Item supply system and item processing system

Abstract

To provide an article supply system which achieves both of cost reduction and performance improvement.SOLUTION: An article supply system according to an embodiment comprises: an article supply device; and a first recognition device. The article supply device reads a first image from a first surface of an article conveyed through a first conveyance path, outputs the first image, and supplies the article to an article classification device. The first recognition device recognizes classification information based on the first image and outputs a first recognition result including the recognized classification information. The article classification device conveys the article supplied from the article supply device through a second conveyance path, reads a second image from a second surface of the conveyed article, receives the first recognition result or a second recognition result including classification information recognized from the second image, and controls the classification of the article based on the first or second recognition result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to an article supply system and an article processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various technologies have been proposed to automate the handling of goods such as luggage. For example, a loading / unloading device that automates the loading and unloading of goods, and a sorting device that sorts goods by destination are known. The sorting device sorts goods in cooperation with a scanner and a character recognition device. For example, the scanner reads an image of the top surface of the goods transported by the sorting device, and the character recognition device recognizes the destination (sorting information) from the read image of the top surface. The sorting device sorts the goods based on the recognized destination.

[0003] In the case of manual insertion, the article is inserted with the destination side facing up, so that the image captured by the scanner includes the destination side, allowing subsequent recognition and sorting to be performed correctly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4125594 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, a feeder automatically feeds an article into a sorter, but the top side of the automatically fed article is not necessarily the destination side. If a scanner of the sorter is set to read an image of the top side of an article and the top side of the automatically fed article is not the destination side, the image read by the scanner does not include the destination, and the subsequent recognition and sorting cannot be performed correctly. In addition, when adding a feeder to a sorter, it is necessary to achieve both cost reduction and performance improvement.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an article supply system and an article processing system which achieve both cost reduction and performance improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An item supply system according to an embodiment includes an item supply device and a first recognition device. The item supply device reads a first image from a first side of an item transported by a first transport path, outputs the first image, and supplies the item to an item sorting device. The first recognition device recognizes sorting information based on the first image, and outputs a first recognition result including the recognized sorting information. The item sorting device transports the item supplied from the item supply device by a second transport path, reads a second image from a second side of the transported item, receives the first recognition result or a second recognition result including sorting information recognized from the second image, and controls sorting of the items based on the first or second recognition result. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article processing system according to first and second embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection portion between an article supplying device and an article sorting device in the article processing system according to the first and second embodiments. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of a connection portion between an article supplying device and an article sorting device in the article processing system according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transport system showing an example of an article processing system according to the first and second embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an item processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an item supply system constituting an item processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an article sorting system constituting an article processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of item processing by the item processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an item processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of item processing by the item processing system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] First and Second Embodiments FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article processing system according to first and second embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1, the article processing system S includes an article supply system 11 and an article sorting system 12. For example, the article supply system 11 includes an article supply device 111 (called Autoinfeed or the like) that transports articles and supplies the transported articles to an article sorting device (called a sorter or the like), and the article supply device includes a scanner that reads images of the transported articles. The article supply system 11 also includes a first recognition device such as an optical character recognition device (OCR) and a first input device such as a video coding system (VCS).

[0010] The article classification system 12 includes an article classification device 121 that conveys articles supplied from the article classification device and classifies the conveyed articles based on classification information, and the article classification device 121 includes a scanner that reads images of the conveyed articles. The article classification system 12 also includes a second recognition device such as an OCR, and a second input device such as a VSC.

[0011] Each of the item supply system 11 and the item sorting system 12 may be provided with one or more dedicated OCRs, or one or more OCRs may be arranged for common use by the item supply system 11 or the item sorting system 12. Similarly, each of the item supply system 11 and the item sorting system 12 may be provided with one or more dedicated VCSs, or one or more VSCs may be arranged for common use by the item supply system 11 or the item sorting system 12. This will be described in detail later.

[0012] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection portion between an article supply device and an article sorting device in the article processing system according to the first and second embodiments, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged top view of a connection portion between an article supply device and an article sorting device in the article processing system according to the first and second embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an article supply device 111 of the article supply system 11 transports articles along the arrow 11a, and an article sorting device 121 of the article sorting system 12 sorts articles while transporting them along the arrow 12a.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a transport system showing an example of an article processing system according to the first and second embodiments. 4, the article processing system S includes an article supply system 11 and an article sorting system 12. The article supply system 11 includes an article supply device 111, which includes a scanner 1113. The article sorting system 12 includes an article sorting device 121, which includes a scanner 1213.

[0014] For example, the scanner 1113 reads a first side (e.g., back side) of the article from one direction (e.g., below) of the article being transported, and the scanner 1213 reads a second side (e.g., front side) of the article from another direction (e.g., above) of the article being transported. The scanner 1113 may also read the periphery (side) of the article. Alternatively, the scanner 1213 may read the periphery (side) of the article.

[0015] In this way, images of the front and back surfaces of an article can be obtained by combining the results of reading from the scanner 1113 and the scanner 1213. Also, images of the front, back, and surrounding areas of an article can be obtained by combining the results of reading from the scanner 1113 and the scanner 1213.

[0016] The article supplying device 111 includes a conveyor 14 as a first transport path. For example, the article supplying device 111 includes a main conveyor 141 and a timing adjustment conveyor 142, and supplies articles to the article sorting device 121 via the timing adjustment conveyor 142. The article supplying device 111 also includes a plurality of article detection sensors 17 that detect articles transported by the main conveyor 141 and the timing adjustment conveyor 142.

[0017] The top-bottom orientation of an article supplied from the article supply device 111 to the article sorting device 121 does not change. That is, the scanner 1113 upstream of the conveyor 14 of the article processing system S always reads a first side of the article from below the article, and the scanner 1213 downstream always reads a second side of the same article from above the same article. In other words, the scanners 1113 and 1213 read images of different sides of the article.

[0018] Moreover, the article sorting device 121 includes a conveyor 14 as a second transport path. For example, the article sorting device 121 includes a circulating conveyor 143. The article sorting device 121 also includes a plurality of article detection sensors 17 that detect articles transported by the circulating conveyor 143.

[0019] Furthermore, the article sorting device 121 includes a plurality of sorting chutes 15 corresponding to a plurality of sorting destinations, and trays 16 for sending articles to each sorting chute 15. The trays 16 are transported by a circulating conveyor 143, and when they reach a position corresponding to a target sorting chute 15, they open their bottoms and drop the placed articles into the target sorting chute 15.

[0020] <First embodiment> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an item processing system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of an item supply system constituting the item processing system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of an item sorting system constituting the item processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] 5 and 6, the article supply system 11 includes an article supply device 111, an OCR 112 as a first recognition device, and a VCS 113 as a first input device. Also, as shown in Fig. 5 and 7, the article classification system 12 includes an article classification device 121, an OCR 122 as a second recognition device, and a VCS 123 as a second input device.

[0022] The article supplying device 111 transports articles and supplies the articles to the article sorting device 121. The article sorting device 121 sorts the articles based on the article sorting information supplied from the article supplying device 111.

[0023] The OCR 112 receives an image of an article read by the scanner of the article supplying device 111, and recognizes sorting information such as a barcode, postal code, and address from the image. If the OCR 112 fails to recognize the sorting information, the VSC 113 receives an image of an article read by the scanner of the article supplying device 111, displays the image to an operator, and accepts sorting information input by the operator who visually views the image.

[0024] The OCR 122 receives an image of an article read by the scanner of the article sorting device 121, and recognizes sorting information such as a barcode, a postal code, and an address from the image. If the OCR 122 fails to recognize the sorting information, the VSC 123 receives an image of an article read by the scanner of the article sorting device 121, displays the image to an operator, and accepts sorting information input by the operator who visually views the image.

[0025] The configurations of the article supplying device 111, the OCR 112, and the VCS 113 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. The article supply device 111 includes a processor 1111 , a memory unit 1112 , a scanner 1113 , and a communication interface (I / F) 1114 . The processor 1111 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations and controls required for supplying goods. The processor 1111 executes control to realize various functions based on programs such as system software, application software, or firmware stored in the memory unit 1112. The processor 1111 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 1111 is a combination of these. Several processors will be described below, but all of them are similar.

[0026] The processor 1111 includes a supply control unit 1111a, which controls the supply of items. The processor 1111 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 1112, and realizes the function of the supply control unit 1111a. The processor 1111 assigns an item detection ID to each detected item based on item detection signals from the multiple item detection sensors 17 of the item supply device 111, and also traces the transport (movement) of each item to detect or estimate where each item is located. Furthermore, the processor 1111 transfers the assigned item detection ID to the item sorting device 121, and shares information about each item (detected or estimated position information, etc.) between the item supply device 111 and the item sorting device 121.

[0027] The storage unit 1112 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and stores a program executed by the processor 1111. The storage unit 1112 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 1111 in performing various processes. The article supplying device 111 is transferred with the program stored in the storage unit 1112. Alternatively, after the article supplying device 111 is transferred, the article supplying device 111 may read the program stored in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and write the read program to the storage unit 1112. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a network or the like and written to the storage unit 1112.

[0028] The scanner 1113 reads an image of the article being transported and outputs the image. For example, the scanner 1113 reads a first side (e.g., back side) of the article from one direction (e.g., below) of the article being transported and outputs the image of the article. Note that the scanner 1113 is not limited to reading the back side of the article, and may read one or more other sides of the article and output the read image.

[0029] The communication interface 1114 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like in a wired or wireless manner, receiving various information transmitted from other devices, and transmitting various information to other devices. The communication interface 1114 communicates with the OCR 112, the VCS 113, the item classification device 121, etc. For example, the communication interface 1114 transmits an image read by the scanner 1113 to the OCR 112.

[0030] The OCR 112 includes a processor 1121 , a memory unit 1122 , and a communication interface 1123 . The processor 1121 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations required for image recognition. The processor 1121 executes control to realize various functions based on a program stored in the storage unit 1122. The processor 1121 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 1121 includes an image recognition unit 1121a that recognizes classification information from an image read by the scanner 1113, generates a recognition result, and outputs the recognition result. The processor 1121 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 1122, and realizes the function of the image recognition unit 1121a.

[0031] The storage unit 1122 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and stores a program executed by the processor 1121. The storage unit 1122 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 1121 when performing various processes.

[0032] The communication interface 1123 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like in a wired or wireless manner, receiving various information transmitted from other devices, and transmitting various information to other devices. The communication interface 1123 communicates with the article supply device 111, etc. For example, the communication interface 1123 receives an image transmitted from the article supply device 111, and transmits a recognition result to the article supply device 111.

[0033] The VCS 113 includes a processor 1131 , a storage unit 1132 , a communication interface 1133 , a display unit 1134 , and an input receiving unit 1135 .

[0034] The processor 1131 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations required for manual input processing to accept input of category information corresponding to a display image. The processor 1131 executes control to realize various functions based on a program stored in the storage unit 1132. The processor 1131 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 1131 includes a category information input processing unit 1131a, which accepts category information input from an input acceptance unit 1135 corresponding to an image displayed by the display unit 1134, and outputs the accepted input result (category information). The processor 1131 operates based on the program stored in the storage unit 1132, and realizes the function of the category information input processing unit 1131a.

[0035] The storage unit 1132 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and stores a program executed by the processor 1131. The storage unit 1132 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 1131 when performing various processes.

[0036] The communication interface 1133 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like in a wired or wireless manner, receiving various information transmitted from other devices, and transmitting various information to other devices. The communication interface 1133 communicates with the article supply device 111, etc. For example, the communication interface 1133 receives an image transmitted from the article supply device 111, and transmits input sorting information to the article supply device 111.

[0037] The display unit 1134 displays to the operator images of the articles received via the communication interface 1133. The input receiving unit 1135 is a keyboard or the like, and receives manual input of sorting information from the operator who is viewing the display unit 1134.

[0038] Hereinafter, the configuration of the article sorting device 121 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The item sorting device 121 includes a processor 1211 , a memory unit 1212 , a scanner 1213 , and a communication interface 1214 . The processor 1211 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations and controls required for article sorting. The processor 1211 executes control to realize various functions based on programs stored in the storage unit 1212. The processor 1211 is, for example, a CPU.

[0039] The processor 1211 includes a sorting control unit 1211a, which controls sorting of the items. The processor 1211 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 1212, and realizes the function of the sorting control unit 1211a. The processor 1211 traces the transportation of each item based on item detection signals from the multiple item detection sensors 17 of the item sorting device 121, and detects or estimates where each item is located.

[0040] The storage unit 1212 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and stores a program executed by the processor 1211. The storage unit 1212 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by the processor 1111 in performing various processes. The item classification device 121 is transferred with the program stored in the storage unit 1212. Alternatively, after the item classification device 121 is transferred, the item classification device 121 may read the program stored in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and write the read program to the storage unit 1212. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a removable storage medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a network or the like and written to the storage unit 1212.

[0041] The scanner 1213 reads an image of the article being transported and outputs the image. For example, the scanner 1213 reads a second side (e.g., the front side) of the article from another direction (e.g., from above) of the article being transported and outputs an image of the article. When the scanner 1113 for reading the first side of the article and the scanner 1213 for reading the second side of the article are used in combination, these scanners are scanners for reading images of different sides of the article. Note that the scanner 1213 is not limited to reading the front side of the article, and may read one or more other sides of the article and output the read images.

[0042] The communication interface 1214 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like in a wired or wireless manner, receiving various information transmitted from other devices, and transmitting various information to other devices. The communication interface 1214 communicates with the OCR 122, the VCS 123, the article supply device 111, etc. For example, the communication interface 1214 transmits an image read by the scanner 1213 to the OCR 122.

[0043] The OCR 122 includes a processor 1221, a storage unit 1222, and a communication interface 1223, and the processor 1221 includes an image recognition unit 1221a. The configuration of the OCR 122 is substantially the same as that of the OCR 112, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The OCR 122 receives an image transmitted from the item classification device 121, and transmits a recognition result to the item classification device 121.

[0044] Moreover, the VCS 123 includes a processor 1231, a storage unit 1232, a communication interface 1233, a display unit 1234, and an input receiving unit 1235, and the processor 1231 includes a sorting information input processing unit 1231a. The configuration of the VCS 123 is substantially the same as that of the VCS 113, and detailed description will be omitted. The VCS 123 receives images transmitted from the item classification device 121, and transmits sorting information input by an operator to the item classification device 121.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of item processing by the item processing system according to the first embodiment. The article supplying device 111 starts conveying the inserted articles (ST111), and supplies the articles to the article sorting device 121. The article sorting device 121 starts conveying the articles supplied from the article supplying device 111 (ST131).

[0046] For example, the article supplying device 111 separates the multiple articles inserted one by one and transports them at regular intervals. The article detection sensor 17 of the article supplying device 111 detects the article being transported (ST112) and outputs an article detection signal. The processor 1111 assigns an article detection ID to the detected article based on the article detection signal, and traces the article being transported.

[0047] The scanner 1113 reads a first side (e.g., back side) of the transported article from one direction (e.g., below) based on the article detection signal (ST113), the memory unit 1112 stores the first image in association with the article detection ID, and the communication interface 1114 outputs the first image to the OCR 112. In addition, the article supply device 111 supplies the article to the article sorter 121 via the main conveyor 141 and the timing adjustment conveyor 142 (ST114).

[0048] The OCR 112 receives the first image via the communication interface 1123, and the processor 1121 (image recognition unit 1121a) attempts to recognize sorting information from the first image (ST121). For example, the storage unit 1122 stores a database of sorting information (address information), and the processor 1121 compares the recognized information with the database to verify the recognition accuracy. The processor 1121 determines that the recognition is successful if the recognition accuracy exceeds a reference value, and determines that the recognition is unsuccessful if the recognition accuracy is equal to or lower than the reference value. If the recognition is successful, the communication interface 1123 generates a first recognition result including the recognized sorting information, and outputs the first recognition result to the article supply device 111 (ST122). If the recognition is unsuccessful, the communication interface 1123 does not output the first recognition result, but instead outputs a recognition error.

[0049] The article supplying device 111 receives a first recognition result output from the OCR 112, and the storage unit 1112 stores the first image and the first recognition result in association with the article detection ID. Alternatively, the article supplying device 111 receives a recognition error output from the OCR 112, and the storage unit 1112 stores the first image and the recognition error in association with the article detection ID.

[0050] The item sorting device 121 transports items supplied from the item supply device 111 by the circulating conveyor 143. The item detection sensor 17 of the item sorting device 121 detects the transported items and outputs an item detection signal (ST132). The communication interface 1214 notifies the item detection signal to the item supply device 121. The item supply device 121 is triggered by the item detection signal from the item sorting device 121 and outputs the item detection ID and first recognition result stored in the memory unit 1112 to the item supply device 111. The item sorting device 121 receives the item detection ID and first recognition result output from the item supply device 111, and the memory unit 1212 stores the item detection ID and first recognition result.

[0051] In addition, the scanner 1213 of the item classification device 121 reads the second side (e.g., the back side) of the item being transported from another direction (e.g., below) based on the item detection signal (ST133), the memory unit 1212 stores the second image in association with the item detection ID, and the communication interface 1214 outputs the second image to the OCR 122.

[0052] The OCR 122 receives the second image via the communication interface 1223, and the processor 1221 (image recognition unit 1221a) attempts to recognize sorting information from the second image (ST141). For example, the storage unit 1222 stores a database of sorting information (address information), and the processor 1221 compares the recognized information with the database to verify the recognition accuracy. The processor 1221 determines that the recognition is successful when the recognition accuracy exceeds a reference value, and determines that the recognition is unsuccessful when the recognition accuracy is equal to or lower than the reference value. If the recognition is successful, the communication interface 1223 generates a second recognition result including the recognized sorting information, and outputs the second recognition result to the item sorting device 121 (ST145). If the recognition is unsuccessful, the communication interface 1223 does not output the second recognition result, but instead outputs a recognition error.

[0053] The article classification device 121 receives the second recognition result output from the OCR 122, and the memory unit 1212 stores the second image and the second recognition result in association with the article detection ID. Alternatively, the article supply device 111 receives the recognition error output from the OCR 122, and the memory unit 1212 stores the second image and the recognition error in association with the article detection ID. The processor 1211 controls the classification of the articles based on the first or second recognition result stored in the memory unit 1212 (ST134).

[0054] In the above description, the second recognition result is generated regardless of whether the first recognition result is generated. However, when the first recognition result is generated, the process for obtaining the second recognition result may be omitted. That is, when the article classification device 121 receives the article detection ID and the first recognition result, the processor 1211 may omit reading of the second side by the scanner 1213, stop output of the second image by the communication interface 1214, or omit recognition processing of the second image by the OCR 122. That is, when the article detection ID and the first recognition result are stored in the storage unit 1212, the processor 1211 controls classification of the article based on the first recognition result stored in the storage unit 1212. This allows the resources of the OCR 122 to be allocated to another recognition process, and the performance of the entire system can be improved.

[0055] For example, if sorting information is assigned to a first side of an item and not to a second side, and recognition of the sorting information based on a first image read from the first side has been successful and a first recognition result has been obtained, processor 1211 will control the sorting of the item based on the first recognition result stored in memory unit 1212.

[0056] When no sorting information is assigned to the first side of an item but sorting information is assigned to the second side, and recognition of the sorting information based on a second image read from the second side is successful and a second recognition result is obtained, processor 1211 controls the sorting of the item based on the second recognition result stored in memory unit 1212.

[0057] In addition, when sorting information is assigned to both the first and second sides and first and second recognition results are obtained, processor 1211 controls the sorting of the item based on the first or second recognition result, based on a priority that is set in advance.

[0058] Here, the use of the VCS 113 will be described. When the item supply device 111 receives a recognition error from the OCR 112, the item supply device 111 may transfer the first image stored in the storage unit 1112 to the VCS 113 and use the VCS 113.

[0059] The VCS 113 receives the first image via the communication interface 1133, and the display unit 1134 displays the first image. The operator visually checks the first image displayed on the display unit 1134, and if the operator recognizes the sorting information, inputs the sorting information via the input reception unit 1135 such as a keyboard. The input reception unit 1135 accepts the input of the sorting information, and the display unit 1134 displays the input sorting information. The communication interface 1133 outputs the first input result including the input sorting information to the item supply device 111.

[0060] The article supplying device 111 receives the first input result including the sorting information via the communication interface 1114, and the storage unit 1112 stores the first image and the first input result in association with the article detection ID. In this case, the article supplying device 111 is triggered by an article detection signal (ST132) from the article sorting device 121, and outputs the article detection ID and the first input result stored in the storage unit 1112 to the article supplying device 111. In subsequent processing, the first input result is used in place of the first recognition result.

[0061] Furthermore, the use of the VCS 123 will be added. When the item classification device 121 receives a recognition error from the OCR 122, the item classification device 121 may transfer the second image stored in the storage unit 1212 to the VCS 123 and use the VCS 123.

[0062] The VCS 123 receives the second image via the communication interface 1233, and the display unit 1234 displays the second image. The operator visually checks the second image displayed on the display unit 1234, and if the operator recognizes the sorting information, inputs the sorting information via the input reception unit 1235 such as a keyboard. The input reception unit 1235 accepts the input of the sorting information, and the display unit 1234 displays the input sorting information. The communication interface 1233 outputs the second input result including the input sorting information to the item sorting device 121.

[0063] The item classification device 121 receives the second input result including the classification information via the communication interface 1214, and the storage unit 1212 stores the second image and the second input result in association with the item detection ID. In the subsequent processing, the second input result is used in place of the second recognition result.

[0064] According to the first embodiment, by utilizing the scanner 1213 of the article sorting system, it is possible to reduce the introduction cost of the article supply system. For example, by installing a scanner 1113 that reads the first side (e.g., the front side) of an article in addition to installing a scanner 1213 that reads the second side (e.g., the back side) of an article, it becomes possible to read both sides (the first and second sides) of the article, and the probability of obtaining sorting information can be increased. In addition, if either the scanner 1113 or 1213 reads the periphery (side surface) of the article, the probability of obtaining sorting information can be further increased. Therefore, sorting information can be recognized from the article regardless of the orientation of the article inserted into the article supply device 111.

[0065] In addition, by storing a first image of an item read by the scanner 1113 during the transportation process of the item supply system 11 in association with an item detection ID, and storing a second image of an item read by the scanner 1213 during the transportation process of the item classification system 12 in association with an item detection ID, the items handled by the two systems can be managed more reliably. In a large-scale logistics warehouse where a large amount of luggage is handled, many people come and go, and item management is important. If the first image is stored in association with a specific item detection ID, a record is kept that the item in the first image was handled by the item supply system 11. In addition, if the second image is stored in association with a specific item detection ID, a record is kept that the item in the second image was handled by the item classification system 12. These records allow the handling of items to be managed more reliably.

[0066] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, a case was described in which the item supply system 11 is equipped with an OCR 112 and a VCS 113, and the item sorting system 12 is equipped with an OCR 122 and a VCS 123, and the item supply system 11 performs recognition processing or input processing of sorting information, and the item sorting system 12 also performs recognition processing or input processing of sorting information.

[0067] In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the item sorting system 12 includes an OCR 122 and a VCS 123, and performs a recognition process or an input process of sorting information in the item sorting system 12. The item supply system 11 transmits image data read by a scanner to the item sorting system 12, and uses the OCR 122 and the VCS 123 of the item sorting system 12.

[0068] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an article processing system according to the second embodiment. Note that the article supply device 111 included in the article processing system according to the second embodiment is similar to the article supply device 111 shown in Fig. 6, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the article classification device 121, OCR 122, and VCS 123 included in the article processing system according to the second embodiment are similar to the article classification device 121, OCR 122, and VCS 123 shown in Fig. 7, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of item processing by the item processing system according to the second embodiment. The article supplying device 111 starts conveying the inserted articles (ST211) and supplies the articles to the article sorting device 121. The article sorting device 121 starts conveying the articles supplied from the article supplying device 111 (ST231).

[0070] For example, the article supplying device 111 separates the multiple articles inserted one by one and transports them at regular intervals. The article detection sensor 17 of the article supplying device 111 detects the article being transported (ST212) and outputs an article detection signal. Based on the article detection signal, the processor 1111 assigns an article detection ID to the detected article and traces the article being transported.

[0071] The scanner 1113 reads a first surface (e.g., back surface) of the transported article from one direction (e.g., below) based on the article detection signal (ST213), the memory unit 1112 stores the first image in association with the article detection ID, and the communication interface 1114 outputs the first image to the OCR 122. In addition, the article supply device 111 supplies the article to the article sorter 121 via the main conveyor 141 and the timing adjustment conveyor 142 (ST214).

[0072] The article sorting device 121 transports the articles supplied from the article supply device 111 by the circulating conveyor 143. The article detection sensor 17 of the article sorting device 121 detects the article being transported and outputs an article detection signal (ST232). The scanner 1213 of the article sorting device 121 reads a second surface (e.g., back surface) of the article being transported from another direction (e.g., below) based on the article detection signal (ST233), the memory unit 1112 stores the second image in association with the article detection ID, and the communication interface 1114 outputs the second image to the OCR 122.

[0073] The OCR 122 receives the first and second images via the communication interface 1223, and the processor 1221 (image recognition unit 1221a) attempts to recognize sorting information from the first and second images (ST241). If the recognition based on the first image is successful, the communication interface 1223 generates a first recognition result including the recognized sorting information, and outputs the first recognition result to the item classification device 121 (ST242). If the recognition based on the first image is unsuccessful, the communication interface 1223 may not output the first recognition result, but may instead output the first image and a first recognition error. If the recognition based on the second image is successful, the communication interface 1223 generates a second recognition result including the recognized sorting information, and outputs the second recognition result to the item classification device 121 (ST242). If the recognition based on the second image is unsuccessful, the communication interface 1223 may not output the second recognition result, but may instead output the second image and a second recognition error.

[0074] The article classification device 121 receives a first recognition result output from the OCR 122, and the storage unit 1212 stores the first recognition result in association with the article detection ID. Alternatively, the article classification device 121 receives a first image and a recognition error output from the OCR 122, and the storage unit 1212 stores the first image and the recognition error in association with the article detection ID.

[0075] Alternatively, the article classification device 121 receives a second recognition result output from the OCR 122, and the storage unit 1212 stores the second image and the second recognition result in association with the article detection ID. Alternatively, the article supply device 111 receives a recognition error output from the OCR 122, and the storage unit 1212 stores the second image and the recognition error in association with the article detection ID.

[0076] The processor 1211 controls the classification of the articles based on the first or second recognition result stored in the storage unit 1212 (ST234).

[0077] For example, when sorting information is assigned to a first side of an item and no sorting information is assigned to a second side, and recognition of the sorting information based on a first image read from the first side has been successful and a first recognition result has been obtained, processor 1211 controls the sorting of the item based on the first recognition result stored in memory unit 1212.

[0078] When no sorting information is assigned to the first side of an item but sorting information is assigned to the second side, and recognition of the sorting information based on a second image read from the second side is successful and a second recognition result is obtained, processor 1211 controls the sorting of the item based on the second recognition result stored in memory unit 1212.

[0079] In addition, by executing the recognition process based on the first and second images in ST241, sorting information is assigned to both the first and second sides, and when the first and second recognition results are obtained, the processor 1211 can control the sorting of the items based on the first or second recognition result, based on a priority set in advance. Furthermore, the processor 1211 can assign a priority to an image, of the first and second images, that includes a keyword such as a destination that is set in advance, and control the sorting of the items based on the recognition result of the image to which the priority has been assigned.

[0080] Here, the use of the VCS 123 will be described. When the article classification device 121 receives first and second recognition errors in the recognition process for the first and second images from the OCR 122, the article classification device 121 may transfer the first and second images to the VCS 123 and use the VCS 123.

[0081] The VCS 123 receives the first and second images via the communication interface 1133, and the display unit 1234 displays the first and second images side by side. The operator visually checks the first and second images displayed on the display unit 1234, and if the operator can recognize the sorting information from at least one of the first and second images, inputs the sorting information via the input reception unit 1235 such as a keyboard. The input reception unit 1235 accepts the input of the sorting information, and the display unit 1234 displays the input sorting information. The communication interface 1233 outputs the input result including the input sorting information to the item sorting device 121. The display unit 1234 displays the first and second images read from the same item side by side, thereby making it possible to improve the efficiency of the operator's work of recognizing the sorting information.

[0082] The item classification device 121 receives the input result including the classification information via the communication interface 1214, and the storage unit 1112 stores the first image, the second image, and the input result in association with the item detection ID. In the subsequent processing, the input result is used instead of the first or second recognition result.

[0083] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the introduction costs of the OCR and VCS. When an article supply system 11 is added, the article supply system 11 uses the OCR 122 and VCS 123 of the article sorting system 12, thereby reducing the cost of adding the article supply system 11. Note that, although the above description assumes a case in which the article sorting system 12 operates the VCS 123, the article supply system 11 may operate the VCS 123.

[0084] As described above, the article processing systems of the first and second embodiments can achieve both cost reduction and performance improvement.

[0085] 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 described in the claims of the original application is set forth below. [C1] An item supply system including an item supply device and a first recognition device, the article supply device reads a first image from a first surface of an article conveyed by a first conveying path, outputs the first image, and supplies the article to an article sorting device; the first recognition device recognizes classification information based on the first image and outputs a first recognition result including the recognized classification information; The item sorting device transports items supplied from the item supply device along a second conveying path, reads a second image from a second side of the transported item, receives the first recognition result or a second recognition result including sorting information recognized from the second image, and controls the sorting of the items based on the first or second recognition result. [C2] An article processing system including an article supply system and an article sorting system, The article supply system includes: an article supplying device that reads a first image from a first surface of an article conveyed by a first conveying path, outputs the first image, and supplies the article to an article sorting device; a first recognition device that recognizes classification information based on the first image and outputs a first recognition result including the classification information; Equipped with The article sorting system includes: an article sorting device that transports an article supplied from the article supply device through a second transport path, reads a second image from a second side of the transported article, outputs the second image, receives the first recognition result or a second recognition result including sorting information recognized from the second image, and controls sorting of the article based on the first or second recognition result; a second recognition device that recognizes classification information based on the second image and outputs the second recognition result including the recognized classification information; An article processing system comprising: [C3] An item processing system of [C2], wherein the first recognition device outputs the first recognition result if the sorting information is successfully recognized, and does not output the first recognition result if the sorting information is unsuccessful. [C4] The item processing system of [C3], wherein the item classification device controls item classification based on the first recognition result when receiving the first recognition result output from the first recognition device, and controls item classification based on the second recognition result when not receiving the first recognition result. [C5] An article processing system including an article supply system and an article sorting system, The article supply system includes: an article supplying device that reads a first image from a first surface of an article conveyed by a first conveying path, outputs the first image, and supplies the article to the article sorting device; The article sorting system includes: an article sorting device that transports the articles supplied from the article supply device through a second transport path, reads a second image from a second side of the transported article, outputs the second image, and controls sorting of the articles transported on the second transport path based on a first recognition result based on the first image or a second recognition result based on the second image; an item processing system comprising: a recognition device that recognizes sorting information based on the first image and outputs the first recognition result including the recognized sorting information to the item sorting device, and that recognizes sorting information based on the second image and outputs the second recognition result including the recognized sorting information to the item sorting device. [C6] An item processing system according to [C5], further comprising an input device that displays the first and second images to an operator and accepts sorting information input by the operator. [C7] The item processing system of [C6], wherein the item sorting device controls the sorting of items based on sorting information indicated by the first recognition result, sorting information indicated by the second recognition result, or sorting information input by the operator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] S: Material handling system 11. Goods supply system 12. Item classification system 14...Conveyor 15...Division shot 16…Tray 17...Item detection sensor 111…Goods supply device 121…Article sorting device 141…Main conveyor 142... Timing adjustment conveyor 143...Circulating conveyor 1111…Processor 1111a...Supply control unit 1112...Storage section 1113…Scanner 1114…Communication interface 1121...Processor 1121a...Image recognition unit 1122...Storage section 1123…Communication interface 1131...Processor 1131a...category information input processing unit 1132...Storage section 1133…Communication interface 1134...Display section 1135... Input reception section 1211…Processor 1211a...Division control unit 1212...Storage section 1213…Scanner 1214…Communication interface 1221...Processor 1221a...Image recognition unit 1222...Storage section 1223…Communication interface 1231...Processor 1231a...category information input processing unit 1232...Storage section 1233…Communication interface 1234...Display section 1235…Input reception section

Claims

1. An article supply system including an article supply device and a first recognition device, the article supply device being added to an article sorting device and into which articles are automatically inserted, the article supplying device includes a first scanner configured to read a first side of an article from one direction of the article conveyed by a first conveying path, conveys an article by the first conveying path, reads a first image from the first side of the article by the first scanner, outputs the first image, and supplies the article to the article sorting device by the first conveying path without changing its top-bottom orientation; the first recognition device recognizes classification information based on the first image and outputs a first recognition result including the recognized classification information; The item sorting device is provided with a second scanner configured to read a second side of the item from another direction of the item transported by a second conveying path, and the item supplied from the item supply device is transported by the second conveying path, a second image is read from the second side of the item by the second scanner, the first recognition result or a second recognition result including sorting information recognized from the second image by the second recognition device is received, and the sorting of the items is controlled based on the first or second recognition result.

2. An article processing system including an article supply system and an article sorting system, The article supply system includes: An article supplying device that is added so as to automatically feed articles into the article sorting device; a first recognition device; Equipped with The article supplying device includes a first scanner configured to read a first side of an article from one direction of the article conveyed by a first conveying path, conveys an article by the first conveying path, reads a first image from the first side of the article by the first scanner, outputs the first image, and supplies the article to a previous article sorting device by the first conveying path without changing its top-bottom orientation. the first recognition device recognizes classification information based on the first image and outputs a first recognition result including the classification information; The article sorting system includes: The article sorting device; a second recognition device; Equipped with the article sorting device includes a second scanner configured to read a second side of the article from another direction of the article transported by a second transport path, transports an article supplied from the article supply device by the second transport path, reads a second image from the second side of the article by the second scanner, outputs the second image, receives the first recognition result or a second recognition result including sorting information recognized from the second image, and controls sorting of the article based on the first or second recognition result; the second recognition device recognizes classification information based on the second image, and outputs the second recognition result including the recognized classification information. Material handling system.

3. 3. The article processing system of claim 2, wherein the first recognition device outputs the first recognition result if the recognition of the sorting information is successful, and does not output the first recognition result if the recognition of the sorting information is unsuccessful.

4. 4. The item processing system of claim 3, wherein the item classification device controls item classification based on the first recognition result when receiving the first recognition result output from the first recognition device, and controls item classification based on the second recognition result when not receiving the first recognition result.

5. An article processing system including an article supply system and an article sorting system, The article supply system includes: An article supply device is provided to automatically supply articles to the article sorting device, the article supplying device includes a first scanner configured to read a first side of an article from one direction of the article conveyed by a first conveying path, conveys an article by the first conveying path, reads a first image from the first side of the article by the first scanner, outputs the first image, and supplies the article to an article sorting device by the first conveying path without changing its top-bottom orientation; The article sorting system includes: The article sorting device; A recognition device; Equipped with the article classification device includes a second scanner configured to read a second side of the article from another direction of the article conveyed by the second conveying path, conveys an article supplied from the article supply device by the second conveying path, reads a second image from the second side of the article by the second scanner, outputs the second image, and controls classification of the article conveyed by the second conveying path based on a first recognition result based on the first image or a second recognition result based on the second image; the recognition device recognizes sorting information based on the first image, and outputs the first recognition result including the recognized sorting information to the item classification device, and recognizes sorting information based on the second image, and outputs the second recognition result including the recognized sorting information to the item classification device. Material handling system.

6. 6. An article processing system according to claim 5, further comprising an input device which displays the first and second images to an operator and which receives sorting information input by the operator.

7. The item processing system of claim 6 , wherein the item sorting device controls sorting of items based on sorting information indicated by the first recognition result, sorting information indicated by the second recognition result, or sorting information input by the operator.

Images