Case

Abstract

To provide an article managing system allowed to manage a plurality of articles more positively.SOLUTION: An article managing system 1 comprises an identification medium 501 that has article-identifying information to identify respective ones of a plurality of articles 500, a pallet 20 that receives or places therein the plurality of articles 500 and brings the plurality of articles 500 collectively in a movable state, an optically-readable case-identifying marker 100 that records first case-identifying information to identify the pallet 20 and is attached on the pallet 20, a case-identifying non-contact communication tag 200 that records second case-identifying information to identify the pallet 20 and is attached on the pallet 20, and a storage unit 10 that acquires the article-identifying information of the article 500 received or placed in the pallet 20 and stores it with the first case-identifying information and the second case-identifying information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management system that can be used for article distribution management, inventory management, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. have been widely used for managing goods. These optical codes are inexpensive, but have a problem in that they cannot be used unless the code is visible. In recent years, RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​technology has also been used to manage goods. RFID technology is superior to optical codes in that it can be used even when the goods to which the RF tags are attached are inside a box or other such place and cannot be seen. However, RFID technology has issues such as radio interference caused by multiple overlapping RFID tags and poor communication due to the presence of metal or water. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that combines two-dimensional codes and RFID technology.

[0003] However, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a two-dimensional code and RFID technology are both provided on one label, so it is necessary to attach a label that combines this two-dimensional code and RFID technology to all items, which is wasteful. Also, RFID is often difficult to read due to radio wave interference, etc., and when items are stored together in a box or the like, it is necessary to remove items that cannot be read. Furthermore, when items are stored in a box or a large number of items are placed on a pallet, the task of removing items from the box to read the information is cumbersome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-319199 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an article management system that can more reliably manage a plurality of articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention solves the above problems by the following solving means. Note that, for ease of understanding, the following description will be given with reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0007] The first invention is an item management system (1) comprising: an identification medium (501) having item identification information capable of identifying each of a plurality of items (500); a container (20) in which the plurality of items (500) are stored or placed so that the plurality of items (500) can be moved together; an optically readable container identification marker (100) attached to the container (20) that records first container identification information capable of identifying the container (20); a container identification contactless communication tag (200) attached to the container (20) that stores second container identification information capable of identifying the container (20); and a memory unit (10) that acquires the item identification information of the items (500) stored or placed in the container (20) and stores it in association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information.

[0008] A second invention is an item management system (1) according to the first invention, characterized in that the first container identification information and the second container identification information are the same information.

[0009] A third invention is an item management system (1) according to the first invention or the first invention, characterized in that the memory unit (10) updates the memory contents each time there is a change in the item (500) stored or placed in the container (20).

[0010] A fourth invention is an article management system (1) according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the container identification marker (100) has, in addition to an area for displaying the first container identification information, a position display area (102, 103, 104) capable of detecting a positional relationship of a relative inclination between the container identification marker (100) and an observation position; This is an item management system (1) characterized by the above. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an item management system that can more reliably manage a plurality of items. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a pallet 20 and an item 500 included in an embodiment of an item management system 1 according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a container identification marker 100. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container identification marker 100 taken along the position of the arrow AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the container identification marker 100 as viewed from an oblique direction. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an item management system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating the state in which multiple items 500 are placed on a pallet 20. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state of the product after being delivered or stored from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an item 500-6 has been added onto the pallet 20 from the state shown in FIG. 7. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pallet 20 and an item 500 included in an embodiment of an item management system 1 according to the present invention. Note that the figures shown below, including FIG. 1, are schematic diagrams, and the size and shape of each part are exaggerated or omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding. In the following description, specific numerical values, shapes, materials, etc. are given, but these can be changed as appropriate. In this specification, the terms plate, sheet, film, etc. are used, and in general usage, they are used in the order of thickness, plate, sheet, film, etc., and this specification follows that order. However, since such distinction in usage has no technical meaning, these terms can be used interchangeably as appropriate. In the present invention, the term "transparent" refers to a material that transmits at least light of a wavelength to be used. For example, even if a material does not transmit visible light, if it transmits infrared light, it is treated as transparent when used for infrared applications. In addition, the specific numerical values ​​specified in the present specification and claims should be treated as including a general margin of error. In other words, a difference of about ±10% means that there is no substantial difference, and values ​​set within a range slightly exceeding the numerical range of the present invention should be interpreted as being substantially within the scope of the present invention.

[0015] In this embodiment, an article management system that manages articles 500 when a plurality of articles 500 are placed on a pallet 20 for distribution will be described as an example. The article 500 may be, for example, a cardboard box in which a product is packed, a package box for home delivery, or the product itself. Also, the shape of the article may be any shape as long as it can be placed on the pallet 20. An identification medium 501 is attached to the article 500.

[0016] The identification medium 501 is a medium having item identification information capable of identifying each of a plurality of items. Here, the item identification information means a unique number, symbol, code, etc., assigned to each item. Examples of the identification medium 501 include a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and a non-contact communication tag. In the case of a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the item identification information can be provided by a coded display, and in the case of a non-contact communication tag, the item identification information stored in a memory area built into the RF tag can be provided. In the article management system of this embodiment, the identification medium 501 may be a mixture of barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and non-contact communication tags, or may be configured to handle only any one of them.

[0017] The pallet (container) 20 is a pallet that can be transported by an automatic forklift 300 described later, but can also be transported by a normal forklift without using the automatic forklift 300. The pallet 20 may be made of resin or wood, but it is preferable to avoid using a metal pallet if possible in order to avoid radio wave interference with RFID. However, this does not exclude the use of a metal pallet, since the pallet can be optically identified by the container identification marker 100 described later. The pallet 20 holds a plurality of items 500 and allows the plurality of items 500 to be moved together. A container identification marker 100 and a container identification contactless communication tag 200 are attached to the pallet 20.

[0018] The container identification markers 100 of this embodiment are affixed to all four side surfaces of the pallet 20. Although it is sufficient that at least one container identification marker 100 is provided on the pallet 20, it is more convenient to provide the markers on all four side surfaces.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the container identification marker 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the container identification marker 100 is configured in a substantially square plate shape when viewed from the normal direction of the surface on which a protective layer 170 (described later) is provided, and includes a mark 102, moire display areas 103 and 104, and a two-dimensional code 105. The mark 102, moire display areas 103 and 104, and two-dimensional code 105 provided on the container identification marker 100 are all optically readable displays.

[0020] In this embodiment, the container identification marker 100 is formed in a square shape of 80 mm x 80 mm when viewed from the front side. The container identification marker 100 detects (hereinafter, simply referred to as position detection) the relative positional relationship (angle of inclination) between the shooting position and the container identification marker 100 depending on how the mark 102 is observed, and further enables more accurate position detection depending on how the moire displayed in the moire display areas 103 and 104 is observed. Therefore, the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104 are position display areas that can detect (display) the relative inclination positional relationship between the container identification marker 100 and the observation position. Note that the surface of the container identification marker 100 shown in FIG. 2 is the front side (front surface) that is observed, and the opposite side is the back side (rear surface), and in FIG. 3 described later, the side on which the protective layer 170 is provided is the front side (front surface) that is observed.

[0021] The marks 102 are arranged at intervals in total, two near the two upper corners and one near the center of the lower left and right in Fig. 2. The marks 102 are configured so as to be observable as marks having independent shapes. Note that an independent mark refers to a form in which multiple marks are not connected and each can be recognized individually. It is desirable that at least three marks 102 are arranged. This is because, for example, by calculating three center of gravity positions of the marks 102 from the observation results of the marks 102, the relative position and inclination between the observation position (camera, etc.) and the container identification marker 100 can be accurately detected. Also, if the number of marks 102 is more than three, for example, when some of the marks 102 are not clearly observed due to some obstacle, the positions can be detected from the observation results of the remaining marks 102. Also, by using multiple marks 102, the accuracy of position detection can be improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark 102 is configured to have a circular shape, but it is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a rectangle, or may be another shape.

[0022] The moire display areas 103 and 104 display a moire M. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the moire M is displayed at the center of both the moire display areas 103 and 104. The position where the moire M is displayed moves when the relative position (angle) between the container identification marker 100 and the observation position changes. In this embodiment, the moire display areas 103 and 104 each have a length of 40 mm in the longitudinal direction, and the position where the moire M is displayed moves along the longitudinal direction. The moire display areas 103 and 104 are arranged such that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to each other. The display areas 3 and 4 have the same configuration except for the arrangement direction, so the following description will be given of the display area 3.

[0023] The two-dimensional code 105 records first container identification information that can identify the container, pallet 20. This first container identification information is information that can identify an individual pallet 20 that is used in large numbers in a warehouse, for example. As a simple example, when 100 pallets are used, and numbers from 1 to 100 are assigned to each pallet, the pallet numbers can be used as the first container identification information. In this embodiment, the container identification marker 100 has been exemplified as having the first container identification information recorded in the two-dimensional code 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have the first container identification information recorded in a barcode, for example. The first container identification information is preferably recorded in such a manner that the information is encoded and recorded, and can be optically read by a device and can restore (decode) the information.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container identification marker 100 taken along the position of the arrow AA in FIG. The container identification marker 100 is configured in a thin plate shape and includes a base layer 110, a first layer 120, a second layer 130, a third layer 140, a reflective layer 150, an adhesive layer 160, and a protective layer 170. The order in which these layers are stacked from the back side is the reflective layer 150, the third layer 140, the base layer 110, the first layer 120, the second layer 130, the adhesive layer 160, and the protective layer 170.

[0025] The base layer 110 is made of a glass plate. By making the base layer 110 of a glass plate, it is possible to prevent the container identification marker 100 from expanding and contracting due to temperature changes and moisture absorption. The linear expansion coefficient of a glass plate is, for example, 31.7×10 -7 / ℃, and dimensional change due to temperature change is very small. The linear expansion coefficient of ceramics is, for example, 28×10 -7 / °C, and dimensional change due to temperature change is very small, similar to glass. Therefore, ceramics may be used for the base layer. In order to suppress dimensional change due to temperature change, the base layer 110 has a linear expansion coefficient of 35×10 -6 It is desirable that the temperature be below 100°C. The thickness of the base material layer 110 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 2.3 mm or less. If the thickness of the base material layer 110 is less than 0.3 mm, it will break during cutting and additional processing will not be possible, and if it is thicker than 2.3 mm, it will be too heavy to transport. The thickness of the base material layer 110 in this embodiment is 0.7 mm.

[0026] The first layer 120 is formed of a resist material colored black (first color). The resist material constituting the first layer 120 in this embodiment is a resist material having photosensitivity used in a photolithography process, which has lost its photosensitivity as a result of being subjected to a development process. Examples of the resist material used for the first layer 120 (in the case of black color) include PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, and mixtures with epoxy. Examples of materials that are colored black include carbon, blackened titanium, nickel oxide, and the like. In this embodiment, since the first layer 120 is formed from a resist material, the surface of the first layer 120 can be formed very smoothly, which is desirable as a base for forming the second layer 130 described below. In addition, since the first layer 120 is formed from a resist material, the first pattern 123 described below can be produced easily and with high accuracy. The thickness of the first layer 120 (in the case of black) is desirably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. If the thickness of the first layer 120 is 1 μm or less, it cannot be formed uniformly, and if it is thicker than 5 μm, the curing reactivity of the resin with ultraviolet light is insufficient.

[0027] The first layer 120 constitutes the portion of the mark 102 that appears black. The first layer 120 also constitutes a first pattern 123 for displaying a moire in the moire display area 103. The first pattern 123 is disposed in an area that will become the moire display area 103 on one surface (front surface) of the base layer 110. In first pattern 123, first display lines 121 are arranged at equal intervals in a line pattern in a fixed arrangement direction in the longitudinal direction of moire display area 103. Areas between adjacent first display lines 121 where no first display lines 121 are provided are first non-display areas 122, and first display lines 121 and first non-display areas 122 are arranged alternately. First pattern 123 is formed by photolithography processing.

[0028] The second layer 130 is formed of a resist material colored white (second color). The resist material constituting the second layer 130 in this embodiment is a resist material that has lost its photosensitivity as a result of performing a development process on a photosensitive resist material used in a photolithography process. Examples of the resist material used for the second layer 130 (in the case of white color) include PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, and mixtures with epoxy. Examples of materials that are colored white include titanium oxide, zirconia, barium titanate, and the like. The second layer 130 is provided with three openings 131 that open positions that will become the marks 102 and make the first layer 120 visible, and also has two openings 132 that open positions that will become the moire display regions 103 and 104 and make the first layer 120 and the third layer 140 visible. These openings 131 and 132 are formed by photolithography.

[0029] The thickness of the second layer 130 is preferably 3 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the thickness of the second layer 130 is thinner than 3 μm, the first layer 120 underneath is observed through the mark 102, the contrast is reduced, and the visibility of the mark 102 (ease of detection by automatic recognition) is reduced. If the thickness of the second layer 130 is thicker than 100 μm, when the mark 102 is observed from an oblique direction, the area where the first layer 120 is not visible due to the shadow of the second layer 130 increases at the periphery of the opening 131, and the distortion of the shape of the observed mark 102 increases.

[0030] The third layer 140 is formed of a resist material colored black (first color). The third layer 140 of this embodiment is made of the same material as the first layer 120, and the preferred film thickness is also the same as that of the first layer 120. Since the third layer 140 is formed of a resist material, the second pattern 143 described below can be produced accurately and easily.

[0031] The third layer 140 is provided with a second pattern 143 for displaying a moire in the moire display region 103. The second pattern 143 is disposed opposite the first pattern 123 in a region that will become the moire display region 103 on the rear surface of the base layer 110. In this embodiment, the first pattern 123 is provided on one surface of the base layer 110, and the second pattern 143 is provided on the other surface, but they may be provided on different base materials or the like and then bonded together to produce the structure. In second pattern 143, second display lines 141 are arranged at equal intervals in a fixed arrangement direction in the longitudinal direction of moire display area 103. Areas between adjacent second display lines 141 where no second display line 141 is provided are second non-display areas 142, and second display lines 141 and second non-display areas 142 are arranged alternately. Second pattern 143 is formed by photolithography processing.

[0032] The reflective layer 150 is a layer that reflects light that arrives from the front side (observation side) of the container identification marker 100 through the opening 132 to the front side. The reflective layer 150 can be made of, for example, PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, or a mixture with epoxy, and is desirably white in order to enhance the contrast with the first indicator line 121 and the second indicator line 141. Examples of materials that are colored white include titanium oxide, zirconia, and barium titanate.

[0033] Here, the reflective layer 150 may be laminated in close contact with the container identification marker 100 as in this embodiment, or may be a separate reflective member or the like disposed on the back surface of the container identification marker 100. However, the configuration of this embodiment in which the reflective layer 150 is laminated in close contact with the container identification marker 100 as in the embodiment is more desirable in that it can make the moire M significantly easier to see.

[0034] The adhesive layer 160 is a layer of adhesive for attaching the protective layer 170 onto the second layer 130. The adhesive layer 160 is made of a transparent adhesive so that the first layer 120 and the second layer 130 can be observed. The adhesive layer 160 can be made of, for example, PMMA, urethane, silicone, or the like. The thickness of the adhesive layer 160 is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. If the thickness of the adhesive layer 160 is less than 0.5 μm, it is difficult to process uniformly and the unevenness of the base cannot be absorbed. Also, if the thickness of the adhesive layer 160 is thicker than 50 μm, it takes time to remove the solvent during thick coating processing and the cost is high.

[0035] The protective layer 170 is a layer that protects the first layer 120 and the second layer 130, and is attached onto the second layer 130 via the adhesive layer 160. The protective layer 170 has a resin base material layer 171 and a surface layer 172.

[0036] The resin base material layer 171 has an adhesive layer 160 laminated on one surface thereof, and a surface layer 172 laminated on the other surface thereof. The resin base material layer 171 is made of a transparent resin so that the first layer 120 and the second layer 130 can be observed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the container identification marker 100 is used under visible light, and the adhesive layer 160 and the resin base material layer 171 are configured to be transparent to white light. Specifically, the adhesive layer 160 and the resin base material layer 171 each desirably have a total light transmittance of 50% or more in a light wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. More desirably, when the adhesive layer 160 and the resin base material layer 171 are measured together, the total light transmittance is desirably 50% or more in a light wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. The thickness of the resin base layer 171 is preferably 7 μm or more and 250 μm or less. If the thickness of the resin base layer 171 is less than 7 μm, lamination processing is difficult. If the thickness of the resin base layer 171 is thicker than 250 μm, the bulk and weight become too large, and the cost becomes high. The refractive index of the resin base material layer 171 is preferably 1.45 or more and 1.55 or less.

[0037] The surface layer 172 is a layer having both an anti-reflection function and a hard coat function. It is preferable that the surface layer 172 has a regular reflectance of 1.5% or less with respect to light having a wavelength of 535 nm in order to prevent a decrease in the visibility of the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104 due to reflection on the surface of the container identification marker 100. In addition, the hard coat function of the surface layer 172 is preferably a pencil hardness of 1H or more. The surface layer 172 can be made of, for example, sol-gel, siloxane, polysilazane, or the like. Specific methods of the anti-reflection function include anti-reflection (AR) and anti-glare (AG), but under conditions where strong light such as sunlight is not reflected specularly, the AR method is preferable for recognizing the mark 2. Under conditions where strong light such as sunlight may be reflected specularly, the AG method is preferable for recognizing the mark 2. The AR method can be produced by known methods such as multilayer thin film interference and moth eye methods, and the AG method can be produced by known methods such as making the surface of the film uneven, kneading light-diffusing particles into the film, or coating the surface of the film.

[0038] As explained above, the first non-display area 122 is filled with the adhesive layer 160, but since the adhesive layer 160 and the protective layer 170 are transparent, and the base layer 110 is also made of glass and transparent, the second pattern 143 of the third layer 140 can be seen through the first non-display area 122. Therefore, when the container identification marker 100 is observed from the front side, the first pattern 123 and the second pattern 143 are seen overlapping each other, and the moire M can be observed.

[0039] Moreover, it is desirable that the total light transmittance be 85% or more as a combined characteristic of the adhesive layer 160 and the protective layer 170. If the total light transmittance is less than 85%, a sufficient amount of light cannot be secured. In addition, as a combined characteristic of the adhesive layer 160 and the light diffusion layer 170, it is desirable that the haze value is 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more. If the haze value is lower than 70%, the effect of the present invention begins to decrease, if it is 40% or less, it decreases further, and if it is 30% or less, it decreases significantly. On the other hand, it is desirable that the haze value is 95% or less. If the haze value is higher than 95%, the image of the mark observed becomes blurred.

[0040] In this embodiment, the width of the first non-display region 122 is different from the width of the second non-display region 142. Specifically, in this embodiment, the width of the first non-display region 122 is 0.64 mm, and the width of the second non-display region 142 is 0.1 mm. The first non-display region 122 is disposed on the observation side (front side), and the width of the first non-display region 122 is wider than the width of the second non-display region 142, so that a large amount of light reaches the second pattern 143 through the first pattern 123, and further, most of the light reflected and returning to the observation side can reach the observation position through the first pattern 123. Therefore, the moire M can be observed brighter.

[0041] In addition, the width of the first display line 121 and the width of the second display line 141 are different. This allows the moire M to be observed more clearly than when the two have the same width. Specifically, the width of the first display line 121 is set to 0.1 mm, and the width of the second display line is set to 0.4 mm. By making the width of the first display line 121 narrower than the width of the second display line in this way, more light passes through the first pattern 123, and the moire M can be observed more brightly.

[0042] Also, the first pitch, which is the pitch at which first display lines 121 are arranged, is set to 0.74 mm, and the second pitch, which is the pitch at which second display lines 141 are arranged, is set to 0.5 mm, so that the two are different. This makes it possible to observe the moire M more clearly. Also, since the first pitch is wider than the second pitch, as a result, the width of first non-display area 122 becomes wider than the width of second non-display area 142, and the moire M can be observed more brightly.

[0043] Here, an example of a method of using the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104 provided on the container identification marker 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the container identification marker 100 is viewed from an oblique direction. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the container identification marker 100 is observed from a horizontal oblique direction in Fig. 2, and illustrates a state in which the container identification marker 100 is observed without being tilted in the up-down direction in Fig. 2. When the container identification marker 100 is observed from an oblique direction inclined from its normal direction, the moire M in the moire display area 103 is observed moving in the longitudinal direction of the moire display area 103, as shown in FIG. 4. When the container identification marker 100 is observed from an oblique direction inclined from its normal direction to the longitudinal direction of the moire display area 104, the moire M in the moire display area 104 is observed moving in the longitudinal direction of the moire display area 104. Therefore, by observing both the moire M in the moire display area 103 and the moire M in the moire display area 104, the relative position (angle of inclination) between the container identification marker 100 and the observation position can be accurately detected. That is, the container identification marker 100 can be used in combination with an imaging unit and a control unit to form a part of an angle sensor.

[0044] Here, when the observation position of the moire M is moved to a position significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100, a different moire pattern is observed, and the moire patterns are observed one after another. Therefore, when the observation position is at a position significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100, the correct position detection may not be possible. However, the container identification marker 100 of this embodiment includes a mark 102. The position detection using the mark 102 allows position detection even when the observation position is significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100. On the other hand, the position detection using the moire display areas 103 and 104 allows position detection with higher accuracy than the position detection using the mark 102. Therefore, by using the position detection using the mark 102 and the position detection using the moire display areas 103 and 104 in combination, the range of application can be expanded compared to the case where only the moire display areas 103 and 104 are used. In other words, even if the observation position is significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100, the position detection can be performed using the mark 102, and the observation position can be automatically moved according to the detection result, and the position detection using the moire display areas 103 and 104 can be performed at the stage where final highly accurate position control is required.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 1, the container identification non-contact communication tag 200 is composed of an RF tag that performs non-contact communication, and is attached to the pallet 20. In this embodiment, the container identification non-contact communication tag 200 is disposed in a space formed by partially recessing the central portion of the pallet 20. The container identification non-contact communication tag 200 stores second container identification information that can identify the container, pallet 20. This second container identification information is, for example, information that can identify individual pallets 20 that are used in large numbers in a warehouse or the like. As a simple example, when 100 pallets are used, the pallet numbers when numbers from 1 to 100 are set on each pallet can be used as the second container identification information. Therefore, this second container identification information can be the first container identification information recorded in the two-dimensional code 105. However, it is not essential that the first container identification information and the second container identification information are the same, and as long as both contain information that can identify the pallet 20, there may be differences between the two in other information.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the item management system 1 of this embodiment. The article management system 1 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the above-mentioned articles 500 and pallets 20, a memory unit 10, an article information acquisition unit 12, a pallet information acquisition unit 13, a control unit 14, and an automated forklift 300.

[0047] The storage unit 10 acquires item identification information from the identification medium 501 of the item 500 placed on the pallet 20 using the item information acquisition unit 12. The storage unit 10 also acquires first container identification information from the container identification marker 100 of the pallet 20, and acquires second container identification information from the container identification contactless communication tag 200 of the pallet 20. Note that when the first container identification information and the second container identification information are the same information, the storage unit 10 may be configured to acquire the first container identification information or the second container identification information from either the container identification marker 100 or the container identification contactless communication tag 200. Furthermore, the memory unit 10 stores the item identification information of the item 500 placed on the pallet 20 in association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information. Here, when there are multiple items 500 placed on the pallet 20, the memory unit 10 stores the item identification information of all the items 500 placed on the pallet 20 in association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information.

[0048] The article information acquisition unit 12 is a reading device that reads article identification information from the identification medium 501 of the article 500. The specific form of the article information acquisition unit 12 is an appropriate form depending on the form of the identification medium 501. For example, if the identification medium 501 is only a barcode, the article information acquisition unit 12 may be only a barcode reader. In addition, in a mixed environment in which the identification medium 501 for each article is sometimes a barcode and sometimes a non-contact communication tag, the article information acquisition unit 12 is configured to include a barcode reader and a non-contact communication reader. The same applies to the case where the identification medium 501 includes a two-dimensional code.

[0049] The pallet information acquisition unit 13 is a reading device that reads the first container identification information and the second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 and the container identification non-contact communication tag 200 of the pallet 20. The pallet information acquisition unit 13 is configured to include an optical sensor such as an imaging unit that reads the container identification marker 100, and a non-contact communication reader that communicates with the container identification non-contact communication tag 200. Although the item information acquisition unit 12 and the pallet information acquisition unit 13 are shown connected by a line in the figure, this does not indicate a wired connection, and they may be connected via wireless communication.

[0050] The control unit 14 performs overall control of the storage unit 10 and the automated forklift 300. The control unit is realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute application software.

[0051] The automatic forklift 300 operates automatically under the control of the control unit 14. The automatic forklift 300 is provided with an image capturing unit 301. The automatic forklift 300 uses the image capturing unit 301 to capture images of the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104 provided on the container identification marker 100, and accurately detects the relative inclination angle and relative positions of the automatic forklift 300 and the container identification marker 100 (pallet 20), and the control unit 14 automatically controls the operation of the automatic forklift 300 based on the detection results.

[0052] Next, the flow of product management will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of items 500 are placed on a pallet 20. As shown in FIG. When placing the items 500 on the pallet 20, the memory unit 10 acquires item identification information from the identification medium 501 of each of the items 500 (500-1 to 500-5 in FIG. 6). The memory unit 10 also acquires first container identification information and second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 and container identification contactless communication tag 200 of the pallet 20. Furthermore, the memory unit 10 associates the item identification information of each item placed on the pallet with the first container identification information and second container identification information and stores them. Thereafter, the automatic forklift 300 is used to deliver or store the items 500 (500-1 to 500-5) together with the pallet.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the product is delivered or stored after being in the state shown in FIG. In this state, without having to check each item 500 one by one, it is possible to easily know what items 500 are placed on the pallet 20 by obtaining the first container identification information or the second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 or the container identification non-contact communication tag 200 on the pallet 20 using the information stored in the memory unit 10.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an item 500-6 has been added onto the pallet 20 from the state shown in FIG. 7. When the item 500-6 is added, the storage unit 10 acquires item identification information from the identification medium 501 of the item 500-6 to be added by the item information acquisition unit 12. The storage unit also updates the memory by associating the item identification information of the item 500-6 to be added with the first container identification information and the second container identification information. Note that while FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a state in which the item 500-6 has been added, even if a part of the item 500 is removed, the storage unit acquires the item identification information of the removed item 500, releases the association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information, and updates the memory.

[0055] Therefore, information on the items 500 placed on the pallet 20 is always stored in the latest state in the memory unit 10. Therefore, at any stage, by acquiring the first container identification information or the second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 or the container identification non-contact communication tag 200 of the pallet 20, it is possible to easily know what items 500 are placed on the pallet 20 from the information stored in the memory unit 10.

[0056] The pallet 20 is provided with a container identification marker 100 that is optically readable and a container identification non-contact communication tag 200 that is read by wireless communication. Therefore, even if the container identification marker 100 cannot be directly observed due to a situation where a large number of pallets are lined up, the second container identification information can be obtained from the container identification non-contact communication tag 200 by wireless communication. Conversely, even if communication with the container identification non-contact communication tag 200 is difficult due to the presence of metal, water, or the like, the first container identification information can be obtained by using the container identification marker 100.

[0057] For example, when pallets are arranged in an orderly fashion on shelves in a warehouse, the container identification markers 100 are clearly visible, so the first container identification information can be acquired by the pallet information acquisition unit 13 as optical information. On the other hand, when multiple pallets are lined up in a horizontal direction, the first container identification information of the pallet arranged on the outside can be acquired as optical information by the pallet information acquisition unit 13, but the first container identification information of the pallet arranged inside the pallets arranged on the outside cannot be acquired as optical information by the pallet information acquisition unit 13. In the above case, the second container identification information can be acquired by the pallet information acquisition unit 13 as information via radio waves.

[0058] On the other hand, when multiple pallets are arranged horizontally and / or vertically (stacked on a warehouse shelf), the second container identification information does not allow a forklift to accurately determine the location of the desired pallet. In such a case, the first container identification information can be acquired as optical information by the pallet information acquisition unit 13, and the forklift can be operated accordingly.

[0059] When transporting a pallet with a forklift, the tines of the fork cannot be inserted into the pallet unless the first container identification information is visible. Therefore, even if the approximate location of the desired pallet can be determined from the second container identification information, if the first container identification information cannot be obtained, it can be determined that the desired pallet is inside the pallet positioned on the outside, and therefore it is clear that the tines of the forklift cannot be inserted into the desired pallet. In this case, control can be performed to move pallets outside the target pallet.

[0060] In this way, the article management system of this embodiment can obtain necessary information more reliably, and can manage articles more easily and accurately. Furthermore, since the item management system of this embodiment provides the container identification marker 100 with the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103, 104, it is possible to accurately detect the relative tilt angle and relative position between the automated forklift 300 and the container identification marker 100 (pallet 20), and the control unit 14 can automatically control the operation of the automated forklift 300 based on the detection results, making the system more convenient.

[0061] (Variations) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] (1) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the container identification marker 100 is provided with the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, only the mark 102 or the moire display areas 103 and 104 may be provided, or neither may be provided.

[0063] (2) In the embodiment, the pallet 20 is used as the container. However, the container is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a cardboard box or a container.

[0064] The embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination, but detailed description thereof will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. Inventory management system 10 Storage section 12 Product Information Acquisition Department 13 Pallet information acquisition unit 14 Control section 20 palettes 102 marks 103 Moire display area 104 Moire display area 105 2D Code 110 Base material layer 120 First Layer 121 1st display line 122 1st hidden area 123 First Pattern 130 Second Layer 131 Opening 132 Opening 140 Third Layer 141 2nd display line 142 2nd hidden area 143 Second Pattern 150 reflective layer 160 Adhesive layer 170 Protective layer 171 Resin base material layer 172 Surface layer 200 Container identification non-contact communication tag 300 Automatic Forklift 301 Photography Department 500 goods 501 Identification medium

Claims

[Claim 1] an identification medium having item identification information capable of identifying each of a plurality of items; A container in which the plurality of articles are stored or placed so that the plurality of articles can be moved together; a first container identification marker that records first container identification information that can identify the container and is attached to the container and can be optically read; a container identification non-contact communication tag that stores second container identification information that can identify the container and is attached to the container; a storage unit that acquires the item identification information of the item contained in or placed in the container and stores the item identification information in association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information; An article management system comprising:

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