JP2016139367A - Shipment support system, shipment support method, shipment support program, and baggage measurement apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shipment support system capable of efficiently perform shipment of baggage at low cost, a shipment support method, a shipment support program, and a baggage measurement apparatus.SOLUTION: A baggage measurement apparatus 2 measures the dimensions and/or weight of baggage at a shipper, and produces baggage data including an identification number and baggage information representing the measured dimensions and/or weight of the baggage (S1-5). A request data production unit 3 receives the baggage data from the baggage measurement apparatus 2 (S1-7), acquires delivery data, which includes shipper information on the shipper, the identification number, and delivery destination information representing the delivery destination of the baggage, from a shipper terminal 4 (S1-2), produces request data on the basis of the baggage data and the delivery data (S1-11), and provides a physical distribution management system 5 of a transportation company with the request data (S1-12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a shipment support system, a shipment support method, a shipment support program, and a package measuring device.

  For example, a mail order company or the like requests a shipping company to deliver a large amount of luggage every day. Normally, when a delivery company is requested to deliver a package, the package is carried to a collection company's collection center. When the package is brought in, the person in charge at the shipping company measures the size and weight of the package, and the transportation fee is determined according to the addresses of the delivery source and delivery destination and the measured size and weight. The package is then transported on the logistics route of the shipping company and is managed by the logistics management system of the shipping company.

  As described above, it is necessary for the shipping company to measure the size and weight of a large amount of luggage in order to determine the shipping fee. Therefore, when measuring manually using a measure or the like, the work becomes very complicated and the efficiency is poor.

  In addition, even if the size and weight are automatically measured by the machine, there are various shipping sources that request the delivery of packages to the shipping company, and the types, sizes, and shapes of packages requested for delivery are also various. Is diverse. In addition, the number of luggage becomes enormous. In order to cope with all of them, a machine for measuring dimensions and weight becomes very large, and there is a problem that transportation cost increases. Since the increase in transportation costs leads to an increase in transportation charges, it also becomes a problem for the shipper.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a shipment support system, a shipment support method, a shipment support program, and a package measurement device that can efficiently and inexpensively ship packages from a shipping company to a shipping company. is there.

  The shipment support system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a system that supports shipment of a plurality of packages from a shipping source to a shipping company. The shipping support system includes a package measuring device and a request data generating device. The package measuring device measures the size and / or weight (hereinafter referred to as “dimension etc.”) of the package at the shipper and measures the identification number for identifying the package attached to each of the plurality of packages. Package data including package information indicating the size of the package and the like. The request data generation device generates request data for requesting delivery of a package from the shipping company based on the package data from the package measurement device. The request data generation apparatus includes a package data acquisition unit, a delivery data acquisition unit, a request data generation unit, and a request data provision unit.

  The package data acquisition means acquires package data generated by the package measurement device. The delivery data acquisition unit acquires delivery data including shipping source information regarding the shipping source, an identification number, and shipping destination information indicating a delivery destination of the package from the shipping source. The request data generating means generates request data by associating the package information with the identification number, the shipping source information, and the delivery destination information based on the delivery data and the package data. The request data providing means provides the request data to the logistics management system of the shipping company.

  In the shipping support system according to the present aspect, the size of the package is measured by the package measurement device, and the package data is generated. Then, the request data generation device acquires the package data from the package measuring device, so that request data for requesting delivery of the package from the shipping company is generated. Therefore, the request data can be created more efficiently than when the dimensions are measured manually in the shipping company. In addition, the request data generation device generates the package data by measuring the size of the package at the shipping source. Therefore, the request data generation device can be simplified as compared with the measurement device deployed in the shipping company. Furthermore, the request data generating device can be configured to be suitable for a package handled by the shipping source. Thereby, cost can be reduced.

  Preferably, there are a plurality of shipping sources, and the package measuring device is arranged at each of the plurality of shipping sources. In this case, request data can be efficiently created corresponding to each shipping source.

  Preferably, the request data generation device is arranged in a data center for supporting shipment of a package from a shipping source to a shipping company, receives delivery data from each of a plurality of shipping sources, and Receive multiple package data from each. The request data generation device generates request data for each of a plurality of shipping sources, and provides each request data of the plurality of shipping sources to a logistics management system of the shipping company. In this case, the creation of request data for a plurality of shipping sources can be collectively managed by the request data generation device in the data center.

  Preferably, the request data generation device further includes a storage unit that stores fee size information indicating a relationship between a transportation fee and a size of a package in a shipping company. The request data generation device calculates a package transportation fee from the fee size information and the package information, and includes the calculated package transportation fee in the request data. In this case, request data can be created more efficiently.

  Preferably, the package measuring device further includes a storage unit that stores fee size information indicating a relationship between a transportation fee and a size of the package in the shipping company. The package measuring device calculates a package transportation fee from the fee size information and the package information, and includes the calculated package transportation fee in the package data. In this case, request data can be created more efficiently.

  Preferably, the package measurement apparatus includes an identification number reading unit, a transport unit, a measurement unit, and package data generation means. The identification number reading unit reads the identification number. A conveyance part conveys a load. A measurement part measures the dimension of the package currently conveyed by the conveyance part. The package data generation means receives the package identification number from the identification number reading unit, receives the package size corresponding to the identification number from the measurement unit, and associates the package number with the identification number and the package size, etc. Generate. In this case, it is possible to accurately associate the identification number with the size of the luggage, etc., regardless of the manpower. Further, the working time can be shortened and the efficiency of the work can be improved as compared with the case where a person manually measures. Furthermore, the size of the luggage can be measured more accurately than when the size of the luggage is measured manually.

  Preferably, the measurement unit includes a height measurement unit that measures the height of the load, a width measurement unit that measures the width of the load, and a length measurement unit that measures the length of the load. In this case, since the measurement unit has measurement units corresponding to the height, width, and length, each dimension and the like can be accurately measured by each measurement unit.

  The package measuring device further includes a read detection unit. The read detection unit detects whether or not the package is being transported by the transport unit after reading the identification number. An identification number reading unit, a read detection unit, and a measurement unit are arranged in order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit. In this case, it is possible to detect that the identification number of the package has not been read even though the package has detected that the package has been transported.

  Preferably, the luggage measuring device further includes an alignment detection unit. The alignment detection unit detects whether or not the package is aligned and conveyed along the side end along the conveyance direction in the conveyance unit. In this case, the alignment detection unit can detect that the package is not aligned and is being transported obliquely with respect to the side end of the transport unit, for example. In such a state, the measuring unit cannot accurately measure the dimensions of the luggage. Accordingly, when the alignment detection unit detects that the package is not aligned and transported, the package can be aligned, for example, manually or automatically along the side edge of the transport unit. Thereby, the dimension of a load, etc. can be measured accurately by the measuring unit.

  The alignment detection unit includes a first alignment detection unit and a second alignment detection unit. The first alignment detection unit detects that the package is being conveyed by protruding from the side end of the conveyance unit. The second alignment detection unit detects that the package is being transported away from a predetermined distance from the side end of the transport unit. In this case, the first and second alignment detection units can detect that the parcels are not aligned and conveyed along the side end of the conveyance unit.

  Preferably, the conveyance unit includes a plurality of inclined rollers arranged to be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The measuring unit is provided on the downstream side of the inclined roller. In this case, when the load is conveyed on the inclined roller, the inclined roller is arranged to be inclined with respect to the transfer direction, whereby the load is attracted to the side end portion of the transfer portion. Thereby, a package can be aligned along the side edge part of a conveyance part.

  Preferably, the load measuring device further includes a weight measuring unit that measures the weight of the load. The package data generation means receives the weight of the package corresponding to the identification number from the weight measurement unit, and further associates the identification number and the weight for the package. In this case, for each package, an identification number can be associated with the size and weight of the package.

  The shipment support method according to the second aspect of the present invention is a method for supporting the shipment of a plurality of packages from the shipping company to the shipping company, and includes a package data generation step and a request data generation step. In the package data generation step, package data is generated using the package measurement device. The package measuring device measures the size of the package at the shipping source, and includes an identification number for identifying the package attached to each of the plurality of packages, and package information indicating the measured size of the package, etc. Generate package data. In the request data generation step, in the data center for supporting the shipment of the package from the shipper to the shipping company, the shipping company is requested to deliver the package based on the package data generated in the package data generation step. Generate request data for The request data generation step has the following first to fourth steps.

  In the first step, the package data generated in the package data generation step is acquired. In the second step, delivery data including shipping source information regarding the shipping source, an identification number, and delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of the package is acquired from the shipping source. In the third step, request data is generated by associating the package information with the identification number, the shipping source information, and the delivery destination information based on the delivery data and the package data. In the fourth step, the request data is provided to the logistics management system of the shipping company.

  In the shipping support method according to this aspect, the package size is measured by the package measuring device and package data is generated. Then, in the request data generation step, request data for requesting delivery of the package from the shipping company is generated by acquiring the package data from the package measuring device. Therefore, the request data can be created more efficiently than when the dimensions are measured manually in the shipping company. In addition, the request data generation device generates the package data by measuring the size of the package at the shipping source. Therefore, the request data generation device can be simplified as compared with the measurement device deployed in the shipping company. Furthermore, the request data generating device can be configured to be suitable for a package handled by the shipping source. Thereby, cost can be reduced.

  The shipping support program according to the third aspect of the present invention is a program for supporting the shipment of a plurality of packages from the shipping company to the shipping company, and supports the shipment of the package from the shipping company to the shipping company. The computers arranged in the data center function as package data acquisition means, delivery data acquisition means, request data generation means, and request data provision means. The package data acquisition means measures the size of the package at the shipping source, and identifies an identification number for identifying the package attached to each of the plurality of packages, and package information indicating the measured size of the package, etc. Package data is acquired from a package measuring device that generates package data including the package data. The delivery data acquisition unit acquires delivery data including shipping source information regarding the shipping source, an identification number, and shipping destination information indicating a delivery destination of the package from the shipping source. The request data generation means associates the package data with the identification number, the shipping source information, and the delivery destination information based on the delivery data and the package data, thereby obtaining request data for requesting the delivery of the package to the shipping company. Generate. The request data providing means provides the request data to the logistics management system of the shipping company.

  In the shipping support program according to this aspect, the size of the package is measured by the package measurement device, and the package data is generated. Then, by acquiring the package data from the package measuring device, request data for requesting delivery of the package from the shipping company is generated. Therefore, the request data can be created more efficiently than when the dimensions are measured manually in the shipping company. In addition, the request data generation device generates the package data by measuring the size of the package at the shipping source. Therefore, the request data generation device can be simplified as compared with the measurement device deployed in the shipping company. Furthermore, the request data generating device can be configured to be suitable for a package handled by the shipping source. Thereby, cost can be reduced.

  A package measuring apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus used in a system that supports shipment of a plurality of packages from a shipping source to a shipping company. The parcel measurement device includes an identification number reading unit, a transport unit, a measurement unit, parcel data generation means, and parcel data provision means. The identification number reading unit reads an identification number for identifying a package attached to each of the plurality of packages. A conveyance part conveys a load. A measurement part measures the dimension of the package currently conveyed by the conveyance part. The package data generation means receives the package identification number from the identification number reading unit, receives the package size corresponding to the identification number from the measurement unit, and associates the package number with the identification number and the package size, etc. Generate. The package data providing means is arranged in a data center for supporting shipment of packages from the shipper to the shipping company, and generates request data for requesting the shipping company to deliver the package. Provide package data to.

  The package measuring device according to this aspect generates package data by measuring the size of the package. Then, the package measurement device provides the package data to the request data generation device, whereby the request data generation device acquires the package data. Thereby, the request data for requesting delivery of the package to the shipping company can be generated by the request data generating device. Therefore, the request data can be created more efficiently than when the dimensions are measured manually in the shipping company. In addition, the request data generation device generates the package data by measuring the size of the package at the shipping source. Therefore, the request data generation device can be simplified as compared with the measurement device deployed in the shipping company. Furthermore, the request data generating device can be configured to be suitable for a package handled by the shipping source. Thereby, cost can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shipment support system, a shipment support method, a shipment support program, and a package measuring device that can efficiently and inexpensively ship packages from a shipping company to a shipping company. it can.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the shipment assistance system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow performed by the shipment assistance system. The figure which shows an example of delivery data and package data. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a package measuring device. It is a figure which shows the structure of a package measuring device. It is a schematic diagram of a gate. It is a schematic diagram of an alignment detection part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Shipping support system 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a shipment support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shipping support system 1 is a system that supports the shipment of a plurality of packages from a customer company as a shipping source to a shipping company. The customer company is a mail order company such as an online shop. Although the customer company is not limited to the mail order company, the shipping support system 1 of the present embodiment is particularly useful for a company that requests a large amount of luggage from the shipping company. The shipping support system 1 includes a package measuring device 2 and a request data generating device 3.

  The shipping source terminal 4 is arranged at the shipping source. The shipping source terminal 4 is, for example, a computer that manages shipping packages. The shipping source terminal 4 provides the delivery data to the request data generating device 3. The delivery data includes shipping source information relating to the shipping source, a package identification number, and delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of the package. The shipping source information includes, for example, the shipping source name, address, and telephone number. However, when these pieces of information are stored in the request data generation device 3, the shipping source information may be only information such as the name of the shipping source or a customer number for specifying the shipping source.

  The identification number is a number for identifying a package attached to each of a plurality of packages. The identification number may be, for example, an inquiry number provided from a shipping source or a shipping company to a delivery destination. The delivery destination information includes the name (or name) and address of the delivery destination of the package. Further, the delivery destination information may further include information such as a delivery destination telephone number, the contents of the package, and a designated delivery time.

  The package measuring device 2 is arranged at a measurement site such as a delivery center as a shipping source, for example. The package measuring device 2 automatically measures the size of the package at the shipping source and generates package data. The package data includes the identification number described above and package information indicating the measured size of the package. The package measuring device 2 provides the generated package data to the request data generating device 3. Also, the package whose dimensions have been measured is transported from the measurement site to the collection place of the shipping company. The package measuring device 2 will be described in more detail later.

  The request data generation device 3 is realized by, for example, a computer arranged in a data center that supports shipment of a plurality of packages from a shipping source to a shipping company. The request data generation device 3 generates request data for requesting delivery of the package to the shipping company based on the delivery data from the shipping source terminal 4 and the package data from the package measurement device 2.

  The request data includes information necessary for requesting delivery of the package to the shipping company in addition to the package information described above. Specifically, the request data includes a package identification number, shipping source information, delivery destination information, and package information for each of a plurality of packages. Further, as will be described later, the request data may include a transportation fee for each package.

  The package measuring device 2 provides the generated request data to the logistics management system 5 of the shipping company. The shipping company accepts delivery of the package based on the received request data, and starts delivery of the package accepted at the collection location and management by the logistics management system 5.

(2) Request data generation device 3
Hereinafter, the configuration of the request data generation device 3 will be described in detail.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the request data generation device 3 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU. The storage unit 12 is realized by a semiconductor memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic recording device such as a hard disk, or the like. The communication unit 13 is realized by a device that performs data communication via a network such as the Internet.

  The control unit 11 includes delivery data acquisition means 14, package data acquisition means 15, request data generation means 16, and request data provision means 17. The delivery data acquisition unit 14 acquires the delivery data described above from the shipping source terminal 4. The acquired delivery data is stored in the recording means. The package data acquisition unit 15 acquires package data generated by the package measurement device 2. The acquired package data is stored in the recording unit 12.

  The request data generation unit 16 generates request data by associating the package information with the identification number, the shipping source information, and the delivery destination information based on the delivery data and the package data. The generated request data is stored in the recording unit 12. The request data providing means 17 provides the request data to the logistics management system 5 of the shipping company.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow executed by the shipping support system 1. First, delivery data is transmitted from the shipping source terminal 4 to the request data generating device 3 (step S1-1). For example, the shipping source terminal 4 uploads delivery data to the request data generating device 3 via a web site established by the data center. The shipping source terminal 4 may provide the delivery data to the request data generation device 3 by means different from the web site.

  The request data generating device 3 generates delivery data obtained by adding the received delivery data and residual data described later (step S1-2). The request data generation device 3 transmits the delivery data to the package measurement device 2 (step S1-3). For example, the request data generation device 3 provides an electronic file storing delivery data to the package measurement device 2 by transmitting an e-mail to the package measurement device 2. The request data generation device 3 may provide the delivery data to the package measurement device 2 by means different from e-mail.

  Here, the delivery data provided from the shipping source terminal 4 to the request data generation device 3 includes the name (or name) and detailed address of the delivery destination required for delivery by the shipping company, but the request In the delivery data provided to the package measuring device 2 by the data generation device 3, the name (or name) and detailed address of the delivery destination may be omitted. An example of the delivery data provided to the package measuring device 2 by the request data generating device 3 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, the delivery data provided to the package measuring device 2 by the request data generating device 3 may not be a detailed address but a name of a region such as a prefecture. Alternatively, the name of the area may be omitted. The delivery data provided by the request data generation device 3 to the package measuring device 2 may include at least the package identification number.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the package measuring device 2 receives delivery data from the request data generating device 3 (step S1-4). The package measuring device 2 reads the identification number attached to the package as will be described later, and generates package data by measuring the size of the package (step S1-5). An example of the package data is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the package measuring device 2 transmits the generated package data to the request data generating device 3 (step S1-6). For example, the package measuring device 2 provides the electronic data file storing the package data to the request data generating device 3 by transmitting an e-mail to the request data generating device 3. The package measuring device 2 may provide the package data to the request data generating device 3 by means different from e-mail. The package for which the package data is created at the measurement site is transported from the measurement site where the package measurement device 2 is arranged to the collection site of the shipping company.

  The request data generation device 3 receives the package data from the package measurement device 2 (step S1-7). The request data generation device 3 collates the package data received from the package measurement device 2 with the delivery data added in step S1-2 (step S1-8). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the package information is associated with all packages in the delivery data (step S1-9). If there is a package for which package information is missing in the delivery data, the delivery data of the package is stored as the residual data described above (step S1-10).

  The request data generation device 3 generates request data for the package associated with the package information (step S1-11). Here, the request data is generated by adding the delivery data and the package data. Thereby, request data including the package identification number, the information of the shipping source and the delivery destination, and the package information of the package is generated. The request data includes the name (or name) of the delivery destination and the detailed address necessary for delivery by the shipping company.

  Then, the request data generation device 3 transmits the request data to the logistics management system 5 of the shipping company (step S1-12). For example, the request data generation device 3 uploads the request data to the physical distribution management system 5 via a web site established by a shipping company. Note that the request data generation device 3 may provide the request data to the logistics management system 5 of the shipping company by means different from the web site.

  The physical distribution management system 5 receives the request data from the request data generation device 3 (step S1-13). Based on the received request data, the physical distribution management system 5 calculates a package transportation fee and manages the delivery of the package transported to the collection location.

(3) Luggage measuring device 2
Next, the package measuring device 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the luggage measuring device 2. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing the configuration of the luggage measuring device 2. FIG. 5B is a side view showing the configuration of the luggage measuring device 2. The package measuring device 2 includes a transport unit 21, an identification number reading unit 22, a weight measuring unit 23, a dimension measuring unit 24, and a package data generating device 28 (see FIG. 4).

  The transport unit 21 transports the luggage along the transport direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 5). The transport unit 21 includes a first conveyor 31, a second conveyor 32, a third conveyor 33, and a fourth conveyor 34. The 1st conveyor 31, the 2nd conveyor 32, the 3rd conveyor 33, and the 4th conveyor 34 are arrange | positioned in order along the conveyance direction.

  The first conveyor 31 is, for example, a free roller conveyor. The identification number is read by the identification number reading unit 22 in a state where the luggage is placed on the first conveyor 31. Alternatively, the identification number may be read by the identification number reading unit 22 before the package is placed on the first conveyor 31.

  The identification number reading unit 22 reads the identification number attached to each package. The identification number reading unit 22 reads the identification number from an identifier such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code attached to the package. The identification number reading unit 22 transmits the read identification numbers to the package data generation device 28 in the order of reading. The identification number reading unit 22 may be a character recognition device that can recognize numbers, symbols, and the like. In addition, the identification number reading part 22 should just be an apparatus which can read an identification number from a package, and is not limited to these.

  Note that the read identification number is collated with the delivery data acquired from the request data generation device 3, and if the read identification number is not included in the delivery data, the conveyance is stopped or a notification unit 27 described later. Is notified. Also, identification numbers not included in the delivery data are excluded from the package data.

  The weight measuring unit 23 is provided on the first conveyor 31. When the load is placed on the first conveyor 31, the weight measuring unit 23 measures the weight of the load. The weight measurement unit 23 transmits the measured package weight to the package data generation device 28 in the order of measurement.

  The second conveyor 32 is disposed downstream of the first conveyor 31. The cargo is sent from the first conveyor 31 to the second conveyor 32. The second conveyor 32 is a width adjusting roller conveyor. The second conveyor 32 adjusts the posture of the luggage by bringing the luggage to one side on the second conveyor 32 while automatically conveying the luggage in the conveying direction. The second conveyor 32 includes a plurality of inclined rollers 41, a driving device (not shown), and a guide 42. In FIG. 5, only one of the plurality of inclined rollers 41 is denoted by reference numeral 41, and the reference numerals of the other inclined rollers 41 are omitted. The inclined roller 41 is disposed to be inclined with respect to the transport direction. The plurality of inclined rollers 41 are rotationally driven by a driving device. Thereby, the package is automatically conveyed in the conveyance direction. The guide 42 is disposed on the side of the plurality of inclined rollers 41 and extends in the transport direction.

  Since the inclined roller 41 is disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the transport direction, when the load is transported on the tilt roller 41, the load is drawn toward the guide 42 side. As a result, the package is transported along the guide 42. That is, the packages are automatically aligned along the guides 42 of the second conveyor 32 by being conveyed on the second conveyor 32.

  The third conveyor 33 is disposed downstream of the second conveyor 32. The packages arranged on the second conveyor 32 are conveyed to the third conveyor 33. The third conveyor 33 is a belt conveyor. The third conveyor 33 includes an endless belt 43 and a roller 44 disposed in the belt 43. In FIG. 5, only one of the plurality of rollers 44 is denoted by reference numeral 44 and the other rollers 44 are omitted. When the internal roller 44 is rotationally driven by the driving device 45 shown in FIG. 5B, the third conveyor 33 automatically conveys the load placed thereon.

  The dimension measuring unit 24 measures the dimensions of the luggage being conveyed by the conveying unit 21. The dimension measuring unit 24 measures the dimensions of three sides including the height, width and length of the luggage. The dimension measuring unit 24 is disposed around the third conveyor 33. The dimension measuring unit 24 is disposed downstream of the second conveyor 32. Therefore, the dimension measuring unit 24 can measure the dimensions of the packages arranged by the second conveyor 32. Thereby, the dimension of a load can be measured accurately.

  The dimension measuring unit 24 includes a height measuring unit 51, a width measuring unit 52, and a length measuring unit 53. The height measuring unit 51 measures the height of the luggage. The height measuring unit 51 is disposed above the third conveyor 33. Specifically, the height measuring unit 51 is provided at the gate 54 on the third conveyor 33. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the gate 54. The height measuring unit 51 is, for example, a laser length measuring device, which irradiates light on the load from above the load and receives light reflected from the load. The height measuring unit 51 measures the height of the luggage based on the received light. The height measuring unit 51 may be a length measuring means other than the laser length measuring device.

  The width measuring unit 52 measures the width of the luggage. The width measuring unit 52 is disposed on the side of the third conveyor 33. The width measuring unit 52 is, for example, a laser length measuring device, which irradiates light on the load from the width direction and receives light reflected from the load. The width measuring unit 52 measures the width of the luggage based on the received light. The width measuring unit 52 may be a length measuring unit other than the laser length measuring device.

  The length measuring unit 53 measures the length of the load in the load transport direction. The length measuring unit 53 is disposed on the side of the third conveyor 33. As shown in FIG. 5, the length measuring unit 53 includes a rotary encoder 53a and a photoelectric sensor 53b. The length measuring unit 53 irradiates the luggage with light from the width direction, and measures the length of the luggage based on the time that the light is blocked by the luggage and the conveyance speed of the luggage. The length measurement unit 53 may be a length measurement unit other than the rotary encoder 53a and the photoelectric sensor 53b.

  The height measurement unit 51, the width measurement unit 52, and the length measurement unit 53 transmit the measured height, width, and length of the package to the package data generation device 28 in the order of measurement.

  The fourth conveyor 34 is disposed downstream of the third conveyor 33. The fourth conveyor 34 is a free roller conveyor. The package that has been automatically conveyed by the third conveyor 33 is sent to the fourth conveyor 34. The luggage pushed out from the third conveyor 33 is placed on the fourth conveyor 34.

  The package measuring device 2 includes a read detection unit 25, an alignment detection unit 26, and a notification unit 27. The read detection unit 25 is provided on the second conveyor 32. The read detection unit 25 detects whether or not the package is being transported to the second conveyor 32. In the case where the identification number reading unit 22 has not read the identification number of the package even though the read detection unit 25 has detected that the package has been conveyed to the second conveyor 32, an identification number reading error has occurred. It is judged that there was. If it is determined that there has been an error in reading the identification number, the conveyance is stopped or a notification instruction is output to the notification unit 27.

  The alignment detection unit 26 is provided on the third conveyor 33. The alignment detection unit 26 detects whether the packages are aligned and conveyed along the side end of the third conveyor 33. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the alignment detection unit 26. The alignment detection unit 26 includes a first alignment detection unit 26a and a second alignment detection unit 26b. The 1st alignment detection part 26a and the 2nd alignment detection part 26b consist of touch sensors, for example. As shown in FIG. 7, the first alignment detection unit 26a and the second alignment detection unit 26b are needle-like tactile sensors.

  The first alignment detection unit 26 a extends from the side of the third conveyor 33 to the side end 33 a of the third conveyor 33. The second alignment detection unit 26 b extends from the side of the third conveyor 33 to the position above the third conveyor 33 beyond the side end 33 a of the third conveyor 33.

  When the load is conveyed out of the side end portion 33a of the third conveyor 33, the first alignment detection unit 26a comes into contact with the load. As a result, the first alignment detection unit 26a detects that the cargo is being conveyed outward from the side end portion 33a of the third conveyor 33. On the other hand, when the package is separated from the side end 33a of the third conveyor 33 by a predetermined distance or more, the second alignment detection unit 26b does not contact the package. Therefore, the second alignment detection unit 26b detects that the parcel is transported largely away from the side end 33a of the third conveyor 33 and is not aligned along the side end 33a of the third conveyor 33. .

  When the first alignment detection unit 26a comes into contact with the package, the alignment detection unit 26 determines that the package is not aligned and conveyed, and instructs the notification unit 27 to notify. Even when the package does not come into contact with the second alignment detection unit 26b, the alignment detection unit 26 determines that the package is not aligned and conveyed, and instructs the notification unit 27 to notify.

  Note that, as a result of the measurement by the width measuring unit 52 described above, if there is a large change in the width measured for one package, it may be determined that the package is slanted and not aligned.

  For example, the notification unit 27 is provided on the upper portion of the gate 54 as shown in FIGS. The notification unit 27 performs notification based on the detection results of the read detection unit 25 and the alignment detection unit 26. The alerting | reporting part 27 alert | reports by light, for example using Patlite (trademark) etc. Alternatively, the notification unit 27 may notify by sound using a buzzer or a speaker. Or the alerting | reporting part 27 may alert | report by displaying a warning on a display.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the package data generation device 28 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The control unit 61 is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU. The storage unit 62 is realized by a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic recording device such as a hard disk, or the like. The communication unit 63 is realized by a device that performs data communication via a network such as the Internet.

  The control unit 61 includes a delivery data acquisition unit 64, a package data generation unit 65, and a package data provision unit 66. The delivery data acquisition unit 64 acquires the delivery data described above from the request data generation device 3. The package data generation means 65 generates the package data described above. The package data providing unit 66 provides the generated package data to the request data generating device 3.

  Hereinafter, a method for generating package data will be described in detail. The package data generation unit 65 sequentially receives identification numbers from the identification number reading unit 22 for packages. The package data generation unit 65 sequentially receives the package weights from the weight measurement unit 23. The package data generation unit 65 sequentially receives dimensions including the height, width, and length of the package from the height measurement unit 51, the width measurement unit 52, and the length measurement unit 53. The package data generation means 65 associates each package identification number with package information including the size and weight of the package.

  The identification numbers of the packages are sequentially read, and the weight and dimensions are measured in the order in which the identification numbers are read. That is, the identification number of the package is sequentially read by the identification number reading unit 22. Next, the package is sent to the weight measuring unit 23 and the weight is sequentially measured. Further, the package is sent to the dimension measuring unit 24 and the dimensions are sequentially measured. The package data generation means 65 accepts various pieces of information about the package in the order in which the package is transported, that is, the identification number reading order, the weight measurement order, and the dimension measurement order.

  The storage unit 62 receives the association between the identification number and the package information from the package data generation unit 65 and stores it. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, package information including the height, width, length, and weight and the area of the delivery destination are stored for each identification number. In addition,

  As described above, the package data generation unit 65 receives the identification number from the identification number reading unit 22 and receives the size of the package from the dimension measurement unit 24. The package data generation unit 65 receives the weight of the package from the weight measurement unit 23. The package data generation unit 65 generates package data for each package by associating an identification number with package information including the size and weight of the package. Thereby, it is possible to accurately and automatically associate the identification number with the package information without depending on the hand.

  In the shipping support system 1 described above, the package measuring device 2 measures the size of the package and generates package data. Then, the request data generation device 3 acquires the package data from the package measurement device 2, whereby request data for requesting delivery of the package from the shipping company is generated. Therefore, the request data can be created more efficiently than when the dimensions are measured manually in the shipping company. In addition, the request data generation device 3 generates the package data by measuring the size of the package at the shipping source. Therefore, the request data generation device 3 can be simplified compared to the measurement device deployed in the shipping company. Thereby, cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the request data generating device 3 can be configured to be suitable for a package handled by the shipping source.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

  The shipping support system 1 may be configured to support a plurality of shipping sources. In that case, it is preferable that the package measuring device 2 is arranged at each of a plurality of shipping sources. The request data generating device 3 receives delivery data from each of a plurality of shipping sources, and receives a plurality of package data from each of the plurality of package measuring devices 2. The request data generating device 3 generates request data for each of a plurality of shipping sources, and transmits the request data of the plurality of shipping sources to the logistics management system 5 of the shipping company. Thus, the creation of request data for a plurality of shipping sources can be managed collectively by the request data generation device 3 in the data center.

  The request data generation device 3 may calculate a package transportation fee and include the calculated package transportation fee in the request data. In this case, the storage unit 12 of the request data generation device 3 stores charge size information indicating the relationship between the transportation charge and the package size at the shipping company. The request data generation device 3 calculates a package transportation charge from the charge size information, the package information, and the delivery data.

  Instead of the request data generation device 3, the package data generation device 28 may calculate the package transportation fee. In that case, the storage unit 62 of the package data generation device 28 stores the charge size information. The package data generation device 28 calculates a package transportation fee from the charge size information, the package information, and the delivery data. The parcel data generation device 28 includes the calculated parcel freight charge in the parcel data and provides it to the request data generation device 3.

  In the above embodiment, the request data generating device 3 provides the delivery data to the package measuring device 2 (step S1-4 in FIG. 2), but the delivery data from the request data generating device 3 to the package measuring device 2 The provision may be omitted. Even in this case, the request data generation device 3 can generate the request data by associating the delivery data from the shipping source terminal 4 with the package data from the package measurement device 2 based on the identification information.

  The weight may be omitted from the package information. In other words, the package transportation fee may be determined only from the dimensions. In that case, the weight measuring unit 23 may be omitted. Alternatively, the dimensions may be omitted from the package information. That is, the transportation fee for the luggage may be determined only from the weight. In that case, the dimension measuring unit 24 may be omitted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shipment support system, a shipment support method, a shipment support program, and a package measuring device that can efficiently and inexpensively ship packages from a shipping company to a shipping company. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shipping support system 2 Baggage measuring device 3 Request data generation device 15 Package data acquisition means 14 Delivery data acquisition means 16 Request data generation means 17 Request data provision means

Claims (15)

A system that supports the shipment of multiple packages from a shipper to a shipping company,
A package that measures the size and / or weight of the package at the shipper and identifies the package number attached to each of the packages, and indicates the measured size and / or weight of the package A package measuring device for generating package data including information, and
A request data generating device for generating request data for requesting delivery of the package to a shipping company based on the package data from the package measuring device;
With
The request data generation device includes:
Package data acquisition means for acquiring the package data generated by the package measurement device;
Shipping data acquisition means for acquiring shipping data from the shipping source, including shipping source information relating to the shipping source, the identification number, and shipping destination information indicating the shipping destination of the package;
Request data generating means for generating the request data by associating the package information with the identification number, the shipping source information and the delivery destination information based on the delivery data and the package data;
Request data providing means for providing the request data to the logistics management system of the shipping company;
Having
Shipping support system. There are multiple shipping sources,
The package measuring device is disposed at each of a plurality of shipping sources.
The shipping support system according to claim 1. The request data generation device is disposed in a data center for supporting shipment of the package from a shipping source to a shipping company, receives the delivery data from each of a plurality of shipping sources, and a plurality of the package measuring devices. A plurality of the package data from each of the
The request data generation device generates the request data for each of a plurality of shipping sources, and provides the request data of each of a plurality of shipping sources to a logistics management system of a shipping company,
The shipping support system according to claim 2. The request data generation device further includes a storage unit that stores charge size information indicating a relationship between a transportation charge in a shipping company and the size and / or weight of the package,
The request data generation device calculates a freight charge of the package from the charge size information and the package information, and includes the calculated freight charge of the package in the request data.
The shipment support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The package measuring device has a storage unit for storing fee size information indicating a relationship between a transportation fee in a shipping company and the size and / or weight of the package,
The package measuring device calculates a transportation fee of the package from the fee size information and the package information, and includes the calculated transportation fee of the package in the package data.
The shipment support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The luggage measuring device includes:
An identification number reading unit for reading the identification number;
A transport unit for transporting the luggage;
A measuring unit for measuring the size and / or weight of the load being conveyed by the conveying unit;
The identification number of the package is received from the identification number reading unit, the size and / or weight of the package corresponding to the identification number is received from the measurement unit, and the identification number and the size and / or size of the package are received. Package data generation means for generating the package data in association with the weight;
Having
The shipping support system according to claim 1. The measuring unit is
A height measuring unit for measuring the height of the luggage;
A width measuring unit for measuring the width of the load;
A length measuring unit for measuring the length of the load;
Having
The shipment support system according to claim 6. The luggage measuring device includes:
After the reading of the identification number, it further includes a read detection unit that detects whether or not the package is being transported in the transport unit,
The identification number reading unit, the read detection unit, and the measurement unit are sequentially arranged from the upstream side in the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit.
The shipment support system according to claim 6 or 7. The luggage measuring device includes:
An alignment detection unit for detecting whether or not the load is aligned and conveyed along a side end portion along the conveyance direction in the conveyance unit;
The shipment support system according to claim 6. The alignment detection unit includes:
A first alignment detection unit that detects that the baggage is conveyed by protruding from a side end of the conveyance unit;
A second alignment detection unit for detecting that the package is being transported away from a predetermined distance from a side end of the transport unit;
The shipment support system according to claim 9, comprising: The transport unit has a plurality of inclined rollers arranged to be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the transport direction,
The measurement unit is provided on the downstream side of the inclined roller.
The shipping support system according to claim 6. The luggage measuring device further includes a weight measuring unit for measuring the weight of the luggage,
The package data generation means receives the weight of the package corresponding to the identification number from the weight measurement unit, and further associates the identification number with the weight for the package.
The shipment support system according to any one of claims 6 to 11. A method for supporting the shipment of a plurality of packages from a shipper to a shipping company,
A package that measures the size and / or weight of the package at the shipper and identifies the package number attached to each of the packages, and indicates the measured size and / or weight of the package Generating the package data using a package measuring device that generates package data including information, and
In a data center for supporting the shipment of the package from the shipping source to the shipping company, for requesting the shipping company to deliver the package based on the package data generated in the package data generation step. A request data generation step for generating request data;
With
The request data generation step includes:
Obtaining the package data generated in the package data generation step;
Obtaining from the shipping source delivery data including shipping source information regarding the shipping source, the identification number, and delivery destination information indicating a delivery destination of the package;
Generating the request data by associating the package information with the identification number, the shipping source information, and the delivery destination information based on the delivery data and the package data;
Providing the request data to the logistics management system of the shipping company;
Having
Shipping support method. A program for supporting the shipment of a plurality of packages from a shipping company to a shipping company, and a computer arranged in a data center for supporting the shipment of the packages from the shipping company to the shipping company,
A package that measures the size and / or weight of the package at the shipper and identifies the package number attached to each of the packages, and indicates the measured size and / or weight of the package A package data acquisition means for acquiring the package data from a package measurement device that generates package data including information;
Shipping data acquisition means for acquiring shipping data from the shipping source, including shipping source information relating to the shipping source, the identification number, and shipping destination information indicating the shipping destination of the package;
Request data for requesting delivery of the package to a shipping company by associating the package information with the identification number, the shipping source information, and the delivery destination information based on the delivery data and the package data. Request data generating means for generating
Request data providing means for providing the request data to the logistics management system of the shipping company;
Shipment support program that makes it work. A package measuring device used in a system that supports shipment of a plurality of packages from a shipping company to a shipping company,
An identification number reading unit for reading an identification number for identifying the package attached to each of the plurality of packages,
A transport unit for transporting the luggage;
A measuring unit for measuring the size and / or weight of the load being conveyed by the conveying unit;
The identification number of the package is received from the identification number reading unit, the size and / or weight of the package corresponding to the identification number is received from the measurement unit, and the identification number and the size and / or size of the package are received. Package data generation means for generating the package data in association with the weight;
The package data is arranged in a data center for supporting the shipment of the package from the shipping company to the shipping company and generates request data for requesting the shipping company to deliver the package. Package data providing means for providing
A luggage measuring device.

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