WO2004069702A1

WO2004069702A1 - Container management device and container management method

Info

Publication number: WO2004069702A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/000980
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hitoshi Hayashi; Masashi Shimizu; Toshimitsu Tsubaki
Original assignee: Nippon Telegraph And Telephone Corporation
Priority date: 2003-02-03
Filing date: 2004-02-02
Publication date: 2004-08-19
Also published as: JPWO2004069702A1; TW200427615A

Abstract

A transmission station (20a) arranged on a container (10) spontaneously transmits a unique indicator number. Operation interval adjustment switches (22a to 22d) detect a lift-up and lift-down of the container (10) and adjusts the operation interval of the transmission station (20a) by interlocking with a control circuit (21). For example, when transporting the container (10) by an aircraft, the control circuit (21) turns on power supply from a power source when the container (10) is lifted up and turns off the power supply from the power source when the container (10) is lifted down. For example, when the container (10) is transported over a long distance for a long time by a ship, the control circuit (21) reduces the operation interval of the transmission station (20a) upon lift-up of the container (10) and prolongs the operation interval of the transmission station (20a) upon lift-down of the container (10).

Description

Description Container management device and container management method

The present invention relates to a power-saving container for transporting a plurality of packages by a plurality of containers using a plurality of transportation means, and managing the state and position information of the containers and the loading information of the packages in the containers. The present invention relates to a management device and a container management method. Background art

In the following description, the term "transmitting station" includes a transmitting station, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and the like. The term “container” includes containers, pallets and the like. The departure point, port, etc. are assumed as collection and delivery bases, and are referred to as checkpoints hereinafter.

As a conventional container management system, a transmitting station is installed in a container, communicates with an external receiving station, manages the transport route and location of the container, and forecasts and forwards the container inventory status, transport schedule, etc. There is a system for performing a planning and a route search (for example, see Japanese Patent No. 2944492).

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of container operation using the conventional technology, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a container management system using the conventional technology. Baggage 15 is loaded into container 10. Container 10 is transported by checkpoints (departure point, vehicle station / track station / truck base, departure, arrival, etc.) by vehicles 12, ships 13, and aircraft (not shown). You. The transmitting station 20 is provided in the container 10, and the receiving station 30 installed at each checkpoint receives a unique identification number transmitted by the transmitting station 20. The beacon number data received by the receiving station 30 is sent to the data processing device 80 via the network 40.

The data processing device 80 can grasp the position of the container 10 by associating the receiving station 30 of the transmission source with the marker number. This container location By using the data, it is possible to update the container inventory status at each checkpoint 11 and combine it with the transportation schedule to forecast future container demand, and to conduct future forwarding plans and route searches. is there.

Broadly speaking, the types of the transmitting station 20 can be broadly divided into two groups. There are two types: a passive type that transmits identification numbers, and an active type that has a self-powered device such as a battery and voluntarily transmits sign numbers. In the conventional systems shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a passive type transmitting station is used.

In recent years, the number of destructive activities and thefts caused by international terrorism has increased rapidly, so that Electronic Seals technology, which electronically detects the opening and closing operations of containers, has become widely used. Compared to passive type, active type transmitting stations have a far greater range of radio waves and can transmit beacon numbers in real time, so high security can be realized in combination with electronic seal technology .

However, when the active type is used as the transmitting station 20 of the container management system according to the prior art, the transmitting station 20 voluntarily transmits the sign number, and the life of the self-power supply such as a battery is problematic. It becomes. In particular, when containers are transported over long distances and for long periods by ships, etc., it is necessary to allow for at least three months of battery life, and it is necessary to reduce the power consumption of the transmitting station 20. Also, when transporting containers by aircraft, etc., it is necessary to suspend transmission from the transmitting station during the flight in order to prevent malfunction of the operation electronic equipment.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and can save power at a transmitting station. Also, among electronic devices provided in a transportation means, particularly, electronic devices that dislike electromagnetic waves malfunction. It is an object of the present invention to provide a container management device and a container management method capable of preventing the problem. Disclosure of the invention

The container management device of the present invention is a container management device that manages containers transported between a plurality of collection and delivery points. The container management device of the present invention is provided in the container. A transmitting station that transmits a tag number for identifying the container; a receiving station that is installed at the collection and distribution point and receives a tag number from the transmitting station; and detects whether the container is installed. An operation interval adjusting switch to be operated, and control means for judging whether the container is lifted up or down based on the ON / OFF state of the operation interval adjusting switch and adjusting the operation interval of the transmitting station.

The receiving station may include transmitting means for transmitting a beacon number, and the transmitting station may include receiving means for receiving the beacon number from the receiving station.

The control unit may change an operation interval of the transmitting station based on an ON / OFF state of the operation interval adjustment switch that differs for each installation location of the container. The control means distinguishes at least two of an aircraft, a ship, a train, a truck, a warehouse, an airport, a port, a station, a parking lot, and a container yard as installation locations of the container. The operation interval of the transmitting station may be changed based on the ON / OFF state.

The transmitting station may include a detecting unit that detects a change in the state of the container due to an external action, and may transmit a marker number when the state change is detected by the detecting unit.

The detection means may include a door open / closed state sensor that detects an open / closed state of a door of the container.

The detection means may include a door opening / closing operation sensor that detects an opening / closing operation of a door of the container.

The detection means may include a human sensor for detecting approach of a human.

The detection means may include a vibration sensor that detects vibration applied to the container.

The detecting means may include a temperature change sensor for detecting a temperature change in the container.

The container management device according to any one of the above, may be provided with a switch control means for operating start / stop of the operation interval adjustment switch.

The switch control means may control the start and stop of the operation interval adjustment switch manually or by wireless communication. For communication between the transmitting station and the receiving station, any one of electromagnetic waves, sound waves, and light, or a wireless communication medium combining these may be used.

The container management method of the present invention is a container management method for managing containers transported between a plurality of collection and delivery points. The container management method of the present invention determines whether the container is lifted up or down. Then, based on the result of this determination, the operation interval of the transmitting station transmitting the marker number for identifying the container is adjusted.

The installation location of the container may be determined, and the operation interval of the transmitting station may be changed for each installation location.

The transmitting station may transmit the beacon number when detecting a change in the container due to an external action.

In the present invention, an operation interval adjustment switch for detecting whether or not the container is installed is provided, and the control means lifts and lowers the container based on the ON / OFF state of the operation interval adjustment switch. Is determined, and the operation interval of the transmitting station is adjusted. The transmitting station transmits a beacon number for identifying the container during operation. The receiving station receives the beacon number from the transmitting station. Containers cannot be lifted easily due to their weight. For moving containers, heavy equipment such as forklifts is indispensable. Therefore, by setting the operation interval when the container is lifted up such as during transportation or theft to be short and the operation interval when the container is lifted down to be long, the power saving of the transmitting station is achieved. Can be planned. Conversely, the installation status of the container can be confirmed from the operation interval of the transmitting station.

In the container device of the present invention, the operation interval of the transmitting station is changed depending on the installation location of the container. For example, the installation location of containers can be classified into aircraft, ships, trains, trucks, warehouses, airports, ports, stations, parking lots, and container yards, and the operation intervals can be set appropriately for each location. In order to extend the battery life by extending the operation interval when transporting containers over long distances' by ships, etc., or to prevent malfunction of operation electronic equipment when transporting containers by aircraft, etc. The transmission of the transmitting station during the flight can be temporarily suspended. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a container management system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a container management system.

Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of container operation using the conventional technology.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a container management system using the conventional technology. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A. First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a container management system. In FIG. 1, a container 10 is provided with an active type transmitting station 20a. The unique sign number (data for distinguishing container 10 from other containers) that the transmitting station 20a voluntarily emits is received at the checkpoint 11 installed at the port or vehicle station. Received at station 30. Reference numeral 21 denotes a control circuit (control means) for controlling the active type transmitting station 20a and the operation interval adjusting switches 22a to 22d. The control circuit 21 has a built-in power supply (not shown) for supplying power to the transmitting station 20a.

The data of the tag number received by the receiving station 30 is sent to the data processing device 80 via the network 40. The data processing device 80 recognizes the position of the container 10 by associating the position of the transmission source receiving station 30 with the marker number. By acquiring container position data in this way, the container inventory status at each checkpoint 11 is updated, and future container demand can be forecasted in combination with transportation schedules. It is possible to perform a search.

Reference numerals 22a to 22d denote operation interval adjustment switches used for controlling the operation (transmission of the beacon number) interval of the transmitting station 20a. These operation interval adjusting switches 22a to 22d are provided at the lower part of the container 10 so as to be turned on / off when the container 10 is lifted up and down. These operation interval adjustment switches 2 2 When the control circuit 21 detects the on / off state of a to 22d, the control circuit 21 determines whether the container 10 is lifted up or down, and adjusts the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a.

For example, when the container 10 is transported by an aircraft or the like, the control circuit 21 is set so that the power 1 is turned on when the container 10 is lifted up and the power is turned off when the container 10 is lifted down. Keep it. In this case, transmission of the transmitting station 20a can be temporarily stopped during flight in order to prevent a malfunction of operation electronic equipment such as an aircraft.

When the container 10 is transported over a long distance and for a long time by a ship or the like, the control circuit 21 controls the power supply from the power source when the container 10 is lifted up so that the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a can be increased. It is possible to extend the battery life by shortening and setting the power supply from the power source at the time of lifting down the container 10 so that the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a becomes longer. it can.

Conversely, since the installation state of the container 10 can be confirmed from the operation intervals of the transmitting stations 20a, the safety of the container 10 during lift-up and lift-down can be improved.

In the container management system of the present embodiment, the receiving station 30 uses the identification number (for distinguishing the receiving station 30 from other receiving stations and for notifying the transmitting station 20a of the installation location of the receiving station 30). ) May be provided, and the transmitting station 20a may have a receiving function of receiving the beacon number from the receiving station 30. In this case, the transmission station 20a and the reception station 3◦ can recognize each other's beacon numbers, and the operation interval of the reception function can be set to an operation interval suitable for each location.

Further, in the container management system of the present embodiment, a sensor (not shown) for detecting a change when the container 10 receives an external action is provided, and when the sensor detects the change, a unique May be transmitted. In this case, the sensor may include a door open / closed state sensor that detects the open / closed state of the door of the container 10. Further, the sensor may include a door opening / closing operation sensor that detects an opening / closing operation of the door of the container 10. Further, the sensor may include a human sensor for detecting approach of a human. Further, the sensor detects the vibration applied to the container 10. A vibration sensor for detecting movement may be included. Further, the sensor may include a temperature change sensor for detecting a temperature change in the container 10.

When the door opening / closing sensor and the human sensor described above are provided, abnormal opening of the door of container 10 and the approach of humans to container 10 can be known, and security of the load on container 10 can be improved. It can be improved. On the other hand, in the case where the vibration sensor or the temperature change sensor is provided, it becomes possible to know when the vibration and the temperature change more than specified in the transportation process.

The container management system according to the present embodiment may include a switch control unit that allows the inspector of the container 10 to start and stop the operation interval adjustment switches 22a to 22d manually or by wireless communication. . In this case, the inspector of the container 10 can adjust the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a by using the switch control means according to a change in the surrounding situation.

As a wireless communication medium used in the container management system of the present embodiment, any of electromagnetic waves, sound waves, and light, or a combination thereof may be used. In this case, the same container management system should be used between multiple countries by changing the type of wireless communication medium between the receiving station 30 and the transmitting station 20a according to changes in the surrounding conditions. Can be.

B. Second embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the container management system of the present embodiment. In the figure, an active type transmitting station 20a is provided on the side of the container 10 and a unique sign number that the transmitting station 20a voluntarily transmits (container 10 is different from other containers). Data for discrimination) is received by the receiving station 30 installed at the checkpoint 11 such as a port or a vehicle station.

Reference numeral 21 denotes a control circuit (control means) for controlling the active type transmitting station 20a and the operation interval adjusting switches 22a to 22d. The control circuit 21 has a built-in power supply (not shown) for supplying power to the transmitting station 20a.

The data of the beacon number received by the receiving station 30 is sent to the data processing device 80 via the network 40. The data processing device 80 is located at the location of the source receiving station 30. The position of the container 10 is ascertained by associating the container 10 with the sign number. By acquiring container position data in this way, the container inventory status at each checkpoint 11 can be updated, and future container demand can be predicted by combining it with transportation schedules. It is possible to perform a search. Reference numerals 22a to 22d denote operation interval adjusting switches of the transmitting station 20a, which are arranged at grounding points of the container 10. These operation interval adjustment switches 22a to 22d detect lift-up and lift-down of the container 10, and adjust the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a in cooperation with the control circuit 21. At this time, set any one of the operation interval adjustment switches 22a to 22d to the ground position of the operation interval adjustment switch 22a to 22d according to the installation location of the container 10. However, for example, a configuration in which the depressions 23 are provided can be adopted. That is, the operation interval adjustment switch to be turned on is changed according to the installation location of the container 10.

For example, if a container 10 is to be mounted on an aircraft, the recess 23 should be provided only at the ground contact points corresponding to the operation interval adjustment switches 22b to 22d, so that the container 10 can be installed in the aircraft. Then, only the operation interval adjustment switch 22a is turned on. When only the operation interval adjustment switch 22a is turned on, the control circuit 21 recognizes that the container 10 has been installed in the aircraft and sets the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a to be mounted on the aircraft. Set an appropriate operation interval.

When the container 10 is mounted on the ship, the recess 23 should be provided only at the grounding point corresponding to the operation interval adjustment switch 22a, 22c, 22d, so that the container 10 Is installed, only the operation interval adjustment switch 22b is turned on. When only the operation interval adjustment switch 22b is turned on, the control circuit 21 recognizes that the container 10 is installed in the ship, and sets the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a to the ship. Set the operation interval suitable for.

When mounting the container 10 on the train, the recesses 23 should be provided at the grounding points corresponding to the operation interval adjustment switches 22a, 22b, and 22d so that the container 10 can be installed inside the train. Is installed, only the operation interval adjustment switch 22c is turned on. When only the operation interval adjustment switch 22c is turned on, the control circuit 21 recognizes that the container 10 is installed in the train, and mounts the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a on the train. Suitable for Set the operation interval.

When a container 10 is mounted on a truck, the recess 23 should be provided only at the grounding point corresponding to the operation interval adjustment switches 22a, 22b, and 22c. When 10 is installed, only the operation interval adjustment switch 22d is turned on. When only the operation interval adjustment switch 22d is turned on, the control circuit 21 recognizes that the container 10 has been installed in the track, and sets the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a to be mounted on the truck. Set an appropriate operation interval.

When installed in a warehouse, the operation interval adjustment switches 22a to 22d can be operated when the container 10 is installed in the warehouse by leaving no recesses 23 at all grounding points. All of the interval adjusting switches 22a to 22d are turned on. When all of the operation interval adjustment switches 22a to 22d are turned on, the control circuit 21 recognizes that it is installed in the warehouse and sets the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a.

For example, when the container 10 is transported over a long distance and for a long time by a ship, as described above, only the operation interval adjustment switch 22b is turned on when the container 10 is lifted down as shown in Fig. 2. In response, the control circuit 21 controls the power supply from the power source to extend the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a, thereby extending the battery life.

When placing a container 10 in a container place of an aircraft, a ship, a train, a truck, a warehouse, an airport, a port, a station, a parking lot, or a container yard, in general, how to place the container 10 in the container place (orientation direction) ) Is fixed and fixed, so that the installation location can be determined based on the on / off of the operation interval adjustment switches 22a to 22d.

The installation status of the container 10 can be confirmed from the operation interval of the transmitting station 20a. In this case, the safety at the time of lifting up and lifting down the container 10 can be improved.

In FIG. 2, the installation location is determined using the depression 23, but the installation location may be determined by providing a protrusion (not shown) instead of the depression 23. In other words, the protrusions are installed at positions corresponding to the respective grounding points of the operation interval adjusting switches 22 a to 22 d at the installation location of the container 10. However, the arrangement of these projections Should be different for each installation location. Then, the operation interval adjusting switches 22a to 22d that are turned on when hitting the projections are set to be different for each installation location. In FIG. 2, the operation interval adjusting switches 22a to 22d are installed at four positions. However, the number is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more. By increasing the number of operation interval adjustment switches as needed, it is possible to determine more installation locations such as aircraft, ships, trains, trucks, warehouses, airports, ports, stations, parking lots, container yards, etc. it can.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the containers 10 are stacked flatly has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of containers 10 may be stacked so as to be stacked. In this case, the location of the container 10 placed at the lowermost position is determined by the above-described method, and the container 10 is placed in another container 10 loaded above it using communication means such as wireless communication. The location may be notified.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the operation interval adjusting switches 22 a to 22 d using a mechanical switch are employed as means for detecting the contact state of the container 10. Other types of switches, such as non-contact type sensors, may be used.

Note that the first and second embodiments described above are all illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting, and the present invention may be embodied in various other modified and modified forms. Can be. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. Industrial applicability

As described above, the present invention provides an operation interval adjustment switch for detecting whether or not a container is installed, and a control unit that lifts the container based on the on / off state of the operation interval adjustment switch. A configuration and method of judging up-lift-down and adjusting the operation interval of the transmitting station are adopted. In this case, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the transmitting station by shortening the operation interval when the container is lifted, such as during transportation or theft, and setting a longer operation interval when the container is lifted down. Conversely, it is also possible to check the container installation status from the operation interval of the transmitting station. it can.

The present invention distinguishes, for example, aircraft, ships, trains, trucks, warehouses, airports, ports, stations, parking lots, and container yards as container installation locations, and sets operation intervals suitable for each installation location. Configurations / methods can be adopted. When containers are transported over long distances and for long periods of time by ships, the operation interval can be extended to extend the battery life. When transporting containers by aircraft, etc., transmission from the transmitting station during flight can be suspended to prevent malfunction of the operation electronic equipment.

In the present invention, a configuration / method in which the receiving station has a transmitting function of transmitting the beacon number and the transmitting station has a receiving function of receiving the beacon number from the receiving station can also be adopted. In this case, the transmitting station and the receiving station can recognize each other's beacon number, and the operation interval of the receiving function can be set to an operation interval suitable for each location.

In the present invention, a configuration / method including a sensor for detecting a change received from the outside and transmitting a unique sign number when the sensor detects the change can be adopted. Sensors in this case include, for example, a door open / closed state sensor that detects the open / closed state of the container door, a door open / closed operation sensor that detects the open / close operation of the container door, a human sensor that detects human approach, and a container. Includes a vibration sensor that detects applied vibration and a temperature change sensor that detects temperature changes in the container. If a door opening / closing sensor and a human sensor are provided, it is possible to know the abnormal opening of the container door and the approach of humans to the container, and it is possible to improve the security of luggage loaded in the container. . If a vibration sensor or a temperature change sensor is used as the sensor, it is possible to know when the vibration or temperature change exceeds the specified value in the transportation process.

The present invention employs a configuration having a control means for starting and stopping the operation interval adjustment switch manually or by wireless communication. In this case, for example, the container inspector can adjust the operation interval to adapt to changes in the surrounding situation.

As the wireless communication medium used in the present invention, an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, light, or a combination thereof can be used. In this case, wireless communication between the receiving station and the transmitting station By changing the media to adapt to changing circumstances, the same container can be used between multiple countries.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A container management device that manages containers transported between multiple collection and delivery points,

A transmitting station installed in the container, for transmitting a sign number for identifying the container,

A receiving station that is installed at the collection and delivery point and receives a sign number from the transmitting station; an operation interval adjustment switch that detects whether the container is installed; and an on / off state of the operation interval adjustment switch. And control means for judging whether the container is lifted up or down and adjusting the operation interval of the transmitting station.

2. The container management device according to claim 1, wherein

The receiving station includes a transmitting unit for transmitting a beacon number,

The transmitting station includes receiving means for receiving a label number from the receiving station.

3. The container management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The control means changes an operation interval of the transmitting station based on an ON / OFF state of the operation interval adjustment switch which differs for each installation location of the container.

4. The container management device according to claim 3, wherein

The control means distinguishes at least two of an aircraft, a ship, a train, a truck, a warehouse, an airport, a port, a station, a parking lot, and a container yard as installation locations of the container. The operation interval of the transmitting station is changed based on the ON / OFF state.

5. The container management device according to claim 1, wherein

The transmitting station includes detecting means for detecting a state change of the container due to an external action, and transmits a sign number when the state change is detected by the detecting means. I do.

6. The container management device according to claim 5, wherein

The detection means includes a door open / closed state sensor that detects an open / closed state of a door of the container.

7. The container management device according to claim 5, wherein

The detecting means includes a door opening / closing operation sensor that detects an opening / closing operation of the container door.

8. The container management device according to claim 5, wherein

The detection means includes a human sensor for detecting approach of a human.

9. The container management device according to claim 5, wherein

The detecting means includes a vibration sensor for detecting vibration applied to the container.

10. The container management device according to claim 5, wherein

The detecting means includes a temperature change sensor for detecting a temperature change in the container.

11. The container management device according to claim 1, wherein

A switch control means for operating start / stop of the operation interval adjusting switch is provided.

12. The container management device according to claim 11, wherein

The switch control means controls starting and stopping of the operation interval adjusting switch manually or by wireless communication.

13. The container management device according to claim 1, wherein For communication between the transmitting station and the receiving station, any one of an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, and light, or a wireless communication medium combining these is used.

1 4. A container management method for managing containers transported between multiple collection and delivery points,

Determine whether the container has been installed,

Based on the result of this determination, the operation interval of the transmitting station that transmits the tag number for identifying the container is adjusted.

15. The container management method according to claim 14, wherein

The installation location of the container is determined, and the operation interval of the transmitting station is changed for each installation location.

16. The container management method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the transmitting station transmits a marker number when detecting a change in the container due to an external action.