Input Management System

Abstract

To provide a configuration that can prevent erroneous loading while improving work efficiency of an operator performing a loading work.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal 30 mounted on an operator's hand determines whether or not a component box 10 is loaded into a frontage 21 according to a predetermined loading instruction based on loading product information read from a component tag 11 of the component box 10 held by an operator, and loading destination information read from a frontage tag 22 of the frontage 21 when the operator loads the component box 10 into the frontage 21 instructed by the predetermined loading instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input management system for allowing a worker to input an input item to an instructed input destination. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, parts etc. received from a supplier are put into the specified parts shelf by an operator based on a parts input instruction issued according to a specified production plan etc. In such input work, the operator judges the parts shelf to which the parts etc. should be put by looking at the identification tag such as a kanban attached to the parts etc. and the shelf number of the parts shelf in addition to the above-mentioned parts input instruction, so there is a risk that the parts box will be put into the wrong parts shelf if the judgment is based only on visual inspection.

[0003] As a technology for preventing such erroneous insertion of parts, for example, a system for preventing erroneous insertion of parts is known, as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. In this system for preventing erroneous insertion of parts, a worker uses a handy type device for preventing erroneous insertion of parts (reading device) to read in order the two-dimensional code provided on the parts box of the parts to be replenished and the two-dimensional code provided on the opening of the parts shelf to which the parts are to be replenished, thereby determining whether they correspond to each other. If the two-dimensional code provided on the opening of the wrong parts shelf different from the insertion instruction is read, the device for preventing erroneous insertion of parts issues a specified warning, thereby preventing the erroneous insertion of the parts box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-020753 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the configuration disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, the worker must use a reading device to read the two-dimensional code on the parts box, carry the parts box to the parts shelf where the input is instructed, take out the reading device and read the two-dimensional code on the opening where the input is instructed, and after receiving a normal notification, input the parts box into the opening. Because the reading operation to read the two-dimensional code must be performed at least twice before the parts box is input into the opening, the input operation cannot be performed smoothly, which increases the number of work steps and reduces work efficiency.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a configuration that can improve the work efficiency of a worker performing the insertion work while preventing erroneous insertion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the claims is as follows: A feed management system (1, 1a to 1c) for allowing an operator to feed a feed item (10) to a feed destination designated by a predetermined feed instruction among a plurality of feed destinations (21), A wireless tag processing terminal (30) capable of reading information recorded in the wireless tag is attached to the hand of the worker, A first wireless tag (11, 11a, 11b) that records input item information about the input item is attached to the input item, A second wireless tag (22, 22a, 22b) is attached to each of the plurality of input destinations, and the second wireless tag (22, 22a, 22b) records input destination information for distinguishing the input destinations from other input destinations. The wireless tag processing terminal includes a determination unit (31) that determines whether the input item is to be input to the input destination according to the predetermined input instruction, based on the input item information read from the first wireless tag of the input item held by the worker and the input destination information read from the second wireless tag of the input destination when the worker inputs the input item to the input destination instructed by the predetermined input instruction. 、 Each of the plurality of input destinations is provided with a detection unit capable of detecting an input state of the input item, When the detection unit detects the inserted state, the wireless tag processing terminal starts a process for reading the insertion destination information from the second wireless tag. It is characterized by the above. The symbols in parentheses above indicate the corresponding relationship with the specific means described in the embodiments described later. Effect of the Invention

[0008] In the invention of claim 1, a judgment unit judges whether or not an input item will be inserted into a destination corresponding to a specified input instruction based on input item information read from a first wireless tag of the input item held by the worker and input destination information read from a second wireless tag of the input destination when the worker inserts the input item into the destination specified by a specified input instruction using a wireless tag processing terminal worn on the worker's hand.

[0009] As a result, when a worker holds an input item in the hand wearing the wireless tag processing terminal and attempts to input it into the specified input destination, the input item information and input destination information can be read, making it easy to determine whether the input item will be input into the input destination according to the specified input instruction. In particular, because the wireless tag processing terminal is worn on the worker's hand, there is no need to take out a reading device with the right hand to read the input item while holding the input item in the left hand while carrying it to the input destination, improving the work efficiency of the input work. Therefore, a input management system can be realized that can prevent erroneous input while improving the work efficiency of workers performing input work.

[0010] Claim 1 In the invention, each of the multiple drop-off destinations is provided with a detection unit capable of detecting the drop-off state of the item being dropped off, and in the wireless tag processing terminal, when the drop-off state is detected by the detection unit, processing is started to read the drop-off destination information from the second wireless tag.

[0011] As a result, unless the detection unit detects the inserted state of the input item, the wireless tag processing terminal does not start the process of reading the input item information. For example, even if the hand of the worker wearing the wireless tag processing terminal approaches the second wireless tag of the adjacent input destination before the input item is inserted into the specified input destination, the input destination information will not be read from the second wireless tag. Therefore, the input destination information can be read from the second wireless tag of the input destination where the input item was actually inserted, and the judgment accuracy by the judgment unit can be improved.

[0012] Claim 2 In the invention, the wireless tag processing terminal is provided with a first notification unit that issues a first notification when the drop-in destination information is not read before a first time has elapsed since the drop-in state was detected by the detection unit.

[0013] As a result, even if the input destination information cannot be read from the second wireless tag of the input destination where the input item is actually input, the first notification is made by the first notification unit after the first time has elapsed. Therefore, the worker who receives the first notification can understand that the input item just now is in an undetermined state where it has not been determined whether it will be input in accordance with the predetermined input instruction, and can resolve the undetermined state.

[0014] Claim 3 In the invention, the wireless tag processing terminal is provided with a second notification unit that issues a second notification if the drop-off destination information is not read within a second time period after the drop-off item information is read.

[0015] As a result, even if the input destination information cannot be read from the second wireless tag of the input destination where the input item is actually input, the second notification is made by the second notification unit after the second time has elapsed. Therefore, the worker who receives the second notification can understand that the input item just input is in an undetermined state where it has not been determined whether it will be input in accordance with the predetermined input instruction, and can resolve the undetermined state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input management system according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] Figure 2(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which input item information is read from a part tag on a parts box using a mobile terminal worn on a worker's hand, and Figure 2(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which a parts box is held in the hand wearing the mobile terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a parts box is inserted through an opening. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a mobile terminal, Figure 4(B) is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of a wireless tag processing unit, and Figure 4(C) is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of an information code reading unit. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an input management process performed on a mobile terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of an input management system according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input management system according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input management system according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of an input management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an input management process performed on a mobile terminal in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an input management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The input management system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is configured as a system for an operator to input input items to an input destination designated by a predetermined input instruction among multiple input destinations. Specifically, in this embodiment, the input management system 1 manages multiple parts boxes 10 received from a supplier as input items, and each parts box 10 is input by an operator to any of the openings of the designated parts shelves 20 in response to a predetermined input instruction created according to a predetermined production plan.

[0018] Each parts box 10 contains one or more parts, and a wireless tag (hereinafter also referred to as parts tag 11) such as an RF tag is attached to the side of each parts box 10. In addition to parts information about the contained parts (e.g., part name, part number, quantity, etc.), parts tag 11 also records information (hereinafter also referred to as input item information) that serves as a criterion for selecting an entrance into which the parts box 10 is to be input as an input item. Note that parts tag 11 can be an example of a "first wireless tag."

[0019] Also, a kanban 12 created as a predetermined identification tag in accordance with the above-mentioned predetermined production plan is attached to each parts box 10. In addition to the above-mentioned parts information and input item information as information related to the parts box 10, an information code 13 consisting of a QR code (registered trademark) or the like that records the parts information and input item information is displayed on the kanban 12. Note that, for convenience, the size of the information code 13 is exaggerated in comparison to the kanban 12 in FIG.

[0020] The parts shelf 20 is provided with a plurality of openings 21 corresponding to the types of parts boxes 10 to be inserted, and is configured to temporarily store the parts boxes 10 to be inserted at each opening 21. Each opening 21 is formed by supporting pillars on the top, bottom, left and right sides so as to be approximately rectangular when viewed from the insertion side, and a wireless tag (hereinafter also referred to as opening tag 22) made of an RF tag or the like is attached to the supporting pillar portion constituting the right edge of each opening 21 when viewed from the insertion side. The opening tag 22 has recorded therein unique information for distinguishing it from other opening tags 22, that is, unique information for distinguishing it from other insertion destinations (openings 21) (hereinafter also referred to as insertion destination information). In addition, near each opening tag 22, an information code that is coded so that the same information as the insertion destination information recorded in the opening tag 22 is recorded is displayed as an opening code (not shown) by pasting or the like. The opening tag 22 may correspond to an example of a "second wireless tag".

[0021] In addition, the parts shelf 20 is provided with an alarm device 23 equipped with multiple types of Patlite (registered trademark) or the like to realize multiple types of light emission states. The alarm device 23 is configured to switch its light emission state in response to a signal received from the outside.

[0022] The worker wears a portable wireless tag processing terminal (hereinafter also referred to simply as mobile terminal 30) capable of reading and writing information from wireless tags including the part tags 11 and the entrance tag 22 on the back of his right hand, and according to the above-mentioned predetermined insertion instructions, inserts each part box 10 into the indicated entrance 21. At that time, the insertion management process performed by the mobile terminal 30 uses the input item information read from the part tag 11 when the worker holds the part box 10 and the insertion destination information read from the entrance tag 22 when the worker inserts the part box 10 into the entrance 21 to determine whether the part box 10 has been inserted into the correct entrance 21.

[0023] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 2(A), before the worker picks up the parts box 10, the portable terminal 30 reads the input item information from the parts tag 11 before the worker picks up the parts box 10, and once the reading is complete, the worker picks up the parts box 10 as shown in Fig. 2(B). Then, as shown in Fig. 3, when the worker puts the parts box 10 into the entrance 21, the entrance tag 22 located on the right edge of the entrance 21 is brought close to the portable terminal 30 worn on the back of the right hand, and the input destination information is read. The portable terminal 30 performs a comparison process using the input item information and input destination information read as described above, and determines whether the parts box 10 has been put into the correct entrance 21.

[0024] The mobile terminal 30 that is worn on the back of the worker's hand will be described below with reference to the drawings. The mobile terminal 30 has a function of reading and writing information stored in wireless tags such as the part tag 11 and the frontage tag 22 using radio waves transmitted and received via an antenna as a medium, and also a function as an information code reader that optically reads information codes such as the information code 13 and barcodes, and is configured to be able to perform reading in two ways. The mobile terminal 30 can be an example of a "wireless tag processing terminal" that is worn on the hand of a worker and can read information recorded in a wireless tag.

[0025] A control unit 31 that controls the entire mobile terminal 30 is provided inside a housing that forms the outer shell of the mobile terminal 30 (see FIG. 4(A)). This control unit 31 is mainly configured with a microcomputer and has a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, etc., and configures an information processing device together with a storage unit 32. In addition to a program for executing a process of reading and writing RF tags, etc. through non-contact communication and a program for executing a reading process of optically reading QR codes, etc., a program for executing the input management process and the like are stored in advance in a manner that can be executed by the control unit 31.

[0026] 4A, the control unit 31 is connected to an operation unit 33, an LED 34a, a vibrator 34b, a buzzer 34c, an external interface 35, and the like. The operation unit 33 is equipped with a mode changeover switch and the like, and is configured to provide an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the mode changeover switch to the control unit 31, and the control unit 31 performs an operation corresponding to the content of the operation signal upon receiving the operation signal. The LED 34a, the vibrator 34b, and the buzzer 34c are configured to be controlled by the control unit 31, and each of them operates upon receiving an instruction from the control unit 31. The external interface 35 is configured as an interface for communicating with external devices such as the notification device 23 and a tablet terminal described later, and is configured to perform communication processing in cooperation with the control unit 31.

[0027] The mobile terminal 30 also includes a wireless tag processing unit 37 and an information code reading unit 38 that function as an information reading unit that is controlled by the control unit 31 and can read external information. The wireless tag processing unit 37 communicates with the wireless tag by electromagnetic waves in cooperation with the antenna 36 and the control unit 31, and functions to read data stored in the wireless tag or write data to the wireless tag. The wireless tag processing unit 37 is configured as a circuit that transmits by a known radio wave method, and includes a transmitting circuit 37a, a receiving circuit 37b, and a matching circuit 37c, as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0028] In this embodiment, in order to make it difficult to read other surrounding front tags 22 when reading the front tag 22 of the frontage 21 into which the parts box 10 has been placed, the control unit 31 controls the radio wave output of the wireless tag processing unit 37 to be reduced.

[0029] The information code reading unit 38 functions to optically read the information code 13, barcode, etc., and is configured to include an illumination unit 38a consisting of a plurality of LEDs and lenses, an imaging lens 38b, and a light receiving sensor 38c consisting of a CCD area sensor, as shown in Fig. 4(C), and functions to read the information code 13, etc. attached to the sign 12 in cooperation with the control unit 31. Specifically, when the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination unit 38a is irradiated onto the information code 13, etc., the reflected light Lr from the information code 13, etc. passes through the reading port and the imaging lens 38b and is received by the light receiving sensor 38c, and a light receiving signal corresponding to the image of the information code 13, etc. is output from the light receiving sensor 38c. This light receiving signal is stored in the storage unit 32 as image data, and is used in a decoding process for deciphering the information recorded in the information code 13, etc.

[0030] Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, we will explain the insertion management process performed by the control unit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 when a worker wearing the mobile terminal 30 on the back of his hand inserts each part box 10 into the specified opening 21 in accordance with the above-mentioned specified insertion instructions. The worker operates a tablet terminal (not shown) on which the above-mentioned specified insertion instructions, etc. received from a management server, etc. are displayed on the screen, confirms the contents of the insertion work, and then begins the work of inserting each parts box 10 into the instructed opening 21.

[0031] When the control unit 31 starts the input management process in response to a predetermined operation performed by the worker before starting the input work, an initial setting process shown in step S101 is performed, and input confirmation information that associates input item information about all parts boxes 10 to be input with input destination information about each opening 21 into which each parts box 10 should be input is received from the tablet terminal. Next, a wireless tag reading process shown in step S103 is performed, and the parts tags 11 become readable.

[0032] 2(A), when the operator brings the mobile terminal 30 worn on his / her hand close to the part tag 11 attached to the part box 10 to be inserted, and the insertion item information is read from the part tag 11 (Yes in S105), a read success notification process shown in step S107 is performed. In this process, the LED 34a is controlled to a read success lighting state indicating that the reading of the part tag 11 has been successful. Then, a wireless tag reading process shown in step S109 is performed, and the frontage tag 22 becomes readable.

[0033] When the worker sees that LED 34a is lit to indicate successful reading as described above, he or she understands that the insertion information from the part tag 11 has been successfully read, and then inserts the part box 10 held as shown in Figure 2(B) into the intended insertion opening 21 as shown in Figure 3.

[0034] When the input destination information is read from the front tag 22 of the front 21 where the input is to be made (Yes in S111), a comparison process is performed as shown in step S113. In this process, the input product information and input destination information read as described above are compared with the input confirmation information previously received.

[0035] If the comparison is successful because the input item information and input destination information read as described above correspond to each other based on the input confirmation information, the parts box 10 is considered to have been normally input into the entrance 21 in response to the specified input instruction, and the result is determined as Yes in the determination process of step S115. Note that the control unit 31 that performs the comparison process shown in step S113 and the determination process of step S115 can correspond to an example of a "determination unit" that determines whether the parts box 10, which is the input item, is input into the entrance 21, which is the input destination in response to the specified input instruction.

[0036] Then, a normal insertion notification process shown in step S117 is performed, and the LED 34a is controlled to a normal insertion lit state indicating normal insertion, and the above-mentioned comparison result is stored in a predetermined database of the storage unit 32 (S119). Then, if insertion of all the instructed parts boxes 10 has not been completed (No in S121), the process from step S103 is performed, and the part tag 11 of the next parts box 10 becomes available for reading. The comparison results stored in the storage unit 32 may be transmitted to a tablet terminal or the like each time, or may be transmitted collectively to a tablet terminal or the like at a predetermined timing.

[0037] On the other hand, when the comparison is unsuccessful because the input product information and input destination information read as described above do not have a corresponding relationship based on the input confirmation information, it is determined that the component box 10 is being erroneously inserted into the wrong front door 21, and the determination process of step S115 is No. In such a case, the erroneous insertion notification process shown in step S123 is performed, and the LED 34a is controlled to an erroneous insertion lighting state indicating an erroneous insertion. Then, the process from step S109 is performed, and when the worker who sees the erroneous insertion lighting state inserts the component box 10 into the correct front door 21, the input destination information is made readable from the front door tag 22 attached to the front door 21. In addition, in the erroneous insertion notification process, in order to reliably make the worker aware of the erroneous insertion, the notification device 23 may be controlled to an erroneous insertion light emitting state indicating an erroneous insertion by transmitting a predetermined notification signal from the mobile terminal 30 to the notification device 23.

[0038] On the other hand, when the worker realizes that the LED 34a does not turn on to indicate successful reading even when the mobile terminal 30 is brought close to the component tag 11 and therefore the input item information cannot be read from the component tag 11 (No in S105), the worker can operate the mode change switch of the operation unit 33 (Yes in S125) to cause the mobile terminal 30 to enter a state in which the information code can be optically read (S127).

[0039] In this state, if the worker points the reading port of the mobile terminal 30 at the information code 13 of the sign 12 attached to the parts box 10 whose parts tag 11 could not be read, and input information, etc. is read from the information code 13 (Yes in S129), the processing from step S107 onwards is performed. On the other hand, if input information, etc. cannot be read from the information code 13 (No in S129), it is determined that both the parts tag 11 and the information code 13 of that parts box 10 are unreadable, and warning information to that effect is sent to a higher-level terminal, etc. managed by a manager, etc., and this input management processing ends.

[0040] Furthermore, when the worker attempts to insert the parts box 10 into the specified opening 21, the LED 34a is not in either the normal insertion or incorrect insertion state, and the worker realizes that the insertion destination information cannot be read from the opening tag 22 of the opening 21 (No in S111), and by operating the mode change switch of the operation unit 33 (Yes in S131), the mobile terminal 30 becomes capable of optically reading the information code (S133).

[0041] In this state, when the worker points the reading window of the portable terminal 30 at the frontage code near the frontage tag 22 that could not be read, and the input destination information, etc. is read from the frontage code (Yes in S135), the processing from step S113 onwards is performed. On the other hand, when the input destination information, etc. cannot be read from the frontage code (No in S135), it is determined that both the frontage tag 22 and the frontage code of the frontage 21 are in an unreadable state, and warning information to that effect is sent to a higher-level terminal, etc. managed by a manager, etc., and this input management processing ends.

[0042] As described above, in the input management system 1 of this embodiment, the mobile terminal 30 worn on the hand of the worker determines whether or not the parts box 10 will be input into the opening 21 corresponding to the specified input instruction, based on the input item information read from the parts tag 11 of the parts box 10 held by the worker and the input destination information read from the opening tag 22 of the opening 21 when the worker inputs the parts box 10 into the opening 21 specified by the specified input instruction.

[0043] As a result, when a worker holds parts box 10 in the hand wearing mobile terminal 30 and attempts to insert it into the specified insertion destination, the worker can read the insertion item information and insertion destination information, making it easy to determine whether or not the parts box 10 will be inserted into the entrance 21 corresponding to the specified insertion instruction. In particular, because mobile terminal 30 is attached to the worker's hand, there is no need to take out a reading device with the right hand to perform a reading operation while holding parts box 10 in the left hand while carrying the parts box 10 to the specified entrance 21, improving the work efficiency of the insertion work. Therefore, it is possible to realize an insertion management system that can prevent erroneous insertion while improving the work efficiency of workers performing insertion work.

[0044] In addition, in the above-mentioned input management process, if the input destination information is not read before a predetermined time (second time) has elapsed since the input item information was read, an alarm process may be performed to control LED34a to a predetermined lighting state indicating that the input destination information has not been read.

[0045] As a result, even if the input destination information cannot be read from the front tag 22 of the front 21 where the parts box 10 was actually input, the LED 34a is controlled to the predetermined lighting state after the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, a worker who sees the lighting state of the LED 34a can understand that the previously input parts box 10 is in an undetermined state where it has not been determined whether it will be input in accordance with the predetermined input instruction, and the undetermined state can be resolved by, for example, optically reading the front code. The LED 34a controlled to the predetermined lighting state can be an example of a "second notification unit that performs a second notification."

[0046] In addition, in order to prevent the mobile terminal 30 from erroneously reading the front tag 22 of an adjacent frontage 21 different from the frontage 21 to which the parts box 10 is to be inserted when the parts box 10 is inserted, a radio wave blocking member 24 made of a material that blocks radio waves, such as a radio wave blocking shield, may be placed between each frontage tag 22. For example, as in a first modified example of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the radio wave blocking member 24 is placed so as to partition each frontage tag 22 in the left-right direction, thereby preventing the frontage tag 22 from being misread. In this configuration, the frontage tag 22 is placed in the space partitioned by the radio wave blocking member 24, thereby improving the effect of preventing the misreading. Note that FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the parts shelf 20 (the portion of the four frontages 21).

[0047] Furthermore, the input management system 1 of this embodiment is not limited to being used as a system for a worker to input a parts box 10 into an opening 21 among multiple openings 21 that is instructed by a specific input instruction, but may also be used as a system for inputting other types of input items into instructed input destinations.

[0048] For example, the input management system 1a according to the second modified example of this embodiment shown in Fig. 7 can be used as a system for inputting large parts into a specified input lane. In this input management system 1a as well, a wireless tag 11a equivalent to the part tag 11 is attached to the large part 10a, and a wireless tag 22a equivalent to the frontage tag 22 is attached to each input lane 21a, and a process equivalent to the input management process is performed on the mobile terminal 30 during the input operation, thereby improving the work efficiency of the worker performing the input operation and preventing erroneous input.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, the input management system 1b according to the third modified example of this embodiment shown in Fig. 8 can be used as a system for inputting each part into a specified packing box. In this input management system 1b, a wireless tag 11b corresponding to the part tag 11 is attached to each part 10b to be packed, and a wireless tag 22b corresponding to the frontage tag 22 is attached to each packing box 21b, and a process corresponding to the input management process is performed on the mobile terminal 30 during the input operation, thereby improving the work efficiency of the worker performing the input operation and preventing erroneous input.

[0050] [Second embodiment] Next, the input management system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that each input destination is provided with a detection unit capable of detecting the input state of the input item. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, the input management system 1c of this embodiment employs a parts shelf 20a instead of the above-mentioned parts shelf 20, and this parts shelf 20a is configured so that, for each entrance 21, a detection unit 25 is provided that is capable of transmitting predetermined detection information to a mobile terminal 30 in response to detection of a state in which a parts box 10 is being input (hereinafter also referred to as the input state).

[0052] In this embodiment, each detection unit 25 is configured to include a limit switch that detects the insertion state of the parts box 10 when the bottom surface of the parts box 10 comes into contact with the opening 21, and a transmission unit that transmits the detection information to the mobile terminal 30 when the insertion state of the parts box 10 is detected by the limit switch.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, after the input item information is read from the parts tag 11, the mobile terminal 30 starts a process to read the input destination information from the front tag 22 in response to receiving the above detection information from the detection unit 25, thereby reading the input destination information from the front tag 22 of the front 21 where the parts box 10 was actually input.

[0054] Below, with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 10, we will explain the input management process performed by the control unit 31 of the mobile terminal 30 in the input management system 1c of this embodiment when a worker wearing the mobile terminal 30 on the back of his hand inputs each part box 10 into the specified opening 21 in accordance with the above-mentioned specified input instructions.

[0055] As in the first embodiment described above, the input management process is started in the control unit 31, and when the input item information is read from the part tag 11 attached to the part box 10 to be input (Yes in S105 of Figure 10), the LED 34a is controlled to a lit state indicating successful reading (S107).

[0056] Next, in the judgment process of step S108, it is judged whether or not the above-mentioned detection information has been received from the detection unit 25, and the judgment of No is repeated until the above-mentioned detection information is received, and the state in which the radio wave output for reading the front tag 22 is stopped is maintained.

[0057] In this state where radio wave output is stopped, when a worker places parts box 10 into opening 21 where it is to be placed, the bottom surface of parts box 10 comes into contact with the limit switch of detection unit 25 provided in opening 21, causing detection unit 25 to transmit the above detection information.

[0058] When this detection information is received by the mobile terminal 30 (Yes in S108), the wireless tag reading process shown in step S109 is performed, making it possible to read the front tag 22. When the detection information is received, the parts box 10 is being inserted into the frontage 21, and the mobile terminal 30 is closest to the frontage tag 22 of the frontage 21 into which the parts are to be inserted, among the frontage tags 22, so it becomes easier to read the insertion destination information from the frontage tag 22 of the frontage 21 into which the parts are to be inserted.

[0059] Then, when the input destination information is read from the front tag 22 of the front 21 where the item is to be inserted (Yes in S111), the input item information and input destination information that have been read as described above are collated with the input confirmation information previously received (S113). If the collation is successful because the read input item information and input destination information are in a corresponding relationship based on the input confirmation information, it is determined that the item has been inserted normally (Yes in S115), and after the LED 34a is controlled to a normal insertion lighting state (S117), the collation result is stored in a predetermined database in the memory unit 32 (S119).

[0060] As described above, in the input management system 1c of this embodiment, each entrance 21 is provided with a detection unit 25 capable of detecting the input state of the parts box 10, and in the mobile terminal 30, when the input state is detected by the detection unit 25, a process (S109) is started to read the input destination information from the entrance tag 22.

[0061] As a result, unless the detection unit 25 detects that the parts box 10 has been inserted, the process of reading the inserted item information will not be started on the mobile terminal 30. For example, even if the hand of the worker wearing the mobile terminal 30 approaches the frontage tag 22 of an adjacent frontage 21 before the parts box 10 is inserted into the specified frontage 21, the insertion destination information will not be read from the frontage tag 22. As a result, the insertion destination information can be read from the frontage tag 22 of the frontage 21 into which the parts box 10 was actually inserted, thereby improving the accuracy of judgment by the judgment unit.

[0062] The detection unit 25 is not limited to being configured to include a limit switch that contacts the bottom surface of the parts box 10 to be inserted, and may be configured to include, for example, a limit switch that contacts the side or top surface of the parts box 10 to be inserted. Moreover, the detection unit 25 may be configured to include, instead of a limit switch, a photoelectric sensor or the like that can detect the insertion state of the parts box 10.

[0063] As a modified example of this embodiment, in the input management process performed by the control unit 31, if the input destination information is not read before a predetermined time (first time) has elapsed since the input state was detected by the detection unit 25, an alarm process may be performed to control the LED 34a to a predetermined lighting state indicating that the input destination information has not been read.

[0064] As a result, even if the input destination information cannot be read from the front tag 22 of the front 21 where the parts box 10 was actually input, the LED 34a is controlled to the predetermined lighting state after the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, a worker who sees the lighting state of the LED 34a can understand that the previously input parts box 10 is in an undetermined state where it has not been determined whether it will be input in accordance with the predetermined input instruction, and the undetermined state can be resolved by, for example, optically reading the front code. The LED 34a controlled to the predetermined lighting state can be an example of a "first notification unit that performs a first notification."

[0065] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may be embodied as follows, for example. (1) In the above-mentioned comparison process, it is not limited to comparing whether the input item information and input destination information read as described above correspond to each other based on the input confirmation information, but it is also possible to compare the date and time by including the planned input date and time in the input confirmation information.

[0066] (2) In each of the above-mentioned notification processes, various notifications may be given to the worker not only by using the lighting state of the LED 34a, but also by using the vibration of the vibrator 34b or the sound of the buzzer 34c. Also, in each of the above-mentioned notification processes, various notifications may be given to the worker by using the light-emitting state of the notification device 23. In such a configuration, the vibrator 34b, the vibration, the buzzer 34c, and the notification device 23 may correspond to an example of a "first notification unit" and a "second notification unit."

[0067] (3) The specified identification tag to be attached to the parts box 10 with the information code 13 displayed thereon is not limited to the above-mentioned kanban 12, and other identification tags such as an item tag or a clearing tag may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1, 1a to 1c...Input management system 10…Parts box (input items) 11...Part tag (first wireless tag) 11a, 11b...wireless tag (first wireless tag) 20, 20a…Parts shelf 21…Frontage 22...Frontage tag (second wireless tag) 22a, 22b...wireless tag (second wireless tag) 23...Notification device (first notification unit, second notification unit) 25…Detection unit 30...Mobile terminal (wireless tag processing terminal) 31...Control unit (determination unit) 34a...LED (first notification unit, second notification unit) 34b...Vibrator (first notification unit, second notification unit) 34c...Buzzer (first notification unit, second notification unit)

Claims

1. An input management system for allowing a worker to input an input item to a input destination designated by a predetermined input instruction among a plurality of input destinations, A wireless tag processing terminal capable of reading information recorded in the wireless tag is attached to the hand of the worker, A first wireless tag is attached to the input item, the first wireless tag recording input item information relating to the input item; a second wireless tag having information about the input destination recorded thereon for distinguishing the input destination from other input destinations is attached to each of the input destinations; the wireless tag processing terminal includes a determination unit that determines whether the input item is to be input to the input destination in accordance with the predetermined input instruction, based on the input item information read from the first wireless tag of the input item held by the worker and the input destination information read from the second wireless tag of the input destination when the worker inputs the input item into the input destination instructed by the predetermined input instruction, Each of the plurality of input destinations is provided with a detection unit capable of detecting an input state of the input item, The input management system is characterized in that the wireless tag processing terminal starts a process for reading the input destination information from the second wireless tag when the input state is detected by the detection unit.

2. The input management system described in claim 1, characterized in that the wireless tag processing terminal is provided with a first notification unit that issues a first notification when the input destination information is not read within a first time period after the input state is detected by the detection unit.

3. An input management system for allowing a worker to input an input item to a input destination designated by a predetermined input instruction among a plurality of input destinations, A wireless tag processing terminal capable of reading information recorded in the wireless tag is attached to the hand of the worker, A first wireless tag is attached to the input item, the first wireless tag recording input item information relating to the input item; a second wireless tag having information about the input destination recorded thereon for distinguishing the input destination from other input destinations is attached to each of the input destinations; The wireless tag processing terminal includes: a determination unit that determines whether or not the input item is to be input to the input destination in accordance with the predetermined input instruction, based on the input item information read from the first wireless tag of the input item held by the worker and the input destination information read from the second wireless tag of the input destination when the worker inputs the input item to the input destination instructed by the predetermined input instruction; a second notification unit that issues a second notification when the input destination information is not read before a second time has elapsed since the input item information was read; An input management system comprising:

4. An input management system for allowing a worker to input an input item to a input destination designated by a predetermined input instruction among a plurality of input destinations, A wireless tag processing terminal capable of reading information recorded in the wireless tag is attached to the hand of the worker, A first wireless tag is attached to the input item, and information about the input item is recorded in a manner that can be read by non-contact communication; a second wireless tag having information about the input destination recorded thereon for distinguishing the input destination from other input destinations is attached to each of the input destinations; The input management system is characterized in that after receiving input confirmation information that corresponds the input item information to be input with the input destination information, the wireless tag processing terminal determines that the input item information has been read from the first wireless tag of the input item held by the worker, and based on the input item information, the input destination information read from the second wireless tag of the input destination when the worker inputs the input item into the input destination instructed by the specified input instruction, and the input confirmation information, it determines whether the input item will be input to the input destination corresponding to the specified input instruction.

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