containment unit

Abstract

To provide an article managing system allowed to manage a plurality of articles more positively.SOLUTION: An article managing system 1 comprises an identification medium 501 that has article-identifying information to identify respective ones of a plurality of articles 500, a pallet 20 that receives or places therein the plurality of articles 500 and brings the plurality of articles 500 collectively in a movable state, an optically-readable case-identifying marker 100 that records first case-identifying information to identify the pallet 20 and is attached on the pallet 20, a case-identifying non-contact communication tag 200 that records second case-identifying information to identify the pallet 20 and is attached on the pallet 20, and a storage unit 10 that acquires the article-identifying information of the article 500 received or placed in the pallet 20 and stores it with the first case-identifying information and the second case-identifying information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management system that can be used for article distribution management, inventory management, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. have been widely used for managing goods. These optical codes are inexpensive, but have the problem that they cannot be used unless the code is visible. In recent years, RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​technology has also been used to manage goods. RFID technology is superior to optical codes in that it can be used even when the goods to which the RF tags are attached are inside a box or other container and cannot be seen. However, RFID technology has had issues such as radio wave interference caused by multiple overlapping RFID tags and poor communication due to the presence of metal or water. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that combines two-dimensional codes and RFID technology.

[0003] However, in the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a single label combines two-dimensional codes and RFID technology, which requires that a label combining two-dimensional codes and RFID technology be affixed to every item, resulting in significant waste. Furthermore, RFID tags are often difficult to read due to radio wave interference, and when items are stored together in a box or similar, it is necessary to remove items that cannot be read. Furthermore, when items are stored in a box or stacked on a pallet, the task of removing items to read their information is cumbersome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-319199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an article management system that can more reliably manage a plurality of articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by the following means: For ease of understanding, the following description will be given with reference to the corresponding embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0007] The first invention is an item management system (1) comprising: an identification medium (501) having item identification information capable of identifying each of a plurality of items (500); a container (20) in which the plurality of items (500) are stored or placed, allowing the plurality of items (500) to be moved together; an optically readable container identification marker (100) attached to the container (20) that records first container identification information capable of identifying the container (20); a container identification contactless communication tag (200) attached to the container (20) that stores second container identification information capable of identifying the container (20); and a memory unit (10) that acquires the item identification information of the items (500) stored or placed in the container (20) and stores it in association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information.

[0008] The second invention is an item management system (1) according to the first invention, characterized in that the first container identification information and the second container identification information are the same information.

[0009] The third invention is an item management system (1) according to the first invention or the first invention, characterized in that the memory unit (10) updates the memory contents each time there is a change in the item (500) stored or placed in the container (20).

[0010] A fourth invention is an article management system (1) according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the container identification marker (100) has, in addition to an area for displaying the first container identification information, a position display area (102, 103, 104) capable of detecting the relative tilt positional relationship between the container identification marker (100) and an observation position; This is an item management system (1) characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an item management system that can more reliably manage a plurality of items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a pallet 20 and an item 500 included in an embodiment of an item management system 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a container identification marker 100. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container identification marker 100 taken along the arrow AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the container identification marker 100 as viewed obliquely. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an article management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of items 500 are placed on a pallet 20. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state of the product after delivery or storage from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an item 500-6 has been added onto the pallet 20 from the state in FIG. 7. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pallet 20 and an item 500 included in an embodiment of an item management system 1 according to the present invention. Note that the figures shown below, including Figure 1, are schematic diagrams, and the size and shape of each part are exaggerated or omitted as appropriate to make them easier to understand. In the following description, specific numerical values, shapes, materials, etc. are given, but these can be changed as appropriate. In this specification, the terms plate, sheet, film, etc. are used, but in general, these are used in order of thickness, that is, plate, sheet, film, and so on, and this specification follows suit. However, since there is no technical significance in this distinction, these terms can be used interchangeably as appropriate. In the present invention, "transparent" refers to a material that transmits at least light of the wavelength to be used. For example, even if a material does not transmit visible light, if it transmits infrared light, it will be treated as transparent when used in infrared applications. The specific numerical values ​​specified in the specification and claims should be treated as including a general margin of error. In other words, a difference of about ±10% is not substantially different, and values ​​set within a range slightly exceeding the numerical range of the present invention should be interpreted as being substantially within the scope of the present invention.

[0015] In this embodiment, an article management system that manages articles 500 when a plurality of articles 500 are placed on a pallet 20 for distribution will be described as an example. The article 500 may be, for example, a cardboard box in which a product is packed, a package box for delivery, or the product itself. In addition, the shape of the article 500 may be any shape as long as it can be placed on the pallet 20. An identification medium 501 is attached to the article 500.

[0016] The identification medium 501 is a medium having item identification information capable of identifying each of a plurality of items. Here, the item identification information refers to a unique number, symbol, code, etc. assigned to each item. Examples of the identification medium 501 include a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and a non-contact communication tag. A barcode or a two-dimensional code can provide item identification information by coded display, and a non-contact communication tag can provide item identification information stored in a memory area built into an RF tag. In the article management system of this embodiment, the identification medium 501 may be a mixture of barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and non-contact communication tags, or may be configured to handle only one of them.

[0017] The pallet (container) 20 is a pallet that can be transported by an automated forklift 300, which will be described later, but can also be transported by a normal forklift without using the automated forklift 300. The pallet 20 may be made of resin or wood, but it is preferable to avoid metal pallets if possible in order to avoid RFID radio wave interference. However, this does not exclude the use of metal pallets, as they can be optically identified by the container identification marker 100, which will be described later. The pallet 20 is placed with a plurality of articles 500 and allows the plurality of articles 500 to be moved together. A container identification marker 100 and a container identification contactless communication tag 200 are attached to the pallet 20.

[0018] The container identification markers 100 of this embodiment are affixed to all four side surfaces of the pallet 20. Although it is sufficient that at least one container identification marker 100 is provided on the pallet 20, it is more convenient to provide them on all four side surfaces.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the container identification marker 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the container identification marker 100 is configured in the shape of a substantially square plate when viewed from the normal direction of the surface on which the protective layer 170 (described later) is provided, and includes a mark 102, moiré display areas 103 and 104, and a two-dimensional code 105. The mark 102, moiré display areas 103 and 104, and two-dimensional code 105 provided on the container identification marker 100 are all optically readable displays.

[0020] In this embodiment, the container identification marker 100 is formed into a square shape measuring 80 mm x 80 mm when viewed from the front side. The container identification marker 100 detects (hereinafter simply referred to as position detection) the relative positional relationship (tilt angle) between the shooting position and the container identification marker 100 depending on how the mark 102 is observed. Furthermore, more accurate position detection is possible depending on how the moire displayed in the moire display areas 103 and 104 is observed. Therefore, the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104 are position display areas that can detect (display) the relative tilt positional relationship between the container identification marker 100 and the observation position. Note that the surface of the container identification marker 100 shown in FIG. 2 is the front side (front surface) that is observed, and the opposite side is the back side (rear surface). In FIG. 3 described below, the side on which the protective layer 170 is provided is the front side (front surface) that is observed.

[0021] The marks 102 are arranged at intervals in total, three marks, two near the two upper corners and one near the center of the left and right sides of the lower side in Fig. 2. The marks 102 are configured so that they can be observed as marks with independent shapes. Note that marks with independent shapes refer to marks that are not connected to each other and can be recognized individually. It is desirable to arrange at least three marks 102. This is because, for example, by calculating three center of gravity positions of the marks 102 from the observation results of the marks 102, it is possible to accurately detect the relative position and inclination between the observation position (camera, etc.) and the container identification marker 100. Furthermore, if the number of marks 102 is more than three, for example, when some of the marks 102 are not clearly observed due to some obstacle, it is possible to detect the positions from the observation results of the remaining marks 102. Furthermore, by using multiple marks 102, it is possible to improve the accuracy of position detection. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark 102 is configured to have a circular shape, but it is not limited to a circular shape and may be a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a rectangle, or may be another shape.

[0022] The moiré display areas 103 and 104 display a moiré M. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the moiré M is displayed in the center of each of the moiré display areas 103 and 104. The position at which this moiré M is displayed moves when the relative position (angle) between the container identification marker 100 and the observation position changes. In this embodiment, the moiré display areas 103 and 104 each have a length of 40 mm in the longitudinal direction, and the position at which the moiré M is displayed moves along this longitudinal direction. The moiré display areas 103 and 104 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are perpendicular to each other. The display areas 3 and 4 have similar configurations except for their orientations, so the following explanation will focus on the display area 3.

[0023] The two-dimensional code 105 stores first container identification information that can identify the container, pallet 20. This first container identification information is information that can identify an individual pallet 20 that is used in large numbers in a warehouse, for example. As a simple example, if 100 pallets are used, and each pallet is assigned a number from 1 to 100, the pallet number can be used as the first container identification information. In this embodiment, the container identification marker 100 has been exemplified as having the first container identification information recorded in the two-dimensional code 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first container identification information may be recorded in a barcode, for example. The first container identification information is preferably recorded in such a manner that the information is encoded and recorded, and that the information can be optically read by a device and can be restored (decoded).

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container identification marker 100 taken along the arrow AA in FIG. The container identification marker 100 is configured in the shape of a thin plate and includes a base layer 110, a first layer 120, a second layer 130, a third layer 140, a reflective layer 150, an adhesive layer 160, and a protective layer 170. The order in which these layers are stacked from the back side is the reflective layer 150, the third layer 140, the base layer 110, the first layer 120, the second layer 130, the adhesive layer 160, and the protective layer 170.

[0025] The base layer 110 is made of a glass plate. By making the base layer 110 of a glass plate, it is possible to prevent the container identification marker 100 from expanding and contracting due to temperature changes and moisture absorption. The linear expansion coefficient of a glass plate is, for example, 31.7×10 -7 / °C, and dimensional changes due to temperature changes are very small. The linear expansion coefficient of ceramics is, for example, 28 x 10 -7 / °C, and dimensional change due to temperature change is very small, similar to glass. Therefore, ceramics may be used for the base layer. In order to suppress dimensional change due to temperature change, the base layer 110 has a linear expansion coefficient of 35×10 -6 It is desirable that the temperature is not higher than 100°C / °F. The thickness of the base material layer 110 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 2.3 mm or less. If the thickness of the base material layer 110 is less than 0.3 mm, it will break during cutting and additional processing will be impossible, and if it is thicker than 2.3 mm, it will be too heavy to transport. The thickness of the base material layer 110 in this embodiment is 0.7 mm.

[0026] The first layer 120 is formed from a resist material colored black (first color). The resist material constituting the first layer 120 in this embodiment is a resist material that has lost its photosensitivity as a result of being developed into a photosensitive resist material used in a photolithography process. Examples of resist materials used for the first layer 120 (when black) include PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, and mixtures with epoxy. Examples of materials that are colored black include carbon, blackened titanium, and nickel oxide. In this embodiment, the first layer 120 is formed from a resist material, which allows the surface of the first layer 120 to be formed very smoothly, making it desirable as a base for forming the second layer 130 described below. Furthermore, since the first layer 120 is formed from a resist material, the first pattern 123 described below can be produced accurately and easily. The thickness of the first layer 120 (in the case of black) is preferably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. If the thickness of the first layer 120 is 1 μm or less, it cannot be formed uniformly, and if it is thicker than 5 μm, the curing reactivity of the resin with ultraviolet light is insufficient.

[0027] The first layer 120 constitutes the portion of the mark 102 that appears black. The first layer 120 also constitutes a first pattern 123 for displaying a moiré pattern in the moiré display area 103. The first pattern 123 is disposed in an area that will become the moiré display area 103 on one surface (front surface) of the base layer 110. In first pattern 123, first display lines 121 are arranged at equal intervals in a line pattern in a fixed arrangement direction in the longitudinal direction of moiré display area 103. The areas between adjacent first display lines 121 where no first display line 121 is provided are first non-display areas 122, and first display lines 121 and first non-display areas 122 are arranged alternately. First pattern 123 is formed by photolithography.

[0028] The second layer 130 is formed from a resist material colored white (second color). The resist material constituting the second layer 130 in this embodiment is a resist material that has lost its photosensitivity as a result of being developed into a photosensitive resist material used in a photolithography process. Examples of resist materials used for the second layer 130 (when white) include PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, and mixtures with epoxy. Examples of materials that can be colored white include titanium oxide, zirconia, and barium titanate. The second layer 130 has three openings 131 that open positions that will become the marks 102 and make the first layer 120 visible, and also has two openings 132 that open positions that will become the moiré display regions 103 and 104 and make the first layer 120 and the third layer 140 visible. These openings 131 and 132 are formed by photolithography.

[0029] The thickness of the second layer 130 is preferably 3 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the thickness of the second layer 130 is thinner than 3 μm, the underlying first layer 120 will be visible, reducing contrast and the visibility (ease of detection by automatic recognition) of the mark 102. If the thickness of the second layer 130 is thicker than 100 μm, when the mark 102 is observed from an oblique direction, the area where the first layer 120 is hidden by the second layer 130 at the periphery of the opening 131 will increase, resulting in increased distortion of the shape of the observed mark 102.

[0030] The third layer 140 is formed of a resist material colored black (first color). The third layer 140 of this embodiment is made of the same material as the first layer 120, and the preferred film thickness is also the same as that of the first layer 120. Because the third layer 140 is formed of a resist material, the second pattern 143 described below can be formed accurately and easily.

[0031] The third layer 140 is provided with a second pattern 143 for displaying a moiré pattern in the moiré display region 103. The second pattern 143 is disposed opposite the first pattern 123 in an area that will become the moiré display region 103 on the rear surface of the base material layer 110. In this embodiment, the first pattern 123 is provided on one surface of the base material layer 110, and the second pattern 143 is provided on the other surface, but they may be provided on different base materials or the like and then bonded together to form the structure. In second pattern 143, second display lines 141 are arranged at equal intervals in a line pattern in a fixed arrangement direction in the longitudinal direction of moiré display area 103. The areas between adjacent second display lines 141 where no second display line 141 is provided are second non-display areas 142, and second display lines 141 and second non-display areas 142 are arranged alternately. Second pattern 143 is formed by photolithography.

[0032] The reflective layer 150 is a layer that reflects light that reaches the container identification marker 100 from the front side (observation side) through the opening 132 back to the front side. The reflective layer 150 can be made of, for example, PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, or a mixture with epoxy, and is desirably white to enhance the contrast with the first indicator line 121 and the second indicator line 141. Examples of materials that can be colored white include titanium oxide, zirconia, and barium titanate.

[0033] Here, the reflective layer 150 may be configured in such a way that it is laminated in close contact with the container identification marker 100 so as to be integrated with it, as in this embodiment, or it may be configured such that a separate reflective member or the like is disposed on the back surface side of the container identification marker 100. However, the configuration of this embodiment in which the reflective layer 150 is laminated in close contact with the container identification marker 100 so as to be integrated with it is more desirable in that it can make the moire M significantly easier to see.

[0034] The adhesive layer 160 is a layer of adhesive for attaching the protective layer 170 onto the second layer 130. The adhesive layer 160 is made of a transparent adhesive so that the first layer 120 and the second layer 130 can be observed. The adhesive layer 160 can be made of, for example, PMMA, urethane, silicone, or the like. The thickness of the adhesive layer 160 is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. If the thickness of the adhesive layer 160 is less than 0.5 μm, it is difficult to process it uniformly and it cannot absorb the unevenness of the base. Also, if the thickness of the adhesive layer 160 is thicker than 50 μm, it takes time to remove the solvent during thick coating processing and the cost is high.

[0035] The protective layer 170 is a layer that protects the first layer 120 and the second layer 130, and is attached onto the second layer 130 via the adhesive layer 160. The protective layer 170 has a resin base material layer 171 and a surface layer 172.

[0036] The resin base material layer 171 has an adhesive layer 160 laminated on one surface thereof and a surface layer 172 laminated on the other surface thereof. The resin base material layer 171 is made of a transparent resin so that the first layer 120 and the second layer 130 can be observed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the container identification marker 100 will be used under visible light, and the adhesive layer 160 and the resin base material layer 171 are configured to be transparent to white light. Specifically, the adhesive layer 160 and the resin base material layer 171 each preferably have a total light transmittance of 50% or more in a light wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. More preferably, when the adhesive layer 160 and the resin base material layer 171 are measured together, the total light transmittance in a light wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm is preferably 50% or more. The thickness of the resin base material layer 171 is preferably 7 μm or more and 250 μm or less. This is because lamination processing is difficult if the thickness of the resin base material layer 171 is less than 7 μm. On the other hand, if the thickness of the resin base material layer 171 is thicker than 250 μm, the bulk and weight become too large and the cost becomes high. The refractive index of the resin base material layer 171 is preferably 1.45 or more and 1.55 or less.

[0037] Surface layer 172 is a layer that combines anti-reflection and hard coating functions. It is desirable that surface layer 172 have a regular reflectance of 1.5% or less with respect to light with a wavelength of 535 nm in order to prevent a decrease in the visibility of mark 102 and moire display areas 103, 104 due to reflection on the surface of container identification marker 100. Furthermore, the hard coating function of surface layer 172 desirably has a pencil hardness of 1H or more. The surface layer 172 can be made of, for example, sol-gel, siloxane, polysilazane, or the like. Specific methods for anti-reflection include anti-reflection (AR) and anti-glare (AG), but the AR method is preferable for recognizing the mark 2 under conditions where strong light such as sunlight does not specularly reflect. The AG method is preferable for recognizing the mark 2 under conditions where strong light such as sunlight may specularly reflect. The AR method can be produced by known methods such as multilayer thin film interference and moth-eye methods, and the AG method can be produced by known methods such as making the surface of the film uneven, incorporating light-diffusing particles into the film, or coating the surface of the film.

[0038] As explained above, the first non-display area 122 is filled with the adhesive layer 160, but because the adhesive layer 160 and the protective layer 170 are transparent and the base layer 110 is also made of glass and is transparent, the second pattern 143 of the third layer 140 can be seen through the first non-display area 122. Therefore, when the container identification marker 100 is observed from the front side, the first pattern 123 and the second pattern 143 are seen overlapping each other, and the moire pattern M can be observed.

[0039] Furthermore, it is desirable that the total light transmittance be 85% or more as a combined characteristic of the adhesive layer 160 and the protective layer 170. If the total light transmittance is less than 85%, a sufficient amount of light cannot be ensured. Furthermore, as a combined characteristic of the adhesive layer 160 and the light diffusion layer 170, it is desirable that the haze value be 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more. This is because the effect of the present invention begins to decrease when the haze value is lower than 70%, decreases further when it is 40% or less, and decreases significantly when it is 30% or less. On the other hand, it is desirable that the haze value be 95% or less. This is because if the haze value is higher than 95%, the image of the mark observed will become blurred.

[0040] In this embodiment, the width of first non-display region 122 is different from the width of second non-display region 142. Specifically, in this embodiment, the width of first non-display region 122 is 0.64 mm, and the width of second non-display region 142 is 0.1 mm. First non-display region 122 is disposed on the observation side (front side), and the width of first non-display region 122 is wider than the width of second non-display region 142. Therefore, more light reaches second pattern 143 through first pattern 123, and further, most of the light that is reflected and returned to the observation side can reach the observation position through first pattern 123. Therefore, moire M can be observed more brightly.

[0041] Furthermore, the width of the first display lines 121 and the width of the second display lines 141 are different. This makes it possible to observe the moire M more clearly than when the two lines have the same width. Specifically, the width of the first display lines 121 is set to 0.1 mm, and the width of the second display lines is set to 0.4 mm. By making the width of the first display lines 121 narrower than the width of the second display lines in this way, more light passes through the first pattern 123, and the moire M can be observed more brightly.

[0042] Furthermore, the first pitch, which is the pitch at which first display lines 121 are arranged, is set to 0.74 mm, and the second pitch, which is the pitch at which second display lines 141 are arranged, is set to 0.5 mm, so that the two are different. This makes it possible to observe moire M more clearly. Furthermore, because the first pitch is wider than the second pitch, the width of first non-display area 122 is consequently wider than the width of second non-display area 142, and moire M can be observed more brightly.

[0043] Here, an example of how to use the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104 provided on the container identification marker 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the state of the container identification marker 100 viewed from an oblique direction. Fig. 4 shows the state of the container identification marker 100 observed from a horizontal oblique direction in Fig. 2, and illustrates a state of observation without tilting in the up and down directions in Fig. 2. When the container identification marker 100 is observed from an oblique direction tilted from its normal direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the moiré M in the moiré display area 103 is observed to move in the longitudinal direction of the moiré display area 103. Note that when the container identification marker 100 is observed from an oblique direction tilted from its normal direction toward the longitudinal direction of the moiré display area 104, the moiré M in the moiré display area 104 is observed to move in the longitudinal direction of the moiré display area 104. Therefore, by observing both the moiré M in the moiré display area 103 and the moiré M in the moiré display area 104, the relative position (angle of tilt) between the container identification marker 100 and the observation position can be accurately detected. In other words, the container identification marker 100 can be used in combination with an imaging unit and a control unit to form part of an angle sensor.

[0044] Here, when the observation position of the moire M is moved to a position that is significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100, another moire pattern is observed, and moire patterns are observed one after another. Therefore, if the observation position is at a position that is significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100, correct position detection may not be possible. However, the container identification marker 100 of this embodiment includes a mark 102. Position detection using the mark 102 allows position detection even when the observation position is significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100. On the other hand, position detection using the moiré display areas 103 and 104 allows position detection with even higher accuracy than position detection using the mark 102. Therefore, by using both position detection using the mark 102 and position detection using the moiré display areas 103 and 104, the range of application can be expanded compared to when only the moiré display areas 103 and 104 are used. In other words, even when the observation position is significantly deviated from the normal direction of the container identification marker 100, position detection can be performed using the mark 102, and the observation position can be automatically moved according to the detection result. Finally, position detection using the moiré display areas 103 and 104 can be performed at a stage where final, highly accurate position control is required.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 1 , the container identification contactless communication tag 200 is an RF tag that performs contactless communication and is attached to the pallet 20. In this embodiment, the container identification contactless communication tag 200 is disposed in a space formed by partially recessing the center portion of the pallet 20. The container identification contactless communication tag 200 stores second container identification information that can identify the pallet 20, which is the container. This second container identification information is information that can identify individual pallets 20, which are used in large numbers, for example, in a warehouse. As a simple example, if 100 pallets are used, and each pallet is numbered from 1 to 100, the pallet number can be used as the second container identification information. Therefore, this second container identification information can be the first container identification information recorded in the two-dimensional code 105. However, the first container identification information and the second container identification information do not necessarily have to be identical. As long as both contain information that can identify the pallet 20, differences in other information between the two information are acceptable.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the article management system 1 of this embodiment. In addition to the above-mentioned items 500 and pallets 20, the item management system 1 of this embodiment also includes a memory unit 10, an item information acquisition unit 12, a pallet information acquisition unit 13, a control unit 14, and an automatic forklift 300.

[0047] The memory unit 10 acquires, using the item information acquisition unit 12, item identification information from the identification medium 501 of the item 500 placed on the pallet 20. The memory unit 10 also acquires first container identification information from the container identification marker 100 on the pallet 20, and acquires second container identification information from the container identification contactless communication tag 200 on the pallet 20. Note that if the first container identification information and the second container identification information are the same information, the memory unit 10 may be configured to acquire the first container identification information or the second container identification information from either the container identification marker 100 or the container identification contactless communication tag 200. Furthermore, the storage unit 10 stores the item identification information of the items 500 to be placed on the pallet 20 in association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information. Here, if there are multiple items 500 to be placed on the pallet 20, the storage unit 10 stores the item identification information of all the items 500 to be placed on the pallet 20 in association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information.

[0048] The item information acquisition unit 12 is a reading device that reads item identification information from the identification medium 501 of the item 500. The specific form of the item information acquisition unit 12 is an appropriate form depending on the form of the identification medium 501. For example, if the identification medium 501 is only a barcode, the item information acquisition unit 12 may be only a barcode reader. Also, in a mixed environment where the identification medium 501 for each item is sometimes a barcode and sometimes a contactless communication tag, the item information acquisition unit 12 is configured to include a barcode reader and a contactless communication reader. The same applies when the identification medium includes a two-dimensional code.

[0049] The pallet information acquisition unit 13 is a reading device that reads the first container identification information and the second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 and the container identification contactless communication tag 200 of the pallet 20. The pallet information acquisition unit 13 is configured to include an optical sensor such as an imaging unit that reads the container identification marker 100, and a contactless communication reader that communicates with the container identification contactless communication tag 200. Although the item information acquisition unit 12 and the pallet information acquisition unit 13 are shown connected by a line in the figure, this does not indicate a wired connection, and they may also be connected via wireless communication.

[0050] The control unit 14 performs overall control of the storage unit 10 and the automated forklift 300. The control unit is realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute application software.

[0051] The automated forklift 300 operates automatically under the control of the control unit 14. The automated forklift 300 is provided with an image capturing unit 301. The image capturing unit 301 captures the mark 102 and the moire display areas 103 and 104 provided on the container identification marker 100, and accurately detects the relative tilt angle and relative positions of the automated forklift 300 and the container identification marker 100 (pallet 20), and the control unit 14 automatically controls the operation of the automated forklift 300 based on the detection results.

[0052] Next, the flow of product management will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of articles 500 are placed on a pallet 20. As shown in FIG. When placing items 500 on the pallet 20, the memory unit 10 acquires item identification information from the identification medium 501 of each of the items 500 (500-1 to 500-5 in FIG. 6). The memory unit 10 also acquires first and second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 and container identification contactless communication tag 200 on the pallet 20. The memory unit 10 then associates the item identification information of each item placed on the pallet with the first and second container identification information and stores them. Thereafter, the automated forklift 300 is used to deliver or store the items 500 (500-1 to 500-5) along with the pallet.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the product has been delivered or stored after the state shown in FIG. In this state, without having to check each item 500 one by one, it is possible to easily know what items 500 are placed on the pallet 20 by obtaining the first container identification information or the second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 or the container identification contactless communication tag 200 on the pallet 20 using the information stored in the memory unit 10.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which an item 500-6 has been added to the pallet 20 from the state shown in FIG. 7. When the item 500-6 is added, the storage unit 10 acquires item identification information from the identification medium 501 of the added item 500-6 using the item information acquisition unit 12. The storage unit also updates the storage by associating the item identification information of the added item 500-6 with the first container identification information and the second container identification information. Note that while FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which the item 500-6 has been added, even if some of the items 500 are removed, the storage unit acquires the item identification information of the removed item 500, releases the association with the first container identification information and the second container identification information, and updates the storage.

[0055] Therefore, information on the items 500 placed on the pallet 20 is always stored in the latest state in the memory unit 10. Therefore, at any stage, by obtaining the first container identification information or the second container identification information from the container identification marker 100 or the container identification contactless communication tag 200 on the pallet 20, it is possible to easily know what items 500 are placed on the pallet 20 from the information stored in the memory unit 10.

[0056] The pallet 20 is also provided with a container identification marker 100 that can be read optically and a container identification contactless communication tag 200 that can be read by wireless communication. Therefore, even if the container identification marker 100 cannot be directly observed because a large number of pallets are lined up, the second container identification information can be obtained from the container identification contactless communication tag 200 by wireless communication. Conversely, even if communication with the container identification contactless communication tag 200 is difficult because of the presence of metal, water, or the like, the first container identification information can be obtained using the container identification marker 100.

[0057] For example, when pallets are arranged in an orderly fashion on shelves in a warehouse, the container identification markers 100 are clearly visible, and the first container identification information can be acquired as optical information by the pallet information acquisition unit 13 . On the other hand, when multiple pallets are lined up in a horizontal direction, the first container identification information of the pallets placed on the outside can be acquired as optical information by the pallet information acquisition unit 13, but the first container identification information of the pallets placed inside the pallets placed on the outside cannot be acquired as optical information by the pallet information acquisition unit 13. In the above case, the second container identification information can be acquired by the pallet information acquisition unit 13 as information via radio waves.

[0058] On the other hand, when multiple pallets are arranged horizontally and / or vertically (stacked on warehouse shelves), the second container identification information does not allow a forklift to accurately determine the location of the desired pallet. In such a case, the first container identification information can be acquired as optical information by the pallet information acquisition unit 13, and the forklift can be operated accordingly.

[0059] When transporting a pallet with a forklift, the fork tines cannot be inserted into the pallet unless the first container identification information is visible. Therefore, even if the approximate location of the target pallet can be determined from the second container identification information, if the first container identification information cannot be obtained, it can be determined that the target pallet is inside the pallets placed on the outside, and therefore it is clear that the forklift tines cannot be inserted into the target pallet. In this case, control can be performed to move the pallets outside the target pallet.

[0060] In this way, the article management system of this embodiment can obtain necessary information more reliably, and can manage articles more easily and accurately. Furthermore, the item management system of this embodiment is provided with a mark 102 and moire display areas 103, 104 on the container identification marker 100, so that the relative tilt angle and relative position between the automatic forklift 300 and the container identification marker 100 (pallet 20) can be accurately detected, and the control unit 14 can automatically control the operation of the automatic forklift 300 based on the detection results, making it a more convenient system.

[0061] (Variations) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] (1) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the container identification marker 100 is provided with the mark 102 and the moiré display areas 103 and 104. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, only the mark 102 or the moiré display areas 103 and 104 may be provided, or neither may be provided.

[0063] (2) In the embodiment, the pallet 20 is used as the container. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a cardboard box, a container, or the like may be used as the container.

[0064] The embodiments and modifications may be used in combination as appropriate, but detailed description thereof will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. Inventory management system 10 Storage section 12 Product Information Acquisition Department 13 Pallet information acquisition unit 14 Control Unit 20 palettes 102 marks 103 Moire display area 104 Moire display area 105 2D Code 110 Base material layer 120 First Layer 121 1st display line 122 1st hidden area 123 First Pattern 130 Second Layer 131 Opening 132 Opening 140 Third Layer 141 2nd display line 142 2nd hidden area 143 Second Pattern 150 reflective layer 160 Adhesive layer 170 Protective layer 171 Resin base material layer 172 Surface layer 200 Container identification contactless communication tag 300 Automatic Forklift 301 Photography Department 500 goods 501 Identification medium

Claims

1. A container for storing or placing a plurality of items so that the plurality of items can be moved together, an optically readable container identification marker attached to the container, the optically readable container identification marker recording first container identification information that can identify the container; a container identification contactless communication tag attached to the container, the tag storing second container identification information that can identify the container; Equipped with The container identification marker has, in addition to an area for displaying the first container identification information, a position display area capable of detecting a relative tilt positional relationship between the container identification marker and an observation position.

2. In the container described in claim 1, the first container identification information and the second container identification information are the same information; A container characterized by:

3. In the container according to either claim 1 or claim 2, A plurality of the containers are arranged side by side; A container characterized by:

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