Article management system, information processing apparatus, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an article management system which can more easily manage the position of each article.SOLUTION: An article management system comprises: each container for storing each article as a management object; each shelf for housing each container; a memory unit for memorizing article identification information, container identification information and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each article, each container and each shelf; and a control unit. Each shelf comprises an identification code identifiable by a camera. The memory unit memorizes first association between the shelf identification information assigned to each shelf or the container identification information assigned to each container and the container identification information assigned to each container housed in each shelf or each container, and second association between the shelf identification information assigned to each shelf or the container identification information assigned to each container and the article identification information assigned to each article stored in each shelf or each container. The control unit detects the position of each article in a space based on image data captured by the camera and the first and second association.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an article management system, an information processing apparatus, a program, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] An article management system that manages the state of an article using an identifier is known for managing articles in a factory, a warehouse, or the like. For this article management system, a technique that can more easily manage the position of an article is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an article management system that can more easily manage the position of an article.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The article management system according to the embodiment includes a camera that images a predetermined space, a container in which articles to be managed are stored, a shelf arranged in the space and in which the container is stored, a storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of the article, the container, and the shelf, and a control unit. The shelf has an identification code that can be identified by the camera. The storage unit stores a first association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the container identification information given to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the article identification information given to the article stored in the shelf or the container. The control unit detects the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data captured by the camera and the first and second associations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] <1. Embodiment> Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those already described, and detailed descriptions will not be repeated.

[0008] (1.1. Functional Configuration of the Management System 100) With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the functional configuration of the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 100 includes a management device 10, a terminal device 20, and a camera 30 that images the space S.

[0009] The management device 10 is an information processing apparatus (computer) that functions as a server as an example, and manages data related to articles. The management device 10 includes a control unit 11 and a storage unit 15. The control unit 11 controls the processing of the management device 10 as a processor. The storage unit 15 stores programs and data necessary for the processing of the control unit 11, data obtained by the processing of the control unit 11, and the like. As an example, the storage unit 15 stores a shelf database 16, a container database 17, and an article database 18. Details of each database will be described later.

[0010] The terminal device 20 includes an input means and an output means, and is an information processing device operable by an operator. The terminal device 20 may be a general-purpose or dedicated personal computer, a smart device, or the like. Note that smart devices include tablet terminals, smartphones, smart glasses, smart watches, and the like.

[0011] The camera 30 images the space S. The captured data captured by the camera 30 may be a still image or a moving image. When the captured data is a still image, the camera 30 may be configured to capture images at a predetermined timing (for example, at intervals of one minute) to generate the captured data. The captured data captured by the camera 30 may be stored in the storage unit 15 for a predetermined period. Preferably, the management system 100 includes a plurality of cameras 30 that overlook the space S.

[0012] The space S may be, for example, a predetermined area in a factory. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the space S is divided into a plurality of areas D1 to D4, and one or more shelves 50 are arranged in each area. The shelf 50 stores the container 60. The shelf 50 also stores the article 70. The shelf 50 includes a shelf tag 51 and an identification code 52.

[0013] The shelf tag 51 and the identification code 52 are attached to the shelf 50 and include identification information for uniquely identifying the shelf 50. The shelf tag 51 and the identification code 52 may be realized by at least one of a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, a Radio Frequency IDentifier (RFID), and an Integrated Circuit (IC). The identification code 52 is attached to the upper surface of the shelf 50 as an example so as to be identifiable by the camera 30. That is, the identification code 52 has identification information that can be identified as image information. On the other hand, since the identification information of the shelf tag 51 is read by a reader 40 described later, it is not necessarily required to be identifiable as image information. For example, the shelf tag 51 may be realized by RFID, and the identification code 52 may be realized by a two-dimensional barcode.

[0014] Container 60 stores article 70. Also, container 60 can store another container 60. That is, container 60 includes, as a natural number n, a primary container stored in shelf 50 and an (n + 1) - th container stored in the n - th container. Container 60 is provided with container tag 61.

[0015] Container tag 61 is attached to container 60 and includes identification information for uniquely identifying container 60. Container tag 61 may be realized by at least one of a one - dimensional barcode, a two - dimensional barcode, a Radio Frequency IDentifier (RFID), and an Integrated Circuit (IC). As an example, container tag 61 may be realized by RFID.

[0016] Article 70 is a tangible object to be managed. As an example, parts used for product assembly in a factory etc. are included. Article 70 is stored in container 60. Also, article 70 may be directly stored in shelf 50 without being stored in container 60. Article 70 is provided with article tag 71.

[0017] Article tag 71 is attached to article 70 and includes identification information for uniquely identifying article 70. Article tag 71 may be realized by at least one of a one - dimensional barcode, a two - dimensional barcode, a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID), and an Integrated Circuit (IC). As an example, article tag 71 may be realized by RFID.

[0018] The reader 40 reads shelf identification information, container identification information, or article identification information from the shelf tag 51, the container tag 61, or the article tag 71 (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to simply as tags). When the shelf tag 51, the container tag 61, and the article tag 71 are barcodes, the reader 40 is a barcode reader. When the shelf tag 51, the container tag 61, and the article tag 71 are RFID tags, the reader 40 is an RFID reader. When the shelf tag 51, the container tag 61, and the article tag 71 are IC tags, the reader 40 is an IC reader. In this way, by making the shelf tag 51, the container tag 61, and the article tag 71 the same type of data, the shelf tag 51, the container tag 61, and the article tag 71 can be read by a common reader 40. The reader 40 transmits the read data to the management device 10.

[0019] The reader 40 may be of a handy type that can be carried by an operator (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an operator) who performs operations related to the article 70 using the management system 100, may be of a gate type installed at a predetermined location within the space S and reading tags passing through that location, or may be a combination of these.

[0020] The workbench 80 is used when performing predetermined operations such as assembling products using the article 70. Details of the workbench 80 will be described later.

[0021] The terminal device 20, the camera 30, and the reader 40 are connected to the management device 10 via wired communication, wireless communication, or a network, and can communicate data with the management device 10.

[0022] (1.2. Data Structure) With reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, an example of the data structure of the database stored in the storage unit 15 will be described. As an example, the storage unit 15 may store a shelf database 16, a container database 17, and an article database 18.

[0023] The shelf database 16 is a database for storing information about the shelves 50. The shelf database 16 may include, as an example, an item "shelf identification number", an item "shelf name", and an item "type".

[0024] The item "shelf identification number" is data serving as an identifier for uniquely identifying each record in the shelf database 16 and has the function of a primary key of the shelf database 16. Each record in the shelf database 16 corresponds to each shelf 50 within the space S. Each shelf 50 within the space S may be configured to include a shelf tag 51 corresponding to the item "shelf identification number" and an identification code 52. As an example, each shelf 50 may include an RFID tag containing the item "shelf identification number" as the shelf tag 51 and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the item "shelf identification number" as the identification code 52.

[0025] The item "shelf name" is information regarding the name of the shelf 50 corresponding to the record. The operator can appropriately set the name of the shelf 50 corresponding to each record in the shelf database 16.

[0026] The item "type" is information regarding the type of the shelf 50 corresponding to the record. The operator can, for example, appropriately set, for each of the shelves 50, a type based on dimensions, a type based on shape, a type based on use, etc.

[0027] Each record in the shelf database 16 can be appropriately added or changed by the operator. For example, at the timing when a shelf 50 is added within the space S, the operator can operate the terminal device 20 to add a record to the shelf database 16.

[0028] The container database 17 is a database for storing information about the containers 60. The container database 17 may include, as an example, an item "container identification number", an item "container name", an item "type", an item "storage container", and an item "storage shelf".

[0029] The item "Container Identification Number" is data as an identifier for uniquely identifying each record in the container database 17 and has the function of a primary key in the container database 17. Each record in the container database 17 corresponds to each container 60 stored on the shelf 50 within the space S. Each container 60 within the space S may be specified to be equipped with a container tag 61 corresponding to the item "Container Identification Number". As an example, each container 60 may be equipped with an RFID tag including the item "Container Identification Number" as the container tag 61.

[0030] The item "Container Name" is information regarding the name of the container 60 corresponding to the record. The operator can appropriately set the name of the container 60 corresponding to each record in the container database 17.

[0031] The item "Type" is information regarding the type of the container 60 corresponding to the record. As an example, the operator can appropriately set, for each of the containers 60, a type based on dimensions, a type based on shape, a type based on use, etc.

[0032] The item "Storage Container" is information regarding the container 60 in which the container 60 corresponding to the record is stored. As an example, the item "Container Identification Number" of the container 60 in which the container 60 is stored is set in the item "Storage Container".

[0033] The item "Storage Shelf" is information regarding the shelf 50 in which the container 60 corresponding to the record is stored. As an example, the item "Shelf Identification Number" of the shelf 50 in which the container 60 is stored is set in the item "Storage Shelf". In this case, the item "Storage Shelf" can function as a foreign key. Note that in this embodiment, data is input into either the item "Storage Container" or the item "Storage Shelf".

[0034] Each record in the container database 17 can be appropriately added or modified by the operator. For example, at the timing when the container 60 is added into the space S, the operator can operate the terminal device 20 to add a record to the container database 17. Also, at the timing when the shelf 50 in which the container 60 is stored is changed, the operator can operate the terminal device 20 to change the item "storage shelf" in the container database 17.

[0035] The article database 18 is a database for storing information about the article 70. The article database 18 may include, as an example, an item "article identification number", an item "article name", an item "operation status", an item "storage container", and an item "storage shelf".

[0036] The item "article identification number" is data as an identifier for uniquely identifying each record in the article database 18 and has a function as the primary key of the article database 18. Each record in the article database 18 corresponds to the article 70 stored in the container 60 stored on the shelf 50 in the space S, or the article 70 stored on the shelf 50 in the space S. Each article 70 in the space S may be configured to include an article tag 71 corresponding to the item "article identification number". As an example, each article 70 may include an RFID tag including the item "article identification number" as the article tag 71.

[0037] The item "article name" is information regarding the name of the article 70 corresponding to the record. The operator can appropriately set the name of the article 70 corresponding to each record in the article database 18.

[0038] The item "operation status" is information regarding the status of a predetermined operation related to the article 70 corresponding to the record. The operator can appropriately set information such as "waiting for operation" and "operation completed" as an example.

[0039] The item "Storage Container" is information regarding the container 60 in which the article 70 corresponding to the record is stored. As an example, the operator may set the item "Container Identification Number" of the container 60 in which the article 70 is stored to the item "Storage Container". In this case, the item "Storage Shelf" can function as a foreign key.

[0040] The item "Storage Shelf" is information regarding the shelf 50 in which the article 70 corresponding to the record is stored. As an example, the operator may set the item "Shelf Identification Number" of the shelf 50 in which the article 70 is stored to the item "Storage Shelf". In this case, the item "Storage Shelf" can function as a foreign key. Note that in this embodiment, data is input into either the item "Storage Container" or the item "Storage Shelf".

[0041] Each record in the article database 18 can be appropriately added or changed by the operator. For example, at the timing when an article 70 is newly stored in the container 60 stored on the shelf 50 within the space S, the operator can operate the terminal device 20 to add a record to the article database 18. Also, at the timing when the container 60 in which the article 70 is stored is changed, the operator can operate the terminal device 20 to change the item "Storage Container" in the article database 18.

[0042] In this way, the storage unit 15 stores a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf 50 or the container identification information assigned to the container 60 and the container identification information assigned to the container 60 stored in the shelf 50 or the container 60, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf 50 or the container identification information assigned to the container 60 and the article identification information assigned to the article 70 stored in the shelf 50 or the container 60. Note that the databases described above are merely examples and are not limited to this mode. That is, the storage unit 15 may include other databases, and the shelf database 16, the container database 17, and the article database 18 may include other items.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, the management hierarchical data R generated by the control unit 11 will be described. The control unit 11 generates the management hierarchical data R based on the shelf database 16, the container database 17, and the article database 18.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the management hierarchical data R is data that shows, in a tree structure, a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf 50 or the container identification information assigned to the container 60 and the container identification information assigned to the container 60 stored in the shelf 50 or the container 60, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf 50 or the container identification information assigned to the container 60 and the article identification information assigned to the article 70 stored in the shelf 50 or the container 60, based on the shelf database 16, the container database 17, and the article database 18.

[0045] As an example, the management hierarchical data R shown in FIG. 6 indicates that the container Y0004 is stored in the shelf T0001, and the articles B0001, B0003, and B0005 are stored in the container Y0004. On the other hand, referring to the article database 18 in FIG. 5, the records corresponding to the articles B0001, B0003, and B0005 have Y0004 as an external key in the item "storage container". Further, referring to the container database 17 in FIG. 4, the record corresponding to the container Y0004 has T0001 as an external key in the item "storage shelf".

[0046] As another example, the management hierarchical data R shown in FIG. 6 indicates that the containers Y0001 and Y0002 are stored in the shelf T0003, and further, the article B0007 is stored in the shelf T0003. It is also shown that the articles B0004 and B0006 are stored in the container Y0001, and the article B0008 is stored in the container Y0002.

[0047] On the one hand, referring to the article database 18 in FIG. 5, the records corresponding to article B0004 and article B0006 have Y0001 as an external key in the item "storage container". Also, the record corresponding to article B0008 has Y0002 as an external key in the item "storage container". Further, the record corresponding to article B0007 has T0003 as an external key in the item "storage shelf". Additionally, referring to the container database 17 in FIG. 4, the records corresponding to container Y0001 and container Y0002 have T0003 as an external key in the item "storage shelf". In this way, the data held by the management hierarchical data R is consistent with the data held by the shelf database 16, the container database 17, and the article database 18.

[0048] Generally, the control unit 11 generates the management hierarchical data R so as to arrange, in a lower hierarchy, the container identification information given to the container 60 as the primary container stored in the shelf 50, or the article identification information given to the article 70 stored in the shelf 50, based on the shelf identification information given to the shelf 50. Further, the control unit 11 generates the management hierarchical data R so as to arrange, in a further lower hierarchy, the container identification information given to the container 60 as the secondary container stored in the container 60 as the primary container with the container identification information given, or the article identification information given to the article 70 stored in the container 60 as the primary container.

[0049] The depth of the hierarchy of the management hierarchical data R is appropriately set according to the storage mode of the container 60 and the storage mode of the article 70. For example, as in the shelf T0001 shown in FIG. 6, when the container 60 is stored in the shelf 50 and the article 70 is stored in the container 60, the management hierarchical data R has a depth consisting of two lower hierarchies. On the other hand, as in the shelf T0003 shown in FIG. 6, when the article 70 is directly stored in the shelf 50, the management hierarchical data R has a depth consisting of one lower hierarchy. Further, as described above, since the container 60 can store other containers 60, it is also possible to sequentially stack and store containers 60 with a smaller volume in a container 60 with a larger volume. For example, when the container 60 is stored in the shelf 50, two containers 60 are sequentially stacked and stored in the container 60, and the article 70 is stored in the innermost container 60, the management hierarchical data R has a depth consisting of four lower hierarchies. The management hierarchical data R is appropriately presented to the operator based on the operation of the operator on the terminal device 20. By doing so, it becomes easy for the operator to grasp the first and second associations regarding the shelf 50, the container 60, and the article 70.

[0050] (1.3. Process flow) With reference to FIGS. 7 to 13, an example of the process flow in the management system 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the management system 100, an article receiving process (S100), an article storage process (S200), a container storage process (S300), a container moving process (S400), and an article assembly process (S500) can be performed. Hereinafter, the details of each process will be described. Each process is performed in the space S, and the shelf 50 is arranged in the space S. As an example, the shelf 50 stores a plurality of containers 60 storing a plurality of articles 70.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 8, the process flow of the article receiving process (S100) will be described. The article receiving process (S100) is a process performed at the timing when a new article 70 to be managed is received. In step S110, the operator newly receives the article 70 to be managed. In step S120, the operator operates the terminal device 20 to add a record corresponding to the article 70 to the article database 18 of the storage unit 15.

[0052] In step S130, the operator operates the terminal device 20 to create an article tag 71 on which article identification information of the article 70 (for example, the item “article identification number” in the article database 18) is described. In step S140, the operator attaches the created article tag 71 to the article.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 9, the processing flow of the article storage step (S200) will be described. The article storage step (S200) is a step performed at the timing of storing the article 70 in the container 60. In step S210, the operator reads the container tag 61 attached to the container 60 in which the article 70 is stored, using, for example, a handy-type reader 40. The container identification information of the read container tag 61 is transmitted to the management device 10. In step S220, the operator reads the article tag 71 attached to the article 70, using, for example, a handy-type reader 40. The article identification information of the read article tag 71 is transmitted to the management device 10.

[0054] In step S230, the operator stores the article 70 in the container 60. In step S240, the control unit 11 of the management device 10 updates the article database 18 in the storage unit 15 based on the operation of the terminal device 20 by the operator. Specifically, the control unit 11 updates the item “storage container” in the record corresponding to the article 70 in the article database 18.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 10, the process flow of the container storage step (S300) will be described. The container storage step (S300) is a step performed at the timing of storing the container 60 on the shelf 50. In step S310, the operator reads the shelf tag 51 attached to the shelf 50 where the container 60 is to be stored, using a handy-type reader 40 as an example. The shelf identification information of the read shelf tag 51 is transmitted to the management device 10. In step S320, the operator reads the container tag 61 attached to the container 60, using a handy-type reader 40 as an example. The container identification information of the read container tag 61 is transmitted to the management device 10.

[0056] In step S330, the operator stores the container 60 on the shelf 50. In step S340, the control unit 11 of the management device 10 updates the container database 17 in the storage unit 15 based on the operation of the terminal device 20 by the operator. Specifically, the control unit 11 updates the item "storage shelf" in the record corresponding to the container 60 in the container database 17.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 11, the process flow of the container movement step (S400) will be described. The container movement step (S400) is a step performed at the timing of moving the container 60 stored on a specific shelf 50 to another shelf 50. In step S410, the operator reads the container tag 61 attached to the container 60 whose storage shelf is to be moved, using a handy-type reader 40 as an example. The container identification information of the read container tag 61 is transmitted to the management device 10. In step S420, the operator reads the shelf tag 51 attached to the shelf 50 where the container 60 is newly to be stored, using a handy-type reader 40 as an example. The shelf identification information of the read shelf tag 51 is transmitted to the management device 10.

[0058] In step S430, the operator moves the container 60 and stores it in a new shelf 50. In step S440, the control unit 11 of the management device 10 updates the container database 17 in the storage unit 15 based on the operation of the terminal device 20 by the operator. Specifically, the control unit 11 updates the item "storage shelf" in the record corresponding to the container 60 in the container database 17.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 12, the processing flow of the article attachment step (S500) will be described. The article attachment step (S500) is a step performed at the timing of using the article 70 stored in the container 60 for the attachment work to the product. In step S510, the operator reads the container tag 61 attached to the container 60 in which the article 70 used for the attachment work is stored, using a handy-type reader 40 as an example. The container identification information of the read container tag 61 is transmitted to the management device 10. In step S520, the operator moves the container 60 to the workbench 80.

[0060] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the workbench 80. As shown in FIG. 13, the workbench 80 includes a tag storage container 81 and a work space D. The tag storage container 81 stores the article tag 71 attached to the article 70 after a predetermined work related to the article (in this embodiment, the attachment work to the product) is completed. The tag storage container 81 includes a reader 40. The article identification information of the article tag 71 stored in the tag storage container 81 is read by the reader 40 and transmitted to the management device 10. In this way, the control unit 11 of the management device 10 can detect information related to the article 70 based on the article identification information of the article tag 71 in the tag storage container 81.

[0061] In step S530, the operator peels off the article tag 71 attached to the article 70 and stores it in the tag storage container 81. In step S540, the operator attaches the article 70 to the product. In step S550, the reader 40 in the tag storage container 81 reads the article identification information of the stored article tag 71. The read article identification information of the article tag 71 is transmitted to the management device 10.

[0062] In step S560, the control unit 11 of the management device 10 updates the article database 18 in the storage unit 15 based on the operation of the terminal device 20 by the operator. Specifically, the control unit 11 deletes the data of the item "storage container" in the record corresponding to the article 70 in the article database 18. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may be configured to delete (for example, logically delete) each record corresponding to the article 70. As a result, the article identification information included in the article tag 71 in the tag storage container 81 is also deleted from the management hierarchical data R.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 11 can also detect the progress status of the installation work as information regarding the article 70 based on the article identification information included in the article tag 71 in the tag storage container 81. Specifically, in the item "work status" of the article database 18, information regarding the installation work of the article corresponding to the record is held. That is, when the installation work of the article is completed and the article tag 71 is accommodated in the tag storage container 81, the control unit 11 updates the item "work status" in the record corresponding to the article 70 in the article database 18 based on the operation of the terminal device 20 by the operator. With such a specification, the operator can easily grasp the progress status of the work regarding the article 70.

[0064] (1.4. Screen example) With reference to FIG. 14, a search screen 84 for the operator to search for the position of the article 70 will be described. In the above-described process, the operator can search for the position where the desired article 70 is stored by operating the search screen 84 displayed on the display provided in the terminal device 20.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 14, the search screen 84 includes a search target input field 85, a search button 86, and a search result display area 87. The operator inputs the article identification number of the desired article 70 in the search target input field 85 and presses the search button 86. Alternatively, the operator may input the article name of the desired article 70 in the search target input field 85.

[0066] In response to the operator pressing the search button 86, the control unit 11 detects the position of the article 70 in the space S based on the imaging data captured by the camera 30 and the first association and the second association stored in the shelf database 16, the container database 17, and the article database 18 stored in the storage unit 15.

[0067] Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the article database 18 and acquires a record having the article identification number input in the search target input field 85 in the item "article identification number". The control unit 11 acquires the items "storage container" and "storage shelf" of the acquired record.

[0068] If data is entered in the item "storage container" of the record acquired from the article database 18, the control unit 11 refers to the container database 17 and acquires a record having data that matches the item "storage container" in the item "container identification number". The control unit 11 acquires the items "storage container" and "storage shelf" of the acquired record. If data is entered in the item "storage container", the control unit 11 refers to the container database 17 again and acquires a record having data that matches the item "storage container" in the item "container identification number" until a record having data entered in the item "storage shelf" is acquired. On the other hand, if data is entered in the item "storage shelf", the control unit 11 refers to the shelf database 16 and acquires a record having data that matches the item "storage shelf" in the item "shelf identification number".

[0069] On the other hand, if data is entered in the item "storage shelf" of the record acquired from the article database 18, the control unit 11 refers to the shelf database 16 and acquires a record having data that matches the item "storage shelf" in the item "shelf identification number".

[0070] The control unit 11 detects the position where the shelf 50 corresponding to the record acquired from the shelf database 16 is arranged based on the imaging data captured by the camera 30. Specifically, the control unit 11 identifies the identification code 52 provided on the shelf 50 within the space S from the imaging data captured by the camera 30, and specifies the position of the shelf 50 having the identification code 52 that matches the item "shelf identification number" in the record acquired from the shelf database 16 from the imaging data.

[0071] In this way, the control unit 11 detects information about the position of the article 70 to be searched for received from the user. Based on the information about the detected position of the article, the control unit 11 presents the position of the article to be searched for received from the user by displaying it in the search result display area 87 of the search screen 84. As an example, as shown in FIG. 14, information about the container 60 in which the article to be searched for is stored, the shelf 50 in which the container 60 is stored, and the location within the space S where the shelf 50 is arranged is displayed in the search result display area 87 of the search screen 84. With such a configuration, an operator who performs work using the article 70 can easily and quickly grasp the position of the desired article 70.

[0072] (1.5. Hardware Configuration) With reference to FIG. 15, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus used in the management apparatus 10 will be described. The management apparatus 10 and the terminal apparatus 20 as information processing apparatuses are realized by, for example, the computer 90 shown in FIG. 15. The computer 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, a storage 94, an input interface 95, an output interface 96, and a communication interface 97.

[0073] The CPU 91 functions as a processor that executes processing. Specifically, the CPU 91 executes a program stored in at least one of the ROM 92 or the storage 94 using the RAM 93 as a work memory. During the execution of the program, the CPU 91 controls each component via the system bus 98 and executes various processes.

[0074] The ROM 92 stores a program for controlling the operation of the computer 90. The ROM 92 stores a program necessary for causing the computer 90 to implement each of the above-described processes. The RAM 93 functions as a storage area in which the program stored in the ROM 92 is expanded.

[0075] The storage 94 stores data necessary for program execution and data obtained by program execution. The storage 94 includes one or more selected from a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and a Solid State Drive (SSD).

[0076] The input interface (I / F) 95 can connect the computer 90 and the input device 95a. The input interface 95 is, for example, a serial bus interface such as USB. The CPU 91 can read various data from the input device 95a via the input interface 95.

[0077] The output interface (I / F) 96 can connect the computer 90 and the output device 96a. The output interface 96 is, for example, a video output interface such as a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HPMI (registered trademark)). The CPU 91 can transmit data to the output device 96a via the output interface 96 and cause the output device 96a to output the data.

[0078] The input device 95a includes one or more selected from a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone (voice input), and a touch pad. The output device 96a includes one or more selected from a display, a projector, a printer, and a speaker. A device having both functions of the input device 95a and the output device 96a, such as a touch panel, may be used.

[0079] The communication interface (I / F) 97 can connect an external server 97a outside the computer 90 and the computer 90. The communication interface 97 is, for example, a network card such as a LAN card. The CPU 91 can read various data from the external server 97a via the communication interface 97.

[0080] Each process executed by the management device 10 may be realized by one computer 90 or may be realized by the cooperation of a plurality of computers 90.

[0081] The processing of the above various data may be recorded as a program executable by a computer on a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk and a hard disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD±R, DVD±RW), a semiconductor memory, or other non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0082] For example, the information recorded on the recording medium can be read by a computer (or an embedded system). In the recording medium, the recording format (storage format) is arbitrary. For example, the computer reads a program from the recording medium and causes the processor to execute the instructions described in the program based on this program. In the computer, the acquisition (or reading) of the program may be performed through a network.

[0083] (1.6. Parentheses) As described above, the management system 100 according to this embodiment includes a camera 30 that images a predetermined space S, a container 60 in which an article 70 to be managed is stored, a shelf 50 that is disposed in the space S and in which the container 60 is stored, a storage unit 15 that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of the article 70, the container 60, and the shelf 50, and a control unit 11. The shelf 50 includes an identification code 52 that can be identified by the camera 30. The storage unit 15 stores a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf 50 or the container identification information assigned to the container 60 and the container identification information assigned to the container stored in the shelf 50 or the container 60, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf 50 or the container identification information assigned to the container 60 and the article identification information assigned to the article 70 stored in the shelf 50 or the container 60. The control unit 11 detects the position of the article 70 in the space S based on the imaging data captured by the camera 30 and the first and second associations. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to more easily manage the position of the article 70 to be managed.

[0084] Further, an article tag 71 including article identification information may be attached to the article 70, a container tag 61 including container identification information may be attached to the container 60, and a shelf tag 51 including shelf identification information may be attached to the shelf 50. The management system 100 may also be configured to further include a reader that reads article identification information, container identification information, or shelf identification information from the article tag 71, the container tag 61, or the shelf tag 51. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to easily read the identification information for uniquely identifying the article 70, the container 60, and the shelf 50 from the article 70, the container 60, and the shelf 50.

[0085] In addition, the management system 100 may further include a tag storage container 81 that stores the article tag 71 attached to the article 70 after a predetermined operation regarding the article 70 is completed. A reader 40 is provided in the tag storage container 81, and the control unit 11 of the management device 10 may be configured to detect information regarding the article 70 based on the article identification information of the article tag 71 in the tag storage container 81. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to easily detect information regarding the article 70 used by the operator for a predetermined operation.

[0086] Note that the technical idea of the present disclosure can also be applied when the mode of storing the article 70 in the container 60 and storing the container 60 in the shelf 50 and the mode of directly storing the article 70 in the shelf 50 without using the container 60 are mixed.

[0087] <2. Other Embodiments> As described above, the management system 100 according to the present embodiment has been described. However, the application of the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the container movement step (S400) in the above embodiment, a case where a portable handy-type reader 40 is used by an operator has been described, but a gate-type reader 40 may be used. In this case, by arranging the gate-type reader 40 between different shelves 50, the movement of the container 60 can be read by the gate-type reader 40 without the operator performing a reading operation with the handy-type reader 40. Even with such a specification, it is possible to apply the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0088] Also, in the above embodiment, the space S is assumed to be one continuous area, but it is not limited to this mode. For example, one or more cameras 30 may be installed in each of the spaces S1, S2,..., Sn that span multiple floors, and these spaces S1, S2,..., Sn may be collectively regarded as the space S.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, parts within a factory are assumed as the articles to be managed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the technical idea of the present disclosure may be applied to inventory management of products in a retail store such as a convenience store.

[0090] The present disclosure may include the following features. (Appendix 1) A camera that images a predetermined space, A container in which articles to be managed are stored, A shelf that is arranged in the space and in which the container is stored, A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of the article, the container, and the shelf, A control unit, and The shelf has an identification code that can be identified by the camera, The storage unit stores a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the container identification information assigned to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf or the container, The control unit is an article management system that detects the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data captured by the camera and the first and second associations. (Appendix 2) An article tag including the article identification information is attached to the article, A container tag including the container identification information is attached to the container, A shelf tag including the shelf identification information is attached to the shelf, The article management system according to Appendix 1, further comprising a reader that reads the article identification information, the container identification information, or the shelf identification information from the article tag, the container tag, or the shelf tag. (Appendix 3) The container includes, with n being a natural number, a primary container stored in the shelf and an (n + 1)-th container stored in the n-th container. Based on the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf, the control unit arranges, in a lower hierarchy, the container identification information assigned to the primary container stored in the shelf or the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf, and arranges, in a further lower hierarchy, the container identification information assigned to the secondary container stored in the primary container to which the container identification information arranged in the lower hierarchy is assigned or the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the primary container, thereby generating management hierarchical data. The article management system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the depth of the hierarchy of the management hierarchical data can be arbitrarily set. (Supplementary Note 4) After a predetermined operation on the article is completed, the system further includes a tag storage container for storing the article tag attached to the article. The reader is provided in the tag storage container. The article management system according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, wherein the control unit detects information on the article based on the article identification information of the tag in the tag storage container. (Supplementary Note 5) The article management system according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the control unit deletes the article identification information of the tag in the tag storage container from the management hierarchical data. (Supplementary Note 6) The article management system according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the control unit detects the situation regarding the predetermined operation as information on the article based on the article identification information of the tag in the tag storage container. (Supplementary Note 7) The tag is implemented by RFID or a barcode. The article management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 6, wherein the reader includes at least one of a handy type or a gate type. (Supplementary Note 8) The article management system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein the control unit presents the position of the article to be searched received from the user based on the information on the position of the detected article. (Supplementary Note 9) The article management system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, comprising a plurality of cameras overlooking the space therein. (Appendix 10) A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of an article to be managed, a container in which the article is stored, and a shelf in which the container is stored; An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit, The shelf is disposed in a predetermined space and has an identification code that can be identified by a camera that images the predetermined space, The storage unit stores a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the container identification information assigned to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf or the container, The control unit is an information processing apparatus that detects the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data imaged by the camera and the first and second associations. (Appendix 11) A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of an article to be managed, a container in which the article is stored, and a shelf in which the container is stored; A program that causes an information processing apparatus including a control unit to execute processing, The shelf is disposed in a predetermined space and has an identification code that can be identified by a camera that images the predetermined space. The storage unit stores a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the container identification information assigned to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf or the container. To the control unit, A step of identifying the identification code from the imaging data captured by the camera; A step of acquiring the first and second associations from the storage unit; A step of detecting the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data and the first and second associations; A program for causing the detected position of the article to be displayed on a display of the information processing apparatus. (Appendix 12) A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of an article to be managed, a container in which the article is stored, and a shelf in which the container is stored; An information processing method for causing an information processing apparatus including a control unit to execute processing, The shelf is arranged in a predetermined space and has an identification code that can be identified by a camera that images the predetermined space, A step of storing in the storage unit a first association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the container identification information given to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the article identification information given to the article stored in the shelf or the container; An information processing method including a step of causing the control unit to detect the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data captured by the camera and the first and second associations. (Appendix 13) A camera that images a predetermined space; A shelf arranged in the space and storing an article to be managed; A storage unit that stores article identification information and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of the article and the shelf; A control unit, The shelf has an identification code that can be identified by the camera, The memory unit stores the association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf and the article identification information assigned to the articles stored in the shelf. The control unit is an article management system that detects the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data captured by the camera and the association.

[0091] As described above, some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope. Also, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0092] 10: Management device, 11: Control unit, 15: Memory unit, 16: Shelf database, 17: Container database, 18: Article database, 20: Terminal device, 30: Camera, 40: Reader, 50: Shelf, 51: Shelf tag, 52: Identification code, 60: Container, 61: Container tag, 70: Article, 71: Article tag, 80: Workbench, 81: Tag container, 84: Search screen, 85: Search target input field, 86: Search button, 87: Search result display area, 90: Computer, 91: CPU, 92: ROM, 93: RAM, 94: Storage, 95: Input interface, 95a: Input device, 96: Output interface, 96a: Output device, 97: Communication interface, 97a: External server, 98: System bus, 100: Management system.

Claims

1. A camera for imaging a predetermined space, A container in which articles to be managed are stored, A shelf arranged in the space and storing the container, A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of the article, the container, and the shelf, A control unit, and comprising, The shelf has an identification code identifiable by the camera, The storage unit stores a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the container identification information assigned to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf or the container, The control unit detects the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data captured by the camera and the first and second associations, an article management system.

2. An article tag including the article identification information is attached to the article, A container tag including the container identification information is attached to the container, A shelf tag including the shelf identification information is attached to the shelf, The article management system according to claim 1, further comprising a reader for reading the article identification information, the container identification information, or the shelf identification information from the article tag, the container tag, or the shelf tag.

3. The container includes, as n is a natural number, a primary container stored in the shelf and an (n + 1) - th order container stored in the n - th order container, The control unit arranges the container identification information assigned to the primary container stored in the shelf or the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf at a lower layer based on the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf, and arranges the container identification information assigned to the secondary container stored in the primary container to which the container identification information arranged at the lower layer is assigned or the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the primary container at a further lower layer to generate management hierarchical data, The depth of the hierarchy of the management hierarchical data can be arbitrarily set, the article management system according to claim 2.

4. After a predetermined operation on the article is completed, further comprising a tag storage container for storing the article tag attached to the article, The reader is provided in the tag storage container, The article management system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit detects information regarding the article based on the article identification information included in the article tag within the tag storage container.

5. The article management system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit deletes the article identification information included in the tag within the tag storage container from the management hierarchical data.

6. The article management system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit detects the situation regarding the predetermined operation as information regarding the article based on the article identification information included in the tag within the tag storage container.

7. The article tag, the container tag, or the shelf tag is implemented by RFID or a barcode, The article management system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the reader includes at least one of a handy type or a gate type.

8. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit presents the position of the article to be searched for received from the user based on the information regarding the position of the detected article.

9. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a plurality of cameras overlooking the space.

10. A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of an article to be managed, a container in which the article is stored, and a shelf in which the container is stored, An information processing apparatus including a control unit, The shelf is disposed within a predetermined space and has an identification code that can be identified by a camera that images the predetermined space, The storage unit stores a first association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the container identification information assigned to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf or the container identification information assigned to the container and the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf or the container, The control unit is an information processing apparatus that detects the position of the article within the space based on the imaging data imaged by the camera and the first and second associations.

11. A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of an article to be managed, a container in which the article is stored, and a shelf in which the container is stored, A program for causing an information processing apparatus including a control unit to execute a process, wherein the shelf is disposed within a predetermined space and has an identification code that can be identified by a camera that images the predetermined space, and the storage unit stores a first association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the container identification information given to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the article identification information given to the article stored in the shelf or the container; the control unit identifies the identification code from the imaging data imaged by the camera; acquires the first and second associations from the storage unit; detects the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data and the first and second associations; and causes the detected position of the article to be displayed on a display of the information processing apparatus. A program.

12. A storage unit that stores article identification information, container identification information, and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of an article to be managed, a container in which the article is stored, and a shelf in which the container is stored, and a control unit, an information processing method for causing an information processing apparatus including the control unit to execute a process, wherein the shelf is disposed within a predetermined space and has an identification code that can be identified by a camera that images the predetermined space, storing in the storage unit a first association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the container identification information given to the container stored in the shelf or the container, and a second association between the shelf identification information given to the shelf or the container identification information given to the container and the article identification information given to the article stored in the shelf or the container; and causing the control unit to detect the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data imaged by the camera and the first and second associations. An information processing method including the steps.

13. A camera that images a predetermined space, a shelf disposed within the space and in which an article to be managed is stored, a storage unit that stores article identification information and shelf identification information as identification information for uniquely identifying each of the article and the shelf, and a control unit, comprising The shelf is provided with an identification code that can be identified by the camera. The storage unit stores the association between the shelf identification information assigned to the shelf and the article identification information assigned to the article stored in the shelf. The control unit detects the position of the article in the space based on the imaging data captured by the camera and the association, and is an article management system.

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