JP7122719B2 - Tour route generation device, tour route generation method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tour route generation device, a tour route generation method, and a program.

Nowadays, vending machines are installed in various places, making daily life convenient. On the other hand, vending machines require maintenance such as replenishing products, collecting change, cleaning, and repairing. Therefore, many workers visit vending machines in various places every day.

Techniques have also been developed to support the creation of a patrol route when patroling vending machines scattered in various places, and to improve the efficiency of vending machine maintenance (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-042217

The patrol route generated in this way is generated so as to efficiently patrol the vending machines scattered in various places with a short moving distance as much as possible. varies depending on the generated cyclic path. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the working hours of the worker and the business hours of the place of work.

Moreover, this is not only the case of patrolling facilities such as vending machines, but also the case of patrolling a plurality of locations where there are no facilities, such as when a salesperson visits a plurality of customers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such problems. A route generation method and program are provided.

One aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is a tour route generating device for generating a tour route that tours at least some of a plurality of tour target points, wherein each of the tour target points A point classifying unit that classifies the points into mandatory patrol points that must be visited and optional patrol points that do not necessarily need to be visited, and a plurality of candidates for the patrol route so that all the patrol essential points are included in the route. a first index value indicating the degree of deviation between the required time from the start to the end of the tour and a predetermined target time for each of the plurality of candidates; and the route length. and a second index value indicated by the index value, and selecting one candidate from among the plurality of candidates based on the calculation results of the first index value and the second index value, thereby generating the tour route. a tour route generation unit , wherein the candidate generation unit selects a plurality of points from among all the points to be visited so as to include all the tour-required points, and then selects the plurality of points. a first process of generating a first candidate for a tour route by arranging the points in the order of and then generating a second candidate by changing the order of two points selected from among the points included in the first candidate; A second process for generating a second candidate by deleting points selected from the arbitrary tour points included in the first candidate from the tour route of the first candidate, or the arbitrary tour point not included in the first candidate. a third process of generating a second candidate by incorporating a point selected from the points into the tour route of the first candidate; The plurality of candidates are generated by repeatedly executing the process of newly generating a second candidate from the two candidates as the first candidate while selecting any one of the first to third processes .

In addition, the problems disclosed by the present application and their solutions will be clarified by the descriptions in the description of the mode for carrying out the invention, the descriptions in the drawings, and the like.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a patrol route that allows a person in charge of patroling a plurality of points to return within a predetermined time.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a patrol route generation system; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vending machine; FIG. It is a figure which shows the function with which a vending machine is provided. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a patrol route generating device; FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functions provided in a tour route generation device; It is an example of base information. It is an example of vending machine information. It is an example of current route information. It is an example of next route information. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the patrol route generation device; 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the patrol route generation device;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

== Overall configuration ==
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a tour route generating system 1 shown as an embodiment. The patrol route generation system 1 includes vending machines 2 provided at a plurality of locations (11 locations as an example in FIG. 1) and patrol route generation devices 10 via a communication network 5 (not shown in FIG. 1). It is configured to be communicatively connected. The communication network 5 is various information communication networks such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a telephone network.

The vending machine 2 is a facility or device that provides various products such as beverages and food to the user when the user inserts a predetermined amount of money.

The patrol route generation device 10 is an information processing device that generates a patrol route when a worker who maintains the vending machine 2 patrols the vending machines 2 in various places. The tour route generating device 10 generates this tour route by executing a route search algorithm according to this embodiment, which will be described later. The patrol route generation device 10 uses bases 3 such as workers' workplaces and business offices as starting and ending points, and the total travel distance is as short as possible, and the required time from the start to the end of the patrol is a predetermined target time. Generate a circular path such that

With such a mode, for example, it is possible to generate an appropriate patrol route that matches the working hours of the worker, the business hours of the place of work, and the like.

For this reason, the patrol route generating apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment does not generate patrol routes for patrol all the vending machines 2 (11 in FIG. 1) to be patroled, but at least some of them to generate a patrol route that patrols the vending machines 2 of . In the case of the patrol route indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1, the worker patrols five vending machines 2 .

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the patrol route generation device 10 generates a patrol route for a worker to patrol facilities such as vending machines 2 installed in various places and supply goods such as commodities will be described as an example. However, when a salesperson visits multiple customers, or when a paddy field monitor measures the water level of paddy fields in various places, a patrol route is generated when patroling multiple points where there are no facilities. The same is true for the case.

== vending machine ==
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the vending machine 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the vending machine 2 includes a processor 21 , a storage device 22 , a communication device 23 , a sales control mechanism 24 , a cash acceptance mechanism 25 , and a product residual quantity detection mechanism 26 .

The processor 21 is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The storage device 22 is a device that stores programs and data, and is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM)), or the like. The processor 21 and the storage device 22 constitute a main control section that performs overall control of the vending machine 2 . The processor 21 and the storage device 22 are realized using, for example, a virtual information processing resource provided via the communication device 23 (for example, a cloud server provided by a cloud system, etc.). It may be

The communication device 23 is configured using, for example, a wireless communication module, a NIC (Network Interface Card), or the like. The communication device 23 realizes communication with other devices such as the tour route generation device 10 via the communication network 5 . The communication device 23 can also function as an input device that receives information from other devices.

The vending control mechanism 24 is configured using a mechanical mechanism, an electronic circuit, or the like, and includes a mechanism that is controlled when products are provided to users of the vending machine 2 . The sales control mechanism 24 includes, for example, a product shelf and a product ejection mechanism inside the vending machine 2, product selection buttons outside the vending machine 2, an IC card reader/writer for payment, various display lamps, a display, and the like. .

The money acceptance mechanism 25 includes a mechanism as a coin sorter (coin mech) or bill sorter (bill validator). It controls the number of coins and banknotes held for use.

The product remaining amount detection mechanism 26 detects the product remaining amount of the vending machine 2 . The product remaining amount detection mechanism 26 is configured using, for example, a mechanical or electronic remaining amount counting mechanism, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. The product remaining amount detection mechanism 26 can have various configurations according to the properties of the products sold by the vending machine 2 .

FIG. 3 shows main functions of the vending machine 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the vending machine 2 includes a storage unit 210, a sales control processing unit 211, a money reception processing unit 212, a product remaining amount acquisition unit 213, a product replenishable amount calculation unit 214, an urgency calculation unit 215, and a Each function of the communication processing unit 216 is provided.

The functions of the vending machine 2 are realized by, for example, mechanisms provided in the vending machine 2 . Also, the functions of the vending machine 2 are implemented by, for example, the processor 21 reading and executing a program stored in the storage device 22 . The above program is loaded from a portable recording medium (CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), flash memory, etc.) to the storage device 22 via a portable recording medium reader (not shown). Further, the above program is downloaded to the vending machine 2 via the communication network 5 from, for example, a distribution device (not shown) that stores and manages the above program.

Among the above functions, the storage unit 210 stores the product remaining amount 251 that is the current remaining amount of the product in the vending machine 2, the maximum possible inventory amount 252 that is the maximum possible inventory amount of the vending machine 2, and the vending machine 2. Product replenishable quantity 253 that is the replenishable quantity of products in the vending machine 2, Patrol date and time 254 that indicates the date and time that the vending machine 2 was patrolled, and Urgency level that indicates the urgency of patrol to the vending machine 2 255 pieces of information are stored. The patrol date and time 254 is set by the operator when the vending machine 2 is maintained. Alternatively, the tour date and time 254 may be information that can specify the elapsed period after the tour or the period during which the tour is not performed, such as the value of a timer counter that is reset at the time of the tour and counts up or counts down at predetermined time intervals. any information. The degree of urgency 255 takes a value, for example, in the range of 0 to 9. When the vending machine 2 is out of order, when the change is out, or when the remaining amount of products is less than a predetermined value, the vending machine 2 is notified. It is set to a larger value when it is better to perform maintenance sooner.

The information stored in the storage unit 210 is shared with the vending machine information 152 (described later) of the patrol route generation device 10 via the communication network 5 in real time or as needed (periodically, etc.). These pieces of information stored in the storage unit 210 may be managed by the patrol route generation device 10, but for example, these pieces of information may be individually managed by individual vending machines 2, and the patrol route generation device 10 may manage these pieces of information as needed. Information may be acquired from the vending machine 2 . By doing so, it becomes easier to manage when the number of vending machines 2 is increased or decreased.

The sales control processing unit 211 controls the sales control mechanism 24 and performs processing related to providing products to users of the vending machine 2 . When the sales control processing unit 211 detects a failure of the sales control mechanism 24, the sales control processing unit 211 notifies the urgency calculation unit 215 of the content of the failure. The money reception processing unit 212 performs control such as determining the authenticity of coins and banknotes inserted into the money receiving mechanism 25, sorting coins and banknotes by type, and detecting the number of banknotes and coins. When the money reception processing unit 212 detects that there is no change or a failure of the money reception mechanism 25, the money reception processing unit 212 notifies the urgency calculation unit 215 to that effect.

The product remaining amount acquisition unit 213 acquires the product remaining amount via the product remaining amount detection mechanism 26 . The storage unit 210 stores the product remaining amount acquired by the product remaining amount acquiring unit 213 as the product remaining amount 251 . When the product remaining amount acquisition unit 213 detects that the product remaining amount has become a predetermined amount or less, or when the product decrease speed (product sales amount per unit period) is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the product remaining amount acquisition unit 213 determines the remaining product amount. When a failure of the detection mechanism 26 is detected, it is notified to the urgency calculation unit 215 .

The product replenishable quantity calculation unit 214 calculates the product replenishable quantity based on the maximum possible inventory quantity 252 and the remaining product quantity 251 stored in the storage unit 210 . In this embodiment, the product replenishable quantity calculation unit 214 obtains the difference between the maximum possible inventory quantity 252 and the remaining product quantity 251 as the product replenishable quantity. The maximum possible inventory amount 252 is set by the administrator of the vending machine 2 via the communication device 23, for example. The patrol route generation device 10 may set the above-described maximum possible inventory amount 252 via the communication network 5 . The storage unit 210 stores the replenishable product amount calculated by the replenishable product quantity calculation unit 214 as the replenishable product quantity 253 . The function of the product replenishable amount calculation unit 214 may be implemented on the patrol route generation device 10 side.

When the urgency calculation unit 215 receives the above-described notification of a failure, running out of change, etc. from the sales control processing unit 211, the money reception processing unit 212, and the product remaining amount acquisition unit 213, the urgency calculation unit 215 determines an emergency according to the content of the notification. Sets the degree 255 value. The urgency calculation unit 215 sets the value of the urgency 255 by referring to a table (not shown) that associates the content of the notification with the value of the urgency 255 . The degree of urgency 255 ranges from 0 to 9, and the greater the value, the higher the degree of urgency.

The communication processing unit 216 communicates with the tour route generation device 10 via the communication network 5 and transmits or receives various information such as information stored in the storage unit 210 to or from the tour route generation device 10 .

== Tour route generation device ==
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the tour route generation device 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the tour route generation device 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory device 12, an auxiliary memory device 13, an input device 14, an output device 15, and a communication device 16. These are communicably connected to each other via communication means such as a bus (not shown).

The patrol route generation device 10 may be implemented using virtual resources such as a virtual server or a cloud server in a cloud system. Also, the patrol route generation device 10 may be realized by, for example, a plurality of information processing devices and processors that are communicatively connected.

The processor 11 is configured using, for example, a CPU, an MPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the like. Various functions of the tour route generation device 10 are realized by the processor 11 reading and executing the program according to the present embodiment stored in the main storage device 12 . The main memory device 12 is a device that stores programs and data, and is, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, or the like.

The auxiliary storage device 13 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory (SSD, SD memory card, USB memory, etc.), an optical storage device (CD, DVD, etc.) read/write device, etc.), a storage area of a cloud server, etc. is. Programs and data stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 are loaded into the main storage device 12 at any time. The auxiliary storage device 13 may be communicably connected to the processor 11 via communication means such as NAS (Network Attached Storage).

The input device 14 is a user interface that receives input from the outside, and includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and a reading device for portable recording media. The output device 15 is a user interface that provides various types of information such as processing progress and processing results to the outside. loading device, etc.

The communication device 16 is a wired or wireless communication interface that realizes communication with another device via the communication network 5, and is, for example, a wireless communication module or NIC. For example, a configuration in which information is input and output to and from another device via the communication device 16, that is, a configuration in which the communication device 16 functions as the input device 14 and the output device 15 may be employed.

FIG. 5 shows main functions of the tour route generation device 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the patrol route generation device 10 has functions of a storage unit 110, a communication processing unit 111, and a route search processing unit 112. FIG.

Each function of the patrol route generation device 10 is implemented by, for example, the processor 11 reading and executing a program stored in the main storage device 12 . The above program is loaded from, for example, a portable recording medium into the main storage device 12 via the input device 14 . Further, the above program is downloaded to the patrol route generating device 10 via the communication network 5 from a distribution device (not shown) that stores and manages the above program, for example.

Among the above functions, the storage unit 110 stores location information 151 that is information about the location 3, vending machine information 152 that is information about the vending machine 2, and information that the worker returns after leaving the location 3 during patrols. target time 153, current route information 154, which is information about the current route (to be described later), next route information 155, which is information about the next route (to be described later), and cost function information 156, which is information about a cost calculation formula used when searching for a patrol route. , and each information (data) of route search result 157, which is information about the search result of the patrol route.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the base information 151. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the base information 151 includes one or more records for each base 3, each having a base ID 1511 and location information 1512 items. The base ID 1511 is set with the identifier of the base 3 (hereinafter referred to as base ID). In the position information 1512, information indicating the position of the base 3 (in this example, latitude and longitude) is set.

An example of vending machine information 152 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, vending machine information 152 includes vending machine ID 1521, position information 1522, product remaining amount 1523, maximum possible stock amount 1524, replenishable amount 1525, patrol history information 1526, and degree of urgency 1527. Contains multiple records for each vending machine 2 with items.

The vending machine ID 1521 is set with an identifier of the vending machine 2 (hereinafter referred to as vending machine ID). Information indicating the position of the vending machine 2 (latitude and longitude in this example) is set in the position information 1522 . Remaining amount information indicating the current remaining amount of merchandise in the vending machine 2 is set in the remaining merchandise amount 1523 . The maximum possible inventory amount of the vending machine 2 is set in the maximum possible inventory amount 1524 . In the replenishable amount 1525, the amount of products that can be replenished in the vending machine 2 is set. The patrol history information 1526 includes the most recent date and time when patrol was performed for each vending machine 2, and the value of a timer counter that is reset at the time of patrol and counts up or down at predetermined time intervals. Information is set that can specify the elapsed period since or the period during which no patrol is performed. In the urgency level 1527, the urgency level (urgency level 255) of each vending machine 2 is set.

An example of the current route information 154 is shown in FIG. Information indicating a current route, which will be described later, is set in the current route information 154 . In this example, as the current route information 154, information indicating the route "base 3→vending machine 2A→vending machine 2B→vending machine 2C→vending machine 2D→base 3" is set.

An example of the next route information 155 is shown in FIG. Information indicating the next route, which will be described later, is set in the next route information 155 . In this example, as the next route information 155, information indicating the route "base 3→vending machine 2A→vending machine 2B→vending machine 2X→vending machine 2C→vending machine 2D→base 3" is set. ing.

Returning to FIG. 5, the communication processing unit 111 communicates with each of the plurality of vending machines 2 located in various locations via the communication network 5, and transmits or receives information to or from each of the plurality of vending machines 2. receive.

The route search processing unit 112 searches for a tour route by executing a predetermined route search algorithm using information stored in the storage unit 110 . The route search algorithm is, for example, a hill climbing method, a simulated annealing method, a genetic algorithm, a tabu search, or the like. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the route search algorithm is a hill-climbing method or a simulated annealing method.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the route search processing unit 112 includes a candidate generation unit 1121 , a point classification unit 1122 , a tour route generation unit 1123 , a target time reception unit 1124 and a tour route output unit 1125 .

The point classification unit 1122 divides the points to be visited (in the example shown in FIG. 1, each point where 11 vending machines 2 are installed) into points that must be visited (points that must be visited) and points that must be visited. It is classified into points that do not have to be done (arbitrary patrol points). In this embodiment, the point classification unit 1122 classifies the points at which the vending machines 2 to be visited are installed into the necessary visit points and the optional visit points.

For example, the tour route generation device 10 is provided with a user interface that accepts input of information (vending machine ID of the required tour spot) specifying the required tour spot, and the spot classification unit 1122 identifies the vending machine 2 specified by this information. The points provided with are classified as tour-required points, and the points that are not classified as tour-required points are classified as tour-optional points.

Alternatively, the point classification unit 1122 refers to the patrol history information 1526 recorded in the vending machine information 152, and determines that the vending machine 2 whose elapsed period from the previous patrol date and time is a predetermined period or more (for example, 2 days or more) The points that are provided may be classified as tour-required points, and the points that are not classified as tour-required points may be classified as tour-optional points. At this time, it is preferable to provide a user interface for receiving input of information indicating the predetermined period in the tour route generation device 10 .

Alternatively, the point classification unit 1122 refers to the patrol history information 1526 and the product remaining amount 1523 recorded in the vending machine information 152, and automatically Vending machines 2, or points with vending machines 2 with a predetermined amount or less of product remaining (e.g., 40 or less remaining beverages, or 30% or less of the maximum stockable amount) are required patrol points , and points that are not classified as tour-required points may be classified as tour-optional points. At this time, it is preferable to provide a user interface for receiving input of information indicating the predetermined period and information indicating the predetermined amount in the patrol route generation device 10 .

Also, for the point classification unit 1122, the first information for classifying the points where the patrol is not performed for a predetermined period or longer as the patrol-required point, A user interface is provided to receive the input of the second information for classifying the point where the machine 2 is installed as a patrol-required point. A point where the elapsed time from the patrol is longer than a predetermined period is classified as a patrol-required point, and when the second information is input, a vending machine 2 is provided in which the remaining amount of merchandise is less than or equal to a predetermined amount. It is also possible to classify points that are not classified as tour-required points as tour-required points and classify them as tour-optional points.

By classifying each point where the vending machine 2 is installed in this manner, the route search processing unit 112 can generate a patrol route within a range including at least patrol-required points in the patrol route. , the number of vending machines 2 can be adjusted. This increases the degree of freedom when generating a tour route, and makes it easier to match the required time from the start to the end of the tour to a predetermined target time. Then, it becomes possible to generate a patrol route suitable for the working hours of the workers who patrol the vending machines 2 .

The candidate generation unit 1121 generates a plurality of candidates (candidate routes) for the tour route. In the present embodiment, the candidate generation unit 1121 generates these candidate routes so that all patrol-required points are included in the route.

Specifically, the candidate generation unit 1121 first selects all the vending machines 2 to be patrolled (11 in the example shown in FIG. 11) in a predetermined order (for example, randomly). order) to generate a candidate route (first candidate) of the tour route.

Of course, the first candidate does not have to include all the tour arbitrary points. In this case, the candidate generation unit 1121 selects all of the points to be visited so that at least all of the tour-required points are included (zero or more optional tour points are included. is selected at random) After selecting a plurality of vending machines 2, the first candidate for the patrol route is generated by arranging these vending machines 2 in a predetermined order.

After that, the candidate generation unit 1121 randomly selects and repeatedly executes any of the following first process, second process, or third process, thereby sequentially generating a plurality of candidate routes.

The first process generates a second candidate by changing the order of two vending machines 2 selected (for example, randomly selected) from among the vending machines 2 included in the first candidate.

In the second process, the second candidate is generated by deleting the vending machine 2 selected (for example, randomly selected) from the tour arbitrary points included in the first candidate from the tour route of the first candidate.

In the third process, the second candidate is generated by incorporating the vending machine 2 selected (for example, randomly selected) from the tour arbitrary points not included in the first candidate into the tour route of the first candidate.

At this time, the candidate generation unit 1121 adds the vending machine 2 so that the amount of increase in route length due to the addition of the new vending machine 2 to the route is minimized. For example, when the first candidate is "site 3→A→C→D→E→site 3", and "B" is added to this route to generate the second candidate, A, C, D, It can be inserted at any position before and after E, but the sum of the distances "(distance from base 3 → B) + (distance from B → A)" and "(distance from A → B) + (distance from B → C)" distance)” “(C → B distance) + (B → D distance)” “(D → B distance) + (B → E distance)” “(E → B distance) + (B → base 3 distance)” is the smallest.

After that, the candidate generating unit 1121 selects one of the first to third processes again at random while using the second candidate generated in each of the above processes as the first candidate, and generates a new second candidate. Execute repeatedly.

With such a mode, it is possible to generate candidate routes with various numbers of vending machines 2 to be patrolled while always including the patrol-required points.

Note that the patrol route generation device 10 stores information about the first candidate (that is, the candidate route that is currently being watched, hereinafter referred to as the “current route”) as the current route information 154, and stores information about the second candidate (that is, the current route). (hereinafter referred to as “next route”) is stored as next route information 155 .

The patrol route generator 1123 generates, for each of the candidate routes, a first index value indicating the degree of deviation between the time required for the worker to complete the patrol from the predetermined target time, and the route a second index value indicating the length of time, a third index value indicating the degree to which equipment with a high degree of urgency is preferentially patrolled, and a fourth index value indicating the total replenishable amount of each vending machine 2 in the route , and selects one candidate from among a plurality of candidate routes based on the calculation result of each of these index values, thereby generating a tour route.

Specifically, the tour route generation unit 1123 obtains the cost of each candidate route using the cost function represented by the following (Equation 1), and obtains the candidate route with the lowest cost as the tour route. Note that the cost function is stored as cost function information 156 in the storage unit 110 .

Cost function=c×first index value+second index value+third index value−d×fourth index value (Formula 1)

Here, the first index value is calculated by the following (Formula 2A) and (Formula 2B).

First index value = (required time - target time) x number of tour arbitrary points included in the candidate route
(When required time > target time) ... (Formula 2A)
First index value = (target time - required time) x number of tour arbitrary points not included in the candidate route
(When required time ≤ target time) (Equation 2B)

Note that (Formula 2A) is a formula for calculating the first index value used when required time>target time. , is a formula for calculating overtime work for workers.

(Formula 2B) is a formula for calculating the first index value used when required time≦target time.

In calculating the first index value, the patrol route generation unit 1123 simulates the time required for the worker to patrol each vending machine 2 and return.

This required time is calculated using the distance between adjacent points on each candidate route and the movement speed of the worker. It can be calculated by accumulating with . The worker's movement speed and work time may be set to predetermined values obtained from past experience, for example.

Here, to supplement the first index value, for example, if the user is patrolling an arbitrary patrolling point despite the occurrence of overtime, the time required for patrolling can be shortened by not patrolling the arbitrary patrolling point. It should be possible, so add it to the cost as a penalty due to the first index value. The magnitude of the impact on cost is adjusted by the coefficient c. As a result, when overtime is required, a candidate route with fewer arbitrary points is recognized as a better route and is more likely to remain.

Conversely, if the patrol work ends earlier than the target time, but there are still some patrol arbitrary points that have not been patroled, it should be possible to increase the work time by patrolling these patrol arbitrary points. Add to the cost as a penalty proportional to the number of tour arbitrary points that have not been toured.

However, the first index value may be calculated using the following (Formula 3A) and (Formula 3B).

First index value = required time - target time (when required time > target time) ... (Formula 3A)
First index value = target time - required time (when required time ≤ target time) ... (Formula 3B)

Even with these formulas, if the time required for the patrol deviates from the target time, the first index value increases in proportion to the time difference, which increases the cost of (Formula 1). .

Alternatively, when required time≦target time, the first index value=predetermined value (for example, a fixed value such as 0 or 1) may be set instead of (Equation 2B) and (Equation 3B). In this case, even a candidate route that completes the tour in a shorter time than the target time hardly increases the cost of (Equation 1), so a route that completes the tour early is likely to be selected. , it is possible to reduce the workload of workers. Alternatively, if the target time is too long even though the number of points to be visited is small, it is possible to prevent the generation of a tour route that forces a detour to bring the required time closer to the target time. becomes.

Next, the patrol route generator 1123 calculates the second index value using the following (Equation 4).

Second index value = Distance between two adjacent points on the Σ route (Formula 4)

The second index value indicates the route length (total travel distance) of the candidate route. The distance between two points can be obtained from the position information 1522 of each vending machine 2 described in the vending machine information 152 and the position information 1512 described in the base information 151 . Alternatively, map data (not shown) may be used to find the distance along the road between each point. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a value obtained by accumulating only the travel time of the required time used when calculating the first index value over the entire route. The cost increases as the second index value increases.

Next, the patrol route generator 1123 calculates the third index value using the following (Equation 5).
Third index value = -α × Σf (vending machine urgency, order) (Formula 5)

In (Equation 5), α is a positive coefficient. Also, the function f is represented by (Equation 6).
f (vending machine urgency, order) = max (0, (total number of vending machines/2-order) x urgency) ... (Formula 6)

The “order” in (Equation 6) is a value that indicates the order in which the vending machine 2 is approached by the worker. In this embodiment, the vending machine 2 that the worker first visits is the 0th. For example, if there are a total of 100 vending machines 2 to be patrolled, and the operator visits the vending machine 2 with urgency=9 first (0th), then f(9,0)=max (0, (100/2−0)×9)=450. Also, if this vending machine 300 is visited 51st, then f(9,51)=max(0, (100/2-51)×9)=0.

In this way, the value of (Equation 6) is such that vending machines 2 with a higher degree of urgency are visited earlier in the first half (0th to 49th) of the candidate route. However, it is 0 for the vending machine 2 visited in the second half (50th to 99th) of the candidate route.

The patrol route generation unit 1123 calculates the value of (Formula 6) for each vending machine 2, and sums these values by (Formula 5) to calculate the third index value. In this way, the third index value can represent the degree to which vending machines 2 with a high degree of urgency are preferentially patrolled.

Subsequently, the patrol route generator 1123 calculates the fourth index value using the following (Equation 7).

Fourth index value=Amount of products that can be replenished at each vending machine in the Σ route (Formula 7)

The replenishable amount of merchandise for each vending machine 2 can be obtained from the replenishable amount 1525 for each vending machine 2 described in the vending machine information 152 .

When the worker visits each vending machine 2, when comparing the case of visiting the vending machines 2 with a large amount of replenishable products and the case of visiting the vending machines 2 with a small amount of replenishable products, the former is more frequent. Since it can be said that the result is large, it can be said that it is an important vending machine 2. Therefore, this fourth index value is an index representing the sum of the importance of each vending machine 2 in the candidate route.

Note that the sign of the fourth index value is negative because the lower the cost calculated by (Equation 1) is, the better. The degree of influence of the fourth index value on the cost can be adjusted by the coefficient d.

Note that the fourth index value may be calculated using the following (Equation 8).

Fourth index value=Amount of product replenishment possible at each arbitrary point on the Σ route (Equation 8)

Since all of the travel-required points are always included in the candidate route, the fourth index value obtained by (Equation 7) includes the total replenishable amount of products at the travel-required points as a constant component. Such a constant component does not make a difference in the cost of each candidate route. Therefore, as shown in (Equation 8), by obtaining the sum of the replenishable amount of products at arbitrary points on the tour as the fourth index value, it is possible to omit unnecessary calculations when comparing candidate routes. becomes.

As described above, the tour route generation device 10 according to the present embodiment not only calculates the second index value related to the route length (movement distance) of the tour route, but also the required time from the start to the end of the tour and the predetermined target A patrol route is generated using a first index value that indicates the degree of deviation from time.

With such a mode, it is possible to generate a patrol route that allows a worker who patrols the vending machines 2 provided at a plurality of locations to return within a predetermined time.

Furthermore, the patrol route generation device 10 according to the present embodiment uses, in addition to the first index value and the second index value, a third index value representing the degree to which vending machines 2 with a high degree of urgency are preferentially patrolled. generated a patrol route.

With such a mode, it is possible to generate a patrol route that quickly visits vending machines 2 with a higher degree of urgency.

Furthermore, in addition to the first index value and the second index value, the patrol route generation device 10 according to the present embodiment has a fourth index value indicating the total replenishable amount of products of each vending machine 2 in the route. is used to generate the patrol route.

Such a mode makes it possible to generate a patrol route that preferentially visits vending machines 2 of higher importance.

When the patrol route is generated using the first index value to the fourth index value as shown in (Equation 1), the effects of using the above index values are balanced as a whole. , it is possible to generate an optimal tour route.

The target time reception unit 1124 receives an input of the target time required for the worker to complete the patrol from the input device 14 or the communication device 16 . Then, the target time reception unit 1124 stores this target time in the storage unit 110 as the target time 153 .

The tour route output unit 1125 outputs the tour route (route search result 157 ) generated by the tour route generation unit 1123 to the output device 15 or the communication device 16 .

== Process flow ==
Next, the processing related to route search performed by the tour route generation device 10 will be specifically described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing (hereinafter referred to as route search processing S1200) performed by the patrol route generation device 10 when searching for a patrol route using the hill-climbing method. The route search processing S1200 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, the patrol route generation device 10 classifies the points at which the vending machines 2 to be patrol are installed into patrol mandatory points and patrol optional points. Then, the tour route generation device 10 generates an initial value of the current route (S1211). In this embodiment, as an example, the patrol route generation device 10 includes all vending machines 2 (vending machines 2 at all patrol-required points and vending machines 2 at all patrol-optional points) in the route. , the order is set randomly to generate the initial value of the current route. The patrol route generation device 10 also records this current route in the storage unit 110 as the current route information 154 and sets it as a provisional solution for the patrol route.

Subsequently, the patrol route generation device 10 calculates the fourth index value from the first index value for the current route (S1212), and obtains the cost of the current route from these calculation results (S1213).

Then, the tour route generation device 10 generates the next route based on the current route (S1214). At this time, the patrol route generation device 10 randomly selects and executes any one of the above-described first, second, and third processing to generate the next route. The patrol route generation device 10 also records this next route in the storage unit 110 as the next route information 155 .

Next, the patrol route generation device 10 calculates the first index value to the fourth index value for the next route (S1215), and obtains the cost of the next route from these calculation results (S1216).

Then, the patrol route generation device 10 determines whether or not the cost of the next route is smaller than the cost of the current route (S1217). If the cost of the next route is less than the cost of the current route (S1217: YES), the patrol route generation device 10 resets the next route as the provisional solution (S1218). After that, the process proceeds to S1219. On the other hand, if the cost of the next route is not less than the cost of the current route (S1217: NO), the process proceeds to S1219.

In S1219, the patrol route generation device 10 determines whether or not the cost of the provisional solution is equal to or less than a preset threshold. If the cost of the provisional solution is equal to or less than the preset threshold (S1219: YES), the tour route generation device 10 executes S1220. If the cost of the provisional solution is not equal to or less than the preset threshold (S1219: NO), the patrol route generation device 10 sets the next route as the current route, transcribes the next route information 155 to the current route information 154, and proceeds to S1214. Go back and continue.

At S<b>1220 , the patrol route generator 10 stores the provisional solution as the route search result 157 . The patrol route generation device 10 outputs the route search result 157 to the output device 15 as appropriate.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the processing (hereinafter referred to as route search processing S1300) performed by the tour route generation device 10 when searching for a tour route using the simulated annealing method. The route search processing S1300 will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, the patrol route generation device 10 sets the initial value of the temperature T (S1311).

Next, the patrol route generating device 10 classifies the points at which the vending machines 2 to be patrol are installed into patrol-required points and patrol-optional points. The patrol route generator 10 then generates an initial value of the current route (S1312). At this time, the patrol route generation device 10, as an example, includes all the vending machines 2 (vending machines 2 at all patrol-required points and all vending machines 2 at all patrol-optional points) in the route. generates the initial value of the current route by setting randomly. The patrol route generation device 10 also records this current route in the storage unit 110 as the current route information 154 and sets it as a provisional solution for the patrol route.

The patrol route generation device 10 calculates the first index value to the fourth index value for the current route (S1303), and obtains the cost of the current route based on these calculation results (S1314).

Then, the tour route generation device 10 generates the next route based on the current route (S1315). At this time, the patrol route generation device 10 randomly selects and executes any one of the above-described first, second, and third processing to generate the next route. The patrol route generation device 10 also records this next route in the storage unit 110 as the next route information 155 .

Subsequently, the patrol route generation device 10 calculates the first index value to the fourth index value for the next route (S1316), and obtains the cost of the next route based on these calculation results (S1317).

Then, the tour route generation device 10 determines whether or not to accept the next route (S1318). In the above determination, the tour route generation device 10 accepts the next route in principle if the cost of the next route is less than the cost of the current route, but even if the cost of the next route is not less than the cost of the current route (i.e. accept the next path with a probability that depends on the temperature T, even if it deteriorates). For the above probabilities, for example, the Metropolis standard is used. By doing so, it is possible to make it difficult to fall into a local optimal solution. When the patrol route generation device 10 determines to accept the next route (S1318: Accepted), it resets the next route as a provisional solution (S1319), and advances the process to S1320. On the other hand, if it is determined not to accept the next route (S1318: not accepted), the tour route generation device 10 advances the process to S1320.

In S1320, the tour route generation device 10 determines whether or not the temperature T should be lowered. The patrol route generation device 10 determines to lower the temperature T, for example, when the loop processing of S1315 to S1320 is repeated a preset number of times or more.

When determining to lower the temperature T (S1320: YES), the patrol route generator 10 lowers the temperature T (S1321) and advances the process to S1322. For example, in the case of exponential annealing, the circuit path generator 10 sets T _k+1 =γ·T _k (where γ is a coefficient that determines the cooling rate). On the other hand, when it is determined not to lower the temperature T (S1320: NO), the patrol route generator 10 sets the next route as the current route, transcribes the next route information 155 to the current route information 154, and returns to S1315. Continue processing.

In S1322, the tour route generation device 10 determines whether or not the cost of the provisional solution is equal to or less than a preset threshold. If the cost of the provisional solution is equal to or less than the preset threshold (S1322: YES), the tour route generation device 10 executes S1323. If the cost of the provisional solution is not equal to or less than the preset threshold (S1322: NO), the patrol route generation device 10 sets the next route as the current route, transcribes the next route information 155 to the current route information 154, and proceeds to S1315. Go back and continue.

At S<b>1323 , the tour route generation device 10 stores the provisional solution as the route search result 157 . The patrol route generation device 10 outputs the route search result 157 to the output device 15 as appropriate.

The patrol route generation device 10 and the control method and program for the patrol route generation device 10 according to the present embodiment have been described above. According to this, it is possible to generate a patrol route that allows a worker who patrols a plurality of points to come back in a predetermined time. As a result, for example, it is possible to generate an appropriate patrol route that matches the working hours of the worker, the business hours of the place of work, and the like. Also, even if the time and personnel available for patrol are determined, it is possible to generate a patrol route by adjusting the patrol points within that range.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit and interpret the present invention. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof.

For example, in the above embodiment, the business of replenishing products in the vending machine 2 has been described as an example. It can be applied to a variety of situations, such as refilling water tanks for agricultural use, visiting customers by sales representatives, and measuring the water level of rice paddies in various places.

In the above-described embodiment, the tour route generation device 10 is provided with the point classification unit 1122, and each point to be toured is classified into points that must be visited (required tour points) and points that do not necessarily need to be visited (arbitrary tour points). , and generates a patrol route that allows the worker to return in a predetermined time while always patroling all the patrol-required points. may be configured. In this case, the patrol route generation device 10 generates a patrol route that patrols at least some of the points so that the worker can return within a predetermined time, assuming that all the points to be patrol are arbitrary patrol points. do.

In the above-described embodiment, the patrol route generation device 10 generates a patrol route using information collected from the vending machines 2 installed in various places. The patrol route may be generated by simulating the state of product consumption in the vending machine 2 .

1 patrol route generation system 2 vending machine 210 storage unit 211 sales control processing unit 212 money reception processing unit 213 product remaining amount acquisition unit 214 product replenishable amount calculation unit 215 urgency calculation unit 216 communication processing unit 251 product remaining amount 252 inventory Maximum possible quantity 253 Replenishable product quantity 254 Tour date and time 255 Urgency level 3 Base 5 Communication network 10 Tour route generation device 11 Processor 112 Route search processing unit 1121 Candidate generation unit 1122 Point classification unit 1123 Tour route generation unit 1124 Target time reception unit 1125 Patrol route output unit 12 Main storage device 13 Auxiliary storage device 14 Input device 15 Output device 16 Communication device 150 Storage unit 151 Base information 152 Vending machine information 153 Target time 154 Current route information 155 Next route information 156 Cost function information 157 Route search Result S1200 Route search processing S1300 Route search processing

Claims (18)

A tour route generating device that generates a tour route that tours at least some of a plurality of tour target spots,
a point classifying unit that classifies each point to be visited into a patrol mandatory point that must be patroled and a patrol optional point that need not necessarily be patrol;
a candidate generation unit that generates a plurality of candidates for the tour route so that all the tour-required points are included in the route ;
For each of the plurality of candidates, a first index value indicating the degree of deviation between the required time from the start to the end of the patrol and a predetermined target time, a second index value indicating the route length, and selecting one candidate from among the plurality of candidates based on the calculation results of the first index value and the second index value to generate the circuit route;
with
The candidate generating unit selects a plurality of points from among all the points to be visited so as to include all of the points requiring a tour, and arranges the plurality of points in a predetermined order to form a tour route. After generating the first candidate, a first process of generating a second candidate by changing the order of two points selected from among the points included in the first candidate, or the tour included in the first candidate A second process for generating a second candidate by deleting points selected from arbitrary points from the tour route of the first candidate; either a third process of generating a second candidate by incorporating it into the candidate patrol route, or a second process is selected and executed; Generate the plurality of candidates by repeatedly executing the process of generating the second candidate in while selecting any one of the first to third processes,
Tour route generator. The patrol route generation device according to claim 1,
an urgency information storage unit that stores urgency information representing the urgency of the patrol at each point to be patrolled;
with
The tour route generation unit further calculates a third index value representing a degree of preferential tour of a point with a high degree of urgency for each of the plurality of candidates, and calculates the first index value and the second index value. A tour route generation device for generating the tour route by selecting one candidate from the plurality of candidates based on the index value and the third index value. The patrol route generation device according to claim 1,
Equipment is provided at each point to be patrolled,
a replenishable amount storage unit that stores the replenishable amount of materials in each facility;
with
For each of the plurality of candidates, the patrol route generation unit further calculates a fourth index value indicating the total amount of the replenishable amount of each facility in the route, and calculates the first index value and the second index. A tour route generation device for generating the tour route by selecting one candidate from among the plurality of candidates based on a calculation result of a value and a fourth index value. The patrol route generation device according to claim 1,
Equipment is provided at each point to be patrolled,
an urgency information storage unit that stores urgency information representing the urgency of the patrol at each point to be patrolled;
a replenishable amount storage unit that stores the replenishable amount of materials in each facility;
with
For each of the plurality of candidates, the patrol route generation unit generates a third index value representing a degree of preferential patrol of a point with a high degree of urgency, and a total amount of the replenishment capacity of each facility in the route. further calculating a fourth index value indicating that one candidate out of the plurality of candidates is selected based on the calculation results of the first index value, the second index value, the third index value, and the fourth index value A tour route generation device for generating the tour route by selecting The patrol route generation device according to claim 1 ,
A user interface that accepts input of information specifying the patrol mandatory point,
The point classifying unit classifies the points specified by the information as the necessary visiting points, and classifies the points not classified as the necessary visiting points as the arbitrary visiting points. The patrol route generation device according to claim 1 ,
a tour history information storage unit for storing tour history information capable of specifying a period during which tours are not performed for each point to be toured;
with
The point classification unit refers to the tour history information, classifies the points where the elapsed time since the previous tour is equal to or longer than a predetermined period as the tour-required points, and places the points not classified as the tour-required points as the tour-optional points. A patrol path generation device that is classified into The tour route generation device according to claim 6 ,
A tour route generation device comprising a user interface that accepts input of information indicating the predetermined period. The patrol route generation device according to claim 1 ,
Equipment is provided at each point to be patrolled,
a tour history information storage unit for storing tour history information capable of specifying a period during which tours are not performed for each point to be toured;
a remaining amount information storage unit that stores remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of materials in each facility;
with
The point classification unit refers to the patrol history information and the remaining amount information, and is provided with points where the elapsed time since the previous patrol is a predetermined period or more, or facilities where the remaining amount of the material is less than or equal to a predetermined amount. A tour route generating device that classifies points that are not classified as the tour-required points into the tour-optional points. The patrol route generation device according to claim 1 ,
Equipment is provided at each point to be patrolled,
a tour history information storage unit for storing tour history information capable of specifying a period during which tours are not performed for each point to be toured;
a remaining amount information storage unit that stores remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of materials in each facility;
First information for causing the point classification unit to classify a point where the patrol has not been performed for a predetermined period or more as the patrol-required point, or a facility where the remaining amount of the goods is less than or equal to a predetermined amount a user interface that accepts input of second information for classifying a point provided with as the patrol-required point;
with
When the first information is input, the point classification unit classifies the points where the elapsed time since the previous tour is equal to or longer than a predetermined period as the tour-required points, and when the second information is input. If so, classify the point where the facility where the remaining amount of the goods is less than a predetermined amount is installed as the patrol-required point, and classify the point not classified as the patrol-required point as the patrol optional point. Path generator. The tour route generation device according to claim 8 or 9 ,
A patrol route generation device, comprising a user interface that accepts input of information indicating the predetermined period and information indicating the predetermined amount. The tour route generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
If the required time is longer than the target time for each of the plurality of candidates, the tour route generation unit generates a time difference between the required time and the target time and the arbitrary tour point included in the route. and the number of , as the first index value, and when the required time is equal to or less than the target time, a predetermined value is used as the first index value. The patrol route generation device according to claim 11 ,
The cyclic route generation device, wherein the predetermined value is 0. The tour route generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ,
If the required time is longer than the target time for each of the plurality of candidates, the tour route generation unit generates a time difference between the required time and the target time and the arbitrary tour point included in the route. is calculated as the first index value, and if the required time is less than or equal to the target time, the product of the time difference and the number of the arbitrary tour points not included in the route is calculated as the first index value. A patrol route generator that calculates one index value. The tour route generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
In the third process, the candidate generation unit adds the point selected from the tour arbitrary points not included in the first candidate to the tour route of the first candidate to generate the second candidate. 7. A tour route generating device, wherein the points are added such that an increase in route length due to the addition of the points is minimized. The tour route generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 ,
A tour route generation device, further comprising a user interface that receives an input of the target time. The tour route generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 ,
A tour route generation device, further comprising a user interface for outputting the tour route generated by the tour route generation unit. A control method for a tour route generating device for generating a tour route that tours at least some of a plurality of tour target spots, comprising:
The patrol route generation device,
classifying the points to be visited into patrol mandatory points that must be patroled and patrol optional points that do not necessarily have to be patrol;
A first candidate for a tour route is generated by selecting a plurality of spots from all the spots to be toured so as to include all of the tour-required spots, and then arranging the plurality of spots in a predetermined order. After that, a first process of generating a second candidate by changing the order of two points selected from among the points included in the first candidate, or a point selected from the tour arbitrary points included in the first candidate from the first candidate tour route to generate a second candidate, or a point selected from the tour arbitrary spots not included in the first candidate is incorporated into the first candidate tour route. or a third process for generating a second candidate by selecting and executing either process, and thereafter generating a new second candidate using the second candidate generated in the process as the first candidate. by repeatedly executing the process for selecting one of the first to third processes to generate a plurality of candidates for the tour route so that all the tour-required points are included in the route;
For each of the plurality of candidates, a first index value indicating the degree of deviation between the required time from the start to the end of the patrol and a predetermined target time, a second index value indicating the route length, is calculated, and one candidate is selected from the plurality of candidates based on the calculation results of the first index value and the second index value, thereby generating the tour route.
A control method for a patrol route generator. A computer that generates a patrol route that patrols at least some of a plurality of patrol target points,
a procedure for classifying each point to be visited into a patrol mandatory point that must be patroled and a patrol optional point that need not necessarily be patrol;
A first candidate for a tour route is generated by selecting a plurality of spots from all the spots to be toured so as to include all of the tour-required spots, and then arranging the plurality of spots in a predetermined order. After that, a first process of generating a second candidate by changing the order of two points selected from among the points included in the first candidate, or a point selected from the tour arbitrary points included in the first candidate from the first candidate tour route to generate a second candidate, or a point selected from the tour arbitrary spots not included in the first candidate is incorporated into the first candidate tour route. or a third process for generating a second candidate by selecting and executing either process, and thereafter generating a new second candidate using the second candidate generated in the process as the first candidate. a procedure for generating a plurality of candidates for the tour route so that all the tour-required points are included in the route by repeatedly executing the process for selecting one of the first to third processes;
For each of the plurality of candidates, a first index value indicating the degree of deviation between the required time from the start to the end of the patrol and a predetermined target time, a second index value indicating the route length, and selecting one candidate from among the plurality of candidates based on the calculation results of the first index value and the second index value to generate the tour route;
program to run the

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