other information, as the carrier can be on certain bar route the freight type information, and the packaging type that requires.

Although existing electronic data interchange (EDI) system of carrier and shipping agency (forwarder) operation moves usually, use different editions, data and data structure under generally acknowledged EDI agreement and agreement.Therefore forbid interworking and senior integrated.EDI is a technical term, only is used for the One-to-one communication between the system relevant with carrier.Because via the communication of EDI intrinsic order and asynchronism, so one query can not provide the latest data storehouse of voyage, volume availability and class information in the electronics mode.Thereby stop and in each carrier and shipping agency, use this type of EDI system.In addition, agreement is generally very strict international standard, so be difficult to change.In EDI system one to one, information request is sent to each carrier's EDI system.Ad hoc inquiry or information request must meet the form that various EDI system uses.So EDI user must repeatedly send the identical information request, one of each carrier's EDI system is so that obtain the information of relevant available service.Secondly, request is necessary for the correct format that is used for each EDI system, thereby needs the reformatting request, so that submit to different system.Therefore, the user need spend the plenty of time and carry out extensive work.In addition, different EDI system supports different information, thus be not that same queries can both be answered by all EDI systems, or information needed is provided.Another shortcoming is that the distribution of tax rate variation is very slow, even utilization fax or Email are no exception, because can not obtain this type of variation by center system.

Another shortcoming is to check the result of different carrier EDI system simultaneously.The response of difference EDI system is asynchronous, because they are independently of one another.Therefore, forbid that the user evaluates all information comprehensively, thereby be difficult to select best available service.This be because existing EDI system based on message that sends to single carrier and the message that sends by single carrier.Therefore, be difficult to be used in combination the different carriers' of EDI system routing option.Current, must send many group message to the carrier of the different route segment of required route, manage to make up the voyage section set that constitutes by the different voyage section then, so that form route.

Although the EDI system is used for the electron exchange of data at first to avoid manual input data, they have deteriorated to communication system, and can not provide the effective information exchange.Because existing EDI system can not be by the different attribute (timetable of for example supply of material fortune agency examination of comprehensive integrated numerous air transport systems, available space and pricing information) description and new data more, the system that the shipping agency that provides support subscribes is so the air transport industry is endured the hardship of poor efficiency to the fullest extent.In addition, owing to lack integrated information management system automatically,, for example, consider the aircraft type of the volume and the cargo type of relevant particular course so hinder the optimization of routing option and route management.

Therefore, the present invention attempts to provide a kind of computer system, the method for allocating computer system and the network that comprises this type of computer system, and the present invention can solve (preferably alleviating) at least a portion problem based on the transportation system of EDI.By reading detail specifications and accompanying drawing, with other problems and the shortcoming of understanding more based on the EDI system together with other aspects of the present invention.

Independent and dependent claims are set forth particular aspects of the present invention and best aspect.The characteristics combination that can the appropriate combination dependent claims and the feature of dependent claim, and be not limited to the characteristics combination that claims are clearly stated.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a kind of method of allocating computer system is provided, computer system comprises a processing unit, an interface unit that communicates with described processing unit, and a storage unit, this system is used for providing the integrating representation of the route of transportation system, and transportation system comprises many attachable airports, route is to derive according to the data that numerous forwarding agents provide, and this method comprises:

The short-term timetable of each example of storage route branch line, wherein every route branch line is corresponding with direct-connected airport pairing; And

According to described short-term timetable, derive the route segment table comprise one or more route segment, each route segment is corresponding with each example of described route branch line, and is perhaps corresponding with the combination of each example of described route branch line.

According to a second aspect of the invention, provide a kind of computer system, be used for providing the integrating representation of the route of transportation system, transportation system comprises many attachable airports, and route is to derive according to the data that numerous forwarding agents provide, and computer system comprises:

A processing unit;

An interface unit that communicates with described processing unit, and

A storage unit;

With computer system configurations be:

Store the short-term timetable of each example of described route branch line, wherein every route branch line is corresponding with direct-connected airport pairing; And

According to described short-term timetable, derive a route segment table, each route segment is corresponding with each example of described route branch line, and is perhaps corresponding with the combination of each example of described route branch line.

The advantage of the embodiment of first or second aspect according to the present invention is, the route segment table is with comprehensive form, the expression of all potential routes (as route segment) in the transportation system that the data that providing provides according to numerous forwarding agents derive.Owing to will every route be defined as the combination of the example of the example of route branch line or route branch line, so define the route of special time (that is example).Every the route that comprises the combination of each route branch line example preferably includes and the related route branch line of the identical transportation service such as same vehicle or road wire size.

Be preferably in the route segment table data of the attribute of storage representation route branch line.Attribute comprises the movement capacity related with each section.Owing in the route segment table, concentrate preservation information, so the user can search for segment table, and fast and effeciently set up the availability and the relating attribute of route, and need not at first to seek advice from the forwarding agent.In other words, computer system according to the present invention provides and the simple diverse service of broker system, wherein in broker system, user's request is sent to each forwarding agent, and forwarding agent's echo reply transmits to the user then and replys.In addition, the lead path line segment is expressed the meaning and is referred to that the user can be with real-time mode process user search fast and effeciently.Under the situation that does not have the route segment table, need the many tables of data of hard search.

The route segment table comprises the starting point and the destination pairing of each route segment.For the route segment that comprises each route branch line, the starting station of the pairing of starting point and destination and each route branch line with arrive at a station corresponding.Yet for the route segment that comprises many route branch lines, the pairing of the starting point of each route segment and destination comprises the arriving at a station of the last item route branch line of the starting station of article one route branch line of this route segment and this route segment.

The forwarding agent can provide long-term timetable, and the route branch line of long-term timetable regulation all seasons is as railway timetable.As selection, the forwarding agent can provide the short-term timetable, the practical examples (operation timetable) of short-term timetable fixed course branch line.According to the embodiment of the present invention, with the timetable data of this system configuration for two kinds of forms of processing.Routing is suitable for itinerary of voyage, the truck route or with transportation system in the relevant route of other vehicles that uses.

In preferred forms, dispose this system with the data that receive and the renewal forwarding agent provides.Can further dispose this system, so that send update inquiry information, as the Data Update poll to the forwarding agent.Advantageously, it is up-to-date making the project in the form in the storage unit of this system.

According to a third aspect of the invention we, the method of a kind of operational computations machine system is provided, computer system comprises a processing unit, an interface unit that communicates with described processing unit, and storage unit, this system is used for generating automatically the route options of transportation system, and transportation system comprises many forwarding agents and many attachable airports, wherein:

Described storage unit comprises a route segment table, the route segment table comprises and the corresponding one or more route segment of combination of each example of each example of route branch line or route branch line that each described route branch line is corresponding with the direct-connected airport pairing of described transportation system;

Described method comprises that response route searching request generates one or more route options, route searching request regulation has the starting station and the route of the pairing of arriving at a station, each route options comprises the route segment that has the starting station and arrive at a station the pairing, wherein regulation airport pairing in described route searching request, and the airport pairing is selected from described route segment table; And

The described one or more route options of storage in the section aggregate list in described storage unit.

According to a forth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of computer system, be used for generating automatically the route options of transportation system, transportation system comprises many attachable airports and many forwarding agents, and this computer system comprises:

A processing unit;

An interface unit that communicates with described processing unit; And

A storage unit, this unit comprises a route segment table, the route segment table comprises and the corresponding one or more route segment of combination of each example of each example of route branch line or route branch line that each described route branch line is corresponding with the direct-connected airport pairing of described transportation system;

With computer system configurations be:

The receipt routing searching request, this request regulation has the route of starting point and destination pairing;

Respond described route searching request and generate one or more route options, each route options comprises the route segment that has the starting station and arrive at a station the pairing, wherein regulation airport pairing in described route searching request; And

In the section aggregate list in described storage unit, store described one or more route options.

Utilize the airport regulation voyage corresponding with specific transportation depot, for example, in air transport system, airport is corresponding to the airport.In addition, as selection, can utilize administrative area (as, the city related) regulation route with one or more airports.

Above-mentioned aspect of the present invention regulation: in central process and device, integrated, processing, the management information relevant with the different attribute of transportation system.Can the Automatic Combined information relevant with the different attribute of transportation system, satisfy the route starting station and arrive at a station and one or more route options tabulations of other route searching request standards that the potential user of transportation system (as, shipping agency) initiates with establishment.

Transportation system's data are divided into route segment, and each route segment is corresponding with the starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station, and preferably utilizes a kind of vehicles to connect above pairing.In other words, at the starting station of a route segment with in the route between arriving at a station, use the same vehicles, and in this route, goods can be transported on the another kind of vehicles from a kind of vehicles.Route segment is to derive according to the combination of each route branch line or each route branch line.Every the route branch line is corresponding with a starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station, and this pairing is the direct-connected or continuous starting station/pairing of arriving at a station.That is, the starting station of a route branch line and arrive at a station between do not have through-station.The route segment that comprises the combination of route branch line have with this combination in the corresponding starting station of article one route branch line, and with corresponding the arriving at a station of the last item route branch line of this combination.

In addition, the operator of the transportation system such as airline, railroad or shipping enterprise or the part of transportation system, by creating variation route or deletion old road line, can revise existing route branch line, and can when creating the routing option, use immediately, and need not according to change, revise all possible routing option that uses above the old and new's route feeder-category airport pairing.Therefore, can delete the route that to gain easily, and add variation route.

In preferred forms, relatively match and the route sheet that comprises the permission starting station/pairing of arriving at a station with arriving at a station at the starting station of the route of asking, so that the routing option of definite permission.Check the routing option list by the list of routes that contrast allows, make carrier (as airline) can create them and wish the permission route sold, and the starting station that contrasts this route route that self-verifying is asked with arrive at a station pairing.When deriving one or more route options, only use route segment, so that the carrier sells and the starting station of the route of asking and the corresponding route of pairing that arrives at a station according to described route segment table.Thereby can simplify processing, and the promoter of route searching request (shipping agency) have only that the carrier returns, they wish the route options of selling.

In one embodiment, when derivation route segment table, use route sheet, thereby only create the route segment that allows route.Its advantage is to reduce the size of route segment table and the storage space that needs, thereby improves search speed.

Then, to the route options that the promoter (as the shipping agency) of route searching request returns permission, check tabulation to allow them, and determine to satisfy most the routing option of its demand.

Usually, route segment of one or more continuous route branch line definition.This type of route segment comprises the route branch line, and the route branch line has the relevance of certain form.For example, can or use in the aviation cargo system with a kind of vehicles in whole route segment, the route branch line that constitutes route segment can be the part of common maritime adventure.In one embodiment of the invention, when having only the route branch line to have identical route identifier, during as identical flight number, just the combined route branch line constitutes the route segment in the route segment table.By constructing route segment in a manner described, this system can handle the data that different forwarding agents provide.In the aviation cargo system, some forwarding agent is that the voyage that comprises many branch lines is assigned a flight number, and other forwarding agents are flight number of every branch line appointment.

Preferably, two or more route segment that can the adapter path segment table, so that constitute the route options that has a starting station and arrive at a station pairing, this pairing is corresponding with the route searching request.In the embodiment of relating attribute, only connect the route segment that satisfies the route searching request with each route segment.For example, if searching request is specified the particular container (aviation goods counter) of specific goods size or storage bulk goods, then only return the compatible project of its association and the route segment of this branch line compatibility, wherein compatible project specified size or aviation goods counter (unitisedloading device).

Be more preferably, a transfer set of cell stores table, the latter comprises many transfer set records, every record is related with a starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station.Each transfer set record comprises one or more projects, and these repertories are shown with the one or more permission terminals between the route segment of closing the starting station and arriving at a station the route between the pairing.Therefore, the carrier can set up a form, to limit the transfer number of times between the vehicles that occur on the route of being created.Simultaneously, the carrier can prevent to return some route by not specifying the terminal that constitutes route.Especially, transfer set table can be connected to route sheet, thereby each transfer set record and permission route are associated.Therefore, the equipment that is used for transshipment cargo between the vehicles that the carrier can have at this terminal according to this carrier, restriction transhipment and terminal.For the fragile goods of some form, as perishable goods (fruits and vegetables), this is very important.Do not have the carrier of suitable refrigerating equipment for terminal, wish that being limited in the terminal that does not have this type of refrigerating equipment transports this type of perishable goods.When derivation route segment table, can use transfer set table with route sheet, thereby can reduce the size of route segment table, improve search speed.

The route searching request comprises a parameter, and the maximum number of the terminal in the route between the pairing of this parametric representation starting station/arrive at a station is to derive its terminal number less than peaked routing option.Therefore, the user of transportation system can be appointed as the maximum number of the terminal in all routing options that they create in advance.Like this, the shipping agency has an opportunity to search for the routing option of the character that orders goods in advance of considering this shipping agency.In other words, if the shipping agency wishes to buy the movement capacity of fragile goods, then they wish to avoid terminal, perhaps make the number minimum of terminal, thereby, can reduce the probability of damage of goods, and because the loss that stealing causes by reducing the transhipment number of times between the vehicles.

By organizational information in a manner described, can create route branch line and the route segment combination of satisfying the searching request standard very neatly.

Preferably receive the data of the various attributes of the described route branch line of expression there, the described data of storage in described route segment table from described forwarding agent.Therefore, the route searching request can comprise the parameter of representation attribute, so that derive one or more routing options, wherein match and this Attribute Association with arriving at a station at the starting station.Like this, the shipping agency can ask its route to have the starting station of some attribute and the pairing of arriving at a station, and this attribute comprises the starting station and arrives at a station the departure time and the time of arrival of the route between the pairing movement capacity etc.Foundation comprises the form of one or more attributes of transportation system, and uses these forms when deriving the section aggregate list.The operator of transportation system (as the carrier) can revise various attribute lists, with the service that reflects that they are desirable to provide, and need not to revise big table such as section set table.Thereby can reduce complicacy, and reduce the needed processing of updated data table.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of subscriber's computer system, dispose this system in case with above each section in the explanation computer system carry out telecommunication.This subscriber's computer system comprises:

A processing unit;

An interface unit that communicates with described processing unit;

A storage unit; And

A display device is used for the user's display message to described subscriber's computer system;

Described processing unit comprises a user interface mechanism, and configuration user interfaces is machine-processed so that receive the described searching request of described user via described interface unit input, and notifies described computer system described searching request, so that handle.

In preferred forms, subscriber's computer system comprises a user interface mechanism, configuration user interfaces mechanism is so that provide the diagrammatic representation of route segment aggregate list, can operate user interface mechanism, so that on display device, show numerous route options, comprise the starting station and arrive at a station, sailing date, date of arrival, the transport price of deciding through consultation in available movement capacity and the logical division, user interface mechanism response user input, selecting shown route options, and the user of a part of movement capacity of selected route options subscribed at least in record.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a computer system network, and computer system network comprises the computer system of many subscriber's computer systems and above each section explanation.

Following with reference to accompanying drawing, illustrate according to specific implementations of the present invention, wherein accompanying drawing is:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the geographic distribution of the airport in the aerial transport system;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the example of shipping agency's goods reservation architecture;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the logical place of the data management system of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the function and the relation of the data management system of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates the details of database structure of the data management system of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the chart that concerns that is used to set up the voyage segment table;

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates maximum tie-time table;

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates minimum tie-time table;

Fig. 9 is the chart that concerns that is used for route selection table that the carrier sells and transfer table;

Figure 10 is the process flow diagram that is used to create the voyage segment table;

Figure 11 schematically illustrates the networking data management system of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 12 schematically illustrates the logic architecture of the data management system of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 13 schematically illustrates the physical architecture of the data management system of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 14 schematically illustrates the computer working station;

Figure 15 schematically illustrates the example of search volume user interface screen;

Figure 16 is the process flow diagram of the dmPerformSearch storing process of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 17 is the process flow diagram of the dmFltLegSet storing process of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 18 is the process flow diagram of carrier's search function of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 19 is the process flow diagram of the combinatorial search function of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 20 schematically illustrates the architecture of the particularly suitable data management system of the embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 21 represents to upgrade example based on the volume of branch line;

Figure 22 represents the example of poll window; And

Figure 23 schematically illustrates the volume updating message.

Referring now to Fig. 1, the figure shows and have many transportation system's examples together with airport.In the particular example of Fig. 1, transportation system is an aerial transport system, is the airport together with airport wherein.The geographic distribution on airport utilizes International Air Transport Association (IATA) coded representation airport as shown in Figure 1.In aerial transport system, many carriers, course line provide the flight between the airport, thereby connect the airport in the transportation system.Direct connection between two continuous airports is called the voyage branch line, represents with numeral 10 in Fig. 1.The voyage branch line is represented the connection of the minimum level in the aerial transport system, and thinks that this connection comprises " taking off-land " in proper order.Constitute the single voyage branch line of the part of common maritime adventure (that is, having identical flight) or the combination of voyage branch line, be called the voyage section, in Fig. 1, represent with numeral 12.Each voyage branch line in the voyage section is placed on reference number 12 in the parantheses, represents that single voyage branch line constitutes the part of voyage section.Usually, the voyage section is subjected to the constraint of terminal, but the voyage section can comprise the stopover of arbitrary number, even comprises different aircrafts.

Route between London Gatwick (LGW) shown in Figure 1 and John Kennedy (JFK) airport comprises a stopover, and airport, Manchester (MAN) is so that refuel and handling goods.In addition, between LGW and MAN and MAN and the JFK connection is arranged.Connecting LGW/MAN and MAN/JFK all is the voyage section.

Route between LGW and the JFK also is a voyage section, and comprises voyage branch line LGW/MAN and MAN/JFK.Shipping on the voyage section LGW/MAN can connect the voyage section LGW/JFK that is positioned at MAN, thereby utilizes the voyage branch line MAN/JFK of voyage section LGW/JFK to finish route between LGW and the JFK.

For from Heathrow, London (LHR) via Bangkok (BKK) for the route of Sydney (SYD), shown two voyage sections 10.Route from LHR to SYD does not have the voyage branch line, because the terminal between this voyage (TXFR) is positioned at BKK, therefore the route from LHR to SYD is not a voyage section.In addition, can utilize highway or railway to connect airport.For example, (ZUR) is transported to Geneva (GVE) from Zurich with goods can to subscribe truck, on the voyage that is transported to another airport, if do not arrive the suitable voyage of Geneva Airport.

Mainly operating in the geographic area in the course line, does not provide service at institute's organic field.Major limitation is the service position of the aircraft in specific course line, and the market in this course line and commercial plan.Especially, many course lines are state-owned, be subjected to government control or substantial connection arranged with government, so the operation of limited service.

In the carriage of goods by air system, many players are arranged.They provide the carrier of the cargo carrying capacity of relevant voyage; Subscribe the shipping agency of cargo carrying capacity to the carrier; And be the carrier integrator of vertical integrated service with shipping agency's function combinations.

The carrier provides the aviation cargo carrying capacity of aircraft.Usually, they directly do not come into contacts with the consignor of shipping goods (or receive airfreight), but distribute cargo carrying capacity via the shipping agency as its agency or middle man.

The carrier can be divided into three classes.The first kind comprises the carrier that passenger service and cargo service are provided.Usually, freight services comprises the extra bellyhold space on the passenger plane, although there is the passenger course line of managing special-purpose airfreighter.So-called " associating " course line is managed in some passenger course line, wherein pulls down some the main deck seat in the main cabin, so that extra cargo carrying capacity is provided.

Second class acknowledgement of consignment people is the haulier.This class carrier comprises the shipping company such as CargoLux and Polar by managing the special shipping goods of a full cargo aircraft group of planes.Usually, the carrier manages regularly or semidefinite phase business, and distributes its cargo carrying capacity by the shipping agency.In some cases, the carrier can arrange flight as required specially or chartered plane is provided.

The 3rd class acknowledgement of consignment artificially so-called " private label " carrier.This type of carrier (as Atlas) manages aircraft by the name with other carriers, promotes the outsourcing carrier, wherein other carriers with comprise that pilot's complete carrier signs a contract.As selection, private label carrier is with two or more carriers' name segmentation aircraft.

Be commonly referred to the middle man of the shipping agency people of " shipping agency ",, and manage logistics and client's document with consignor's name because they buy volume with consignor's name for the aviation cargo carrying capacity.Usually, just as described below, the shipping agency does not have the aircraft of oneself, if they have the aircraft of oneself, thinks that then they are integrators.

Shipping agency's industry is disperseed very much, and global shipping agency surpasses 10,000 families.In fact, only the shipping agency of the United Kingdom just has about 1,000 family.Although the shipping agency takes multiple means of transportation usually, that is, except that airfreight, also to transport by sea, transport by road and transportation by railroad, the major part of its movable and resource is at airfreight market.

Recently, the 3rd class player in the carriage of goods by air environment has become very important.This type of player is called integrator (integrator).The integrator has the aircraft of oneself, and they come into contacts with by a large amount of retail/ground networks and client, so that the shipping agency to be provided function.Current, four main players are Fedex, UPS, DHL and TNT, and they represent the vertical integrated of course line and shipping agency's function.

In air transport system, some position is called " center (hub) ".The center is the main entrance of air transport system, and spreads all over the major area of air transport system.Usually, the goods that between the aircraft at center, changes the outfit.The center is carrier's base normally, storage in the base, maintenance, maintenance carrier's operating equipment.The shipping agency is usually in its infrastructure of one or more center constructions.

The following infrastructure that the existing shipping agency who carries out the goods reservation is described with reference to Fig. 2.

Utilize carrier's route manager 44 and shipping agency's passage manager's combination, control and management passage (gateway) 42.Carrier's route manager receives the cargo carrying capacity request from shipping agency's passage manager, and shipping agency's passage manager receives each shipping agency department 46 or consignor's cargo carrying capacity request, salesman 48 contact shipping agency departments 46 are so that provide cargo carrying capacity with consignor 50 name.At present, shipping agency's passage is handled by phone, fax or Email, to carrier's route manager request cargo carrying capacity.

Usually, be equipped with the cargo carrying capacity target that to sell to the consignor for each salesman 48 or department 46.At the goods of receiving consignor 50, and be transferred to shipping agency's passage when manager, shipping agency's passage manager attempt the request of balance cargo carrying capacity with subscribe in advance or can with the volume of carrier's negotiation.At passage 42 consolidation consignors' independent goods packing, so that transportation.As selection, also can be before forwarding shipping agency's passage manager to, undertaken and adorn by department or salesman.Shipping agency's passage manager is responsible for conferring the management fixed route or route union of sets dress is subscribed and normal the reservation.They and carrier's route manager hold consultation, and satisfy consolidation, general cargo or the specific demand of shipping agency's tissue with the cargo carrying capacity of guaranteeing to subscribe.Shipping agency's passage manager utilizes fax, phone or Email, holds consultation with carrier salesman 52 or carrier's route manager, so that manage every day, cargo carrying capacity request weekly.As selection, the carrier can move a telephone contact center.This definitely is a challenge, because every day (per hour comprising), all inequality with the aviation cargo carrying capacity in per season weekly.Above-mentioned difference is that the consignor produces configuration by client and industrial purchasing model, and schedule and transportation resources (as consolidation or in time transportation backward) cause.For example, fixed route there is the consignor's of huge volume requirements the small fault of production equipment, can causes goods to overstock, and make the instability of market in several weeks.The directivity of fixed route is had the global macroeconomy trend of appreciable impact, and for example GDP growth rate, foreign exchange rate and labor rate, and the microeconomy condition such as strike make changes in demand complicated more.

Shipping agency's passage manager carries out two classes and subscribes, the permanent reservation and special (ad hoc) reservation.Permanent reservation is 6 months long-term reservation or relevant more overabsorption of specifying the cargo carrying capacity of voyage.As its title hint, special subscription is the reservation of carrying out when needed.They are subscribed outside the convention permanent.Permanent expense of subscribing is with the factors vary of date, month, goods character, route, volume and so on.

Shipping agency's passage manager utilizes shipping agency's existing computer system, analyzes all permanent records of subscribing of signing with different carriers.The passage manager attempts the mutually different cargo carrying capacity request that the different departments of balance initiate, so that utilize available permanent reservation better.Utilize special subscription to realize the excess demand of particular course.By consulting forever to subscribe, although forever subscribe based on long-term expection and promise with carrier salesman 52.More complicated is special subscription, and wherein shipping agency's passage manager must contact with many carrier salesmen 52, with the cargo carrying capacity and the price of all routes of determining to satisfy specific demand.At present, realize special subscription by phone, fax or Email.Therefore, shipping agency's passage manager must contact different carrier salesmen 52, to determine to satisfy the available cargo carrying capacity of specific demand.In order to determine available cargo carrying capacity, shipping agency's passage manager must contact each carrier salesman 52, because each carrier operates at the center.Then, shipping agency's passage manager must analyze all information, to determine which carrier subscribing special volume to.Yet shipping agency's passage manager can not obtain the answer of carrier salesman to available cargo carrying capacity usually, because the carrier salesman must investigate in the carrier to determine current available space.The route manager asks many carriers of special volume to its salesman, all above-mentioned situation can occur.Thereby shipping agency's passage manager introduced a large amount of stand-by period when obtaining available information, and was difficult to subscribe suitable cargo carrying capacity.

Shipping agency's passage manager is according to the permanent reservation and the special subscription that are positioned at all departments of passage 42, the consolidation shipping goods, and the House Air Waybill (HAWB) of various shipping goods forwarded on the pre-assigned MAWB of carrier (MAWB).Shipping agency's passage route manager is organized as aviation goods counter (ULD) with shipping goods, being transferred to the carrier, or only provides bulk goods or bulk freight, wherein by the carrier goods is packed and is made up.ULD is the container of storage bulk goods.There are three types: band/not with the fence container of case lid; Tray; With tray as base and limit the dome packing case of the goods volume that tray supports.

The shipping agency is not applicable to the contract punishment of permanent reservation, and wherein shipping agency and carrier keep permanent reservation.Equally, if the shipping agency abandons subscribing volume or delivery is less than the reservation amount, also not excitation or punishment.When using the permanent reservation of subscribing with shipping agency's name or dividing timing, shipping agency's passage manager notify carrier salesman 52.When consulting with carrier salesman 52, shipping agency's passage manager always debate endlessly with regard to the expense of specific shipping goods.

Usually, existing shipping agency/carrier's interface is difficult to management, because need carry out many negotiations, and there are a large amount of stand-by period negotiation inside.In addition, available cargo carrying capacity visual relatively poor, and do not have electronics or integrated automatically between shipping agency system and the carrier's existing system at present.

In addition, in order to finish reservation, shipping agency's passage manager utilizes the fax notice wait acknowledge to subscribe usually, and fax notice provides the evidence of the shipping goods of reservation to the consignor.Then, serve as that airway bill is used on the basis with this reservation, and receipt is fixed on the shipping goods.As mentioned above, airway bill is attached on the MAWB 54, MAWB is used for shipping agency and carrier's combination and subscribes.

Carrier salesman 52 or route manager 44 are worried for the major limitation of the availability of data of the aviation cargo carrying capacity of relevant carrier inside.Carrier salesman 52 or route manager 44 wishes to optimize the professional incomes that obtain of its goods, wherein goods professional need usually relevant shipping cost with and the high degree of flexibility of cargo type, with abundant use volume.Yet carrier salesman 52 or route are handled 44 used weights of understanding the particular moment particular course at present.Thereby seriously limited the service that can provide to the carrier.

As shown in Figure 3, according to one embodiment of the present invention, between carrier salesman 52 or route manager 44 and shipping agency's (being generally shipping agency's passage manager), provide data management system (DMS) 70.DMS 70 according to the present invention provides interface between carrier salesman 52 and shipping agency 40, to strengthen the character of the transaction of carrying out between them.DMS70 provides up-to-date online schedule, comprises cargo carrying capacity.In addition, provide market conditions, thereby the volume buyer can check price data, the carrier provides the volume that satisfies the demands according to this price, demand such as route, shipment type, weight and cargo type.In addition, this type of DMS system can carry out complex search, so that the shipping agency imports the required airport of the starting/pairing that arrives at the airport, the scope of search criterion, as first-selected type of vehicle, cargo type and shipment type, search for then and show the carrier tabulation of satisfying above standard.Another enhancing is, according to the right of priority of client's search criterion (for example, priority ranking is first-selected carrier's relation, and expense is minimum, set out the earliest or arrive the latest), determines display order.The parameter that right of priority can set in advance for the shipping agency, perhaps input when search.In addition, can rely on DMS 70 to make up inverted market or auction, wherein the volume buyer can send request for quote to selected carrier's set.As selection, the auction marketplace can be provided, wherein the volume seller (being generally the carrier) auctions the unnecessary volume with the particular course of not selling volume.

Following with reference to Fig. 4 illustrate DMS 70 function and with carrier and shipping agency's relation.

DMS 70 comprises a relational database, and this database comprises the table of forming from the raw data of carrier's existing system 72 receptions.The raw data that the DMS system comprises according to database 74 derives refining database structure 76.Configuration data library structure 76 is so that response shipping agency's 78 search inquiry has efficient search.The shipping agency submits search inquiry to DMS 70, and to DMS 70 return results tables, table comprises the carrier's route that meets the search inquiry standard as a result.The table that comprises in the database 74 is created as, can on the link of carrier's existing system 72, be preferably on the automatic renewal link maintenance update data.Realize then because the more change of the database 76 that causes of new database 74, thereby be up-to-date, provide suitable result with the use search inquiry and to shipping agency's system 78 through the database structure 76 of revision.

Followingly explain relational database 74 in detail with reference to Fig. 5, this database comprises the raw data that receives from the carrier there.Relational database 74 comprises many tables of data.The carrier is input to data in the database by carrier's interface 88.As selection, and if do not have electrical interface between the carrier, then the operator of DMS system utilizes key in data.Database 74 comprises carrier's table 90, and this table comprises carrier's tabulation of the DMS 70 of participation according to the present invention.For each carrier who is input in carrier's table 90, the many forms of storage in database.In the superiors, store each carrier's operation timetable 92.Not all acknowledgement of consignment provides the operation timetable per capita, and provides the timetable in season, and the operation timetable is suitable for the limited time limit, and as two weeks or January, season, timetable was generally the flight schedule in 3 months futures or 6 months.The operation timetable (short-term timetable) that provides to DMS 70 is provided timetable 92, or the operation timetable of deriving according to the timetable in season that is suitable for specific carrier (long-term timetable).Operation timetable 92 provides the timetable of each voyage branch line example of carrier 90.In other words, the voyage of record between the airport in the operation timetable, the starting station and arriving at a station, sailing date and time and date of arrival and time, device type and this voyage are in the loading and unloading goods ability of each airport.

In preferred forms of the present invention, can be defined as the global parameter of the DMS system that is used for all carriers the maximum tie-time, the perhaps maximum tie-time is with the artificial basis of each acknowledgement of consignment.In addition, provide minimum tie-time table 96, this timetable is relevant with operation timetable 92.Minimum tie-time table 96 is the minimum connecting time between the transporter of the form of the airport that comprises in the timetable 92 and this airport.

As selection, maximum tie-time table 94 is provided, this timetable comprises the form of the airport that timetable 92 relates to, and the maximum tie-time of carrying out transfer between the transporter of this airport.

Another table related with timetable 92 is carrier's route selection (MCRO) table 98 (route sheet) of selling.This table comprises the route that the carrier sells, and this route other for information about.Transfer table 100 is relevant with carrier's MCRO table 98.The transfer table comprises the tabulation of the route of selling, and via the terminal number that route allowed of this route.

At least a portion data that comprise in the database 74 are transmitted (102) to precomputation routine 104, and this routine derives voyage segment table 76 according to the data in the database 74.

Precomputation routine 104 is created the example of effective combination of the voyage branch line of deriving according to each operation timetable 92.According to the disclosed example of Fig. 1, effective combination of structure voyage branch line.That is, the voyage section is subjected to the constraint of terminal.The voyage branch line that can make up arbitrary number is to form the voyage section.

Referring now to Fig. 1,104 instantiations of precomputation routine represent might the voyage branch line voyage section LGW-MAN, MAN-JFK and the LGW-JFK of combination.Yet in voyage segment table 76, only instantiation voyage section LHR-BKK and BKK-SYD, and not instantiation LHR-SYD are because BKK is a terminal.In other words, the goods that will transport SYD at BKK is transferred on another aircraft from an aircraft.

The DMS system also comprises a search engine 106, and this engine links to each other with voyage segment table 76, and response search inquiry 108 is with suitable voyage in the search voyage segment table.Simultaneously, other tables of data in the DMS system of the relating to parameters in search engine inquiry and searching request or the voyage section.Search engine returns Search Results 108 to the shipping agency who submits inquiry to.

Fig. 6 represents the data instance that the carrier provided in the timetable project 91 in season.This repertory is shown row.Numerous items constitutes the timetable in season.

Season the timetable project 91 be divided into two parts, 91a represents voyage, 91b represents the branch line of the voyage of 91a representative.For voyage 91a, one or more voyage branch line project 91b are arranged, the branch line project is corresponding with each voyage branch line of voyage 91a respectively.Voyage branch line project 91b is the child of voyage project 91a.

Voyage project 91a comprises the characteristic information of voyage, as: carrier's code (CARR_CODE); Aircraft type (AIRCFT_TYP_CODE) and configuration code (AIRCFT_CONFIG); The starting station of voyage (ORIG_STN_CODE) and arrive at a station (DEST_STN_CODE); Season timetable Start Date (SCHED_STRT_DTE) and Close Date (SCHED_END_DTE), wherein represent local time and zebra time (that is, GMT) with expansion LCL and UTC respectively; This project also comprises flight (FLIGHT_NO), operation day (DAY_OF_OPER) and flight number of times (WEEKLY_FREQ) weekly; And with the departure time (DEP_TIME) and time of arrival (ARR_TIME) of local time (LCL) and zebra time (UTC) expression.

Voyage branch line project 91b is included as the sign (FLIGHT_ID) of the voyage of branch line, and the order (FLIGHT_LEG_ORDER) of the branch line in this voyage.With the branch line departure time (LEG_DEP_TIME) and the time of arrival (LEG_ARR_TIME) of local time (LCL) and expression zebra time (UTC).Voyage branch line project 91b also comprises the information of the common cargo carrying capacity of relevant aircraft type, and weight (DFLT_AVAIL_WGHT) and volume (DFLT_AVAIL_VOL) configuration.By sign (ORIG_ONLD_FLAG) and (DEST_OFLD_FLAG) is set, voyage branch line 91b regarded as the goods that can load at the starting station and/or at the goods of unloading that arrives at a station.

Operation timetable 92 or according to what season, timetable 91 was derived is perhaps directly provided by the carrier, represents the project of voyage example and voyage branch line example in Fig. 6 respectively with 92a and 92b.

Voyage example project 92a is the child of voyage project 91a.Voyage example project 92a comprises the details of each voyage (that is voyage example).Adopting provides local time and zebra time the time and date that sets out (DEP_DTIME) and time of arrival and date (ARR_DTIME).

Following field comprises the restriction of the cargo type and the goods of permission, (UNITSD_BKNG_FLAG) and (LSE_BKNG_FLAG) represent whether allow to make up goods or bulk goods reservation, (MAX_SNGL_BKNG_WGHT) with the maximum cargo weight of (TOT_BKNG_WGHT) expression single-piece reservation and total goods weight of freight forward agency reservation.Content that can above-mentioned field is set to depend on the default value of aircraft type and configuration, perhaps is provided with by the carrier.The operator of DMS system can maximum single-piece reservation weight limits be set to systematic parameter with total weight limits of subscribing, wherein automatic the or manual guiding system parameter according to default value.

Voyage branch line example project 92b is the child of voyage example project 92a and voyage branch line project 91b.Voyage branch line example project 92b comprises the detail of this voyage branch line.For example, branch line order (FLGHT_LEG_ORDER), voyage instance identification (FLGHT_INST_ID) and voyage branch line sign (FLGHT_LEG_ID), and available actual cargo carrying capacity comprise volume (ACTL_VOL) and weight (ACTL_WEHT).As shown in Figure 6, also comprise corresponding other fields of field with voyage branch line project 91b and voyage example project 92.Preferably provide available actual cargo carrying capacity to all timetables respectively, comprise volume and weight.The available space data of every route branch line example for example, are provided by each carrier.As selection, the carrier can be provided with the default value of branch line set.In preferred forms, the carrier utilizes form that the volume data of every route branch line example is provided, and can provide volume to upgrade.

With the corresponding items voyage section project 93 in the voyage segment table, derive according to voyage example project 92a and voyage branch line example project 92b.The field of voyage section project 93 comprises flight, voyage instance identification, the starting station and arriving at a station, carrier's code, departure time and time of arrival, and aircraft configuration.Comprise the field in the cycle before being used to that airliner is set sets out simultaneously, wherein can not in this cycle, subscribe voyage section (BKNG_ACPT_PERD); This Field Definition is subscribed time of reception the latest.Perhaps by DMS operator this field is set, perhaps this field is a default cycles.Voyage section project 93 comprises the available space and the weight of cargo carrying capacity, and the tie-time of the different cargo types of different aircraft types.The tie-time classification is bulk goods (LSE) or combination (UNIT) cargo aircraft (FRGH_CON_TIME), mixes passenger and cargo aircraft (MXD_CON_TIME), passenger (PAS_CON_TIME) or truck (RFS_CON_TIME).In preferred forms, determine the tie-time of the device type of handling goods.In preferred forms, voyage section project 93 also comprises the maximum tie-time (MAX_CON_TIME) as systematic parameter, and identifies the field (LAST_LEG_ORDER) of the last item voyage branch line and article one voyage branch line in this voyage section and (FIRST_LEG_ORDER) respectively.

Fig. 6 also represents aviation goods counter (ULD) table 82.The aircraft load capacity table 84 of every kind of aircraft type utilizing AIRCFT_TYPE_CODE (FK) sign is provided, and safeguards by each carrier with carrier's code CARR_CODE (FK).Each table 84 all comprises field ULD_CODE (FK), the ULD type that the aircraft that this field is represented to be identified can transport.

Table 86 (ULD_TYPE) comprises the complete list of ULD type, and this table is to draw according to the ULD type that the freight transportation industry is used.

Table 88 (ULD_EQUIV_GRP) is mapped as ULD code (EQUIV_ULD_CODE) of equal value with the ULD type code, so that the different ULD types of using in the industry are coordinated to be the type of using in the DMS system.For example, can use the identical ULD type of different ULD coded representation in the sector, different ULD codes can be compatible.

Fig. 7 is the example of the maximum tie-time table 94 of the optional embodiment according to the present invention, fills in the maximum tie-time field of voyage segment table 93 according to this table.This table is expressed as one with every type carrier device (117,118) and starts shipment equipment for form, starts shipment the equipment unloading from (119), and equipment is started shipment in cargo transfer to (121).This form is divided into two repeating parts, is respectively applied for bulk goods and combination goods 112.Each cell of cell 123 is preserved a numerical value, the maximum tie-time of this value representation shipping goods type of transshipment cargo and this cell association between equipment.

Set up each carrier's maximum tie-time table 94, and in another optional embodiment,, set up its maximum tie-time table for each airport that can handling goods in carrier's network.The form that maximum tie-time table 94 shown in Figure 7 only is this table.Be appreciated that and utilize other logical organizations and standard, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to specific example.For example, the maximum tie-time just depends in the freight type, and therefore, the time changes with cargo type.For example, very crucial cargo type of its maximum tie-time is the perishable goods such as food and vegetables.The maximum transport time of this type of goods is far smaller than the maximum transport time that is difficult for damage goods such as electronic equipment.

Fig. 8 is the example of minimum tie-time table 96.Minimum tie-time table 96 is identical with the logical organization of maximum tie-time table shown in Figure 7, so repeats no more.

Fig. 9 represents the example of MCRO table 98.MCRO table 98 definition carrier wishes carrier's route options of selling.For this reason, define the starting station and arrive at a station, be expressed as ORIG_STN_CODE respectively, DEST_STN_CODE and CARR_CODE with carrier's code.Usually, MCRO table 98 comprises from and city, destination, is expressed as ORGI_CITY_CODE and DEST_CITY_CODE respectively.Yet it is unnecessary specifying from and city, destination.The MCRO table can comprise other fields with the DMS relating to parameters, the cura generalis aspect of DMS parameter control DMS, and repeat no more.Yet for this route, the carrier can define the suggestion freight charges (MIN_SUGTD_RATE) and the minimum freight (MIN_STND_RATE) of goods.In addition, also comprise combination and bulk goods reservation sign, this sign expression carrier wishes freight type on this route.Utilize field UNITSD_BKNG_FLAG and LSE_BKNG_FLAG to represent above sign respectively.Specify the journey time (MAX_TRNSIT_TIME) of this route simultaneously.MCRO table 98 shown in Figure 9 is only at a carrier and a route.Each carrier utilizes every route of their sale of this type of form definition, obviously, need not to construct this type of form according to mode shown in Figure 9, and its form can be any suitable logical organization.

Simultaneously, Fig. 9 also represents the transfer set table 100 related with MCRO table 98.Transfer set table 100 is the child of MCRO table 98.Transfer set table comprises the starting station code of relevant carrier's route and arrive at a station code and carrier's code.In example shown in Figure 9, four fields are arranged, these fields are specified the number of terminal in the transfer sequence, and the order of three terminals at the most of the route of selling.Utilize NO_TXF_PNTS respectively, TXFR_PNT_1, TXF_PNT_2 and TXFR_PNT_3 represent above-mentioned field.For each field as the airport of terminal, the correct airport code of input in this field.If do not use all terminals, for example, only two lru tables are shown terminal, then the 3rd terminal field keeps blank, and expression does not have the 3rd terminal.For the route that single carrier sells, can specify a plurality of terminal sequences (transfer set).

The carrier that transfer set table is sold its route for hope provides the dirigibility of higher level.Whether modification will effective as the airport and the transfer of terminal, be a kind of fairly simple mode.Like this, can upgrade and revise sale option easily.Another advantage is that the carrier need not to define every available line, and only need define the combination of available terminal.Therefore, the carrier only need carry out a little maintenance and setting, just can be on these data executable operations.

As mentioned above, voyage segment table 93 be according to the carrier to DMS 70 provides season table 91 and/or operation table 92 derive.For each voyage section that the carrier who uses DMS 70 systems provides, create a voyage segment table 93.Therefore,, only need open and inquire the minority form in order to respond search inquiry search appropriate route, that is, and voyage segment table, MCRO table and some miscellaneous table.The relevant data denormalization with different carriers is an operation timetable in season 92, utilizes these data to fill in the relevant field of voyage segment table 93 then.Therefore, for the user of DMS 70 systems, different system and data that different carriers use all are transparent, and wherein this user only uses voyage segment table 93.

Except that the voyage segment table 93 that comprises relevant search information, also have MCRO table 98 and transfer table 100.Search inquiry will be inquired MCRO table 98, whether sell the route options of request to determine the carrier, and wherein this route is subjected to the restriction of the terminal of definition in the transfer set table 100.Yet, in case the route of selling is made as carrier's existing route, and determined terminal, utilize voyage segment table 93, search the voyage section that satisfies the route inquiry or the combination of voyage section.

Other leading schedules of creating and visiting are: the member organization's table that describes each carrier's organizational parameter in detail; Carrier's grade of service table is specified by each carrier's of this route shipping agency; The buyer seller comprises table, whether illustrate with quotation and/or inverted market in the shipping agency make business; First-selected carrier's table is by first-selected carrier's tabulation of shipping agency's appointment; Aircraft/ULD the compatibility table that is used for the ULD search illustrates the ULD that is fit to specify aircraft; ULD table 88, tabulation and operator ULD type that this table is realized for the DMS system; And various systematic parameters.

In the optional embodiment of DMS 70, the transhipment between the transfer set table 100 definition carrier, for example, as the carrier of a through transport convention part.As selection, the carrier can consult unilateral arrangement each other, so that prepare for the transhipment between each voyage.

Above-mentioned data volume architecture is specific favourable to the dirigibility and the Data Update of data.If the carrier changes voyage, then only need to upgrade the suitable project in its operation table 92.DMS 70 is by the field change that poll, trigger and other message determine to occur, and opens and inquires that relevant carrier operates timetable 92, upgrades the corresponding field in voyage branch line table 92b and the voyage segment table 93 then.

Via season the voyage table rollback change or via batch the upgrading of operation voyage table, directly change operation voyage table by user interface device.Automatically upgrade voyage branch line table and voyage segment table then.

Data entity relation expression shown in Figure 6 utilizes the method for timetable 91 generating run timetables 92 in season.The operation timetable is mainly the timetable project in season with accurate date and time, and actual cargo carrying capacity availability.Generate voyage segment table 93 according to operation timetable 92.The process flow diagram that following reference is shown in Figure 10 illustrates the example that generates voyage segment table 93 according to operation timetable 92.

In step 140, the voyage instance identification is set, with the voyage section of determining to generate.In step 142, according to the voyage branch line example table 92b related with voyage example table 92a, structure voyage section.In step 144, calculate various may the combination of voyage branch line, every voyage branch line becomes a voyage section, and fills in and the suitable related voyage segment table 93 of voyage instance identification.Continue to create the voyage section of each voyage example, prop up line segment until creating all possible voyage, thereby complete voyage segment table 93 is provided.

In preferred forms, DMS is configured to and can moves in open computer network and unshared computer network.Figure 11 represents specially suitable configuration.

Utilize unshared network 150, DMS system 70 is connected to client's existing system 72.Suitable unshared network link can be the leased line of telecommunications company, or the carrier is connected to the link of unshared network.Simultaneously, DMS system 70 is connected to common network such as the Internet 152.Also existing system 72 can be connected to the Internet 152.Therefore, the client can transmit data to DMS system 70 via unshared network 150 or the Internet 152.Above-mentioned configuration can simplified system retractility, particularly can simplify new client's interpolation process because need not to provide the unshared network link of DMS system, but can select to communicate via the Internet 152.The user of DMS system and shipping agency 40 by the Internet 152, visit DMS system 70 by workstation1 54.DMS system 70 is connected to shipping agency system and carrier system via common link or unshared link.

In configuration shown in Figure 12, DMS system 70 is embodied as the web infosystem (WIS) that is positioned at the website.Therefore, by fhe global the Internet, can be from visit Anywhere.In other words, above DMS system all can be visited in any place that can access the Internet, and prerequisite is that the operator of DMS system authorizes them suitable access rights.By being this system configuration WIS, all standard weblications all can be visited this system.For example, in order to carry out alternately with the DMS system, as long as the shipping agency possess standard browser software and with being connected of the Internet.Therefore, the DMS system be platform independently, and the shipping agency need not any specialized hardware and just can visit above DMS system.The advantage that DMS system 70 is configured to the website is, shipping agency 40 or carrier need not to upgrade its existing hardware or software (for example, by new version software is installed) just can be upgraded to service easily.The DMS system provide other be characterised in that high scalability and high availability.In addition, the purpose that disposes this system is that the confidentiality of maintenance sensitive information is controlled the visit to sensitive transactions, and in the place of this service of needs, provided this service.

Followingly describe DMS system and carrier and shipping agency system in detail with reference to Figure 12.Figure 12 represents the logic architecture of total system.Carrier and shipping agency are expressed as the user of this system, and represent with label 160.Shipping agency 40 uses workstation1 54, and workstation supports web to use, as moves suitable browser software, and workstation links to each other with the Internet 152.Shipping agency's workstation1 54 and communication link between the Internet 152 are dial-up line or the leased line that forever is connected.In preferred forms of the present invention, the agreement that communicates with DMS is HTTP or HTTPS 162.The carrier has background system 164, and this system comprises its existing computer system 72 and the open communication system such as workstation1 54, and wherein workstation1 54 supports web to use, and can link to each other with the application program based on the Internet.Background system 164 is connected to the system integration and communication module 166, and the latter provides the interface with external network and system.

DMS system 70 also comprises the system integration and communication module 166, the latter comprises interface server, this server provides message and Transformation Service and other the automatic inputs that interrelates with client 160 systems, as the currency exchange rate information that can obtain from adequate information point.Communication module 166 comprises interface module 168, and the latter comprises protocol conversion, format translate and transmission system.Interface module 168 provides suitable message and transmission service for outputing to the information in the DMS system 70 on proprietary network 150 and the network 152.Simultaneously, DMS interface module 168 provides the interface based on the service of web, other appropriate information that this type of service may be used as currency exchange rate information and this system.In inside communication module 168 be connected to/from the inbound messages formation 170 and the outbound message formation 172 of the rear end 174 of DMS system 70.The message queue module management to/transmit from the message of DMS rear end 174.Rear end 174 comprises two master data base, that is, and and management information base 176 and operating database 178.Management information base is stored in the historical information and the statistical information of the All Activity of carrying out in this DMS system.Operating database 178 comprises relational database 74 and precise information storehouse 76, and relational database comprises carrier's raw data, and the precise information storehouse comprises the voyage example table.Utilize data access control module 180 accessing databases 176 and 178.Data access control module 180 is handled the carrier's who needs accessing database inbound messages, and handles carrier or shipping agency's outbound message, comprises from this data of database.

DMS system applies logical one 82 control data access control modules 180, and the front-end module 184 of DMS system.DMS system applies logical one 82 comprises the functional module that is used to carry out precomputation routine 104, so that set up the voyage example table when the data of receiving from the carrier.In addition, DMS uses 182 and also comprises the raw data that is used to receive the carrier, and sets up the module of data in relational database 74 according to form shown in Figure 5.Search engine 106 also resides in DMS and uses in 182.

The front end 184 of DMS system 70 comprises the client or the user interface aspect of this system.Usually, front end comprises customized module 186, client script and applet module 188.Utilize DMS to use 182 and drive customized modules 186, with according to particular user configuration user interfaces, access rights and privilege, and all results' form.For example, the certain user can only see the voyage that specific carrier provides, or the cargo carrying capacity of some type.Customized module 186 and client script link to each other with web server 190 with applet module 188.DMS uses 182 and also links to each other with web server 190.Web server 190 is carried out the common task and the function of web servers, and to the user (as, the shipping agency 40) the web visit to DMS system 70 is provided.

The following physical architecture that this system is described with reference to Figure 13.Shipping agency 40 utilizes this system by the workstation1 54 of the suitable browser software of operation, and browser software is explained HTML, DHTML and javascript coding usually.Connect workstation1 54 by the communication network of supporting tcp/ip communication.Shipping agency and DMS exchange digital certificate information by the Internet 152 on telecommunication system, so that authenticate mutually.

The front end 184 of DMS system 70 comprises a web layer.The Web layer comprises load balancing 192, be used for balanced to/from the inbound and outbound message of the Internet.Load balancing 192 is connected to web/ application server 194, and as carrying out the application server of JSP and JAVA module, this server comprises the suitable software module that is used to connect the Internet user.Web/ application server 194 in the front end 184 is connected to the rear end 174 that comprises database layer.Database layer 174 comprises many database servers.The program language of database server operation such as SQL and C++ storing process is so that control and operating database.Rear end or database layer 174 are connected to client communication module or customer interface layer 196.Customer interface layer 196 comprises communication module 168 and the message queue 170 and 172 that illustrates with reference to Figure 13.Interface server is connected to other networks to rear end 174, as unshared proprietary network and/or the Internet.Handle inbound and server outbound message formation 170/172, utilize the mechanism such as MQ sequence, FTP and SMTP, handle inbound and the outbound message formation.

Referring now to Figure 14, the implementation of this figure reduced representation workstation computer system 154.Workstation1 54 comprises various data processing resources, the processor (CPU) 230 that for example links to each other with bus structure 238.Also link to each other with data processing resource the random access memory 234 such as ROM (read-only memory) 232 with bus structure 238.Display adapter 236 is connected to bus structure 238 to display device 218.One or more user input device adapters 240 are connected to bus structure 238 to the user input device that comprises keyboard 222 and mouse 224.Can be equipped with the adapter 241 that is used to connect printer 221.Can be equipped with one or more media drive adapters 242, so that, be connected to bus structure 238 the media drive such as CD drive 214, floppy disk 216 and hard disk drive 219.Can be equipped with one or more telecom adapters 244, handle the resource interface device to provide, thereby workstation computer system is connected to one or more networks, or be connected to other computer systems.Communication adapter 244 can comprise LAN adapter, modulator-demodular unit and/or isdn terminal adapter, serial ports or parallel port adapter.

The following explanation of the embodiment according to the present invention is appreciated that workstation1 54 can take various ways.For example, workstation can be the computing machine with the non-PC type of the Internet or Web-compatible, maybe can visit the TV set-top box of the computer network such as the Internet as network computer.As selection, workstation1 54 can be wireless PDA or multimedia terminal.

Workstation1 54 is configured to: move under the control of CPU 230, wherein CPU 230 is according to the computer program operation of storage in the workstation storer 232/234/219.Can for example at communication network and/or on the Internet, provide the program of carrying out by workstation1 54 in telecommunications media.If the multimedia terminal of workstation1 54 for moving on wireless telephony network, then telecommunications media is for transmitting the radio-frequency carrier of coded signal, and wherein coded signal is represented computer program and data message.As selection, carrier wave can be optical carrier or any other suitable carrier media or the land line link telecommunication system that is used for optical fiber link.Also can be on above-mentioned telecommunications media, provide from workstation1 54 to the remote computer such as DMS system 70, or the message, data structure and the form that receive from this type of remote computer.In addition, can on floppy disk 217 or CD-ROM 215, provide program.Especially, can pass through telecommunications media, be provided for the graphic user interface of the remote system of DMS system 70 and so on,, thereby on display screen 220, show suitable graphic user interface with configuration station display device 218.

Wish to utilize DMS system 70 to search for the shipping agency 40 who goods is transported to the suitable voyage of destination from the place of production, must at first sign in to the DMS website.When login DMS website, show welcome page, if this shipping agency in the DMS registration, then only needs to provide suitable password and user name (the member id and the member organization that comprise the DMS system) to system, whether be the registered user so that verify them.In order to search for the voyage with required cargo carrying capacity, shipping agency 40 needs the search of request volume.

Response is to the searching request 70 of Web server, and the server end java servlet in the applied logic module 182 responds the complete search parameter page of receiving, the process dmPerformSearch that search is stored is carried out in the decision-making of calling in the data access 180.The DmPerformSearch module is returned the results list that adopts the HTML encapsulation to servlet, is delivered to the web server then, so that be sent to shipping agency 40.

Utilize the browser on the display screen 220, show the search parameter page that is sent to shipping agency 40 workstation1 54 from web server 190.

Figure 15 represents the example of search user interface screen 250.Shipping agency 40 is input to departure point 252 and terminal point 254 airports in suitable screen field 252 and 254.In the example depicted in fig. 15, the starting point airport is the Heathrow Airport in London, and airport of destination is John's JFK Airport in New York, and its IATA title is respectively LHR and JFK.On user interface 250, be provided for the added field in starting point 256 and terminal point 258 cities,, also starting point and terminal point can be input in field 252 and 254 as selection.Provide and set out and arrive field, it is divided into sailing date 260 and time 262, date of arrival 264 and time 266, their definition shipping agencies 40 wish goods is transported to from starting point the window of terminal point.In preferred forms, the date must be complete, but the time that do not require is complete.Field 268,270 and 282 is being searched for weight, volume and the density of the goods of cargo carrying capacity.Click counter symbol 274, calculate the volume that needs, if weight and density are known, or bulk density, if weight and volume is known.Perhaps finish three field one weight, volume and density automatically, so that correctly determine the grade and the value of goods attribute and this goods by the user or by clicking the counter icon in order.Field 276 generally includes the drop-down menu of different cargo types, as the initial value of search.In the example shown, show the general cargo type.Other cargo types comprise perishable goods or auto parts.The DMS Systems Operator can adopt any suitable method definition cargo type.

Cargo type is further defined as bulk goods (as, chest, parcel) or combination goods, that is, is packaged as predetermined goods unit in advance.By activating switching push button combination 278 or bulk goods 280 expression cargo types.In some cases, goods is the bulky cargo of IATA rule definition, at this moment, and final election field 282 expression bulky cargos.In field 284, input assembly packaging type promptly, activates switching push button 278 so that carry out combinatorial search.

In preferred forms, if select the bulk goods type, then the shipping agency can import the dimensional data of each goods in the shipping goods.In the search interface screen (not shown) corresponding, be provided for the data field of dimensional data with search interface screen 250.Dimensional data comprises numbering, length and the weight of every goods.Provide the icon of the counter such as counter symbol 274, so that generate volume and density according to dimensional data.

If select combination, then the shipping agency can input weight, volume, density and ULD classification.The scouting screen (not shown) comprises the ability of 3 kinds of ULD classifications of input combined traffic goods.This system only returns by the carrier and is mapped to the ULD that specifies classification in the scouting screen.The carrier is mapped to the ULD classification with the ULD that supports.If the shipping agency wishes to return all available ULD types, then need not to define the ULD classification.The carrier uses the ULD type of one of three international standard ULD types (TACT classification, IATA type coding goods ATAUS country term) and/or its particular organization usually.DMS allows the carrier that its ULD type is mapped to more common ULD classification, and the latter distinguishes ULD according to key dimension, as container/pallet, following/main deck.The shipping agency can define common ULD classification in scouting screen, only return and the corresponding specific carrier ULD type of defined classification guaranteeing.For example, section set and the ULD type that the carrier is mapped to pallet (bottom) only returned in pallet (bottom) search in Search Results.The carrier provides the grade and the aircraft ULD adaptability of the specific ULD type of being supported.Return the ULD type of being supported in Search Results, the ULD type is as the basis of quotation market and inverted market reservation.

The latter half of user interface screen 250 comprises many Search Filters, the result that filter definition will return to shipping agency 40.Can activate two switching push buttons 286 and 288, to begin search, the carrier's tabulation of satisfying standard and the voyage tabulation of satisfying search criterion are returned in this search respectively.Other options are: by selecting field 290, non-participant is covered in the system; By selecting field 292, get rid of passenger plane and mix voyage; By selecting field 294, get rid of truck, that is, and transport by road.Other Search Filters are: the maximum transfer number of times of permission, can utilize drop-down menu 296 to select; Need to determine carrier's grade of service of return results, can utilize drop-down menu 298 to select; And utilize drop-down menu 300 to determine to wish to return how many results' ability.Other restrictions are: by final election field 302, only show carrier's code; By selecting check box 304, only show available space, that is, satisfy the result of required cargo carrying capacity.As selection, can ask the temporary transient full carrier of its voyage, in order to reference in the future.

At last, shipping agency 40 is by distinguishing the priority ranking of four different characteristics, definite result's that need return order.Four display fields are provided, and each field has a drop-down menu, and drop-down menu comprises following five key assignments: first-selected carrier, cost is minimum, reaches the soonest, sets out the grade of service the latest.By the drop-down menu that utilizes each field to be equipped with, finish one or more field 306-312, so that according to the priority of shown key assignments, rank results.

The user submits its request by activating " search volume " button 316 to the DMS system.

User interface screen 250 is configured to: the screen cursor of mouse 224 controls at responsive operation station 154, thus the user can select different field, and utilize keyboard 222 or by selecting the option in the drop-down menu, import data.As selection, user interface program can move to each field to the prompting that spreads all over user interface 250 successively, and the user can import this type of data as required thus.On on the common keyboard that utilizes such as keyboard 222/Down Arrow and the above prompting of Tab key control.

By the search user interface screen, the shipping agency can clearly select them to wish the search-type of carrying out via the DMS system.Four kinds of search are arranged: bulk goods voyage section, bulk goods carrier, combination voyage section and combination carrier.Term " bulk goods " and " combination " refer to the character of goods packing.The search of voyage section will be returned a result set, comprise the full details of the voyage section of the route of asking, and carrier's search only provides marking carrier and available space (optional).For every kind of search-type, must finish some field.These fields are the route between starting point and the terminal point, search time, and cargo type and goods volume, wherein starting point and terminal point can be city or airport.The maximum time limit that a system definition was arranged between the departure time and the time of reaching is to guarantee not import the very long time limit.If exceed above systematic parameter, this system will produce mistake.Usually utilize the IATA table that airport and city are connected.

Each voyage section clauses and subclauses 93 all has a sailing date and time (DEP_DTIME) and date of arrival and time (ARR_DTIME).Each voyage section clauses and subclauses also has the starting station of this voyage section and arrives at a station.In one embodiment, also comprise outlet processing time and import processing time.Outlet is that airliner plays the Cheng Qian and handles the needed time at the starting station in the processing time.From the departure time, deduct the outlet processing time with definition time departure (in fact time departure) the latest.Equally, the import processing time is that airliner arrives at the back and handles the needed time arriving at a station.The import processing time is added in time of arrival to define go to the station to meet somebody the time (in fact the going to the station to meet somebody the time the earliest) of shipping goods.Thereby set up each voyage section in the voyage segment table time departure and go to the station to meet somebody the time.

According to preferred forms of the present invention, can be designed to stipulated time or fixed course (particular leg) to search.

For the fixed course search (promptly, search for according to sailing date and time and date of arrival and time), DMS search voyage segment table and relevant form, search set out date and time and date of arrival and time and satisfy the route segment of request (sailing date and time are later than beginning (setting out of request) date and time, and date of arrival and time are early than finishing (arrival of request) date and time).Result's demonstration is set out date and time and date of arrival and time, and/or about date of departure and time and the date and time of going to the station to meet somebody.

For the stipulated time search (promptly, according to date of departure and time and the date and time search of going to the station to meet somebody), DMS search voyage segment table and relevant form, search date of departure and time and the date and time of going to the station to meet somebody and satisfy the route segment of request (date of departure and time are later than beginning (leaving of request) date and time, and the date and time of going to the station to meet somebody is early than finishing (going to the station to meet somebody of request) date and time).And the result shows and to set out date and time and date of arrival and time, and/or date of departure and time and the date and time of going to the station to meet somebody.

Figure 16 is a process flow diagram, the embodiment of expression dmPerformSearch storing process.The dmPerformSearch memory resident is in DMS data access logical one 80, and at first in step 322, checking is from shipping agency's searching request input parameter.Usually, the dmPerformSearch storing process is verified the following input parameter that utilizes search volume user interface screen 250 or import as a part and the search volume screen 250 of login process.

Usually, need the following input parameter of checking:

The member id parameter of input;

The result type search parameter of input;

The bulk goods or combination (278, the 280) search parameter of input;

Result type (carrier or voyage) 286,288;

Guarantee to import starting point airport or from parameter (252,256);

Guarantee to import airport of destination or city, destination parameter (254,258);

Guarantee that from 256 (if importing) is effective city;

Guarantee that starting point airport 252 (if importing) is effective airport;

Guarantee that city, destination 258 (if importing) is effective city;

Guarantee that airport of destination 254 (if importing) is effective airport;

Guarantee not import simultaneously starting point airport and from;

Guarantee not import simultaneously airport of destination and city, destination;

The starting point of guaranteeing airport and city is different with the destination;

Guarantee that the starting station is not in the city, destination;

Guarantee to arrive at a station not in the from;

Guarantee to import maximum transfer parameter;

Guarantee to import and set out and the date of arrival, and the date of arrival is later than sailing date;

Guarantee to set out and the time between the date of arrival surpasses the maximal value of system definition;

Guarantee to import cargo type 276, and be effective cargo type of this system;

Guarantee that ULD classification 284 (if importing) is effective;

Guarantee that carrier's code 302 (if importing) is effective;

Guarantee input weight, volume and density, and weight/volume=density; And

The size of guaranteeing every goods is corresponding with weight and volume with weight (if importing), and in system tolerance.

Then, the dmPerformSearch function forwards step 324 to, generates unique Search Flags of the search of asking in this step.The search result set that forms when utilizing Search Flags to discern the result for retrieval subclass.The public function that is called result set ID utilizes unique Searching I D, unique ID is input among the record VU_SRCH_RSLT_SETU time when carrying out search with record.In the DMS management system, use this record then, determine the time of certain search of deletion from database.After finishing the search processing, a client software returns unique Searching I D, so that the sign search result set.

Next step 326 calls the FlightSegmentSet function, utilize this function generation to satisfy the voyage section tabulation of the search criterion of input in the scouting screen (as 250), search criterion comprises the route starting station and arrives at a station route, beginning and Close Date and available space.All search routine that the tabulation of voyage section is used for carrying out subsequently.Then, the dmPerformSearch process forwards step 328 to, change-over switch 286 and 288 is determined in search volume screen 250, determines that this search is carrier's type or voyage type.

To carrier's type search, the dmPerformSearch storing process forwards step 330 to, calls carrier's search function in this step, carrying out carrier's search, and is provided with in step 332 and returns " type " parameter " C ".For the voyage type search, this function forwards flow process to step 334, determines whether to ask the composite type search in this step.If do not ask combinatorial search, then in step 336, call the voyage search function, the voyage of this function search transportation bulk goods.Then, control forwards step 338 to, and return type parameter " F " is set in this step.For the combinatorial search function, control forwards step 340 to, calls the combinatorial search function in this step, forwards step 342 then to, and return type parameter " U " is set in this step.

Implementing the dmPerformSearch storing process, and after carrying out relevant search type (that is, the carrier searches for 330, non-combinatorial search 338 or combinatorial search 340), setting up search result set, to reflect the result of suitable search.According to search result set, carry out the price of each record in this set.

DmPerformSearch process 320 invoked procedure functions " FlightSegmentSet " 326.All search-type are carried out dmflightsegmentset 326, and handle and the voyage section aggregate list that the route of searching for appointment in the volume screen 250 mates, be inserted in the results set table.The set of each voyage section constitutes the data line of storing on results set table, and list configuration is returned the line number of request for utilizing the getresults function to JAVA servlet, with notice teller work station 154.The dmflightsegmentset search is a complex search, and carries out this search in several distinct inquiries, wherein according to above several inquiring structuring complete result collection.Carry out each inquiry successively, and search output is inserted in the results set table with relevant Searching I D.Each inquiry is corresponding with the transfer number of times that allows in this route.

The process flow diagram that following reference is shown in Figure 17 illustrates the operation of the DMS applied logic 182 that is used for dmflightsegmentset 326.In step 350, dmflightsegmentset storing process search MCRO table 98 is searched the carrier who sells the route of input on the scouting screen 250.In example shown in Figure 16, search MCRO table 98 is searched starting point airport LHR and airport of destination JFK.In step 352, contrast the route that relevant carrier sells, check the shipping goods type of request, that is, and combination or bulk goods.Utilize the storage of dmflightsegmentset process to sell carrier's tabulation of request route, wherein ask route to have request shipping

goods type.In step

350 and 352, can check whether the carrier has the suitable grade of service (parameter 298 in the screen 250) simultaneously.In step 354, check transfer table 100, effective to determine the transfer set to each carrier's sale route.

Then, in step 356, search voyage segment table 93 is searched the starting station and is arrived at a station and ask route to refer to the starting station and the corresponding direct route section of arriving at a station.The condition that the search parameter 260,262,264 of contrast screen 250 and the search date of 266 definition were imported in the time limit is checked each direct route section, and the direct route section comprises the time of reception of reservation the latest that route and voyage transmit.In addition, utilize the volume filtration result if desired, then search for required volume, search for the suitable device type of search parameter 292 definition, and determine whether to comprise the truck of search parameter 294 definition.Simultaneously, the DMS applied logic checks that setting out of each voyage section and time of arrival are in the maximum time limit of system parameter setting.

In direct route section aggregate list, be stored in the direct route section of the satisfied inquiry of determining in the step 356.Then, the dmflightsegmentset storing process forwards step 358 to, determines whether to determine the ultimate run number in this step.The ultimate run number is generally a systematic parameter, as selection, and also can be defined by the user.If determined the ultimate run number, then the dmflightlegset storing process forwards control flow to step 370, in this step the result in the flightlegset tabulation is sorted, and the dmflightlegset process finishes in step 372.Yet if the result of step 358 is a "No", control flow forwards step 360 to, and search voyage segment table is searched the combination of satisfying two voyage sections of asking route in this step.In preferred forms of the present invention, two voyage sections are same management carrier's voyage, but as selection, the voyage section also can be different carriers' a voyage.

When searching for the combination of two voyage sections, by the minimum tie-time of the carrier who contrasts definition in the minimum tie-time table 96, relatively the arrival and the tie-time between the departure time (that is, difference) of two voyage sections in the terminal, handle the connection of two voyage sections.Having only its tie-time and carrier is acceptable the time difference between the minimum tie-time, could connect two voyage sections.In other words, must there be the enough time to connect and transfer.During as discussion list 96 with reference to Fig. 8 explanation like that, carrier's minimum tie-time is with variations such as aircraft, shipping goods type (bulk goods or combination), terminals.In addition, compare tie-time and maximum tie-time systematic parameter, to determine whether the time difference is acceptable.As selection, compare the suitable field in tie-time and the maximum tie-time table 94.In addition, as reference Fig. 7 explanation, the maximum tie-time is with aircraft type, shipping goods type (bulk goods or combination), terminal and other variable change such as goods character.The maximum route time of the sale route of storage in the contrast MCRO table 98, check be referred to as transhipment respectively make up the voyage section, and deletion surpasses the voyage section of maximum route time.Other conditions of the transhipment of test are in step 360: the starting point of next voyage and the destination of previous voyage coupling.Utilize the transhipment of in step 360, determining then, upgrade voyage section aggregate list.

Then, process control forwards step 362 to, and transfer counter TPC is set to 1 in this step.Utilize this counter to check whether the transfer number of times in the route surpasses user's regulation or systematic parameter.In step 364, check that whether transfer counter TPC is less than maximal value.If the maximal value of being not less than, then process control forwards step 370 to, in this step voyage section tabulating result is sorted, and forwards step 372 then to, and process finishes.If the result of step 364 is a "Yes", then process control forwards step 366 to, and the search segment table is searched other combinations of voyage section in this step.The number of the voyage section of search is TPC+2.When search segment table in step 366, the consideration when it considers with search segment table in step 360 is identical.Yet other restrictions are: can not visit terminal again between transit period.In other words, the starting point of the destination of voyage section and previous voyage section does not match.Purpose is to avoid circling round and repeat to transport route.Be stored in effective transhipment of deriving in the step 366 in the tabulation of voyage section, process control forwards step 368 to then, in this step counter TPC is added 1.Then, step 364 is got back in control, determines that in this step whether TPC is less than maximal value.

Importantly, when search voyage segment table is searched the combination of two or more voyage sections, check the goods that each voyage section is provided with in whether can cargo carrying capacity, size and/or the ULD type requests of shipping goods type.For example, each section must be able to transport it and be of a size of the size that is provided with in the request or the goods of ULD type.

The result of dmflightsegmentset process is the voyage section aggregate list that generates through ordering.Result's time order parameter 306,308,310,312 and 314 according to input on scouting screen 250 sorts.After finishing dmflightsegmentset storing process function 326, process control forwards dmPerformSearch storing process 320 to, wherein determines search-type in step 328.

Get back to Figure 16 now, in step 328, determine the search-type that searching algorithm 320 is carried out.For by the search-type " carrier " that switching push button 286 starts is set, start carrier's search function 330 in search window 250.The process flow diagram that following reference is shown in Figure 19 illustrates the process control flow of carrier's search function 330.At first, in step 380, read first in the voyage section aggregate list.In step 382, determine whether this surpasses the maximal value that the user imports in the parameter 296 of search window 250.If the transfer number of times is less than the maximal value of user's input, then process control forwards step 384 to, so that this is stored in the search result set.Then, in step 386, read the next item down in the voyage section aggregate list, control flow turns back to step 302 then, whether surpasses the maximal value that allows with the transfer number of times of determining the next item down.If the transfer number of times surpasses maximal value, then process control continues and forwards step 384 to, storing this, and reads Search Results and the next item down from voyage branch line aggregate list.Yet if the transfer number of times of the project that reads from voyage branch line aggregate list at last surpasses maximal value, process control flow forwards step 388 to, stopping carrier's search function, and returns final search result set to carrying out search procedure.For carrier's search, final search result set comprises that its voyage and cargo carrying capacity satisfy carrier's tabulation of request.

Referring now to Figure 19, the control flow of combinatorial search function 340 is described below.For the composite type search that the button 278 that is set to by switching push button in the search window 250 activates, need the extra DMS of inspection logic, whether use the aircraft type that can handle common ULD or special ULD type to determine each voyage section.Can in the field 284 of search window 250, import the ULD classification.For example shown in Figure 15, not input in the field 284, this bulk capacity search with response bulk goods switching push button 280 is consistent.In the first step 390 of combinatorial search function 340, read first in the voyage section aggregate list.In step 392, determine whether this transfer number of times surpasses maximal value.If do not surpass maximal value, then process control forwards step 394 to, determines whether this comprises the voyage section that can support ULD combination goods, if imported the ULD classification, determines then whether the voyage section supports special ULD type.If the result of step 394 is a "Yes", then process control forwards step 396 to, so that store this in search result set.Then, in step 398, read the next item down in the voyage section aggregate list, process control forwards step 392 to then, whether surpasses maximal value with the transfer number of times of determining the next item down.In step 394, if the current project that reads is not supported ULD goods or special ULD type, then process control forwards step 398 to, to read the next item down in the voyage section aggregate list.If the result of step 392 is a "Yes", that is, the transfer number of times of the current project that reads from voyage section aggregate list surpasses maximal value, and then process control forwards step 400 to, so that return search result set to dmPerformSearch storing process 320.Only return the voyage section search result set of supporting common ULD type.

Now created the corresponding search result set of search-type with shipping agency's request.Price preferably is associated with each voyage section set record.In the simplest situation, price can be the function of volume, weight or the density of cargo carrying capacity request.The price that can in certain clauses and subclauses of MCRO 98 forms, comprise the per unit volume.As selection, price can be clauses and subclauses of each voyage branch line in the voyage example table 76, and the price of each voyage branch line in the voyage combination that constitutes voyage section and/or route that wherein adds up is to provide the total price of this route.

As selection, in the DMS system, provide expense card, to calculate the expense of each route according to the different parameters configuration that comprises route and voyage section or voyage branch line.

The carrier is according to route, route, shipping agency, cargo type and what day establishment, maintenance cost card.The correct expense card of each voyage section set of DMS system searching is to calculate the expense of considering shipping goods type, weight and other factors.The minimum value that grade that contrast MCRO keeps or revenue control information comprise this route, the expense that does not allow to calculate is lower than minimum value.This lowest class control just.Expense on this systematic comparison expense card and the expense on the MCRO, and accept minimum value among both.

Also can utilize additive method to determine the price of cargo carrying capacity.

The order of selecting in relevant scouting screen according to this user shows the Search Results that suitably search (that is, carrier, non-combination or combinatorial search) is created then.Then, the user selects them to wish to subscribe the selected route options of cargo carrying capacity.In preferred forms of the present invention, by a voyage section set in the selection result tabulation, subscribe cargo carrying capacity, more than select to generate one and subscribe screen, the user is scheduled to cargo carrying capacity by filling predetermined screen.As selection, also can utilize conventional method to be scheduled to cargo carrying capacity, for example send fax, make a phone call or send Email to relevant carrier.

The following logic architecture that the data management system (DMS70) of the embodiment according to the present invention is described with reference to Figure 20.Figure 20 represents total system.As reference Figure 12 explanation, client (carrier) system 72 communicates by letter with customer interface (CI) system 710 by the Internet and/or other networks.CI system 710 is mutual with CI voyage database 712, and the latter and voyage batch system 714, web disposal system 716 and master data base 718 are mutual.Simultaneously, web disposal system 716 and master data base 718 are mutual each other.

Distribute batch system 720 mutual with web disposal system 716 and master data base 718.Master data base 718 is mutual with management information system (MIS) 722.Utilize off line instrument 724 the carrier of gathered offline and shipping agency's data, be loaded in CI voyage database 712 and the master data base 718.Web disposal system 716 is communicated by letter with client (shipping agency and/or carrier) workstation1 54 by the Internet and/or other networks with MIS 722.

Web disposal system 716 comprises web application server and database access software, uses the shipping agency of workstation1 54 to submit searching request to data management system.MIS 722 utilizes the data in the master data base 718 to generate online report, utilizes and distributes batch system 720, will be loaded in the master data base 718 by the distribution reservation and the template of web disposal system 716 receptions.

Carrier system 72 provides flight schedule to CI system 710, timetable or for having the timetable 91 in season of standard flight schedule, perhaps for having the operation timetable of different voyage example.CI system 710 stores flight schedule in operation timetable form 92, storage timetable in season 91 in CI voyage database 72.Be provided for filling the volume data of voyage segment table simultaneously.

Provide carrier's route options (MCRO) data and the transfer collective data of sale by carrier system 72 to CI system 710, and gather storage in the table 100 in the MCRO table 98 and the transfer of master data base 718 respectively.In CI voyage database, preserve the copy of MCRO table and transfer set table.Receive the ULD data with similar fashion, and store in the ULD table 82.Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 description operation timetable 92, season timetable 91, MCRO table 98, transfer set table 100 and ULD table 82 with and relation.

Batch processing of voyage batch system 714 operation, the latter launches carrier's timetable 91 in season, with generating run timetable 92.As reference Fig. 5 explanation, the operation timetable is provided with the starting station of each voyage and arrives at a station sailing date and time, the loading of device type and airport and discharge capacity.When precomputation routine 104 was created the voyage section of voyage segment table, effectively combination had starting station loading capacity and the voyage section of the discharge capacity that arrives at a station.In preferred forms,, then utilize precomputation routine 104 combination voyage branch lines, to form the voyage section in the voyage segment table if the voyage branch line belongs to common maritime adventure (that is, having identical flight).

In other embodiments, can make up the voyage branch line, to form the voyage section in the voyage segment table according to Different Rule.For example, the carrier specifies the branch line that can make up by identifier, to form the voyage section.

In preferred forms, the carrier's route segment set that utilizes the definition of MCRO table 98 and transfer set table 100 to sell, wherein the route segment set is set by carrier's route segment table of create selling, the route segment table comprise data definition in the described table all allow route segment.For example, if the carrier is selling LHR-SIN and via the LHR-SIN of DXB, supposing to load and unload at DXB, then create and sell voyage section LHR-DXB, DXB-SIN and LHR-SIN.Yet,, only create voyage section LHR-SIN if only sell LHR-SIN.When filling the voyage segment table, precomputation routine 104 reads the data of representing voyage branch line or the combination of radius branch line from the running time table, and the voyage section that contrast is sold is checked the starting station and arrived at a station.If the combination of voyage branch line or voyage branch line is corresponding with the voyage section of sale, then as the voyage section, branch line or the combinatorial input of voyage branch line in the voyage segment table.If voyage branch line or the combination of voyage branch line are inconsistent with the route segment of selling, then be not input in the voyage segment table.Therefore, in above example, have only to exist accordingly when selling the voyage section in the first of this example rather than the second portion, just straight line DXB-SIN is input in the voyage segment table.

Be preferably in and utilize MCRO table 98 and transfer set table 100 in the dmPerformSearch process, its objective is whether the data of at first checking in this table change (renewal), secondly, if this search couples together, check then whether the Search Results after connecting is consistent with the route of selling and/or effective transfer to two or more sections.

Referring again to Figure 20, the voyage segment table that forms in the CI voyage database 72 is copied in the master data base 718, to support handling (client's search) by the master that web disposal system 716 is carried out.Master data base 718 is preserved MCRO table, transfer set table, ULD table and is used for other tables that the client handles, and comprises member organization's table, table of grading, dealing transaction table, preferred carrier's table and aircraft/ULD compatibility.

With the corresponding embodiment of system shown in Figure 20 in, CI system 710 and CI voyage database 712 be as the CI server on the separate server, with master data base 718, web disposal system 716 with distribute batch system 720 independent.Receive the CI system that handles the voyage timetable and fill the voyage segment table, handle other exchanges data of carrier's existing system (client/carrier system) and master data base 718.Comprise that processing volume is upgraded, MCRO upgrades, the transfer set is upgraded, the renewal of other carrier's data, and the reservation request that generates by the DMS system and from the subscription response of carrier system.Stacked with upgrading for using the relevant form of database trigger.In addition, the CI server guarantees the accuracy and the promptness of these data.

Key data element comprises flight schedule information, air transport cargo carrying capacity, expense and reservation, distribution reservation and template.These data are read from carrier system, are used by DMS 70 storages, so that the air transport cargo carrying capacity trade market of (the Internet) Network Based to be provided.The accuracy of carrier's data of storage and market are very crucial to the viability in market among the DMS 70.

That usually, uses in the industry of transmission data between existing system (EDI) is machine-processed very poor.Carrier's existing system itself is different, and extraordinary obsolescence.Collecting data in order to set up exchange in predictable timely mode is technological challenges.

For meeting above-mentioned challenge, DMS 70 provides a customer interface architecture stalwartness, extendible, and this architecture provides various data layouts and transfer mechanism, to deal with different carrier's methods.The carrier can customize above form and mechanism according to the restriction of its specific existing system.Especially, DMS 70 provides configurable volume poll, and this function can make DMS 70 guarantee that all carriers' of showing on the exchange system volume information is up-to-date, thereby the shipping agency can accurately subscribe by DMS 70.

As reference Figure 20 explanation, DMS 70 comprises a customer interface server and database (CI server) and master application server and database.In one embodiment, the CI server resides in outside the DMS 70 as a stand-alone assembly, and in other embodiments, CI server and master application server are same station servers.By carrier and the shipping agency's data of utilizing the DMS70 storage administration, on DMS 70, carry out airfreight and handle.Between carrier's existing system (carrier system) and CI server, carry out exchanges data.

For handling each species diversity of carrier's existing system, the CI server is supported the transfer mechanism of several data form and every kind of data input.The carrier can select optimal data layout and transfer mechanism according to its system capability and preference.

The data input that exchanges between CI server and carrier system is as follows: subscription details and affirmation, volume request and renewal, and season and operation flight schedule.This is the key data element of DMS 70 for providing exchange to collect just.

The data layout that DMS 70 supports is as follows: be the expansion mark language standard (XML) of DMS 70 definition, the IATA goods process (goods-IMP) that exchanges messages, the flatfile structure of IATA etalon time table data directory and DMS 70 regulations, as, allocation template is distributed reservation and operation timetable.Industry is extensive use of goods-IMP standard, and is dumb but data transmit, and is restricted.For example, do not provide pricing information in the subscribe messages, and comment field is less.In addition, its data transfer mechanism is outmoded, and stands the technical limitation that is caused by historical reasons.XML and flatfile form are DMS 70 exploitations, and they comprise the more data element, and provide additional dirigibility for data transmit.

The transfer mechanism that DMS 70 supports is as follows: MQ sequence (the proprietary messaging protocol of IBM), Simple Mail Transfer protocol (allowing the carrier to use TCP/IP E-mail conveyance message), file transfer protocol (FTP), Type B and HTTP.

The architecture of configuration interface with the restriction that allows the carrier to set according to carrier system, is selected the transfer mechanism (though some combination is had some restriction) of data layout and every kind of data input.This processing can provide customized solution for each carrier.In addition, if the interface of carrier oneself exploitation existing system, then the carrier can change its configuration, thereby makes that solution is more flexible, be easier to expansion.

Provide specific installation so that the available space of the voyage that the acquisition carrier sells in DMS 70.The carrier has three kinds of systems of selection: (1) DMS 70 CI servers upgrade with frequent interval poll volume, and its medium frequency is set by each carrier and changed with the departure time; (2) when the volume-variation of voyage branch line, the carrier sends unsolicited volume updating message to DMS 70; And (3) carrier transmits the volume updated data file with frequent interval, and this document comprises all volume-variation that occur therebetween.Above system of selection allows the carrier to guarantee the volume data of preserving among the DMS 70 together with data layout and transfer mechanism option, is up-to-date under given carrier system restriction, and wherein volume data is the basis that DMS 70 subscribes.

Following table is listed the multiple combination of data layout and transfer mechanism thereof:

The data input	Data stream	Data layout/transmission
		Data layout/transmission									XML			Goods-IMP			Flatfile
		M Q	?SM ?TP	?FT ?P	?M ?Q	?SM ?TP	?FT ?P	?M ?Q	?SM ?TP	?FT ?P	XML			Goods-IMP			Flatfile
		M Q	?SM ?TP	?FT ?P	?M ?Q	?SM ?TP	?FT ?P	?M ?Q	?SM ?TP	?FT ?P	Subscription details	GFX → carrier	Y ¹	?Y	?N ²	?Y	?Y	?N	?X ³	?X	?X
The volume request	GFX → carrier	Y	?Y	?N	?Y	?Y	?N	?X	?X	?X	Subscription details	GFX → carrier	Y ¹	?Y	?N ²	?Y	?Y	?N	?X ³	?X	?X
The volume request	GFX → carrier	Y	?Y	?N	?Y	?Y	?N	?X	?X	?X	Volume upgrades	Carrier → GFX	Y	?Y	?N	?Y	?Y	?N	?Y	?N	?Y
Season timetable	Carrier → GFX	N	?N	?N	?X	?X	?X	?Y	?N	?Y	Volume upgrades	Carrier → GFX	Y	?Y	?N	?Y	?Y	?N	?Y	?N	?Y
Season timetable	Carrier → GFX	N	?N	?N	?X	?X	?X	?Y	?N	?Y	The operation timetable	Carrier → GFX	N	?N	?N	?X	?X	?X	?Y	?N	?Y

1Y-version 1 is supported

The 2N-redaction is supported

3X-is impossible

As mentioned above, DMS 70 provides three kinds of systems of selection to obtain the available space that the carrier utilizes the voyage of DMS sale:

The CI server upgrades with frequent interval poll volume

The carrier sends unsolicited volume updating message to DMS 70 or DMS keeper

The carrier transmits the volume updated data file with frequent interval (at least once a day).

The poll cargo carrying capacity

DMS uses the volume request that sends the airport pairing that constitutes the voyage branch line.DMS uses the volume request that does not preferably send voyage section level, but also can carry out above-mentioned processing.DMS uses the minimum value according to all voyage branch lines in the voyage section, calculates the available space of voyage section.If the volume rreturn value of voyage branch line is zero, then DMS 70 volume that will comprise all voyage sections of this voyage branch line all is shown as zero.

For example: AB 123 flight LHR → DXB → SIN.DMS 70 sends the request of voyage branch line LHR → DXB and DXB → SIN.DMS 70 does not ask the volume of voyage section LHR → SIN.If the volume of branch line DXB → SIN is zero, then the volume with voyage section LHR → SIN is shown as zero.Figure 21 represents to upgrade example based on the volume of branch line.

The implication of carrier system is as follows:

Response must comprise the available physical volume of relevant voyage branch line, and does not consider the route of volume control device, sale of voyage section level or dress/unload restriction.

If branch line does not have volume, then return volumetric values zero (rather than not sending response).

The volume request

The volume request message of DMS 70 has four options.The volume update inquiry information of volume request message and XML form or the FVR message of goods-IMP form are corresponding.The carrier can select one of following four options.

1. the volume request message (FVR (goods-IMP) message is not supported this option) of all carrier's voyages of operation between the airport in certain date range matches.

2. the volume request message of all carrier's voyages of operation between the pairing of the airport of specific date.

3. the volume request message of the particular leg of operation between the airport in certain date range matches.(goods-IMP) message is not supported this option to FVR.

4. the volume request message of the particular leg of operation between the pairing of the airport of specific date.

Polling algorithm

1.DMS 70 preferably have three poll windows, each window has related poll frequency, also can use the poll window of arbitrary number.

2. the poll window definition is since the date range of current time.Preferably can be in the system-level allocation window size of DMS, that is, window size is identical to all carriers.

3. preferably can dispose the poll frequency related, but DMS keeper and each carrier can reach an agreement in the minimum/maximum of in-system define in carrier's level with each window.

Figure 22 represents the example of poll window.

Example

Flight 123 flight LHR → DXB → SIN, one class of every day.

Suppose that DMS 70 has disposed the option 2 that carrier AB uses the volume request message.DMS 70 will send following polling request (at window size in this example and poll frequency example):

2 hours at interval

The LHR-DXB that sets out today

The DXB-SIN that sets out today

The LHR-DXB that will set out tomorrow

The DXB-SIN that will set out tomorrow

The LHR-DXB that will set out the day after tomorrow

The DXB-SIN that will set out the day after tomorrow

6 hours at interval

The LHR-DXB that set out in the 4th day

The DXB-SIN that set out in the 4th day

The LHR-DXB that set out in the 7th day

The DXB-SIN that set out in the 7th day

The LHR-DXB that set out in the 9th day

The DXB-SIN that set out in the 9th day

24 hours at interval

Take model identical.

Respond each polling request, DMS 70 receives the volume response message of the volume details with flight AB123, and identical airport pairing (LHR-DXB, DXB-SIN) between other AB flights of operation.

The volume response

The response polling request, carrier system sends the message that satisfies following standard:

The voyage branch line that mates with the airport pairing/date (or date range) of request (and flight, if specify)

Comprise that volume is zero voyage branch line

All volume requests must be returned the volume response message to DMS, transmission polling request for confirmation

The volume response message comprises the details volume updating message of zero or the pairing of a plurality of airport

The CQA message of volume updating message and XML form or the FVA message of goods-IMP form are corresponding.

Figure 23 represents to be used for the program list example of volume updating message.Initiate volume at the CI server and upgrade poll.The CI server generates the volume update inquiry information of suitable airport pairing and date range.If carrier system is not received the volume updating message, then do not resend the volume updating message that the poll routine generates.

In view of the above description, those of skill in the art obviously can make various modifications within the scope of the invention.

In the scope of the present invention's embodiment, at least can utilize the treatment facility able to programme of the software control such as digital signal processor, microprocessor or other treatment facilities, part realizes above-mentioned embodiment, be appreciated that the computer program for realizing said method configurating programmable equipment is one aspect of the present invention.Computer program can or be an object code for source code, and wherein source code is carried out on treatment facility through the compiling back.

Can be with machine or device readable form storage computation machine program on transmission medium, for example, on the magnetic storage of solid-state memory or disk or tape and so on, store, treatment facility utilizes this program or its a part of configuration operation equipment.Can be from remote source, the communication media as electric signal, radio-frequency carrier or light carrier and so on provides computer program.This type of transmission medium also is one aspect of the present invention.

The scope of the present disclosure comprises all character of innovation, or this paper expresses or hint combination or its general rule of disclosed feature, and no matter whether relate to claim of the present invention, whether can relax any problem or all problems that the present invention solves.The applicant states hereby: during other applications of implementing the application or deriving in view of the above, may submit renewal claims of above-mentioned feature to.Especially,, can make up the feature of appended claims book and the feature of dependent claim about the appended claims book, and with any suitable method, and be not only the particular combinations that claims are enumerated, the feature of each dependent claim made up.

For avoiding feeling uncertain, please the term that uses in instructions and claims " is not comprised " being interpreted as " only comprising ".

Claims

1. the method for an allocating computer system, computer system comprises a processing unit, an interface unit that communicates with described processing unit, and storage unit, this method is used for providing the integrating representation of the route of transportation system, transportation system comprises many attachable airports, and route is to derive according to the data that numerous forwarding agents provide, and this method comprises:

2. according to the process of claim 1 wherein that described short-term timetable comprises the identifier of each route branch line, and described derivation is handled the one or more route branch line that comprises according to having identical identifier and is constructed each route segment.

3. according to the method for claim 1 or claim 2, described short-term timetable comprises the loading permission at the starting station of representing every route branch line example and the data of the unloading permission of arriving at a station, and described derivation is handled and comprised:

From the short-term timetable, read the combination of each example of the example of route branch line or route branch line;

Inspection is allowed in starting station loading and in the route branch line or the combination of route branch line of arriving at a station and unloading; And

According to allowing, comprise the combination of this route branch line or route branch line as the route segment in the route segment table in starting station loading and in the route branch line or the combination of route branch line of arriving at a station and unloading.

4. according to the method for arbitrary claim of claim 1 to 3, also comprise:

From comprising the forwarding agent there receipt routing data of the predetermined starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station; And

The storage route sheet corresponding in described storage unit with described route data.

5. according to the method for arbitrary claim of claim 1 to 4, also comprise:

Receive data there from each forwarding agent of the one or more permission terminals between the route segment of the expression starting station and the route between the pairing that arrives at a station; And

Storage transfer set table in described storage unit, the latter comprises many transfer set records, every record is related with a starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station, and every transfer set record comprises and the corresponding one or more projects of described data of representing described permission terminal.

6. according to the method for the claim 5 that depends on claim 4, described route sheet and/or transfer set table are represented from allowing the starting station to arrive at a station to allowing, from allowing the starting station to allowing terminal, from allowing terminal to allowing terminal, and/or from allowing terminal to the permission route segment that allows to arrive at a station, and described derivation is handled and is comprised:

Alternative line branch line or combination of route branch line and the route segment that allows; And

According to making up, comprise the combination of this route branch line or route branch line, as the route segment in the route segment table with corresponding route branch line of route segment that allows or route branch line.

7. according to claim 4,5 or 6 method, in described route sheet or described transfer table, comprise one with the predetermined permission starting station and the related parameter of pairing of arriving at a station, the maximum number of the terminal of this parametric representation permission.

8. according to the method for arbitrary claim of claim 1 to 7, this method also comprises:

From the long-term timetable of each forwarding agent there receipt routing branch line, every route branch line is corresponding with direct-connected airport pairing; And

According to described long-term timetable, constitute described short-term timetable.

9. according to the method for arbitrary claim of claim 1 to 8, this method comprises from each forwarding agent and receives described short-term timetable there.

10. according to the method for arbitrary claim of above claim, also comprise the data that receive the various attributes of the described route branch line of expression from described forwarding agent there, and described route segment table comprises the data of representing one or more described attributes.

11. according to the method for claim 10, wherein said attribute comprises departure time and the time of arrival and/or the described landing time and the departure time that connects the route between the airport pairing.

12. according to the method for claim 10 or 11, wherein said attribute comprises the freight transportation ability that can connect between the airport pairing.

13. according to the method for claim 12, wherein said attribute also comprises the price of relevant movement capacity.

14. according to the method for claim 12 or 13, wherein said attribute is included in the time restriction of transshipment cargo between the transportation equipment.

15. according to the method for claim 14, wherein said time restriction is a minimum time.

16. according to the method for claim 14 or 15, wherein said time restriction is maximum time.

17. according to the method for arbitrary claim of claim 10 to 16, wherein said attribute comprises at least one goods compatibility project, this project is represented the cargo characteristics with this route segment compatibility.

18. a method that is used for being maintained in the data of storing according to the route segment table of arbitrary claim configuring computer system of claim 1 to 17, this method comprises:

Receive the more new data of the attribute of expression route branch line or route branch line there from the forwarding agent; And

Upgrade the described route branch line of the route segment in the route segment table of representing this route branch line correspondence or the described data of described attribute.

19., also comprise to described forwarding agent sending update inquiry information according to the method for claim 18.

20. according to the method for claim 19, wherein said update request is the poll that is used for Data Update.

21., also comprise poll frequency polling data renewal once more to assign according to the method for claim 20.

22., also be included as the set of early stage route segment or route segment and assign shorter poll frequency according to the method for claim 21.

23. a method that is used for being maintained in the data of storing in the route sheet stored according to the storage unit of arbitrary claim configuring computer system of claim 4 to 22 and/or the transfer table, this method comprises:

Renewal from forwarding agent's there receipt routing data and/or transfer collective data; And

Upgrade described route data and/or transfer collective data in described route sheet and/or the transfer set table respectively.

24. the method for an operational computations machine system, computer system comprises a processing unit, an interface unit that communicates with described processing unit, and storage unit, this system is used for generating automatically the route options of transportation system, transportation system comprises many forwarding agents and many attachable airports, wherein:

Described method comprises that response route searching request generates one or more route options, route searching request regulation has the starting station and the route of the pairing of arriving at a station, each route options comprises the route segment that has the starting station and arrive at a station the pairing, wherein regulation pairing in described route searching request, and pairing is selected from described route segment table; And

25. the method according to claim 24 also comprises:

The route sheet of storing in the starting station of comparison described request and arrive at a station pairing or described one or more route options and the described storage unit, and comprise the route data that each forwarding agent provides, whether comprise the predetermined permission starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station, be to allow pairing with the starting station of determining described request and the pairing of arriving at a station.

26. according to the method for claim 24 or 25, wherein said generation step comprises the two or more route segment of connection, to form its starting station and to arrive at a station pairing and the corresponding route options of described route searching request.

27. method according to claim 26, also comprise the transfer set table of storing in more described one or more route options and the described storage unit, and comprise many transfer set records, every record is related with a starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station, every the transfer set record comprises the corresponding one or more projects of described data that allow terminal with expression, to determine the having route options that allows the route segment combination.

28. method according to claim 27, the generation step of described response route searching request comprise the described starting station of expression and the route between the pairing of arriving at a station in the parameter of maximum number of terminal, to derive its terminal number less than described peaked route options.

29. method according to arbitrary claim of claim 24 to 28, wherein said route segment table comprises the one or more attributes related with one or more route branch lines, this method also comprises route searching request of reception, this request comprises the parameter of a representation attribute, and derives one or more route options according to described attribute.

30. according to the method for claim 29, described one or more attributes comprise one or more following attributes:

I) departure time and the time of arrival of the route between the airport pairing;

The landing time and the departure time of the route between ii) airport matches;

Freight transportation ability between iii) airport matches;

The price of iv) relevant movement capacity;

The v) time restriction of transshipment cargo between transportation equipment; And

Vi) at least one goods compatibility project, this project is represented the cargo characteristics with route branch line compatibility.

31. according to the claim 29 that depends on claim 26 or the method for claim 30, wherein said generation step comprises that its attribute of connection satisfies two or more route segment of route searching request.

32. a computer program can be translated as this computer program and is used for the form of allocating computer system with the method that realizes above-mentioned arbitrary claim.

33. one kind is used for allocating computer system with the computer program of realization according to the method for arbitrary claim of claim 1 to 30.

34. transmission medium that is used to transmit according to the computer program of claim 32 or claim 33.

35. a computer system is used for providing the integrating representation of the route of transportation system, transportation system comprises many attachable airports, and route is to derive according to the data that numerous forwarding agents provide, and this computer system comprises:

A processing unit;

An interface unit that communicates with described processing unit; And

A storage unit;

With computer system configurations be:

The short-term timetable of each example of storage route branch line, each route branch line is corresponding with direct-connected airport pairing; And

According to described short-term timetable, derive a route segment table, the combination of each example of each route segment and described route branch line or each example of described route branch line is corresponding.

36. according to the computer system of claim 35, wherein said short-term timetable comprises the identifier of each route branch line, and this system configuration is constructed each route segment for the one or more route branch line that basis has identical identifier.

37. according to the computer system of claim 35 or 36, described short-term timetable comprises the loading permission at the starting station of representing every route branch line example and the data of the unloading permission of arriving at a station, and with this system configuration is:

38. according to the computer system of arbitrary claim of claim 35 to 37, further with this system configuration for from comprising the described forwarding agent there receipt routing data of the predetermined starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station; And in described storage unit the storage route sheet corresponding with described route data.

39. the computer system according to arbitrary claim of claim 35 to 38 further with this system configuration is:

40. computer system according to the claim 39 that depends on claim 38, wherein said route sheet and/or transfer set table are represented from allowing the starting station to arrive at a station to allowing, from allowing the starting station to allowing terminal, from allowing terminal, and be with this system configuration to the permission route segment that allows to arrive at a station:

41. according to claim 38,39 or 40 computer system, with this system configuration in described route sheet, comprise one with the predetermined permission starting station and the related parameter of pairing of arriving at a station, the maximum number of the terminal of this parametric representation permission.

42. the computer system according to arbitrary claim of claim 35 to 41 with this system configuration is:

43. the computer system according to arbitrary claim of claim 35 to 42 with this system configuration is:

Receive described short-term timetable there from each forwarding agent.

44. computer system according to arbitrary claim of claim 35 to 43, with this system configuration is the data that receive the various attributes of the described route branch line of expression from described forwarding agent there, and described route segment table comprises the data of representing one or more described attributes.

45. according to the computer system of claim 44, wherein said attribute comprises departure time and the time of arrival and/or the described landing time and the departure time that connects the route between the airport pairing.

46. according to the computer system of claim 44 or 45, wherein said attribute comprises the freight transportation ability that can connect between the airport pairing.

47. according to the computer system of claim 46, wherein said attribute also comprises the price of relevant movement capacity.

48. according to the computer system of claim 47 or 47, wherein said attribute is included in the time restriction of transshipment cargo between the transportation equipment.

49. according to the computer system of claim 48, wherein said time restriction is a minimum time.

50. according to the computer system of claim 48 or 49, wherein said time restriction is maximum time.

51. according to the computer system of arbitrary claim of claim 44 to 50, wherein said attribute comprises at least one goods compatibility project, this project is represented the cargo characteristics with this route segment compatibility.

52. the computer system according to arbitrary claim of claim 35 to 51 with this system configuration is:

53. according to the computer system of claim 52, with this system configuration for to send update inquiry information to described forwarding agent.

54. according to the computer system of claim 53, wherein said update request is the poll that is used for Data Update.

55., be: with the poll frequency polling data renewal once more of assigning with this system configuration according to the computer system of claim 54.

56., be: for the route branch line of early stage route segment or route segment set is assigned shorter poll frequency with this system configuration according to the computer system of claim 55.

57. the computer system according to arbitrary claim of claim 38 to 56 with this system configuration is:

58. a computer system that generates the route options of transportation system automatically, transportation system comprises many attachable airports and many forwarding agents, and this computer system comprises:

A processing unit;

An interface unit that communicates with described processing unit; And

A storage unit, storage unit comprises a route segment table, the route segment table comprises the corresponding one or more route segment of combination with each example of each example of route branch line or route branch line, each described route branch line is corresponding with the direct-connected airport pairing of described transportation system

With computer system configurations be:

Receive a route searching request, this request regulation has the starting station and the route of the pairing of arriving at a station;

Respond described route searching request, generate one or more route options, each route options comprises the route segment that has the starting station and arrive at a station the pairing, wherein regulation pairing in described route searching request; And

59. computer system according to claim 58, with this system configuration be: the route sheet of storing in the starting station of comparison described request and arrive at a station pairing or described one or more route options and the described storage unit, and comprise the route data that described forwarding agent provides, whether comprise the predetermined permission starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station, be to allow pairing with the starting station of determining described request and the pairing of arriving at a station.

60., be: connect two or more route segment, to form its starting station and to arrive at a station pairing and the corresponding route options of described route searching request with this system configuration according to the computer system of claim 57 or 58.

61. computer system according to claim 60, with this system configuration be: the transfer set table of storing in more described one or more route options and the described storage unit, and comprise many transfer set records, every record is related with a starting station and the pairing of arriving at a station, and every transfer set record comprises and the corresponding one or more projects of described data of representing described permission terminal.

62. computer system according to claim 61, with this system configuration be: response route searching request, this request comprise the described starting station of expression and the route between the pairing of arriving at a station in the parameter of maximum number of terminal, to derive its terminal number less than described peaked route options.

63. computer system according to arbitrary claim of claim 58 to 62, wherein said route segment table comprises the one or more attributes related with one or more route branch lines, with this system configuration be: receive a route searching request, this request comprises the parameter of a representation attribute, and derives one or more route options according to described attribute.

64. according to the computer system of claim 63, described one or more attributes comprise one or more following attributes:

Freight transportation ability between iii) airport matches;

The price of iv) relevant movement capacity;

65. according to the claim 63 that depends on claim 60 or the computer system of claim 64, wherein said generation step comprises that its attribute of connection satisfies two or more route segment of route searching request.

66. a subscriber's computer system disposes this system so that carry out telecommunication with the computer system of arbitrary claim of claim 58 to 65, described subscriber's computer system comprises:

A processing unit;

An interface unit that communicates with described processing unit;

A storage unit; And

Described processing unit comprises a user interface mechanism, and configuration user interfaces is machine-processed so that receive the searching request of described user via described interface unit input, and notifies described computer system described searching request, so that handle.

67. subscriber's computer system according to claim 66, configuration user interfaces mechanism is so that provide the diagrammatic representation of described route segment aggregate list, can operate described user interface mechanism, so that on described display device, show numerous route options, comprise the starting station and arrive at a station, sailing date, date of arrival, the transport price of deciding through consultation in available movement capacity and the logical division, described user interface mechanism response user input, selecting shown route options, and the user of a part of movement capacity of described selected route options subscribed at least in record.

68. a computer system network, this network comprise the many subscriber's computer systems according to claim 66 or 67, and according to the computer system of arbitrary claim of claim 35 to 65.

69. one kind in fact as former method with reference to various embodiments and respective drawings explanation.

70. one kind in fact as former computer system with reference to various embodiments and respective drawings explanation.

71. one kind in fact as former computer program with reference to various embodiments and respective drawings explanation.

72. one kind in fact as former subscriber's computer system with reference to various embodiments and respective drawings explanation.

73. one kind in fact as former computer system network with reference to various embodiments and respective drawings explanation.