Inventory Estimation Method

Abstract

To provide an inventory estimation method that can estimate inventory levels for a wide variety of parts based on a common logic, thereby simplifying registration and management tasks. [Solution] The inventory quantity estimation method involves performing a 3D scan on multiple parts boxes (S11), calculating the three-dimensional shape of the multiple parts boxes using a calculation device based on the results of the 3D scan (S12), calculating the surplus volume, which is the empty volume of the multiple parts boxes, using a calculation device based on the three-dimensional shape of the multiple parts boxes (S13), and if there is a parts box whose calculated surplus volume is greater than a predetermined threshold, the existence of that part box is notified to the worker (S14, S15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory quantity estimation method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a shelf inventory management system including a second sensor that detects pulling out of each of a plurality of storage boxes from a shelf, and a management unit that manages the inventory of articles stored in each of the plurality of storage boxes. The management unit determines which article has been taken out from which storage box among the plurality of storage boxes based on the detection results by the first and second sensors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the masses of parts are different depending on the material of the parts, there has been a problem that the registration and management work for each part becomes complicated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An inventory quantity estimation method according to an embodiment calculates the three-dimensional shape of a plurality of part boxes by 3D scanning, calculates the surplus volume, which is the cavity volume of the plurality of part boxes, based on the three-dimensional shape of the plurality of part boxes, and notifies an operator of the presence of a part box in which the calculated surplus volume is larger than a predetermined threshold value.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the inventory quantity estimation method of the present disclosure, the inventory quantity can be estimated based on a common logic for a wide variety of parts. As a result, the registration and management work can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart showing an example of an inventory quantity estimation method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the system used in the inventory quantity estimation method according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiment 1 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an inventory quantity estimation method according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the system used in the inventory quantity estimation method according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] First, in step S11 in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 2, the 3D shapes of multiple parts boxes 22-1 to 22-n (where n is any natural number) are measured by the 3D scan 21. The 3D scan 21 is configured to measure the 3D shape of an object using, for example, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Then the process proceeds to step S12.

[0010] In step S12, the measured 3D shape data is input into a volume calculation model of a computing device (not shown). The computing device is, for example, a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. Then the process proceeds to step S13.

[0011] In step S13, the surplus volume, which is the volume of the empty space in the multiple parts boxes, is calculated using a computing device based on the three-dimensional shapes of the multiple parts boxes. Then the process proceeds to step S14.

[0012] In step S14, it is determined whether the surplus volume in each parts box is greater than a pre-set threshold. If the surplus volume is greater than the threshold, a flag indicating that the parts box needs to be ordered is set. Then the process proceeds to step S15.

[0013] In step S15, the information of parts boxes with the "requires ordering" flag set is compiled and notified to the worker.

[0014] As described above, the inventory quantity estimation method of Embodiment 1 allows for the estimation of inventory quantities for a wide variety of parts based on a common logic. As a result, registration and management work can be simplified.

[0015] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, each element shown in the drawings as a functional block that performs various processes can be composed of a CPU, memory, and other circuits in hardware terms, and implemented in software terms by a program loaded into memory, etc. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways by hardware, software, or a combination thereof, and are not limited to any one of these.

[0016] Furthermore, the programs described above can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-temporary computer-readable media. Non-temporary computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). Programs may also be supplied to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can be supplied to a computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0017] 21 3D scan 22-1~22-n Multiple parts boxes

Claims

[Claim 1] Perform 3D scanning on multiple parts boxes. Based on the results of the 3D scan, the three-dimensional shape of the multiple parts boxes is calculated using a computing device. Based on the three-dimensional shapes of the aforementioned multiple parts boxes, the surplus volume, which is the cavity volume of the aforementioned multiple parts boxes, is calculated using a computing device. An inventory quantity estimation method that notifies the worker of the existence of a parts box if the calculated surplus volume of that box exceeds a predetermined threshold.

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