WO2000063805A1 - Cargo loading and unloading systems - Google Patents
Cargo loading and unloading systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000063805A1 WO2000063805A1 PCT/NZ2000/000058 NZ0000058W WO0063805A1 WO 2000063805 A1 WO2000063805 A1 WO 2000063805A1 NZ 0000058 W NZ0000058 W NZ 0000058W WO 0063805 A1 WO0063805 A1 WO 0063805A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cargo
- cargo items
- storage space
- items
- volume
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63J—AUXILIARIES ON VESSELS
- B63J99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B25/00—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B79/00—Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation
Definitions
- This invention relates to methods and means for the planning, management and recordal of loading or unloading of cargo items to and from cargo carrying vessels such as ships, containers, aircraft, trains or road vehicles.
- Cargo planning, and cargo loading and unloading are complex tasks that are performed manually by humans. Therefore, these tasks are often not performed optimally and are a considerable drain on time that could more usefully be spent performing other tasks.
- loading cargo is a task which is performed manually.
- the task is very time consuming as it is frequently very complex.
- the problem involves the efficient allocation of different cargo types within spaces of varying shapes in the transport carrier.
- goods which are the property of one party may need to be spread or distributed in various spaces within the vessel to maximise utilisation of the available space.
- drawings of the ship are used to provide an approximate indication of available storage space.
- the cargo is than distributed amongst the available space.
- a major difficulty is that the profile of the storage spaces is usually irregular which makes quick calculations of available space extremely difficult.
- cargo items are often of a shape that does not conform to the profile of the hull. This means that an accurate picture of the actual space occupied by the cargo when loaded is not obtained. This commonly leads to underloading or overloading, which adds considerably to costs.
- the invention consists in a graphical user interface for indicating the location of one or more cargo items in at least one storage space of a cargo carrying vessel, the interface including one or more storage areas defining the at least one storage space, one or more selectively moveable representations of the one or more cargo items, and each representation being representative of the real space required for location of the one or more cargo items in the real storage space.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the one or more storage space including the one or more cargo items in elevational view.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the one or more storage spaces including the one or more cargo items in plan view.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the one or more storage spaces including the one or more cargo items in a three-dimensional view.
- the invention consists in a graphical user interface for providing an indication of the quantity of cargo loaded into, or unloaded from a cargo carrying vessel, the interface including one or more storage areas defining the at least one storage space, one or more selectively moveable representations of the one or more cargo items, and each representation being representative of the real space consumed by location of the one or more cargo items in the real storage space.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the one or more storage spaces including the one or more cargo items in elevation view.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the one or more storage spaces including the one or more cargo items in plan view.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the one or more storage spaces including the one or more cargo items in a three-dimensional view.
- the invention consists in a graphical user interface for arrangement and/or orientation of one or more cargo items in a storage space of a vessel, the interface including a storage areas defining the storage space, one or more selectively moveable representations of the one or more cargo items, and each representation being representative of the real space required for location of the one or more cargo items in the real storage space.
- each representation is moveable within the storage space.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the storage space including the one or more cargo items in elevational view.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the storage space including the one or more cargo items in plan view.
- the user interface allows selective portrayal of the storage space including the one or more cargo items in a three-dimensional view.
- the invention consists in a method of loading cargo items into a storage space of a cargo carrying vessel, each item of cargo having a unique identifier readable by a scanning means, the method comprising the steps of applying the scanning means to one or more of the cargo items about to be, or in the process of being, or have been, loaded or unloaded, passing the information obtained from the scanning means to a processing means, processing the information to determine which item or items of cargo are about to be, or are being, or which have been, loaded or unloaded, and displaying the information to a user
- the invention consists in a method of determining available storage volume in a storage space of a cargo carrying vessel, the method comprising the steps of establishing a first reference point on or in the vessel, recording a first dimension of the storage space at the first reference point, selecting a second reference point a predetermined distance in a second dimension from the first reference point, recording a first dimension of the storage space at the second reference point, selecting a third reference point a predetermined distance in a third dimension from the first reference point, recording a first dimension of the storage space at the third reference point, and repeating the foregoing steps to amass information indicative of the spatial relationship of the boundaries of the storage space relative to the first reference point
- the predetermined distance between the first reference point and subsequent reference points is selected according to the degree of change in the magnitude of the first dimension
- the invention consists in a method of determining whether any measurable stowage parameter of a vessel or cargo carrying region thereof will be exceeded by a given quantity of cargo, the method comprising the steps of, providing data relating to a measurable parameter of the cargo and data relating to the measurable stowage parameter, using one of the measurable parameters to calculate a value in measurable units which is in the same units as the other of the measurable parameters, comparing the calculated value with the other measurable parameter, and providing an indication to a user if the cargo measurement exceeds the stowage measurement as a result of the comparison.
- the measurable parameters may be expressed in any measurable quantity, including units, pieces, volume, or weight.
- the invention consists in a method of providing a visual indication of the location of one or more cargo items in at least one storage space of a cargo carrying vessel, the method including the steps of: calculating the volume of the storage space from data relating to the profile thereof, providing the volume of the one or more cargo items, and displaying a visual indication of the volume of cargo occupying the storage space, the indication being representative of the real space required for location of the one or more cargo items in the real storage space.
- the method includes the step of representing the storage space and the one or more cargo items in elevational and/or plan and/or three dimensional view.
- the method includes the step of representing the one or more cargo items in lots.
- the method includes the step of calculating the weight of the one or more cargo items and comparing the weight with predetermined parameters and displaying a warning if any of the parameters are exceeded.
- the invention consists in a method of load planning using the graphical user interface and/or the method of any one of the preceding statements of invention. In a further aspect the invention consists in a method of unload planning using the graphical user interface and/or the method of any one of the preceding statements of invention.
- the invention consists in a cargo loading or unloading planning or monitoring system having, a base station from which data relating to the loading or unloading operation may be monitored, at least one agent station which transmits and/or receives selected data to or from the base station, the agent stations in use being provided adjacent to a cargo loading vessel, the base station including means to select data relating to specified cargo items or groups of cargo items available to the agent station whereby an operator of the base station may control the cargo items or groups of cargo items which are actually loaded or unloaded at agent stations.
- the invention consists in a cargo loading or unloading planning system including a base station, at least one agent station in communication with the base station, each agent station including data input means, the data input means being selected from a scanning means which scans and receives data including a unique identifier relating to each cargo item or group of cargo items, or the data input means including a manual count of the cargo items or group of cargo items.
- the manual count may be performed by cumulative addition of separate items or group of items, the total of the addition process being transmitted to the base station.
- the transmission of data relating to a number of cargo items or groups of cargo items is transmitted to the base station upon a positive request by an operator of the agent station.
- the invention consists in weight determining apparatus including lifting attachment means for attachment to lifting apparatus, load attachment means for attachment to a load to be lifted by the lifting apparatus, a weight determining means for providing an indication of the weight for the load, and receiving means to receive a weighing instruction signal to the weight determining means to provide the weight indication to a transmission means to transmit the weight indication to a processing means
- the invention consists in weight determining apparatus including attachment means to attach the apparatus to a lifting apparatus, a weight determining means for providing an indication of the weight for the load, and receiving means to receive a weighing instruction signal to the weight determining means to provide the weight indication to a transmission means to transmit the weight indication to a processing means
- the invention may also be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the said parts, elements or features, and where elements or features are mentioned herein and which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
- Figure 1 is a view of a visual display unit indicative of a first graphical interface in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 1A is a continuation of figure 1 ,
- Figures 1 B and 1 C are a diagrammatic plan view and elevation respectively of a cargo carrying vessel
- Figure 1 D is an example of vessel measurement data used in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 2 is a view indicative of a further graphical interface in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a continuation of figure 2
- Figure 3 is a view of a visual display unit indicative of a further graphical interface in accordance with the present invention
- Figure 3A is a continuation of figure 3
- Figure 4 is a view of a visual display unit indicative of a further graphical interface in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 4A is a continuation of figure 4,
- Figure 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of a cargo carrying vessel and cargo items to be loaded thereon
- FIGS. 6 and 6A are schematic diagrams of first and second embodiments of a weight determining apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGS. 7A to 7F are screen shots of agent stations in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 8 is a screen shot of a graphical user interface in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating operation of the cargo loading and unloading management system in accordance with the present invention Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment
- the present invention relates to a system for planning and management of the loading and unloading of various types of cargo to and from cargo vessels, such as ships, aircraft or other bulk cargo carrying apparatus
- the present system utilises a graphical interface which provides various views representative of the spaces in the vessel in which cargo is to be loaded
- a graphical interface which provides various views representative of the spaces in the vessel in which cargo is to be loaded
- the example refers to a seagoing vessel having five holds referenced 1-5
- a database is established, using a known database application, for example Microsoft Access
- a standard programming language for obtaining information from and updating the database such as SQL may be used
- the present invention uses a method of collecting data directly from the plans for the vessel As illustrated in figure 1 b, a starting point for measurements is established This could be any point in a hold or on the deck of the vessel, but is preferably an easily recognised starting point such as the base of the first hold, as indicated by point 10 in figure 1 B At this point, which is preferably the starting point for at least the first hold by convention in the method, the width W (figure 1 B) of the hold is measured at height H (figure 1C) from the plan and recorded
- Such recordation is preferably achieved by direct entry of the data into the system of the present invention i e. by keying the data into a database used in accordance with the present invention on a personal computer which may include a laptop, notebook or hand-held computer
- the measurements as made directly from the plan may be used, or alternatively the measurements from the plan may be scaled prior to entry to provide an actual measurement of the dimension in metres or feet for example If measurements are taken directly from the plan, then these can be scaled by the system of the present invention to give an appropriate dimension in a measurement such as metres or feet
- a further point may be selected, for example a point vertically below point 10 at a preselected or predetermined distance and the width at this point may be recorded
- An example of such a point is illustrated as point 11 (refer figure 1C). It will be seen that these measurements can be used to provide a profile of the variation of width in the hold over vertical distance in the hold at one end of the hold. By progressing along the hold in predetermined increments, further profiles of the variation in width relative to height of the hold may be obtained at these further points
- One such further point is referenced 12 in figures 1 B and 1C
- the system can, in effect, record the data as a matrix as illustrated in figure 1 D where the columns D, H and W refer to the distance, height and width respectively at points along any one hold
- the progressive points of distance and height which are used to collect data are preferably selected at predetermined intervals, for example 0 1 metres However, it will be seen that any other number of preselected points may be used
- a further feature of the method by which data is collected in accordance with the invention of the present system is to only record the distance and height measurements at which there is a significant change in the width profile of the hold. This is feasible because in many cases with vessels such as ships, the profile of the sides of the vessel, and therefore the profile of the sides of the hold, can be relatively uniform, particularly midships. Therefore, only taking measurements at points where there is a significant change in the width of the hold can significantly reduce the amount of data that needs to be collected and therefore the time required to enter data relating to any particular vessel. Furthermore, the sheer volume of data is reduced which results in a saving in memory in the system and can assist in calculations of the volume of the hold being performed more quickly.
- the system When measurements are taken at points where there is a significant difference or change in the width of the hold, the system is programmed to perform a linear interpolation between the points of change and create data at predetermined points undisbursed between the given measurements at which change occurs. Therefore, referring to figure 1 B, one measurement of the width may be taken at point 14, and then another measurement taken at point 16. In that instance, the computer could interpolate to some midpoint, for example point 18 or any other number of points between points 14 and 16 at predetermined spacings, and calculate an approximate width of the hold at that point based on the assumption that the sides of the hold vary linearly between the two known points of change.
- this method of obtaining data regarding the profile of the hold is applicable to the whole ship, not just in an individual hold, so that the area of available deck space may be calculated for placement of cargo upon the deck if required. Also, data indicative of the relative positions of the holds in relation to each other may be obtained. It will also be seen that the system of measuring could be achieved in any other way, for example by starting the measurements at a point in an upper corner of a hold and progressing along the side of the hold using the same basic method.
- the array of data collected about the storage spaces of the vessels is then stored and allocated either uniquely to the particular vessel, by name of the vessel or to the class of vessel.
- the data collected is used to incrementally calculate the available volume of storage space.
- Providing measurements of the storage space in order that a profile can be generated provides the significant advantages that 1 ) the system can take account of the various shapes of cargo so as to determine whether the cargo can fit in the available space, and
- the cargo which is to be loaded is defined in "lots" which may belong to one or more proprietors, which have been organised in the form of a group of cargo items for which a contract has been entered into for carriage to a particular destination.
- the data that is required to be entered regarding the cargo may include the volume and type of product that comprises each lot.
- lot 10 comprises materials of varying lengths (refer to the "Lth" columns).
- the user brings up the "cargo lineup" window shown in figures 1 and 1a, and "drags" each lot, or parts thereof using a computer mouse for example, into the holds of the vessel.
- keyboard commands may be used to manipulate the location of the cargo.
- the user can split each lot into various quantities and distribute these throughout the loading space in the vessel. This can be seen by looking at some of the lots, for example lot 10 which can be seen distributed on the deck above holds 1 and 3 and below the deck at the bottom of hold 2.
- the representation in figures 1 and 1a is a scale representation of the height taken up by the particular volume represented by the cargo in each square. Therefore, it is readily apparent to the user if the cargo which the user places within a particular hold will not fit in the hold. It is also readily apparent during loading whether the correct volume of cargo has been loaded. During unloading, it is readily apparent as to where a particular type of cargo, or cargo belonging to a particular proprietor, should be.
- the system is able to calculate a scale height of the cargo stored in any hold by taking account of the nature of the cargo and the volume of cargo space usually taken up by such cargo as compared with the available volume in that part of the hold of the vessel. For example comparing that part of lot 6 in hold 4 (JAS 1666 in quantity) compared with the same quantity of lot 6 in hold 2, can be seen at the height of that same quantity of material in hold 2 is much greater than the height of the same of quantity of material in hold 4. This is because the vessel is narrower near the bow than it is near the stern.
- each particular square is colour coded.
- the colour coding can be selected easily by the user to immediately convey important information.
- the squares are colour coded by destination port.
- the user can select colour coding by other parameters, for example loading port, lot number, proprietor or cargo type.
- the system also calculates the weight of the cargo and provides warning when the weight in any one hold exceeds a predetermined safety limit, or when the weight on the deck space above each hold exceeds any predetermined safety limits.
- the system also provides information as to the weight distribution throughout the vessel so that the load planner can ensure that there is not a dangerous or undesirable weight distribution or that the load is such that the vessel is unacceptably low in the water.
- the desired measurement of cargo can be calculated by the system from any measurable input to obtain a measurement against which any of the stowage parameters, such as weight, volume, or units or pieces can be compared.
- the stowage parameter can be manipulated by the system to compare with the cargo measurement. If the cargo measurement exceeds the stowage measurement, this is displayed or otherwise indicated to the user.
- a further interface representing a front elevation within a particular hold of the vessel, in the example, hold 4, is shown. As illustrated, there are dimensions provided (for example in meters) across the floor of the hold and vertically up the side of the hold. These enable a good indication as to the space required for various items of cargo.
- the cargo illustrated in figure 2 comprises logs and it can be seen that indications are provided as to where the logs belonging to various lots begin and end. Lots 1 and 2 are illustrated in figure 2 and it can be seen that the volume (1080 JAS) is indicated as the volume of each lot. Furthermore, it will be seen that the logs come in different lengths, and the graphical user interface allows the length of various logs to be shown so the user may establish a "best fit" of the cargo given the particular shape of the cargo. Furthermore, as indicated in the right hand side of the figure, the user may "rotate" the cargo so that, in this case the logs are shown end on as being stacked transversaily across the ship at the right hand side of the hold. Therefore, a three dimensional indication of the volume of the cargo relative to a three dimensional indication of the volume of the hold or other storage space (such as the deck) is provided, so that a user may accurately position cargo in the storage space.
- a three dimensional indication of the volume of the cargo relative to a three dimensional indication of the volume of
- the ship overall including various levels of the hold and the deck may be shown in plan view i.e. looking straight down into the hold or onto the deck.
- the vessel may also be represented in a three- dimensional view. This is possible because data as to the three dimensional shape of the storage space is available, having been entered into the system as described with reference to figures 1 B and 1C, and data for cargo of irregular shapes can be entered in the same way. Data for other cargo items, such as logs, can be established from information already provided in relation to each log. Thus, taking a cargo of logs as an example, each log is usually provided with a unique identification, which may be represented in a bar code (see further below).
- each log is recorded and associated with the unique identifier.
- the information may be provided in the form of electronically recorded data which may be accessed by the system of the present invention. Therefore, information as to the dimensions of each log is available to the system, so that each log may be accurately portrayed in three dimensions relative to the available storage space.
- a user interface is shown whereby each of the lots to be loaded or unloaded is indicated in the left hand most column 30 together with a three letter reference indicating the port at which the lot is to be loaded or was loaded.
- the number of units in each lot is recorded in columns 32 together with the units of measurement in columns 34. The destination for this is in column 36.
- column 38 provides an indication in real time, while loading or unloading occurring as to the amount of work which has been performed, and the amount which is still outstanding. The way in which data as to the quantities of material loaded or unloaded is gathered is explained further below.
- LoadStatus provides a summary of the present status of the loading or unloading operation. Therefore, lots 4 and 10 are finished and are colour coded as such. Lots 5, 6 and 8 are still being loaded or unloaded, so they are labeled "working”. Lot 7 is complete and lot 9 has been cancelled. Lot 11 is waiting for work to commence.
- FIG. 4a a summary of the loading or unloading operation is provided in the lower most window referenced 50 for lot 10 in this example (but any other lot may be selected) showing in which hatch and in which level the cargo is comprising the lot being loaded, and the difference between the quantity of material which is actually loaded and that which is planned. From the information gained as to the quantity of cargo, and volume consumed by such cargo as was actually loaded, an accurate representation using the graphical interface as shown in figures 1 and 1a may be derived as to the real or true status of the load which has been loaded onto the ship. Such a diagram of the actual ship loading may be used to plan an unloading operation and to maintain a status report of the unloading operation as described as to reference figure 3 at the destination port.
- a real time, or near real time data acquisition system for loading or unloading operations is achieved by recording each cargo item which is transferred to or from the cargo carrying vessel. Therefore, in figure 5, there are a number (in this example three but many more may be used) discrete collections of cargo items, generally referenced 60, 62 and 64 which are to be transferred into cargo storage areas or holds 70, 72 and 74 of a cargo carrying vessel 66.
- each cargo item in this example logs are shown, but other cargo types may be used
- Three barcode readers relating to each collection or lot of cargo items are generally illustrated 80, 82 and 84 and have corresponding transmission means (preferably radio frequency transmission, but alternatively cables, or a combination of both if desired).
- the transmission means are generally referenced 90, 92 and 94 and transmit information to a receiving means 96 which in turn provides the information to a computer 98.
- the computer 98 in use contains software which embodies the present invention including the graphical user interfaces referred to above.
- the computer looks up the database relating to the cargo items comprising each lot and individual records the transfer of each cargo item whether it is scanned by the barcode scanners 80, 82 or 84. Therefore, in use, as each item of cargo is transferred to the crane or other apparatus for loading onto the ship, the user uses the barcode scanner to record the barcode for the cargo item so that this information is provided to the computer to maintain an up to date status report of the cargo loading operation. The time at which each barcode is scanned is recorded so it has a time stamp for productivity information.
- the hook 102 includes a form of weight determination means 108 which may comprise any known means of determining weight.
- the determination means 108 may comprise electrical circuits which gauge the stress or strain placed on the hook once the load 106 is lifted.
- the determination means provide an indication to a processing means 110 which records the weight indication at a predetermined time which is governed by a triggering apparatus 112.
- the triggering apparatus 112 is located remotely from the hook, but the processing means 110 is located substantially adjacent to or as part of the hook apparatus.
- the preferred form of weight determining apparatus is shown schematically in figure 6A.
- the weight determining apparatus is shown in a housing 116 which is connected between hooks 102 one of which connects the apparatus 116 to the crane and the other of which connects the apparatus 116 to the load 106. Therefore, the apparatus can be easily connected or disconnected to or from the crane assembly.
- the weight determining apparatus includes weight determination means such as a load cell, or hydraulic or electric/electronic weight indication apparatus, such as apparatus 108 of figure 6, for example.
- the apparatus 116 preferably includes processor means such as processor 1 10 of figure 6, and triggering apparatus 112 of figure 6.
- the trigger means 112 may be connected a transmission line so it has a wire or the like to the crane apparatus, but preferably transmits an RF signal or another electromagnetic signal, such as a light signal, infrared signal, or the like which is received by the processing means 110 and causes a record of the weight indication to be made and to be transmitted by the processing means 110 to a base station 114
- the apparatus of figures 6 and 6A thus allows a load of cargo to be lifted by crane, and when the load is stabilised, the operator, upon observing that the load is substantially stationary, uses the trigger means to command that a "snap shot" of the load indication at that time be processed by the processing means 110 and preferably transmitted to the base station 114
- the processing means 110 may store a number of indications of load before transmitting these, but in order to maintain a track of the real time load status, it is preferred that immediate transmission of the load indication is provided to the base station 114 Load monitoring is discussed further below in more detail.
- FIG. 7A to 7F a succession of screen shots of various agent terminals is provided which illustrate the use of agent stations which are intended to be used in conjunction with the scanning apparatus described with reference to figure 5
- the agent who has the terminal in communication with, and preferably located adjacent to its relevant scanner has the first screen on which a job number, to identify the overall loading operation, can be entered Information relating to the gang, or group of persons who will perform the loading operation is entered and a start date and time are entered These dates may be prompted automatically by the system As indicated at the base of the screen, the user may press the "enter" key to select various prompted information and provide this to a base station which coordinates the information received to provide an indication of the overall status of the actual loading operation
- This diagram is referred to with reference to figure 8 below
- FIG 7B the next screen shows an operator entering data regarding the particular cargo items or group of cargo items to be loaded
- gang 2 is working on lot 3 to load data in to hatch 1 at deck level
- data is entered relating to the principal (Ppl), grade of material (Grd) and type and length (T1 ,T2 and Lth)
- FIG 7C it will be seen that the operator can confirm details regarding the gang, lot, destination for the cargo in the vessel and the quantity of cargo to be loaded is presented as a target loading for the vessel and the hatch.
- the vessel target figure corresponds to the total amount of cargo (whether measured in volume or pieces or in other measurement for example) that is to be loaded on to the vessel.
- This volume may be distributed over a number of different loading operations, so the present invention provides a "hatch" target which is the target for the present gang working to load a particular hatch or part of the vessel.
- a telescreen is shown in which a hatch target is illustrated together with the volume actually loaded (under the heading Ldt).
- FIG 7D One further significant feature illustrated in figure 7D is the provision of the "add” field in which volume can be added manually in terms of pieces (Pcs) or tickets (Tkts) by the user simply pressing the "enter” key to add up the cargo items and then transmitting the number of items that have been listed in that given list operation by pressing the "F6" key. This transmits data to the base station for processing.
- information transmitted to an agent terminal from the crane weight determining apparatus can be used to indicate the weight of the cargo items listed as compared with their number or volume. This can be particularly useful as cargo weight can change with other variables such as weather conditions. If the cargo weight as loaded on to the ship is increasing faster than expected in the plan, then the system, or the planner through manual intervention, may reassess the expected volumes to be loaded on to the vessel so as to prevent any time being wasted through the vessel being "closed off' by the captain for example, midway through the previously planned loading operation.
- FIG 8 a screen shot of the information available to the user of the base station is shown.
- the job identification number is shown and underneath are the gangs that are working in the shift (relating to the shift period identified in field 202) with the agent stations identified as terminals 1 through 9 represented by the symbol of the scanner.
- the lot number and cargo items relating to each lot together with the principal for each lot is identified in columns 204 to 216.
- the "spec" column 218 identifies the quantity of the cargo item to be loaded and the next adjacent column records the units of measurement (for example cubic metres).
- the volume of the total material actually loaded is indicated in the "Spt.d” column and the amount of this material that is left to load is identified in the "Sptgo” column.
- a warning is provided to the operator by the system when only a certain volume of cargo is left to be loaded. This volume is selected in the "SW column.
- the next column “Tgt” records the target volume of cargo relating to each particular hatch. As described previously with reference to figures 7A to 7F, there is a target volume for the vessel and a separate target for a given hatch. The amount of the target volume which has actually been entered is listed in the “Tgtd” column. This figure is based on the volume figures received from the agent stations. The target volume remaining is shown in the “Tgtgo” column. Also, a warning is provided based on a selective volume to go in the "Tw” column.
- Columns 220, 222 and 224 relate to the hatch, level and gang respectively for the cargo items. Column 226 is one for which the operator of the agent station can work on.
- the last column 228 has symbols which indicate the cargo being actively loaded at any time. In this case, only lot 10 lengths 5.4 and 7.3 are being actively loaded. The 5.4 lengths hatch target has already been met and slightly exceeded, so the symbol has a vessel 230 shown. Because the hatch target has not been exceeded for the 7.3 metre length, a hatch symbol 232 is shown.
- the system has a database 300 which is used to record and organise the information required by the system.
- the data is entered into the database as shown at 302.
- the cargo will comprise more than one order, so information regarding stock form the existing inventory must also be present in the database as shown at 304.
- Vessel dimensional data must also be present in the database. If data relating to the vessel type is not already in the database, then it must be entered at 306.
- the application creates a plan of the ship at 308 including the location of cargo within the ship for optimal carrying capacity within constraints of safety, the order in which unloading is required, and the type of cargo.
- loading or unloading targets are established at 310 based on the volume of cargo and its placement in the ship. As indicated by the arrows in figure 9 the targets may change depending on the real time progress of the loading or unloading operation.
- the system includes a further application 312 which manages the loading or unloading operation and provides progress and performance data.
- This application monitors and records each cargo item as it is being loaded or unloaded by optionally recording an identifier such as a barcode at 314 and/or weighing each item at 316. Such identification recording and weighing may be performed at a number of locations simultaneously by sending and receiving information to and from remote terminals as shown at step 318.
- the progress toward loading or unloading targets is monitored at 320, and data output reports are generated at 322.
- the present invention provides considerable advantages over existing manual systems in that it saves a considerable amount of time and provides accurate and reliable data.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ510515A NZ510515A (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Cargo loading and unloading systems |
AU43215/00A AU771907B2 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Cargo loading and unloading systems |
CA002370970A CA2370970A1 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Cargo loading and unloading systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ335333 | 1999-04-20 | ||
NZ33533399 | 1999-04-20 | ||
NZ33598699 | 1999-05-27 | ||
NZ335986 | 1999-05-27 | ||
NZ33673999 | 1999-07-12 | ||
NZ336739 | 1999-07-12 | ||
NZ33675399 | 1999-07-13 | ||
NZ336753 | 1999-07-13 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000063805A1 true WO2000063805A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
Family
ID=27484375
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/NZ2000/000058 WO2000063805A1 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Cargo loading and unloading systems |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU771907B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2370970A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000063805A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002066345A1 (en) * | 2001-02-23 | 2002-08-29 | International Stevedoring Opeations Limited | Cargo loading and unloading systems |
EP1357450A1 (en) * | 2002-04-27 | 2003-10-29 | TT-Line GmbH & Co. | Monitoring system for loading a ship |
CN100347713C (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2007-11-07 | 清华大学 | Method for improving loading efficiency of container based on minimum freedom degree poriority principle |
US10304017B2 (en) | 2017-03-29 | 2019-05-28 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Retail inventory supply chain management |
US10643170B2 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2020-05-05 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Systems, methods and apparatus for distribution of products and supply chain management |
CN113450055A (en) * | 2021-07-16 | 2021-09-28 | 瑞幸咖啡信息技术(厦门)有限公司 | Cargo reduction method, device, equipment and storage medium based on transportation overload |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SU749762A1 (en) * | 1978-01-03 | 1980-07-23 | Предприятие П/Я А-1628 | Load addressing device |
WO1993014463A1 (en) * | 1992-01-10 | 1993-07-22 | Duracell Inc. | Method of ordering, shipping and merchandising goods and shipping/display assembly therefor |
DE4301460A1 (en) * | 1993-01-18 | 1994-07-21 | Kardex Organisationssys Gmbh | Control system for loading of store |
WO1995015533A1 (en) * | 1993-11-30 | 1995-06-08 | Burke Raymond R | Computer system for allowing a consumer to purchase packaged goods at home |
JPH08108911A (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1996-04-30 | Shoichiro Suzuki | Article carrying-in/out control method |
-
2000
- 2000-04-20 AU AU43215/00A patent/AU771907B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2000-04-20 WO PCT/NZ2000/000058 patent/WO2000063805A1/en active Application Filing
- 2000-04-20 CA CA002370970A patent/CA2370970A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SU749762A1 (en) * | 1978-01-03 | 1980-07-23 | Предприятие П/Я А-1628 | Load addressing device |
WO1993014463A1 (en) * | 1992-01-10 | 1993-07-22 | Duracell Inc. | Method of ordering, shipping and merchandising goods and shipping/display assembly therefor |
DE4301460A1 (en) * | 1993-01-18 | 1994-07-21 | Kardex Organisationssys Gmbh | Control system for loading of store |
WO1995015533A1 (en) * | 1993-11-30 | 1995-06-08 | Burke Raymond R | Computer system for allowing a consumer to purchase packaged goods at home |
JPH08108911A (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1996-04-30 | Shoichiro Suzuki | Article carrying-in/out control method |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
DATABASE WPI Derwent World Patents Index; Class Q35, AN 1981-D0473D/14 * |
DATABASE WPI Derwent World Patents Index; Class Q35, AN 1994-235805 * |
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN * |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2002066345A1 (en) * | 2001-02-23 | 2002-08-29 | International Stevedoring Opeations Limited | Cargo loading and unloading systems |
EP1357450A1 (en) * | 2002-04-27 | 2003-10-29 | TT-Line GmbH & Co. | Monitoring system for loading a ship |
CN100347713C (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2007-11-07 | 清华大学 | Method for improving loading efficiency of container based on minimum freedom degree poriority principle |
US10643170B2 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2020-05-05 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Systems, methods and apparatus for distribution of products and supply chain management |
US10304017B2 (en) | 2017-03-29 | 2019-05-28 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Retail inventory supply chain management |
US10423910B2 (en) | 2017-03-29 | 2019-09-24 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Retail inventory supply chain management |
CN113450055A (en) * | 2021-07-16 | 2021-09-28 | 瑞幸咖啡信息技术(厦门)有限公司 | Cargo reduction method, device, equipment and storage medium based on transportation overload |
CN113450055B (en) * | 2021-07-16 | 2022-07-08 | 瑞幸咖啡信息技术(厦门)有限公司 | Cargo reduction method, device, equipment and storage medium based on transportation overload |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU771907B2 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
CA2370970A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
AU4321500A (en) | 2000-11-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU611636B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for locating a vehicle in a working area and for the on-board measuring of parameters indicative of vehicle performance | |
CA1255797A (en) | Apparatus and method responsive to the on-board measuring of the load carried by a truck body | |
DE60210747T2 (en) | LOAD MONITORING SYSTEM FOR CONVEYOR CARRIERS | |
CN105205629B (en) | Steel mill's finished product storage dispensing automation control method | |
US5327347A (en) | Apparatus and method responsive to the on-board measuring of haulage parameters of a vehicle | |
CN102066234B (en) | System for managing operation of industrial vehicles for loading fragile loads | |
US7113839B2 (en) | System for providing indexed machine utilization metrics | |
US20140060939A1 (en) | Load-measuring, fleet asset tracking and data management system for load-lifting vehicles | |
EP2143683A1 (en) | Pallet counter for lift truck | |
US20030217870A1 (en) | System and method for weighing and tracking freight | |
CA2402762A1 (en) | System and method for monitoring and managing equipment | |
JP3686881B2 (en) | Concrete mixer truck and network-type automated concrete plant | |
AU771907B2 (en) | Cargo loading and unloading systems | |
CN111320082A (en) | Method and device for determining weight of goods and warehouse management method | |
CN109573839B (en) | Warehouse cargo monitoring method and device | |
CN108596487A (en) | A kind of agricultural product information, storage and logistics retroactive method and system | |
CA2727043A1 (en) | Method of operating a warehouse | |
NZ510515A (en) | Cargo loading and unloading systems | |
KR101093375B1 (en) | Steel pile management system and method using by transporter | |
NZ510133A (en) | 3-D modeling of cargo packing on a ship | |
CN104299122B (en) | Harbour goods unloading metering mandatory administration system and management method | |
EP1671918A1 (en) | Method and system for detecting a grab | |
EP2144191A1 (en) | Method and system for monitoring material flows | |
CN109975173A (en) | Automate stowage factor pilot system | |
Jaselskis et al. | RFID's role in a fully integrated, automated project process |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ CZ DE DE DK DK DM DZ EE EE ES FI FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 510515 Country of ref document: NZ |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2370970 Country of ref document: CA Ref country code: CA Ref document number: 2370970 Kind code of ref document: A Format of ref document f/p: F |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 09959354 Country of ref document: US |
|
REG | Reference to national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: 8642 |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP |