System and method for managing multiple objects, and object

Abstract

To provide a system for managing multiple objects.SOLUTION: The system includes a server device and a reading device configured to communicate with the server device. The reading device is configured to execute at least the following: reading information for identifying a first object from a first marker on the first object; reading first relative position information from a second marker on the second object, the first relative position information indicating the second object as a reference position, when the first object is placed on a second object; and transmitting the information for identifying the first object and the first relative position information to the server device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for managing multiple objects and objects. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Stackable containers (for example, Neslac) have been known in the past. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Okada Kogyo Co., Ltd., "Neslac", [online], [searched September 15, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / www.okada-industry.co.jp / products01> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When managing the storage of goods, the goods are generally managed by identifying the location where the goods are stored or placed. However, when the container itself, which is the location for storing or placing the goods, is moved along with the goods, the management of the storage location of the goods becomes complicated. Furthermore, when stackable containers are used, the movement of a specific container may also cause other containers loaded on top of that specific container to be moved while still loaded, which can make the management of the storage location of the goods complicated.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a system, method, and object that allows easier management of changes in the position of loadable objects, including containers, due to their movement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a system of the present invention is a system for managing multiple objects, the system comprising a server device and a reading device configured to be able to communicate with the server device, the reading device being configured to at least perform the following actions: reading information for identifying a first object from a first marker on the first object; when the first object is placed on a second object, reading first relative position information from a second marker on the second object that indicates the second object as a reference position; and transmitting the information for identifying the first object and the first relative position information to the server device.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the server device may be connected to a database unit, and may be configured to at least receive, from the reading device, information for identifying the first object and the first relative position information; and store the first relative position information in the database unit as position information of the first object so as to indicate that the first object is placed on top of the second object, or update, based on the first relative position information, the position information of the first object stored in the database unit so as to indicate that the first object is placed on top of the second object.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device may further be configured to read information for identifying a third object from a third marker on the third object, read second relative position information indicating the first object as a reference position from a fourth marker on the first object when the third object is placed on the first object, and transmit the information for identifying the third object and the second relative position information to the server device.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the server device may be connected to a database unit, and may be configured to at least perform the following: receive information for identifying the third object and the second relative position information from the reading device; store the second relative position information in the database unit as position information of the third object so as to indicate that the third object is placed on top of the first object; or update the position information of the third object stored in the database unit based on the second relative position information so as to indicate that the third object is placed on top of the first object.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device may include means for detecting the start of movement of the reading device, and the reading device may read information for identifying the first object from the first marker in response to detecting the start of movement of the reading device.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the reader may be activated in response to detecting the start of movement of the reader.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device further comprises means for detecting completion of movement of the reading device, and in response to detecting completion of movement of the reading device, the reading device may read information indicating the second object as a reference position from the second marker.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reader may be activated in response to detecting completion of movement of the reader.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device may be mounted on a forklift.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, a system of the present invention is a system for managing a plurality of objects, the system including a server device connected to a database unit and a reading device configured to be able to communicate with the server device, the reading device reading information for identifying the first object from a first marker on a first object configured to be able to be placed on a reference plane, and when the first object is placed on a second marker on the reference plane, reading absolute position information from the second marker indicating a position of the second marker on the reference plane as a reference position, and and transmitting information to the server device, wherein the server device is configured to at least receive from the reading device information for identifying the first object and the absolute position information, and store the absolute position information in the database unit as position information of the first object so as to indicate that the first object is placed on the second marker on the reference surface, or update, based on the absolute position information, the position information of the first object stored in the database unit so as to indicate that the first object is placed on the second marker on the reference surface.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device may further be configured to read information for identifying the second object from a third marker on the second object, read relative position information indicating the first object as a reference position from a fourth marker on the first object when the second object is placed on the first object, and transmit the information for identifying the second object and the relative position information to the server device.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the server device may be further configured to receive, from the reading device, information for identifying the second object and the relative position information, and store the relative position information in the database unit as position information of the second object so as to indicate that the second object is placed on top of the first object, or update, based on the relative position information, the position information of the second object stored in the database unit so as to indicate that the second object is placed on top of the first object.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device may include means for detecting the start of movement of the reading device, and the reading device may read information for identifying the first object from the first marker in response to detecting the start of movement of the reading device.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the reader may be activated in response to detecting the start of movement of the reader.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device further comprises means for detecting completion of movement of the reading device, and the reading device may read the absolute position information from the second marker in response to detecting completion of movement of the reading device.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reader may be activated in response to detecting completion of movement of the reader.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reading device may be mounted on a forklift.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, a method of the present invention is a method for managing multiple objects, the method including: a reading device configured to communicate with a server device reading information for identifying the first object from a first marker on the first object; when the first object is placed on a second object, the reading device reading first relative position information from a second marker on the second object, the first relative position information indicating the second object as a reference position; and the reading device transmitting the information for identifying the first object and the first relative position information to the server device.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, a method of the present invention is a method for managing multiple objects, the method including: a reading device configured to be able to communicate with a server device reading information for identifying the first object from a first marker on a first object configured to be able to be placed on a reference surface; when the first object is placed on a second marker on the reference surface, the reading device reading absolute position information from the second marker indicating the position of the second marker on the reference surface as a reference position; and the reading device transmitting the information for identifying the first object and the absolute position information to the server device.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, an object of the present invention comprises at least a first marker configured to enable information for identifying the object to be read from the first marker, and a second marker configured to enable relative position information indicating the object as a reference position to be read from the second marker, the relative position information being for indicating the position of another object to be placed on top of the object.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the first marker may be located on the object such that it can be read when the object is moved.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the second marker may be located on the object such that it can be read when the other object is placed on top of the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system, a method, and an object that make it easier to manage changes in the position of an object due to movement of a loadable object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation in which a change in the position of object A caused by the movement of object A that can be loaded is managed. [Figure 1B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a situation in which a change in the position of object A caused by the movement of object A that can be loaded is managed. [Figure 1C] A diagram showing an example of object movement [Figure 1D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of object movement; [Figure 1E] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a situation in which a position change of object A caused by the movement of object A is managed using one marker placed on object A. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a system 200 that allows for easier management of changes in the position of objects due to movement of loadable objects. [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of information stored in the reference plane marker database unit 251. [Figure 3B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of information stored in the object database unit 252. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows an example of processing executed in the system 200. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of processing executed in the system 200. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] 1. A mechanism that makes it easier to manage changes in object position due to the movement of loadable objects Fig. 1A shows an example of a scene in which a change in the position of a loadable object A due to the movement of the object A is managed. Specifically, Fig. 1A shows a scene in which a transport vehicle moves the object A to the position of a marker X. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the object A is configured to be able to be placed on a reference surface or on the marker X on the reference surface.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, a transport vehicle is moving an object A. The object A includes a marker A1, which is configured to be able to read information for identifying the object A from the marker A1 by reading it. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the object A further includes a marker A2, which is configured to be able to read relative position information indicating the object A as a reference position from the marker A2 by reading it. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, a marker X exists on a reference surface (e.g., a floor), and the marker X is configured to be able to read absolute position information (e.g., coordinate information of the marker X) indicating the position of the marker X on the reference surface as a reference position from the marker X. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the transport vehicle includes a reader P configured to be able to read corresponding information from the markers, including the marker A1, the marker A2, and the marker X.

[0033] 1A, when the transport vehicle starts moving the object A, the reading device P scans the marker A1 and reads information for identifying the object A (i.e., information for specifying the object A as a target to be moved) from the marker A1. This enables the reading device P to identify that the target to start moving is the object A (i.e., the object A to be moved).

[0034] Thereafter, the transport vehicle moves object A to the position of marker X. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the transport vehicle moves object A onto marker X. When the transport vehicle places object A onto marker X, the reading device P scans marker X and reads absolute position information from marker X that indicates the position of marker X on the reference surface as a reference position. This enables the reading device P to determine that the destination of the identified object A is onto marker X on the reference surface.

[0035] Next, the reading device P transmits information for identifying the object A and the absolute position information of the marker X to a server device configured to be able to communicate with the reading device P. This enables the server device to manage that the object A is placed on the marker X.

[0036] 1B shows another example of a scene in which a change in the position of object A due to the movement of object A is managed. Specifically, FIG. 1B shows a scene in which a transport vehicle moves object A onto object B, which can be loaded. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, object A is configured to be able to be loaded onto object B.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, a transport vehicle is moving object A, and object B is placed on marker X on a reference plane. Object B has a configuration similar to object A. Specifically, object B includes marker B1 and marker B2, and marker B1 is configured so that information for identifying object B can be read from marker B1 by reading it, and marker B2 is configured so that relative position information indicating object B as a reference position can be read from marker B2 by reading it.

[0038] 1B, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, when the transport vehicle starts moving object A, the reading device P scans the marker A1 and reads information for identifying object A (i.e., information for specifying object A as a target to be moved) from the marker A1. This enables the reading device P to identify that the target to start moving is object A (i.e., object A to be moved).

[0039] The transport vehicle then moves object A onto object B. When the transport vehicle loads object A onto object B, the reading device P scans marker B2 on object B and reads relative position information from marker B2 that indicates object B as a reference position. This enables the reading device P to determine that the destination of the identified object A is onto object B.

[0040] Next, the reading device P transmits information for identifying the object A and the relative position information of the marker B2 to a server device configured to be able to communicate with the reading device P. This allows the server device to manage that the object A is placed on the object B. At this time, the relationship between the object A and the marker X is not managed (i.e., the object A is not directly associated with the object X).

[0041] In this way, the position of an object is managed based on the marker located below the object (if there is a marker on the reference surface below the object, the marker on the reference surface; if there is another object below the object, the marker of the other object). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 1C , when objects A, B, and C are moved from the position of marker X0 on the reference surface to the position of marker X1 on the reference surface while remaining stacked, the relative position of object B with respect to object A and the relative position of object C with respect to object B do not change, so the processing associated with this movement only requires updating the position information of A from "above marker X0 on the reference surface" to "above marker X1 on the reference surface." This makes object management easier, at least insofar as the position information of object B and object C is not updated, compared to the conventional method in which all objects above marker X0 were managed using marker X0.

[0042] Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 1D, when objects A and C are moved from above object D to above object B while still stacked, the relative position of object C with respect to object A does not change, so the processing associated with this movement simply involves updating the position information of A from "on top of object D" to "on top of object B." Compared to the conventional method in which all objects on marker X0 were managed by marker X0, this makes object management easier, at least insofar as the position information of object C is not updated.

[0043] 1A to 1D, an example has been described in which information required for object management is read using two markers placed on one object, but the present invention is not limited to this. Object management may be realized using one marker placed on one object, or may be realized using three or more markers placed on one object.

[0044] FIG. 1E shows another example of a situation in which a change in the position of object A due to movement of object A is managed using one marker placed on object A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1E, object A is configured to be able to be placed on a reference plane or on marker X on the reference plane. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1E is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A except for the number of markers, and therefore detailed description of each component will be omitted.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1E, the object A further includes a marker A3, which is configured to enable information indicative of the object A to be read from the marker A3 by reading it. The reader P may also include a means for measuring radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or distance between the reader P and the marker A3. When the transport vehicle starts moving the object A, the reader P scans the marker A3 and reads the information indicative of the object A from the marker A3. At this time, the reader P reads the information indicative of the object A as information for identifying the object A (i.e., information for identifying the object A as a moving target) depending on the radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or distance between the reader P and the marker A3 (e.g., if the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength is less than a first predetermined strength or within a first predetermined range, or if the measured distance is greater than a first predetermined magnitude or within a first predetermined range). Alternatively, the reading device P may transmit the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or measured distance and information indicating object A to the server device, and the server device may process the information indicating object A based on the received radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or received distance as information for identifying object A. This allows the reading device P to identify that the object to start moving is object A (i.e., object A that should be moved).

[0046] After the delivery vehicle moves object A over marker X, when the delivery vehicle places object A on marker X, the reader P scans marker X and reads information from marker X indicating marker X on the reference surface. Absolute position information indicating the position of marker X on the reference surface as a reference position is read. At this time, the reader P reads the information indicating marker X on the reference surface as absolute position information indicating the position of marker X on the reference surface as a reference position depending on the radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or distance between the reader P and marker A3 (for example, if the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength exceeds a second predetermined strength or is within a second predetermined range different from the first predetermined range, or if the measured distance is less than a second predetermined magnitude or is within a second predetermined range different from the first predetermined range). Alternatively, the reader P may transmit the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or the measured distance and information indicating the marker X on the reference surface to the server device, and the server device may process the information indicating the marker X on the reference surface as absolute position information indicating the position of the marker X on the reference surface as a reference position based on the received radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or the received distance. This allows the reader P to determine that the destination of the identified object A is above the marker X on the reference surface.

[0047] 1E , the case where object A is placed on object B is similar to the case where object A is placed on marker X on the reference plane. Specifically, when the transport vehicle starts moving object A, the reading device P scans marker A3 and, depending on the radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or distance between the reading device P and marker A3 (e.g., when the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength are less than a first predetermined strength or within a first predetermined range, or when the measured distance is greater than a first predetermined size or within a first predetermined range), reads information indicating object A as information for identifying object A (i.e., information for identifying object A as a target to be moved). Alternatively, the reading device P may transmit the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or the measured distance and the information indicating object A to a server device, and the server device may process the information indicating object A as information for identifying object A based on the received radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or the received distance.

[0048] Furthermore, when the transport vehicle loads object A onto object B, the reader P scans a marker B3 (not shown) on object B and reads information indicating object B from the marker B3. At this time, the reader P reads the information indicating object B as relative position information indicating object B as a reference position depending on the radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or distance between the reader P and the marker B3 (for example, if the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength exceeds a third predetermined strength or is within a third predetermined range different from the first predetermined range, or if the measured distance is less than a third predetermined size or is within a third predetermined range different from the first predetermined range). Alternatively, the reader P may transmit the measured radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or the measured distance and the information indicating object B to a server device, and the server device may process the information indicating object B as relative position information indicating object B as a reference position based on the received radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or the received distance. This allows the reading device P to determine that the destination of the identified object A is on top of the object B.

[0049] In the above embodiment, reading is described based on the radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or distance between the reader P and the marker, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to or instead of the radio wave strength and / or noise strength and / or distance between the reader P and the marker, reading of information from the marker may be performed based on the signal strength of a response radio wave received by the reader P from the marker and / or the phase difference of that response radio wave.

[0050] 1A to 1D, a marker for reading information for identifying an object is arranged near the bottom surface of the object so that it can be read by the reading device P when the object is moved. This allows the reading device P to scan the marker from below the object when the object is moved. Also, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, a marker for reading relative position information indicating the object as a reference position is arranged near the top surface of the object so that it can be read by the reading device P when another object is placed on top of the object. This allows the reading device P to scan the marker from above the object when an object to be moved is placed on top of the object. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The marker may be arranged at any position on the object as long as it can be read by the reading device P. For example, the marker may be arranged on the side of the object.

[0051] The information for identifying an object may be the same as or different from the relative position information that indicates the object as a reference position. If the information for identifying an object is different from the relative position information that indicates the object as a reference position, when reading from the marker, it is possible to know whether the information read from the marker is identification information or relative position information, making it easier to manage objects in a database.

[0052] Furthermore, since the markers on the reference surface do not move, the position information of the markers on the reference surface indicates absolute positions, whereas the markers on the object move in accordance with the movement of the object itself, so the position information represented by the markers on the object indicates relative positions.

[0053] In the present invention, the object may be any object as long as it is loadable. For example, the object of the present invention may be a container used in logistics (e.g., Neslac). Furthermore, the object of the present invention preferably has a storage space or a keeping space, and may be, for example, in the form of a rack or a pallet.

[0054] The marker may be an RF tag, a one-dimensional code (e.g., a barcode), or a two-dimensional code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)). If the marker is an RF tag, the reading device P is an RFID reader, if the marker is a barcode, the reading device P is a barcode reader, and if the marker is a QR code (registered trademark), the reading device P is a QR code (registered trademark) reader.

[0055] 1A and 1B, the transport vehicle is a forklift, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The transport vehicle may be any material handling vehicle or any vehicle equipped with a crane, as long as it is capable of moving an object and loading the object onto a reference surface or another object.

[0056] 1A and 1B, the transport vehicle is equipped with the reading device P, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reading device P may be equipped in a terminal device (user device) carried by a user.

[0057] The reference plane may be, for example, the floor or a plane at a predetermined height from the floor.

[0058] 2. System configuration for enabling easier management of changes in object position due to movement of loadable objects FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of a system 200 that allows for easier management of changes in the position of objects resulting from movement of loadable objects.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the system 200 includes a server device 210 for managing a plurality of objects, and reading devices 2201 to 2202. N and user devices 2301 to 230 handled by users. M The server device 310 is provided with the reading devices 2201 to 2202 via the Internet 240. N and user devices 2301 to 230 M Here, N and M are integers equal to or greater than 1.

[0060] Server device 210 is an information processing device that executes processing for a management company that manages multiple objects. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, server device 210 includes an interface unit 211, a processor unit 212 that includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), and a memory unit 213. The hardware configuration of server device 210 is not particularly limited as long as it can realize its functions, and may be configured as a single machine or a combination of multiple machines.

[0061] The interface unit 211 includes reading devices 2201 to 220 N and controls communication with each of the user devices 2301 to 230. M Controls communication with each of the

[0062] The memory unit 213 stores programs required to execute processing, data required to execute the programs, and the like. Here, it does not matter how the programs are stored in the memory unit 213. For example, the programs may be pre-installed in the memory unit 213. Alternatively, the programs may be installed in the memory unit 213 by being downloaded via a network such as the Internet 240, or may be installed in the memory unit 213 via a storage medium such as an optical disk or USB.

[0063] Processor unit 212 controls the overall operation of server device 210. Processor unit 212 reads out a program stored in memory unit 213 and executes the program. This enables server device 210 to function as a device that executes desired steps, and processor unit 212 of server device 210 can operate as a means for achieving desired functions.

[0064] 2, the server device 210 is connected to a database unit 250. The database unit 250 includes a reference plane marker database unit 251 and an object database unit 252.

[0065] The reading device 2201 is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 210 via the Internet 240. The reading device 2201 is configured to be able to read at least information for identifying an object, relative position information indicating the object as a reference position, and absolute position information indicating the position of the marker on a reference surface as a reference position from the marker. For example, the reading device 2201 is configured to be able to read information from markers on both the upper and lower surfaces of the reading device 2201. This configuration of the reading device 2201 allows the reading device 2201 to read information from markers located below an object when the reading device 2201 is inserted under the object to move the object, and also allows the reading device 2201 to read information from markers located below the moved object when the object is placed at its new location after the object has been moved. The reading device 2201 includes an interface unit and a processor unit. The reading device 2201 may include a means for detecting the start of movement of the reading device (for example, an acceleration sensor, a GPS device, a proximity sensor (for example, an infrared sensor), a switch, a button, etc.) and a means for detecting the completion of movement of the reading device (for example, an acceleration sensor, a GPS device, a proximity sensor (for example, an infrared sensor), a switch, a button, etc.). The reading device 2201 may be installed, for example, in a transport vehicle (for example, the fork part of a forklift). The reading devices 2202 to 220 N The same is true for .

[0066] The user device 2301 is configured to be able to communicate with the server device 210 via the Internet 240. The user device 2301 may include an interface unit, a processor unit, a memory unit, a display unit, and an input unit. For example, the user device 2301 may be a mobile wireless terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, or may be a personal computer such as a laptop PC or a notebook PC. The user device 2301 may enable remote viewing and / or editing of management data of objects in the database unit 250. The user devices 2302 to 230 M The same is true for .

[0067] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the reading devices 2201 to 220 N and user devices 2301 to 230 M Although each of the above has been described as being capable of communicating with server device 210 via Internet 240, the present invention is not limited to this. Any type of network may be used in place of Internet 240.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the database unit 250 is provided outside the server device 210, but the present invention is not limited to this. The database unit 250 can also be provided inside the server device 210. The configuration of the database unit 250 is not limited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, the database unit 250 may be configured as a single hardware component or multiple hardware components. For example, the database unit 250 may be configured as a single external hard disk drive of the server device 210, or as cloud storage connected via a network. Furthermore, the configuration of each database unit included in the database unit 250 is also not limited to a specific hardware configuration. For example, each database unit included in the database unit 250 may also be configured as a single hardware component or multiple hardware components.

[0069] FIG. 3A shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the reference plane marker database unit 251.

[0070] The reference surface marker database unit 251 stores information about markers located on the reference surface. The information about the markers located on the reference surface can be identified by information for identifying the markers on the reference surface (reference surface marker ID). The information about the markers located on the reference surface includes, for example, coordinate information of the markers on the reference surface.

[0071] FIG. 3B shows an example of the configuration of information stored in the object database unit 252.

[0072] Information about objects is stored in the object database unit 252. The information about objects can be identified by information for identifying the object (object ID). The information about objects includes information for identifying a relative position information marker (relative position information marker ID) provided on the object identified by the object ID, relative position information indicating the position information of the object identified by the object ID, and information indicating the contents or stored items of the object identified by the object ID.

[0073] For example, referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the marker ID for the relative position information of object A is information for identifying marker A2, and the relative position information of object A is information indicating that it is "on top of marker X1 on the reference surface" (e.g., the reference surface marker ID of marker X1 on the reference surface).

[0074] For example, referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the marker ID for the relative position information of object A is information for identifying marker A2, and the relative position information of object A is information indicating that it is “on top of object B” (e.g., information for identifying marker B1 of object B).

[0075] 4. Processing performed in the system Figure 4 shows an example of processing executed in system 200. Steps S401 to S405 shown in Figure 4 are executed, for example, by the processor unit of reading device 2201, and steps S406 to S407 shown in Figure 4 are executed, for example, by the processor unit 212 of server device 210. Figure 4 shows an example of processing that occurs while object A is moved onto marker X1 on the reference plane. Each step shown in Figure 4 will be described below.

[0076] Step S401: The reading device 2201 detects the start of movement of the reading device 2201. This process can be achieved, for example, by an acceleration sensor or a GPS device of the reading device 2201 detecting the acceleration or movement of the reading device 2201. The reading device 2201 may be activated in response to detecting the start of movement, or may be constantly activated.

[0077] Step S402: The reading device 2201 reads information for identifying the object A from the marker A1 that the object A has.

[0078] Step S403: The reading device 2201 detects the completion of movement of the reading device 2201. This process can be achieved, for example, by an acceleration sensor or a GPS device of the reading device 2201 detecting that the reading device 2201 has stopped.

[0079] Step S404: When object A is placed on marker X1 on the reference surface, the reading device 2201 reads absolute position information from marker X1 on the reference surface indicating the position of marker X1 on the reference surface as a reference position (i.e., absolute position information corresponding to marker X1 on the reference surface).

[0080] Step S405: The reader 2201 transmits to the server device 210 information for identifying the object A and absolute position information indicating the position of the marker X1 on the reference plane as a reference position.

[0081] Step S406: The server device 210 receives, from the reader 2201, information for identifying the object A and absolute position information indicating the position of the marker X1 on the reference plane as a reference position.

[0082] Step S407: If the position information of object A is not stored in the database unit 250, the server device 210 stores absolute position information indicating the position of marker X1 on the reference surface as the position information of object A in the database unit 250, so as to indicate that object A is placed on marker X1 on the reference surface; if the position information of object A is stored in the database unit 250, the server device 210 updates the position information of object A stored in the database unit 250 based on the absolute position information indicating the position of marker X1 on the reference surface as the reference position, so as to indicate that object A is placed on marker X1 on the reference surface.

[0083] Fig. 5 shows another example of processing executed in the system 200. Steps S501 to S505 shown in Fig. 5 are executed, for example, by the processor unit of the reading device 2201, and steps S506 to S507 shown in Fig. 4 are executed, for example, by the processor unit 212 of the server device 210. Fig. 5 shows an example of processing that occurs while a loadable object A is moved onto a loadable object B. Each step shown in Fig. 5 will be described below.

[0084] Step S501: The reading device 2201 detects the start of movement of the reading device 2201. This process is similar to step S401 in Fig. 4, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0085] Step S502: The reading device 2201 reads information for identifying the object A from the marker A1 that the object A has.

[0086] Step S503: The reading device 2201 detects the completion of movement of the reading device 2201. This process is similar to step S403 in Fig. 4, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0087] Step S504: When object A is placed on object B, the reading device 2201 reads, from the marker B2 of object B, relative position information indicating object B as a reference position (ie, relative position information corresponding to object B).

[0088] Step S505: The reader 2201 transmits to the server device 210 information for identifying the object A and relative position information indicating the object B as a reference position.

[0089] Step S506: The server device 210 receives, from the reader 2201, information for identifying object A and relative position information indicating object B as a reference position.

[0090] Step S507: If the position information of object A is not stored in the database unit 250, the server device 210 stores relative position information indicating object B as the reference position as the position information of object A in the database unit 250, so as to indicate that object A is placed on top of object B; if the position information of object A is stored in the database unit 250, the server device 210 updates the position information of object A stored in the database unit 250 based on the absolute position information indicating object B as the reference position, so as to indicate that object A is placed on top of object B.

[0091] As described above, the present invention has been illustrated using the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to this embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted only by the claims. It is understood that a person skilled in the art can implement an equivalent scope based on the description of the present invention and common technical knowledge from the description of the specific preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0092] The present invention is useful for providing a system, a method, an object, and the like that make it possible to more easily manage changes in the position of an object caused by the movement of a loadable object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 200 systems 210 Server device 2201~220 N Reading device 2301~230 M User Device 240 Internet 250 Database Department

Claims

1. 1. A system for managing a plurality of objects, the system comprising: a server device; a reading device configured to be able to communicate with the server device; Equipped with The reading device is reading information identifying the first object from a first marker on the first object; When the first object is placed on a second object, reading first relative position information from a second marker on the second object, the first relative position information indicating the second object as a reference position; transmitting information for identifying the first object and the first relative position information to the server device; A system configured to run at least

2. the server device is connected to a database unit, The server device receiving, from the reader, information identifying the first object and the first relative position information; storing the first relative position information in the database unit as position information of the first object so as to indicate that the first object is placed on top of the second object, or updating the position information of the first object stored in the database unit based on the first relative position information so as to indicate that the first object is placed on top of the second object; The system of claim 1 , configured to perform at least:

3. The reading device is reading information for identifying a third object from a third marker on the third object; When the third object is placed on the first object, reading second relative position information from a fourth marker on the first object, the second relative position information indicating the first object as a reference position; transmitting information for identifying the third object and the second relative position information to the server device; The system of claim 1 , further configured to:

4. the server device is connected to a database unit, The server device receiving information identifying the third object and the second relative position information from the reader; storing the second relative position information in the database unit as position information of the third object so as to indicate that the third object is placed on top of the first object, or updating the position information of the third object stored in the database unit based on the second relative position information so as to indicate that the third object is placed on top of the first object; The system of claim 3 , configured to perform at least the following:

5. the reading device includes means for detecting the start of movement of the reading device; The system of claim 1 , wherein the reading device reads information for identifying the first object from the first marker in response to detecting the start of movement of the reading device.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the reader is activated in response to detecting the beginning of movement of the reader.

7. The reading device further includes a means for detecting completion of movement of the reading device, The system according to claim 5 , wherein the reading device reads information indicating the second object as a reference position from the second marker in response to detecting completion of movement of the reading device.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the reader is activated in response to detecting complete movement of the reader.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the reader is mounted on a forklift.

10. 1. A system for managing a plurality of objects, the system comprising: a server device connected to the database unit; a reading device configured to be able to communicate with the server device; Equipped with The reading device is reading information for identifying a first object from a first marker on a first object configured to be positionable on a reference surface; When the first object is placed on a second marker on the reference surface, reading absolute position information from the second marker, the absolute position information indicating the position of the second marker on the reference surface as a reference position; transmitting information for identifying the first object and the absolute position information to the server device; configured to run at least The server device receiving, from the reader, information for identifying the first object and the absolute position information; storing the absolute position information in the database unit as position information of the first object so as to indicate that the first object is placed on the second marker on the reference surface, or updating the position information of the first object stored in the database unit based on the absolute position information so as to indicate that the first object is placed on the second marker on the reference surface; A system configured to run at least

11. The reading device is reading information for identifying the second object from a third marker on the second object; When the second object is placed on the first object, reading relative position information indicating the first object as a reference position from a fourth marker on the first object; transmitting information for identifying the second object and the relative position information to the server device; The system of claim 10 further configured to:

12. The server device receiving information identifying the second object and the relative position information from the reader; storing the relative position information in the database unit as position information of the second object so as to indicate that the second object is placed on top of the first object, or updating the position information of the second object stored in the database unit based on the relative position information so as to indicate that the second object is placed on top of the first object; The system of claim 11 further configured to:

13. the reading device includes means for detecting the start of movement of the reading device; The system of claim 10 , wherein the reading device reads information for identifying the first object from the first marker in response to detecting the start of movement of the reading device.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the reader is activated in response to detecting the beginning of movement of the reader.

15. The reading device further includes a means for detecting completion of movement of the reading device, The system of claim 13 , wherein the reading device reads the absolute position information from the second marker in response to detecting completion of movement of the reading device.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the reader is activated in response to detecting complete movement of the reader.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the reader is mounted on a forklift.

18. 1. A method for managing a plurality of objects, the method comprising: a reading device configured to be able to communicate with a server device reading information for identifying the first object from a first marker on the first object; When the first object is placed on the second object, the reading device reads first relative position information from a second marker on the second object, the first relative position information indicating the second object as a reference position; the reading device transmitting information for identifying the first object and the first relative position information to the server device; A method comprising:

19. 1. A method for managing a plurality of objects, the method comprising: a reading device configured to be able to communicate with a server device reading information for identifying the first object from a first marker on a first object configured to be able to be placed on a reference surface; When the first object is placed on a second marker on the reference surface, the reading device reads absolute position information from the second marker, the absolute position information indicating the position of the second marker on the reference surface as a reference position; the reading device transmits information for identifying the first object and the absolute position information to the server device; A method comprising:

20. An object, the object comprising: a first marker configured to allow information for identifying the object to be read from the first marker; and a second marker, the second marker being configured to be able to read relative position information indicating the object as a reference position from the second marker, the relative position information being for indicating the position of another object placed on the object; and An object comprising at least:

21. 21. The object of claim 20, wherein the first marker is located on the object such that it can be read when the object is moved.

22. 21. The object of claim 20, wherein the second marker is located on the object such that it can be read when the other object is placed on top of the object.

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