WO2019072459A1

WO2019072459A1 - Controlling a transfer process for a transport vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2019072459A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/073860
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Stohr
Original assignee: Zf Friedrichshafen Ag
Priority date: 2017-10-09
Filing date: 2018-09-05
Publication date: 2019-04-18
Also published as: EP3695356A1; DE102017217877A1

Abstract

A method (300) for controlling a transfer process involves steps of ascertaining (315) transfer data for transferring an item (110) between a transport vehicle (105) and a transfer station (135), and of transmitting (320) the transfer data by the transfer vehicle (105) in the area of the transfer station (135).

Description

Control of an envelope Vorqanqs a transport vehicle

The present invention relates to the handling process of a transport vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to the control of the handling operation.

A transport vehicle is set up to transport a good from a first transfer point to a second transfer point. The good may include a thing, a person or an animal. Usually, the transport is organized in such a way that picking or unloading of goods at different transhipment points is firmly planned, whereby transfer information such as type and number of goods to be transferred, place and time of transfer etc. are predetermined for each transhipment point. Examples include a general cargo transport by a forwarding agency or a public transport.

However, the envelope can often not be carried out as originally planned. For example, a traffic situation may cause a delay of the transport vehicle, or the transport vehicle may travel a route other than an initially planned route. An object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for controlling a handling operation of a transport vehicle. The invention solves this problem by means of the subjects of the independent claims. Subclaims give preferred embodiments again.

According to a first aspect, a method for controlling a transfer process comprises steps of determining a transfer information for the transfer of a good between a transport vehicle and a transfer point; and the transmission of the transfer information by the transport vehicle in the region of the transfer point.

The good may in particular comprise a person, a thing or an animal, whereby in the following, for example, the transport of a person is assumed. The transport vehicle is usually land-based and in the following example comprises a passenger car or a bus. In other embodiments may also be another vehicle affected, such as an aircraft or watercraft. In one embodiment, the goods should be loaded on board the transport vehicle; in another, it should be unloaded from the transport vehicle.

A person or a facility in the area of the transhipment point can receive the transmitted transfer information and determine, for example, whether the transport vehicle is intended for the transport of a certain waiting person or not. For example, at a stop several people with different transport destinations wait for a transport vehicle arrives, which anfährt a suitable destination and still has sufficient capacity. The method described can make it possible to use the transport vehicle flexibly, for example without a fixed route, without fixed stops or without fixed transport capacity. As a result, a completely new transport concept can be formed in which the planning of a transport can be carried out with a high degree of dynamicity.

The handover information can be sent, for example, visually or acoustically, so that a person located at the point of transfer can perceive them. An additional infrastructure in the area of the transhipment point may not be necessary. The perceptive person may include, for example, an organization, care or supervisory person such as a loadmaster or a pickup person. Alternatively, the perceptive person can also be taken over by himself in the transport vehicle.

The transfer information can also be transmitted wirelessly to a display or processing device in the area of the transfer point. The display device can be made mobile and assigned to a person or fixedly attached to the transfer point. Alternatively, the display device may also be assigned to a person to be transported or responsible for the handling in the region of the transhipment point. The display device can be formed, for example, by a commercially available mobile telephone ("smartphone") in conjunction with a suitable program ("app"). A bridgeable distance between the transport vehicle and the receiver of the transfer information can be increased become. Accordingly, an advance between the arrival of the transfer information and the arrival of the transport vehicle at the transfer point can be increased, so that the transfer or the transportation of the goods can be improvedly planned or prepared.

The handover information may include at least a holding location, a holding time, a holding period, a pickup capacity for the goods by the transportation vehicle, a request of a resource, and a destination driven after the stop. Further, for example, an approach side or a direction of travel can be signaled. The aid can comprise, for example, a load harness, a wheelchair or another device suitable in particular for loading or unloading the item from the transport vehicle. In a further embodiment, the information may also be provided while the transport vehicle is stopping. Thus, for example, a person exiting at the transhipment point can be better informed by the transmitted information of a connecting vehicle, a contact point or a contact person.

In a further embodiment, a waiting information is determined via a goods item to be received at the transfer point, wherein the transfer information is determined as a function of the wait information. In other words, it can be pointed out that a good is ready for transport. Then a transfer of the goods to the transport vehicle can be planned improved.

In a further embodiment, a travel route of the transport vehicle can be determined as a function of the waiting information, optionally even before the transport vehicle actuates the transfer point. Thus, for example, a dynamic transport service can be set up, which determines the route of a transport vehicle depending on a certain waiting information.

In a further embodiment, carriage data of the asset is determined. For example, the handover information may include the planned duration of the handling of the goods, and if the handling lasts longer than planned, for example, a markup may be charged. A billing system, for example a taximeter, can be synchronized with transport data of the transport vehicle. Further information, such as particular packaging, the exact time or place the good was brought aboard the transport vehicle, or a time or place of unloading the cargo from the transport vehicle may also be provided for further processing. This processing may in particular relate to the planning of a further route of the transport vehicle or the billing of the transported goods.

According to a second aspect, an apparatus for controlling a transfer process comprises processing means for determining a transfer information for the transfer of a good between the transport vehicle and a transfer point; and a transmitting device for transmitting the transfer information by the transport vehicle in the region of the transfer point.

The device can be mounted with little effort aboard a conventional transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the device is mobile or removable from the transport vehicle, so that the vehicle can serve other purposes than the described transport. For example, the transport vehicle may include a passenger car, which is only used in phases for the described transport of a person or thing.

The transmitting device may in particular comprise a projector for optically displaying the transfer information. The projector can project the information onto a surface such as a carriageway or house wall in the area of the transfer point. In this case, the projector may include, for example, a driving light, a signal headlight or a projection unit. The projector can be set up to display the transfer information in the direction of travel in front of the transport vehicle or, for example, on an entry or loading side. The perception of the transmitted transfer information in the area of the transfer point can be facilitated.

In another embodiment, the transmitting device comprises an acoustic output device. The transfer information can be identified, for example, by a sig- nalton, a signal sequence or a spoken text. The transport information can thus be improved intuitively detectable.

According to a third aspect, a transport system comprises a plurality of transport vehicles each comprising a device described herein. Here routes of transport vehicles are determined in mutual dependence of each other.

The transport system can be highly dynamically organized, with optionally a central or location-independent component being provided, from which centralized control is carried out. In particular, the transport system may comprise a transport vehicle which acts partially or completely automatically or even autonomously. The transport system can also be heterogeneous by comprising transport vehicles of different degrees of automation. Despite the significantly increased dynamics of the transport system, a planning or user safety can be high by sending the transfer information in the area of the transfer point.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exemplary transport system;

2 shows a transport vehicle; and

Fig. 3 illustrates a method for controlling a transfer operation of a product from or to a transport vehicle.

FIG. 1 shows a transport system 100 with at least one transport vehicle 105. The transport vehicle 105 is set up to transport a property 110, which may comprise a person 1 15 or a thing 120 in particular. In the present case, the transport vehicle 105 comprises purely by way of example a bus, in other embodiments, for example, a truck, a passenger car, an industrial truck, a watercraft or an aircraft may be included. The transport vehicle 105 can be controlled manually, semi-automatically, automatically or autonomously.

As part of a transport of a property 110 by means of the transport vehicle 105, the goods 110 is brought to a transfer point 135 on board the transport vehicle 105 or removed therefrom. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that a loading of the transport vehicle 105 should take place. For this, the goods 110 can be provided at the transfer point 135. Information about the goods 110 provided can be transmitted to the transport vehicle 105 or a central point 140 arranged outside the transport vehicle 105. The central point 140 can be realized, for example, as a server or service, in particular abstracted in a cloud. By the central point 140 or the transport vehicle 105 itself, the startup of the Umschlagstelle 135 can be planned. Even before the transport vehicle 105 has reached the transfer point 135, at least one transfer information is determined and emitted by the transport vehicle 105 in the region of the transfer point 135. As a result, it can be estimated, for example, in the region of the transfer point 135, whether or not an approaching transport vehicle 105 is ready to receive the goods 1 10 provided. Furthermore, modalities of handover of the item 1 10 can be improved. The transportation vehicle 105 approaching the transfer point 135 can identify itself better by the transmitted transfer information, and the transfer operation of the property 110 can be carried out more easily or more quickly.

In another embodiment, the delivery of a predetermined item 110 at the point of transfer 135 may be announced by the transmitted information. A person in the area of the transfer point 135, for example a pick-up person for the goods 110 or a driver of another transport vehicle, can be informed in good time of the arrival of the goods 110.

After loading the Guts 1 10 on board the transport vehicle 105 this can control a further transfer point 145. There may be several transshipment points 145 may be provided, wherein different transport vehicles 105 can drive from the first transfer point 135 to each one of the further handling points 145. The planning as to which additional transshipment point 145 is approached by the transport vehicle 105 from the transshipment point 135 can also take place dynamically, for example after receiving information about the goods 110 at the transshipment point 135 or after loading the goods 110 at the transshipment point 135.

FIG. 2 shows a transport vehicle 105, in particular for use with a transport system 100. Arranged on board the transport vehicle 105 is a device 200 which comprises a processing device 205 and a transmission device 210. A wireless interface 215 can be encompassed by the transmitting device 210 and in particular configured for communication with a central point 140.

When approaching the transport vehicle 105 to the transfer point 135, preferably at a predetermined distance or when an estimated travel time to the transfer point 135 is not more than a predetermined time, the transport vehicle 105 transmits a transfer information by means of the transmitting device 210. The handover information may be directed to a person 115 who is in the area of the Umschlagstelle 135. In this case, the transmission device 210 may be configured in particular to perform an optical or acoustic transmission. In a further variant, the transfer information can also be transmitted to a device 220 which is associated with the person 115, for example a personal telephone or a smartphone. In yet another embodiment, the handover information is transmitted to a display device 225, which is mounted in the area of the point of transfer 135 and is adapted to provide received handover information to the person 115.

The purpose of transmitting the handover information in the area of the transfer point 135 is to make it clearer at the transfer point 135 whether a planned transport of a thing 120 with an approaching transport vehicle 105 is to be carried out or not and, if appropriate, with which aid which circumstances or how the transport should take place. In particular, in a dynamic transport system 100 in which, for example, no fixed schedule for trips of the transport vehicle 105 is given, a transport vehicle 105 is only temporarily part of the transport system 100, the transport vehicle 105 is not externally visible as part of the transport system 100 or if the Umschlagstelle 135 has no fixed geographical position, this technique may lead in particular to a shortened handover or a shortened envelope. Errors, for example by confusing different transport vehicles 105, can be avoided.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for controlling a transfer process of a product 110 from or to a transport vehicle 105, such as that of FIGS. 1 or 2. The method 300 can be carried out in particular in whole or in part on a processing device 205, 140. For this purpose, the processing device 205, 140 may comprise in particular a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method 300 may be in the form of a computer program product with program code means for carrying out the illustrated method 300.

In a step 305, waiting information may be received indicating that a good 110 should be picked up at a transfer point 135. The product 110 may in particular already be provided at the transfer point 135. The waiting information may in particular comprise a type or number of goods 110 provided, as well as a desired destination in the form of another handling point 145. Further information may also be provided, such as a maximum acceptable wait time, an indication of whether the asset 110 may or may not be shared by multiple transport vehicles 105, a required mode of transportation, such as sitting or lying at a person 115, or a transportation condition such as a maximum temperature to be maintained. Further parameters can also be transmitted as a request or requirements. In the further course, the requirements can be regarded as obligatory and the wishes as optional. In a step 310, a travel route for the transport vehicle 105 can be determined. In particular, it may be planned at which point in time the transport vehicle 105 will arrive at the transfer point 135, at which time it will leave the transfer point 135 again and at what time it should arrive at which further transfer point 145. Further information, for example regarding a loading or unloading process, can also be determined. The travel route is preferably determined as a function of the travel route of another transport vehicle 105, so that the travel routes can be coordinated with one another. As a result, a dynamic transport system can be formed, which controls transports of goods 110 by means of a plurality of transport vehicles 105.

In a step 315, a transfer information is preferably determined. The handover information describes one aspect of a process in which a cargo 110 is transferred to or removed from the cargo handling hub 105 at the handling station 135.

In a step 320, the transport vehicle 105 sends out a specific transfer information in the area of the transfer point 135. If several transfer information has been determined, one, several or all transfer information can be sent out. The transmitted transfer information is used in particular for the preparation by the transfer point 135, in order to allow the fastest possible and smooth loading or unloading of the product 110.

If the transport vehicle 105 has reached the transfer point 135, the goods 110 can be handled in a step 325. Optionally, billing information may be determined in a step 330. These may, for example, contain information as to whether an estimated loading or unloading time has been complied with, for which reason it may not have been adhered to, or which services or which material was used for loading or unloading.

Subsequently, the transport vehicle 105 can travel to the further handling point 145 in accordance with the travel route determined in step 310. There, a similar informa- tion exchange before the transport vehicle 105 stops at the further handling point 145 and the goods 110 can be unloaded. The above-mentioned steps 305 to 330 can be carried out in a corresponding manner. A transfer information for unloading the item 110 from the transport vehicle 105 at the further transfer point 145 can optionally also be presented or sent inside the transport vehicle 105. The handover information may include, for example, an indication of a door or ramp to be used as well as a next destination of the property 110. The transfer information is preferably provided optically and / or acoustically. If a spoken text is used, it can be output in a previously selected language.

By means of the described method 300, in particular a transport system 100 can be operated with a high degree of dynamic in order, for example, to individualize and / or automate a passenger traffic.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

100 transport system

105 transport vehicle

110 Good

115 person

120 thing

135 transhipment point

140 central place

145 more transshipment point

200 device

205 processing device

210 transmitting device

215 wireless interface

220 device

225 display device

300 procedures

305 receive waiting information

310 Determine route

315 Determine Handover Information

320 Send Handover information

325 turn over

330 Collect billing information

Claims

claims

A method (300) for controlling a handoff operation, the method (300) comprising the steps of: determining (315) handover information for handing over a good (110) between a transport vehicle (105) and a transfer point (135); and sending (320) the transfer information by the transport vehicle (105) in the region of the transfer point (135).

The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the handover information is transmitted optically or acoustically so that a person (115) located at the point of transit (135) can perceive it.

The method (300) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the handover information is transmitted wirelessly to a display or processing device (220, 225).

A method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handover information comprises at least a holding location, a holding time, a holding period, a holding capacity for the item (110), a request for a resource, and a destination (145) activated after the holding.

5. The method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a waiting information about a at the Umschlagstelle (135) to be recorded Good (110) is determined; and the handover information is determined (315) depending on the waiting information.

The method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a waiting information is determined (305) via a goods (110) to be received at the point of transfer (135); and a travel route of the transportation vehicle (105) is determined (310) as a function of the waiting information.

A method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein carriage data of the asset (110) is determined.

8. An apparatus (200) for controlling a handover operation, the apparatus (200) comprising: processing means (205) for determining handover information for the handover of a good (110) between the transport vehicle (105) and a transfer point (135); and a transmitting device (210) for transmitting the transfer information by the transport vehicle (105) in the region of the transfer point (135).

The apparatus (200) of claim 8, wherein the transmitting device (210) comprises a projector for optically displaying the handover information.

The apparatus (200) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the transmitting device (210) comprises an acoustic output device.

11. Transport system (100), comprising a plurality of transport vehicles (105), each having a device (200) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein travel routes of the transport vehicles (105) are determined in mutual dependence of each other.