Transported goods management device, transported goods management method, and program

Abstract

This conveyed object management device (10) comprises a readout unit (130) and a transmission unit (140). The readout unit (130) is capable of using information stored in a storage unit (150). The storage unit (150) stores, individually for each conveyed object, at least communication device identification information pertaining to a wireless communication device attached to the conveyed object. Upon acquiring information that specifies an object being conveyed (referred to below as subject specification information), the readout unit (130) reads out the communication device identification information corresponding to the subject specification information from the storage unit (150). The transmission unit (140) transmits, to the wireless communication device indicated by the communication device identification information read out by the readout unit (130), a light emission signal for causing a light-emitting device attached to the conveyed object to emit light.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transported item management device, a transported item management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, wireless communication tags have been used in various fields. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a server that manages the positions of wireless terminals such as active tags. In Patent Document 1, the wireless terminals are attached to objects to be managed. The server displays markers representing the installation positions of one or more communication devices together with a map. The communication devices transmit positioning signals representing the position information of the communication devices to the wireless terminals. The wireless terminals also store the positioning signals acquired from the communication devices. Next, the user selects a marker. The server identifies the wireless terminal that is receiving the positioning signal from the communication device corresponding to the selected marker, and displays information on the identified wireless terminal.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a method in which recognition markers are provided on each part of a work machine such as a hydraulic excavator, and the operating state of each part is detected by identifying the positions of these recognition markers through image processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-60466 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2015-182455 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a place where a plurality of objects are arranged, such as a logistics base, a conveying device such as a forklift may be used to move the objects one by one. In order to increase the efficiency of this operation, it is necessary to enable an operator of the conveying device to efficiently recognize the next object to be conveyed.

[0006] One example of an object of the present invention is to allow an operator operating a conveying device to efficiently recognize the next object to be conveyed when a plurality of objects are moved sequentially using the conveying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a transport item management device for managing a plurality of transport items, comprising: The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The transported goods management device includes: A storage means is available for storing, for each of the plurality of transported goods, communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to the transported goods; a readout means for reading out the communication means identification information corresponding to the target item identification information from the storage means when the target item identification information is acquired, the communication means identification information corresponding to the target item identification information being the item to be transported by the transport means; a transmitting means for transmitting a light emission signal for making the light emitting means emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read by the reading means; A transported item management device is provided.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for managing a plurality of transported items using a computer, the method comprising the steps of: The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The computer includes: A storage means is available for storing, for each of the plurality of transported goods, communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to the transported goods; Next, when target identification information for identifying a target object to be transported by the transport means is acquired, a read process is performed to read the communication means identification information corresponding to the target identification information from the storage means; a transmission process of transmitting a light emission signal for causing the light emitting means to emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read in the reading process; A method for managing transported goods is provided.

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a program for enabling a computer to have a function of managing a plurality of items to be transported, the program comprising: The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The computer can use a storage means for storing communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to each of the plurality of transported goods, The computer includes: a read function for reading, from the storage means, the communication means identification information corresponding to the target specified information when target specified information for identifying the target object to be transported by the transport means is acquired; a transmission function of transmitting a light emission signal for causing the light emitting means to emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read by the reading function; A program for performing the above is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to allow an operator operating a conveying device to efficiently recognize the next object to be conveyed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The above objects, as well as other objects, features and advantages, will become more apparent from the following preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a usage environment of a transported goods management device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a marker for a transported object. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a marker of the transport device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a transported item management device. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a storage unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a wireless communication device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a transported item management device. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a first example of a process performed by a transported item management device. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process performed by the transported goods management device. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 12 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a third example of a process performed by the transported goods management device. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display device of the transport device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a usage environment of a transported item management device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a transported item 40. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a transport device 50. In Fig. 1, a first area 62 and a second area 64 are located, for example, in a warehouse at a logistics base. The first area 62 is, for example, a storage area, and the second area 64 is, for example, a shipping berth.

[0015] The transported goods management device 10 is used together with the imaging device 20, the wireless relay device 30, and the transport device 50. The transport device 50 is, for example, a forklift, and transports a plurality of transported goods 40 from a first area 62 to a second area 64 in sequence. The imaging device 20 includes the first area 62 and the second area 64 in its imaging range, and repeatedly generates images. The frame rate at this time is, for example, 1 frame / second or more, but is not limited to this value. The wireless relay device 30 includes the first area 62 and the second area 64 in its communication range. In order to achieve this, for example, the imaging device 20 and the wireless relay device 30 are arranged above the first area 62 and the second area 64. At least one of the imaging device 20 and the wireless relay device 30 may be provided in multiple units as necessary.

[0016] The transported goods management device 10 then performs a process to make it easier for an operator of the transporting device 50 (e.g., a forklift driver) to recognize the next transported goods 40 (hereinafter, referred to as the target transported goods). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a wireless communication device 410 and a light emitting device 420 are attached to the transported goods 40. The transported goods management device 10 transmits a signal for causing the light emitting device 420 to emit light (hereinafter, referred to as the light emitting signal) to the wireless communication device 410 of the target transported goods via the wireless relay device 30. Upon receiving the light emitting signal, the wireless communication device 410 causes the light emitting device 420 to emit light. This allows the operator of the transporting device 50 to easily recognize the target transported goods.

[0017] At this time, the transported goods management device 10 may use the relative position between the transport device 50 and the transported object as necessary to determine whether or not to transmit the light emitting signal to the wireless communication device 410. In this case, the transported goods management device 10 specifies the relative position between the transport device 50 and the transported object by using the result of processing the image generated by the imaging device 20.

[0018] A marker 430 is attached to the transported object 40, and a marker 510 is attached to the transport device 50. The image generated by the imaging device 20 includes the markers 430 and 510. The transported object management device 10 processes the image generated by the imaging device 20 to calculate the position of the transported object 40 and the position of the transport device 50.

[0019] In the example shown in the figure, the marker 430 is attached to the upper surface of the transported object 40, and the marker 510 is attached to the upper surface of the transport device 50. However, the positions of the markers 430 and 510 are not limited to the above example as long as they are positions that can be easily imaged by the imaging device 20.

[0020] The transport device 50 is also provided with a display device 520. The display device 520 is provided to allow the operator of the transport device 50 to recognize predetermined information. An example of the information displayed on the display device 520 is information indicating the position of the target transported object. The display device 520 receives the information to be displayed from the transported object management device 10 via the wireless relay device 30. The display device 520 may be incorporated in the transport device 50, or may be removable from the transport device 50. In the latter case, an example of the display device 520 is a portable communication terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0021] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a marker 430. As shown in this figure, the marker 430 has a position measurement marker 432 and an identification marker 434. The position measurement marker 432 and the identification marker 434 are printed on, for example, a sheet-like base material (for example, paper).

[0022] The positioning marker 432 has a predetermined pattern. When this pattern is photographed, the pattern in the image is distorted differently depending on the photographing angle. Therefore, the transported goods management device 10 can calculate the position of the marker 430 (i.e., the position of the transported goods 40) based on the imaging device 20 by recognizing the distortion and size of the pattern in the image. Note that, since the imaging device 20 is fixed, the position of the transported goods 40 calculated here substantially indicates the position of the transported goods 40 in real space.

[0023] The identification marker 434 is, for example, a code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and this code includes identification information of the conveyance item 40 to which the marker 430 is to be attached (hereinafter, referred to as conveyance item identification information).

[0024] Further, the marker 430 is provided with a wireless communication device 410 and a light emitting device 420. As described above, the wireless communication device 410 is, for example, a wireless communication tag, and communicates with the transported goods management device 10 via the wireless relay device 30. The wireless communication device 410 controls the light emitting state of the light emitting device 420 according to a signal transmitted from the transported goods management device 10. The wireless communication device 410 and the light emitting device 420 may be integrated. This integrated object is fixed to the base material of the marker 430. The wireless communication device 410 is provided with a code 411. The code 411 is, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and includes identification information of the wireless communication device 410 (hereinafter, referred to as communication device identification information).

[0025] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a marker 510. As shown in this figure, the marker 510 has a positioning marker 512 and an identification marker 514. The positioning marker 512 is similar to the positioning marker 432 of the marker 430. The identification marker 514 is a code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. This code includes identification information (hereinafter referred to as device identification information) of the transport device 50 to which the marker 510 is to be attached.

[0026] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the transported item management device 10. The transported item management device 10 includes a reading unit 130 and a transmitting unit 140.

[0027] The reading unit 130 can use the information stored in the memory unit 150. The memory unit 150 stores at least the communication device identification information of the wireless communication device 410 attached to each transported item 40 for each transported item 40. When the reading unit 130 acquires information that identifies the transported item (hereinafter, referred to as target identification information), it reads out the communication device identification information corresponding to this target identification information from the memory unit 150. In the example shown in this figure, the memory unit 150 is a part of the transported item management device 10. However, the memory unit 150 may be located outside the transported item management device 10.

[0028] The transmitting unit 140 transmits a light emitting signal to the wireless communication device 410 indicated by the communication device identification information read by the reading unit 130. For example, the transmitting unit 140 transmits the light emitting signal together with the communication device identification information. When the light emitting signal is transmitted together with the communication device identification information of the wireless communication device 410, the wireless communication device 410 causes the light emitting device 420 to emit light.

[0029] In the example shown in the figure, the transported object management device 10 further includes a relative position acquisition unit 120. The relative position acquisition unit 120 acquires information indicating the relative position between the transport object and the transport device 50 (hereinafter, referred to as relative position information). Then, the transmission unit 140 transmits a light emission signal as necessary when the relative position information satisfies a first criterion. The first criterion is, for example, that the relative distance is equal to or less than a reference value.

[0030] In this case, the transmitting unit 140 may perform processing for changing the light emission pattern of the light emitting device 420 according to the relative position indicated by the relative position information. For example, the transmitting unit 140 may include a signal indicating the light emission pattern in the light emission signal. The transmitting unit 140 may also include the relative position information in the light emission signal. In this case, the wireless communication device 410 determines the light emission pattern of the light emitting device 420 according to the relative position indicated by the relative position information.

[0031] In this embodiment, the relative position information is generated using a result of processing the image generated by the imaging device 20. In detail, the transported goods management device 10 has an image acquisition unit 110. The image acquisition unit 110 acquires the image generated by the imaging device 20. This image includes a marker 510 (an example of a first identification code) of the transporting device 50. The relative position acquisition unit 120 processes the marker 510 in the image to generate information indicating the position of the transporting device 50 (hereinafter, referred to as first position information). The relative position acquisition unit 120 generates the relative position information using this first position information and information indicating the position of the target transported goods (hereinafter, referred to as second position information).

[0032] Here, the second position information may be stored in advance in the storage unit 150. Furthermore, if the image used when generating the first position information includes the marker 430 (an example of the second identification code) of the transported object 40, the relative position acquisition unit 120 may generate the second position information by processing the marker 430 in this image.

[0033] Furthermore, the relative position acquisition unit 120 may identify the orientation of the transport device 50 by processing the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 110. In this case, the transmission unit 140 may transmit a light emission signal to the wireless communication device 410 when the relative position information satisfies a first criterion and the orientation (e.g., the traveling direction) of the transport device 50 satisfies a second criterion. Here, the second criterion is, for example, that the transported object 40 is estimated to be within the field of view of the operator of the transport device 50. For example, the orientation of the transport device 50 is set as a center line, and a ±reference angle (e.g., 30°) of the center line is defined as the predetermined range. An example of the second criterion is that the target transported object is located within this predetermined range.

[0034] Furthermore, the relative position acquisition unit 120 may process the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 110 to generate information (hereinafter referred to as third position information) indicating the position of the target transport object after it has been transported to the second area 64, and may associate this information with the target transport object and store it in the storage unit 150. The method of generating the third position information is similar to the method of generating the second position information.

[0035] 7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 150. In the example shown in this figure, the storage unit 150 stores, for each transported item 40, transported item identification information, information identifying an item (e.g., a product) included in the transported item 40 (hereinafter referred to as item identification information), communication device identification information, second location information, and third location information.

[0036] Here, the second position information is generated by processing the image generated by the imaging device 20 when the transported object 40 is received in the first area 62. Therefore, the storage unit 150 stores the second position information at the timing when the transported object 40 is transported to the second area 64. In other words, the storage unit 150 stores the second position information for each of the multiple transported objects 40. Then, the transmission unit 140 uses this second position information when generating the relative position information.

[0037] Furthermore, the goods identification information, the item identification information, and the communication device identification information are stored in the memory unit 150, for example, when the goods 40 are received in the first area 62. As an example, when the goods 40 are received in the first area 62, the worker attaches a marker 430 to the goods 40, reads the code 411 and the identification marker 434 of the marker 430 using a code reader, and stores them in the memory unit 150. Also, a code (for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code) indicating the item identification information is attached to the goods 40. Then, when the goods 40 are received in the first area 62, the worker reads the code using a code reader and stores it in the memory unit 150.

[0038] In addition, when the item is a commodity, an example of the item identification information is a JAN code. Furthermore, in the conveyed item 40 before being conveyed to the second area 64, the third position information is not stored.

[0039] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the wireless communication device 410. The wireless communication device 410 has an antenna 412 and a control unit 414. The antenna 412 receives a light emission signal transmitted from the wireless relay device 30. The control unit 414 controls the light emitting device 420 in accordance with the light emission signal. The control unit 414 stores a program for performing this control.

[0040] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the transported item management device 10. The transported item management device 10 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0041] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0042] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0043] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0044] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the transported goods management device 10 (e.g., the image acquisition unit 110, the relative position acquisition unit 120, the reading unit 130, and the transmission unit 140). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules onto the memory 1030 and executes them to realize each function corresponding to the program module. The storage device 1040 also functions as a memory unit 150.

[0045] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the transported item management device 10 to various input / output devices.

[0046] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the transported goods management device 10 to a network. This network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The network interface 1060 may connect to the network by wireless connection or by wired connection. The transported goods management device 10 may communicate with the imaging device 20 and the wireless relay device 30 via the network interface 1060.

[0047] 10 is a flow chart showing a first example of a process performed by the transported goods management device 10. This diagram shows a process for making the light emitting device 420 of the transported goods 40 emit light.

[0048] In the example shown in the figure, the order of transport of the transported goods 40 is determined in advance. The storage unit 150 of the transported goods management device 10 stores information indicating this transport order (hereinafter referred to as transport order information). The transport order information is, for example, transported goods identification information arranged in the order of transport. The transported goods management device 10 performs the process shown in the figure every time the transport of a certain target transported goods is completed. The determination of whether the transport of the target transported goods is completed is made, for example, by the relative position acquisition unit 120 processing an image generated by the imaging device 20.

[0049] When the transportation of a certain target transport object is completed, the reading unit 130 of the transport object management device 10 acquires the transport object identification information (an example of the above-mentioned target specific information) of the next transport object (step S100). Next, the reading unit 130 reads the communication device identification information corresponding to the transport object identification information from the storage unit 150 (step S110). Then, the transmitting unit 140 transmits the communication device identification information and the light emission signal via the wireless relay device 30 (step S120).

[0050] When the wireless communication device 410 of the transported item 40 receives communication device identification information of the wireless communication device 410 from the wireless relay device 30, the wireless communication device 410 causes the light emitting device 420 to emit light in accordance with the light emitting signal transmitted together with the communication device identification information.

[0051] When multiple conveying devices 50 are operating in parallel, the conveying order information is stored for each of the multiple conveying devices 50. The conveyed goods management device 10 performs the process shown in Fig. 10 for each of the multiple conveying devices 50. This also applies to the second example and its modified example described later.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing a second example of the process performed by the transported goods management device 10. The example shown in this figure is similar to the first example shown in Fig. 10, except for the following points. First, the imaging device 20 repeatedly generates images and immediately transmits the generated images to the transported goods management device 10. Then, when the relative position information satisfies a first criterion, that is, when the relative position between the target transported goods and the transport device 50 satisfies the first criterion, the transported goods management device 10 transmits an emission signal. The second example will be described in detail below.

[0053] When the transportation of a certain target object is completed, the reading unit 130 of the transported object management device 10 acquires the transported object identification information (an example of the above-mentioned target identification information) of the next object to be transported (step S200). The process performed here is the same as step S100 in FIG.

[0054] Next, the reader 130 reads out the communication device identification information corresponding to the transported object identification information and the second position information, i.e., the position of the transported object, from the storage unit 150 (step S210). Then, the transmitter 140 repeats the processes shown in steps S220 to S240 until the relative position information satisfies the first criterion.

[0055] First, the image acquisition unit 110 acquires an image generated by the imaging device 20 (step S220). Next, the relative position acquisition unit 120 processes this image to generate first position information, i.e., information indicating the current position of the transport device 50 (step S230). Next, the relative position acquisition unit 120 generates relative position information using this first position information and the second position information read out in step S210. Then, if the relative position information does not satisfy the first criterion (step S240: No), the transmission unit 140 returns to step S220.

[0056] Furthermore, if the relative position information satisfies the first criterion (step S240: Yes), the transmitter 140 transmits the communication device identification information read out in step S210 together with the light emitting signal via the wireless relay device 30 (step S250).

[0057] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of Fig. 11. The example shown in this figure is similar to the example shown in Fig. 11, except that the orientation of the transport device 50 is further used as a condition for transmitting a light emission signal.

[0058] In detail, the processes shown in steps S200 to S230 are as described with reference to Fig. 11. After generating the first position information (step S230), the relative position acquisition unit 120 processes the image acquired in step S220 to identify the orientation of the transport device 50 (step S242). Then, the transmission unit 140 calculates the relative position information. Then, if the relative position information does not satisfy the first criterion or the orientation of the transport device 50 does not satisfy the second criterion (step S244: No), the process returns to step S220.

[0059] Furthermore, if the relative position information satisfies the first criterion and the orientation of the conveying device 50 satisfies the second criterion (step S244: Yes), the transmitter 140 transmits the communication device identification information read in step S210 together with the light emitting signal via the wireless relay device 30 (step S250).

[0060] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of Fig. 11. The example shown in this figure is similar to the example shown in Fig. 11, except that the light emission pattern of the light emitting device 420 changes depending on the relative position (i.e., relative position information) between the target transport object and the transport device 50.

[0061] In detail, the processes shown in steps S200 to S240 are as described with reference to Fig. 11. Then, if the relative position information satisfies the first criterion (step S240: Yes), the transmission unit 140 uses the relative position information to identify the light emission pattern of the light emitting device 420 (step S246). For example, the transmission unit 140 may blink the light emitting device 420 and increase the blinking speed as the transport device 50 approaches the target transport object.

[0062] The transmitter 140 includes a signal indicating the determined light emission pattern in the light emission signal. The transmitter 140 then transmits the communication device identification information read in step S210 together with the light emission signal via the wireless relay device 30 (step S250). Then, the process returns to step S220.

[0063] When the wireless communication device 410 of the transported item 40 receives communication device identification information of the wireless communication device 410 from the wireless relay device 30, the wireless communication device 410 causes the light emitting device 420 to emit light in accordance with the light emitting pattern indicated by the light emitting signal transmitted together with the communication device identification information.

[0064] The transported object management device 10 repeats the process shown in this figure until the relative distance between the transport device 50 and the transported object becomes equal to or less than the reference value.

[0065] 6, the transmitter 140 may include relative position information in the light emission signal. In this case, the wireless communication device 410 determines the light emission pattern of the light emitting device 420 according to the relative position indicated by the relative position information.

[0066] 14 is a flowchart showing a third example of the process performed by the transported goods management device 10. In the process shown in this figure, the transported goods management device 10 displays information on the display device 520 of the transporting device 50 for allowing the operator of the transporting device 50 to recognize the position of the target transported goods. This information is generated using the relative position information.

[0067] The process shown in this figure is performed after step S230 shown in Figs. 11 to 13. After the first position information indicating the position of the transport device 50 is generated (step S230), the transmission unit 140 generates relative position information. As described above, the relative position information indicates the relative position between the transport device 50 and the transport object. Then, the transmission unit 140 generates display information for indicating the position of the transport object when the current position of the transport device 50 is used as a reference (step S260), and transmits this display information to the display device 520 of the transport device 50 (step S270). The display device 520 displays the received display information.

[0068] 15 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed by the display device 520. In the example shown in this figure, the direction in which the target transport object exists is shown based on the transport device 50. However, the information displayed by the display device 520 is not limited to the example shown in this figure.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, the operator operating the transport device can efficiently recognize the next transported object. Also, according to the process shown in Fig. 11, the transported object management device 10 sets the condition for illuminating the light emitting device 420 as the relative position between the transport device 50 and the target transported object satisfying the first criterion (for example, approaching to a certain degree). In this case, the operator of the transport device 50 can easily recognize the next transported object.

[0070] In this embodiment, the transported object 40 may be provided with an audio output device instead of the light emitting device 420 or in addition to the light emitting device 420 .

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0072] In addition, in the flowcharts used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

[0073] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A transport item management device for managing a plurality of transport items, The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The transported goods management device includes: A storage means is available for storing, for each of the plurality of transported goods, communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to the transported goods; a readout means for reading out the communication means identification information corresponding to the target item identification information from the storage means when the target item identification information is acquired, the communication means identification information corresponding to the target item identification information being the item to be transported by the transport means; a transmitting means for transmitting a light emission signal for making the light emitting means emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read by the reading means; A transported goods management device comprising: 2. In the transported goods management device described in 1 above, a relative position acquisition unit that acquires relative position information indicating a relative position between the transport unit and the target transport object, The transmitting means transmits the light emitting signal when the relative position information satisfies a first criterion. 3. In the transported goods management device according to the above item 2, The transmission means performs processing to change the light emission pattern of the light emitting means in accordance with the relative position indicated by the relative position information. 4. In the transported goods management device according to the above 2 or 3, The relative position acquisition means acquiring an image including the conveying means, and generating first position information indicating a position of the conveying means using a processing result of the image; The transported item management device generates the relative position information using the first position information. 5. In the transported goods management device according to the above item 4, The relative position acquisition means processes the image to identify the orientation of the conveying means, The transmitting means transmits the light emitting signal when the relative position information satisfies the first criterion and the orientation of the transport means satisfies a second criterion. 6. In the transported goods management device according to the above 4 or 5, the storage means stores, for each of the plurality of transported objects, second position information indicating a position of the transported object; The relative position acquisition means generates the relative position information by using the second position information. 7. In the transported goods management device according to the above item 6, The relative position acquisition means processes the image to generate third position information indicating the position of the target transported item after transport, and links the third position information to the target transported item and stores it in the memory means. 8. In the transported goods management device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, A first identification code for identifying the conveying means is attached to the conveying means, The relative position acquisition means processes the first identification code in the image to generate the first position information. 9. In the transported goods management device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, A second identification code for identifying each of the plurality of conveyed goods is attached to the conveyed goods, The relative position acquisition means generates second position information indicating the position of the transported item by using the position of the second identification code in the image. 10. In the transported goods management device according to any one of 2 to 9 above, the transport means being operated by a driver and having a display means; The transmission means uses the relative position information to generate display information to be displayed on the display means, and transmits the display information to the display means. 11. A method for managing a plurality of transported items using a computer, comprising the steps of: The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The computer includes: A storage means is available for storing, for each of the plurality of transported goods, communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to the transported goods; Next, when target identification information for identifying a target object to be transported by the transport means is acquired, a read process is performed to read the communication means identification information corresponding to the target identification information from the storage means; a transmission process of transmitting a light emission signal for causing the light emitting means to emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read in the reading process; A method for managing transported goods. 12. In the transport item management method according to the above 11, The computer includes: performing a relative position acquisition process for acquiring relative position information indicating a relative position between the transport means and the target transport object; In the transmission process, when the relative position information satisfies a first criterion, the light emitting signal is transmitted. 13. In the transport item management method according to 12 above, The computer performs processing for changing a light emission pattern of the light-emitting means in accordance with the relative position indicated by the relative position information in the transmission processing. 14. In the transport management method according to 12 or 13 above, In the relative position acquisition process, the computer acquiring an image including the conveying means, and generating first position information indicating a position of the conveying means using a processing result of the image; generating the relative position information using the first position information. 15. In the transport management method according to claim 14, The computer includes: In the relative position acquisition process, the image is processed to identify the orientation of the conveying means; The method for managing transported goods, wherein, in the transmission process, when the relative position information satisfies the first criterion and an orientation of the transport means satisfies a second criterion, the light emitting signal is transmitted. 16. In the transport item management method according to 14 or 15 above, the storage means stores, for each of the plurality of transported objects, second position information indicating a position of the transported object; The computer generates the relative position information by using the second position information in the relative position acquisition process. 17. In the transport item management method according to claim 16, The computer processes the image in the relative position acquisition process to generate third position information indicating the position of the target transported item after transport, and links the third position information to the target transported item and stores it in the memory means. 18. In the transport item management method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, A first identification code for identifying the conveying means is attached to the conveying means, The computer generates the first position information by processing the first identification code in the image in the relative position acquisition process. 19. In the transport item management method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, A second identification code for identifying each of the plurality of conveyed goods is attached to the conveyed goods, The computer generates second position information indicating a position of the transported item by using a position of the second identification code in the image in the relative position acquisition process. 20. In the transport item management method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, the transport means being operated by a driver and having a display means; In the transmission process, the computer generates display information to be displayed on the display means using the relative position information, and transmits the display information to the display means. 21. A program for enabling a computer to manage a plurality of items to be transported, comprising: The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The computer can use a storage means for storing communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to each of the plurality of transported goods, The computer includes: a read function for reading, from the storage means, the communication means identification information corresponding to the target specified information when target specified information for identifying the target object to be transported by the transport means is acquired; a transmission function of transmitting a light emission signal for causing the light emitting means to emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read by the reading function; A program that performs the following. 22. In the program according to 21 above, the computer is provided with a relative position acquisition function for acquiring relative position information indicating a relative position between the transport means and the target transported object; The transmission function transmits the light emission signal when the relative position information satisfies a first criterion. 23. In the program according to 22 above, The transmission function is a program that performs processing to change the light emission pattern of the light-emitting means according to the relative position indicated by the relative position information. 24. In the program according to 22 or 23 above, The relative position acquisition function is acquiring an image including the conveying means, and generating first position information indicating a position of the conveying means using a processing result of the image; A program that generates the relative position information using the first position information. 25. In the program according to 24 above, The relative position acquisition function processes the image to identify the orientation of the conveying means, The transmission function transmits the light emitting signal when the relative position information satisfies the first criterion and the orientation of the conveying means satisfies a second criterion. 26. In the program according to 24 or 25 above, the storage means stores, for each of the plurality of transported objects, second position information indicating a position of the transported object; The relative position acquisition function generates the relative position information by using the second position information. 27. In the program according to 26 above, The relative position acquisition function is a program that processes the image to generate third position information indicating the position of the target transported item after transport, and associates the third position information with the target transported item and stores it in the memory means. 28. In the program according to any one of the above 24 to 27, A first identification code for identifying the conveying means is attached to the conveying means, A program in which the relative position acquisition function generates the first position information by processing the first identification code in the image. 29. In the program according to any one of the above 24 to 28, A second identification code for identifying each of the plurality of conveyed goods is attached to the conveyed goods, The relative position acquisition function generates second position information indicating the position of the transported item using the position of the second identification code in the image. 30. In the program according to any one of the above 22 to 29, the conveyance means being operated by a driver and having a display means; The transmission function is a program that uses the relative position information to generate display information to be displayed on the display means and transmits the display information to the display means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10. Transport management device 20 Imaging device 30 Radio repeater 40 Transported goods 50 Transport device 62 1st area 64 Second area 110 Image acquisition unit 120 Relative position acquisition unit 130 Reading section 140 Transmitter 150 Storage section 410 Wireless communication equipment 411 Code 412 Antenna 414 Control Unit 420 Light emitting device 430 Marker 432 Positioning Marker 434 Identification Marker 510 Marker 512 Positioning Marker 514 Identification Marker 520 Display device

Claims

1. A transported goods management device for managing a plurality of transported goods, The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The transported goods management device includes: A storage means is available for storing, for each of the plurality of transported goods, communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to the transported goods; a readout means for reading out the communication means identification information corresponding to the target item identification information from the storage means when the target item identification information is acquired, the communication means identification information corresponding to the target item identification information being the item to be transported by the transport means; a transmitting means for transmitting a light emission signal for making the light emitting means emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read by the reading means; a relative position acquisition unit that acquires relative position information indicating a relative position between the transport unit and the target transport object, the transmitting means determines whether the relative position information satisfies a first criterion, and transmits the light emitting signal when it is determined that the relative position information satisfies the first criterion; the transmitting means performs a process for changing a light emission pattern of the light emitting means in accordance with the relative position indicated by the relative position information; The process for changing the light emission pattern includes changing a blinking rate of the light emission.

2. In the transported goods management device according to claim 1, The relative position acquisition means acquiring an image including the conveying means, and generating first position information indicating a position of the conveying means using a processing result of the image; The transported goods management device generates the relative position information using the first position information.

3. In the transport management device according to claim 2, The relative position acquisition means processes the image to identify the orientation of the conveying means, The transmitting means transmits the light emitting signal when the relative position information satisfies the first criterion and the orientation of the transport means satisfies a second criterion.

4. In the transported goods management device according to claim 2 or 3, the storage means stores, for each of the plurality of transported objects, second position information indicating a position of the transported object; The relative position acquisition means generates the relative position information by using the second position information.

5. In the transported goods management device according to claim 4, The relative position acquisition means processes the image to generate third position information indicating the position of the target transported item after transport, and links the third position information to the target transported item and stores it in the memory means.

6. In the transported goods management device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, A first identification code for identifying the conveying means is attached to the conveying means, The relative position acquisition means processes the first identification code in the image to generate the first position information.

7. A method for managing a plurality of transported items using a computer, comprising the steps of: The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The computer includes: A storage means is available for storing, for each of the plurality of transported goods, communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to the transported goods; Next, when target identification information for identifying a target object to be transported by the transport means is acquired, a read process is performed to read the communication means identification information corresponding to the target identification information from the storage means; a transmission process of transmitting a light emission signal for causing the light emitting means to emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read in the reading process; Do the following: Acquire relative position information indicating a relative position between the transport means and the target transport object; the transmission process includes determining whether the relative position information satisfies a first criterion, and transmitting the light emission signal when it is determined that the relative position information satisfies the first criterion; performing a process for changing a light emission pattern of the light-emitting means in accordance with the relative position indicated by the relative position information in the transmission process; The transported goods management method, wherein the process for changing the light emission pattern includes changing a blinking rate of the light.

8. A program for enabling a computer to manage a plurality of items to be transported, The plurality of transported objects are provided with a wireless communication means, a light emitting means, and a control means for controlling the light emitting means, The computer can use a storage means for storing communication means identification information for identifying the wireless communication means attached to each of the plurality of transported goods, The computer includes: a read function for reading, from the storage means, the communication means identification information corresponding to the target specified information when target specified information for identifying the target object to be transported by the transport means is acquired; a transmission function of transmitting a light emission signal for causing the light emitting means to emit light to the wireless communication means indicated by the communication means identification information read by the reading function; a relative position acquisition function for acquiring relative position information indicating a relative position between the transport means and the target transported object; the transmitting function determines whether the relative position information satisfies a first criterion, and transmits the light emission signal when it is determined that the relative position information satisfies the first criterion; the transmission function performs processing for changing a light emission pattern of the light-emitting means in accordance with the relative position indicated by the relative position information; The process for changing the light emission pattern includes changing a blinking rate of the light.

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