Transportation support system

Abstract

We provide a transportation support system that can appropriately assist in transportation operations. [Solution] An electronic label is provided on each of the multiple transport carts used to transport goods, and displays information about the transport cart on which the electronic label is provided. A management device manages the status of the transport carts. The management device includes a position acquisition unit, a transport plan acquisition unit, a work performance acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The position acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the location of each of the multiple electronic labels. The transport plan acquisition unit acquires a transport plan for the goods transported by the multiple transport carts. The work performance acquisition unit acquires work performance for each of the multiple transport carts. The display control unit controls the display of the electronic labels based on the transport plan, position information, and work performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transportation support system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a logistics support system. The logistics support system according to Patent Document 1 creates first instruction information, which is information regarding instructions for sorting and delivery of each product, based on production information, sorting information, and delivery information. Further, the logistics support system outputs the first instruction information to a first instruction member, which is a member to be attached to a sorting unit for sorting each product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a transportation operation using a transport cart for transporting articles, the work content of an operator with respect to the transport cart can change according to the position of the transport cart. Here, in the technique according to Patent Document 1, the first instruction information displayed on the first instruction member does not change according to the sorting unit or the position of the first instruction member. Therefore, it is difficult to appropriately support the transportation operation with the technique according to Patent Document 1.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a transportation support system capable of appropriately supporting a transportation operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The transport support system according to this disclosure comprises: an electronic label provided on each of a plurality of transport carts for transporting goods, which displays information about the transport cart on which the electronic label is provided; and a management device for managing the status of the transport carts, wherein the management device comprises: a position acquisition unit for acquiring position information indicating the position of each of the plurality of electronic labels; a transport plan acquisition unit for acquiring a transport plan relating to the goods transported by the plurality of transport carts; a work performance acquisition unit for acquiring work performance relating to each of the plurality of transport carts; and a display control unit for controlling the display of the electronic labels based on the transport plan, the position information, and the work performance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a transportation support system capable of appropriately assisting transportation work can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the transport support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This invention relates to a method for transporting goods that is carried out by the transporting goods support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This invention relates to a method for transporting goods that is carried out by the transporting goods support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This invention relates to a method for transporting goods that is carried out by the transporting goods support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This invention relates to a method for transporting goods that is carried out by the transporting goods support system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates a screen displayed by the transport support system according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows the configuration of the transport support system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The transport support system 1 is applied to the site where goods are transported. The transport support system 1 is applied to, for example, a product manufacturing plant where parts are transported and processed to manufacture products such as vehicles, but is not limited to this. The transport support system 1 may also be applied to, for example, a logistics warehouse where goods are transported. Hereinafter, cases in which the transport support system 1 is applied to a product manufacturing plant will be described as appropriate.

[0011] The transport support system 1 comprises a plurality of access points 2, a plurality of electronic labels 12, at least one information terminal 30, and a management device 100. The access points 2, electronic labels 12, information terminal 30, and management device 100 all function as a computer and a communication device. The management device 100 manages the status of the transport cart 10 that transports the goods. As described later, the management device 100 manages the transport of the goods and controls the display of the electronic labels 12.

[0012] The management device 100 is connected to each of the multiple access points 2 via a wired or wireless network. The electronic label 12 and the information terminal 30 can be connected to a nearby access point 2 via a wireless network such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, the electronic label 12 and the information terminal 30 can be connected to the management device 100 via an access point 2. The information terminal 30 may also be connected directly to the management device 100 via a wireless network without going through an access point 2. Furthermore, the electronic label 12 may communicate with the information terminal 30 via short-range wireless communication.

[0013] Multiple electronic labels 12 are each installed on multiple transport carts 10. In other words, the electronic labels 12 are installed on the transport carts 10. The transport carts 10 are used to transport goods. For example, if the transport support system 1 is applied to a product manufacturing plant, the transport carts 10 transport, for example, parts of the product. The electronic label 12 is an electronic display capable of displaying various types of information. The electronic label 12 may also be called electronic paper or electronic shelf label. The electronic label 12 has a screen display function such as a display and a communication function. The electronic label 12 displays information about the transport cart 10 on which it is installed. The display content of the electronic label 12 is instructed by the management device 100. The display content of the electronic label 12 can be changed as appropriate by instruction from the management device 100. The electronic label 12 continues to display the display content instructed by the management device 100 until it receives the next instruction from the management device 100. The electronic label 12 according to Embodiment 1 displays transportation information relating to the transport cart 10 on which the electronic label 12 is attached. The transportation information is information relating to the transportation of goods loaded on the transport cart 10. Details of the transportation information will be described later.

[0014] Multiple access points 2 are each located in a predetermined area. For example, multiple access points 2 include access points 2-1 to 2-3. Access point 2-1 is located in area #1 (the first area). Access point 2-2 is located in area #2 (the second area). Access point 2-3 is located in area #3 (the third area). In area #1, goods are loaded onto each of the multiple transport carts 10. Area #3 is the destination for the goods loaded onto the transport carts 10. After goods are loaded onto a transport cart 10 in area #1, it moves from area #1 to area #2 along with the electronic label 12. In area #2, multiple transport carts 10 wait (stay), so it may become crowded with multiple transport carts 10. Then, the transport cart 10 moves from area #2 to area #3 along with the electronic label 12 to transport the loaded goods to area #3. When goods are unloaded from the transport cart 10 in area #3, the transport cart 10, along with the electronic label 12, moves to area #1. Note that if the transport support system 1 is applied to a product manufacturing plant, area #1 may be a parts sorting area. Area #2 may be a parts dispatch area. Area #3 may be a processing plant where parts are processed and assembled.

[0015] Access point 2 communicates with devices located in the area where it is situated. The communication range of access point 2 may be, for example, about 30m. When electronic label 12 is communicating with access point 2, electronic label 12 is considered to be located in the area where access point 2 is situated. For example, if electronic label 12 is communicating with access point 2-1, then electronic label 12 is located in area #1. Access point 2 also transmits the identification information of the electronic label 12 it is communicating with, along with the identification information of access point 2, to the management device 100. Access point 2 also receives instructions from the management device 100 regarding the display content of the electronic label 12 it is communicating with, and transmits instructions to the electronic label 12. As a result, the display content of the electronic label 12 is changed.

[0016] The information terminal 30 is a portable terminal (handy terminal) such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 30 can be carried by an operator in a factory or a warehouse where the transportation support system 1 is applied. For example, the operator can operate the information terminal 30 to perform an operation of associating (linking) which article should be loaded on the transport cart 10 provided with a certain electronic label 12. When the operator performs this operation, the management device 100 causes the electronic label 12 to display the transportation information regarding the article. Further, the management device 100 may remotely change the display content of the electronic label 12 due to a change in the transportation plan described later. And when the operator confirms the change in the display content of the electronic label 12, the operator may operate the information terminal 30 to notify the management device 100 that the display content of the electronic label 12 has been confirmed. In that case, the management device 100 may control the display of the electronic label 12 so as to indicate that the display content of the electronic label 12 has been confirmed by the operator.

[0017] The management device 100 is a computer such as a server. The management device 100 may be realized by, for example, cloud computing. Further, the management device 100 may be realized by a plurality of computers. In this case, the plurality of components of the management device 100 described later may be realized by physically different computers, respectively.

[0018] The management device 100 includes, as a main hardware configuration, a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, a communication unit 106, and an interface unit 108 (IF; Interface). The control unit 102, the storage unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like. When the management device 100 is realized by a plurality of computers, each of the plurality of computers may have the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] The control unit 102 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 102 has a function as an arithmetic unit that performs control processing, arithmetic processing, and the like. Note that the control unit 102 may have a plurality of processors. The storage unit 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The storage unit 104 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 104 has a function of storing a control program, an arithmetic program, and the like executed by the control unit 102. That is, the storage unit 104 (memory) stores one or more instructions. Further, the storage unit 104 has a function of temporarily storing processing data and the like. The storage unit 104 may include a database. Further, the storage unit 104 may have a plurality of memories.

[0020] The communication unit 106 performs necessary processing for communicating with other devices such as the access point 2, the electronic label 12, and the information terminal 30 via a network. The communication unit 106 may include a communication port, a router, a firewall, and the like. The interface unit 108 is, for example, a user interface (UI). The interface unit 108 has an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker. The interface unit 108 may be configured such that the input device and the output device are integrated, for example, like a touch screen (touch panel). The interface unit 108 receives an operation of inputting data by a user (operator) and outputs information to the user.

[0021] Furthermore, the management device 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes, as its components, a position acquisition unit 110, a transport plan acquisition unit 120, a work performance acquisition unit 130, a display control unit 140, and a progress status display unit 150. Each of the above-mentioned components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the control unit 102. More specifically, each component can be realized by the control unit 102 executing a program (instruction) stored in the storage unit 104. Alternatively, each component can be realized by recording the necessary program on any non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed. Moreover, each component is not limited to being realized by software through a program, but may also be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Furthermore, each component may be realized using a user-programmable integrated circuit, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or a microcontroller. In this case, the program composed of the above-mentioned components may be realized using this integrated circuit.

[0022] Figures 2 to 5 are flowcharts illustrating the transportation support method performed by the transportation support system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The transportation support method shown in Figures 2 to 5 is mainly implemented by the management device 100. Figure 2 shows an overview of the processing of the transportation support system 1. First, the functions of the components of the management device 100 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 2.

[0023] The position acquisition unit 110 acquires position information indicating the location of each of the multiple electronic labels 12 (step S10). The "location of the electronic label 12" corresponds to the location of the transport cart 10 on which the electronic label 12 is attached, and the location of the items loaded on the transport cart 10. The position acquisition unit 110 has information indicating which area each of the access points 2 is located in. The position acquisition unit 110 acquires identification information of the electronic label 12 that is communicating with the access point 2 from the access point 2. The position acquisition unit 110 determines that the electronic label 12 with the acquired identification information is located in the area where the access point 2 is located. For example, if the position acquisition unit 110 acquires identification information of electronic label A from access point 2-2, the position acquisition unit 110 determines that electronic label A is located in area #2. The position acquisition unit 110 acquires position information for all electronic labels 12 continuously or at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the position acquisition unit 110 can determine which region each of the electronic labels 12 is currently located in.

[0024] The transport plan acquisition unit 120 acquires a transport plan for the goods to be transported by the multiple transport carts 10 (step S20). The transport plan shows the scheduled transport time and destination for each item to be transported. The destination corresponds to the location where the item will be used in area #3. The transport plan acquisition unit 120 may generate the transport plan from the production plan. Alternatively, the transport plan acquisition unit 120 may acquire the transport plan from another device. Here, the production plan may be information (table, list) showing the scheduled date and time for each part used in producing a certain product to be put into the production line (scheduled input date and time), identification information of the product to be produced, and the process to which it is put into. In that case, the transport plan may be list information showing the scheduled date and time for dispatch of each part used in producing a certain product, identification information of the product to be produced, and the process to which it is put into. The transport plan can be generated from the production plan, taking into account the lead time required for transport from the dispatch location to the production line. In other words, the transport plan may be generated by setting the scheduled dispatch date and time to be a time earlier than the scheduled input date and time in the production plan by the lead time. The transportation plan acquisition unit 120 may also display the acquired transportation plan on the information terminal 30. This allows the worker to view the transportation plan using the information terminal 30.

[0025] The work performance acquisition unit 130 acquires work performance data for each of the multiple transport carts 10 (step S30). The work performance data can also be described as the work status for each of the multiple transport carts 10. The work performance acquisition unit 130 may also acquire work performance data from the information terminal 30. The work performance data may also be transmitted to the management device 100 by an operator operating the information terminal 30. The work performance data includes linked completion data and sorting completion data.

[0026] The linking completion record can be transmitted from the information terminal 30 when the worker performs an operation on the information terminal 30 to associate (link) the electronic label 12 with the item to be loaded onto the transport cart 10 on which the electronic label 12 is attached. For example, the linking completion record may be transmitted when the worker performs an operation to associate the identification information of the electronic label 12 with the item shown in the transport plan displayed on the information terminal 30. As a result, the work performance acquisition unit 130 acquires the linking completion record. Here, when the worker performs the operation to associate the electronic label 12 with the item, the item to be loaded onto the transport cart 10 on which the electronic label 12 is attached is determined. Then, from that point on, the loading work for that transport cart 10 (electronic label 12) begins. Therefore, acquiring the linking completion record corresponds to the start of the loading work of the item onto the transport cart 10. Therefore, the work performance acquisition unit 130 acquires start data (linking completion record) indicating that the loading of items onto the transport cart 10 has begun when an electronic label 12 is associated with an item to be loaded onto the transport cart 10 on which the electronic label 12 is attached.

[0027] The sorting completion record can be transmitted from the information terminal 30 when the worker has finished loading the items to be loaded onto the transport cart 10 onto the transport cart 10 and has performed an operation to send a notification to the information terminal 30 indicating that the sorting is complete. For example, the sorting completion record for the transport cart 10 to which the electronic label 12 is attached may be transmitted when the worker performs an operation to send the identification information of the electronic label 12 and a notification that the loading work has been completed. Here, acquiring the sorting completion record corresponds to the completion of the loading work of items onto the transport cart 10. Therefore, when the loading work of items onto the transport cart 10 is completed, the work record acquisition unit 130 acquires completion data (sorting completion record) indicating that the loading work of items onto the transport cart 10 has been completed.

[0028] The display control unit 140 controls the display of the electronic label 12 (step S40). Specifically, the display control unit 140 controls the display of the electronic label 12 based on the transport plan, location information, and work performance. For example, the display control unit 140 uses the transport plan to display transport information on the electronic label 12. The transport information is information related to the transport of goods loaded onto the transport cart 10 equipped with the electronic label 12 that displays the transport information. The transport information indicates the scheduled transport time and destination for goods associated with the electronic label 12 based on the linked completion performance, that is, goods to be loaded onto the transport cart 10 equipped with the electronic label 12. If the goods are parts of products to be manufactured at a manufacturing plant, the transport information may indicate identification information of the product in which the parts are used. The display control unit 140 also uses location information to change the display of the electronic label 12. Details of the processing of the display control unit 140 will be described later.

[0029] The progress display unit 150 displays the progress of the work (step S50). The progress display unit 150 uses the start data and completion data to perform processing to display a progress screen showing the progress of the work related to the goods being transported by the multiple transport carts 10. The progress display unit 150 may display the progress screen (progress list) on the display of the management device 100. The progress display unit 150 may also display the progress screen on the display of the information terminal 30.

[0030] Figure 3 shows the processing performed by the control device 100 when the transport cart 10 moves from area #1 to area #2. The control device 100 performs the processing shown in Figure 3 for each of the multiple electronic labels 12 provided on each of the multiple transport carts 10. In the following description, the transport cart 10 on which the electronic labels 12 to be processed are provided may be referred to as the "transport cart 10 to be processed" (the first transport cart). Figure 3 corresponds to the details of the processing in S40 shown in Figure 2.

[0031] The display control unit 140 obtains the scheduled transport time (step S102). The display control unit 140 obtains the scheduled transport time of the items loaded on the transport cart 10 to be processed from the transport plan and the linked completion record. The display control unit 140 determines whether or not it is time for the transport cart 10 to be processed to move to area #2 (step S104). The display control unit 140 determines whether or not it is time for the transport cart 10 to be processed to move to area #2 from the current time and the scheduled transport time. In other words, the display control unit 140 determines, based on the transport plan, whether or not it is time for the transport cart 10 to be processed to move from area #1 to area #2. If it is not time to move (NO in S104), the display control unit 140 does not change the display of the electronic label 12 to be processed (step S106).

[0032] On the other hand, if it is a movement timing (YES in S104), the display control unit 140 uses the position information to determine the availability of area #2 (step S108). The availability corresponds to information on how many more transport carts 10 can be accommodated in area #2. The display control unit 140 uses the position information to determine the number of electronic labels 12 present in area #2. The display control unit 140 also determines the availability by subtracting the number of electronic labels 12 present in area #2 from a predetermined number of transport carts 10 that can be accommodated in area #2. If the difference between the number of carts that can be accommodated in area #2 and the number of electronic labels 12 present in area #2 is greater than or equal to a threshold, the display control unit 140 determines that there is available space. On the other hand, if the difference between the number of carts that can be accommodated in area #2 and the number of electronic labels 12 present in area #2 is less than a threshold, the display control unit 140 determines that there is no available space. The threshold may be a predetermined value, or it may be set according to the number of transport carts 10 (electronic labels 12) that should be moved to area #2 at this time.

[0033] The display control unit 140 uses the work record to determine whether the loading of items onto the transport cart 10 to be processed has been completed (step S110). Specifically, the display control unit 140 determines that the loading work for the transport cart 10 to be processed has been completed if it has already acquired sorting completion record (completion data) indicating that the items to be loaded onto the transport cart 10 to be processed have been loaded onto the transport cart 10 to be processed.

[0034] If the loading operation for the transport cart 10 to be processed is complete (YES in step S112) and there is available space in area #2 (YES in step S114), the display control unit 140 changes the display of the electronic label 12 to indicate that it should be moved to area #2 (step S116). The display control unit 140 may, for example, change the display color of the electronic label 12 to green, or superimpose the string "move" on the display screen. Changing the display color may also be done by changing the background color of the display screen, or by changing the lighting color of the LED (Light Emitting Diode) mounted on the electronic label 12. The processing flow then ends. On the other hand, if the loading operation for the transport cart 10 to be processed is complete (YES in S112) and there is no available space in area #2 (NO in S114), the display control unit 140 changes the display of the electronic label 12 to indicate that it should wait in area #1 (step S118). The display control unit 140 may, for example, change the display color of the electronic label 12 to yellow, or superimpose the string "Standby" on the display screen. Then the processing flow returns to S114.

[0035] On the other hand, if the loading operation for the transport cart 10 to be processed is not completed (NO in S112) and there is free space in area #2 (YES in step S122), the display control unit 140 changes the display of the electronic label 12 to indicate that the loading operation should be carried out urgently (step S124). The display control unit 140 may, for example, change the display color of the electronic label 12 to red, or superimpose the string "Urgent" on the display screen. Then the processing flow returns to S112. On the other hand, if the loading operation for the transport cart 10 to be processed is not completed (NO in S112) and there is no free space in area #2 (NO in S122), the display control unit 140 changes the display of the electronic label 12 to indicate that the loading operation should be continued (step S130). The display control unit 140 may, for example, change the display color of the electronic label 12 to orange, or superimpose the string "Continue" on the display screen. Then, the processing flow returns to S112.

[0036] As described above, the transport support system 1 according to Embodiment 1 changes the display of the electronic label 12 according to the status of the loading work on the transport cart 10 and the availability of area #2. This allows workers performing sorting work (loading work) in area #1 to appropriately understand the work content for each of the transport carts 10 in area #1 according to the status of area #2. Therefore, the transport support system 1 can appropriately support the transport work.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the detailed processing of the progress status display by the management device 100. The management device 100 performs the processing shown in Figure 4 for each of the multiple electronic labels 12 provided on each of the multiple transport carts 10. Figure 4 corresponds to the details of the processing in S50 shown in Figure 2. The progress status display unit 150 acquires the scheduled transport time in the same manner as the processing in S102 (step S202). The progress status display unit 150 acquires the current position of the electronic label 12 to be processed using the position information (step S204).

[0038] The progress display unit 150 determines the work progress for the transport cart 10 to be processed using the work record (step S210). If start data (linking completion record) and completion data (sorting completion record) for the transport cart 10 (electronic label 12) to be processed have been acquired, the progress display unit 150 determines the work progress for the transport cart 10 to be processed as "work completed". If start data has been acquired for the transport cart 10 to be processed but completion data has not been acquired, the progress display unit 150 determines the work progress for the transport cart 10 to be processed as "work in progress". If neither start data nor completion data has been acquired for the transport cart 10 to be processed, the progress display unit 150 determines the work progress for the transport cart 10 to be processed as "before work started".

[0039] The progress display unit 150 determines whether or not completion data (sorting completion record) has been acquired at the scheduled time of transport (step S212). If completion data has been acquired at the scheduled time of transport (YES in S212), the progress display unit 150 determines that there is no delay in the work for the transport cart 10 (electronic label 12) to be processed (step S214). The progress display unit 150 then registers this determination result in the progress list (step S216). The progress list stores the progress status of the items (or transport cart 10) to be loaded onto the transport cart 10 in a list format. On the other hand, if completion data has not been acquired at the scheduled time of transport (NO in S212), the progress display unit 150 determines that there is a delay in the work for the transport cart 10 (electronic label 12) to be processed (step S218). The progress display unit 150 then registers this determination result in the progress list (step S220). In this case, the progress display unit 150 may also send a notification to the administrator indicating that there is a delay in the work on the transport cart 10 to be processed. The progress display unit 150 then displays the progress status (step S230). Specifically, the progress display unit 150 makes the registered progress status list viewable on the displays of the management device 100 and the information terminal 30, etc.

[0040] As described above, the transport support system 1 according to Embodiment 1 displays the progress of the work on the transport cart 10 in a way that is visible to managers and workers. This allows managers and workers to easily grasp the progress of multiple transport carts 10. Therefore, the transport support system 1 can appropriately support transport work.

[0041] Figure 5 shows the processing of the management device 100 when the transport cart 10 exits area #3. The management device 100 performs the processing shown in Figure 5 for each of the multiple electronic labels 12 provided on each of the multiple transport carts 10. Figure 5 corresponds to the details of the processing in S40 shown in Figure 2. The display control unit 140 uses position information to determine the area where the electronic label 12 to be processed is located (step S302). The display control unit 140 monitors the electronic label 12 if it is located in area #3 (step S304). In Figure 5, the monitored electronic label 12 is referred to as electronic label X.

[0042] The display control unit 140 uses the location information to determine whether the monitored electronic label 12 has left area #3 (step S306). If the monitored electronic label 12 has not left area #3 (NO in S306), the processing flow returns to S304. On the other hand, if the monitored electronic label 12 has left area #3 (YES in S306), the display control unit 140 designates the monitored electronic label 12 as a target for reset (step S308). Then, the display control unit 140 uses the location information to determine whether the monitored electronic label 12 has entered area #1 (step S310). If the monitored electronic label 12 has entered area #1 (YES in S310), the display control unit 140 instructs the display of the monitored electronic label 12 to be reset (step S312). In other words, the display control unit 140 initializes the display on the screen of the monitored electronic label 12 that was displaying the transport information. As a result, the transport information that was displayed on the monitored electronic label 12 will no longer be displayed. Then, when the work performance acquisition unit 130 receives a new linking completion record for the monitored electronic label 12, the display control unit 140 displays the transport information corresponding to the new linking completion record on the monitored electronic label 12 (step S314).

[0043] As described above, the transport support system 1 according to Embodiment 1 automatically initializes the display on the electronic label 12 provided on the transport cart 10 when it leaves area #3, which is the destination of the goods. At this point, since the goods have been unloaded from the transport cart 10 when it leaves area #3, the transport cart 10 has completed its role of transporting the goods to area #3. Therefore, the transport information about the goods that was displayed on the electronic label 12 becomes outdated. For this reason, it is preferable that no transport information is displayed on the electronic label 12 when the transport cart 10 returns to area #1. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, since the electronic label 12 is automatically initialized, it is unnecessary for the operator to perform an operation to initialize the display. Therefore, the transport support system 1 can appropriately support the transport work.

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates a screen displayed by the transport support system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 illustrates transport information Im1 and progress status list Im2. Transport information Im1 shows the product ID, destination, and scheduled transport time. The product ID is the identification information of the product used for the item (part) loaded onto the transport cart 10, which is equipped with an electronic label 12 on which transport information Im1 is displayed. The two-dimensional code Im11 included in transport information Im1 indicates the identification information of the electronic label 12. The information terminal 30 may transmit the above-mentioned linking completion record and sorting completion record to the management device 100 by reading the two-dimensional code Im11. The management device 100 may also change the background color of area Ar11 when the production plan changes and the scheduled transport time of the item changes. This allows the worker to easily recognize that the scheduled transport time has changed. Furthermore, when a worker becomes aware that the scheduled delivery time has changed, the background color of area Ar11 may be further changed by the worker operating the information terminal 30.

[0045] The progress list Im2 shows the work progress for each item loaded and transported on each of the multiple transport carts 10. For each item, the progress list Im2 shows the product ID, destination, scheduled transport time, work progress, location, and whether there is a delay. The "location" is the area where the electronic label 12 on the transport cart 10 on which the corresponding item should be loaded is located.

[0046] (modified version) 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, the order of the flowchart described above can be changed as appropriate. Also, one or more of the processes in the flowchart described above can be omitted as appropriate.

[0047] The program described above, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagating signals. The program may include a program product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1...Transportation support system, 2...Access point, 10...Transportation cart, 12...Electronic label, 30...Information terminal, 100...Management device, 110...Location acquisition unit, 120...Transportation plan acquisition unit, 130...Work performance acquisition unit, 140...Display control unit, 150...Progress status display unit

Claims

1. An electronic label provided on each of several transport carts for transporting goods, wherein the electronic labels display information about the transport cart on which the electronic label is provided, A management device for managing the status of the aforementioned transport trolley, It has, The aforementioned control device is A position acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating the position of each of the aforementioned multiple electronic labels, A transport plan acquisition unit that acquires a transport plan for goods to be transported by the aforementioned multiple transport carts, A work performance acquisition unit that acquires work performance data for each of the aforementioned multiple transport carts, A display control unit controls the display of the electronic label based on the transportation plan, location information, and work performance, A transport support system having the following features.

2. In the first area, the loading of goods onto each of the multiple transport carts is carried out. The display control unit, Based on the aforementioned transport plan, it is determined whether or not it is the timing for the first transport cart among the multiple transport carts to move from the first area to the second area. Using the aforementioned location information, the availability status of the second region is determined. Using the aforementioned work results, it is determined whether or not the loading operation for the first transport trolley has been completed. When it is time for the first transport trolley to move to the second area, and the loading operation for the first transport trolley is completed and there is empty space in the second area, the display on the electronic label provided on the first transport trolley is changed to a display indicating that it should be moved to the second area. When it is time for the first transport trolley to move to the second area, and the loading operation for the first transport trolley is completed and there is no available space in the second area, the display on the electronic label provided on the first transport trolley is changed to a display indicating that it should wait in the first area. The transport support system according to claim 1.

3. The display control unit, With respect to the first transport trolley, when it is time to move to the second area, and the loading operation for the first transport trolley is not yet complete, and there is empty space in the second area, the display on the electronic label provided on the first transport trolley is changed to a display indicating that the loading operation should be carried out urgently. The transport support system according to claim 2.

4. The display control unit, Based on the aforementioned transport plan, transport information relating to the transport of goods loaded on each of the multiple transport carts is displayed on the electronic label provided on the transport cart. Using the aforementioned location information, it is determined whether the electronic label provided on the transport trolley has left the third area, which is the destination of the goods loaded on the transport trolley. When the electronic label provided on the transport trolley exits the third area, the display on the screen of the electronic label showing the transport information is initialized. The transport support system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned work performance acquisition unit is: When the electronic label is associated with the item to be loaded onto the transport cart on which the electronic label is attached, start data is acquired indicating that the loading of the item onto the transport cart has begun. When the loading of goods onto the transport trolley is completed, completion data indicating that the loading of goods onto the transport trolley has been completed is acquired. A progress display unit performs processing using the start data and the completion data to display a progress screen showing the progress of work related to the goods being transported by the multiple transport carts. The transport support system according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

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