Goods processing support device, goods processing support system, goods processing support method, and goods processing support program

Abstract

To provide an item processing support device that can detect the availability of shelves. [Solution] The article processing support device according to the embodiment comprises an input interface, a processor, and an output interface. The input interface receives equipment information relating to equipment including a storage section for storing articles, and captured images output from a camera that photographs the equipment. The processor detects from the image of the storage section included in the captured image a first identification information of a first label attached to the storage section and a second identification information of a second label attached to a movable partitioning member arranged in the storage section, detects the first position of the first identification information and the second position of the second identification information in the storage section, detects the third position of the partitioning member in the storage section based on the first and second positions, and detects the availability status of the storage section based on the storage section information, member information, partition information, and the third position. The output interface outputs the result of the availability status detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an article processing support device, an article processing support system, an article processing support method, and an article processing support program.

Background Art

[0002] In the logistics industry, automation and efficiency of logistics are demanded. In recent years, research and development of a conveyance system equipped with a shelf conveyance vehicle that automatically conveys shelves for storing articles has been underway. For example, an operator located at a station transmits an operation command such as warehousing or shipping to the conveyance system as desired. The shelf conveyance vehicle conveys the shelf to the station based on the operation command. The operator can perform a warehousing operation of putting articles into the conveyed shelf or a shipping operation of taking articles out of the shelf without moving from the station.

[0003] For example, although the shelf has a plurality of storage parts in the vertical direction, various proposals have been made regarding improvement of the utilization efficiency of these storage parts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to improve the utilization efficiency of the storage part, it is essential to grasp the vacancy situation in the storage part. There is a desire to detect the vacancy situation by a simple method and improve the utilization efficiency.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an article processing support device, an article processing support system, an article processing support method, and an article processing support program capable of detecting the vacancy situation of a shelf.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The article processing support device according to the embodiment comprises an input interface, a processor, and an output interface. The input interface receives equipment information relating to equipment including a storage section for storing articles, and captured images output from a camera that photographs the equipment. The processor detects from the image of the storage section included in the captured image a first identification information of a first label attached to the storage section and a second identification information of a second label attached to a movable partitioning member arranged in the storage section, detects a first position of the first identification information and a second position of the second identification information in the storage section, detects a third position of the partitioning member in the storage section based on the first and second positions, and detects the availability status of the storage section based on the storage section information relating to the storage section, member information relating to the partitioning member, partition information relating to each section partitioned by the partitioning member, and the third position included in the equipment information. The output interface outputs the result of the availability status detection. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a warehouse system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a WCS according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of equipment used in the warehouse system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a station in a warehouse system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a partitioning member used in the warehouse system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a mobile shelf used in the warehouse system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the mobile shelving used in the warehouse system according to this embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows an example of article information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of equipment information (mobile shelf information) according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of inventory information according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of inventory information according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of outbound inventory information according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of vacancy detection according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a storage receiving process using availability detection according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. [composition] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a warehouse system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the warehouse system includes a Warehouse Management System (WMS) 1, a Warehouse Execution System (WES) 2, a Warehouse Control System (WCS) 3, an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) 4, a camera (sensor) 5, a Digital Assort System (DAS) 6, a display 7, and a Hand Held Terminal (HT) 8. The camera 5, DAS 6, display 7, and HT 8 are positioned at stations where goods are received or shipped.

[0010] WMS1, WES2, and WCS3 are information processing devices that can be composed of one or more computers, that is, one or more processors, memories, interfaces, etc. The one or more processors are a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (micro processing unit), DSP (digital signal processor), etc. For example, WCS3, AGV4, and camera 5 constitute an article handling support system.

[0011] WMS1 receives an order list such as incoming information or outgoing information from a higher-level server and transmits it to WES2. The incoming information includes article identification information (hereinafter referred to as article ID) of one or more incoming target articles. The outgoing information includes article IDs of one or more outgoing target articles. WES2 outputs an execution instruction based on the order list. WCS3 controls the running of AGV4 based on the execution instruction. WCS3 is an example of an article handling support device.

[0012] Based on the control of WCS3, AGV4 travels from the starting point to the destination on the warehouse floor. For example, AGV4 is equipped with a camera, analyzes the captured image from the camera, and travels from the starting point to the destination while avoiding obstacles. Alternatively, AGV4 travels from the starting point to the destination using the reading result of floor position identification information (hereinafter referred to as floor position ID) attached to the warehouse floor. Note that AGV4 may be equipped with an LRF (laser range finder). AGV4 may travel from the starting point to the destination while avoiding obstacles based on the distance to the obstacle acquired by the LRF.

[0013] In addition, based on the control of WCS3, AGV4 travels and transports a mobile rack, which is a device for storing articles. For example, AGV4 is equipped with a lift that moves up and down in the vertical direction. AGV4 dives between the warehouse floor and the bottom plate of the mobile rack and raises the lift to lift the mobile rack. AGV4 travels from the starting point to the destination with the mobile rack lifted by the lift. When AGV4 arrives at the destination, it lowers the lift to ground the feet of the mobile rack on the warehouse floor and completes the transportation of the mobile rack.

[0014] DAS6 consists of one or more computers, that is, a processor, a memory, a communication interface, an input / output interface, etc. Further, DAS6 has a fixed shelf, and the fixed shelf accommodates articles to be stored or articles to be shipped out. Further, the input / output interface includes a display, a reader, etc. The display displays warehousing support information, shipping support information, etc., which assist the operator in performing the warehousing or shipping operation of articles at the station according to the order list. Further, the display has a touch panel and receives various inputs from the operator via the touch panel. Further, the reader reads an incoming ticket, a shipping ticket, etc. and notifies the reading result to the upper-level device.

[0015] The camera 5 outputs an image (for example, a moving image) of the moving shelf. One camera 5 may photograph one moving shelf, or a plurality of cameras 5 may photograph one moving shelf. Further, the installation location of the camera 5 may be any position where each section of the moving shelf can be photographed from the front.

[0016] WCS3 receives the image from the camera 5 and analyzes the received image. The moving shelf has a plurality of storage parts in the vertical direction and has a first label on which first identification information used for detecting the reference position of each storage part is recorded. Further, one or more movable partitioning members are arranged in each storage part of the moving shelf. The storage part is divided into two or more sections by one or more partitioning members. The partitioning member is movable, and the size of each section partitioned based on the partitioning member is variable. The partitioning member has a second label on which second identification information used for detecting the position of the partitioning member is recorded. For example, the partitioning member is a member that partitions a section for storing goods by type.

[0017] WCS3 detects the first identification information recorded on the first label and the second identification information recorded on the second label from the image, detects the positions of the first and second identification information, detects the reference position (one end or both ends) of the storage part from the detected positions of the first and second identification information, and detects the position of the partitioning member.

[0018] Furthermore, WCS3 may detect mobile shelves and storage units using image recognition, and combine the detection results from image recognition with the detection positions of the first and second identification information to detect the reference position (one end or both ends) of the storage unit and the position of the partitioning members. Additionally, WCS3 may detect items brought into or taken out of a compartment using image recognition. In other words, WCS3 may detect the inflow or outflow of items using image recognition.

[0019] Alternatively, a sensor may be used instead of camera 5, or a sensor may be used in conjunction with camera 5. The sensor senses each compartment within the storage unit, and WCS3 receives signals from the sensor and detects items brought into or taken out of a compartment based on the received signals.

[0020] AGV4 transports a designated mobile shelf from among several mobile shelves arranged in the warehouse to a station, which is the handover point for goods. A mobile shelf is placed at the station, and the operator performs receiving operations, moving goods to be received from the station to the mobile shelf, or outbound operations, moving goods to be shipped from the mobile shelf to DAS6 (shelf).

[0021] Display 7 displays images based on the video signal output from WCS3. For example, Display 7 displays receiving support information or shipping support information. HT8 reads image information such as one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes attached to items, shelves, or components, and outputs the read code data to WCS3.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a WCS according to the embodiment. The WCS3 shown in Figure 2 functions as an item processing support device. As shown in Figure 2, the WCS3 comprises a control unit (processor) 31, memory 32, communication interface 33, input unit 34, and display 35. The communication interface 33 includes an input interface 331 and an output interface 332.

[0023] The control unit 31 is the main unit that performs item processing support. The memory 32 includes non-volatile memory and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory of the memory 32 stores the operation program of the control unit 31. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory of the memory 32 stores item information, partition information, inventory information, receiving information, and shipping information, etc. The communication interface 33 communicates with WMS1 or WES2 and receives item information, partition information, inventory information, receiving information, and shipping information, etc. transmitted from WMS1. The communication interface 33 also communicates with DAS6 and transmits receiving support information and shipping support information. The information output device of DAS6 displays this receiving support information and shipping support information. The control unit 31, memory 32, and communication interface 33, etc., constitute the item processing support device.

[0024] The input unit 34 receives input from the operator. For example, the input unit 34 has terminals for receiving signals from a mouse, keyboard, and barcode reader, and receives signals from the mouse, keyboard, and barcode reader corresponding to the operator's operations. The input unit 34 also has a display unit that displays various information. For example, the input unit 34 is implemented by a touch panel display. The display 35 outputs various information to the operator. For example, the display 35 displays receiving support information and shipping support information. The input unit 34 and the display 35 may be implemented as separate devices or as a common device.

[0025] The control unit 31 comprises an input unit 311, a detection unit 312, a generation unit 313, and an output unit 314. For example, the control unit 31 realizes the functions of each unit by executing an operation program stored in the memory 32.

[0026] The following is an overview of the operation of each part of the control unit 31 during the loading / unloading support process. The input unit 311 receives item information, equipment information, and storage information via the input interface 331, and also receives images output from the camera 5. The equipment information is information about the equipment and includes storage unit information regarding the storage unit, component information regarding the partitioning members, and partition information regarding each section partitioned by the partitioning members. The images output from the camera 5 are images from the camera 5 that photograph the mobile shelf 11.

[0027] The detection unit 312 detects, from the image of the storage unit included in the captured image, a first identification information (hereinafter referred to as the first identification information) of a label attached to the storage unit corresponding to the storage unit, and a second identification information (hereinafter referred to as the second identification information) of a label attached to a movable partitioning member placed in the storage unit. Furthermore, the detection unit 312 detects the first position of the first identification information and the second position of the second identification information in the storage unit. Furthermore, the detection unit 312 detects the third position of the partitioning member in the storage unit based on the first and second positions. Furthermore, the detection unit 312 detects the availability status of the storage unit based on the storage unit information, member information related to the partitioning member, partition information related to each partitioned area by the partitioning member, and the third position, all included in the equipment information. In the above description, the detection unit 312 has been described as detecting the availability status of the storage unit based on three positions, but it may also be configured to detect the availability status of the storage unit based on two or four or more positions. In other words, the storage area is divided into n sections using n-1 partitioning members (n≧2, n: integer), and the detection unit 312 detects the availability of the storage area, including these n sections.

[0028] The generation unit 313 generates transport control signals to control the AGV4 based on the detection results of the availability status. For example, the generation unit 313 generates transport control signals for the AGV4 to transport the mobile shelf 11 from the station to the standby position, and to transport other equipment from the standby position to the station.

[0029] The output unit 314 outputs the results of the availability detection. For example, the display 7 displays receiving support information or shipping support information including the availability detection results. The output unit 314 also outputs the generated transport control signal.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of equipment used in the warehouse system according to this embodiment. For example, the equipment used in the warehouse system is a mobile shelf 11 that can be transported by an AGV4. Multiple AGV4s travel within the warehouse, and each AGV4 transports a designated mobile shelf 11 from among multiple mobile shelves 11 positioned at a waiting location within the warehouse to a station, which is the item handover location. A mobile shelf 11 is placed at the station, and an operator performs an inbound operation, moving items to be received from the station to the mobile shelf 11, or an outbound operation, moving items to be shipped from the mobile shelf 11 to the DAS6.

[0031] The mobile shelf 11 has multiple storage compartments 111 in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). Each storage compartment 111 stores items with width (W) in the horizontal direction, height (H) in the vertical direction, and depth (D) in the front-to-back direction. Each storage compartment 111 is equipped with one or more movable partitioning members 112. For example, each storage compartment 111 is equipped with one or more partitioning members 112, and the partitioning members 112 are moved horizontally (i.e., in the X-axis direction) by an operator's hand or a robotic arm. The partitioning members 112 serve to divide the storage compartment 111 and are shaped like, for example, a book stand. Each compartment 113 separated by the partitioning members 112 is variable in size due to the horizontal movement of the partitioning members 112. For example, if the size of one section 113 relative to the predetermined section member 112 expands due to the horizontal movement of the predetermined section member 112, the size of the other section 113 relative to the predetermined section member 112 will shrink. The section 113 accommodates items with width (W) in the horizontal direction, height (H) in the vertical direction, and depth (D) in the front-to-back direction.

[0032] Furthermore, a first label 1141 is attached to each storage compartment 111 of the movable shelf 11. A second label 1142 is attached to each compartment 112. The first label 1141 records the first identification information ID1. The second label 1142 records the second identification information ID2. The first label 1141 recorded on each second label 1142 of each compartment 112 contains different identification information for each compartment 112.

[0033] For example, the first identification information ID1 and the second identification information ID2 are image information representing a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. Examples of one-dimensional codes include barcodes, and examples of two-dimensional codes include QR (Quick Response) codes (registered trademark). The first identification information ID1 and the second identification information ID2 may be letters, symbols, numbers, or a combination thereof. The first identification information ID1 and the second identification information ID2 are attached in a way that allows them to be captured by camera photography from at least the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0034] Figure 4 shows an example of a station in a warehouse system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, a stand 15 is installed on station 14, and a camera 5 is attached to the stand 15. The camera 5 photographs the mobile shelf 11 that has been brought to station 14 by the AGV 4 and outputs the captured images. For example, the camera 5 may photograph the mobile shelf 11 at predetermined timings or at regular intervals and output captured images (still images), or it may photograph the mobile shelf 11 continuously and output captured images (video).

[0035] The captured image output from camera 5 includes the movable shelf 11 and the storage unit 111, a first label 1141 attached to the storage unit 111, and a second label 1142 attached to the partitioning member 112.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an example of a partitioning member used in the warehouse system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, for example, the partitioning member 112 is an L-shaped partitioning member, and a second label 1142 is attached to the position facing the camera 5, and the second identification information ID 2 is recorded on the second label 1142.

[0037] The distance from the position P4 of the vertical partition plate 1121 of the partitioning member 112 to the center position P3 of the second identification information ID2 is called the offset. The offset will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 7.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example of a mobile shelf used in the warehouse system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the movable shelf 11 has multiple storage compartments 111 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and one or more movable partitioning members 112 are arranged in each storage compartment 111. The number of partitioning members 112 arranged in each storage compartment 111 may be different or the same. In other words, the number of compartments 113 in each storage compartment 111 may be different or the same. Figure 6 shows the case in which the number of partitioning members 112 arranged in each storage compartment 111 is different, that is, the case in which the number of compartments 113 in each storage compartment 111 is different.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, the first label 1141 is attached to the movable shelf 11 so as to face the camera 5, and the second label 1142 is attached to the partitioning member 112.

[0040] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the mobile shelving used in the warehouse system according to this embodiment. For example, initially, a first partitioning member 112-1 is placed in a predetermined storage section 111 of the mobile shelf 11, and a first compartment 113-1 is secured on one side of the first partitioning member 112-1 in the predetermined storage section 111. The items to be stored are placed in this first compartment 113-1, and once the storage is complete, the first partitioning member 112-1 is moved to the side of the stored items, minimizing the width of the first compartment 113-1. At this point, an empty compartment exists on the other side of the first partitioning member 112-1.

[0041] Next, the second partitioning member 112-2 is placed in a designated storage section 111 of the mobile shelf 11, and a second compartment 113-2 is secured on one side of the second partitioning member 112-2 in the designated storage section 111. The next item to be stored is placed in this second compartment 113-2, and once the storage is complete, the second partitioning member 112-2 is moved to the side of the stored item, minimizing the width of the second compartment 113-2. At this point, a third compartment 113-3 exists as an empty compartment on the other side of the second partitioning member 112-2.

[0042] For example, the first section 113-1 is an additional section added by the arrangement of the first dividing member 112-1, the second section 113-2 is an additional section added by the arrangement of the second dividing member 112-2, and the third section 113-3 is the remaining section.

[0043] Furthermore, when an item is removed from storage, if empty space is created as a result of the removal, for example, one or more partitioning members 112 are moved to the side of the item to consolidate the empty space into the remaining compartments.

[0044] Furthermore, a first label 1141-1 is attached to a predetermined storage section 111, and the first identification information ID 1-1 is recorded on the first label 1141-1. Also, a second label 1142-2 is attached to the first partitioning member 112-1, and the second identification information ID 2-2 is recorded on the second label 1142-2. Furthermore, a third second label 1142-3 is attached to the second partitioning member 112-2, and the third second label 1142-3 is recorded on the third identification information ID 2-3.

[0045] Referring to Figure 7, each width (distance in the X-axis direction) is defined as follows. Width (fixed length) of storage section 111 (movable shelf 11): W (first distance) Width (variable length) of section 113-1: W11 Width (variable length) of the second section 113-2: W12 Width (variable length) of the third section 113-3: W13 First offset (equivalent to the width of the first label 1141-1): W21 (second distance) Second offset (equivalent to the width of the second label 1142-2): W22 (third distance) Third offset (equivalent to the width of the third second label 1142-3): W23 (third distance) The following position P is a position in the housing section 111 along the reference axis direction (X-axis direction). The width W of the storage section 111 (movable shelf 11) is a first distance along the reference axis from position P11 at one end of the storage section 111 to position P12 at the other end. Position P11 is detected from the detection position P21, which is approximately the center of the first identification information ID 1-1 recorded on the first label 1141-1, and a first offset W21. For example, the X-axis coordinate value of position P11 is calculated by subtracting or adding the first offset W21 to the X-axis coordinate value of the detection position P21.

[0046] The width W11 of the first section 113-1 is the distance from position P11 to position P41 of the first dividing member 112-1. Position P41 is detected from the detection position P31, which is approximately the center of the second identification information ID2-2 recorded on the second label 1142-2, and the second offset W22.

[0047] The width W12 of the second section 113-2 is the distance from position P41 to position P42 of the second dividing member 112-2. Position P42 is detected from the detection position P32, which is approximately the center of the third identification information ID2-3 recorded on the third second label 1142-3, and the second offset W23.

[0048] The width W13 of the third section 113-3 is the distance from position P42 to position P12. Position P12 is detected from position P11 and the width W of the housing section 111.

[0049] Next, we will explain item information, section information, inventory information, receiving information, and shipping information. Figure 8 shows an example of article information according to the embodiment. Item information refers to all items that are to be received or shipped. Item information includes multiple item records, each containing a unique item ID, item size, item name, and item image. For example, item size indicates the lengths of the three sides (length x width x height) of the item. The item image may be a single image taken from one direction, or multiple images taken from multiple directions. These multiple directions include the top, front, side, back, and bottom of the item.

[0050] Figure 9 shows an example of equipment information (mobile shelf information) according to the embodiment. In Figure 9, each X coordinate is expressed with position P11 shown in Figure 7 as 0.

[0051] The equipment information is mobile shelf information relating to a mobile shelf 11, which is equipment for storing goods, and includes storage section information, component information, and compartment information. The storage section information is information about multiple storage sections 111 of the mobile shelf 11. The compartment information is information about each compartment 113 of the storage section 111 of the mobile shelf 11. The mobile shelf 11 has two or more compartments 113 separated by one or more partitioning members 112, and each compartment 113 stores one or more goods. For example, each compartment 113 of the mobile shelf 11 is managed to store goods of the same type and size. Alternatively, each compartment 113 of the mobile shelf 11 may be managed to store goods of different types and sizes.

[0052] Equipment information includes equipment records, and each equipment record includes equipment identification information (hereinafter referred to as equipment ID), housing information, partition information, and component information unique to each piece of equipment.

[0053] The storage unit information includes storage unit identification information (hereinafter referred to as storage unit ID), storage unit size, and offset information (first code offset). The storage unit ID is the first identification information ID1 recorded on the first label 1141 that corresponds to the storage unit 111. The storage unit size includes the lengths of the three sides (width × height × depth) of the storage unit 111. The storage unit size includes the width W of the storage unit 111 as shown in Figure 7. The offset information includes the first offset W21 which corresponds to the width of the first label 1141-1.

[0054] The section information includes the number of sections 113 and multiple section records. Each section record includes section identification information (hereinafter referred to as section ID), section size, and item storage status (storage rate) unique to each section 113.

[0055] For example, the number of compartments 113 increases or decreases depending on whether one compartment member 112 is added (enabled) or removed (deactivated), and the number of compartments 113 included in the compartment information is updated. Adding a compartment member 112 means that the compartment member 112 is placed in the housing 111 such that the first identification information ID2 of the second label 1142 faces the camera 5. In other words, when the second identification information ID2 becomes readable by the camera 5, it means that a compartment member 112 has been added. Conversely, removing a compartment member 112 means that the compartment member 112 is placed in the housing 111 such that the second identification information ID2 of the second label 1142 does not face the camera 5 (the back of the compartment member 112 faces the camera 5), ​​or the compartment member 112 is removed. In other words, when the first identification information ID2 becomes unreadable by the camera 5, it means that a compartment member 112 has been removed.

[0056] Referring to Figure 7, when the first partitioning member 112-1 is added, a first section 113-1 with a width W11 is secured between positions P11 and P41. If the second partitioning member 112-2 is not added, the section from position P41 to P12 will be empty. Subsequently, when the second partitioning member 112-2 is added, a second section 113-2 with a width W12 is secured between positions P41 and P42. If the next partitioning member 112 is not added, the section from position P42 to P12 will be empty.

[0057] The item storage status is information that is updated as items are added or removed, and indicates a storage rate of 100% (full), 0% (empty), or X percent. For example, the added section 113 is managed as having a storage rate of 100% (full), and the remaining section 113 is managed as having a storage rate of 0% (empty).

[0058] The component information includes component identification information (component ID), component position, and offset information. The component ID is the second identification information ID2 recorded on the second label 1142 attached to the partitioning component 112. The component position includes the X-axis coordinate value of the detected position of the partitioning component. The offset information includes a second offset W22 and a third offset W23 corresponding to the width of the second label 1142.

[0059] An example of how to calculate the plot size is as follows: W11=P41 (-P11=0) W12 = P42 - P41 W1n = P12 - P4(n-1) The calculation of the component positions is as follows: P41 = P31 - W22 P42 = P32 - W23 P4(n-1) = P3(n-1) - W2n The calculation of the occupancy rate ρ of the storage section 111-1 is as follows: Accommodation rate ρ = (W11×ρ11 / 100 + W12×ρ12 / 100 + … + W1n×ρ1n / 100) / W Figure 10 shows an example of inventory information according to the embodiment. Inventory information is information about inventory items. Inventory information includes multiple inventory records, and a given inventory record includes inventory identification information (hereinafter referred to as inventory ID), the item ID and quantity of the given item, the equipment ID of the equipment in which the given item is stored, the storage unit ID of the storage area, and the compartment ID of the section.

[0060] Figure 11 shows an example of inventory information according to the embodiment. Inbound information is information about incoming goods. Inbound information includes multiple inbound records, and each inbound record includes the item ID (item identification information) and quantity of the goods being received.

[0061] Figure 12 shows an example of outbound inventory information according to the embodiment. Outbound shipment information is information about outbound items. Outbound shipment information includes multiple outbound shipment records, and each outbound shipment record includes the item ID (item identification information) and quantity of the item being shipped.

[0062] [Availability detection and AGV transport control] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of vacancy detection according to the embodiment. The WCS3 detects the availability of the storage compartment 111 of the mobile shelf 11 and outputs the result of the availability detection. The WCS3 also generates a transport control signal to control the AGV4 that transports the mobile shelf 11 based on the availability detection result of the storage compartment 111, and outputs the transport control signal to the AGV4. The AGV4 transports the mobile shelf 11 based on the transport control signal.

[0063] The input interface 331 of the WCS3 receives various information transmitted from WES2, etc. For example, the input interface 331 receives item information (Figure 8), equipment information (Figure 9), inventory information (Figure 10), receiving information (Figure 11), and shipping information (Figure 12) (ST1). The input interface 331 also receives images captured by the camera 5 (ST1). The camera 5 photographs the mobile shelf 11 that has been brought into the station 14 and outputs an image that includes the storage section 111 of the mobile shelf 11. The input section 311 of the control unit 31 receives item information, equipment information, inventory information, receiving information, shipping information, and captured images.

[0064] The detection unit 312 of the control unit 31 detects the first identification information ID1 of the first label 1141 attached to the housing unit 111, and the second identification information ID2 of the second label 1142 attached to the movable partitioning member 12 in the housing unit 111, from the image of the housing unit 111 included in the captured image (ST2).

[0065] Furthermore, the detection unit 312 detects the position P21 of the first identification information ID1 and the position P31 of the second identification information ID2 in the storage unit 111 (ST3).

[0066] Furthermore, the detection unit 312 detects the position P41 of the partitioning member 112 in the housing unit 111 based on positions P21 and P31 (ST4).

[0067] The control unit 31 updates the equipment information based on the detection result of the position P41 of the partitioning member 112. For example, if the position of the first partitioning member 112 is detected (i.e., if one partitioning member 112 is detected), the control unit 31 registers the member ID, member position, and offset information of the first partitioning member 112 in the member information included in the equipment information. The offset information is information (fixed value) that is included in the member information in advance. Also, if the positions of the first and second partitioning members 112 are detected (i.e., if two partitioning members 112 are detected), the control unit 31 registers the member ID, member position, and offset information of the first partitioning member 112, and the member ID, member position, and offset information of the first partitioning member 112, in the member information included in the equipment information. The offset information in both cases is information (fixed value) that is included in the member information in advance.

[0068] Furthermore, when the position of the first partitioning member 112 is detected, the control unit 31 registers the partition ID, partition size, and occupancy status of the first partition 113, which is reserved on one side of the first partitioning member 112, in the partition information included in the equipment information, and registers the partition ID, partition size, and occupancy status of the second partition 113, which is reserved on the other side of the first partitioning member 112. The first partition 113 is the added partition (a partition with a width from the position P11 of the occupancy section 111 to the position P41 of the first partitioning member 112), and the second partition 113 is the remaining partition (a partition with a width from the position P41 of the first partitioning member 112 to the position P12 of the occupancy section 111). For example, the control unit 31 registers an occupancy rate of 100% (full) for the occupancy status of the first partition 113 and an occupancy rate of 0% (empty) for the occupancy status of the second partition 113. The occupancy rate can be set to any value specified in advance, or it can be set to any value entered by the operator during receiving or shipping operations.

[0069] Furthermore, when the positions of the first and second partitioning members 112 are detected, the control unit 31 registers the partition ID, partition size, and occupancy status of the first partition 113, which is reserved on one side of the first partitioning member 112, in the partition information included in the equipment information, and registers the partition ID, partition size, and occupancy status of the second partition 113, which is reserved on the other side of the first partitioning member 112. In addition, it registers the partition ID, partition size, and occupancy status of the third partition 113, which is reserved on the other side of the second partitioning member 112. The partition reserved on one side of the second partitioning member 112 is the second partition 113. The first and second partitions 113 are added partitions, and the third partition 113 is the remaining partition. For example, the control unit 31 registers a occupancy rate of 100% (full) for the first and second compartments 113, and a occupancy rate of 0% (empty) for the third compartment 113. The occupancy rate may be set to any value specified in advance, or it may be set to any value entered by the operator during receiving or shipping operations. For example, if the first compartment 113 becomes empty due to shipping, the control unit 31 may register a occupancy rate of 100% (full) for the second compartment 113, and register a occupancy rate of 0% (empty) for both the first and third compartments 113.

[0070] Furthermore, the detection unit 312 detects the availability of the storage unit based on the storage unit information related to the storage unit 111 included in the equipment information, the member information related to the partitioning member 112, the partition information related to each partition 113 partitioned by the partitioning member 112, and the position of the partitioning member 112 (ST5). If the position P41 of the first partitioning member 112 is registered, the detection unit 312 detects the available capacity of the remaining partition 113 secured on the other side of the first partitioning member 112 as the available capacity of the storage unit 111. If the position P41 of the first partitioning member 112 and the position P42 of the second partitioning member 112 are registered, the detection unit 312 detects the available capacity of the remaining partition 113 secured on the other side of the second partitioning member 112 as the available capacity of the storage unit 111.

[0071] The output unit 314 outputs the availability detection result. The output interface 332 outputs the availability detection result output from the output unit 314 to the outside (ST6). For example, the display 7 receives the availability detection result as input and displays the availability detection result.

[0072] Furthermore, the generation unit 313 of the control unit 31 generates a transport control signal that controls the AGV4 transporting the mobile shelf 11 based on the detection result of the availability status (ST7). The output unit 314 outputs the generated transport control signal (ST8). The output interface 332 transmits the transport control signal output from the output unit 314 to the AGV4, controlling the transport of the mobile shelf 11 by the AGV4.

[0073] The generation unit 313 can generate a transport control signal that transports a mobile shelf 11 to the station if there is no shortage of available capacity, based on the incoming information and availability status. Furthermore, if the input unit 34 receives an instruction from the operator to replace one mobile shelf 11 with another mobile shelf 11, the generation unit 313 generates a control signal to replace the mobile shelf 11 with the other mobile shelf 11.

[0074] As described above, WCS3 can detect the position P41 of the partitioning member 112 in the storage section 111 based on the position P21 of the first identification information ID1 and the position P31 of the second identification information ID2 in the storage section 111, and can detect the availability of the storage section based on the position P41 by referring to the equipment information. By utilizing the position P41 of the movable partitioning member 112, if the movable partitioning member 112 is moved and items are packed into one side of the movable partitioning member 112 while items are not stored on the other side, it becomes possible to detect the availability according to the actual storage situation.

[0075] For example, the detection unit 312 detects the available capacity of a predetermined section partitioned by the partitioning member 112 based on a first distance along the reference axis from one end to the other of the storage section 111, and the position P31 of the second identification information ID2.

[0076] The compartment information included in the equipment information includes information indicating the occupancy rate of two compartments that are divided based on the compartmentalizing member 112. For example, if the compartment information included in the equipment information defines a occupancy rate of 100% (full) for one compartment on the compartmentalizing member 112 and a occupancy rate of 0% (empty) for a predetermined compartment on the other side, the available capacity of the predetermined compartment 113 can be detected from the width of the predetermined compartment 113 on the other side. The available capacity of the storage unit 111 can be detected from the available capacity of the predetermined compartment 113 in the storage unit 111.

[0077] Furthermore, taking the offset into consideration, the detection unit 312 detects the available capacity of a predetermined section 113 based on the first distance (W), the second distance (W21), the third distance (W22), and the position P41 of the first sectioning member 112-1 or the position P42 of the second sectioning member 112-2. If the first sectioning member 112-1 is added and the second sectioning member 112-2 is not added, the available capacity of the predetermined section 113 (the total section of section 113-2 and section 113-3) is detected based on the position P41 of the second sectioning member 112-1. If both the first sectioning member 112-1 and the second sectioning member 112-2 are added, the available capacity of the predetermined section 113 (section 113-3) is detected based on the position P42 of the second sectioning member 112-2.

[0078] For example, the compartment information includes the storage status of items in at least one predetermined compartment 113 (the remaining compartment) of two compartments that are divided based on the compartmentalizing member 112, and the detection unit 312 detects the available capacity of the predetermined compartment 113 based on the storage status.

[0079] The detection unit 312 detects the size of a predetermined compartment 113 based on the position P41 or P42 of the partitioning member 112, and detects the available capacity of the predetermined compartment 113 based on the storage status and the size of the predetermined compartment 113.

[0080] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of an inbound process using the availability detection method according to this embodiment. Although this describes an example of an inbound process, the availability detection method according to this embodiment can also be applied to outbound processes. The goods to be received are prepared near Station 14. HT8 reads the receiving slip and outputs the reading result. The input interface 331 of WCS3 receives the receiving information from the reading result of the receiving slip (ST101).

[0081] The WCS3's output interface 332 outputs a transport control signal (ST102) to transport a predetermined mobile shelf 11 from the standby position to the station 14. Based on the transport control signal, the AGV4 transports the predetermined mobile shelf 11 from the standby position to the station 14.

[0082] The input unit 311 of the control unit 31 receives equipment information for a predetermined mobile shelf 11. The output unit 314 outputs storage support information based on the equipment information (ST103). The display 7 of the station 14 displays the storage support information. The storage support information includes information about available compartments and information guiding the storage of items to a predetermined compartment.

[0083] The operator places the goods into the designated area according to the receiving support information, and the HT8 at station 14 reads the second identification information ID2 from the second label 1142 attached to the partitioning member 112 adjacent to the designated area. The input unit 311 receives the second identification information ID2 output from the HT8 (ST104) and updates the area information (ST105).

[0084] The operator then moves the sorting member 112 to the side of the placed items. The touch panel of the input unit 34 receives input for the number of placed items. The input unit 311 inputs the number received from the touch panel and updates the inventory information (ST106).

[0085] If the control unit 31 detects from the storage information based on the reading result of the storage slip that there are still items to be stored (ST107, YES), and detects from the equipment information that there is a certain amount of space available in the mobile shelf 11 or a designated storage section 111 of the mobile shelf 11 (ST108, YES), the above operations are repeated according to the storage support information. If there is no space available, the input unit 311 inputs the first identification information ID1 and the second identification information ID2 included in the captured image output from the camera 5 (ST109). The detection unit 312 detects the position of the sorting member 112 based on the positions of the first identification information ID1 and the second identification information ID2. The memory 32 records the detected position.

[0086] The output interface 332 outputs a transport control signal to transport a predetermined mobile shelf 11 from the station 14 to the standby position, and also outputs a transport control signal to transport another mobile shelf 11 from the standby position to the station 14 (ST110). As a result, the predetermined mobile shelf 11 is replaced with another mobile shelf 11.

[0087] If there are no items remaining to be stored (ST107, NO), the input unit 311 inputs the first identification information ID1 and the second identification information ID2 contained in the captured image output from the camera 5 (ST111). The detection unit 312 detects the position of the sorting member 112 based on the positions of the first identification information ID1 and the second identification information ID2. The memory 32 records the detected position.

[0088] The output interface 332 outputs a transport control signal (ST112) that transports a predetermined mobile shelf 11 from the station 14 to the standby position. As a result, the predetermined mobile shelf 11 is returned to the standby position.

[0089] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an item processing support device, an item processing support system, an item processing support method, and an item processing support program that can detect the availability status of shelves.

[0090] In warehouse systems, efficiently utilizing the openings of equipment storage areas leads to an increase in the amount of goods that can be handled and the number of items picked from a single mobile shelf, contributing to cost reduction in warehouse land acquisition and working time. When attempting to estimate the available capacity of a storage area from the three dimensions or volume of an item, errors may occur between the estimated available capacity and the actual available capacity due to the influence of the orientation, stacking method, and shape of the item, which are difficult to predict. According to this embodiment, by detecting each section based on the position of the partitioning member and detecting the available capacity of the storage area from the storage status of each section, the error between the detected available capacity and the actual available capacity can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, mobile shelves can be called up or returned based on the detection results of the available capacity of the storage area, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0091] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored in each electronic device constituting the warehouse system, or it may be transferred without being stored in any electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as an optical disc or memory card, and its form is not limited. The electronic device downloads the program transferred (provided) via the network and installs it into memory, or reads the program from the storage medium and installs it into memory.

[0092] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1…WMS 2…WES 3…WCS 4…AGV 5…Camera 6…DAS 11… Mobile shelves 12…Dividing members 14... Station 15… Stand 31… Processor 32...memory 33…Communication Interface 34...Input section 35…Display 111... Detention Unit 112...Dividing member 113…Plot 311...Input section 312...Detection unit 313...Generation section 314…Output section 331…Input Interface 332…Output Interface 1121...Dividing vertical board

Claims

1. An input interface for inputting equipment information relating to equipment including a storage compartment for storing items, and captured images output from a camera that photographs the equipment, From the image of the housing unit included in the captured image, the first identification information of the first label attached to the housing unit and the second identification information of the second label attached to the movable partitioning member arranged in the housing unit are detected. The first position of the first identification information and the second position of the second identification information in the housing section are detected. Based on the first and second positions, the third position of the partitioning member in the housing is detected. Based on the equipment information, the storage unit information relating to the storage unit, the member information relating to the partitioning member, the partition information relating to each partition divided by the partitioning member, and the third position, the availability status of the storage unit is detected. Processor and An output interface for outputting the detection results of the aforementioned availability status, An item processing support device equipped with the following features.

2. The first, second, and third positions are positions along the reference axis direction in the housing section, The housing information includes a first distance along the reference axis direction from one end to the other end of the housing, The article processing support device according to claim 1, wherein the processor detects the available capacity of a predetermined section partitioned by the partitioning member based on the first distance and the third position.

3. The housing information includes a second distance from one end of the housing to the first position of the first identification information, The member information includes a third distance from the third position of the partitioning member to the second position of the second identification information, The article processing support device according to claim 2, wherein the processor detects the available capacity of the predetermined section based on the first, second, and third distances and the third position of the partitioning member.

4. The partition information includes the storage status of articles in at least one of the two partitions that are partitioned based on the partitioning member, The article processing support device according to claim 3, wherein the processor detects the available capacity of the predetermined compartment based on the storage status.

5. The article processing support device according to claim 4, wherein the processor detects the size of the predetermined compartment based on the third position of the partitioning member, and detects the available capacity of the predetermined compartment based on the storage status and the size of the predetermined compartment.

6. The article processing support device according to claim 4, wherein the partition information includes information indicating the occupancy rate of two partitions that are partitioned based on the partitioning member.

7. The article processing support device according to claim 1, wherein the partitioning member is a member that partitions compartments for storing products separated by type.

8. The processor generates a transport control signal to control the transport vehicle that transports the equipment based on the detection result of the availability status, The article processing support device according to claim 1, wherein the output interface outputs the transport control signal to the transport vehicle.

9. The article processing support device according to claim 8, wherein the processor generates a transport control signal for the transport vehicle to transport the equipment from the article delivery position to the standby position and transport another piece of equipment from the standby position to the delivery position, based on the detection result of the availability status.

10. An item processing support system comprising a camera, an item processing support device, and a transport vehicle, The camera photographs the equipment, including the storage compartment for storing the items, and outputs the captured image. The aforementioned article processing support device is An input interface for inputting equipment information relating to equipment including a storage compartment for storing items, and captured images output from a camera that photographs the equipment, From the image of the housing unit included in the captured image, the first identification information of the first label attached to the housing unit and the second identification information of the second label attached to the movable partitioning member arranged in the housing unit are detected. The first position of the first identification information and the second position of the second identification information in the housing section are detected. Based on the first and second positions, the third position of the partitioning member in the housing is detected. Based on the storage unit information, member information, partition information, and third position included in the equipment information, the availability status of the storage unit is detected. Based on the detection results of the availability status, a transport control signal is generated to control the transport vehicle that transports the equipment. Processor and An output interface that outputs the detection result of the availability status and the transport control signal, Equipped with, The transport vehicle is an item processing support system that transports the equipment based on the transport control signal.

11. The system inputs equipment information relating to the equipment, including a storage compartment for storing items, and images output from a camera that photographs the equipment. From the image of the housing unit included in the captured image, the first identification information of the first label attached to the housing unit and the second identification information of the second label attached to the movable partitioning member arranged in the housing unit are detected. The first position of the first identification information and the second position of the second identification information in the housing section are detected. Based on the first and second positions, the third position of the partitioning member in the housing is detected. Based on the storage unit information, member information, partition information, and third position included in the equipment information, the availability status of the storage unit is detected. A method for supporting the processing of goods, which outputs the results of detecting the availability status.

12. On the computer, A procedure for inputting equipment information relating to equipment including a storage compartment for storing items, and captured images output from a camera that photographs the equipment, A procedure for detecting, from an image of the housing included in the captured image, a first identification information of a first label attached to the housing corresponding to the housing, and a second identification information of a second label attached to a movable partitioning member arranged in the housing, A procedure for detecting the first position of the first identification information and the second position of the second identification information in the housing section, A procedure for detecting the third position of the partitioning member in the housing based on the first and second positions, A procedure for detecting the availability of the housing based on the housing information relating to the housing section, member information relating to the partitioning member, partition information relating to each section partitioned by the partitioning member, and the third position, A procedure for outputting the results of the aforementioned availability detection, and a program for executing that procedure.

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