Cargo management device, cargo management method, and program

It is determined whether or not a cargo identifier (ID) transmitted from a cargo tag attached to a container has been detected by a first antenna provided in a fork, and a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of the cargo is determined according to a detection situation of the cargo ID.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2017/008099 filed Mar. 1, 2017, claiming priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-054713 filed Mar. 18, 2016, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cargo management device, a cargo management method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

In the logistics industry, cargo distribution management is performed by reading identification numbers of cargos from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the cargos. Techniques for performing management of cargos using RFID tags are disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Non-Patent Literature 1.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the technique of Patent Literature 1 described above, a technique for reading ID information of an RFID tag attached to a container when a forklift inserts a fork-shaped arm into the container is disclosed. Further, the same technique is also described in Non-Patent Literature 1.

However, it may be difficult to determine a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination. For example, when hydraulic pressure information indicating raising and lowering of the fork of the forklift is not acquired in transport of the container, a place where the transport vehicle such as the forklift performs carrying-in and carrying-out of the cargo may not be able to be accurately specified.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a cargo management device, a cargo management method and a program that solve the above-described problems.

Solution to Problem

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cargo management device includes a cargo management unit configured to: determine whether or not a cargo identifier (ID) transmitted from a cargo ID transmission device attached to a cargo has been detected by a first antenna provided in a cargo gripping mechanism of a transport vehicle; and determine a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of the cargo based on a detection situation of the cargo ID.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cargo management method includes determining whether or not a cargo ID transmitted from a cargo ID transmission device attached to a cargo has been detected by a first antenna provided in a cargo gripping mechanism of a transport vehicle, and determining a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of the cargo based on a detection situation of the cargo ID.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a program causes a computer of a cargo management device to function as a cargo management means configured to: determine whether or not a cargo ID transmitted from a cargo ID transmission device attached to a cargo has been detected by a first antenna provided in a cargo gripping mechanism of a transport vehicle; and determine a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of the cargo based on a detection situation of the cargo ID.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to determine a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of a cargo that a transport vehicle transports without obtaining hydraulic pressure information of a cargo gripping mechanism of the transport vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a cargo management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a diagram showing a relationship between a forklift and a container according to the embodiment.

InFIG. 1, the forklift10is an example of a transport vehicle. The container20is an example of a cargo. The forklift10includes a cargo management device1, a first antenna11, a second antenna12, a satellite positioning antenna13, and a communication antenna14. In addition, a cargo tag21which is a cargo identifier (ID) transmission device is attached to the container20.

The first antenna11is attached to a fork (a cargo gripping mechanism) of the forklift10. The cargo tag21is attached at a position on lower side of the container so that communication with the first antenna11can be performed when the forklift10inserts the fork under a bottom of the container20in order to transport the container20.

The forklift10transports the container20in response to an operation of a driver. When the forklift10moves the container20to another position, the forklift10lifts up the container20to a predetermined height. The driver operates the forklift10to lift the container20to the predetermined height, thereby ensuring a view of the driver at the time of driving. The second antenna12is installed at a position on the forklift10at which communication with the cargo tag21can be performed at a predetermined height at which the container20is lifted up in response to an operation of the driver when the forklift10transports the container20.

The first antenna11and the second antenna12are antennas that receive a signal transmitted by the cargo tag21. At least a cargo ID is included in the signal transmitted by the cargo tag21.

The satellite positioning antenna13is an antenna that receives a signal from an artificial satellite. The cargo management device1receives a signal from the artificial satellite and acquires information included in the signal. The cargo management device1detects a position of the forklift10on the basis of the information included in the signal.

The communication antenna14is an antenna that transmits and receives a signal when the cargo management device1communicates with another device. The communication antenna14is connected to the cargo management device1by a cable.

The cargo management device1determines a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of a cargo such as the container20. Hereinafter, the cargo management device1will be described in detail.

FIG. 2is a first diagram showing an example of the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination.

The example of the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination shown inFIG. 2shows a first truck. Placement position tags31which are placement position ID transmission devices are attached to the first truck.

FIG. 3is a second diagram showing an example of the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination.

The example of the carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination shown inFIG. 3shows a second truck. A placement position tag31is also attached to the second truck.

FIG. 4is a third diagram showing an example of the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination.

The example of the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination shown inFIG. 4shows a freight vehicle. A placement position tag31is also attached to the freight vehicle.

FIG. 5is a fourth diagram showing an example of the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination.

The example of the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination shown inFIG. 5shows a cage cart. A placement position tag31is also attached to the cage cart.

The cargo management device1according to the embodiment specifies a site such as a container yard, or the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination such as the truck, the freight vehicle, and the cage cart shown inFIGS. 2 to 5. The truck, the freight vehicle, the cage cart, and the like are examples of a loading structure on which the container20is loaded.

FIG. 6is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the cargo management device.

As shown inFIG. 6, the cargo management device1includes components such as a central processing unit (CPU)201, an interface (IF)202, a communication unit203, a read only memory (ROM)204, a random access memory (RAM)205, a hard disk drive (HDD)206, and an RFID reader207. The communication unit203performs transmission and reception of a signal via the communication antenna14. The RFID reader207performs control of reception of signals received by the first antenna11or the second antenna12. The IF202is connected to, for example, a touch panel display provided in the cargo management device1.

FIG. 7is a functional block diagram of the cargo management device.

The cargo management device1includes functions of an ID detection unit71, a cargo management unit72, a transport state determination unit73, a position detection unit74, a display unit75, an other-device cooperation unit76and a tag data checking unit78by the CPU101executing a program that is stored in advance. Further, the cargo management device1includes a storage unit77.

The ID detection unit71detects the ID on the basis of the signal transmitted from the cargo tag21or the placement position tag31. The ID is a cargo ID, a placement position ID, or the like. The cargo ID includes at least identification information of the cargo. For example, the cargo may be uniquely identified by the cargo ID. The placement position ID includes at least identification information of the truck, the freight vehicle, the cage cart, or the like of which a placement position can be specified. For example, the truck, the freight vehicle, and the cage cart are uniquely identified by the placement position ID.

The cargo management unit72determines the carrying-in source or the carrying-out destination of the container20, which is a cargo according to a detection situation of the ID of the ID detection unit71.

The transport state determination unit73determines a cargo transport state of the forklift10according to a situation in which the cargo ID has been detected by the first antenna11or the second antenna12.

The position detection unit74detects a position of the forklift10on the basis of a signal transmitted from the satellite via the satellite positioning antenna13.

The display unit75displays information on the cargo management device1.

The other-device cooperation unit76transmits and receives information to and from another device connected via the communication antenna14.

The tag data checking unit78checks a data system included in the received cargo ID, the received placement position ID, and the like.

The storage unit77stores various types of information.

FIG. 8is a diagram showing a first operation example of the forklift.

FIG. 8shows a state in which the forklift10inserts a fork of the forklift10under a bottom of a container20that is placed at a site such as a container yard. This example is a situation to be viewed at a first timing when the forklift10lifts up the container20from the ground and starts to carry the container20or a second timing when the forklift10moves the container20and places the container20at a predetermined position at the site.

In the case where the cargo management unit72determines that the first timing occurs, the cargo management unit72first determines that the cargo ID is not received by the first antenna11or the second antenna12in a state in which the container20is not being carried (1-a). Then, when the fork is inserted under the container20, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID is received using only the first antenna11(1-b). When such a time-series situation occurs, the cargo management unit72determines that the first timing has occurred. It should be noted that the second antenna12is attached to the forklift10with directivity for radio waves so that the cargo ID cannot be detected in the situation1-b.

In the case where the cargo management unit72determines that the second timing occurs, the driver operates the forklift10to lift up the container20, and the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID is received by both the first antenna11and the second antenna12(2-a). Then, when the container20is placed at a movement destination, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID is received using only the first antenna11(2-b). When the forklift10is reversed, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID is not received by both of the first antenna11and the second antenna12(2-c). When such a time-series situation occurs, the cargo management unit72determines that the second timing has occurred. It should be noted that the second antenna12is attached to the forklift10with directivity for radio waves so that the cargo ID cannot be detected in the situation2-b.

FIG. 9is a diagram showing a second operation example of the forklift.

FIG. 9shows a state in which the fork of the forklift10is inserted under the bottom of the container20in a state in which the container20is disposed in a freight vehicle on which the forklift10loads the container20. This example is a situation to be viewed at a third timing when the forklift10lifts up the container20from the freight vehicle and starts to transport the container20to another position, or a fourth timing when the forklift10moves the container20from another position to the freight vehicle and loads the container20onto the freight vehicle.

In the case where the cargo management unit72determines that the third timing occurs, the cargo management unit72first determines that both the first antenna11and the second antenna12cannot detect the cargo ID (3-a). Then, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID and the placement position ID are detected by the first antenna11(3-b). When such a time-series situation occurs, the cargo management unit72determines that the third timing has occurred. It should be noted that the second antenna12is attached to the forklift10with directivity for radio waves so that the cargo ID and the placement position ID cannot be detected in the situation3-b.

In the case where the cargo management unit72determines that the fourth timing occurs, the cargo management unit72first determines that the cargo ID is detected by both the first antenna11and the second antenna, for example, during traveling of the forklift10(4-a). Then, when the container is disposed on the freight vehicle, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID cannot be detected by the second antenna (4-b). Then, the cargo management unit72determines that both the cargo ID and the placement position ID are detected by the first antenna11(4-c). When such a time-series situation occurs, the cargo management unit72determines that the fourth timing has occurred. It should be noted that the second antenna12is attached to the forklift10with directivity for radio waves so that the cargo ID and the placement position ID cannot be detected under the situation4-c.

FIG. 10is a diagram showing a third operation example of the forklift.

FIG. 10shows a state in which the forklift10inserts the fork of the forklift10under a bottom of a container20disposed at an upper stage in a state in which containers20are disposed in a stacked state. This example is a situation to be viewed at a fifth timing when the forklift10lifts up the container20disposed at the upper stage and starts to carry the container20to another position or a sixth timing when the disposition of the container20that the forklift10has moved from the other position onto another container20is assumed to have been completed.

In the case where the cargo management unit72determines that the fifth timing occurs, the cargo management unit72first determines that the cargo ID cannot be detected by both the first antenna11and the second antenna since the container20is not being carried (5-a). Then, since the fork of the forklift10is inserted under the bottom of the upper container20, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID is detected by both the first antenna11and the second antenna12(5-b). When such a time-series situation occurs, the cargo management unit72determines that the fifth timing has occurred.

In the case where the cargo management unit72determines that the sixth timing occurs, the cargo management unit72first determines that the cargo ID is detected by both the first antenna11and the second antenna12while the forklift10is traveling (6-a). Further, the cargo management unit72determines that a period of time during which the cargo ID is detected by both the first antenna11and the second antenna12is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (6-b). Also, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID cannot be detected by both the first antenna11and the second antenna12(6-c). When such a time-series situation occurs, the cargo management unit72determines that the sixth timing has occurred.

Each of the above-described schemes of determining the timings shown in FIGS.8to10are examples, and the cargo management unit72may determine each of the above timings or other timings according to reception timings of the cargo ID or the placement position ID received by the first antenna11or the second antenna12or a time-series reception situation.

FIG. 11is a first diagram showing a series of operations of the forklift.

Next, an example in which the forklift disposes the container20that is placed on a site such as a container yard in another position in the site will be described. In this case, a position at which the container20at the site which is the container yard is placed is a carrying-in source. Further, the other position is a carrying-out destination.

The driver operates the forklift10to insert the fork of the forklift10under the bottom of the container20(step S1). Accordingly, the first antenna11receives the cargo ID. The cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID has been detected in the first antenna11and detects that the first timing occurs (FIG. 8). When a plurality of containers20are disposed side by side, the first antenna11is likely to receive cargo IDs from cargo tags21attached to the plurality of containers20. When the cargo management unit72detects the cargo IDs of the plurality of containers20, the cargo management unit72acquires the cargo ID included in a signal having the highest reception intensity. The cargo management unit72acquires a current position of the forklift10at a time when the cargo ID is acquired, from the position detection unit74. The cargo management unit72primarily records the cargo ID and the current position in the storage unit77. Further, the cargo management unit72outputs the cargo ID and the current position to the other-device cooperation unit76. The other-device cooperation unit76may notify the high-level system of the cargo system ID, the current position, and the forklift ID. In this notification, information indicating that the first timing occurs may be included. Through such processes, the high-level system can manage which forklift works and when, where, to which cargo and what it is doing.

The driver operates the forklift10to move the container20to another position in the site. In this case, the driver lifts up the fork of the forklift10to secure a view (step S2). Then, each of the first antenna11and the second antenna12receives the cargo ID. When a shift from the first timing to this state occurs, the transport state determination unit73determines that transport is being performed. When the forklift10arrives at a placement position of a predetermined carrying-out destination in the site, the container20is disposed at that position. In this case, the second antenna12cannot detect the cargo ID. The cargo management unit72detects that the second timing occurs. In this case, the cargo management unit72acquires the current position at the time of detection of the second timing, from the position detection unit74. When the forklift10is reversed, the cargo management unit72cannot detect the cargo ID with the first antenna11(step S3). The cargo management unit72outputs the current position and the cargo ID which are not detected by the first antenna11and the second antenna12, to the other-device cooperation unit76. The other-device cooperation unit76may notify the high-level system of the detection of the cargo ID, the current position, the forklift ID, and the detection of the second timing. Through such process, the high-level system can manage which forklift works and when, where, to which cargo and what it is doing.

FIG. 12is a second diagram showing a series of operations of the forklift.

Next, an example in a case in which the forklift10disposes the container20placed on one of the freight vehicles41onto another freight vehicle42will be described. In this case, one of the freight vehicles41is a carrying-in source. Further, the other freight vehicle42is a carrying-out destination.

The driver operates the forklift10to insert the fork of the forklift10under the bottom of the container20loaded on the freight vehicle41(step S121). Accordingly, the first antenna11receives the cargo ID and the placement position ID. The cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID and the placement position ID are detected in the first antenna11and detects that the third timing occurs (FIG. 9). The tag data checking unit78may determine whether or not the placement position ID indicates the freight vehicle. For example, when the forklift10transports out the cargo from a pre-designated freight vehicle, the tag data checking unit78may determine whether the placement position ID indicates the freight vehicle and may determine that a warning display is performed when the placement position ID does not indicate the freight vehicle. When a plurality of containers20are disposed side by side on the freight vehicle41, the first antenna11is likely to receive the cargo IDs from the cargo tags21attached to the plurality of containers20. When the cargo management unit72detects the cargo IDs of the plurality of containers20, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID included in a signal with the highest reception intensity is acquired. Further, in this case, when a plurality of placement position tags31are attached to the freight vehicle, the cargo management unit72is likely to determine that a plurality of placement position IDs are received. In this case, the cargo management unit72determines whether or not the placement position ID is received through a signal having the same degree of signal intensity as the signal intensity of the signal through which the cargo ID is received. When the placement position ID is received through the signal having the same degree of signal intensity as the signal intensity of the cargo ID, the position of the cargo and the placement position substantially match each other. Therefore, the cargo management unit72acquires a combination of the cargo ID and the placement position ID received with the same degree of signal intensity.

The cargo management unit72acquires the current position of the forklift10at a time when the cargo ID and the placement position ID are acquired, from the position detection unit74. The cargo management unit72primarily records the cargo ID, the placement position ID and the current position in the storage unit77. Further, the cargo management unit72outputs the cargo ID, the placement position ID and the current position to the other-device cooperation unit76. The other-device cooperation unit76may notify the upper-level system of the cargo ID, the placement position ID, the current position and the forklift ID. In this notification, information indicating that the third timing occurs may be included. Through such process, the high-level system can manage when, where, to which cargo and what a forklift is doing.

The driver operates the forklift10to move the container20onto the other freight vehicle42. In this case, the driver lifts up the fork of the forklift10to secure a field of vision (step S122). Then, each of the first antenna11and the second antenna12receives the cargo ID. When a shift from the third timing to this state occurs, the transport state determination unit73determines that the transport is being performed. When the driver arrives at the other freight vehicle42, the driver disposes the container20on the freight vehicle42. In this case, the second antenna12cannot detect the cargo ID. Further, the first antenna11receives the cargo ID and the placement position ID of the placement position tag31attached to the freight vehicle42. Accordingly, the cargo management unit72detects that the fourth timing occurs. In this case, when a plurality of placement position tags31are attached to the freight vehicle, the cargo management unit72is likely to determine that the plurality of placement position IDs are received. In this case, the cargo management unit72determines whether or not the placement position ID is received through a signal having the same degree of signal intensity as the signal intensity of the signal through which the cargo ID is received. When the placement position ID is received through the signal having the same degree of signal intensity as the signal intensity of the cargo ID, the position of the cargo and the placement position substantially match each other. Therefore, the cargo management unit72acquires a combination of the cargo ID and the placement position ID received with the same degree of signal intensity.

The cargo management unit72acquires the current position at the time of detection of the fourth timing, from the position detection unit74. When the forklift10is reversed, the cargo management unit72cannot detect the cargo ID and the placement position1D with the first antenna11(step S123). The cargo management unit72outputs the cargo ID and the placement ID to the other-device cooperation unit76. The other-device cooperation unit76may notify the high-level system of the cargo ID, the placement position ID, the current position, the forklift ID and the detection of the fourth timing. Through such process, the high-level system can manage which forklift works and when, where, to which cargo and what it is doing.

FIG. 13is a third diagram showing a series of operations of the forklift.

Next, a case in which the forklift10disposes a container20in an upper stage stacked vertically in two stages in one placement position at the site of the container yard, onto the container20placed at another placement position in the site, will be described. In this case, one placement position is a carrying-in source. Further, the other placement position is a carrying-out destination.

The driver operates the forklift10to insert the fork of the forklift10under the bottom of the container20at an upper stage among the containers20stacked vertically in two stages in one placement position (step S131). When the forklift10inserts the fork of the forklift10under the bottom of the container20at the upper stage, the second antenna12has been attached to the forklift10in advance so that the second antenna12is located at the same height as the height of the cargo tag21of the container20. Accordingly, the cargo ID is received by the first antenna11and the second antenna12. The cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID is detected by the first antenna11and the second antenna12and detects that the fifth timing occurs. When a plurality of containers20are disposed side by side, the first antenna11or the second antenna12is likely to receive the cargo IDs from the cargo tags21attached to the plurality of containers20. When the cargo IDs of the plurality of containers20are received by each antenna, the cargo management unit72determines that the cargo ID included in a signal with the highest reception signal intensity is acquired.

The cargo management unit72acquires the current position of the forklift10at a time when the cargo ID is acquired, from the position detection unit74. The cargo management unit72primarily records the cargo ID and the current position in the storage unit77. Further, the cargo management unit72outputs the cargo ID and the current position to the other-device cooperation unit76. The other-device cooperation unit76may notify the upper-level system of the cargo ID, the current position and the forklift ID. In this notification, information indicating that the fifth timing occurs may be included. Through such process, the high-level system can manage when, where, to which cargo and what a forklift is doing.

The driver operates the forklift10to move the container20to the other placement position. In this case, the driver drives it while securing a field of vision by lifting up the fork of the forklift10(step S132). Each of the first antenna11and the second antenna12always receives the cargo ID on driving. The transport state determination unit73determines that the transport is being performed when a period of time during which the cargo ID is detected by the first antenna11and the second antenna12has continued for a predetermined time or longer. When the driver arrives at the other placement position, the drivers disposes the transported container20onto the container20that has already been disposed. When the driver backs the forklift10to pull out the fork from under the container20transported to the other placement position, both the first antenna11and the second antenna12cannot detect the cargo ID (step S133). Accordingly, the cargo management unit72detects that the sixth timing occurs.

The cargo management unit72acquires the current position at the time of detection of the sixth timing, from the position detection unit74. The cargo management unit72outputs the cargo ID that cannot be detected and the current position to the other-device cooperation unit76. The other-device cooperation unit76may notify the high-level system of the cargo ID, the current position, the forklift ID and the detection of the sixth timing. Through such process, the above-described high-level system can manage which forklift works and when, where, to which cargo and what it is doing.

FIG. 14is a diagram showing a processing flow of the cargo management device1.

In the cargo management device1, the cargo management unit72determines whether the ID received in the first antenna11or the second antenna12is the cargo ID or the placement position ID (step S141). Then, the transport state determination unit73determines a transport state of the forklift10(step S142). The cargo management unit72detects the transport state, specifies the received ID, and determines a current timing (for example, the first to sixth timings) on the basis of such recorded time-series information (step S143). Further, the tag data checking unit78checks the received cargo ID or placement position ID (step S144). The tag data checking unit78may output warning information or the like to a monitor when a data system of the checked cargo ID or placement position ID does not match the system recorded in the storage unit77. When the current timing is a predetermined timing, the cargo management unit72determines that the information is to be transmitted to the high-level system (step S145). The cargo management unit72acquires the current position from the position detection unit74(step S146). The cargo management unit72transmits information indicating the cargo ID, the placement position ID, the current position and the timing to the high-level system (step S147).

The cargo management device1may receive and store a work schedule list from the high-level system or the like in advance. In the work schedule list, information on an order of the cargo IDs of containers to be transported, the carrying-out source and the carrying-out destination is recorded. The cargo management unit72of the cargo management device1may compare the order of the cargo IDs of the containers20to be transported or the carrying-out source and the carrying-out destination of the container20with the work schedule list to determine whether the order, the carrying-out source and the carrying-out destination match those in the work schedule list. In this case, the cargo management unit72may display warning information on a touch panel display or the like when time-series information on a work situation of the forklift10does not match that in the work schedule list. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent erroneous transfer of the cargo of an operator.

The cargo management device1may store a map in the storage unit and the display unit75may display the map and the current position on the display.

Further, the cargo management device1may determine a signal intensity from the cargo tag21or the placement position tag31, store the signal intensity thereof and manage a change in the signal intensity. The cargo management device1may determine whether or not the signal intensity becomes significantly weaker, and determine that the cargo tag21or the placement position tag31is deteriorated when the signal intensity becomes weaker. In this case, the cargo management device1outputs a deterioration signal including information (the cargo ID or the placement position ID) on the deteriorated cargo tag21or placement position tag31and the current position to the high-level system. Accordingly, it is possible to specify the deteriorated cargo tag21or placement position tag31in the high-level system.

The first antenna11and the second antenna12described above may have a function of controlling the directivity. For example, the cargo management device1may be able to electrically or mechanically change a direction of the directivity of the first antenna or the second antenna or a radio wave output intensity. For example, the directivity or output of the second antenna may be increased as compared to the first antenna, such that a signal from each of tags at a distant place can be received.

FIG. 15is a diagram showing a minimum configuration of the cargo management device.

As shown inFIG. 15, a cargo management device1includes at least a cargo management unit72. The cargo management unit72determines whether or not the cargo ID transmitted from the cargo tag21attached to the cargo is detected by the first antenna provided in the cargo gripping mechanism of the transport vehicle. The cargo management unit72determines a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of the cargo on the basis of a detection situation of the cargo ID.

The cargo management device described above has a computer system. The steps of each process described above are stored in the form of a program in a computer-readable recording medium, and the above process is performed by the computer reading and executing this program. Here, the computer-readable recording medium refers to a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Further, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer receiving this distribution may execute the program.

Further, the above program may be a program for realizing some of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the above program may be a so-called difference file (differential program) which can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is also applicable to applications in which it is indispensable to determine a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of a cargo that a transport vehicle transports without obtaining operation information of a cargo gripping mechanism of the transport vehicle.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST