Display system, display method, and program

Abstract

The invention provides a display system, a display method, and a program. An operator can grasp the progress state of sorting work in cargo sorting work. And the display system is used for displaying the progress condition of goods sorting and displaying the progress condition of goods sorting in a specified mode. The prescribed means is, for example, any one of the following means: distinguishing according to shipment batches of the cargo, distinguishing according to a system indicating the position of the chute, and distinguishing according to shipment destinations, i.e., distinguishing according to shops. The progress state refers to, for example, any one of an undetermined state, a determined state, a working state, and a completed state as the state of the cargo.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for effectively assisting a sorting operator for goods in a business warehouse. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a large amount of goods are shipped out in a business warehouse, there is a sorting operation of classifying the goods to each shipping destination. Specifically, there is an operation of classifying a large amount of goods of a certain shipper to each store of the shipper, etc. In such a sorting operation, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sorting device having a plurality of pallets moving along a conveyance path, an inlet for placing goods on the pallet, and a plurality of chutes for discharging the goods placed on the pallet to each store. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-75783 Summary of the Invention Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the sorting operation as described above, although a large amount of goods are processed, a method for the operator to grasp the operation status is not considered. For example, when the sorting operation is interrupted for some reason, or when a part or all of the sorting operation is changed to after the next day, it takes a long time for the operator to grasp the progress status of the sorting operation, and there is a problem that it is difficult for the operator to grasp the progress status of the sorting operation. Even in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the operator cannot grasp the progress status of the sorting operation, it is difficult for the operator to grasp the progress status of the sorting operation. Therefore, the present inventors focused on a mechanism for an operator to grasp the progress status of a sorting operation of goods.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a display system, a display method, and a program that enable an operator to grasp the progress status of a sorting operation of goods. Technical Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention provides a display system for displaying the progress status of sorting of goods, the display system having: a display unit that displays the progress status of sorting of the goods in a prescribed manner.

[0007] According to the present invention, the display system displays the progress status of the sorting of goods in a prescribed manner (for example, according to the difference in the shipment batches of goods, according to the difference in the system indicating the chute position, or according to the difference in the shipment destinations, that is, according to the difference in stores). The operator can grasp the progress status of the sorting operation by viewing the displayed progress status.

[0008] The present invention pertains to the category of systems, but methods and programs also have the same functions and effects. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the operator can grasp the progress status of the sorting operation during the sorting operation of goods. Description of the Drawings

[0010] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the outline of the display system 1. Figure 2 It is a functional structure diagram showing the display system 1. Figure 3 It is a flowchart showing the display process executed by the computer 10. Figure 4 It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state in which the progress status of the sorting of goods is displayed according to the difference in the shipment batches of goods. Figure 5 It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state in which the progress status of the sorting of goods is displayed according to the difference in the system indicating the chute position. Figure 6 It is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state in which the progress status of the sorting of goods is displayed according to the difference in the shipment destinations, that is, according to the difference in stores. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the first progress status change process executed by the computer 10. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the second progress status change process executed by the computer 10. Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the third progress status change process executed by the computer 10. Detailed Embodiments

[0011] Hereinafter, a mode for implementing the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as the embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are given the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiment.

[0012]

Outline of the Display System 1

[0013] An overview of the processing steps when the display system 1 displays the progress status of sorting goods will be described.

[0014] The computer 10 displays the progress status of sorting goods in a prescribed manner (step S1). The computer 10 displays the progress status of sorting goods in a prescribed manner on a display or the like set at the place where the operator performs the sorting operation. At this time, the computer 10 displays a list of goods to be sorted in a prescribed manner. The prescribed manner means, for example, any one of the following ways: according to the difference in the shipping batches of goods, according to the system indicating the chute position (according to the difference in the identification numbers of the branches of the conveying path of the conveyed goods), or according to the difference in the shipping destinations, that is, according to the difference in stores. The progress status refers to any one of the statuses such as undetermined, determined, in operation, and in progress, as the status of the goods.

[0015] The computer 10 can change the progress status along with the execution of a prescribed process and display the changed progress status in a prescribed manner. Additionally, the computer 10 can change the progress status along with the transmission of prescribed data to the WMS 2 or the sorting system 3 and display the changed progress status in a prescribed manner. Additionally, the computer 10 can change the progress status along with the reception of prescribed data sent by the WMS 2 or the sorting system 3 and display the changed progress status in a prescribed manner.

[0016] The above is the outline of the display system 1. According to the present display system 1, an operator can grasp the progress status of the sorting operation during the sorting operation of the goods.

[0017]

Device Structure

[0018] As described above, the WMS 2 is a system that has functions such as the management of inbound and outbound of a general warehouse and inventory management, and manages shipping instruction data. The WMS 2, as described above, executes each process through a computer 6 having a server function included in the system. The computer 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. as a control unit, and includes devices capable of communicating with other terminals and devices, etc. as a communication unit. The computer 6 includes a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, a memory card, etc. as a data storage unit, etc. as a recording unit. The computer 6 includes various devices that execute various processes, etc. as a processing unit.

[0019] As described above, the sorting system 3 is a system that has the function of classifying goods according to the shipping destination by an automated guided vehicle or the like. As described above, the sorting system 3 includes a computer 7 with server functions in the system to execute various processes. The computer 7 includes a CPU, GPU, RAM, ROM, etc. as a control unit, and devices capable of communicating with other terminals and devices, etc. as a communication unit. The computer 7 includes a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, memory card, etc. as a data storage unit, etc. as a recording unit. The computer 7 includes various devices that execute various processes, etc. as a processing unit.

[0020] A sorting system that actually performs the sorting of goods will be described. The sorting system 3 includes an automated guided vehicle for transporting goods, a transport path on which the automated guided vehicle travels, etc. This transport path has an input port where an operator loads goods onto the automated guided vehicle and a chute which is the transport destination of the goods. The chute is the exit of the sorting system 3 and is a store that has been pre-assigned the shipping destination of the goods. The sorting system 3 controls the automated guided vehicle, transports the loaded goods to the position of the chute, and drops them into the chute. The chute is shaped like a slide, and the goods dropped are stored in a container arranged below the slide, thereby performing sorting. An actual sorting operation will be described. At the input port of the goods, the operator reads the identifier attached to the goods through an identifier reader and summons the automated guided vehicle responsible for transporting the goods to the shipping destination. The operator loads the goods onto the pedestal of the automated guided vehicle summoned to the input port. The automated guided vehicle travels on the transport route and transports the goods to the position of the chute of the store assigned the shipping destination. The pedestal has an inclination function and can drop the goods into the chute. When the automated guided vehicle reaches the chute, the pedestal is inclined to drop the goods. The above is the description of the actual sorting operation. It should be noted that in this embodiment, a sorting system using an automated guided vehicle has been described, but it can also be applied to a conveyor belt type sorting system. That is, it can also be applied in such a way that the operator inputs the goods into the conveyor belt through the input port, and when the goods reach the designated chute position, a baffle or tilting plate is activated to guide the goods into the chute.

[0021] As described above, the WCS 4 has functions such as controlling material handling equipment and IOT equipment in the warehouse, etc. The WCS 4 is a system for data cooperation between the WMS 2 and the sorting system 3. As described above, the WCS 4 executes various processes through a computer 10 with server functions included in the system. The computer 10 includes a CPU, GPU, RAM, ROM, etc. as a control unit, and includes a device capable of communicating with other terminals and devices, etc., and a display unit 11 that displays the progress of sorting of goods in a specified manner, etc. as a communication unit. The computer 10 includes a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, a memory card, etc. as a data storage unit, etc. as a recording unit. The computer 10 includes various devices that execute various processes, etc. as a processing unit.

[0022] In the computer 10, the control unit reads a specified program, cooperates with the communication unit, and implements a display module, a transmission module, and a receiving module. In addition, in the computer 10, the control unit reads a specified program, cooperates with the processing unit, and implements an execution module and a change module.

[0023] Hereinafter, each process executed by the display system 1 will be described together with the processes executed by the above-mentioned respective modules. In this specification, each module can execute the content of its process as a function it has, or can execute it by means of a specified application program.

[0024]

Display Process Executed by Computer 10

[0025] The display module displays the progress status of sorting of goods in a specified manner (step S10). The display module displays the progress status of sorting of goods in a specified manner on a display or the like provided at the place where the operator performs the sorting operation. At this time, the display module displays a list of goods to be sorted in a specified manner (see Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). The specified manner means, for example, any one of the following ways: according to the difference in the shipping batches of goods, according to the difference in systems, and according to the difference in shipping destinations. Here, the shipping batch refers to the quantity of goods scheduled for shipment. For example, if a shipping instruction for a total of 100,000 goods from multiple shippers is received, it is difficult to process them all in one day. Therefore, the warehouse divides the quantity of goods to be processed in any unit such as one day, morning, or afternoon. The divided quantity of goods is called a shipping batch. In addition, the system is an identification number of the conveying path. For example, if two conveying paths are set, they are respectively called the first system and the second system to manage the progress status. The progress status refers to, for example, any of the statuses of undetermined, determined, in operation, and in the process of completion, as the status of the goods. Describe the respective statuses. Undetermined is the status before sending the allocation result data to WMS2. The allocation result data refers to the data representing the result of allocating the chutes of the sorting system to each of the goods in the picking result data obtained by WCS4. Determined is the status of sending a part of the allocation result data to WMS2 (this status is particularly referred to as determined (including undetermined)), and the status of sending all the allocation result data to WMS2. Determined (including undetermined) is displayed when an additional shipment instruction is received during the allocation process or when the number of shipping destination stores exceeds the number of chutes and the chutes for some of the goods are undetermined. In operation is the status of starting the sorting operation when a part of the allocation result data has been sent to WMS2 (this status is particularly referred to as in operation (including undetermined)), and the status of starting the sorting operation when all the allocation result data has been sent to WMS2. Completed is the status where all operations have been completed as per the scheduled quantity for the picking result data, and the status where the operation is completed in case of out-of-stock (this status is particularly referred to as completed (including out-of-stock)). The picking result data is the data of the goods extracted from the storage location according to the shipper's shipping instruction. Specifically, it is the data recording information related to the goods such as the shipping instruction number, delivery location, item code, and item name. Cancelled means that the sorting of the goods has not been carried out for some reason, and the actual achievement number is 0. The actual achievement number refers to the number of goods that have been sorted. The display module can display the progress status of the goods sorting from the pre-set conditions or the conditions specified by the operator, administrator, etc.

[0026] Based on Figure 4 , describe the display of the progress status of the goods sorting by the display module. This figure is an example of a figure schematically showing the status where the display module displays the progress status of the goods sorting in a prescribed manner by the shipping batch of the goods. In this figure, the progress status screen 20 is shown. In the progress status screen 20, a condition bar 21, a data bar 22, and a progress status bar 23 are shown. The condition column 21 is a column that displays the conditions of the currently displayed screen, showing "Batch Summary List", indicating a list by shipping batch. The data column 22 is a column that displays various data of the goods, showing the name of the shipper, the shipping date, the WMS batch number, and the status. The data column 22 has a function of searching for the specified goods by receiving the input of the operator. For example, when a specific shipper name is entered in the shipper item, the information of the goods of that shipper is searched in the batch (for example, among the goods processed on the same day) and displayed in the progress status column 23. The progress status column 23 is a column that displays the progress status of the current sorting operation as a list, showing items related to the sorting operation (for example, the name of the shipper, the shipping date, the batch number, the status, the progress (actual / planned), the progress (actual / picked quantity), the number of stores (planned), the number of stores (actual), the total planned stockpiling quantity, the total WMS picked quantity, the total actual sorting quantity, the planned SKU (Stockkeeping Unit: inventory unit) (DC (Distribution Center: distribution center)). In particular, the status 230 in this progress status column 23 corresponds to the progress status of the sorting of the goods. The display module displays this progress status screen 20 on a display or the like, and displays the progress status of the sorting of the goods by shipping batch of the goods. As described above, if the sorting status of the goods is displayed by shipping batch, for example, even when the shipping batch is processed in multiple systems, it is not necessary to confirm each system, and the progress status can be confirmed through the summary list. In order to effectively sort a large number of goods, the sorting operation of the goods is sometimes processed in parallel by multiple systems. In this case, it is necessary to confirm the processing degree of the shipping batch in each system and for each shipping batch, and this confirmation operation becomes difficult. In the present invention, the shipping batches to be processed in multiple systems can be displayed in the summary list, and the confirmation operation can be significantly shortened.

[0027] Based on Figure 5 , an explanation is given of the display module displaying the progress status of the sorting of the goods. This figure is an example of a figure schematically showing a state in which the display module displays the progress status of the sorting of the goods in a prescribed manner by system. In this figure, a progress status screen 30 is shown. In the progress status screen 30, a condition column 31, a data column 32, and a progress status column 33 are shown. The condition column 31 is a column that displays the conditions of the currently displayed screen, showing "System Summary List", indicating a list by system. The data column 32 is the same as the above data column 22. The progress status column 33 is the same as the above progress status column 23. In particular, the status 330 in this progress status column 33 corresponds to the progress status of the sorting of the goods. The display module displays the progress status screen 30 on a display or the like, and displays the progress status of the cargo sorting in a specific transport path (eg, the first system).

[0028] based on Figure 6 , the display module displays the progress status of the sorting of goods. This figure schematically shows an example of a state in which the display module displays the progress status of the sorting of goods in a prescribed manner according to the shipping destination being a store. In this figure, a progress status screen 40 is shown. The progress status screen 40 shows a condition column 41 , a data column 42 , and a progress status column 43 . The condition column 41 is a column for displaying the condition of the currently displayed screen, and shows "List by store", which indicates a list of stores by shipping destination. The data column 42 is the same as the above-mentioned data column 22. The progress status column 43 is the same as the above-mentioned progress status column 23. In particular, the status 430 in the progress status column 43 corresponds to the progress status of the sorting of the goods. In order to sort efficiently, the same store information is sometimes assigned to multiple chutes in multiple systems. For example, the same store is sometimes assigned to chutes No. 1 and No. 5 of the first system and chutes No. 3 of the second system. When this sorting method is applied, although it is efficient, it also makes it difficult to grasp the progress status. To solve this problem, in the store list, the sorting status of the goods for the same store is displayed at a glance regardless of the system or chute, so that the progress status can be easily grasped. The display module displays the progress status screen 40 on a display or the like, and displays the progress status of the sorting of the goods by the shipping destination, that is, by the store. The above is the display processing.

[0029] [First progress status change process performed by computer 10] based on Figure 7 , the first progress status change processing executed by the computer 10 will be described. This figure is a flowchart showing the first progress status change processing executed by the computer 10.

[0030] The execution module executes a predetermined process (step S20). The predetermined processing is, for example, an induction-related processing. The induction association process is a process of associating the induction ID managed by WCS4 with the terminal set at the input port of the sorting system. Then, the operator performs the sorting operation at the associated input port. In other words, the induction association process is a process of registering in WCS4 which input port of the sorting system the sorting operation is performed. Through this process, WCS4 can manage the status of the sorting operation for each input port and can record the progress status in detail.

[0031] The change module changes the progress status (step S21). The change module manages the input ports where the induction association process has been executed, and changes the progress status data according to the progress of each input port. For example, when the allocation result data has not been sent to WMS2, the change module changes it to undetermined, and if it has been sent, it changes it to determined. In addition, if the sorting operation has started, it changes to in operation, and after completing the scheduled operation, it changes to ended.

[0032] The display module displays the changed progress status (step S22). The display module displays the changed progress status regarding the progress status displayed according to the process of step S10 above. The above is the first progress status change process.

[0033]

The second progress status change process executed by computer 10

[0034] The transmission module sends specified data (step S30). The specified data is, for example, allocation result data or sorting data. As described above, the allocation result data is data representing the result of allocating the chutes of the sorting system to each of the goods in the stocking result data obtained by WCS4. In addition, the sorting data is data representing the sorting content of the goods, and is data including the shipper information, commodity information (after out-of-stock reflection), delivery location, position of the allocated chute, and information on the chute destination of each good. The transmission module sends the allocation result data to WMS2. Or the transmission module sends the sorting data to the sorting system 3.

[0035] The change module changes the progress status (step S31). The change module changes the progress status of the sorting of the goods according to the data sent by the transmission module. For example, if the transmission module sends the allocation result data, the progress status changes to completed and determined (including undetermined) or completed and determined. In addition, if the transmission module sends the sorting data, the progress status changes to in operation (including unconfirmed) or in operation.

[0036] The display module displays the changed progress status (step S32). The display module displays the changed progress status regarding the progress status displayed according to the process of step S10 above.

[0037] The above is the second progress status change process.

[0038]

Third Progress Status Change Process Executed by Computer 10

[0039] The receiving module receives specified data (step S40). The specified data is, for example, allocation result data or sorting data. As described above, the allocation result data is data representing the result of allocating the chutes of the sorting system to each of the goods in the stocking result data obtained by the WCS4. In addition, as described above, the sorting data is data representing the sorting content of the goods. The receiving module receives the allocation result data sent by the WMS2. Or the receiving module receives the sorting data sent by the sorting system 3.

[0040] The change module changes the progress status (step S41). The change module changes the progress status of the sorting of the goods according to the data received by the receiving module. For example, if the receiving module receives the allocation result data, the progress status is changed to "completed (including not determined)" or "completed". In addition, if the receiving module receives the sorting data, the progress status is changed to "in operation (including not confirmed)" or "in operation".

[0041] The display module displays the changed progress status (step S42). The display module displays the changed progress status regarding the progress status displayed according to the processing in step S10 above.

[0042] The above is the third progress status change process.

[0043] In the above first to third progress status change processes, when the progress status changes, the display module can immediately display the changed progress status on a display or the like, or can display the changed progress status on a display or the like according to a specified input.

[0044] The above-mentioned various processes are described as separate processes, but the computer 10 can be configured to execute some or all of the above-mentioned various processes in combination. In addition, in each process, the computer 10 can also be structured to be able to execute its process at a timing other than the timing described.

[0045] The above means and functions are realized by a computer (including a CPU, an information processing device, and various terminals) reading and executing a prescribed program. For example, the program can be provided in the form of being provided (SaaS: Software as a Service) from a computer via a network or in the form of a cloud service. Additionally, the program can be provided in the form of being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium and transfers it to an internal recording device or an external recording device for recording and execution. Further, the program can also be pre-recorded in a recording device (recording medium) and provided to the computer from the recording device via a communication line.

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Additionally, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely the most preferable effects produced by the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] The first mode disclosed in this embodiment is a display system for displaying the sorting progress status of goods; the display system has: a display unit 11, and the display unit 11 displays the sorting progress status of the goods in a prescribed manner.

[0048] The second mode disclosed in this embodiment is the display system according to the first mode, and the prescribed manner is any one of the ways according to the difference in the shipping batches of the goods, according to the difference in the system indicating the chute position, according to the difference in the shipping destinations, and according to the difference in the stores.

[0049] The third mode disclosed in this embodiment is the display system according to the first mode, and the progress status refers to any one of the statuses of undetermined, determined, in operation, and in completion as the status of the goods.

[0050] The fourth mode disclosed in this embodiment is the display system according to the first mode, and the display unit 11 displays the goods to be sorted at a glance in the prescribed manner.

[0051] The fifth mode disclosed in this embodiment is the display system according to the first mode, and the display unit 11 displays while changing the progress status according to the execution of a prescribed process, or the transmission or reception of prescribed data.

[0052] The sixth mode disclosed in this embodiment is the display system according to the first mode, and the display unit 11 displays the sorting progress status of the goods of multiple systems. Description of Reference Numerals

[0053] 1: Display system; 2: WMS; 3: Sorting system; 4: WCS; 6, 7, 10: Computers; 8: Network; 11: Display unit; 20, 30, 40: Progress status screens; 21, 31, 41: Condition columns; 22, 32, 42: Data columns; 23, 33, 43: Progress status columns; 230, 330, 430: Status.

Claims

1. A display system, which displays the progress of goods sorting, characterized in that: The display system includes a display unit that displays the progress status of the sorting of the goods in a predetermined manner.

2. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined method is any one of a method of distinguishing by shipment batch of the goods, a method of distinguishing by system, a method of distinguishing by shipment destination, that is, a method of distinguishing by store.

3. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The progress status refers to any one of the statuses of undetermined, determined, in progress, and completed as the status of the goods.

4. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display unit displays the goods to be sorted in a list in the predetermined manner.

5. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display unit displays the progress status in a changed manner according to execution of a predetermined process or transmission or reception of predetermined data.

6. The display system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display unit displays the progress status of the sorting of goods of the plurality of systems.

7. A display method, executed by a computer for displaying the progress of sorting of goods, characterized in that: The display method comprises the following steps: The progress status of the sorting of the goods is displayed in a prescribed manner.

8. A program, which is a computer-readable program, characterized in that: The computer that displays the progress of the sorting of the goods executes the following steps: The progress status of the sorting of the goods is displayed in a prescribed manner.

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