Position information processing device, position information processing program, and position information processing system

Abstract

To provide a position information processing device with which it is possible to automatically measure luggage positions by simple and inexpensive means.SOLUTION: A position information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: code reading means for reading a code image in which the code attached to a luggage is imaged; position information acquisition means for acquiring position information; position information holding means for holding the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means when the state of code image reading by the code reading means satisfies a prescribed condition; and output means for outputting the position information held by the position information holding means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a position information processing device, a position information processing program, and a position information processing system, and can be applied to, for example, a system for automatically determining the position of luggage in a warehouse. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various technologies have been used to manage the location of luggage indoors (or outdoors) in warehouses, etc. For example, a technology for automatically tracking luggage and identifying its location is disclosed in Patent Document 1, which utilizes RF tags. In addition, there is also a technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, which identifies luggage location using QR codes (registered trademark) or barcodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6149894 [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-97661 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 requires the attachment of an RF tag for automatic positioning, and depending on the type of luggage (metal, liquid, etc.), expensive RF tags may be required, making it cost-inappropriate for disposable use.

[0005] Furthermore, although there is technology such as that described in Patent Document 2 that identifies the location of luggage using a system that uses barcodes such as QR codes, recording is basically only possible with human intervention, meaning that work cannot be done while a forklift is being operated, and there are issues with human operational errors (operational errors, forgetting to record, etc.) that can lead to luggage going missing.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a position information processing device, a position information processing program, and a position information processing system that can automatically determine the position of luggage using simple and inexpensive means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The location information processing device of the first invention is characterized by comprising a code reading means for reading a code image showing a code attached to luggage, a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information, a location information holding means for holding the location information acquired by the location information acquisition means when the reading state of the code image by the code reading means satisfies a predetermined condition, and an output means for outputting the location information held by the location information holding means.

[0008] The second location information processing program of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to function as a code reading means for reading a code image showing a code attached to luggage, a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information, a location information holding means for holding the location information acquired by the location information acquisition means when the reading state of the code image by the code reading means satisfies a predetermined condition, and an output means for outputting the location information held by the location information holding means.

[0009] The third location information processing system of the present invention is a location information processing system comprising a code attached to a piece of luggage, a location information processing device that processes location information of the piece of luggage to which the code is attached, and a location information management device that receives and manages the location information of the piece of luggage from the location information processing device, characterized in that the location information processing device of the first present invention is used as the location information processing device. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the location of luggage can be automatically determined using simple and inexpensive means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information terminal according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an automatic luggage positioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a load being transported by a forklift according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining a parcel status based on the state of a QR code according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of information related to packages stored in a temporary storage area unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information terminal (control unit) according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic luggage positioning system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement configuration of an RF tag according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a load being transported by a forklift according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of information related to packages stored in a temporary storage area unit according to the third embodiment; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (A) First embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a position information processing device, a position information processing program, and a position information processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example in which the position information processing system of the present invention is applied to an automatic baggage positioning system will be described. Also, below, an example in which the position information processing device of the present invention is applied to an information terminal will be described.

[0013] (A-1) Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the automatic luggage positioning system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The automatic baggage positioning system 1 is a system that processes position information related to the position of a baggage L indoors such as a warehouse. The automatic baggage positioning system 1 includes a QR code I attached (attached, pasted, etc.) to the baggage L, an information terminal 10 attached to a forklift F, optical beacons B (B1 to Bn) provided on a ceiling or the like, a fluorescent lamp 30, and a position information management server 40.

[0015] The information terminal 10 is a terminal provided on a forklift F that picks up and moves luggage L (driven by a transporter U).

[0016] The information terminal 10 grasps the movement state of the luggage L from changes in the reading state of the QR code I attached to the luggage L (such as changes in the size of the QR code I caused by the relative positional relationship between the information terminal 10 and the QR code I, and whether the QR code I can be read).The information terminal 10 then acquires position information of the luggage L moved indoors by the forklift F based on the position information supplied from each optical beacon B, and transmits (uploads) the acquired position information to the position information management server 40.

[0017] In the automatic baggage positioning system 1 of the first embodiment, it is assumed that the system is used indoors, and the position of the baggage L (forklift F) is determined using an optical beacon B that is powered by converting optical energy from a fluorescent lamp 30 into electrical energy, but as a modified example, a commonly available battery-powered beacon may be used, or when used outdoors, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or the like may be used instead of the optical beacon B. Also, the communication protocol between the optical beacon B and the information terminal 10 is not particularly limited.

[0018] There are no limitations on the communication means or communication path between the information terminal 10 and the location information management server 40. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the information terminal 10 accesses the Internet N via a wireless LAN access point 20. The information terminal 10 will be described as communicating with the location information management server 40 connected to the Internet N via the Internet N.

[0019] The communication protocol by which the information terminal 10 transmits data to the location information management server 40 is not limited, but various data transmission protocols such as HTTPS / HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure / Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) may be applied.

[0020] The location information management server 40 may be realized, for example, by installing a program that receives and processes location information in various PCs, workstations, etc. In the automatic luggage positioning system 1, there are no limitations on the number of operating forklifts F (information terminals 10), the number of luggage L handled, or the number of location information management servers 40. Note that the network to which the location information management server 40 is connected is not limited to the Internet N as long as it is capable of communicating with the information terminal 10, and may be a local network that is not connected to the Internet N.

[0021] In the following, the processing configuration in which each information terminal 10 collects location information of the luggage L will be mainly described, and a detailed description of the configuration in which the location information management server 40 presents information about the luggage L (location information, time information, terminal information, luggage information, arrival information, shipping information, inventory information, additional information, etc.) to the manager, etc. will be omitted. Existing technology can be applied to the configuration in which the location information management server 40 presents information about the luggage L to the manager, etc.

[0022] Next, the positioning of the QR code I attached to the baggage L will be described.

[0023] A QR code I is attached or pasted on a package L (for example, one side of a package L made of multiple cardboard boxes wrapped in vinyl or the like, or in a modified example, on the other side). The package L is placed in the distribution process after this QR code I is attached.

[0024] Data for identifying the package L is recorded in the QR code I. There are no limitations on the content of the data recorded on the package L, but if the data recorded on the package L is completely unique, the location information management server 40 may manage the data of the QR code I in association with data related to the package L. In this example, the QR code I is described as having identification information (package ID) for the package L recorded therein. This embodiment shows an example in which a QR code is used as code information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various codes (one-dimensional barcode, two-dimensional code, etc.) can also be applied.

[0025] Next, the functional configuration of the information terminal 10 will be described.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an information terminal according to the first embodiment.

[0027] In FIG. 1, information terminal 10 has a control unit 11, a time output unit 12, a location information positioning unit 13 as a location information acquisition means, an acceleration sensor 14, a code reading unit 15, a temporary memory area unit 16 as a location information holding means, and a communication unit 17 as an output means.

[0028] The information terminal 10 may be configured by installing a program (including the position information processing program of the embodiment) in a general-purpose information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0029] The control unit 11 has a function of controlling the entire information terminal 10 (controlling each component).

[0030] The time output unit 12 has a function of acquiring and outputting the current time (time information). The time information output from the time output unit 12 is used as a time stamp for the measured position information and data recorded in the temporary storage area unit 16, etc. The method by which the time output unit 12 acquires the time is not limited, and may be acquired, for example, from an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server on the Internet N, or may be acquired by an internal clock function.

[0031] The position information positioning unit 13 has a function of acquiring (locating) the position information of the information terminal 10 (the baggage L when the forklift F on which the terminal is mounted approaches the baggage L). The specific means by which the position information positioning unit 13 acquires the position information of the information terminal 10 is not limited, but in this embodiment, the position is measured using an optical beacon B, and position information related to the measured position (for example, coordinate information indicating the installation location of the optical beacon B) is acquired. The optical beacons B are installed on the ceiling at intervals of 10 m, for example, and the position information of each optical beacon B is notified to the information terminal 10 at intervals of several hundred ms. The position information positioning unit 13 acquires (estimates) the position information from the transmission position and radio wave intensity of each optical beacon B. Note that various techniques can be applied as a specific method by which the position information positioning unit 13 estimates the position using the transmission information of each optical beacon.

[0032] The acceleration sensor 14 is used to detect the movement of the information terminal 10. For example, the acceleration sensor 14 is used as a trigger when the forklift F on which the information terminal 10 is mounted starts or stops moving.

[0033] The code reading unit 15 is a device such as a camera that reads the QR code I attached to the baggage L. The code reading unit 15 acquires the size of the QR code I when the QR code I is read, in addition to the code information contained in the QR code I. The means for calculating the size of the QR code I can be an existing technology. The code information and the like read by the code reading unit 15 are provided to the control unit 11.

[0034] The temporary storage area unit 16 functions as a storage means (location information storage means) that stores (stores) information related to the luggage L. The temporary storage area unit 16 receives and stores identification information and location information of the luggage L from the control unit 11. It should be noted that the temporary storage area unit 16 is configured from a non-volatile memory (for example, a data recording medium such as a flash memory).

[0035] The communication unit 17 has a function of a network interface (transmission means) that communicates with an external device such as the location information management server 40. In this embodiment, the communication unit 17 is described as being compatible with at least a wireless LAN interface for connecting to the access point 20. As long as the communication unit 17 can connect to the location information management server 40, the communication method supported by the communication unit 17 is not limited. For example, the communication unit 17 may be configured to apply a communication interface that connects to a network for mobile phone terminals of a communication carrier (e.g., a 5G network (fifth generation mobile phone communication network), an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, a PHS (Personal Handy-Phone System) network, etc.) other than the wireless LAN. The communication unit 17 may include multiple communication media. For example, the communication unit 17 may include both a wireless LAN interface and an interface that connects to a mobile phone communication network. In the information terminal 10, when the communication unit 17 supports multiple communication media, the control unit 11 selects one of the communication media supported by the communication unit 17 and communicates with the outside.

[0036] Next, the process of reading the QR code I attached to the baggage L and identifying the location of the baggage L will be described in detail.

[0037] In Fig. 3, cargo L to be managed is placed on a pallet PL, and a forklift F is shown lifting and transporting the cargo L together with the pallet PL. The cargo L is distributed together with the pallet PL, and is transported by the forklift F, for example, when loading onto or unloading from a truck or the like. When transporting the cargo L, the forklift F inserts a lift arm F1 into an arm insertion hole PL1 of the pallet PL, and lifts up the cargo L together with the pallet PL.

[0038] In the example of FIG. 3, a QR code I is attached to the baggage L, and an information terminal 10 for reading the QR code I is installed on the main body side of the lift arm F1.

[0039] Fig. 3(a) shows the positional relationship between the QR code I and the information terminal 10 as a QR code reader when the baggage L (QR code I) is in a preparation state (stationary state). Fig. 3(b) shows the positional relationship between the QR code I and the information terminal 10 when the baggage L (QR code I) is in a tracking determination state (moving state).

[0040] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mechanism for determining a package status based on the state of a QR code according to the first embodiment. (a) to (d) of Fig. 4 show changes in the state of a QR code I when a package L is viewed from the front by a forklift F (an information terminal 10 mounted on the forklift F).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(a), when the forklift F and the cargo L are far enough apart, the QR code I displayed through the code reading unit 15 (e.g., a camera lens) is too small for the code reading unit 15 of the information terminal 10 to recognize it as a QR code I and therefore cannot read the code information.

[0042] Fig. 4(b) shows the state in which the forklift F approaches the baggage L from Fig. 4(a) and the code reading unit 15 of the information terminal 10 first recognizes the QR code I. Fig. 4(c) shows that the forklift F approaches the baggage L even closer from Fig. 4(b), the QR code I is enlarged, and the state in which the code reading unit 15 of the information terminal 10 recognizes the QR code I continues.

[0043] The control unit 11 executes a process for managing the status of the package L from the state where the QR code I is first recognized (the state in FIG. 4(b)).

[0044] Specifically, when the control unit 11 first recognizes the QR code I of the luggage L, the control unit 11 manages the luggage L as being stationary and in a state (preparation state) in which the luggage L is preparing for location tracking and determination processing. Then, as shown in Fig. 4(c), when a predetermined time (several hundred ms) has passed since the control unit 11 first recognized the QR code I and the size of the QR code I has increased, the control unit 11 manages the luggage L as being in a state in which the luggage L is ready to be moved by the forklift F (not necessarily moving), or is moving and location tracking and determination processing is required (tracking determination state).

[0045] The control unit 11 compares the size of the QR code I when it is first recognized with the size of the QR code I after a predetermined time has elapsed to determine whether the size of the QR code I has been enlarged. There is no particular limitation on the specific method of determining whether the size of the QR code I has been enlarged. For example, the control unit 11 determines that the size of the QR code I has been enlarged when the size of the QR code I after the predetermined time has elapsed exceeds 110% of the size of the QR code I when it is first recognized (the indicators indicating the size, such as the area of ​​the entire QR code I and the length of one side of the QR code I, are not particularly limited). Note that the above-mentioned 110% is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the specific numerical value is not limited. In addition, if the size is compared based on the length of one side of the QR code I, it may be determined that the size of the QR code has been enlarged if the length of one side of the QR code I when it is first recognized exceeds a predetermined length. In any case, the method by which the control unit 11 compares and determines the size of the QR code I is not limited.

[0046] The information terminal 10 may keep the function of the position information measuring unit 13 always ON, or may turn on the function of the position information measuring unit 13 only after the status of the package L becomes a tracking determination state.

[0047] Fig. 4(d) shows a state in which the forklift F approaches the luggage L even closer than in Fig. 4(c) and the QR code I can no longer be recognized. In this state, the lift arm F1 is inserted into the arm insertion hole PL1 of the pallet PL on which the luggage L is placed, and since there is a very high possibility that the luggage L is moving, the state is continued to be managed as a tracking determination state. However, there are also cases in which the distance of the information terminal 10 is appropriately maintained depending on the size of the luggage L, etc., and the state of Fig. 4(c) is continued without transitioning to the state of Fig. 4(d).

[0048] Next, the conditions for canceling the tracking determination state and transitioning to the preparation state will be described. When the control unit 11 enters the tracking determination state and becomes unable to recognize the QR code I, and then recognizes the QR code I again (or becomes unable to recognize the QR code I after recognizing it again), it can be assumed that the movement of the luggage L has been completed, so the luggage status for this luggage L transitions from the tracking determination state to the preparation state, stores the updated information in the temporary storage area unit 16, and transmits the measured location information of the luggage L held in the temporary storage area unit 16 to the location information management server 40. The control unit 11 performs a process of deleting the location information and the like transmitted to the location information management server 40 from the temporary storage area unit 16.

[0049] In addition, even when the size of the QR code I is reduced without entering the tracking determination state and becoming unable to recognize the QR code I (or the QR code I becomes unable to be recognized after the size of the QR code I is reduced), the control unit 11 may transition the baggage status of this baggage L from the tracking determination state to the preparation state, store the updated information in the temporary storage area unit 16, and transmit the location information of the measured baggage L held in the temporary storage area unit 16 to the location information management server 40. The control unit 11 determines whether the size of the QR code I is reduced by comparing the size of the QR code I recognized at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing of step S111 in FIG. 6 described later) with the size of the QR code I after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the control unit 11 determines that the size of the QR code I is reduced when the size of the QR code I after the predetermined time has elapsed is less than 90% of the size of the QR code I when the QR code I was recognized at the predetermined timing. In any case, the specific method by which the control unit 11 determines that the size of the QR code I is reduced is not particularly limited.

[0050] Next, the contents stored in the temporary storage area unit 16 will be described.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows an example of the configuration of information related to parcels stored in the temporary storage area unit according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the temporary storage area unit 16 stores parcel ID information, parcel status, time stamp, location information, and the like.

[0052] The baggage ID information is identification information acquired when the code reading unit 15 recognizes the QR code I attached to the baggage L. The baggage status is a status that manages the movement state of the baggage L according to the state of the QR code I, as described above. In this embodiment, after the QR code I is recognized, the baggage L is managed as a "preparation state" or a "tracking determination state." The timestamp is time information when the data is acquired.

[0053] The location information is location information of the package L acquired by the information terminal 10 from the optical beacon B after the package L has entered the tracking determination state. After the package L has entered the tracking determination state, location information is acquired every time a signal is received from the optical beacon B. Therefore, the temporary storage area unit 16 may record location information related to the package acquired by the information terminal 10 in chronological order, or, in order to reduce the amount of data to be recorded, may record only the timing when the package status changes from the "tracking determination state" to the "preparation state."

[0054] After the control unit 11 transmits the location information of the luggage L stored in the temporary memory area unit 16 to the location information management server 40, it may delete the series of data for the luggage L related to the transmitted luggage ID, or it may retain it as is until a certain amount of data is exceeded.

[0055] The timing at which the control unit 11 transmits the location information to the location information management server 40 is not limited, and may be, for example, the timing when communication with the location information management server 40 becomes possible using the communication unit 17 (for example, the timing when the access point 20 becomes accessible). Furthermore, when the control unit 11 obtains location information during a period when communication with the location information management server 40 is possible using the communication unit 17, the control unit 11 may transmit the location information to the location information management server 40 immediately after obtaining and recording the information in the temporary storage area unit 16.

[0056] (A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment Next, the operation (position information processing) of the automatic luggage positioning system 1 of this embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information terminal (control unit) according to the first embodiment. In the following, it is assumed that when the forklift F approaches the luggage L and the lift arm F1 is inserted into the arm insertion hole PL1 of the pallet PL (when the luggage L is being lifted and moved), the QR code I is enlarged too much (see Fig. 4(d) above) and the information terminal 10 cannot read the code information.

[0058] First, it is assumed that the power supply of the information terminal 10 is turned on and the control unit 11 (the position information processing program constituting the control unit 11) is started (S101).

[0059] Next, the control unit 11 performs control to start each component (components including the time output unit 12, the acceleration sensor 14, the temporary storage area unit 16, and the communication unit 17) (S102). As a modified example, the code reading unit 15 and the position information positioning unit 13 may also be started at this point.

[0060] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the forklift F has been moved by the transport operator U and the acceleration sensor 14 has detected a movement (vibration of the forklift F) (S103).

[0061] The control unit 11 starts the code reading unit 15 (S104) only when the movement of the forklift F is detected in the above-mentioned step S103.

[0062] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the code reading unit 15 has newly recognized the QR code I attached to the baggage L (S105).

[0063] When the control unit 11 recognizes the QR code I in the above-mentioned step S105, the control unit 11 stores information about the recognized package (package ID, package status, size of the QR code I, etc.) in the temporary storage area unit 16 (S106). At this time, the status of the package recognized for the first time is stored as a preparation state (stationary state).

[0064] The control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the above-mentioned step S106 (S107). Note that the predetermined time here is determined according to the moving speed of the forklift F indoors, and is set in units of several hundreds of milliseconds, for example.

[0065] The control unit 11 determines whether or not the size of the QR code I recognized after it is determined in the above-mentioned step S107 that the predetermined time has elapsed has increased from the size of the QR code I stored in the temporary storage area unit 16 in the above-mentioned step S106 (the size of the QR code I when it was first recognized) (S108). Note that the criterion for whether or not the QR code I has increased is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an area ratio, or the distance between any of the three points of the symbol marks that recognize the QR code I.

[0066] If the control unit 11 determines in the above-mentioned step S108 that the QR code I has been enlarged, it transitions the parcel status for this parcel L from a preparation state to a tracking determination state, and stores the updated information in the temporary memory area unit 16 (S109).

[0067] After the control unit 11 transitions the luggage status from the preparation state to the tracking determination state in the above-mentioned step S109, it starts the location information positioning unit 13 and stores the location information measured by the location information positioning unit 13 (for example, location information calculated from information transmitted from each optical beacon B at a period of several hundred ms) in the temporary memory area unit 16 at any time (S1110).

[0068] If the state in which the QR code I cannot be recognized continues, or if the state in which the QR code I can be recognized continues, the control unit 11 maintains the tracking determination state (S111). The QR code I in this state in which the QR code I cannot be recognized is in the state shown in FIG. 4(d) described above.

[0069] The control unit 11 determines whether or not a predetermined time (eg, several hundred ms) has elapsed (S112).

[0070] The control unit 11 determines whether the QR code I has been recognized again or whether the size of the QR code I has been reduced (S113). The control unit 11 determines whether the QR code I has been recognized again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the state in which the QR code I could not be recognized in S111, or whether the size of the QR code I has been reduced by comparing the size of the QR code I recognized in step S111 with the size of the QR code I recognized after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0071] The control unit 11 determines whether the QR code I read by the code reading unit 15 has become unrecognizable (S114). When the control unit 11 determines that the QR code I has become unrecognizable, it transitions the package status of this package L from a tracking determination state to a preparation state, and stores the updated information in the temporary storage area unit 16. The QR code I in this state in which it has become unrecognizable is in the state shown in FIG. 4(a) above.

[0072] The control unit 11 transmits the position information written in the temporary storage area unit 16 to the position information management server 40 via the communication unit 17 (S115). The position information is the information measured from step S110 and written to the temporary storage area unit 16 as needed, but the data to be transmitted to the position information management server 40 is not particularly limited. That is, the latest position information measured by the position information measuring unit 13 may be transmitted, or if the timing at which the forklift F placed the baggage L after moving can be pinpointed based on the acceleration sensor 14 or a change in size of the QR code I, the position information at that time (for example, the position information in the vicinity of step S112) may be transmitted to the position information management server 40.

[0073] After successfully transmitting the information to the location information management server 40, the control unit 11 erases the information related to the baggage L from the temporary storage area unit 16 (S116). Note that the functions of the location information positioning unit 13 and the code reading unit 15 may also be temporarily turned off around this time.

[0074] The control unit 11 returns to the above-mentioned step S103 and starts a new process in the same manner (S117).

[0075] In the above example, the control unit 11 transmits the location information to the location information management server 40 in step S115 after step S114. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. After step S113, the control unit 11 may transmit the location information to the location information management server 40 by performing step S115 without performing step S114. When the control unit 11 determines in step S112 that the QR code I has become recognizable from an unrecognizable state or that the size of the QR code I has been reduced, the control unit 11 transitions the baggage status of the baggage L from a tracking determination state to a preparation state and stores the updated information in the temporary storage area unit 16. When the QR code I has become recognizable from an unrecognizable state or that the size of the QR code I has been reduced, it can be assumed that the movement of the baggage L has been completed, and therefore it is not necessary to determine whether the QR code I cannot be recognized.

[0076] (A-3) Effects of the First Embodiment According to the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0077] The automatic baggage positioning system 1 does not use RF tags, that is, by attaching a QR code I to the baggage L, it can automatically record the location of stored baggage, so the cost per baggage can be reduced compared to RF tags. Also, the mechanism can be simplified compared to conventional technology. Moreover, since the automatic baggage positioning system 1 can record the baggage location without human intervention, it is possible to reduce the effort and burden of searching for the baggage location by eliminating operational errors.

[0078] Furthermore, the information terminal 10 can control the start-up timing of each component as necessary. For example, the start-up timing of the code reading unit 15 can be set to wait until the acceleration sensor 14 of the terminal has responded for a certain period of time, thereby minimizing the start-up time of the code reading unit 15 and reducing power consumption and wear of the code reading unit 15. Therefore, the terminal can be used by utilizing a battery or a mobile battery built into the terminal without receiving power from a forklift. For example, the present invention can be used with a hand forklift, etc., where it is difficult to secure a power source. In addition, the position information measuring unit 13 is started from the state in which the luggage is about to be moved, so that the positioning accuracy of the position information can be maintained at a high level.

[0079] (B) Second embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of a position information processing device, a position information processing program, and a position information processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example in which the position information processing system of the present invention is applied to an automatic baggage positioning system will be described. Also, below, an example in which the position information processing device of the present invention is applied to an information terminal will be described.

[0080] (B-1) Configuration of the second embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic luggage positioning system according to the second embodiment.

[0081] 7, the automatic baggage positioning system 1A includes the above-mentioned QR code I attached to the baggage L, an information terminal 10A and an RFID reader 50 provided on a forklift F, an RF tag T attached to a floor or the like, and the above-mentioned location information management server 40. Each configuration will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0082] In the automatic baggage positioning system 1A of the second embodiment, an RF tag T storing position identification information is used as a means for measuring the position of the baggage L. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of RF tags according to the second embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 8, multiple RF tags T (T1 to T12) are arranged side by side on the floor or the like. In Fig. 8(a), a space is formed with frame lines drawn in a lattice pattern in which luggage L placed on a pallet PL can be placed. For example, each luggage space in the lattice pattern may be spaced apart such that the RF tags T can be individually recognized by the RFID reader 50 (spaced apart such that two or more RF tags T are not recognized at the same time).

[0084] Also, the RF tags T (T1 to T2) may be placed at any location as shown in Fig. 8(b) instead of being placed in each space of the grid. In this case, the RF tags T are used for position correction when estimating position information by the IMU (acceleration sensor 14) of the information terminal 10A. Fig. 8(b) requires fewer RF tags T than Fig. 8(a), but the positioning accuracy is inferior to Fig. 8(b).

[0085] The information terminal 10A according to the second embodiment is similar to the information terminal 10 according to the first embodiment, except that an RF tag T is used instead of an optical beacon B to measure the position of the package L.

[0086] The RFID reader 50 functions as a wireless communication unit that communicates with the RF tag T and supplies the read data to the information terminal 10A.

[0087] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information terminal according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 9, an information terminal 10A has the above-mentioned control unit 11, the above-mentioned time output unit 12, the position information measuring unit 13A, the above-mentioned acceleration sensor 14, the above-mentioned temporary storage area unit 16, the above-mentioned communication unit 17, and an RFID reader control unit 18. The configuration of the information terminal 10A of the second embodiment differs from that of the information terminal 10 of the first embodiment in that a position information measuring unit 13A is applied instead of the position information measuring unit 13, and an RFID reader control unit 18 is added. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0088] The RFID reader control unit 18 functions as an interface that communicates with the RFID reader 50. The RFID reader control unit 18 communicates with the RFID reader 50 under the control of the control unit 11, controls the RFID reader 50, and executes communication with the RF tag T (controls data reading, etc.). The communication interface applied to the RFID reader control unit 18 is not limited, and may be, for example, a specific low-power radio such as Bluetooth (registered commercial) or wireless LAN, or a wired connection such as USB. In this embodiment, the information terminal 10 and the RFID reader 50 are separate devices, but the information terminal 10 and the RFID reader 50 may be configured as an integrated device. When the RFID reader control unit 18 controls the RFID reader 50 to acquire tag information (location information) from the RF tag T, it provides the location information to the location information positioning unit 13A.

[0089] The position information positioning unit 13A has a function of acquiring (determining) the position information of the information terminal 10. In this embodiment, the means by which the position information positioning unit 13 acquires the position information of the luggage L is assumed to be the use of position information supplied by the RFID reader control unit 18. If the RF tag T is placed as shown in FIG. 8(b), the position of the luggage L may be estimated using inertial information from the acceleration sensor 14. As a specific means for estimating the position of the luggage L using inertial information, existing technology can be applied.

[0090] (B-2) Operation of the Second Embodiment Next, the operation (position information processing) of the automatic luggage positioning system 1A of the second embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

[0091] The information terminal 10A according to the second embodiment basically operates in accordance with the same procedure as that shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6 in the first embodiment. The following will provide a supplementary explanation of the differences from the first embodiment.

[0092] The timing at which the information terminal 10A controls the RFID reader control unit 18 to activate the RFID reader 50 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, at the timing of step S102 or the like.

[0093] In the above-mentioned step S110, after the control unit 11 has transitioned the luggage status from the preparation state to the tracking determination state in the above-mentioned step S109, it activates the position information positioning unit 13 and controls the RFID reader 50 via the RFID reader control unit 18 to read the position information of the RF tag, or the position information estimated by inertial measurement using the position information of the RF tag as correction information, and stores it in the temporary memory area unit 16 as needed.

[0094] (B-3) Effects of the Second Embodiment The second embodiment provides the following advantages over the first embodiment.

[0095] Since the RF tag T is used only for identifying the location of the luggage L (the QR code I is used to identify the luggage L), it is possible to reduce the amount of RF tag T used compared to conventional methods. As a result, it is possible to provide an automatic positioning system at a lower cost than conventional methods.

[0096] (C) Third embodiment Hereinafter, a third embodiment of a position information processing device, a position information processing program, and a position information processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example in which the position information processing system of the present invention is applied to an automatic baggage positioning system will be described. Also, below, an example in which the position information processing device of the present invention is applied to an information terminal will be described.

[0097] (C-1) Configuration of the third embodiment The configurations of the information terminal and the automatic luggage positioning system of the third embodiment can be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9, as in the second embodiment. The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

[0098] In the automatic baggage positioning system 1B of the third embodiment, the stacking state (first or second layer) of each baggage when two bags L are stacked in two layers is managed together with the baggage position. There is no particular limitation on the means for grasping the stacking state, but for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the stacking state is grasped using an RF tag S1 and an RF tag S2.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 10, an RF tag S1 identifying the first stage is attached to the lower side of the mast portion F2 of the forklift F, and an RF tag S2 identifying the second stage is attached near the upper side of the mast portion F2 of the forklift F.

[0100] In this embodiment, the RF tags S1 and S2 cannot communicate with each other at the same time through the RFID reader 50 arranged on the lift arm F1. That is, when the luggage L is moved to be placed on the first tier, the lift arm F1 may be moved slightly upward, but the RFID reader 50 is not close enough to the RF tag S2 that identifies the second tier to be able to communicate with it. When the luggage L is placed on the first tier (floor), the RFID reader 50 can communicate only with the RF tag S1. On the other hand, when a certain luggage L is placed on top of another luggage L (placed on the second tier), as shown in FIG. 10(b), the RFID reader 50 is at a distance where it cannot communicate with the RF tag S1 that identifies the first tier, and is close enough to the RF tag S2 that identifies the second tier to be able to communicate with it. When the luggage L is placed on the second tier, the RFID reader 50 can communicate only with the RF tag S2.

[0101] Fig. 11 shows an example of the configuration of information related to luggage stored in the temporary storage area unit according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, in addition to the luggage ID information, luggage status, timestamp, and location information shown in Fig. 5, the temporary storage area unit 16 newly includes "layer information."

[0102] The tier information is tier information of the luggage L acquired by the RFID reader 50 through communication with the RF tag S1 or RF tag S2. Note that, as in the second embodiment, the position information can be acquired from the RF tag T attached to the floor or the like. However, at the timing of placing the luggage L to be placed on the second tier, the RFID reader 50 is likely to be unable to communicate with the RF tag T on the floor due to the distance. In this case, the control unit 11 may store the position information acquired from the RF tag T immediately before (before moving the lift arm F1 upward) as the position information of the luggage L by placing it on the second tier. Also, if the optical beacon B shown in the first embodiment is placed, the position information acquired from the optical beacon B may be used as the position information of the luggage L.

[0103] (C-2) Operation of the Third Embodiment Next, the operation (position information processing) of the automatic luggage positioning system 1B of the third embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

[0104] The information terminal 10B according to the third embodiment basically operates in accordance with the same procedure as that shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6 in the first and second embodiments. The following will supplementarily explain the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0105] In the above-mentioned step S110, after the control unit 11 transitions the luggage status from the preparation state to the tracking determination state in the above-mentioned step S109, it activates the position information positioning unit 13B and controls the RFID reader 50 via the RFID reader control unit 18 to store in the temporary memory area unit 16, from time to time, in addition to the position information of the read RF tag T, the stacking information of the read RF tag S (information identifying the first tier indicated by the RF tag S1 or information identifying the second tier indicated by the RF tag S2).

[0106] (C-3) Effects of the Third Embodiment According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first and second embodiments, the following effects are achieved.

[0107] In the automatic baggage positioning system 1B, by using an RF tag S that identifies the stacking state of the baggage L, it becomes possible to grasp the position of the baggage L in a warehouse in three dimensions. That is, depending on the warehouse environment and the type of baggage, the baggage may be stacked (double-stacked), and in that case, it is possible to confirm on which layer the baggage is placed.

[0108] (D) Other embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may include modified embodiments as exemplified below.

[0109] (D-1) In the second embodiment, an example was shown in which RF tags S1 and S2 could be used to handle up to two stacks, but the number of stacks is not limited to this, and by using three or more RF tags, the automatic baggage positioning system 1B can manage the stacking state of any number of stacks.

[0110] (D-2) In the above embodiment, a configuration example of the information on the luggage L stored in the temporary storage area unit 16 has been described, but the information on the luggage L may include weight information, which is information on the weight of the luggage L. For example, a weight sensor for measuring weight is attached to the forklift F, and the weight sensor measures the weight of the luggage L (or the weight of the luggage L and the pallet PL) when the forklift F lifts the luggage L on the pallet PL and transports it. The weight sensor and the information terminal 10 are connected, for example, wirelessly, and the weight sensor transmits the measured weight measurement result of the luggage L to the information terminal 10. The information terminal 10 stores the weight information, which is the weight measurement result, in the temporary storage area unit 16 in association with the luggage ID information. Then, when the information terminal 10 transmits the position information of the luggage L held in the temporary storage area unit 16 to the position information management server 40, it also transmits the weight information. The position information management server 40 can manage the change in the weight of the luggage L by managing the received weight information. It is possible to manage the amount of the contents of the luggage L that has been reduced (used) without looking inside the luggage L, which makes it possible to improve the efficiency of inventory management operations.

[0111] (D-3) As a modified example, the automatic baggage positioning system 1 (1A, 1B) may use a combination of all or part of the configurations and / or functions of the modified examples described in each of the above embodiments and (D-1) to (D-2). Also, the automatic baggage positioning system 1 (1A, 1B) may omit at least part of the configurations and / or functions of the modified examples described in each of the above embodiments and (D-1) to (D-2). [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1, 1A, 1B...automatic luggage positioning system, 10, 10A, 10B...information terminal, 11...control unit, 12...time output unit, 13, 13A, 13B...location information positioning unit, 14...acceleration sensor, 15...code reading unit, 16...temporary memory area unit, 17...communication unit, 18...RFID reader control unit, 20...access point, 30...fluorescent lamp, 40...location information management server, 50...RFID reader, B...optical beacon, F...forklift, F1...lift arm, F2...mast unit, I...QR code, L...luggage, N...Internet, PL...pallet, PL1...arm insertion hole, S...RF tag, T...RF tag, U...transport worker.

Claims

1. A code reading means for reading a code image showing a code attached to a package; A location information acquisition means for acquiring location information; a position information storage means for storing the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means when a state of reading the code image by the code reading means satisfies a predetermined condition; an output means for outputting the position information stored in the position information storage means; A position information processing device comprising:

2. The position information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the read state of the code image includes at least one of the size of the code image and whether the code can be read.

3. When the code information included in the code image is read for the first time by the code reading means, the state of the luggage is managed as a ready state in which the luggage is stationary; Furthermore, when the size of the code image is enlarged after the first predetermined time has elapsed compared to the size of the code image when the code information was first read, the control unit is configured to transition the state of the package from the preparation state to a tracking determination state in which the package is moved or is likely to move, and to control the state. The position information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the management means recognizes the code information again after a second predetermined time has elapsed after the size of the code image has increased to the point where the code information can no longer be read, and then releases the tracking determination state when the code information becomes unreadable again; At this timing, the output means outputs the latest position information stored in the position information storage means to an external device.

4. The position information processing device according to claim 3.

5. the management means, after maintaining the state in which the code information can be read, releases the tracking determination state when a second predetermined time has elapsed and the size of the code image has been reduced or reduced to the point where the code information can no longer be read; At this timing, the output means outputs the latest position information stored in the position information storage means to an external device.

4. The position information processing device according to claim 3.

6. The position information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the size of the code image is an area of ​​the code image or a length of one side of the code image.

7. 2. The position information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the position information acquisition means estimates and acquires the position information from the position information transmitted from an optical beacon and the radio wave intensity when receiving radio waves from the optical beacon.

8. Computer, A code reading means for reading a code image showing a code attached to a package; A location information acquisition means for acquiring location information; a position information storage means for storing the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means when a state of reading the code image by the code reading means satisfies a predetermined condition; an output means for outputting the position information stored in the position information storage means; A location information processing program characterized by causing the program to function as follows.

9. A location information processing system including a code attached to a package, a location information processing device that processes location information of the package to which the code is attached, and a location information management device that receives and manages the location information of the package from the location information processing device, The position information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is used as the position information processing device. A position information processing system comprising:

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