Processing device

Abstract

To provide a processing device which can manage whether a tray is in usage status of collection or delivery.SOLUTION: A processing device (8) is used for collecting a cargo (B) from a shelf and delivering it to the shelf by using a tray (2). The processing device comprises: a first acquisition unit (81) which acquires the latest usage status information including collection / delivery information on the tray (2); a second acquisition unit (82) which acquires position information on the tray (2); a third acquisition unit (83) which acquires identification information on the tray (2) which is read out by a reading unit provided for each support part capable of supporting the tray (2) in the shelf, and stored in a tag (21) provided in the tray (2); and an update unit (84) which updates the usage status information on the tray (2) and the position information of the tray (2) associated with the identification information of the tray (2), on the basis of the latest usage status information on the tray (2), the position information of the tray (2) and the identification information of the tray (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that can manage the location and delivery status of trays containing cargo based on the tray's identification information by linking the tray's identification information with the identification information of the cargo placed on the tray. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-7473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The applicant has found the following problem: The management system of Patent Document 1 can manage whether a tray or the like is in a delivery state based on the tray's identification information, but when the tray is also used for collection, it cannot manage whether the tray's usage state is for collection or delivery. The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and realizes a processing device that can manage whether a tray is in a collection or delivery use state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a processing device used to collect and deliver packages from a shelf using a tray to the shelf, a first acquisition unit that acquires the latest usage status information of the tray, including collection and delivery information of the tray; a second acquisition unit that acquires position information of the tray; a third acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the tray that is read by a reading unit provided for each support portion on the shelf that can support the tray and that is stored in a tag provided on the tray; an update unit that updates the tray usage status information and the tray position information linked to the tray identification information based on the latest tray usage status information, the tray position information, and the tray identification information; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present disclosure makes it possible to realize a processing device that can manage whether a tray is being used for collection or delivery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the collection and delivery system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing how packages are collected and delivered between a first collection and delivery shelf and a second collection and delivery shelf in the collection and delivery system of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of delivering a package using the collection and delivery system of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of collecting parcels using the collection and delivery system of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the collection and delivery system of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the collection and delivery system of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Specific embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. The following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate.

[0009] <First Embodiment> The collection and delivery system of this embodiment is suitable for delivering parcels placed on a tray from a first collection and delivery shelf to a second collection and delivery shelf, or for collecting parcels placed on a tray from the second collection and delivery shelf to the first collection and delivery shelf. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how parcels are collected and delivered between the first collection and delivery shelf and the second collection and delivery shelf in the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. Here, "collection and delivery" means, for example, delivering a parcel or collecting a parcel.

[0010] 1 and 2, the collection and delivery system 1 of this embodiment includes a tray 2, a first collection and delivery shelf 3, a first portable terminal 4, a second collection and delivery shelf 5, a second portable terminal 6, a robot 7, a processing device 8, and a database (DB) 9. The first collection and delivery shelf 3, the first portable terminal 4, the second collection and delivery shelf 5, the second portable terminal 6, the robot 7, the processing device 8, and the DB 9 are connected via a network 10. Here, the network 10 is a wired or wireless communication line, for example, the Internet.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2, the tray 2 basically has a flat plate shape on which the package B can be placed, with a flange 21 protruding from the side of the tray 2. A tag 22 storing identification information assigned to each tray 2 is provided on the side of the tray 2. The tag 22 may be, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag whose identification information can be read by a reader. The tray 2 is used repeatedly to collect and deliver the package B, and is collected and delivered together with the package B.

[0012] The first collection and delivery shelf 3 is disposed, for example, at a collection and delivery base for temporarily storing parcels to be delivered or collected parcels. The first collection and delivery shelf 3 includes, for example, a frame 31 and a reading unit 32, as shown in FIG. 2 . The frame 31 has, for example, a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and the front and rear surfaces of the frame 31 are open. As shown in FIG. 2 , on the inner surface of the frame 31, multiple pairs of rails (support units) 33 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction of the frame 31. The pair of rails 33 extends in the front-rear direction of the frame 31 and supports the tray 2 by placing the flange 21 of the tray 2 on the pair of rails 33. In other words, the height position at which the tray 2 is supported can be changed by appropriately selecting one pair of rails 33 from the multiple pairs of rails 33 and inserting the tray 2 into the pair of rails 33. Each pair of rails 33 is provided with identification information including height position information of the rails 33.

[0013] The reading unit 32 is fixed to the frame 31 for each pair of rails 33, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. When the tag 22 of the tray 2 approaches within a predetermined range, the reading unit 32 recognizes that the tray 2 has been inserted into the pair of rails 33 and reads the identification information of the tray 2 from the tag 22, and when the tag 22 of the tray 2 moves away from the predetermined range, the reading unit 32 recognizes that the tray 2 has been removed from the pair of rails 33. The reading unit 32 has identification information including position information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and identification information of the rails 33. The reading unit 32 links the read identification information of the tray 2 with the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and the identification information of the rails 33 supporting the tray 2, and transmits the linked information to the DB9. The reading unit 32 also transmits tray 2 insertion / removal information to the DB9.

[0014] The first portable terminal 4 is, for example, a portable terminal owned by a worker P1 who collects and delivers package B at a collection and delivery base, and is used to read the identification information of the tray 2 on which package B is placed when the worker P1 delivers the package B, linking the identification information to the identification information of package B, and inputting usage status information of the tray 2. Here, the identification information of package B includes, for example, information on the shipper, the name, address, and contact information of the delivery destination, and height information of package B, and can be obtained by reading a unique two-dimensional code shown on a slip attached to package B with the first portable terminal 4. The first portable terminal 4 transmits the identification information of the tray 2 linked to the identification information of package B, and the usage status information of the tray 2, to the DB9.

[0015] The second collection and delivery shelf 5 is located, for example, at the location of a sender P2 who wishes to receive or collect package B. As shown in FIG. 2, the second collection and delivery shelf 5 has a configuration substantially identical to that of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and includes a frame 52 on which multiple pairs of rails 51 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and a reading unit 53 arranged so as to be able to read the identification information of a tray 2 from the tag 22 of the tray 2 supported by the pair of rails 51. The reading unit 53 has identification information including position information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 and identification information of the rails 51. The reading unit 53 links the read identification information of the tray 2 with the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 and the identification information of the rails 51 supporting the tray 2, and transmits the linked information to the DB9. The reading unit 53 also transmits information on the insertion and removal of the tray 2 to the DB9.

[0016] The second portable terminal 6 is, for example, a portable terminal owned by sender P2, and is used to read the identification information of package B for which sender P2 has requested collection, read the identification information of the tray 2 on which package B for which collection has been requested is placed and link it to the identification information of package B, and input the receipt request information and collection / delivery request information for package B. The second portable terminal 6 transmits the identification information of the tray 2 linked to the identification information of package B, the receipt request information for package B, and the collection / delivery request information for package B to DB9. Here, the second portable terminal 6 can also obtain the identification information of package B by reading a unique two-dimensional code or the like shown on a slip attached to package B.

[0017] The robot 7 is a mobile body for collecting and delivering trays 2 between the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and the second collection and delivery shelf 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the robot 7 is provided with a storage unit 71, and is configured to be able to store trays 2 from the storage unit 71 to the first collection and delivery shelf 3 or the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and to retrieve trays 2 from the first collection and delivery shelf 3 or the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to the storage unit 71, using a transport mechanism not shown. The robot 7 is configured to be able to acquire location information of the robot 7 using a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like. The robot 7 transmits the location information of the robot 7 to a DB9.

[0018] 1, the processing device 8 includes a first acquisition unit 81, a second acquisition unit 82, a third acquisition unit 83, an update unit 84, a collection and delivery management unit 85, and a control unit 86. The first acquisition unit 81 acquires the latest usage status information of the tray 2. The usage status information of the tray 2 is information indicating, for example, whether the tray 2 is being used when collecting package B or whether the tray 2 is being used when delivering package B. The first acquisition unit 81 acquires the latest usage status information of the tray 2 based on the usage status information of the tray 2 transmitted from the first mobile terminal 4 or the second mobile terminal 6.

[0019] The second acquisition unit 82 acquires position information of the tray 2. The position information of the tray 2 is, for example, position information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 on which the tray 2 is stored and height information of the rails 33, position information of the tray 2 being moved by the robot 7, or position information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 on which the tray 2 is stored and height information of the rails 51. The second acquisition unit 82 acquires the position information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 on which the tray 2 is stored and height information of the rails 33 based on the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 transmitted from the reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and the identification information of the rails 33 that support the tray 2. The second acquisition unit 82 acquires the position information of the tray 2 being moved by the robot 7 based on the insertion / removal information of the tray 2 and the position information of the robot 7 transmitted from the reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 or the reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5. The second acquisition unit 82 acquires the position information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 on which the tray 2 is stored and the height position information of the rail 51 based on the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 transmitted from the reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 and the identification information of the rail 51 supporting the tray 2.

[0020] The third acquisition unit 83 acquires the identification information of the tray 2 transmitted from the reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 or the reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5. The update unit 84 updates the usage status information of the tray 2 and the position information of the tray 2 linked to the identification information of the tray 2 based on the latest usage status information of the tray 2, the position information of the tray 2, and the identification information of the tray 2. The collection and delivery management unit 85 generates instruction information for instructing the worker P1 to prepare for collection and delivery of the package B, and generates control information for controlling the robot 7 to collect and deliver the package B. In detail, the collection and delivery management unit 85 generates instruction information for causing the worker P1 to prepare for delivery of the package B based on the receipt request information for the package B transmitted from the second mobile terminal 6. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 generates instruction information for causing the worker P1 to prepare a tray 2 for collection and delivery of the package B based on the collection and delivery request information for the package B transmitted from the second mobile terminal 6. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 generates control information for controlling the robot 7 based on the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 that supports the tray 2. The control unit 86 controls the robot 7 based on the control information generated by the collection and delivery management unit 85. The DB 9 stores the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, the identification information of the rail 51 that supports the tray 2, the identification information of the tray 2, the usage status information of the tray 2, the position information of the tray 2, the insertion and removal information of the tray 2, the identification information of the package B, and the position information of the robot 7.

[0021] Next, the flow of delivering package B using the collection and delivery system 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of delivering a package using the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. First, when sender P2 inputs desired receiving information for package B via the second portable terminal 6, the second portable terminal 6 transmits the desired receiving information for package B to the processing device 8 (S1). The collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 identifies the package to be delivered to sender P2 based on the identification information for package B, generates instruction information for instructing worker P1 to prepare for shipping of the identified package B, and transmits it to the first portable terminal 4. At this time, it is preferable that worker P1 registers the identification information for package B in DB9 in advance. Note that if sender P2 does not input desired receiving information for package B, package B may be delivered to the second collection and delivery shelf 5 due to the operating status of worker P1 or the robot 7.

[0022] Based on the instruction information, worker P1 prepares package B to be delivered and a tray 2 on which package B is to be placed, reads the identification information of package B and the identification information of tray 2 via the first portable terminal 4, sets the usage status information of tray 2 to a delivery status, and inserts and supports tray 2 on which package B is placed onto rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S2). The first portable terminal 4 transmits the usage status information of tray 2 and the identification information of tray 2 linked to the identification information of package B to the processing device 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 updates the usage status of tray 2 to a delivery status, for example, based on the usage status information of tray 2 and the identification information of tray 2, if the usage status of tray 2 is a collection status. The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of tray 2 and transmits the identification information of tray 2, insertion / removal information of tray 2, identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and identification information of the rails 33 on which tray 2 is supported, to the processing device 8. As a result, the identification information of tray 2 is linked to the usage status information of tray 2, the identification information of package B, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 on which tray 2 is supported, and the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 can recognize that when the usage status of tray 2 is in a delivery status, tray 2 is in a waiting state to be moved to the first collection and delivery shelf 3 to deliver package B. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 based on the insertion and removal information of tray 2.

[0023] Next, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 identifies the second collection and delivery shelf 5 from which sender P2 will receive the package based on the identification information of package B, and generates control information for the robot 7 to deliver package B from the first collection and delivery shelf 3 to the second collection and delivery shelf 5 based on the identification information of the identified second collection and delivery shelf 5, the usage status information of tray 2 linked to the identification information of tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 on which tray 2 is supported. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 may generate control information to derive rails 51 on the second collection and delivery shelf 5 into which tray 2 can be inserted together with package B, based on the usage status information of the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 and height information included in the identification information of package B, and to insert tray 2 into the derived rails 51.

[0024] Next, the robot 7 operates based on the control information, removes the tray 2 on which the package B is placed from the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and delivers it to the second collection and delivery shelf 5 (S3). The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 transmits insertion and removal information of the tray 2 to the processing device 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 can recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in the delivery status and that the tray 2 is being moved to the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and can obtain the position information of the tray 2 based on the position information of the robot 7. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage status of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3.

[0025] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 on which package B is placed onto the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to support it, and stores package B on the second collection and delivery shelf 5 (S4). The reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of the tray 2, and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, insertion / removal information of the tray 2, identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and identification information of the rails 51 on which the tray 2 is supported to the processing device 8. This allows the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 to recognize that the usage state of the tray 2 is in a delivery state and that package B is in a waiting state for receipt at the second collection and delivery shelf 5. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage state of the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of the tray 2. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 may generate delivery completion information indicating that package B has been delivered to the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and transmit this information to the second mobile terminal 6. This allows the sender P2 to recognize that the package B has arrived at the second collection and delivery shelf 5.

[0026] The sender P2 removes the tray 2 from the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to receive the package B, and then inserts and supports the tray 2 on the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, storing the tray 2 on the second collection and delivery shelf 5 (S5). The reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of the tray 2 and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, the insertion / removal information of the tray 2, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rails 51 on which the tray 2 is supported to the processing device 8. This allows the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 to recognize that the delivery of the package B has been completed, that the usage status of the tray 2 is in a delivery status, and that the tray 2 is in a waiting status for collection at the second collection and delivery shelf 5. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage status of the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of the tray 2. Note that if the insertion / removal information of the tray 2 can be updated, the sender P2 does not need to completely remove the tray 5 from the second collection and delivery shelf 5.

[0027] Thereafter, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 generates control information for the robot 7 to retrieve the tray 2 from the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to the first collection and delivery shelf 3, based on the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 on which the tray 2 is supported. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 may generate control information to derive the rail 33 on the first collection and delivery shelf 3 into which the tray 2 can be inserted, based on the usage status information of the rail 33 on the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and to insert the tray 2 into the derived rail 33.

[0028] The robot 7 operates based on the control information, removes and collects the tray 2 from the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and moves it to the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S6). The reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 transmits insertion and removal information of the tray 2 to the processing device 8. This allows the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 to recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in a delivery status and that the tray 2 is being moved to the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and can obtain the position information of the tray 2 based on the position information of the robot 7. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage status of the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5.

[0029] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 into the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 to support it, and stores the tray 2 on the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S7). The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of the tray 2, and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, insertion / removal information of the tray 2, identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and identification information of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 to the processing device 8. This allows the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 to recognize that the usage state of the tray 2 is in a delivery state, and that the tray 2 has been collected on the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and has been collected. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage state of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3.

[0030] Next, the flow of collecting package B using the collection and delivery system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of collecting a package using the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. First, when sender P2 registers the identification information of package B that he / she wishes to collect via the second portable terminal 6 or reads the identification information of package B and inputs collection request information for that package B, the second portable terminal 6 transmits the identification information of package B and the collection request information for that package B to the processing device 8 (S11).

[0031] The collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 generates instruction information for having worker P1 prepare a tray 2 for collecting package B, and transmits the instruction information to the first portable terminal 4. Worker P1 prepares tray 2 for collecting package B, reads the identification information of tray 2 via the first portable terminal 4, sets the usage status information of tray 2 to a collection and delivery state, and inserts and supports tray 2 on rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S12). However, sender P2 may use tray 2 that is waiting for collection on the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and set the usage status information of that tray 2 to the collection and delivery state. In this case, a tray 2 that has already been inserted and supported on the second collection and delivery shelf 5 may be used. The first portable terminal 4 transmits the usage status information of the tray 2 and the identification information of the tray 2 linked to the identification information of the package B to the processing device 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 updates the usage status of the tray 2 to a collection status, for example, when the usage status of the tray 2 is a delivery status based on the usage status information of the tray 2 and the identification information of the tray 2. Then, the reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of the tray 2 and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, the insertion / removal information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 supporting the tray 2 to the processing device 8. As a result, the identification information of the tray 2 is linked to the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the package B, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 supporting the tray 2, and the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 can recognize that when the usage status of the tray 2 is a collection status, the tray 2 is in a standby state to collect package B from the first collection and delivery shelf 3. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage state of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 based on the tray 2 insertion and removal information.

[0032] Next, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 identifies the second collection and delivery shelf 5 from which sender P2 will receive the package based on the identification information of package B, and generates control information for the robot 7 to move the tray 2 from the first collection and delivery shelf 3 to the second collection and delivery shelf 5 based on the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the identified second collection and delivery shelf 5, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 may generate control information to derive a rail 51 on the second collection and delivery shelf 5 into which the tray 2 can be inserted, based on the usage status information of the rail 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and to insert the tray 2 into the derived rail 51.

[0033] Next, the robot 7 operates based on the control information to remove the tray 2 from the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and move it to the second collection and delivery shelf 5 (S13). At this time, the reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 transmits insertion / removal information of the tray 2 to the processing device 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 can recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in the collection status and that the tray 2 is being moved to the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and can obtain the position information of the tray 2 based on the position information of the robot 7. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage status of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3.

[0034] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 into the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to support it, and stores the tray 2 on the second collection and delivery shelf 5 (S14). The reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of the tray 2, and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, insertion / removal information of the tray 2, identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and identification information of the rails 51 supporting the tray 2 to the processing device 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 can recognize that when the usage state of the tray 2 is in the collection state, the tray 2 is in a collection standby state for collecting package B at the second collection and delivery shelf 5. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage state of the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 may generate collection preparation completion information indicating that the tray 2 has been delivered to the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and transmit this information to the second mobile terminal 6. This allows the sender P2 to recognize that the tray 2 for collecting the package B has arrived at the second collection and delivery shelf 5.

[0035] Then, sender P2 removes tray 2 from the second collection and delivery shelf 5, reads the identification information of tray 2 and the identification information of package B via the second mobile terminal 6, inserts and supports tray 2 on which package B is placed onto rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and stores tray 2 on the second collection and delivery shelf 5 (S15). The reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of tray 2, and transmits the identification information of tray 2, insertion / removal information of tray 2, identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and identification information of the rails 51 that support tray 2 to the processing device 8. This allows the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 to recognize that when the usage state of tray 2 is in the collection state, tray 2 on which package B to be collected is placed is in a waiting state for collection at the second collection and delivery shelf 5. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage state of the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of tray 2.

[0036] Thereafter, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 generates control information for the robot 7 to collect the tray 2 on which the package B is placed from the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to the first collection and delivery shelf 3, based on the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 on which the tray 2 is supported. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 may generate control information to derive a rail 33 on the first collection and delivery shelf 3 into which the tray 2 can be inserted together with the package B, based on the usage status information of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and the height information included in the identification information of the package B, and to insert the tray 2 into the derived rail 33.

[0037] The robot 7 operates based on the control information, removes and collects the tray 2 on which package B is placed from the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and moves it to the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S16). The reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 transmits insertion / removal information of the tray 2 to the processing device 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 can recognize that the usage state of the tray 2 is in the collection state and that the tray 2 on which package B is placed is being moved to the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and can acquire the position information of the tray 2 based on the position information of the robot 7. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage state of the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of the tray 2.

[0038] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 on which package B is placed onto the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 to support it, and stores the tray 2 on the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S17). The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of the tray 2, and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, insertion / removal information of the tray 2, identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and identification information of the rails 33 supporting the tray 2 to the processing device 8. This allows the update unit 84 of the processing device 8 to recognize that the usage state of the tray 2 is in the collection state, and that the tray 2 on which package B is placed is in the collection completed state where it has been collected by the first collection and delivery shelf 3. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing device 8 can recognize the usage state of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 based on the insertion / removal information of the tray 2.

[0039] In this way, the collection and delivery system 1 and processing device 8 of this embodiment can acquire the usage status information of the tray 2 entered via the first mobile terminal 4 owned by the worker P1 and the second mobile terminal 6 owned by the sender P2, and can recognize whether the latest usage status of the tray 2 is a delivery status or a collection status. Therefore, the collection and delivery system 1 and processing device 8 of this embodiment can easily manage whether the usage status of the tray 2 is a collection or delivery status.

[0040] <Embodiment 2> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. Collection and delivery system 201 of this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as collection and delivery system 1 of embodiment 1, but is configured to be able to update the usage status of tray 2 in accordance with the usage mode set for first collection and delivery shelf 210 and second collection and delivery shelf 220. As shown in Figure 5, processing device 230 has substantially the same configuration as processing device 8 of embodiment 1, but is equipped with a fourth acquisition unit 231 that acquires the usage mode set for first collection and delivery shelf 210 and second collection and delivery shelf 220.

[0041] For example, the usage mode of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 can be set by the worker P1 via the first mobile terminal 4 to either the delivery mode or the collection mode. The fourth acquisition unit 231 of the processing device 230, for example, associates information indicating the usage mode of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 with the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 and stores the information in the DB 240. Furthermore, for example, the usage mode of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 can be set by the sender P2 via the second mobile terminal 6 to either the delivery mode or the collection mode. The fourth acquisition unit 231 of the processing device 230, for example, associates information indicating the usage mode of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 with the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 and stores the information in the DB 240. As a result, when worker P1 supports tray 2 on rail 33 of first collection and delivery shelf 210 while the first collection and delivery shelf 210 is set to delivery mode, or when sender P2 supports tray 2 on rail 51 of second collection and delivery shelf 220 while the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is set to delivery mode, the first acquisition unit 232 of the processing device 230 acquires the latest usage status indicating that the tray 2 is in delivery status.

[0042] On the other hand, when the first collection and delivery shelf 210 is set to collection mode and worker P1 supports the tray 2 on the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 210, or when the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is set to collection mode and sender P2 supports the tray 2 on the rail 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 220, the first acquisition unit 232 of the processing device 230 acquires the latest usage status indicating that the tray 2 is in the collection state. Then, the update unit 233 of the processing device 230 updates the usage status information of the tray 2 based on the latest usage status information of the tray 2 acquired by the first acquisition unit 232. The usage modes set for the first collection and delivery shelf 210 and the second collection and delivery shelf 220 may be reset after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0043] In this way, by setting the usage mode of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 via the first mobile terminal 4 and the second collection and delivery shelf 220 via the second mobile terminal 6, it is possible to easily obtain usage status information of the tray 2. In this case, it is preferable that the frame 31 of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 is provided with lighting units 211 such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for each pair of rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 210. It is also preferable that the frame 52 of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is provided with lighting units 221 such as LEDs for each pair of rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 220. The lighting units 211 of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 and the lighting units 221 of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 are controlled by the control unit 234 of the processing device 230.

[0044] In detail, when the first collection and delivery shelf 210 is set to the delivery mode, the control unit 234 of the processing device 230 turns on the lighting unit 211 of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2 after the delivered package B has been received, and the lighting unit 211 of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2 on which the package B to be delivered is placed, based on the usage status information of the tray 2. Furthermore, when the first collection and delivery shelf 210 is set to the collection mode, the control unit 234 of the processing device 230 turns on the lighting unit 211 of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2 before the package B to be collected is placed, and the lighting unit 211 of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2 on which the package B to be collected is placed, based on the usage status information of the tray 2. This allows the worker P1 to easily recognize, for example, whether the package B stored on the first collection and delivery shelf 210 is a package to be delivered or a collected package. In addition, worker P1 can easily recognize, for example, whether the tray 2 stored on the first collection and delivery shelf 210 is a tray 2 for collecting package B or a tray 2 after package B has been delivered.

[0045] When the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is set to the delivery mode, the control unit 234 of the processing device 230 turns on the lighting unit 221 of the rail 51 supporting the tray 2 on which the package B to be delivered is placed, and the lighting unit 221 of the rail 51 supporting the tray 2 after the delivered package B has been received, based on the usage status information of the tray 2. Furthermore, when the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is set to the collection mode, the control unit 234 of the processing device 230 turns on the lighting unit 221 of the rail 51 supporting the tray 2 before the package B to be collected is placed, and the lighting unit 221 of the rail 51 supporting the tray 2 on which the package B to be collected is placed, based on the usage status information of the tray 2. This allows the sender P2 to easily recognize, for example, whether the package B stored on the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is a delivered package or a collected package. In addition, sender P2 can easily recognize, for example, whether the tray 2 stored on the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is a tray 2 for collecting package B or a tray 2 after package B has been delivered.

[0046] <Third Embodiment> Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. Since the collection and delivery system 301 of this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the collection and delivery system 201 of Embodiment 2, redundant explanation will be omitted, but the collection and delivery system 301 is configured to be able to notify rails that can accommodate package B on the collection and delivery shelf. As shown in Fig. 6, the processing device 310 is equipped with a fifth acquisition unit 311 that acquires usage status information of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 and the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 based on insertion and removal information of the tray 2. Here, the usage status of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 and the rails 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 is, for example, whether or not the rails 33, 51 are supporting the tray 2.

[0047] For example, when worker P1 places package B on the first collection and delivery shelf 210, he reads the identification information of tray 2 and the identification information of package B via the first mobile terminal 4 and sets the usage mode of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 to delivery mode, the control unit 312 of the processing device 310 lights up the lighting unit 211 of the rail 33 that can support the tray 2 on which package B is placed, based on information indicating the usage mode set for the first collection and delivery shelf 210, usage status information of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 210, and height information included in the identification information of package B linked to the identification information of tray 2.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, when sender P2 places package B on the second collection and delivery shelf 220, if he reads the identification information of tray 2 and the identification information of package B via the second mobile terminal 6 and sets the usage mode of the second collection and delivery shelf 220 to collection mode, the control unit 312 of the processing device 310 lights up the lighting unit 221 of the rail 51 that can support the tray 2 on which package B is placed, based on information indicating the usage mode set for the second collection and delivery shelf 220, usage status information of the rail 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 220, and height information included in the identification information of package B linked to the identification information of tray 2.

[0049] At this time, the control unit 312 of the processing device 310 can recognize the internal state of the first collection and delivery shelf 210 or the second collection and delivery shelf 220, for example, based on the identification information of the rails 33, 51 linked to the identification information of other trays 2 stored on the first collection and delivery shelf 210 or the second collection and delivery shelf 220 and the height information included in the identification information of the luggage B placed on the tray 2, and can recognize the rails 33, 51 that can support the tray 2 on which the luggage B is placed based on the internal state.

[0050] As a result, the collection and delivery system 301 and processing device 310 of this embodiment can notify the worker P1 and the sender P2 of the rails 33, 51 that can accommodate the package B. This can improve the efficiency of collection and delivery of the package B of the worker P1 and the sender P2.

[0051] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some or all of the above processes may be executed by a computer program, i.e., a control computer constituting the processing device may execute a program to control the processing device. For example, in the above embodiment, the robot 7 collects and delivers the package B, but the worker P1 may collect and deliver the package B instead. For example, in the above embodiment, worker P1 reads and inputs various information via the first mobile terminal 4, but the information may also be read and input via an input unit provided on the first collection and delivery shelf. Similarly, in the above embodiment, sender P2 reads and inputs various information via the second mobile terminal 6, but the information may also be read and input via an input unit provided on the second collection and delivery shelf. In short, the means for reading and inputting various information are not limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Collection and delivery system 2 trays, 22 tags 3 First delivery shelf, 32 Reading unit, 33 Rail 5 Second delivery shelf, 51 Rail, 53 Reading unit 8 Processing device, 81 First acquisition unit, 82 Second acquisition unit, 83 Third acquisition unit, 84 Update unit, 85 Collection and delivery management unit, 86 Control unit 201 Collection and Delivery System 210 First delivery shelf, 211 Lighting section 220 Second delivery shelf, 221 Lighting section 230 processing device, 231 fourth acquisition unit, 232 first acquisition unit, 233 update unit, 234 control unit 301 Collection and Delivery System 310 processing device, 311 fifth acquisition unit, 312 control unit

Claims

1. A processing device used to collect and deliver packages from a shelf using a tray, a first acquisition unit that acquires the latest usage status information of the tray, including collection and delivery information of the tray; a second acquisition unit that acquires position information of the tray; a third acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the tray that is read by a reading unit provided for each support portion on the shelf that can support the tray and that is stored in a tag provided on the tray; an update unit that updates the tray usage status information and the tray position information linked to the tray identification information based on the latest tray usage status information, the tray position information, and the tray identification information; A processing device comprising:

2. a fourth acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a usage mode including a tray collection mode and a tray delivery mode set on the shelf, 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the third acquisition unit acquires identification information of the tray when the support part of the shelf supports the tray in the usage mode set for the shelf, the first acquisition unit acquires the latest usage status information of the tray according to the usage mode set for the shelf.

3. a control unit that controls a lighting unit provided for each of the support portions on the shelf, The processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls the lighting unit in accordance with a usage mode set for the shelf.

4. When the usage mode set for the shelf is the tray collection mode, the control unit lights up a lighting unit of a support unit that supports at least one of a tray on which the luggage to be collected is placed or a tray for placing the luggage to be collected, 4. The processing device according to claim 3, wherein when the usage mode set for the shelf is the tray delivery mode, the control unit lights up a lighting unit of a support unit that supports at least one of a tray on which the cargo to be delivered is placed or a tray for placing the cargo to be delivered.

5. a fifth acquisition unit that acquires usage status information of the support unit of the shelf; 5. The processing device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit lights up a lighting unit of a support unit capable of supporting a tray on which the cargo to be collected is placed or a lighting unit of a support unit capable of supporting a tray on which the cargo to be delivered is placed, based on identification information of the cargo, including information indicating the usage mode set for the shelf, usage status information of the support unit of the shelf, and height information of the cargo placed on the tray linked to the identification information of the tray.

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