Warehouse operation execution apparatus, warehouse operation execution method, and computer program for warehouse operation execution

Abstract

To exhibit and maintain the maximum capacity in a warehouse.SOLUTION: A warehouse operation execution device includes a variation information acquisition part, a hint creation part, and a hint output part. The variation information acquisition unit acquires variation information including at least one of worker information for identifying at least one of a position, productivity, and work appropriateness of a worker in real time, space information for identifying a usage status of a space including a passage in a warehouse in real time, load information for identifying a movement status of a load in the warehouse in real time, work progress information for identifying a comparison between a planned value and an actual value of work in real time, know-how information indicating know-how about work in the warehouse, and inquiry information for identifying an inquiry from a worker in real time. The hint creating section creates a behavior modification hint for the worker based on a preset variable information use rule and the variable information. The hint output section outputs the behavior modification hint.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a warehouse operation execution device, a warehouse operation execution method, and a computer program for executing warehouse operations. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in a logistics warehouse (hereafter simply referred to as "warehouse"), workers perform various tasks (unloading, incoming inspection, storage, picking, sorting, inspection, packaging, outgoing inspection, loading, etc.) at their own discretion and with timing and content according to a predetermined rough work schedule. As a result, fluctuations in logistics volume (incoming and outgoing volumes) often result in unnecessary waiting time and waste in the use of facilities and space.

[0003] Various technologies have been proposed to improve the efficiency and optimization of warehouse operations. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that generates work instruction data indicating the type of work, the target item, and the schedule, arranges the work instruction data in a queue in order of the earliest scheduled work completion time, and transmits the work instruction data from the head of the queue to the worker terminal when a work completion notification and a request for the next work instruction are received from the worker terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-048691 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a warehouse, in addition to the volume of logistics described above, the positions, productivity, and work aptitude of workers and autonomous mobile robots, as well as the utilization of the space, including the aisles within the warehouse, change from moment to moment. Furthermore, the progress of actual results against the initial work plan, the know-how related to warehouse work, and the information required by workers and autonomous mobile robots to perform their work are also constantly changing. The above-mentioned conventional technology does not adequately acquire and utilize such factors of change, making it difficult to grasp and maintain the streamlined state of the warehouse, and there is room for improvement in terms of demonstrating and maintaining the warehouse's capabilities.

[0006] This specification discloses a technique that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0008] (1) A warehouse operation execution device disclosed in this specification includes a variation information acquisition unit, a hint creation unit, and a hint output unit. The variation information acquisition unit acquires variation information including at least one of: working entity information that identifies, in real time, at least one of the position, productivity, and work aptitude of a working entity, which is a worker and / or warehouse robot engaged in warehouse work; space information that identifies, in real time, the usage status of space including aisles within the warehouse; cargo information that identifies, in real time, the movement status of cargo within the warehouse; work progress information that identifies, in real time, a comparison between planned values ​​and actual values ​​for the work; know-how information that indicates know-how related to the warehouse work; and inquiry information that identifies, in real time, inquiries from the working entity. The hint creation unit creates a behavior modification hint for the working entity based on preset variation information usage rules and the variation information. The hint output unit outputs the behavior modification hint.

[0009] This warehouse operation execution device creates and outputs behavioral change hints for workers based on the variable information usage rules and variable information, so that the behavioral change hints can be used to digitize on-site capabilities, including on-site know-how and knowledge, and streamline the on-site operations, thereby enabling the warehouse to achieve and maintain maximum capacity.

[0010] (2) In the warehouse operation execution device, the behavioral change hint may include the content of the fluctuation information itself. With this configuration, the behavioral change hint including the content of the fluctuation information itself can be used to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse.

[0011] (3) In the warehouse operation execution device, the fluctuation information may include the work progress information. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse by utilizing behavioral change hints created based on the work progress information.

[0012] (4) In the warehouse operation execution device, the work progress information may include information indicating a difference between the planned value and the actual value. With this configuration, behavioral change hints created based on the difference between the planned value and the actual value can be used to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse.

[0013] (5) In the warehouse operation execution device, the fluctuation information may include the know-how information. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively realize and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse by utilizing behavioral change hints created based on the know-how information.

[0014] (6) In the warehouse operation execution device, the know-how information may include information indicating that at least one of a specific decision and a specific response has been made in the past in the warehouse in response to a specific situation. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse by utilizing behavioral change hints created based on information indicating that at least one of a specific decision and a specific response has been made in the past in the warehouse in response to a specific situation.

[0015] (7) In the warehouse operation execution device, the fluctuation information may include the inquiry information. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively realize and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse by utilizing behavior change hints created based on the inquiry information.

[0016] (8) In the warehouse operation execution device, the variable information acquisition unit may acquire the variable information including the inquiry information, and then acquire the variable information indicating a response to the inquiry information. With this configuration, the response to the inquiry information can be used as variable information, and appropriate behavior change hints can be created and output based on the variable information.

[0017] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as a warehouse operation execution device, a warehouse operation execution system including a warehouse operation execution device and other devices (terminal devices and warehouse robots), a warehouse operation execution method, a computer program that realizes these methods, and a non-transitory recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a warehouse operation execution system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 100. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of a behavior modification hint output process according to the present embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating the behavioral change hint output process of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first use case of the warehouse operation execution system 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second use case of the warehouse operation execution system 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third use case of the warehouse operation execution system 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fourth use case of the warehouse operation execution system 10 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A. Implementation: A-1. Configuration of Warehouse Operation Execution System 10: 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a warehouse operation execution system 10 according to this embodiment. The warehouse operation execution system 10 is a system that is installed in a warehouse WH to realize and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0020] The perspectives for achieving and maintaining maximum capacity in a warehouse WH can differ from warehouse WH to warehouse WH, and can also differ depending on the time of year, even within the same warehouse WH. For example, perspectives for achieving and maintaining maximum capacity in a warehouse WH include minimizing worker waiting time, minimizing losses in equipment and space utilization, minimizing operational costs, maximizing operational speed, maximizing the rate at which worker productivity improves, improving on-site capabilities through the accumulation of on-site know-how and knowledge, and streamlining the site.

[0021] Warehouse WH is a logistics warehouse. In warehouse WH, multiple shelves RA capable of storing luggage PA are lined up across aisles PW. Warehouse WH also has a temporary storage space SS for luggage PA and a sorting and inspection space CS. The sorting and inspection space CS has multiple booths B (B1, B2, etc.).

[0022] In the warehouse WH, multiple workers WO perform various tasks such as unloading, incoming inspection, storage, picking, sorting, inspection, and packaging, outgoing inspection, and loading. Also, in the warehouse WH, multiple warehouse robots RO perform various tasks. For example, transport robots such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), RGVs (Rail Guided Vehicles), and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) transport cargo PA by moving along aisles PW while loading or towing the cargo PA. Also, for example, picking robots, cleaning robots, and patrol robots (not shown) perform picking, cleaning, and patrol tasks, respectively. The warehouse WH is also equipped with material handling equipment such as carts CA and conveyors CO.

[0023] 1, a warehouse operation execution system 10 includes a sensing device 12, a communication device 14, a monitor 200, a worker terminal 210, a manager terminal 220, and a server device 100. The devices constituting the warehouse operation execution system 10 are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0024] The sensing device 12 is configured with, for example, a camera, a sensor, a gate, a handheld terminal, etc., and detects the state (position, movement speed, shape, temperature, etc.) of each object in the warehouse WH. For example, the sensing device 12 detects the positions of each worker WO and warehouse robot RO, and the usage status of the space including the aisles PW in the warehouse WH (the presence or absence of objects or people in the space).

[0025] The communication device 14 is configured by, for example, a wireless LAN access point, and relays wireless communications between the devices.

[0026] The monitor 200 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various images and information. One or more monitors 200 are installed in the warehouse WH at positions visible to the workers WO.

[0027] The worker terminal 210 is a handheld computer held and used by the worker WO. Using the worker terminal 210, the worker WO can, for example, read codes attached to packages PA and exchange various types of information (receive behavioral change hints, register know-how information, register inquiry information, send work completion reports, etc.). The worker terminal 210 may also have a function to detect its own position in the warehouse WH (i.e., the position of the worker WO holding the worker terminal 210), a function to detect the condition of the worker WO (e.g., fatigue level) by measuring the worker WO's heart rate, body temperature, movement speed, etc., a camera function to capture an object and generate an image (still image or video), etc.

[0028] The administrator terminal 220 is a computer used by the administrator of the warehouse WH. Using the administrator terminal 220, the administrator can grasp the work status and space usage status in the warehouse WH, and set various information (for example, static information SI, which will be described later).

[0029] The server device 100 is a device for providing various functions in the warehouse operation execution system 10. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, an operation input unit 140, and an interface unit 150. These units are connected to each other via a bus 190 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The server device 100 is an example of a warehouse operation execution device.

[0030] The display unit 130 of the server device 100 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various images and information. The operation input unit 140 is configured, for example, by a keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc., and receives user operations and instructions. The display unit 130 may also function as the operation input unit 140 by being equipped with a touch panel. The interface unit 150 is configured, for example, by a LAN interface, a USB interface, etc., and communicates with other devices via wired or wireless connection.

[0031] The storage unit 120 of the server device 100 is configured with, for example, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc., and is used to store various programs and data, and as a work area when executing various programs, and as a temporary storage area for data. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a warehouse operation execution program CP, which is a computer program for executing the behavior change hint output process described below. The warehouse operation execution program CP is provided in a state stored on a computer-readable recording medium (not shown), such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB memory, or is provided in a state where it can be obtained from an external device (a server or other terminal device on a network) via the interface unit 150, and is stored in the storage unit 120 in a state where it can be operated on the server device 100.

[0032] Furthermore, various types of information are stored in advance or during the behavior modification hint output process described below in the storage unit 120 of the server device 100. The various types of information include static information SI, variable information VI, variable information usage rules RU, and performance information RI.

[0033] Static information SI is information that indicates indicators that do not change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH and are set fixedly, such as information that indicates the layout of shelves RA and aisles PW, the location of temporary storage spaces SS and sorting / inspection spaces CS, etc. Variable information VI is information that indicates indicators that change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH, such as the volume of goods delivered (amount of goods arriving and amount of goods being shipped), the number of workers WO and warehouse robots RO (hereinafter collectively referred to as "working bodies") engaged in the work, the status of luggage PA being held up, etc. In this embodiment, the variable information VI includes working entity information that identifies, in real time, at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of the working entities (workers WO and warehouse robots RO), space information that identifies, in real time, the usage status of the space including the aisles PW within the warehouse WH, package information that identifies, in real time, the movement status of the package PA within the warehouse WH (for example, the elapsed time until the package PA reaches its destination), work progress information that identifies, in real time, a comparison between planned values ​​and actual values ​​for work in the warehouse WH, know-how information that indicates know-how regarding work in the warehouse WH, and inquiry information that identifies, in real time, inquiries from the working entities WO and RO. The variable information VI does not necessarily need to include some of this information.

[0034] The variation information usage rules RU are rules for utilizing the variation information VI to create behavioral change hints to be presented to each worker WO, RO. The performance information RI is information that indicates the work performance in the warehouse WH.

[0035] The control unit 110 of the server device 100 is configured with, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of the server device 100 by executing a computer program read from the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 reads and executes a warehouse operation execution program CP from the storage unit 120, thereby functioning as a hint output unit 111 that executes a behavior change hint output process described below, and a device linkage unit 118. The hint output unit 111 includes, as functional modules, a variation information acquisition unit 112, a hint creation unit 113, and an achievement information recording unit 114. The functions of these units will be described in conjunction with the description of the behavior change hint output process described below.

[0036] A-2. Behavior change hint output process: Next, a behavior change hint output process executed in the warehouse operation execution system 10 of this embodiment will be described. The behavior change hint output process is a process of creating behavior change hints to be presented to each worker WO, RO engaged in work in the warehouse WH and outputting them in a manner that allows them to be perceived by the worker WO, RO. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the behavior change hint output process of this embodiment. Also, Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the behavior change hint output process of this embodiment.

[0037] First, the variable information acquisition unit 112 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 acquires variable information VI via the interface unit 150 (S110). The acquired variable information VI is stored in the memory unit 120. As described above, the variable information VI is information indicating indicators that change from moment to moment in the warehouse WH, and includes, for example, the logistics volume, the number of workers (workers WO and warehouse robots RO) engaged in the work, the status of the luggage PA, etc. This information is acquired based on the detection results of the sensing device 12, for example.

[0038] In this embodiment, the variable information VI includes: working body information that identifies, in real time, at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of the working bodies (worker WO and warehouse robot RO); spatial information that identifies, in real time, the usage status of the space within the warehouse WH, including the aisles PW; cargo information that identifies, in real time, the movement status of cargo PA within the warehouse WH; work progress information that identifies, in real time, a comparison between planned and actual values ​​for work in the warehouse WH; know-how information that indicates know-how regarding work in the warehouse WH; and inquiry information that identifies, in real time, inquiries from the working bodies WO and RO. The positions of the working bodies are acquired, for example, based on the results of position detection by the sensing device 12 and the results of position detection by the worker terminal 210. The productivity of the working bodies is acquired, for example, based on predetermined information (such as the age, height, weight, and gender of the worker WO, past performance, and the maximum processing capacity and movement speed of the warehouse robot RO) and the results of movement speed detection by the sensing device 12 and the worker terminal 210, the actual number of processed items, and the required time. Furthermore, the work aptitude of the working body is acquired based on, for example, the above-mentioned preset information as a standard, the temperature detection results by the sensing device 12, the heart rate and / or body temperature detection results by the worker terminal 210, and the average value of past work productivity. The space utilization status, including the aisles PW within the warehouse WH, and the movement status of luggage PA within the warehouse WH are acquired based on, for example, the object presence / absence detection results by the sensing device 12. Work progress information that identifies a comparison between planned values ​​and actual values ​​of work in the warehouse WH in real time is acquired, for example, from the manager terminal 220 or another system 16 (see FIG. 4) for work progress management in the warehouse WH. Know-how information that indicates know-how regarding work in the warehouse WH and inquiry information that identifies inquiries from the working bodies WO, RO in real time are acquired, for example, from the manager terminal 220, the worker terminal 210, or the warehouse robot RO. The know-how information includes, for example, information indicating that at least one of a specific judgment and a specific response was made in the past for a specific situation in the warehouse WH.

[0039] The device linking unit 118 (FIG. 2) of the server apparatus 100 executes linking processing with devices (sensing device 12, other systems 16, worker terminal 210, warehouse robot RO, etc.) for acquiring variable information VI. This linking processing utilizes a standard definition of a pre-set common linking method and linking specification to import information acquired by the above devices into the server apparatus 100 as variable information VI, and is executed when a device is installed in the warehouse WH. When an additional device is installed in the warehouse WH, this linking processing allows information acquired by the additional device to be imported into the server apparatus 100 as variable information VI.

[0040] Next, the hint creation unit 113 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 creates behavioral change hints for the worker entities WO, RO based on the variable information usage rules RU (S130). The behavioral change hints are not direct work instructions for the worker entities WO, RO, but information, suggestions, proposals, requests, etc. that encourage the worker entities WO, RO to change their behavior. The behavioral change hints are output to the worker entities WO, RO in order to exert and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH, and are, for example, facts and events that are currently occurring, inferences based on certain facts and events, suggestions for specific actions, etc.

[0041] For example, the hint creating unit 113 creates a behavioral change hint indicating the progress of the work by referring to the work progress information, which is part of the fluctuation information VI and identifies in real time a comparison between the planned values ​​(e.g., hourly throughput / number of personnel by location and by work type) of the work in the warehouse WH and the actual values. More specifically, the hint creating unit 113 creates a behavioral change hint such as, for example, "The actual values ​​(progress) of the work are 40% lower than the planned values." Such a behavioral change hint prompts the workers WO, RO to change the pace or priority of the work.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the hint creation unit 113 refers to the spatial information, which specifies the usage status of the space in the warehouse WH in real time, among the change information VI, to create a behavior change hint indicating the status of a specific location or facility in the warehouse WH. More specifically, the hint creation unit 113 creates a behavior change hint such as, for example, "The area in front of the elevator on the sixth floor is full of luggage." Such a behavior change hint prompts the worker WO, RO to prioritize processing the luggage placed in front of the elevator on the sixth floor.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, the hint creation unit 113 references know-how information from the variable information VI that indicates know-how related to work in the warehouse WH to create a behavioral change hint that suggests a specific task or action. More specifically, the hint creation unit 113 creates a behavioral change hint, for example, "It's time to contact the delivery company." Such a behavioral change hint encourages the worker WO, RO to contact the delivery company at the scheduled time. Furthermore, the hint creation unit 113 references the know-how information to create a behavioral change hint, for example, "For problem A, decision B was made and action C was implemented." Such a behavioral change hint encourages the worker WO, RO, who are facing a problem similar to problem A, to make an appropriate decision and take an appropriate action.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the hint creating unit 113 refers to the inquiry information in the variation information VI that identifies an inquiry from the working entities WO, RO in real time, and creates a behavior change hint indicating the content of the inquiry. More specifically, the hint creating unit 113 creates a behavior change hint such as, for example, "There is a request to report on the situation in front of the elevator on the third floor." Such a behavior change hint prompts the working entities WO, RO that are near the elevator on the third floor to report on the situation in front of the elevator on the third floor.

[0045] Next, the hint output unit 111 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 outputs a behavior change hint (S140). For example, the hint output unit 111 transmits the behavior change hint to the worker terminal 210 and / or the warehouse robot RO. The worker WO or the like who receives the behavior change hint can refer to the behavior change hint and take appropriate action to demonstrate and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse. The hint output unit 111 may present the behavior change hint to the worker WO or the like by displaying the behavior change hint on the monitor 200.

[0046] Next, the performance information recording unit 114 (FIG. 2) of the server device 100 creates and records performance information RI indicating the work performance in the warehouse WH (S150). The performance information RI includes a record of the overall work performance in the warehouse WH, such as a record of the work performed by each worker WO, RO, a record of the amount of logistics, a record of the number of workers WO, RO engaged in the work, and a record of the accumulation status of luggage PA. The performance information RI is stored in the memory unit 120.

[0047] The above-described process is repeatedly executed until the behavior change hint output process is completed (S160: YES). As shown in FIG. 4, the worker WO can not only receive behavior change hints issued by the server device 100, but also request behavior change hints himself / herself by operating the worker terminal 210. In other words, the warehouse operation execution system 10 of this embodiment is a push-pull hybrid system that can output pull-type behavior change hints in addition to push-type behavior change hint output.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, in the warehouse operation execution system 10 of this embodiment, performance information RI indicating work performance at the warehouse WH is extracted and reflected, and recording, accumulation, analysis, and learning are performed. Analysis and learning are performed through human intervention, and on-site know-how and knowledge based on the unique conditions of each warehouse WH is incorporated into the variable information usage rules RU, thereby reducing the degree of personalization in operations and promoting the standardization of work quality. Furthermore, by defining it as a rule, its validity can be easily evaluated. Furthermore, by using computers, including AI, with human intervention, causal relationships between multiple performance information RI can be estimated, and the perspective of predicting occurrences can be appropriately incorporated into the variable information usage rules RU, making it possible to generate behavioral change hints tailored to the latest situation of the warehouse WH.

[0049] 5 to 8 are explanatory diagrams showing use cases of the warehouse operation execution system 10 of this embodiment. Each of Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 shows the processing contents of each device (server device 100, monitor 200, worker terminal 210, manager terminal 220, other system 16) constituting the warehouse operation execution system 10.

[0050] 5 shows a use case in which work progress information that identifies a comparison between planned and actual values ​​of a work in real time is output as a behavioral change hint. In this use case, for example, planned values ​​of a work registered in advance in the administrator terminal 220 and actual values ​​of the work managed in another system 16 are acquired by the server device 100 as work progress information.

[0051] The server device 100 monitors the work progress information, and when the difference between the planned value and the actual value exceeds a preset threshold (i.e., when a gap of a certain size or more is detected), it outputs the work progress information as a behavior change hint. For example, the server device 100 displays on the monitor 200 an image of a behavior change hint H11 indicating that the work progress is 40% below the planned value. The server device 100 also transmits a behavior change hint H12 to each worker terminal 210, for example, "The progress of the picking work is 40% below the planned value."

[0052] The worker WO, who has perceived the behavioral change hint, determines whether or not a response is necessary and gives instructions. If a response is necessary, the worker WO uses the worker terminal 210 to send a response start declaration to the server device 100. When the server device 100 detects the start of response by receiving the response start declaration, it displays an image of a behavioral change hint H13 on the monitor 200, indicating that a response to the productivity problem is being made. The server device 100 may also send similar behavioral change hints to each worker terminal 210. The response to the above problem may also be performed by the warehouse robot RO.

[0053] When the worker WO dealing with the above problem has completed the response, the worker WO uses the worker terminal 210 to send a response completion declaration to the server device 100, including a report such as, for example, "Adjustments have been made to prioritize work on single work batches." When the server device 100 detects the completion of the response by receiving the response completion declaration, it displays an image of a behavioral change hint H14 on the monitor 200, indicating that the response to the productivity problem has been completed. The server device 100 may also send similar behavioral change hints to each worker terminal 210.

[0054] The server device 100 continuously monitors the work progress information, and when the difference between the planned value and the actual value falls below a preset threshold (i.e., when it detects that the gap has been eliminated), it displays a behavioral change hint H15 indicating that the difference has become smaller on the monitor 200. The server device 100 may also transmit a similar behavioral change hint to each worker terminal 210.

[0055] In the use case shown in Figure 5, the worker WO can instantly grasp whether the progress of the work is ahead or behind the planned value of the work, reducing the burden (time) required to determine whether or not a response is necessary and to formulate a recovery plan. In addition, the actual response content can be accumulated as know-how and knowledge, thereby achieving further burden reduction through the use of data.

[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates a use case in which spatial information identifying the space usage status within the warehouse WH in real time is output as a behavioral change hint. In this use case, when a worker WO discovers something that needs to be reported regarding the space usage status or the health and safety status within the warehouse WH, the worker WO reports the situation using the worker terminal 210. For example, the worker WO sends a message such as "The area in front of the elevator on the sixth floor is full of luggage" to the server device 100 along with an image of the situation. Other examples of spatial information include information such as "The temporary storage area is overflowing with items," "Items are stored under the fire shutter," and "Material handling equipment is not operating." The server device 100 may acquire spatial information from the sensing device 12.

[0057] When the server device 100 detects an alert event (spatial stagnation) by receiving spatial information, it displays an image of a behavior change hint H22 indicating the alert event on the monitor 200. The server device 100 also transmits a behavior change hint H21, for example, "There is a lot of luggage in front of the elevator on the sixth floor," to each worker terminal 210.

[0058] The worker WO, who has perceived the behavioral change hint, determines whether or not a response is necessary and gives instructions. If a response is necessary, the worker WO uses the worker terminal 210 to send a response start declaration to the server device 100. The worker WO sends a report to the server device 100, for example, saying, "I have instructed the worker on the sixth floor to assist in transporting the item to the first floor." The response to the above problem may be performed by the warehouse robot RO.

[0059] When the server device 100 detects the start of a response by receiving the response start declaration, it displays an image of a behavior change hint H23 indicating that the problem of spatial congestion is being addressed on the monitor 200. The server device 100 may transmit a similar behavior change hint to each worker terminal 210.

[0060] When the worker WO who is dealing with the problem completes the response, he / she sends a response completion declaration, for example, "The baggage congestion in front of the elevator on the sixth floor has been resolved," to the server device 100 using the worker terminal 210. When the server device 100 detects the completion of the response by receiving the response completion declaration, it displays a notice on the monitor 200 indicating that the response to the spatial congestion problem has been completed.

[0061] In the use case shown in Figure 6, by digitizing information outside the system (offline), it is possible to instantly share information about alert events, reduce the burden (time) required to determine whether a response is necessary and to formulate a recovery plan, and further reduce the burden by utilizing data by accumulating the actual response details as know-how and knowledge.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a use case in which know-how information indicating know-how related to work in a warehouse WH is output as a behavioral change hint. In this use case, a worker WO uses the worker terminal 210 to register a reminder to contact a delivery company at, for example, 16:30. As a result, the server device 100 acquires know-how information identifying the reminder. Other examples of reminders include checking for equipment replenishment, issuing a form, and checking the status on a screen. The server device 100 may acquire know-how information from other devices, such as other systems 16.

[0063] When the server device 100 detects a reminder event, for example, when a reminder time arrives for a reminder included in the know-how information, it transmits a behavior change hint H31 indicating a reminder such as "It's time to contact the delivery company" to the worker terminal 210 that is the target of the reminder. The server device 100 may display an image of the behavior change hint indicating the reminder on the monitor 200.

[0064] The worker WO who has perceived the behavioral change hint determines whether or not a response is necessary and gives instructions, and if a response is necessary, sends a response start declaration to the server device 100 using the worker terminal 210.

[0065] When the server device 100 detects the start of a response by receiving the response start declaration, the server device 100 outputs to the worker terminal 210 and / or the monitor 200 that the reminder is being responded to.

[0066] When the worker WO who responds to the reminder has completed the response, the worker WO transmits a response completion declaration to the server device 100 using the worker terminal 210. When the server device 100 detects the completion of the response by receiving the response completion declaration, it displays a notification on the monitor 200 indicating that the response to the reminder has been completed.

[0067] In the use case shown in Figure 7, workers WO can freely use the system as a memo for routine work, which reduces the burden of daily offline handovers and reduces communication errors (particularly preventing omissions during sudden shift changes and handovers between personnel), and by checking the overall situation to see if each routine work is being carried out appropriately, the service level to business partners and related companies can be improved.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a use case in which inquiry information that identifies an inquiry from the working bodies WO, RO in real time is output as a behavioral change hint. In this use case, when the worker WO wants to know the usage status of the space and equipment in the warehouse WH and the positions of the working bodies WO, RO, etc., the worker WO issues an inquiry using the worker terminal 210. For example, the worker WO sends a message to the server device 100 saying, "I want to know the situation in front of the elevator on the third floor." The inquiry may be issued by the warehouse robot RO.

[0069] When the server device 100 receives or detects a query, it transmits a behavior change hint H41 indicating the content of the query, such as "We have a request to report on the situation in front of the elevator on the third floor," to each worker terminal 210. The server device 100 may refer to the current location of each worker WO and selectively transmit the behavior change hint H41 to a worker WO from whom it is thought that factual information that could serve as an answer can be obtained. Alternatively, the server device 100 may obtain factual information from the sensing device 12 or the like. The server device 100 may display an image of the behavior change hint on the monitor 200.

[0070] The worker WO who has perceived the behavior change hint sends a response such as, for example, "The situation in front of the elevator on the third floor is..." together with an image of the situation to the server device 100. The response may be variable information including at least one of working body information, baggage information, work progress information, and know-how information.

[0071] When the server device 100 detects the answer, it transmits a behavior modification hint H42 indicating the answer, for example, "The situation in front of the elevator on the third floor is..." to the worker terminal 210 that issued the inquiry.

[0072] In the use case shown in Figure 8, by facilitating the collection of information such as the status of the space and equipment, and the location of workers, the effort and waiting time required for confirmation can be reduced, and by understanding the status of inquiries that occur within the warehouse WH and accumulating data on their occurrence trends, it is possible to digitize the excellent on-site capabilities themselves to prevent the occurrence of factors that hinder the streamlining of warehouse work, and reduce the burden on inquiries themselves. It can also be used as an index for estimating the effect of introducing the sensing device 12.

[0073] A-3. Advantages of this embodiment: As described above, the server device 100 of this embodiment includes a variation information acquisition unit 112, a hint creation unit 113, and a hint output unit 111. The variation information acquisition unit 112 acquires variation information VI including at least one of: working entity information that identifies, in real time, at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working entity (worker WO and / or warehouse robot RO) engaged in work in the warehouse WH; space information that identifies, in real time, the usage status of the space including the aisles PW within the warehouse WH; cargo information that identifies, in real time, the movement status of cargo PA within the warehouse WH; work progress information that identifies, in real time, a comparison between planned and actual values ​​for work; know-how information that indicates know-how related to work in the warehouse WH; and inquiry information that identifies, in real time, inquiries from the working entities. The hint creation unit 113 creates behavior modification hints for the working entities WO and RO based on preset variation information usage rules RU and the variation information VI. The hint output unit 111 outputs behavior modification hints.

[0074] In this way, the server device 100 of this embodiment creates and outputs behavior modification hints for the workers WO, RO based on the variable information usage rules RU and the variable information VI. Therefore, according to the server device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to use the behavior modification hints to realize the digitization of on-site capabilities including on-site know-how and knowledge and the streamlining of the on-site, thereby realizing and maintaining maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0075] In the server device 100 of this embodiment, the behavioral change hint may include the content of the variation information VI itself. In this way, by using the behavioral change hint including the content of the variation information VI itself, it is possible to effectively realize and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0076] In the server device 100 of this embodiment, the variable information VI may include work progress information. In this way, by using behavioral change hints created based on the work progress information, it is possible to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0077] In the server device 100 of this embodiment, the work progress information may include information indicating the difference between the planned value and the actual value. In this way, by using behavioral modification hints created based on the difference between the planned value and the actual value, it is possible to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0078] In the server device 100 of this embodiment, the variable information VI may include know-how information. In this way, behavioral change hints created based on the know-how information can be used to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0079] In the server device 100 of this embodiment, the know-how information may include information indicating that at least one of a specific decision and a specific response was made in the warehouse WH in the past for a specific situation. In this way, by using a behavioral change hint created based on the information indicating that at least one of a specific decision and a specific response was made in the warehouse WH in the past for a specific situation, it is possible to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0080] In the server device 100 of this embodiment, the variable information VI may include inquiry information. In this way, behavioral change hints created based on the inquiry information can be used to effectively achieve and maintain maximum capacity in the warehouse WH.

[0081] In the server device 100 of this embodiment, the variation information acquisition unit 112 may acquire variation information VI that indicates a response to the inquiry information after acquiring variation information VI that includes inquiry information. In this way, the response to the inquiry information can be used as variation information VI, and appropriate behavior change hints can be created and output based on the variation information VI.

[0082] B. Variations: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified into various forms without departing from the spirit thereof, for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0083] The configurations of the warehouse operation execution system 10 and the devices included in the warehouse operation execution system 10 in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, at least some of the multiple function blocks included in the control unit 110 of the server device 100 may be omitted.

[0084] The content of the behavior change hint output process in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, at least some of the steps constituting the behavior change hint output process may be omitted.

[0085] The specific contents of the variation information VI and the specific contents of the behavior change hints in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10: Warehouse operation execution system 12: Sensing device 14: Communication device 100: Server device 110: Control unit 111: Hint output unit 112: Variable information acquisition unit 113: Hint creation unit 114: Performance information recording unit 118: Device linkage unit 120: Memory unit 130: Display unit 140: Operation input unit 150: Interface unit 190: Bus 200: Monitor 210: Worker terminal 220: Administrator terminal CA: Cart CO: Conveyor CP: Warehouse operation execution program CS: Sorting and inspection space PA: Baggage PW: Aisle RA: Shelf RO: Warehouse robot SS: Temporary storage space WH: Warehouse WO: Worker

Claims

1. A warehouse operation execution device, a fluctuation information acquisition unit that acquires fluctuation information including at least one of: working body information that specifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body that is a worker and / or warehouse robot engaged in warehouse work; space information that specifies in real time the usage status of space including aisles within the warehouse; cargo information that specifies in real time the movement status of cargo within the warehouse; work progress information that specifies in real time a comparison between planned values ​​and actual values ​​of the work; know-how information that indicates know-how regarding the work in the warehouse; and inquiry information that specifies in real time an inquiry from the working body; a hint creating unit that creates a behavior modification hint for the working object based on a preset variation information usage rule and the variation information; a hint output unit that outputs the behavior modification hint; A warehouse operation execution device comprising:

2. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 1, The behavior change hint includes the content of the fluctuation information itself.

3. 3. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 1, The fluctuation information includes the work progress information.

4. 4. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 3, A warehouse operation execution device, wherein the work progress information includes information indicating a difference between the planned value and the actual value.

5. 3. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 1, The warehouse operation execution device, wherein the fluctuation information includes the know-how information.

6. 6. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 5, The know-how information includes information indicating that at least one of a specific decision and a specific response has been made in the past in the warehouse in response to a specific situation.

7. 3. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 1, The fluctuation information includes the inquiry information.

8. The warehouse operation execution device according to claim 7, The warehouse operation execution device, wherein the variable information acquisition unit acquires the variable information including the inquiry information, and then acquires the variable information indicating a response to the inquiry information.

9. A warehouse operation execution method, comprising: acquiring variation information including at least one of: working body information that specifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body, which is a worker and / or warehouse robot engaged in warehouse work; space information that specifies in real time the usage status of space including aisles within the warehouse; cargo information that specifies in real time the movement status of cargo within the warehouse; work progress information that specifies in real time a comparison between planned values ​​and actual values ​​of the work; know-how information that indicates know-how regarding the work in the warehouse; and inquiry information that specifies in real time an inquiry from the working body; creating a behavior modification hint for the worker based on a preset variation information usage rule and the variation information; outputting the behavioral modification hint; A warehouse operation execution method comprising:

10. A computer program for executing warehouse operations, On the computer, a process of acquiring variation information including at least one of: working body information that specifies in real time at least one of the position, productivity, and work suitability of a working body, which is a worker and / or warehouse robot engaged in warehouse work; space information that specifies in real time the usage status of space including aisles within the warehouse; cargo information that specifies in real time the movement status of cargo within the warehouse; work progress information that specifies in real time a comparison between planned values ​​and actual values ​​of the work; know-how information that indicates know-how regarding the work in the warehouse; and inquiry information that specifies in real time an inquiry from the working body; A process of creating a behavior modification hint for the worker based on a preset variation information usage rule and the variation information; A process of outputting the behavioral change hint; A computer program that executes

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