WO2000048054A2 - Logistics system and method - Google Patents
Logistics system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000048054A2 WO2000048054A2 PCT/US2000/003125 US0003125W WO0048054A2 WO 2000048054 A2 WO2000048054 A2 WO 2000048054A2 US 0003125 W US0003125 W US 0003125W WO 0048054 A2 WO0048054 A2 WO 0048054A2
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- manifest
- central database
- delivery
- transport
- logistics
- Prior art date
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a logistics method for supplying a
- a manifest must be created that specifies the particular materials including quantities and types, the delivery locations to which each is to be delivered, preferably the location on the transport where stored, whether certain materials can be
- handling of hazardous materials including necessary emergency information, cost per day of transport, cost per mile of transport, handling capacities of transport, fuel levels, present location of transport, priority of delivery, the stage of
- the heading and position of the supply boats is desirable in real or near real time.
- Some supply boats may be more efficient for certain cargos so the least cost supply boat should be selected for the manifested materials.
- the routing of the supply boats will affect the delivery cost and time so that has to be determined.
- the present invention provides a means for keeping up with the numerous details
- a logistics method for using a plurality of transports
- the method comprises steps such as providing the
- logistics computer programming for respective computers at the plurality of bases and at the plurality of delivery locations.
- a central database is provided for the respective computers and each of the respective computers operable for communication with the central database.
- the logistics computer programming is operable for providing updated logistics information to the central database from the respective computers.
- transport location intelligence is preferably automatically stored in the central database.
- each of the plurality of transports is stored in the central database.
- a list of materials is
- the automatic communication provides transport latitude and longitude
- the automatically obtained may also include heading and speed.
- transport location intelligence may also include providing the fuel level for a respective transport.
- the transport information includes factors about each transport such as cost/mile,
- the logistics computer programming is operable for automatically selecting a transport and determining a least cost delivery route based
- an operator may manually select a transport listed in the logistics computer programming and automatically determine a most economical route for delivering the manifested materials using the selected transport.
- a plurality of possible delivery routes are preferably provided for selection by the operator.
- the manifest may be originated at one of the plurality of bases or one of the
- the central database is updated to include the manifest.
- the logistics computer programming associates a status with the manifest wherein the status preferably comprises a relationship to a shipment of materials in the manifest such that the shipment is outstanding, staged, printed, loaded, unloaded, or canceled.
- the logistics computer programming preferably displays a main screen with a
- map that includes at least one base from the plurality of bases and selectable delivery locations assigned to the base from the plurality of delivery locations.
- programming associates each material with vendor information and stores the vendor
- the list of materials may associate a hazardous or a nonhazardous designation for each material. Association with each hazardous material may include a hazardous I.D., a DOT name, and an emergency
- each material on the list of materials may be associated with a type of
- the computer logistics programming automatically selects the storage place on the transport although the selection can be changed.
- the programming operates using a plurality of lists such as transport information relating to each of the plurality of transports in the central database with the transport
- each of the plurality of delivery locations is used along with a list of manifests in the central database relating to deliveries for the plurality of delivery locations.
- a monitoring system for use with a plurality of containers having cargo therein on behalf of a plurality of clients that comprises a
- a database is operable for storing information relating to each of the containers and the cargo therein.
- a wireless communication device is associated with
- each of the plurality of containers for providing location intelligence for each of the
- the location intelligence is stored in the database.
- the plurality of clients may access information from the database to determine location intelligence and a respective listing of cargo for each of the plurality of clients in the containers.
- the computer network server is operable for communicating with the plurality of client
- the plurality of client computers is operable for
- the of the plurality of client computers is operable for selectively communicating with one or more of the plurality of containers with which the client is associated.
- the container may include receiving apparatus for producing a signal in
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for controlling costs
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system that is operable
- Yet another preferred object of the present invention is to provide a system that
- FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram for a monitoring device that may be used with the
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring a plurality of targets that
- FIG. 3 is a pictorial schematic for a system for monitoring a plurality of targets that may be used in accord with the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of programming control for a microcontroller for use in a monitoring device that may be used in accord with the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a monitoring device that may be used in accord with
- FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram representative of a client computer screen showing
- a location of the client's target in this case a vehicle, on a map generated by a computer that may be used in accord with the present invention
- FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram representative of numerous delivery locations
- FIG. 8 is a schematic showing a computer main screen with delivery locations and bases indicated thereon in accord with the present invention
- FIG. 9 is a schematic showing a computer screen wherein a manifest is selected
- FIG. 10 is a schematic that diagrams base and location functions as well as transport status functions available from the main screen map of a logistics computer program in accord with the invention.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic that provides various lists that are available from the main screen map of a logistics computer program in accord with the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic that provides transport status information and the ability
- FIG. 13 is a schematic that provides for shipping control for new and routine
- FIG. 14 is a schematic that allows for transferring information to and from a central database in accord with the present invention.
- the present invention relates mainly to logistics programming that is used to
- the preferred approach uses a single program that
- FIG. 1 - 6 disclose an exemplary system and apparatus that could be used in connection with the logistics method of the present invention for many purposes, such
- FIG. 1 there is shown a
- FIG. 5 discloses a block diagram of the electronics of monitoring device 10 and FIG. 4 discloses a flow diagram for software used in
- monitoring device 10 Enclosure 12 is a relatively small housing that may be conveniently mounted for operation. While the attachments to monitoring device 10 are suitable for use with a
- monitoring device 10 may be used with many targets such as assets to be
- the monitoring device may also be used with fixed objects such as utility meters, houses, various systems as a remote control unit, and other such functions.
- monitoring device 10 there is really no limitation on the types of targets/assets with which monitoring device 10 may be used.
- monitoring device 10 might be used for tracking bicycle messengers or even be used for tracking people.
- the low cost of the service for wireless communication and low cost of the monitoring device 10 allow wide use of the device
- Pager antenna 14 is provided with an appropriate connection 16 and antenna cable
- GPS Global positioning sensor
- antenna 20 is attached at connection 22 to monitoring device 10 via cable 24.
- the antennas 14 and 20 are mounted such that they do not interfere with each other and
- Cable 28 is used to connect the unit to power. While the type of connection will be discussed
- monitoring device 10 can be connected to power in such a way that it will be difficult to operate the vehicle if monitoring device 10 is disconnected or otherwise damaged.
- Monitoring device 10 may be connected to battery power 30 of a vehicle, or other suitable vehicle.
- the GPS initialization process may otherwise typically take in the range of about 90 seconds to be completed before a position fix may be taken. Another power option
- monitoring device 10 may be programmed to control power itself as discussed subsequently so as to further reduce power usage.
- Another power option is to connect monitoring device 10 directly to ignition 32 so that
- monitoring device 10 includes a battery within monitoring device 10 for various reasons such as to provide
- Computer port 36 which is preferably an RS-232 port, is provided for connecting
- monitoring device 10 includes a low-cost pager modem, there is no need to provide a much more expensive modem with computer
- Computer 38 may be also be used in connection with monitoring device 10 for debugging and other functions such as downloading recorded information. Computer 38 may also be used for E-mail,
- Digital I/O or interface 40 connects inputs 42, outputs 44, and status signals 46 to monitoring device 10 preferably via cabling 48.
- Inputs 42 may include up to four switches, buttons, or sensors. In another embodiment, sixteen inputs or variations might
- each of the four inputs represents a digital number. It will be noted that
- monitoring device 10 is preferably used with system 100 as shown in FIG. 2 or
- FIG. 3 that inputs for any particular monitoring device 10 may be different, e.g., if there
- monitoring devices 10 are one thousand monitoring devices 10 in operation, each device may be configured differently. The flexibility comes because during initialization of monitoring device 10, the various inputs 42 and outputs 44 are listed and entered into a database of system 100
- Inputs to monitoring device 10 for use with a vehicle may include, for example only, a panic button, air bag deployment, siren, lights, auxiliary signals, cargo door sensor (open/close), or a threshold indicator such as cargo temperature exceeds a threshold.
- certain events e.g., a door opening, may trigger a data reporting signal.
- the location of a vehicle could be determined and transmitted each time a door opens.
- the door opening would be programmed into system 100 with a request to check and store location intelligence. Then, each time the door opened,
- monitoring device 10 would transmit this event to system 100.
- System 100 would
- system 100 might be initialized such that an input
- System 100 could be programmed to request location information from monitoring device 10 if the air bag deploys and then automatically request emergency service by providing the location information to police and ambulance services in the area where the air bag deployed.
- monitoring device 10 would not necessarily even need the
- monitoring device 10 may be used to produce outputs such as door locks, ignition
- FIG. 1 indicates up to three
- additional outputs may be obtained by using lines that otherwise provide status signals 46 as outputs. If necessary, a digital circuit could conceivably be used to produce
- system 100 can remotely
- Status signals 46 may typically include LED indicators to show power on, battery 30 is
- finance companies may be more likely to finance auto purchase for individuals with less than perfect credit because with monitoring device 10 installed, they will be able to assure
- the dealer can assign a range that their cars are not authorized to depart from, say a five-mile radius about the lot, and if any car does leave this limited area, the dealership can be notified by system 100 along
- the automobile can be tracked and when it is stopped,
- the automobile can be deactivated and the dealer notified of the location.
- the dealer When sold, the
- wrecker services is reduced or eliminated.
- the finance company When the finance company is ready to pick up the deactivated auto, they will know the exact location. They can send someone to pick up the car, have it activated, open the doors, and so forth. If a two-way pager is used, for instance as discussed hereinafter, the person to pick up the car can open the
- the location of the vehicle is known, it can be tracked, the alarm can be activated, lights flashed, or when the car is stopped it can be activated and law enforcement can be notified of the location. Turn by turn directions, road side assistance,
- monitoring unit 10 When traveling across the country, monitoring unit 10 will automatically reacquire when it enters a new service area and system 100 will be notified
- system 100 can easily be programmed during initialization to activate the
- monitoring unit 10 may also be programmed for operating
- monitoring unit 10 upon air bag deployment, monitoring unit 10
- FIG. 5 provides a block diagram of the circuitry of monitoring unit 10 an FIG. 4
- microcontroller 50 As the means for operating monitoring unit 10. While microcontrollers require programming in a low-level language
- microcontroller greatly reduces overall costs of monitoring unit 10 and additional units may simply copy the same program into the microcontroller memory. In larger quantities, a microcontroller as used may cost in the range of $2 each which is many
- monitoring unit 10 uses a PIC 16 microcontroller chip.
- the traditional definition of a microcontroller is that of a processing engine with program
- microcontroller 50 has about
- microcontroller 50 One of the functions provided by microcontroller 50 is to provide information in the correct format to the pager port
- microcontroller 50 operates the modem to provide information in a format accepted by the pager and
- Item 52 includes the pager/modem/port connections as well as the interface between the pager and port that is preferably commercially obtained and
- pager port/modem 52 has inputs and outputs to form
- I/O port 54 built in, as has only recently become commercially available, thereby saving additional costs of providing the I/O port directly from microcontroller 50 as could also be provided. Moreover, by eliminating input/output circuitry driven directly by microcontroller 50, component costs are reduced further. It is also possible to provide
- additional memory 55 which is preferably nonvolatile RAM such as an EEPROM to give
- Memory 55 may be used to store events, for logging purposes, and generally provides much more flexibility of operation
- I/O port 54 is operated indirectly by microcontroller 50
- At least two outputs of I/O port 54 have sufficient current for
- driver circuits could be added as desired to effect more output control circuits.
- digital units with driver circuits could be added to the presently preferred embodiment of monitoring unit 10 to control sixteen outputs and/or receive sixteen inputs.
- the outputs and inputs are electrical signals that are used with the target and are related to the type of target and
- Microcontroller 50 may include a wide range of signals. Microcontroller 50 presently handles on/off types
- Pager antenna 14 and GPS antenna 20 are connected to pager/modem 52 and GPS 56 as indicated.
- Global position sensor or GPS 56 preferably supports both standard and
- GPS 56 communicates with microcontroller/CPU 50
- microcontroller 50 can place GPS 56 in an idle position by means of GPS power control 58 until a GPS signal is requested by microcontroller 50, which in turn may have been requested from
- Power control may be effected by a mosfet or other switching device as desired for low cost and reliable operation.
- Computer port 60 is preferably an RS-232 port that provides the correct voltage levels, connectors, and so forth for compatibility with an external computer, such as
- monitoring unit 10 may be described in terms of
- microcontroller 50 programming as per flow diagram 62.
- the unit begins to operate as per the flow diagram.
- the form may ask what is needed to system 100.
- the form may ask what is needed to system 100.
- each input line is connected to, e.g., line one to an air bag sensor, line two to a battery indicator, etc. Then a response for system 100 may be provided for each such event.
- the outputs are listed, e.g., output line one to alarm, output line two to door locks, output line three to an engine kill, etc. In this way, system 100 and/or the client
- the client has the option to change or modify
- microcontroller 50 sends a command to GPS 56 to provide GPS location data that is indicative of the position at which
- monitoring unit 10 is located. Depending on the particular mode of operation and
- this may also require turning GPS power on as indicated at 58 so that GPS 56 is no longer in an idle mode.
- power up to monitoring unit 10 where power has been completely removed it may take from one to several minutes to obtain a reading
- GPS 56 If a GPS signal is not obtained within a certain time period, or if the GPS
- a typical time period might be about three seconds but could vary depending on the type of GPS or as desired.
- the location data information is
- a flag may be set that determines whether or not to save the location data and may typically be set in response to a signal from system 100.
- the location data may be logged if desired into memory
- monitoring unit 10 may also be programmed to log data into memory 55 such as memory 55 if it is desired to save a series of location data. While system 100 can effect logging on any time schedule or in response to events that may occur with respect to inputs, monitoring unit 10 may also be programmed to log data into memory 55 such as
- microcontroller 50 checks as indicated at 74 to see if the pager (which is considered part of pager port/modem indicated at 52) has been initialized. It is necessary to initialize the pager (which is considered part of pager port/modem indicated at 52).
- the necessary initialization information is stored in nonvolatile memory and a flag
- Initialization occurs at step 76 and may include, for instance, determining that pin numbers for the pager in
- port/pager/modem 52 and for monitoring unit 10 are established for setting up the pager
- this step includes the steps that are typically required for the preferred two-way pager operation.
- the inputs and outputs may be
- External computer 38 may be used via computer port 60 to aid in set up or to change programming if desired. Once initialization is successfully accomplished, a flag is set to the effect the pager has been
- microcontroller 50 checks to see if
- all the messages are preferably
- initialization criteria as indicated 84 then the message is executed at 86.
- An example might be a message from system 100 to send location data. In that case, at this time microcontroller would proceed according to programming to poll GPS 56 to obtain an
- system 100 might send a message that has
- microcontroller 50 would contact pager port 52 and activate the appropriate output.
- System 100 would have the
- the upload flag is set as indicated at 88.
- the flag can be set in several ways.
- microcontroller 50 would encode the upload message into a format that is acceptable by the modem/pager interface through a connection in the pager port 52.
- the pager of port 52 transmits the message according to pager network
- the reason flag for that particular upload is then reset after transmission as indicated at 94.
- the pager section of the program is complete as indicated at 96.
- a delay or wait state is implemented at 98 which is typically only a short
- microcontroller 50 uses a low level language for implementation and does not have sufficient memory or a compiler to allow it use of a high level language.
- high level is meant a language that is transferrable between
- system 100 is presented in two different ways.
- FIG. 2 a basic block diagram of components is disclosed.
- Monitoring unit 10 has been described hereinbefore in some detail and it will be understood that system 100 may work with large numbers of such units that may be
- Each monitoring unit 10 communicates with one or more pager networks 102 by wireless
- the F.C.C. assigns a frequency band for this type of communication and pager network 102 acts to transmit and receive messages. Pin numbers are used to verify authorization, to determine with which unit 10 communication
- monitoring unit 10 may typically include most, if not all, of the area of interest such as the U.S. or another country. Anywhere in the world a pager would work, then monitoring unit 10
- System 100 may include more than one pager network and retains
- monitoring unit 10 the necessary information to communicate with monitoring unit 10 through different regions and within different pager network systems.
- a connection is provided between pager network 102 and server 104 that may
- a direct connection or a connection over a network such as an Internet connection.
- one or more servers may be used for operation of system 100.
- Database Server 104 operates with database 106 which, in a presently preferred embodiment, is an OracleTM database.
- database 106 which, in a presently preferred embodiment, is an OracleTM database.
- OracleTM database In the database, the information for operation of system 100 with
- each monitoring unit 10 is stored. For instance, for each particular monitoring unit 10,
- database 106 stores the relevant inputs and outputs, client specifications regarding inputs
- data in database 106 may be included to monitor location at a particular time interval, monitor whether the location goes outside of a defined area such as a car leaving an area of town, send a notification to the appropriate client by the client's
- Database 106 may include a wide variety
- database 106 may include e-mail messages, pager messages, telephone messages, fax messages, and others including any automated means of communication.
- database 106 also includes a table or list of messages to be sent and a table of incoming messages which are operated on. Once operated on,
- the messages may be saved for as long as the client desires to keep track of
- a client may send one command that affects all his targets. For instance, a car sales outlet might send a single message to all vehicles to lock the doors and turn on the burglar alarm.
- client 108 may request a request to a request.
- client 108 may request a request to a request.
- request 108 may request a request to a request.
- request 108 may request a request to a request.
- Client 108 does not need to have a computer and may simply call an operator by
- client 108 contacts system 106 to request information, in response to a message from system 100,
- server 104 may then wish to know the whereabouts of each vehicle. This request may be received by network or Internet connection 110 of server 104. Server 104 contacts database 106, perhaps using an Internet connection or other connection, and database 106 places the message on a table of outgoing messages. In a
- a dedicated server program such as server program 112
- server program 1 12 takes the message from the table of outgoing messages in database 106, and sends the message to transmitter 106 with the correct pin numbers for
- monitoring units 10 provide updated location information that is received by receiver/transmitter system 102.
- Server program 112 takes these messages from the pin data storage location and sends them to
- the client has
- Client 108 may view the information in different ways. For instance, in accord with the present invention, Client 108 may preferably use a program having a screen with a
- the client may track the path of vehicles using different symbols and the like as desired.
- the present invention provides a mapping system and program for tracking, labeling, and monitoring so that assets being sent by different types of transport vehicles such as ships,
- System 100 may also be used for monitoring fixed assets such as for utility meter
- System 100 also contemplates communication using, for instance, a two-way pager such
- pager communicates with server 104 through pager network
- database 106 may be programmed notify two-way pager 102 in response to a message from monitoring unit 10.
- High capacity clients as indicated at 120 may preferably have a direct connection to database 106. This would allow large clients to monitor, track, and so forth a large
- a utility company checking meters may
- connection may be of different types including local area networks, remote via modem connections, and so forth.
- System 100 is also operable for communication with other types of transmission
- respective communication means 122, 124, and 126 Typical examples might include offshore oil platforms that receive cargo, ships carrying cargo, supply ports and so forth. Communication may be derived with different systems such as through packet radio
- the system of the present invention can track cargo, print manifests, be used for ordering products, list suppliers, and display cargo location on a desired map.
- FIG. 7 illustrates communication flow path 200, which might be a typical
- Central database 202 which is preferably an Oracle® database located on the Internet, is kept updated during the logistics process. Thus, all interested parties can check with central database 202 for determining the most updated logistics information.
- the supply system may include a plurality of supply bases, such as supply bases 204. Each supply
- Each supply base is in communication with database 204 by some means such as an Internet connection or other communication line.
- Each supply base has numerous approved
- the vendors that supply materials.
- the vendors are indicated as elements 206.
- the bases preferably contact the vendors directly.
- a central office 208 may need to be able to access central database 202 to monitor shipments and check daily shipping
- the central supply office may also serve as a base for one or more
- Locations 210, 212, and 214 are assigned to different bases as indicated above for supply purposes. Locations may be assigned and unassigned
- delivery locations serve as supply bases for other
- delivery locations 216 are served by one of the delivery
- material may be directed for delivery to and delivery from a location and the logistics computer program of the present invention handles such transactions.
- the logistics program of the present invention is operable for storing information concerning the transports and determining which transport is most suitable for least cost delivery of a particular manifest.
- manifest is meant a list of
- Communication of information relating to transports 218 is typically wireless as indicated by communication lines 220. Communication may be by radio, satellite communication, where possible by a pager
- communications will be received by a system such as system 100 and transferred to a central database such as database 202 or database 106 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and discussed hereinbefore.
- a central database such as database 202 or database 106 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and discussed hereinbefore.
- Communication line are normally land based, may be preferably be Internet connections.
- 224 may be by radio or other line and may also be directed through the bases rather than
- central database 202 could be provided as with system
- the logistics computer program of the present invention interfaces with numerous
- FIG. 8 discloses main screen map 228 of a logistics computer program in accordance with
- Map 230 of the operating area is automatically displayed.
- the map opens centering the location of the operator on the map.
- main screen map 228 is the basis for initiation of all operations of the logistics computer program of the present invention as indicated in the flow charts of FIG. 10 through FIG.
- New tables or windows are displayed over map 230 as different functions are
- Map 228 may be modified, moved, or changed as
- the zoom or scale for the map may be changed.
- the current zoom of the map is displayed at the top as shown at 232 on FIG. 9.
- a ruler function allows calculation of the distance between two points on the map.
- base and location functions 234 can be selected to further
- map layer control 236 that controls the various layers of the map.
- Base and location also permit delivery locations to be assigned and unassigned with respect to particular bases that will be used to provide the support. Visibility of the
- Zoom layering at 244 allows the operator to enter a range at which a selected layer becomes visible.
- the layers may be made to be editable so that changes can be made as indicated at 240.
- a layer can be made selectable for displaying the information thereon as indicated at 242.
- Label control 246 allows for various label
- tags may be changed as desired.
- drilling rigs 248 may be used to represent drilling platforms and diamonds 250 may be used to represent production platforms.
- boats may be represented by boat markers such as marker 252.
- Bases 254 may be
- Base information at 264 in FIG. 10 is obtained by placing the cursor on the base
- Locations can be assigned or unassigned to a particular base through module 266 using assignment functions as indicated at 270 and 272. As well, delivery
- locations can be assigned to other delivery locations so that a first location supplies a
- Transport status 276 is selected from the
- a poll screen is available as indicated at 278 under Transport status 276 in FIG. 10. This screen displays and allows the user to set the polling communications for a
- a continuous polling system is also available as indicated at 282 whereby the user is given the choice of polling the selected transport at specified intervals. In this way,
- repetition interval is in minutes such as five minute intervals but the interval rate is selected by the user. If desired, each transport may update at a different repetition interval or they may all have the same interval.
- Typical transport status information as indicated at 284 may include such
- the present invention is able to keep track at all times of the transports.
- Other information as the longitude and latitude of the transport, the heading, the speed, the fuel level, the primary base from which the transport operates as indicated at 286. In this way, the present invention is able to keep track at all times of the transports.
- the transport may be viewed on the main screen map as indicated in FIG. 8 at 252 by a boat, helicopter, or other icon and a label with the name. The view will also depend on the layer control features selected.
- Communication screen 288 is used to display and/or change the communication
- Voice block 290 lists the telephone number for voice
- Fax block 292 provides the fax number.
- Data block 294 lists the
- Radio ID block 296 lists the identification number or call sign.
- Efficiency screen 298 permits view
- Distance/ETA screen 302 preferably displays all delivery locations and all transports. The user is allowed to select a delivery location and a transport and view the travel information to the selected location with the selected transport. Such information will preferably show distance 304 between the transport's
- program of the present invention will also display other pertinent information such as, for instance, whether the transport has sufficient fuel for the trip as indicated at 312.
- Capacity screen 314 is the transport capacity screen that displays all of the storage
- the user may view, delete, add or change the
- a transport may then have a second storage area on the aft deck of 750 sq. ft.
- the logistics computer program of the present invention uses this information
- the logistics computer program of the present invention uses interconnected lists of information for effecting its purposes. The lists are available for review as indicated in FIG. 1 1 as indicated at 320 from main screen map 228 by selecting lists from the File
- a button is available for each list from the
- a manifest window is displayed that lists the manifest records along with the status, type record, destination, date of the
- FIG. 9 An example of a manifest list is provided in FIG. 9.
- Manifest list window 324 with manifest 326 and 328 shows status 330, type record 332, destination 334, and date and time 336 of the materials request.
- the system preferably will attempt to contact the OracleTM server
- Last action time and date cannot be changed.
- the delivery time and date are
- a type document block identifies the type of manifest being entered.
- a status block identifies the status of the manifest.
- a transport block allows the operator to assign transport if desired. This can be done
- a list of transports is available if this option is selected.
- a destination block allows the operator to identify the destination of the cargo from a list of destinations.
- a base block allows identification of a base from which the cargo will be shipped.
- a material block allows the operator to enter to enter a material or container to be shipped to the delivery point on this manifest.
- a list of all materials is provided for selection. Material can also be dragged from the material list and dropped onto the manifest list.
- a primary vendor automatically
- a storage block indicates where the cargo is to be placed on the transport as discussed with respect to item 314 above.
- the storage location is also automatic but may be changed if the cargo is to be stored in another location on the
- An alternate location can be selected from a list of available cargo spaces as
- An exclusive block is used to identify materials that cannot be co-mingled with other cargo and when checked plays a part in the automatic transport selection and dispatching with the logistics computer controlled
- a count block is provided that identifies the number of
- a unit each block identifies the count within each
- a total units block is a system entry that is derived from multiplying the
- a weight block is taken from the material files
- a P.O. block is available to enter the purchase order used to obtain the materials identified for shipment.
- a P.O. date is
- a status block is provided
- the status changes as delivery advances.
- the status is "staged” when the material is received and staged at the delivery dock.
- the status is "printed” when the manifest is printed and delivered to the transport operator.
- the status is "loaded” when the materials have been loaded onto the transport.
- a manifest status is "canceled” when the manifest is cancelled. If the manifest includes a container, then the operator may add materials to that container as indicated at 344. The materials within the
- a screen is provided for the cargo within a
- Each manifest also has a priority associated therewith as indicated at 356.
- Priority #1 is used for emergencies where safety-
- Priority #2 is used when operations are down and there is a possibility of a loss of production. Priority #3 is used for routine
- Priority #4 is used when the materials are required within 30 days of the date of request.
- Priority #5 is used for long term planning requirements.
- a “need date” block identifies the date that the materials are required to be delivered no later than.
- a “direction” block identifies if cargo on the manifest is being delivered to a location or being returned from a location.
- a remarks block allows the
- requester block identifies the requester and cannot be changed. A request block is entered
- An unload block is updated by the system and identifies when cargo has been unloaded.
- a load block identifies when cargo has been loaded for delivery and cannot be changed.
- Routine cargo is handled by the logistics program of the present invention as indicated at 358.
- routine cargo 358 is selected from the list menu, the routine cargo window appears showing the delivery locations for which routine cargo deliveries are set up. Selecting the delivery locations shows the routine delivery including the
- delivery locations can be
- Locations and cargo can
- routine cargo for a specific location as indicated at 362, a routine cargo window with
- the primary vendor will be placed in the vendor block but another vendor may be selected from a list
- a quantity block identifies the quantity of materials to be delivered on a
- a frequency block identifies how often the
- a direction block shows whether the routine cargo is to be delivered to the location or returned from the location.
- a choice of outgoing or incoming with respect to the base is displayed.
- a refresh block, as indicated at 368, is provided to refresh the OracleTM database from the local database such as the workstation
- database that may be a MicrosoftTM database.
- Vendor as indicated at 370 is selected from list menu 320, a window appears displaying the names of all authorized vendors for the users review. Any vendor
- a list of delivery locations and associated information as discussed herein is also available for review as indicated at 380.
- the logistics program of the present invention preferably includes four data tables
- the tables include company info 384 that
- Material table 386 contains data on all materials to be transported.
- Transport table 388 contains data
- Vendor table 390 includes
- Selecting company info 384 from edit tables 382 produces a window with a form containing numerous blocks for information related to the company of interest. New companies can be added/deleted from this window. Information such as that shown at
- a company ID is a system assigned number for each company.
- the company name is preferably entered in a
- a primary telephone number and a secondary telephone number for the contact person is preferably entered.
- Other telephone numbers such as FAX and data may also be entered.
- Selecting material table 386 produces a window with a form that includes
- a system ID number is produced for each material that is not editable by the operator. If the material is identified as a hazardous material, an identifier block is checked. The primary vendor that supplies the product is listed. A keyword description is provided. An extended description is also provided.
- a unit each block identifies the count number in each unit of issue, i.e., a box with ten items per box would have a count often.
- a hazardous material is identified as N.O.S., then the constituents for that material should be listed for emergency response.
- a HAZMAT ID number is listed for hazardous materials. If a hazardous material has an assigned UN/N A number, then it is entered. An emergency guide number is entered from the Emergency Response
- Count per containers is the number of items in each container if applicable.
- Selecting transport 388 brings up a form with numerous blocks of information
- a system ID is assigned to each transport by the system.
- An official number such as a registration number should be listed.
- the official name of the transport is provided.
- the official local type code for the transport is listed as will be different for instance for helicopter, ship, and truck transport.
- the nationality is the nation of registration for the transport. Each transport is assigned to a base from a list of bases. Various cost information is listed such as cost per mile, daily cost, maximum range, maximum speed, fuel capacity, fuel level and the
- Selecting vendor 390 produces an entry form that has blocks such as those noted
- Vendels are at 396 for each vendor.
- Such information would include a system generated vendor I.D. number that is not subject to edit. The name of the vendor company is entered.
- a vendor is entered.
- the operator selects shipping 398 from main screen map 228 as
- a route window 404 is displayed as shown in FIG. 9.
- the user opens the manifest list 322 (FIG. 11) as indicated at 412 (FIG. 13) to show manifest window 324 as per FIG. 9 to allow visibility of the cargo requiring
- the logistics computer program of the present invention is designed to automatically select the best suited transport and route to support the requirements for delivery. The user must identify the
- manifested cargo to be calculated by the system such as by dragging the desired manifest
- route window 404 After the desired manifested cargo is moved into route window 404, the user starts the system routing process by
- time drop down menu 410 is displayed giving the user options such as determining routes
- Selecting automatic 416 allows the system to conduct transport selections, calculate cost,
- Miss Amanda 424 calculated as the most economical transport is shown in window 426 of FIG. 9.
- the system preferably will furnish as many as five transports or routes for the operator to choose from. The user may place the cursor on each of the identified
- a transport may be assigned to the route whereupon the system automatically calculates the route cost and other data for the user.
- Selecting edit route at 432 in FIG. 13 and shown in FIG. 9, displays information for the selected route including a unique route identification number, cost data, dates, and other related information some
- the route is named as indicated at 436. If desired, the route can be stored for future use as indicated at 438 in FIG. 13.
- the user may preview the manifest as indicated at 440 in FIG. 13 .
- the manifest status will be updated.
- only the assigned base may print the manifest for delivery to a respective location.
- the user may print the manifest
- Database update 448 seen along the top of the screen in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, permits the operator to update all workstation databases, such as MicrosoftTM databases from the OracleTM server database as indicated at 450 in FIG. 14, to update all OracleTM
- tables to update is provided as indicated at 456 and 458 where individual tables may be selected for updating. It is also possible to simply select to update all tables as indicated at 460 and 462. Preferably, as each table is updated, it appears in a window with the
- Configuration 468 may also be selected from the main screen to configure the
- Standard program preferably includes two configurations, General and Packet Radio.
- a password is necessary as indicated at 470.
- a telephone number for the OracleTM server is entered at 472.
- the system checks for a LAN network and if one is found, it will operate using the LAN as indicated at 474. If no LAN is detected or if the LAN is or becomes inoperative, then the system will make a RAS connection and update using the RAS connection.
- a location ID and name are preferably
- a communications window as indicated at 478 is available for entering a host name, a domain name, workstation password, and a user ID as shown by
- a database window as indicated at 482 is utilized to enter the OracleTM service
- the system must be configured for this operation as indicated at 486.
- the packet radio selection is made for a configuration as indicated at 488, the system will
- a call sign block is used to indicate whether communications ports are available communications ports are shown for selection.
- the role block permits the user to select either base or transport.
- the interval is activated if transport is the role and allows the user to enter the interval at which the packet radio will attempt to make
- a broadcast all block is only activated if base is
- a terminal on block allows a typed message to be
- the cargo container would have material listed for each user that would be available only to that user and
- GPS information may be checked over the Internet as discussed previously.
- a person who is shipping material in a cargo container can check on the position of his cargo and check into the details of what is packed in that container as pertains to that person. Another person sharing the same container could check what is listed for
- a shipper may have
- the invention may be used in many formats for tracking and monitoring as
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP00910097A EP1240565A2 (en) | 1999-02-09 | 2000-02-07 | Logistics system and method |
AU32245/00A AU3224500A (en) | 1999-02-09 | 2000-02-07 | Logistics system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11937899P | 1999-02-09 | 1999-02-09 | |
US60/119,378 | 1999-02-09 | ||
US12565899P | 1999-03-22 | 1999-03-22 | |
US60/125,658 | 1999-03-22 | ||
US09/396,287 US6879962B1 (en) | 1998-05-24 | 1999-09-15 | Logistics system and method |
US09/396,287 | 1999-09-15 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000048054A2 true WO2000048054A2 (en) | 2000-08-17 |
WO2000048054A3 WO2000048054A3 (en) | 2000-12-07 |
Family
ID=27382303
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/003125 WO2000048054A2 (en) | 1999-02-09 | 2000-02-07 | Logistics system and method |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1240565A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU3224500A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000048054A2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2001067337A1 (en) * | 2000-03-07 | 2001-09-13 | Chartering Solutions | Internet system for exchanging and organizing vessel transport information |
WO2002021318A2 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2002-03-14 | Petrovantage, Inc. | Computer method and apparatus for vessel selection and optimization |
WO2002035393A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2002-05-02 | Manugistics, Inc. | System and methods for sharing and viewing supply chain information |
US6463419B1 (en) | 2000-03-07 | 2002-10-08 | Chartering Solutions | Internet system for exchanging and organizing vessel transport information |
GB2380570A (en) * | 2001-06-27 | 2003-04-09 | Inventec Corp | Computerised automatic management system and method for logistics control |
EP1362275A2 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2003-11-19 | Robert M. Carson | Container tracking system |
DE10245169A1 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-04-01 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Electronic data exchange system |
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US5434775A (en) * | 1993-11-04 | 1995-07-18 | The General Hospital Corporation | Managing an inventory of devices |
US5666493A (en) * | 1993-08-24 | 1997-09-09 | Lykes Bros., Inc. | System for managing customer orders and method of implementation |
US5712989A (en) * | 1993-04-02 | 1998-01-27 | Fisher Scientific Company | Just-in-time requisition and inventory management system |
US6014628A (en) * | 1997-11-03 | 2000-01-11 | Exigent International, Inc. | Method and system for tracking any entity through any set of processes utilizing a temporal projection |
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2000
- 2000-02-07 WO PCT/US2000/003125 patent/WO2000048054A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-02-07 EP EP00910097A patent/EP1240565A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-02-07 AU AU32245/00A patent/AU3224500A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
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US5712989A (en) * | 1993-04-02 | 1998-01-27 | Fisher Scientific Company | Just-in-time requisition and inventory management system |
US5666493A (en) * | 1993-08-24 | 1997-09-09 | Lykes Bros., Inc. | System for managing customer orders and method of implementation |
US5434775A (en) * | 1993-11-04 | 1995-07-18 | The General Hospital Corporation | Managing an inventory of devices |
US6014628A (en) * | 1997-11-03 | 2000-01-11 | Exigent International, Inc. | Method and system for tracking any entity through any set of processes utilizing a temporal projection |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2001067337A1 (en) * | 2000-03-07 | 2001-09-13 | Chartering Solutions | Internet system for exchanging and organizing vessel transport information |
US6463419B1 (en) | 2000-03-07 | 2002-10-08 | Chartering Solutions | Internet system for exchanging and organizing vessel transport information |
WO2002021318A2 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2002-03-14 | Petrovantage, Inc. | Computer method and apparatus for vessel selection and optimization |
WO2002021318A3 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2003-03-27 | Petrovantage Inc | Computer method and apparatus for vessel selection and optimization |
US6983186B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2006-01-03 | Aspen Technology, Inc. | Computer method and apparatus for vessel selection and optimization |
WO2002035393A1 (en) * | 2000-10-27 | 2002-05-02 | Manugistics, Inc. | System and methods for sharing and viewing supply chain information |
EP1362275A2 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2003-11-19 | Robert M. Carson | Container tracking system |
EP1362275A4 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2005-06-15 | Robert M Carson | Container tracking system |
US7194330B2 (en) | 2000-11-27 | 2007-03-20 | Containertrac.Com, Inc. | Container tracking system |
GB2380570A (en) * | 2001-06-27 | 2003-04-09 | Inventec Corp | Computerised automatic management system and method for logistics control |
DE10245169A1 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-04-01 | Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen Gmbh | Electronic data exchange system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2000048054A3 (en) | 2000-12-07 |
EP1240565A2 (en) | 2002-09-18 |
AU3224500A (en) | 2000-08-29 |
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