Work equipment

Abstract

To realize work equipment equipped with work support devices that facilitate the speed of work by workers in the task of retrieving or loading items. [Solution] The work support device 30 includes a display unit 31 having a display area E1 corresponding to each of the multiple containers W1 arranged in the container arrangement unit 20, a projection device 41, a detection device 42 for detecting the movement of the worker 12, and a control device 50 for controlling the projection device 41. The control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to project an operation instruction image onto the display area E1 corresponding to the target container W11, and, on the condition that the operation instruction image has been operated by the worker or that the target work has been performed on the target container W1 by the worker, the control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to perform work instruction control that changes the operation instruction image and projects an operation instruction image onto the display area E1 corresponding to the next target container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work facility including a work support device that supports a target work which is at least one of a picking work and an assorting work for an operator.

Background Art

[0002] A work facility including a work support device is known. Hereinafter, the reference numerals shown in parentheses in the description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-162376) discloses a work support device (work list issuing machine 18) that issues a work list in which the types and quantities of articles are described in order to store articles from an article storage shelf (1) into an article storage container (U) on a hand-pushed work cart (20), and supports the above-described target work of an operator. A work facility provided with the device is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the work equipment described above, when an operator retrieves an item from the item storage shelf (1), the operator must confirm the information on the work list issued by the work support device. Patent Document 1 does not provide specific details on how the operator can confirm the information, but for example, the operator could visually check the information on the work list. In such a case, the operator would need to visually check the work list to confirm the type of item, find the container corresponding to that type of item from among the multiple containers arranged in the item storage shelf (1), and retrieve the item from that container. Furthermore, to confirm whether the operator has retrieved the item from the correct container corresponding to the type of item, the operator would need to visually compare the work list with the item. Thus, conventional technology has had problems with the speed of work when an operator performs the above-mentioned tasks.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to realize work equipment equipped with work support devices that facilitate the speed of workers' tasks of retrieving or loading items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The work equipment relating to this disclosure comprises a container arrangement section in which a plurality of containers are arranged, a work area adjacent to the container arrangement section in which a worker performs target work, which is at least one of the following: picking work, in which the worker takes out an item from a target container that is a target container among the plurality of containers, and assorting work, in which the worker puts an item into a target container that is a target container among the plurality of containers, and a work support device that provides support to the worker for the target work, wherein the work support device comprises a display area having a display area corresponding to each of the plurality of containers arranged in the container arrangement section, and the display area The system comprises a projection device for projecting an image, a detection device for detecting the movements of the worker, and a control device for controlling the projection device. The control device controls the projection device to project an operation instruction image onto the display area corresponding to the target container, and, on the condition that the detection device detects that the operation instruction image has been operated by the worker, or that the worker has performed the target work on the target container, controls the projection device to perform work instruction control, which involves changing the operation instruction image and projecting the operation instruction image onto the display area corresponding to the next target container.

[0007] With this configuration, the operator can easily recognize that the container corresponding to the display area where the operation instruction image is displayed is the target container from which items will be removed or placed. Furthermore, when the operation instruction image is changed by work instruction control, the operator can easily recognize that the operation of the operation instruction image in the display area corresponding to the target container has been completed, or that the execution of the target work on the target container has been completed. Therefore, it is easier to improve the speed and accuracy of the item removal or placement work. Also, when the operation instruction image is projected onto the display area corresponding to the next target container by work instruction control, the operator can easily recognize the next target container. Therefore, it is easier to improve the speed and accuracy of the work when removing or placing items into multiple containers in succession. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the work equipment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an image of the work mode projected by the projection device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the state when the work on the target container has been performed correctly. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows the completed state of the work on the target container. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows an image of the working mode for the target container. [Figure 6] Figure 2 shows a situation where the work on the target container was not performed correctly. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows an image in confirmation mode projected by the projection device. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a projected image of the work mode according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows the state when the work on the target container has been performed correctly. [Figure 10] Figure 8 shows an image of the working mode for the target container. [Figure 11] A diagram showing work equipment according to other embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] In the following, the work equipment 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the work equipment 10 according to the embodiment. The work equipment 10 includes a work area 15 in which an operator 12 performs a target operation, which is at least one of picking or assorting. Here, picking is the operation of taking out an item B from a target container W11, which is a target container among a plurality of containers W1. Assorting is the operation of putting an item B into a target container W11, which is a target container among a plurality of containers W1. The container W1 is not particularly limited, but examples include boxes made of cardboard or plastic.

[0010] In this embodiment, during the picking operation, worker 12 takes item B from a target container W11 selected from among multiple containers W1 and places it into a transport container W2 mounted on a transport vehicle 19. During the assorting operation, worker 12 takes item B from the transport container W2 mounted on the transport vehicle 19 and places it into a target container W11 selected from among multiple containers W1. The transport container W2 is not particularly limited, but examples include boxes made of cardboard or plastic.

[0011] The work equipment 10 includes a container arrangement section 20 in which multiple containers W1 are arranged. The work area 15 is located adjacent to the container arrangement section 20. The work equipment 10 also includes a work support device 30 that assists the worker 12 with the target work. In this embodiment, the container arrangement section 20 is a shelf in which multiple containers W1 are arranged in the left-right direction X in each of the multiple levels in the vertical direction Z when viewed from the work area 15. The depth direction of the container arrangement section 20 is defined as the front-rear direction Y, the side of the container arrangement section 20 facing the work area 15 is the front side Y1, and the side opposite the work area 15 is the rear direction Y2.

[0012] The work support device 30 includes a display unit 31. The display unit 31 includes a display area E1 corresponding to each of the multiple containers W1 arranged in the container arrangement unit 20. Therefore, the display area E1 is positioned adjacent to the upper and lower sides of each of the multiple containers W1.

[0013] In this embodiment, the display portion 31 is a sheet-like member arranged on the surface of the container W1 and in the container arrangement portion 20 so as to hang down over the container W1. Furthermore, a notch 32 along the vertical direction Z is provided at the lower part of the sheet-like member which is the display portion 31. In this embodiment, the display portion 31 is a sheet-like member arranged in each stage of the container arrangement portion 20 so as to hang down over the container W1, and a notch 32 along the vertical direction Z is provided at the lower part of the display portion 31 in each stage.

[0014] The display target portion 31 may be the surface of the container array portion 20 or the surface of the container W1. In the illustrated example, the lower portion of the sheet-like member that is the display target portion 31 adjacent to the upper side of the container W1, the surface of the container W1, and the upper portion of the sheet-like member that is the display target portion 31 adjacent to the lower side of the container W1 form the display area E1 corresponding to each of the plurality of containers W1. Also, at the lowermost stage of the container array portion 20, the sheet-like member that is the display target portion 31 adjacent to the upper side of the container W1, the surface of the container W1, and the surface of the container array portion 20 adjacent to the lower side of the container W1 form the display area E1 corresponding to each of the plurality of containers W1.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the display target portion 31 includes a specific area E2 different from the display area E1. The specific area E2 is arranged at the left end, right end, or upper end of the container array portion 20. Also, the specific area E2 is arranged adjacent to the display area E1.

[0016] The work support device 30 includes a projection device 41 that projects an image onto the display target portion 31. In the present embodiment, the projection device 41 projects an image onto the display target portion 31 from the front side Y1 of the container array portion 20. Also, the projection device 41 projects an image onto the display target portion 31 from above the container array portion 20 (for example, the ceiling of the facility).

[0017] Also, the work support device 30 includes a detection device 42 that detects the movement of the worker 12. In the present embodiment, the detection device 42 includes, for example, an image sensor and an image processing device (not shown), and detects that the operation instruction image D1 has been operated by the worker 12 or that the target work on the target container W11 has been executed by the worker 12. Examples of the image sensor include an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, etc. The movement of the worker 12 detected by the detection device 42 may be the movement of the arm, head, foot, tool held by the worker 12, etc. In the present embodiment, the detection device 42 is configured to be able to detect the movement of the hand of the worker 12.

[0018] In this embodiment, the work support device 30 is equipped with a sound wave output device 43 that outputs audible sound. Examples of the sound wave output device 43 include a speaker, a chime, etc. In this embodiment, the projection device 41, the detection device 42, and the sound wave output device 43 are integrated into the input / output device 40. In this embodiment, the input / output device 40 is installed on the ceiling of the facility.

[0019] The work support device 30 includes a control device 50 that controls the projection device 41, the detection device 42, and the sound wave output device 43. In this embodiment, the control device 50 includes a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a main memory that can be accessed by the processing unit, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). Each function of the control unit 50 is realized through the cooperation of the hardware provided by the control unit 50 and the program executed on the hardware such as the arithmetic processing unit. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 (specifically, the arithmetic processing unit provided by the control unit 50) functions as a "computer". The control unit 50 may be a higher-level control unit installed in a control facility not shown. Also, if the control unit 50 is equipped with multiple hardware components that are separated and can communicate with each other, some The hardware may be provided in the input / output device 40, and the remaining hardware may be installed in a control facility not shown.

[0020] Figures 2 to 5 illustrate the work instruction control by the control device 50. Here, the display area E1 corresponding to the target container W11 is designated as the first display area E11. The display area E1 corresponding to the next target container W12 is designated as the second display area E12.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to project the operation instruction image D1 onto the first display area E11 corresponding to the target container W11. In this embodiment, the control device 50 also controls the projection device 41 to project, along with the operation instruction image D1, at least one of the following onto the first display area E11 corresponding to the target container W11: information indicating the number of items to be removed from the target container W11 or the number of items to be placed into the target container W11, and information indicating the type of items to be removed from the target container W11 or the type of items to be placed into the target container W11.

[0022] The operation instruction image D1 is not particularly limited, but may include a figure, an image of the appearance of item B, numbers, etc. Examples of "item count information" include characters (numbers) representing the number of items, images of one or more items, figures indicating the number of items, etc. Examples of "item type information" include the name of the target product, an image, an identification code indicating the item type, etc. In this embodiment, the operation instruction image D1 is the target button image corresponding to the target container W11. In addition, the item count information and item type information are shown in a part of the operation instruction image D1, which is the target button image. In the example shown in Figure 2, the item count information is shown at the bottom of the target button image.

[0023] In this embodiment, the operation instruction image D1 is projected onto both the display unit 31 adjacent to the upper side of the target container W11 and the display unit 31 adjacent to the lower side of the target container W11. This allows the operator 12 to easily recognize the target container W11.

[0024] The operation instruction image D1 may have different flashing speeds, colors, etc., depending on whether one item B is being taken out or put into the target container W11 or multiple items B are being taken out or put into the target container W11. This reduces the chances of the worker 12 taking out multiple items B or taking out only one item B or putting only one item B into the target container W11 where multiple items B should be placed.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the state in which one of the multiple operation instruction images D1 has been operated by the operator 12. Figure 4 shows the state in which all of the multiple operation instruction images D1 have been operated by the operator 12. Figure 5 shows the state in which the control device 50 has finished projecting the operation instruction image D1 and is projecting the operation instruction image D1 onto the second display area E12.

[0026] The control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to perform work instruction control, which involves changing the operation instruction image D1 and projecting the operation instruction image D1 onto the second display area E12 corresponding to the next target container W12, based on the condition that the detection device 42 detects that the operation instruction image D1 has been operated by the worker 12 or that the target work has been performed on the target container W11 by the worker 12. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the control device 50 changes the operation instruction image D1 projected onto the first display area E11. In the example shown in Figure 5, the control device 50 projects the operation instruction image D1 onto the second display area E12 corresponding to the next target container W12.

[0027] The detection device 42 detects that the operation instruction image D1 was operated by the worker 12. Examples of operation include the worker 12 bringing their hand close to the operation instruction image D1 of the display unit 31, the worker 12 touching the operation instruction image D1 with their hand, the worker 12's hand passing through the area surrounded by the operation instruction image D1, and the worker 12 performing a specific operation on the operation instruction image D1 (such as a flick or swipe). Note that operation of the operation instruction image D1 by the worker 12 may also be performed by the worker 12's arm, head, foot, or a tool held by the worker 12. Furthermore, examples of changes to the operation instruction image D1 include changing the image, changing the color, changing the blinking speed, changing from blinking to steady, changing from steady to blinking, turning it off, or a combination of these.

[0028] Examples of when the detection device 42 detects that the worker 12 has performed the target operation on the target container W11 include the worker 12's hand approaching the item B in the target container W11, the target container W11, or the sheet-like member which is the displayable part 31 adjacent to the upper side of the target container W11, or the worker 12's hand touching it. Note that it may be the worker 12's arm, head, foot, or a tool held by the worker 12, rather than the worker 12's hand.

[0029] In this embodiment, the control device 50 determines, based on the hand movements of the worker 12 detected by the detection device 42, whether the worker 12 performed the target operation on the target container W11 or on a container W1 other than the target container W11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the control device 50 determines that the worker 12 performed the target operation on a container W1 other than the target container W11, it controls the projection device 41 to change the display mode of the operation instruction image D1 or to project a different image D2. Figure 6 shows the state in which a different image D2 is projected when it is determined that the worker performed the target operation on a container W1 other than the target container W11.

[0030] When it is determined that the target operation has been performed on a container W1 other than the target container W11, examples of how the display mode of the operation instruction image D1 may be changed include changing the color, changing the blinking speed, changing from blinking to steady, changing from steady to blinking, turning off, or a combination thereof. It is desirable that the change in the display mode of the operation instruction image D1 be such that the operator 12 can still recognize the operation instruction image D1 after the change (for example, changing only the color, changing from blinking to steady, etc.).

[0031] In this embodiment, the control device 50 identifies the container W1 on which the worker 12 performed the target operation, based on the positional relationship between the opening of the container W1 and the worker 12 and their hand in the image captured by the detection device 42. In addition, in this embodiment, when the worker 12 performs the target operation on the target container W11, the display mode of the operation instruction image D1 in the first display area E11 changes.

[0032] Furthermore, if it is determined that the target operation has been performed on a container W1 other than the target container W11, a different image D2 is displayed in multiple display areas E1 (for example, all display areas E1 of the container arrangement section 20). Examples of the different image D2 include error symbols, text, an image of a different color from the operation instruction image D1, a flashing image, etc.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if it is determined that the target operation has been performed on a container W1 other than the target container W11, another image D2 is displayed in multiple display areas E1 without changing the display mode of the operation instruction image D1 in the first display area E11. In this case, the operation instruction image D1 in the first display area E11 and the other image D2 may be displayed overlapping. In this embodiment, when the detection device 42 detects that the operation instruction image D1 in the first display area E11 has been operated by the worker 12, or that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11 by the worker 12, the control device 50 terminates the projection of the other image D2.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the control device 50 determines that the target operation has been performed on a container W1 other than the target container W11, it outputs an audible sound using the sound wave output device 43. The control device 50 may output an audible sound from the sound wave output device 43 when it determines that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11. In this case, the control device 50 will output different audible sounds from the sound wave output device 43 depending on whether it determines that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11 or on a container W1 other than the target container W11. Furthermore, when it determines that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11, the sound wave output device 43 may output different audible sounds depending on whether one item B is removed from or placed into the target container W11 or whether there are multiple items B.

[0035] There may be one target container W11 or multiple target containers W11. If there are multiple target containers W11, multiple operation instruction images D1 are projected. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, when the worker 12 performs a target operation on a target container W11, the operation instruction image D1 is changed for each container W11. However, when the worker 12 performs a target operation on one target container W11, the operation instruction images D1 for the remaining target containers W11 may also be changed. Such changes are made, for example, when there are identical items B in multiple containers W1 and the item to be removed is to be taken out.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to project the operation buttons of the work support device 30 onto a specific area E2 that is different from the display area E1 on the display unit 31. Examples of operation buttons include a work start button, a work stop button, a button to request replenishment of item B into container W1, and an abnormal stop button. The operation buttons of the work support device 30 are projected onto a specific area E2 located, for example, above the container arrangement unit 20.

[0037] In this embodiment, the work completion button is projected onto a specific area E2 in the display area E1 of the display unit 31, which is different from the display area E1. The work completion button is projected onto specific areas E2 located at the left and right ends of the container arrangement unit 20, for example. The worker 12 operates the work completion button when the target work for each order is completed. When a transport container W2 is prepared for each order, the worker 12 operates the work completion button, for example, in a picking operation, when the item B is taken from multiple target containers W11 and placed into one transport container W2. Also, in an assortment operation, for example, the worker 12 operates the work completion button when the item B is placed from one transport container W2 into multiple target containers W11. When the work completion button is operated, the control device 50 projects an operation instruction image D1 onto a second display area E12 corresponding to the next target container W12 for the target work corresponding to the next order. Figure 5 shows this state. The location where the "work complete" button is projected is preferably adjacent to the transport container W2, or on the surface of the transport container W2.

[0038] In this embodiment, if the detection device 42 detects that the operation instruction image D1 has been operated by the worker 12, or that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11 by the worker 12, and the projected operation completion button in the specific area E2 is operated, the projection of the operation instruction image D1 onto the first display area E11 corresponding to the previous target container W11 is terminated, and the operation instruction image D1 is then projected onto the second display area E12 corresponding to the next target container W12.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the target operation is a picking operation, the target container W11 is the container W1 into which item B is taken at each point in the picking operation. Also, when the target operation is an assorting operation, the target container W11 is the container W1 into which item B is placed at each point in the assorting operation. The target container W11 and the next target container W12 change according to the progress of the target operation.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to project a mode switching switch image onto a specific area E2 in the display area E1 of the display unit 31. The switch image is projected onto a specific area E2 located, for example, at the top of the container arrangement section 20. The control device 50 switches between confirmation mode and work mode when the detection device 42 detects that the mode switching switch image has been operated by the worker 12. Figures 2 to 6 show the projected image in work mode. Figure 7 shows the projected image in confirmation mode.

[0041] In this embodiment, the control device 50 performs the above-described work instruction control in work mode. In confirmation mode, the control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to perform state display control, which projects state information indicating the type and number of articles B contained in each of the multiple containers W1 arranged in the container arrangement section 20. In the example shown in Figure 7, state information indicating the type and number of articles B contained in each of the containers W1 is projected for all of the containers W1 arranged in the container arrangement section 20, but there may be some containers W1 in the container arrangement section 20 that are not subject to projection of state information.

[0042] [Second Embodiment] The following description of the work equipment 10 according to the second embodiment will be given with reference to the drawings. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment described above. Unless otherwise specified, the same applies as in the first embodiment. Figures 8 to 10 show projected images in the work mode of this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the projection device 41 to project the operation instruction image D1 onto the first display area E11 corresponding to the target container W11, and simultaneously projects a preview image D3, which is different in appearance from the operation instruction image D1, onto the second display area E12 corresponding to the next target container W12.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the operation instruction image D1 is changed on the condition that the operation instruction image D1 has been operated by the worker 12, or that the worker 12 has performed the target operation on the target container W11, as detected by the detection device 42.

[0045] As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, if the detection device 42 detects that the operation instruction image D1 has been operated by the worker 12, or that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11 by the worker 12, and the work completion button projected in the specific area E2 is operated, the projection of the operation instruction image D1 onto the first display area E11 corresponding to the previous target container W11 is terminated, and the preview image D3 in the second display area E12 is changed to the operation instruction image D1. Furthermore, the preview image D3 is projected onto the third display area E13 corresponding to the next target container W13. Note that if there are multiple target containers (target container W11, target container W12, target container W13) at each point in time, multiple preview images D3 may be projected.

[0046] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the work equipment 10 will be described.

[0047] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of containers W1 arranged in the container arrangement section 20 and transport containers W2 mounted on the transport vehicle 19 are boxes made of cardboard or resin was described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and for example, containers W1 or transport containers W2 may be cartons, trays, pallets, mounting tables, or combinations thereof. Also, for example, transport containers W2 may not be mounted on the transport vehicle 19. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 11, the storage section of the container arrangement section 20 may function as containers W1 for article B, and the display area E1 may correspond to the storage section of the shelf which is the container arrangement section 20. In the example shown in Figure 11, the side panels of the shelf which is the storage section of the container arrangement section 20 function as containers W1, and the top panel which is the storage section of the transport vehicle 19 functions as transport containers W2.

[0048] (2) In the above embodiment, the container arrangement section 20 was described as a shelf in which containers W1 are arranged vertically and horizontally. However, the example is not limited to such an example, and the container arrangement section 20 may be a conveyor, a container stand, or other configuration in which containers W1 are arranged in a planar manner. In that case, the containers W1 may be arranged in a single row in the left-right direction X, or in a two-dimensional configuration in the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y. Alternatively, the containers W1 may be arranged in a single row in the up-down direction Z.

[0049] (3) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the projection device 41 projects an image onto the display area 31, which is a sheet-like member, the surface of the container W1, or the surface of the container arrangement area 20, was described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the display area 31 may not be a sheet-like member, the surface of the container W1, or the surface of the container arrangement area 20. For example, the projection device 41 may be a stereoscopic image projection device that projects a stereoscopic image into the space that is the display area 31. Also, the sheet-like member that is the display area 31 does not have to be provided with a notch 32 along the vertical direction Z.

[0050] (4) In the above embodiment, the display area E1 was described as being arranged adjacent to the upper and lower sides of each of the multiple containers W1. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and for example, the display area E1 may be arranged adjacent to either the upper or lower side of each of the multiple containers W1. Also, for example, the display area E1 does not have to be adjacent to each of the multiple containers W1 as long as it is located in a place visible to the worker 12.

[0051] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as one in which, if it is determined that the target operation has been performed on a container W1 other than the target container W11, a different image is displayed in multiple display areas E1. However, the system is not limited to such an example, and for example, the color of the operation instruction image D1 in the first display area E11 corresponding to the target container W11 may be changed. Alternatively, for example, the operation instruction image D1 in the first display area E11 may be made to blink.

[0052] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the operation instruction image D1 and the number of work items information are shown in the first display area E11 corresponding to each of the multiple containers W1 was described as an example. However, the configuration is not limited to such an example, and for example, one of the images showing the type of item information and the image showing the number of work items information may be projected as the operation instruction image D1. Alternatively, the item type information and the number of work items information may not be projected, and the operation instruction image D1 may only show the target button image corresponding to the target container W11. Alternatively, the operation instruction image D1 may be an image that only shows the location of the target container W11 that is not operated by the worker 12.

[0053] (7) In the above embodiment, when the control device 50 determines that the target operation has been performed on a container W1 other than the target container W11, the display mode of the operation instruction image D1 is changed, or an image different from the operation instruction image D1 is projected, as an example. However, the invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the control device 50 may not determine that the target operation has been performed on a container W1 other than the target container W11.

[0054] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which state information indicating the type and number of articles B contained in each container W1 is projected in the confirmation mode was described as an example. However, the system is not limited to such an example, and for example, a configuration in which state information indicating at least one of the type and number of articles B contained in each container W1 is projected in the confirmation mode may also be used.

[0055] (9) In the above embodiment, the projection of the operation instruction image D1 was described as an example in which the operation instruction image D1 is projected when the operation completion button projected in a specific area E2 is operated, provided that the detection device 42 detects that the operation instruction image D1 has been operated by the worker 12, or that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11 by the worker 12. However, such an example Without being limited to this, for example, the operation instruction image D1 may be projected when the detection device 42 detects that the operation instruction image D1 has been operated by the worker 12, or that the target operation has been performed on the target container W11 by the worker 12, even though the operation completion button has not been projected.

[0056] (10) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0057] [Summary of the above embodiment] The following describes the work equipment mentioned above.

[0058] The work equipment relating to this disclosure comprises a container arrangement section in which a plurality of containers are arranged, a work area adjacent to the container arrangement section in which a worker performs target work, which is at least one of the following: picking work, in which the worker takes out an item from a target container that is a target container among the plurality of containers, and assorting work, in which the worker puts an item into a target container that is a target container among the plurality of containers, and a work support device that provides support to the worker for the target work, wherein the work support device comprises a display area having a display area corresponding to each of the plurality of containers arranged in the container arrangement section, and the display area The system comprises a projection device for projecting an image, a detection device for detecting the movements of the worker, and a control device for controlling the projection device. The control device controls the projection device to project an operation instruction image onto the display area corresponding to the target container, and, on the condition that the detection device detects that the operation instruction image has been operated by the worker, or that the worker has performed the target work on the target container, controls the projection device to perform work instruction control, which involves changing the operation instruction image and projecting the operation instruction image onto the display area corresponding to the next target container.

[0059] With this configuration, the operator can easily recognize that the container corresponding to the display area where the operation instruction image is displayed is the target container from which items will be removed or placed. Furthermore, when the operation instruction image is changed by work instruction control, the operator can easily recognize that the operation of the operation instruction image in the display area corresponding to the target container has been completed, or that the execution of the target work on the target container has been completed. Therefore, it is easier to improve the speed and accuracy of the item removal or placement work. Also, when the operation instruction image is projected onto the display area corresponding to the next target container by work instruction control, the operator can easily recognize the next target container. Therefore, it is easier to improve the speed and accuracy of the work when removing or placing items into multiple containers in succession.

[0060] In one embodiment, the detection device is configured to detect the hand movements of the worker, and the control device determines, based on the hand movements of the worker detected by the detection device, whether the worker performed the target operation on the target container or on a container other than the target container, and if it is determined that the worker performed the target operation on a container other than the target container, it controls the projection device to change the display mode of the operation instruction image or to project an image different from the operation instruction image.

[0061] This configuration allows for clear notification to the worker if they mistakenly remove or place an item into the wrong container. Therefore, this configuration facilitates increased accuracy in operations.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control device controls the projection device to project the image corresponding to the target container. It is preferable to project at least one of the following onto the display area, along with the operation instruction image: information indicating the number of items to be removed from the target container or the number of items to be placed into the target container; and information indicating the type of items to be removed from the target container or placed into the target container.

[0063] With this configuration, the worker can easily recognize at least one of the number and type of items to be taken out or placed into the target container. Therefore, it is easier to improve the speed and accuracy of the worker's work.

[0064] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the control device controls the projection device to project a preview image, which is different in appearance from the operation instruction image, onto the display area corresponding to the next target container, in parallel with the projection of the operation instruction image onto the display area corresponding to the target container.

[0065] With this configuration, the worker can recognize the location of the next target container while performing the task of removing or placing items into the target container. Therefore, after completing the task on one container, it becomes easier to quickly move on to the task on the next target container. Consequently, it is easier to improve the speed and accuracy of the worker's work.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control device controls the projection device to project a mode switching switch image onto a specific area different from the display area corresponding to each of the plurality of containers in the display unit, and switches between confirmation mode and work mode in response to the detection device detecting that the mode switching switch image has been operated by the worker, executes the work instruction control in work mode, and in confirmation mode controls the projection device to execute state display control, which projects state information indicating the type and number of articles contained in each of the plurality of containers arranged in the container arrangement unit.

[0067] With this configuration, workers can easily check what items and how many of each item are in each container before starting the task or after completing it. Therefore, workers can easily prepare for and verify the task.

[0068] In one embodiment, the container arrangement section is preferably a shelf in which, as viewed from the work area, multiple containers are arranged in a left-right direction in each of multiple vertical levels, and the display area is preferably located adjacent to at least one of the upper and lower sides of each of the multiple containers.

[0069] This configuration makes it easier for workers to recognize the correspondence between the container and the display area. Therefore, it is easier to improve the speed and accuracy of the work performed by the workers.

[0070] In one embodiment, the display portion is preferably a sheet-like member arranged to hang down over the containers in each stage of the container arrangement, and a cut along the vertical direction is provided at the lower part of the display portion in each stage.

[0071] This configuration makes it easy to position the display area of ​​the display unit close to the corresponding container. Furthermore, since the sheet-like material constituting the display unit has notches, the worker's hand can pass through the notches in the sheet-like material. Therefore, even when the display unit is positioned close to the container, it is less likely to interfere with the worker's work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 10: Work equipment 12: Worker 15: Work Area 20: Container arrangement section 30: Work support device 31:Displayed area 32: Cut 41: Projection device 42: Detection device 50: Control device B:Goods W1: Container

Claims

[Claim 1] A container arrangement section in which multiple containers are arranged, An area in which a worker performs a target operation, which is at least one of the following: a picking operation in which an item is taken out from a target container that is a target container among a plurality of containers, and an assorting operation in which an item is placed into a target container that is a target container among a plurality of containers, the work area being arranged adjacent to the container arrangement section, A work support device that provides support for the aforementioned worker to perform the aforementioned target work, A work facility equipped with, The aforementioned work support device is A display unit having a display area corresponding to each of the plurality of containers arranged in the container arrangement unit, A projection device that projects an image onto the display unit, A detection device for detecting the movements of the worker, A control device for controlling the projection device, Equipped with, The control device controls the projection device to project an operation instruction image onto the display area corresponding to the target container, and, on the condition that the detection device detects that the operation instruction image has been operated by the worker or that the worker has performed the target work on the target container, controls the projection device to perform work instruction control, which involves changing the operation instruction image and projecting the operation instruction image onto the display area corresponding to the next target container.

Images