Innovations of information and communication technology (ICT) open plenty opportunities to promot... more Innovations of information and communication technology (ICT) open plenty opportunities to promote internal operation efficiency and external service level in logistics. As current logistics developments tend to be more complex in operation and large in scale, recent practices start to pay more attentions on improving asset (e.g. equipment and infrastructure) management performance with new ICT development. One of the primary concern is to improve system robustness and reliability. It not only requires the supervision system be capable of diagnosing the condition of the system, but also proficient to find the intrinsic relationship between different conditions and resources thus lead to an integrated decision making process. Moreover, recent ICT innovations, such as WSN and IOT, could record and deliver system descriptors (physical measurements, virtual resources, operational configurations) in real time. Such large-stream and heterogeneous data requires an integrated framework to p...
16th International IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC 2013), 2013
ABSTRACT The performance of container terminals needs to be improved to adapt to the growth of ha... more ABSTRACT The performance of container terminals needs to be improved to adapt to the growth of handled containers and maintain sustainability. This paper provides a methodology to balance the throughput and energy consumption of equipment inside a container terminal. The behaviors of different types of equipment in the container terminal are modeled as a collection of interconnected hybrid systems. Model predictive control is proposed for balancing the performance of the container terminal. A simulation study illustrates how setting a penalty on energy consumption influences the throughput of the container terminal on the one hand, and sustainability on the other hand.
Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 2015
The control of automated container terminals is complex since Quay Cranes (QCs), Automated Guided... more The control of automated container terminals is complex since Quay Cranes (QCs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) interact intensively for transporting containers, while collision avoidance of equipment must be ensured. This paper proposes a methodology to generate collision-free trajectories of free-ranging AGVs in automated container terminals, while minimizing the makespan of the whole container handling system. A hierarchical control architecture is proposed to integrate the scheduling of interacting machines and trajectory planning of AGVs. Following a so-called overall graph sequence by a scheduler, the collision-free trajectories of AGVs are determined by solving a collection of mixed integer linear programming problems sequentially. Simulation results illustrate the potential of the proposed methodology.
Proceedings of 2014 IEEE International Conference on Service Operations and Logistics, and Informatics, 2014
Hinterland transport plays a dominant role in today's logistics chain. However, the present w... more Hinterland transport plays a dominant role in today's logistics chain. However, the present way of its transport planning is far from optimal. Information inaccessibility and old-fashioned communication are key issues that prevent planning reaching optimal. In addition, none contractual relationship between different stakeholders (e.g. terminal operators and barge operators) makes central planning even more difficult. This paper describes the development of an agent-based information integrated platform for hinterland waterway barge transport planning. The objective is to facilitate data exchange and establish an optimal plan for involved parties. The system can be described as a decision support and communication system in which soft agents handle communication tasks and exchange desired information among different stakeholders. The agents interact via a web interface with a so called hinterland transportation planning system where agent behaviour is coordinated, the level of information exchange is controlled and plan is created and stored. A prototype of the agent-based intelligent system has been developed which demonstrated the successful agent functioning and coordination between different agents in a web-based environment.
Proceedings of 2014 IEEE International Conference on Service Operations and Logistics, and Informatics, 2014
In 2013, as a platform with the 22 largest postal companies in the world, the International Post ... more In 2013, as a platform with the 22 largest postal companies in the world, the International Post Corporation has launched the e-Commerce Interconnected Programme (CIP) to setup a new cross-border electronic commerce infrastructure. The CIP aims to help international postal operators to provide more reliable services and operations with respect to more accurately and in-time tracking and tracing postal parcels. This paper investigates the opportunities and comes up with the design of a cross-border parcel handling infrastructure. The low level infrastructure is implemented based on radio frequency identification technology for tracking parcels in international shipments. The high level infrastructure can be achieved via a generic information integration framework. The implementation of the tracking and tracing system shows the increased visibility during international e-commerce activities.
To estimate the loading situation on idler rolls is essential for the design of trough belt conve... more To estimate the loading situation on idler rolls is essential for the design of trough belt conveyors. This paper presents a new analytical model to calculate the load distribution on three-rolls trough idlers. By means of stress field analysis and stress discontinuity method, this model analyses the dynamic statuses of both active stress and passive stress of the material on the belt. Based on a case study, the results of this model show the correlation with other theoretical models and match more to industrial design criteria. This model can be applied to investigate the load balance of individual rolls and to optimize the design of belt conveyor idlers.
2011 IEEE Forum on Integrated and Sustainable Transportation Systems, 2011
ABSTRACT During transshipment of dry bulk solids spillage from grabs regularly takes place due to... more ABSTRACT During transshipment of dry bulk solids spillage from grabs regularly takes place due to several reasons. So far, the effect of this spillage on the water quality in ports is unknown. This research investigated the effect of commonly handled dry bulk materials (iron ore, steam coal, soybean meal, wheat, aluminum oxide) on water quality. A set of three toxic measurements was performed with organisms of different trophic levels (the crustacean Daphnia magna, the bacteria Vibrio fischeri, and the algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata). The results revealed that no acute toxic effect of steam coal, iron oxide, wood pellets, petroleum cokes, and fertilizer were found for concentrations up to 180 mg/L. Effects were found for wheat, aluminum oxide and soybean meal for concentrations lower than 180 mg/L. Interpretation of the results depends on the actual concentrations of the spilled material in water. Therefore, location specific circumstances such as type of port (e.g. sea or inland port), water flow, water depth and expected dilution of the water, should be taken into account.
Large-scale belt conveyor systems are widely involved in medium and long distance transport of bu... more Large-scale belt conveyor systems are widely involved in medium and long distance transport of bulk material. The spatially distributed idler rolls are a great challenge to maintain the reliability of the conveyor systems. Automation of maintenance in intelligent ways provides a promising solution to replace traditional corrective maintenance. This paper further elaborates the concept of intelligent maintenance introduced by Lodewijks in 2004. We review state-of-the-art idler roll data acquisition, decision-making techniques and recent development of robotic roll replacement. A novel SD model based maintenance logistics control is proposed. The viability of robotic idler roll replacement has been demonstrated by case studies. Opportunities in the intelligent maintenance of idler rolls are discussed. Cloud-based intelligent maintenance is considered an emerging trend in the near future.
Proceedings of 2012 9th IEEE International Conference on Networking, Sensing and Control, 2012
To maintain the reliability of material transport systems, monitoring of the entire system is req... more To maintain the reliability of material transport systems, monitoring of the entire system is required to optimize maintenance and operational control strategies. Traditional monitoring mainly focuses on individual subsystems and components. Due to the high distribution and system complexity, the monitoring and control of large-scale material transport systems need to be carried out in intelligent ways with integrated information. Agent technology, as an artificial intelligence methodology to handle the complexity of distributed systems, has been introduced in the field of continuous material conveying. This paper presents a multi-agent system (MAS) for the intelligent monitoring in large-scale continuous material transport. Under an agent-based architecture, annalistic and diagnostic entities and operational decision-making are carried out by the agents that monitor individual system parts and components. These agents are integrated together to form cooperative communities to achieve the goals of individual agents and, especially, of the monitoring system as a whole. This paper discusses the architecture, functions, knowledge organization and agent communication of the MAS. A prototype of the agent-based intelligent monitoring has been built in laboratory environment. The implementation of the agent system has showed successful single agent functioning and the cooperation and the coordination between multiple agents. The application of agent technology reduces the complexity of the large-scale monitoring system by means of integrating individual monitoring systems.
16th International IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC 2013), 2013
ABSTRACT Waterborne transport faces challenges such as increasing volume, higher environmental re... more ABSTRACT Waterborne transport faces challenges such as increasing volume, higher environmental requirements and more serious shortage of seafarers in the future. Intelligent vessels, which means that they can comprehend the surroundings and figure out what to do autonomously, could relieve these challenges. However, currently there are few applications of intelligent vessels for civilization use. On the other hand, a variety of technologies has been applied successfully for military or environmental use vessels. This paper summarizes the general architecture of an intelligent vessel based on the existing Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and then focuses on the internal algorithmic techniques when representing such a vessel as a hierarchical system, from multi-source data fusion, path planning to low level motion control. Alongside, cooperative vessel formation control is briefly reviewed. Then, translation of the theories, algorithms and applications in these fields to the domain of intelligent transportation vessels is discussed. Possible directions for future research in intelligent transport vessels are outlined.
Innovations of information and communication technology (ICT) open plenty opportunities to promot... more Innovations of information and communication technology (ICT) open plenty opportunities to promote internal operation efficiency and external service level in logistics. As current logistics developments tend to be more complex in operation and large in scale, recent practices start to pay more attentions on improving asset (e.g. equipment and infrastructure) management performance with new ICT development. One of the primary concern is to improve system robustness and reliability. It not only requires the supervision system be capable of diagnosing the condition of the system, but also proficient to find the intrinsic relationship between different conditions and resources thus lead to an integrated decision making process. Moreover, recent ICT innovations, such as WSN and IOT, could record and deliver system descriptors (physical measurements, virtual resources, operational configurations) in real time. Such large-stream and heterogeneous data requires an integrated framework to p...
16th International IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC 2013), 2013
ABSTRACT The performance of container terminals needs to be improved to adapt to the growth of ha... more ABSTRACT The performance of container terminals needs to be improved to adapt to the growth of handled containers and maintain sustainability. This paper provides a methodology to balance the throughput and energy consumption of equipment inside a container terminal. The behaviors of different types of equipment in the container terminal are modeled as a collection of interconnected hybrid systems. Model predictive control is proposed for balancing the performance of the container terminal. A simulation study illustrates how setting a penalty on energy consumption influences the throughput of the container terminal on the one hand, and sustainability on the other hand.
Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 2015
The control of automated container terminals is complex since Quay Cranes (QCs), Automated Guided... more The control of automated container terminals is complex since Quay Cranes (QCs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) interact intensively for transporting containers, while collision avoidance of equipment must be ensured. This paper proposes a methodology to generate collision-free trajectories of free-ranging AGVs in automated container terminals, while minimizing the makespan of the whole container handling system. A hierarchical control architecture is proposed to integrate the scheduling of interacting machines and trajectory planning of AGVs. Following a so-called overall graph sequence by a scheduler, the collision-free trajectories of AGVs are determined by solving a collection of mixed integer linear programming problems sequentially. Simulation results illustrate the potential of the proposed methodology.
Proceedings of 2014 IEEE International Conference on Service Operations and Logistics, and Informatics, 2014
Hinterland transport plays a dominant role in today's logistics chain. However, the present w... more Hinterland transport plays a dominant role in today's logistics chain. However, the present way of its transport planning is far from optimal. Information inaccessibility and old-fashioned communication are key issues that prevent planning reaching optimal. In addition, none contractual relationship between different stakeholders (e.g. terminal operators and barge operators) makes central planning even more difficult. This paper describes the development of an agent-based information integrated platform for hinterland waterway barge transport planning. The objective is to facilitate data exchange and establish an optimal plan for involved parties. The system can be described as a decision support and communication system in which soft agents handle communication tasks and exchange desired information among different stakeholders. The agents interact via a web interface with a so called hinterland transportation planning system where agent behaviour is coordinated, the level of information exchange is controlled and plan is created and stored. A prototype of the agent-based intelligent system has been developed which demonstrated the successful agent functioning and coordination between different agents in a web-based environment.
Proceedings of 2014 IEEE International Conference on Service Operations and Logistics, and Informatics, 2014
In 2013, as a platform with the 22 largest postal companies in the world, the International Post ... more In 2013, as a platform with the 22 largest postal companies in the world, the International Post Corporation has launched the e-Commerce Interconnected Programme (CIP) to setup a new cross-border electronic commerce infrastructure. The CIP aims to help international postal operators to provide more reliable services and operations with respect to more accurately and in-time tracking and tracing postal parcels. This paper investigates the opportunities and comes up with the design of a cross-border parcel handling infrastructure. The low level infrastructure is implemented based on radio frequency identification technology for tracking parcels in international shipments. The high level infrastructure can be achieved via a generic information integration framework. The implementation of the tracking and tracing system shows the increased visibility during international e-commerce activities.
To estimate the loading situation on idler rolls is essential for the design of trough belt conve... more To estimate the loading situation on idler rolls is essential for the design of trough belt conveyors. This paper presents a new analytical model to calculate the load distribution on three-rolls trough idlers. By means of stress field analysis and stress discontinuity method, this model analyses the dynamic statuses of both active stress and passive stress of the material on the belt. Based on a case study, the results of this model show the correlation with other theoretical models and match more to industrial design criteria. This model can be applied to investigate the load balance of individual rolls and to optimize the design of belt conveyor idlers.
2011 IEEE Forum on Integrated and Sustainable Transportation Systems, 2011
ABSTRACT During transshipment of dry bulk solids spillage from grabs regularly takes place due to... more ABSTRACT During transshipment of dry bulk solids spillage from grabs regularly takes place due to several reasons. So far, the effect of this spillage on the water quality in ports is unknown. This research investigated the effect of commonly handled dry bulk materials (iron ore, steam coal, soybean meal, wheat, aluminum oxide) on water quality. A set of three toxic measurements was performed with organisms of different trophic levels (the crustacean Daphnia magna, the bacteria Vibrio fischeri, and the algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata). The results revealed that no acute toxic effect of steam coal, iron oxide, wood pellets, petroleum cokes, and fertilizer were found for concentrations up to 180 mg/L. Effects were found for wheat, aluminum oxide and soybean meal for concentrations lower than 180 mg/L. Interpretation of the results depends on the actual concentrations of the spilled material in water. Therefore, location specific circumstances such as type of port (e.g. sea or inland port), water flow, water depth and expected dilution of the water, should be taken into account.
Large-scale belt conveyor systems are widely involved in medium and long distance transport of bu... more Large-scale belt conveyor systems are widely involved in medium and long distance transport of bulk material. The spatially distributed idler rolls are a great challenge to maintain the reliability of the conveyor systems. Automation of maintenance in intelligent ways provides a promising solution to replace traditional corrective maintenance. This paper further elaborates the concept of intelligent maintenance introduced by Lodewijks in 2004. We review state-of-the-art idler roll data acquisition, decision-making techniques and recent development of robotic roll replacement. A novel SD model based maintenance logistics control is proposed. The viability of robotic idler roll replacement has been demonstrated by case studies. Opportunities in the intelligent maintenance of idler rolls are discussed. Cloud-based intelligent maintenance is considered an emerging trend in the near future.
Proceedings of 2012 9th IEEE International Conference on Networking, Sensing and Control, 2012
To maintain the reliability of material transport systems, monitoring of the entire system is req... more To maintain the reliability of material transport systems, monitoring of the entire system is required to optimize maintenance and operational control strategies. Traditional monitoring mainly focuses on individual subsystems and components. Due to the high distribution and system complexity, the monitoring and control of large-scale material transport systems need to be carried out in intelligent ways with integrated information. Agent technology, as an artificial intelligence methodology to handle the complexity of distributed systems, has been introduced in the field of continuous material conveying. This paper presents a multi-agent system (MAS) for the intelligent monitoring in large-scale continuous material transport. Under an agent-based architecture, annalistic and diagnostic entities and operational decision-making are carried out by the agents that monitor individual system parts and components. These agents are integrated together to form cooperative communities to achieve the goals of individual agents and, especially, of the monitoring system as a whole. This paper discusses the architecture, functions, knowledge organization and agent communication of the MAS. A prototype of the agent-based intelligent monitoring has been built in laboratory environment. The implementation of the agent system has showed successful single agent functioning and the cooperation and the coordination between multiple agents. The application of agent technology reduces the complexity of the large-scale monitoring system by means of integrating individual monitoring systems.
16th International IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC 2013), 2013
ABSTRACT Waterborne transport faces challenges such as increasing volume, higher environmental re... more ABSTRACT Waterborne transport faces challenges such as increasing volume, higher environmental requirements and more serious shortage of seafarers in the future. Intelligent vessels, which means that they can comprehend the surroundings and figure out what to do autonomously, could relieve these challenges. However, currently there are few applications of intelligent vessels for civilization use. On the other hand, a variety of technologies has been applied successfully for military or environmental use vessels. This paper summarizes the general architecture of an intelligent vessel based on the existing Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and then focuses on the internal algorithmic techniques when representing such a vessel as a hierarchical system, from multi-source data fusion, path planning to low level motion control. Alongside, cooperative vessel formation control is briefly reviewed. Then, translation of the theories, algorithms and applications in these fields to the domain of intelligent transportation vessels is discussed. Possible directions for future research in intelligent transport vessels are outlined.
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