Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and program that can efficiently control the amount of articles to be supplied.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes: a first communication unit; a second communication unit; and a processor. The first communication unit sends and receives data to and from a measuring apparatus that measures the distance from each part inside a predetermined area that includes an article that is transported to a first transport mechanism in the first transport mechanism that transports the article to an external device. The second communication unit sends and receives data to and from a speed control mechanism that controls the transport speed of a second transport mechanism that transports the article to the first transport mechanism. The processor acquires distance information that shows the distance from each part inside the predetermined area from the measuring apparatus through the first communication unit, sets the transport speed of the second transport mechanism based on the acquired distance information, and sends through the second communication unit the speed information that shows the set transport speed of the second transport mechanism to the speed control mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A system is provided for singulating and aligning items such as luggage supplied from an external source. The system includes a singulator that singulates and aligns the items. The system sequentially supplies the items to the singulator using a belt conveyor or the like.

[0003] If the system supplies more items to the singulator than the singulator can handle, the singulation process may fail and the system may have to resupply the items to the singulator, resulting in a decrease in system throughput.

[0004] Additionally, the system will process fewer articles when fewer articles are delivered to the singulator, which will likewise reduce the throughput of the system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2018-507149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device and a program are provided that can effectively control the amount of goods supplied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit, and a processor. The first communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a measuring device that measures a distance between each part in a predetermined area including an item to be transported by a first transport mechanism that transports an item to an external device. The second communication unit transmits and receives data to and from a speed control mechanism that controls a transport speed of a second transport mechanism that transports the item to the first transport mechanism. The processor acquires distance information indicating a distance between each part in the predetermined area from the measuring device through the first communication unit, sets the transport speed of the second transport mechanism based on the acquired distance information, and transmits speed information indicating the set transport speed of the second transport mechanism to the speed control mechanism through the second communication unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a logistics system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the logistics system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional image according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a distance image according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional image according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a distance image according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional image according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional image according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional image according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the logistics system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the logistics system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. A logistics system according to an embodiment supplies items to a singulator. The logistics system transports items input by a robot or an operator on an input conveyor belt. The logistics system transfers the items from the input conveyor belt to a transport conveyor belt that connects to the singulator. The logistics system supplies the items to the singulator using the transport conveyor belt. The logistics system supplies the items that have been singulated and aligned by the singulator to other devices, etc. For example, a logistics system is used in a warehouse, a factory, or a distribution center.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a logistics system 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the logistics system 1 includes an input belt conveyor 2, a transport belt conveyor 3, a singulator 4, a three-dimensional camera 5, a speed control mechanism 6, an angle control mechanism 7, a control device 10, and a network 20. The three-dimensional camera 5, the speed control mechanism 6, the angle control mechanism 7, and the control device 10 are communicatively connected to the network 20. The speed control mechanism 6 is physically connected to the input belt conveyor 2, etc. The angle control mechanism 7 is physically connected to the transport belt conveyor 3, etc. The transport belt conveyor 3 is physically connected to the singulator 4. Here, the logistics system 1 singulates and aligns the items 100 .

[0011] The logistics system 1 may include components as necessary in addition to the components shown in FIG.

[0012] The singulator 4 singulates (separates into individual pieces) the articles 100 supplied to the input portion of the singulator 4 and aligns them in a predetermined direction. The singulator 4 supplies the singulated and aligned articles 100 to another device.

[0013] The singulator 4 (external device) can process the articles 100 at a predetermined flow rate (a value based on the number of articles, etc.) per unit time. When the singulator 4 is supplied with articles 100 at a flow rate equal to or greater than the predetermined flow rate in a unit time, the singulator 4 puts the articles 100 that cannot be processed into a reject box or the like. Also, when the articles 100 are overlapping, the singulator 4 puts the overlapping articles 100 into a reject box or the like.

[0014] The singulator 4 is composed of a conveying roller, a guide wall, etc. The singulator 4 conveys the articles 100 with the conveying rollers and presses them against the guide wall. The articles 100 pressed against the guide wall are aligned in a predetermined direction. The singulator 4 conveys the articles 100 along the guide wall and supplies them to another device. Note that the configuration of the singulator 4 is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0015] The transport belt conveyor 3 (first transport mechanism) is a transport belt conveyor that transports the articles 100 to the singulator 4. That is, the transport belt conveyor 3 transports the articles 100 toward the singulator 4 (from left to right in FIG. 1). One end of the transport belt conveyor 3 (the right end in FIG. 1) is connected to an input portion of the singulator 4. The transport belt conveyor 3 supplies the articles 100 to the input portion of the singulator 4 from the one end.

[0016] The conveyor belt 3 is composed of a belt formed in a loop. The conveyor belt 3 is supported from the inside by rollers formed inside. The conveyor belt 3 rotates by the rotation of rollers connected to a motor or the like. The conveyor belt 3 rotates at a predetermined constant speed. In other words, the conveyor belt 3 conveys the articles 100 at a constant speed.

[0017] The input belt conveyor 2 (second conveying mechanism) is an input belt conveyor that inputs articles 100 into the transport belt conveyor 3. That is, the input belt conveyor 2 transports articles 100 toward the transport belt conveyor 3 (from left to right in FIG. 1). One end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the input belt conveyor 2 is connected to the other end (the left end) of the transport belt conveyor 3. The input belt conveyor 2 supplies articles 100 from its one end to the other end of the transport belt conveyor 3.

[0018] The input conveyor belt 2 accepts the input of the articles 100 at the other end. For example, the other end of the input conveyor belt 2 is connected to a container into which the articles 100 are input. The articles 100 are input into the container by a robot or an operator. The input conveyor belt 2 picks up the articles 100 input into the container and transports them to the transport conveyor belt 3.

[0019] The input belt conveyor 2 is composed of a belt formed in a loop. The input belt conveyor 2 is supported from the inside by rollers formed inside. The input belt conveyor 2 rotates by the rotation of the rollers connected to a motor or the like.

[0020] Here, the input belt conveyor 2 is formed horizontally on an extension of the transport belt conveyor 3.

[0021] The three-dimensional camera 5 (measuring device) is composed of a two-dimensional camera that captures an image of an image capturing area including the article 100 on the transport belt conveyor 3, and a distance sensor that measures the distance to each part of the image capturing area. The three-dimensional camera 5 is installed above the transport belt conveyor 3 and faces downward.

[0022] The two-dimensional camera photographs the article 100 being transported on the transport belt conveyor 3. The two-dimensional camera photographs the article 100 to obtain an image (two-dimensional image). Here, the two-dimensional camera photographs the article 100 in color. For example, the two-dimensional camera is composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like.

[0023] The distance sensor measures the distance between each part of the shooting area and the distance sensor (or the distance to a plane horizontal to the distance sensor). The distance sensor generates distance information indicating the distance to each part. For example, the distance information indicates the coordinates of each point in a predetermined three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0024] For example, the distance sensor includes a light source and a sensor that detects reflected light of light emitted from the light source. The distance sensor measures distance based on the reflected light of light (visible light or invisible light) emitted from the light source. For example, the distance sensor may use a ToF (Time-for-Flight) method that measures the distance to a measurement target based on the time it takes for the emitted light to be reflected by the measurement target and reach the distance sensor.

[0025] The distance sensor may calculate the distance based on the parallax between images captured by two cameras (stereo cameras). The configuration of the distance sensor is not limited to a particular configuration.

[0026] In addition, when the distance sensor is composed of a stereo camera, the distance sensor may also have a function as a two-dimensional camera.

[0027] The three-dimensional camera 5 transmits two-dimensional images and distance information to the control device 10 .

[0028] The speed control mechanism 6 controls the speed at which the input belt conveyor 2 conveys the articles 100 in accordance with a signal from the control device 10. That is, the speed control mechanism 6 controls the rotation speed (conveyance speed) of the input belt conveyor 2.

[0029] The speed control mechanism 6 receives speed information indicating the rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 from the control device 10. The speed control mechanism 6 controls the rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 to the rotation speed indicated by the speed information.

[0030] For example, the speed control mechanism 6 is composed of a motor connected to a roller that rotates the input belt conveyor 2, a drive circuit that drives the motor, etc. The drive circuit of the speed control mechanism 6 generates pulses to be supplied to the motor according to signals from the control device 10. The motor of the speed control mechanism 6 is driven based on the pulses from the drive circuit, etc.

[0031] The angle control mechanism 7 controls the angle between the input belt conveyor 2 and the transport belt conveyor 3 in accordance with a signal from the control device 10. That is, the angle control mechanism 7 controls the angle between the input belt conveyor 2 and the transport belt conveyor 3 with an axis perpendicular to the traveling direction of the article 100 in the horizontal plane as the central axis.

[0032] The angle control mechanism 7 changes the angle between the input belt conveyor 2 and the conveyor belt 3 while maintaining the connection between one end (right end) of the input belt conveyor 2 and the other end (left end) of the conveyor belt 3. Here, the angle control mechanism 7 controls the elevation angle as the angle of the conveyor belt 3. That is, the angle control mechanism 7 controls the conveyor belt 3 to a predetermined angle from a horizontal state.

[0033] The angle control mechanism 7 receives angle information indicating the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 from the control device 10. The angle control mechanism 7 controls the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 to the angle indicated by the angle information.

[0034] The angle control mechanism 7 is composed of an actuator that changes the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3, a drive circuit that controls the actuator, etc. The drive circuit of the angle control mechanism 7 generates power and the like to be supplied to the actuator in accordance with a signal from the control device 10. The motor of the angle control mechanism 7 is driven based on the power and the like from the drive circuit.

[0035] The control device 10 (information processing device) controls the rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 and the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 based on the two-dimensional image and distance information from the three-dimensional camera 5. The control device 10 will be described in detail later.

[0036] The network 20 relays communications between the three-dimensional camera 5, the speed control mechanism 6, the angle control mechanism 7, and the control device 10. For example, the network 20 is a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0037] Next, the control device 10 will be described. Fig. 2 shows a configuration example of the control device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a camera interface 15, a speed control interface 16, and an angle control interface 17. The processor 11 is connected to the memory 12, the operation unit 13, the display unit 14, the camera interface 15, the speed control interface 16, and the angle control interface 17 via a data bus or a predetermined interface.

[0038] The control device 10 may include components as necessary in addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, and certain components may be excluded from the control device 10.

[0039] The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the control device 10. For example, the processor 11 controls the speed control mechanism 6, the angle control mechanism 7, and the like.

[0040] For example, the processor 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The processor 11 may also be composed of an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like. The processor 11 may also be composed of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or the like.

[0041] The memory 12 stores various data. For example, the memory 12 functions as a ROM, a RAM, and an NVM. For example, the memory 12 stores a control program, control data, etc. The control program and control data are pre-installed according to the specifications of the control device 10. For example, the control program is a program that supports functions realized by the control device 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the memory 12 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 11. The memory 12 may also store data necessary for executing application programs and execution results of application programs.

[0043] The operation unit 13 receives various operation inputs from an operator. The operation unit 13 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 11. The operation unit 13 may be configured with a touch panel.

[0044] The display unit 14 displays image data from the processor 11. For example, the display unit 14 is configured with a liquid crystal monitor. When the operation unit 13 is configured with a touch panel, the display unit 14 may be formed integrally with the operation unit 13.

[0045] The camera interface 15 (first communication unit) is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the three-dimensional camera 5. For example, under the control of the processor 11, the camera interface 15 transmits a signal instructing the three-dimensional camera 5 to take an image and measure a distance. The camera interface 15 also acquires a two-dimensional image and distance information from the three-dimensional camera 5. For example, the camera interface 15 supports a LAN connection.

[0046] The speed control interface 16 (second communication unit) is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the speed control mechanism 6. For example, the speed control interface 16 supplies speed information indicating the rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 to the speed control mechanism 6 under control of the processor 11. For example, the speed control interface 16 supports a LAN connection.

[0047] The angle control interface 17 (third communication unit) is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the angle control mechanism 7. For example, the angle control interface 17 supplies angle information indicating the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 to the angle control mechanism 7 under control of the processor 11. For example, the angle control interface 17 supports a LAN connection.

[0048] The speed control interface 16 and the angle control interface 17 may be integrally formed. For example, the control device 10 is a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, or the like.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of functions realized by the control device 10. The functions realized by the processor 11 are realized by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the memory 12, or the like.

[0050] First, the processor 11 has a function of acquiring a two-dimensional image of the article 100 and distance information corresponding to the two-dimensional image.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows an example of an operation in which the processor 11 acquires a two-dimensional image and distance information. As shown in Fig. 3, it is assumed here that articles 100 are loaded on the transport belt conveyor 3. It is also assumed that the transport belt conveyor 3 rotates at a predetermined speed to transport the articles 100. It is also assumed that the input belt conveyor 2 rotates in a similar manner to transport the articles 100.

[0052] The processor 11 transmits a signal instructing the three-dimensional camera 5 to take a photograph and measure the distance via the camera interface 15 at a predetermined timing (for example, at a predetermined interval).

[0053] Here, the three-dimensional camera 5 receives the signal. Upon receiving the signal, the three-dimensional camera 5 acquires a two-dimensional image and distance information corresponding to the two-dimensional image using the two-dimensional camera and the distance sensor. Upon acquiring the two-dimensional image and the distance information, the three-dimensional camera 5 transmits the acquired two-dimensional image and distance information to the control device 10.

[0054] The processor 11 acquires two-dimensional images and distance information from the three-dimensional camera 5 through the camera interface 15 .

[0055] The processor 11 also has a function of extracting an article area in which the article 100 appears from the two-dimensional image based on the two-dimensional image and distance information. For example, the processor 11 extracts candidate regions for the article region based on the two-dimensional image. The processor 11 extracts the candidate regions according to a predetermined algorithm, such as edge detection or image processing using a neural network.

[0056] 4 shows an example of a two-dimensional image acquired by the processor 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the two-dimensional image includes three articles 100 loaded on the transport belt conveyor 3.

[0057] The processor 11 extracts candidate areas for the article area in which the article 100 appears, according to a predetermined algorithm.

[0058] The processor 11 also extracts candidate regions based on the distance information. The processor 11 generates a distance image showing the distance at each dot based on the distance information. The distance image has a brightness value corresponding to the distance at each dot.

[0059] Fig. 5 shows an example of a distance image generated by processor 11. In the example shown in Fig. 5, each dot in the distance image has a lower brightness value as it gets closer to 3D camera 5. For example, each dot in the distance image has a predetermined brightness value (e.g., 255) that serves as a reference for the distance from the transport belt conveyor 3. In other words, each dot in the distance image has a brightness value that corresponds to the height from the transport belt conveyor 3.

[0060] The processor 11 extracts candidate regions based on the distance image. For example, the processor 11 extracts regions having a luminance value higher than a predetermined threshold as candidate regions.

[0061] Processor 11 extracts an item region based on a candidate region of a two-dimensional image and a candidate region of a distance image. For example, when a plurality of candidate regions of a distance image exist within a candidate region of a two-dimensional image, processor 11 extracts the candidate region of the distance image as an item region. Also, when a plurality of candidate regions of a two-dimensional image exist within a candidate region of a distance image, processor 11 extracts the candidate region of the two-dimensional image as an item region.

[0062] Furthermore, when a shadow is included in a candidate region in a two-dimensional image, the processor 11 may extract an article region by removing the shadow portion based on a distance image.

[0063] The processor 11 may extract an item region based on a two-dimensional image without using distance information.The processor 11 may extract an item region based on distance information without using a two-dimensional image. The method by which the processor 11 extracts the article region is not limited to a specific method.

[0064] The processor 11 also has a function of calculating the flow rate of the article 100 depicted in the two-dimensional image. The flow rate is an index related to the amount of articles 100 transported by the transport belt conveyor 3 to the singulator 4. Here, the flow rate is an index based on the number of articles 100 depicted in the two-dimensional image, the volume of the articles 100, and the proportion (density) of the article area in the two-dimensional image. For example, the flow rate is a value obtained by substituting the number of articles 100, the volume of the articles 100, and the density into a predetermined evaluation function.

[0065] The processor 11 identifies the number of articles 100 based on the extracted article regions. That is, the processor 11 identifies the number of article regions as the number of articles 100.

[0066] The processor 11 also calculates the volume of the article 100 based on the article region and distance information. Here, the processor 11 calculates the total volume of the article 100 depicted in the two-dimensional image.

[0067] For example, processor 11 calculates the area of ​​the item region. After calculating the area, processor 11 calculates the height of the item region (height from the transport belt conveyor 3) based on the distance information. After calculating the height, processor 11 multiplies the area by the height to calculate the volume of the item 100. Processor 11 performs the same operation on each item 100 to calculate the volume of each item 100. After calculating the volume of each item 100, processor 11 adds up the volumes.

[0068] In addition, the processor 11 calculates density from the two-dimensional image and the object region. For example, the processor 11 sums up the areas of the object regions. After summing up the areas of the object regions, the processor 11 subtracts the summed area by the area of ​​the two-dimensional image to calculate density.

[0069] After calculating the number of items 100, the volume and density of the items 100, the processor 11 calculates the flow rate based on the number, volume and density. The method by which the processor 11 calculates the flow rate is not limited to a specific method.

[0070] The processor 11 also has a function of detecting overlapping of the articles 100 based on the two-dimensional image and distance information. 6 shows an example of a two-dimensional image of overlapping articles 100. In the example shown in FIG. 6, one article 100 overlaps another article 100 on the transport belt conveyor 3.

[0071] Figure 7 shows an example of a distance image corresponding to the two-dimensional image of Figure 6. As shown in Figure 7, the article region of an article 100 that overlaps another article 100 is higher than the other article region.

[0072] As described above, the processor 11 extracts the object regions based on the two-dimensional image, the distance information, etc. When the object regions are extracted, the processor 11 determines whether the extracted object regions overlap with each other. When it is determined that the object regions overlap with each other, the processor 11 determines that the objects 100 overlap with each other.

[0073] Processor 11 may also detect overlapping of articles 100 based on the height of each dot in the article region. For example, processor 11 may determine that articles 100 overlap when a height difference (e.g., a difference between the highest point and the lowest point) in the article region exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0074] The method by which the processor 11 detects overlapping of the articles 100 is not limited to a particular method.

[0075] The processor 11 also has a function of controlling the rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 based on the calculated flow rate. Here, it is assumed that the input belt conveyor 2 is rotated at a predetermined speed by the speed control mechanism 6.

[0076] The processor 11 compares the flow rate with a predetermined reference amount, which is the flow rate that the singulator 4 can process (or the upper limit of the flow rate that it can process).

[0077] The processor 11 modifies the speed of the input belt conveyor 2 if the difference between the flow rate and the reference rate exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0078] First, the case where the flow rate is smaller than the reference amount will be described. 8 shows an example of a two-dimensional image depicting an article 100 with a flow rate less than the nominal amount. As FIG. 8 shows, the two-dimensional image depicts a relatively sparse article 100.

[0079] When the difference between the flow rate and the reference amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the flow rate is smaller than the reference amount, the processor 11 sets a rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 that is faster than the current rotation speed.

[0080] For example, the processor 11 may set a rotation speed obtained by adding a predetermined value to the current rotation speed. The processor 11 may also set a rotation speed based on the difference between the flow rate and a reference amount. For example, the processor 11 may set a faster rotation speed as the difference between the flow rate and the reference amount increases.

[0081] When a rotation speed faster than the current rotation speed is set, the processor 11 generates speed information indicating the set rotation speed. After generating the speed information, the processor 11 transmits the generated speed information to the speed control mechanism 6 through the speed control interface 16.

[0082] Here, the speed control mechanism 6 receives speed information from the control device 10. Upon receiving the speed information, the speed control mechanism 6 controls the rotational speed of the input belt conveyor 2 to the rotational speed indicated by the received speed information.

[0083] Next, a case where the difference between the flow rate and the reference amount is smaller than a predetermined threshold value will be described. 9 shows an example of a two-dimensional image depicting an article 100 with a flow rate that differs from the reference rate by less than a predetermined threshold. As shown in FIG. 9, the two-dimensional image depicts more articles 100 than the two-dimensional image of FIG.

[0084] If the difference between the flow rate and the reference amount is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the processor 11 generates speed information indicating the current rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2. After generating the speed information, the processor 11 transmits the generated speed information to the speed control mechanism 6 through the speed control interface 16.

[0085] Here, the speed control mechanism 6 receives speed information from the control device 10. Upon receiving the speed information, the speed control mechanism 6 controls the rotational speed of the input belt conveyor 2 to the rotational speed indicated by the received speed information. That is, the speed control mechanism 6 maintains the current rotational speed.

[0086] It should be noted that if the difference between the flow rate and the reference amount is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the processor 11 does not need to transmit the rate information to the rate control mechanism 6.

[0087] Next, a case where the flow rate is greater than the reference amount will be described. 10 shows an example of a two-dimensional image depicting an article 100 with a flow rate greater than the nominal amount. As FIG. 10 shows, the two-dimensional image depicts more articles 100 than the two-dimensional image of FIG.

[0088] When the difference between the flow rate and the reference amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, that is, the flow rate is greater than the reference amount, the processor 11 sets a rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 slower than the current rotation speed.

[0089] For example, the processor 11 may set a rotation speed obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the current rotation speed. The processor 11 may also set a rotation speed based on a difference between the flow rate and a reference amount. For example, the processor 11 may set a slower rotation speed as the difference between the flow rate and the reference amount increases.

[0090] When a rotation speed slower than the current rotation speed is set, the processor 11 generates speed information indicating the set rotation speed. After generating the speed information, the processor 11 transmits the generated speed information to the speed control mechanism 6 via the speed control interface 16.

[0091] Here, the speed control mechanism 6 receives speed information from the control device 10. Upon receiving the speed information, the speed control mechanism 6 controls the rotational speed of the input belt conveyor 2 to the rotational speed indicated by the received speed information.

[0092] The processor 11 also has a function of controlling the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 when it detects an overlap of the articles 100.

[0093] Here, it is assumed that the transport belt conveyor 3 is horizontal. When the processor 11 detects overlapping of the articles 100 (for example, in the state of FIG. 10), it changes the angle between the input belt conveyor 2 and the transport belt conveyor 3. That is, the processor 11 creates an angle between the input belt conveyor 2 and the transport belt conveyor 3 from a state in which they are on a straight line. Here, the processor 11 uses the angle control mechanism 7 to change the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 from a horizontal state (here, 0 degrees) to a predetermined value.

[0094] When an overlap of articles 100 is detected, the processor 11 sets the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3. For example, the processor 11 sets a predetermined angle. The processor 11 may also set an angle obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the current angle of the transport belt conveyor 3.

[0095] When the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 is set, the processor 11 generates angle information indicating the set angle. When the angle information is generated, the processor 11 transmits the generated angle information to the angle control mechanism 7 through the angle control interface 17.

[0096] Here, the angle control mechanism 7 receives angle information from the control device 10. Upon receiving the angle information, the angle control mechanism 7 controls the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 to an angle indicated by the received angle information.

[0097] Fig. 11 shows an example in which the processor 11 changes the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the processor 11 changes the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 so that the transport belt conveyor 3 faces upward.

[0098] The processor 11 may change the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 so that the transport belt conveyor 3 faces downward. Furthermore, if the processor 11 has changed the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 but the overlapping of the articles 100 is not resolved, the processor 11 may further change the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3. Furthermore, the processor 11 may return the angle of the transport belt conveyor 3 to the horizontal when the overlapping of the articles 100 is resolved.

[0099] Next, an example of the operation of the control device 10 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the control device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0100] Here, it is assumed that the input belt conveyor 2 rotates at a predetermined speed to transport the articles 100. In addition, it is assumed that the transport belt conveyor 3 rotates at a predetermined speed to transport the articles 100 from the input belt conveyor 2 to the singulator 4.

[0101] The processor 11 of the control device 10 acquires (S11) a two-dimensional image and distance information from the three-dimensional camera 5 through the camera interface 15. Upon acquiring the two-dimensional image and distance information, the processor 11 extracts an article area based on the two-dimensional image and distance information (S12).

[0102] When the item region is extracted, the processor 11 calculates the flow rate based on the item region, etc. (S13). When the flow rate is calculated, the processor 11 determines whether the flow rate is smaller than a reference amount (S14).

[0103] When it is determined that the flow rate is smaller than the reference rate (S14, YES), the processor 11 sets a rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 that is faster than the current rotation speed (S15).

[0104] When it is determined that the flow rate is not smaller than the reference amount (S14, NO), the processor 11 determines whether the flow rate is larger than the reference amount (S16).

[0105] When it is determined that the flow rate is greater than the reference rate (S16, YES), the processor 11 sets a rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 that is slower than the current rotation speed (S17).

[0106] When it is determined that the flow rate is not greater than the reference rate (S16, NO), the processor 11 sets the current rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 (S18).

[0107] When a fast rotation speed is set (S15), when a slow rotation speed is set (S17), or when the current rotation speed is set (S18), the processor 11 transmits speed information indicating the rotation speed set in S15, S17 or S18 to the speed control mechanism 6 via the speed control interface 16 (S19).

[0108] When the speed information is transmitted to the speed control mechanism 6, the processor 11 determines whether the articles 100 are overlapping (S20).

[0109] When it is determined that the articles 100 are overlapped (S20, YES), the processor 11 transmits angle information indicating a predetermined angle to the angle control mechanism 7 via the angle control interface 17 (S21).

[0110] When it is determined that the articles 100 are not overlapped (S20, NO) or when the angle information is transmitted to the angle control mechanism 7 (S21), the processor 11 returns to S11. Note that the processor 11 may wait for a predetermined time before returning to S11.

[0111] The three-dimensional camera 5 may be one that captures images of the articles 100 on the input conveyor belt 2. In this case, the three-dimensional camera 5 may be one that measures the distance to each part on the input conveyor belt 2.

[0112] The processor 11 may also display the rotation speed of the input belt conveyor 2 on the display unit 14 or the like. The processor 11 may also display an alert or the like on the display unit 14 or the like when it detects an overlap of the articles 100.

[0113] Furthermore, the logistics system 1 may be provided with a two-dimensional camera for capturing images and a distance sensor for measuring distance.

[0114] The logistics system configured as described above calculates the flow rate of the goods to be supplied to the singulator. The logistics system controls the rotation speed of the input belt conveyor for inputting the goods so that the flow rate becomes a reference amount. As a result, the logistics system can supply an appropriate amount of goods to the singulator. Therefore, the logistics system can improve throughput.

[0115] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The invention as set forth in the claims of the present application as originally filed is set forth below. [C1] a first communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from a measuring device that measures distances between each part in a predetermined area including the item being transported by a first transport mechanism that transports the item to an external device; a second communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from a speed control mechanism that controls a conveying speed of a second conveying mechanism that conveys the article to the first conveying mechanism; acquiring distance information indicating a distance to each part within the predetermined area from the measurement device through the first communication unit; setting a transport speed of the second transport mechanism based on the acquired distance information; transmitting speed information indicating the set conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism to the speed control mechanism via the second communication unit; A processor; An information processing device comprising: [C2] The processor, Calculating a volume of the item based on the distance information; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism based on the volume; An information processing device according to [C1]. [C3] The processor, Identifying the number of the items based on the distance information; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism further based on the number. The information processing device according to [C2]. [C4] The processor, Calculating a density of the article based on the distance information; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism further based on the density. The information processing device according to [C3]. [C5] The processor, Calculating a flow rate of the articles based on the volume, the number and the density; setting a transport speed of the second transport mechanism based on the flow rate; An information processing device according to [C4]. [C6] The processor, When the flow rate is smaller than the reference amount, a transport speed of the second transport mechanism is set to a transport speed faster than a current transport speed of the second transport mechanism; When the flow rate is greater than a reference amount, a transport speed of the second transport mechanism is set to a transport speed slower than a current transport speed of the second transport mechanism. The information processing device according to [C5]. [C7] a third communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an angle control mechanism that controls an angle between the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism; When the articles are overlapped on the second conveying mechanism, the processor transmits angle information indicating a predetermined angle as an angle between the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism to the angle control mechanism via the third communication unit. An information processing device according to any one of [C1] to [C6]. [C8] The processor detects overlap of the articles based on the distance information. An information processing device according to [C7]. [C9] The processor, acquiring a two-dimensional image of the region from the measuring device through the first communication unit; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism further based on the two-dimensional image; An information processing device according to any one of [C1] to [C8]. [C10] The external device is a singulator. An information processing device according to any one of [C1] to [C9]. [C11] The first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are belt conveyors. An information processing device according to any one of [C1] to [C10]. [C12] A program executed by a processor, The processor, A function of acquiring distance information indicating a distance between each part in a predetermined area including the item being transported by a first transport mechanism that transports the item to an external device, the first transport mechanism; a function of setting a conveying speed of a second conveying mechanism that conveys the article to the first conveying mechanism based on the acquired distance information; a function of transmitting speed information indicating a transport speed of the second transport mechanism set in a speed control mechanism that controls a transport speed of the second transport mechanism; A program to achieve this. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1...logistics system, 2...feed belt conveyor, 3...transport belt conveyor, 4...singulator, 5...three-dimensional camera, 6...speed control mechanism, 7...angle control mechanism, 10...control device, 11...processor, 12...memory, 13...operation unit, 14...display unit, 15...camera interface, 16...speed control interface, 17...angle control interface, 20...network, 100...item.

Claims

1. a first communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from a measuring device that measures distances between each part in a predetermined area including the article being transported by a first transport mechanism that transports the article to an external device; a second communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from a speed control mechanism that controls a conveying speed of a second conveying mechanism that conveys the article to the first conveying mechanism; a third communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from an angle control mechanism that controls an angle between the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism; acquiring distance information indicating a distance to each part within the predetermined area from the measurement device through the first communication unit; setting a transport speed of the second transport mechanism based on the acquired distance information; transmitting speed information indicating a set conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism to the speed control mechanism via the second communication unit; When the articles are overlapped in the second conveying mechanism, angle information indicating a predetermined angle as an angle between the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism is transmitted to the angle control mechanism via the third communication unit. A processor; An information processing device comprising:

2. The processor, Calculating a volume of the item based on the distance information; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism based on the volume; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, Identifying the number of the items based on the distance information; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism further based on the number of pieces. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The processor, Calculating a density of the article based on the distance information; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism further based on the density. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The processor, Calculating a flow rate of the articles based on the volume, the number and the density; setting a transport speed of the second transport mechanism based on the flow rate; The information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The processor, When the flow rate is smaller than the reference amount, a transport speed of the second transport mechanism is set to a transport speed that is faster than a current transport speed of the second transport mechanism; When the flow rate is greater than the reference amount, a transport speed of the second transport mechanism is set to a transport speed slower than a current transport speed of the second transport mechanism. The information processing device according to claim 5 .

7. The processor detects overlap of the articles based on the distance information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The processor, acquiring a two-dimensional image of the region from the measuring device through the first communication unit; setting a conveying speed of the second conveying mechanism further based on the two-dimensional image; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The external device is a singulator. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are belt conveyors. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. A program executed by a processor, The processor, A function of acquiring distance information indicating a distance between each part in a predetermined area including the item being transported by a first transport mechanism that transports the item to an external device, the first transport mechanism; a function of setting a conveying speed of a second conveying mechanism that conveys the article to the first conveying mechanism based on the acquired distance information; a function of transmitting speed information indicating a transport speed of the second transport mechanism set in a speed control mechanism that controls a transport speed of the second transport mechanism; a function of transmitting angle information indicating a predetermined angle as an angle between the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism to an angle control mechanism that controls the angle between the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism when the articles are overlapped in the second conveying mechanism; A program to achieve this.

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