Picking management system, picking management device, and picking management method

Abstract

To project information which contributes to improvement of working efficiency of a worker performing picking.SOLUTION: A picking control system of the invention includes: shelves for storing articles; stations in each of which the articles are picked from the shelve; and a picking control device which projects projection information regarding working efficiency of the picking to the shelf at the station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a picking management system, a picking management device, and a picking management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Warehouses are one of the infrastructure facilities that ensure the prompt delivery of ordered goods to customers. In warehouses, goods received from manufacturers etc. are temporarily stored. When an order is placed, the ordered goods are taken out of the warehouse, packaged, and shipped to the customer.

[0003] Among the above-mentioned series of processes for items, efficient retrieval of items (also called "picking") is an important management strategy for companies that operate warehouses. For example, shelves on which items are stored are transported to one of multiple stations, and workers pick the items related to an order from the shelves.

[0004] The movable projector type picking device of Patent Document 1 uses a movable projector to track items, containers, transport vehicles, etc. as they move through a warehouse. The movable projector optically projects product images, etc. onto the items, containers, transport vehicles, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-112236 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In warehouses, it is desirable for workers to be able to predict the flow of their own movements and visually confirm numerical improvements in work efficiency. The movable projector-type picking device of Patent Document 1 is effective for informing workers of the identity and current location of the item to be picked. However, the projected information is only an image of the item or information about the item, and is not information that contributes to improving the work efficiency of the worker picking the items. Therefore, a separate measure is needed to make workers aware of the need to improve work efficiency. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to project information that contributes to improving the work efficiency of workers who perform picking. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The picking management system of the present invention includes a shelf where an item is stored and a station where the item is picked from the shelf. In the warehouse A picking management system comprising: a projector that projects projection information onto the shelf; and a picking management device that stores information including an index related to the work efficiency of a worker who performs picking at the station; The picking management device instructs the projector to project the projection information in a content or display format corresponding to a change in the index related to the work efficiency. death , the projection information includes the quantity of the items in packing units, the target time and remaining time for picking, a comparison result between the work efficiency of the worker performing the picking and the average work efficiency, and the wage of the worker performing the picking; It is characterized by: Other means will be described in the detailed description of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to project information that contributes to improving the work efficiency of workers who perform picking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a warehouse layout. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a picking management device. [Figure 3] 10 is an example of product information. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of order information. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of shelf information. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of work information. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of evaluation information. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of projection information. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of projection information. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of projection information. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a processing procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, etc. This embodiment is an example in which goods are picked according to an order after they arrive at a warehouse from a manufacturer, etc. However, the present invention is also applicable to cases in which a manufacturer, etc. stores and manages parts in-house, for example. Note that "goods" in this embodiment is a concept that includes merchandise that is the subject of a transaction, other products, parts, etc.

[0011] (Warehouse layout) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a warehouse layout. The warehouse has a storage space 5. The storage space 5 is surrounded by a fence 6. Within the storage space 5, multiple shelves 9 are arranged in an orderly grid pattern, both vertically and horizontally. The shelves 9 form "islands" consisting of 2 x 7 or 1 x 7 shelves 9. The number of islands is arbitrary. There are multiple transport vehicles 3 within the storage space 5. The transport vehicles 3 have a self-propelled power source and a structure that supports the shelves 9 from below, and they move under the shelves 9 to transport them. The fence 6 is broken at any point around the periphery of the storage space 5, and multiple stations 7 are located adjacent to that point. It is not necessary to physically separate the storage space 5 from other areas with a fence 6.

[0012] In the example of Figure 1, one shelf 9 has been transported from an island in the storage space 5 to one station 7. A worker 8 is removing an item from the shelf 9. This work involves removing items related to each order from the shelf 9, and is called "picking work" or simply "picking." The worker 8 then transfers the picked items to a sorting shelf (not shown) or the like. Of the four sides of the shelf 9 in the vertical direction, the side through which items can be taken in and out is called the "front side." At station 7, the shelf 9 is positioned so that the front side is parallel to the line of the fence 6 and faces the worker 8.

[0013] At station 7, a guide frame 9b is fixed at the gap in the fence 6. The guide frame 9b is a sort of "frame" for the frontage surface, and is equipped with lamps and the like that guide nine frontage positions (described in detail later). If there are no shelves at station 7, a white screen (not shown) is stretched behind the guide frame 9b as seen by the worker 8.

[0014] A projector 42 is placed near each station 7. The projector 42 optically projects projection information such as figures and letters toward the guide frame 9b. If a shelf 9 is present in the station 7, the projection information is projected onto the front surface of the shelf 9. If a shelf 9 is not present in the station 7, the projection information is projected onto a screen attached to the guide frame 9b. Ultimately, the screen simulates the opening surface of the shelf. As will be described in more detail later, the projection information is information that allows the worker 8 to check his or her past work efficiency and predict future actions. The projector 42 may be a projection mapping projector that can project images not only onto flat surfaces but also onto three-dimensional objects.

[0015] (Configuration of picking management device) 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the picking management device 1. The picking management device 1 is a general-purpose computer, and includes a central control device 11, an input device 12 such as a keyboard, an output device 13 such as a display, a main memory device 14, an auxiliary memory device 15, and a communication device 16. These devices are interconnected by a bus. The auxiliary memory device 15 stores item information 31, order information 32, shelf information 33, work information 34, and evaluation information 35 (all of which will be described in detail later).

[0016] The projection processing unit 21 and the station management unit 22 in the main memory device 14 are programs. Hereinafter, when an operating entity is described as "XX unit," it means that the central control device 11 reads each program from the auxiliary memory device 15, loads it into the main memory device 14, and then realizes the function of each program (described in detail later). The auxiliary memory device 15 of the picking management device 1 may be configured independently from the picking management device 1.

[0017] The picking management device 1 is connected to a transport vehicle control device 2 and a projector control device 41 via a wired or wireless network 4 (including an in-house dedicated line). The transport vehicle control device 2 controls one or more transport vehicles 3 via the network 4. The transport vehicle 3 has an electric motor that rotates the drive wheels, an electric motor that adjusts the height of the loading platform that lifts the shelf 9, a storage battery that supplies power to these electric motors, sensors, and an on-board computer (not shown). The projector control device 41 controls one or more projectors 42 via the network 4. The projector 42 has a lens and a light source that project characters, etc. (not shown). The shelves 9 (FIG. 1), stations 7 (FIG. 1), and the picking management device 1 constitute a picking management system.

[0018] (Goods information) 3 is an example of the item information 31. In the item information 31, in association with an item ID stored in an item ID field 101, a target time is stored in a target time field 102, a packaging unit is stored in a packaging unit field 103, a storage quantity is stored in a storage quantity field 104, a shelf ID is stored in a shelf ID field 105, a shelf position is stored in a shelf position field 106, a frontage position is stored in an opening position field 107, and notes are stored in a notes field 108.

[0019] The item ID in the item ID column 101 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the type of item (not an individual item). For simplicity of explanation, in this embodiment, it is assumed that only one type of item is stored in one container, and that the container is stored on the shelf 9. In FIG. 1, the nine (3 x 3) drawer-like storage boxes stored on the shelf 9 are the containers here. The target time in the target time column 102 is a target value (theoretical value) of the time required for the worker 8 to pick one item of that type, and is set for each item ID by the user of the picking management device 1. "#" indicates a different value as an abbreviation (the same applies below).

[0020] The packing unit in the packing unit field 103 is the number of items contained in one packing when multiple items of the same type are packaged together in any packing style and stored in a container. For example, if 10 items of the same type (such as electronic components) are packaged together in a clear plastic bag, the packing unit is "10." A blank packing unit field 103 indicates that the items are stored individually loose in the container. The worker 8 can also unpack the items and pick some of the 10. However, for simplicity, in this embodiment, the worker picks the items by packing unit. By defining the packing unit, the worker 8 can easily know how many operations are required when the order quantity to be picked is presented.

[0021] The storage quantity in the storage quantity field 104 is the quantity of the item stored in the container. For an item whose packing unit is stored, the storage quantity is an integral multiple of that packing unit. The shelf ID in the shelf ID column 105 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the shelf 9 . The shelf position in the shelf position column 106 is the two-dimensional coordinate value of the shelf 9 on the floor surface of the storage space 5. The frontage position in the frontage position column 107 is the position of each container on the frontage surface of the shelf 9. The upper, middle, and lower tiers of the shelf 9 are assigned the symbols U, M, and L, respectively, and the left, center, and right tiers of each tier are assigned the symbols L, C, and R, respectively. For example, the frontage position on the left of the upper tier is expressed as "UL." The same applies to the other frontage positions. The notes in the notes column 108 are points that the worker 8 should pay particular attention to when picking the item.

[0022] (Ordering Information) 4 is an example of the order information 32. In the order information 32, an item ID is stored in an item ID field 112, an order quantity is stored in an order quantity field 113, a customer ID is stored in a customer ID field 114, a transport vehicle ID is stored in a transport vehicle ID field 115, and a station ID is stored in a station ID field 116, all of which are associated with an order ID stored in an order ID field 111.

[0023] The order ID in the order ID column 111 is an identifier that uniquely identifies an order from a customer. An order is an application to purchase an item. The item ID in the item ID column 112 is the same as the item ID in FIG. 3, but here it particularly identifies the item that has been ordered. The order quantity in the order quantity column 113 is the quantity of the item ordered by the customer. The customer in the customer ID column 114 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the customer who ordered the product. The transport vehicle ID in the transport vehicle ID column 115 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the transport vehicle 3, and in this case, it particularly identifies the transport vehicle 3 that transports the shelf 9 on which the item is stored. The station ID in the station ID 116 column is an identifier that uniquely identifies the station 7, and in this case, it particularly identifies the station 7 from which the worker 8 picks the item.

[0024] (Shelf information) 5 is an example of the shelf information 33. In the shelf information 33, the current location is stored in a current location field 122 and the current status is stored in a current status field 123 in association with the shelf ID stored in a shelf ID field 121. The shelf ID in the shelf ID column 121 is the same as the shelf ID in FIG. The current position in the current position column 122 is a two-dimensional coordinate value of the current position of the shelf 9 on the floor of the storage space 5. The shelf position in FIG. 3 indicates the position (storage position) within the "island" to which the shelf 9 should return. In contrast, the current position in FIG. 5 is a temporary position when the shelf 9 is being transported by the transport vehicle 3 between the storage position and the station 7. The transport vehicle 3 transmits the shelf ID of the shelf 9 it is transporting and its own current position to the picking management device 1 in real time. Note that "real time" here does not need to be the exact same time between the sender and receiver, and delays in communication or processing itself are allowed as long as they do not impede the processing of the related devices, etc.

[0025] The current status in the current status column 123 is the current status of the shelf 9. If the current position of the transport vehicle 3 transporting the shelf 9 matches the storage location, the current status is "waiting in storage space." If the current position of the transport vehicle 3 is adjacent to station "FXXX," the current status is "picking at FXXX." If the current position of the transport vehicle 3 is on the route from the storage location to station 7, the current status is "in transport." If the current position of the transport vehicle 3 is on the route from station 7 to the storage location, the current status is "returning." The current status "arrived at FXXX and waiting to be picked" is the preparation status during the transition from "in transport" to "picking at FXXX." The preparation status is, for example, the status during which the shelf 9 and station 7 are delicately aligned and the shelf 9 is secured to the floor via a safety mechanism.

[0026] (Work information) 6 is an example of the work information 34. In the work information 34, in association with the worker ID stored in the worker ID field 131, a station ID is stored in the station ID field 132, a start time is stored in the start time field 133, an end time is stored in the end time field 134, an order ID is stored in the order ID field 135, a target total time is stored in the target total time field 136, and a difference is stored in the difference field 137.

[0027] The worker ID in the worker ID column 131 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the worker 8 who will be performing the picking. The station IDs in the station ID column 132 are the same as the station IDs in FIG. The start time in the start time column 133 is the time when the worker started picking one or more types of items in response to an order. The end time in the end time column 134 is the end time of picking one or more types of items by the worker in response to the order. If picking is currently in progress, the end time is the current time. The order ID in the order ID column 135 is the same as the order ID in FIG.

[0028] The target total time in target total time 136 is the target time (theoretical value) for picking to be performed in response to an order. The target total time is the sum of the product of the target time for each item ID (column 102 in Figure 3) and the order quantity (column 113 in Figure 4) for all types of items to be picked in that order. If the items to be picked are stored across multiple shelves, the target total time is the sum for all shelves. The difference in the difference column 137 is the time obtained by subtracting the actual work time from the target total time. The actual work time is the time obtained by subtracting the start time from the end time. Therefore, if picking is currently in progress, the difference is the remaining time with respect to the target total time.

[0029] (Evaluation information) 7 is an example of the evaluation information 35. In the evaluation information 35, the latest productivity is stored in a latest productivity column 142, the accumulated productivity in a cumulative productivity column 143, the average productivity in an average productivity column 144, the accumulated workload in a cumulative workload column 145, the accumulated workload in a cumulative workload column 146, and the estimated wage in an estimated wage column 147, all of which are associated with the worker ID stored in the worker ID column 141.

[0030] The worker ID in the worker ID column 141 is the same as the worker ID in FIG. The most recent productivity in the most recent productivity column 142 is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the total order quantity by the total actual work time for the picking performed by the worker in the most recent past week. The cumulative productivity in the cumulative productivity column 143 is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the total order quantity by the total actual work time for the picking performed by the worker since the start of employment. The average productivity in the average productivity column 144 is, for example, the average value of the most recent productivity of all workers or the average value of the cumulative productivity of all workers. The average productivity may also be the average value for all workers other than the worker in question. The cumulative workload in the cumulative workload field 145 is, for example, the total order quantity for the worker since the start of employment. The cumulative work time in the cumulative work time column 146 is, for example, the total actual work time of the worker since the start of employment. The expected wage in the expected wage column 147 is the expected amount of wage to be paid to the worker.

[0031] The items in columns 142 to 146 in evaluation information 35 may be any items that can be used to evaluate the efficiency of picking by a worker and provide a basis for calculating the expected wage (column 147). As a more complex example, records in evaluation information 35 may be defined for each worker ID and each item ID.

[0032] (Projection information) The projector 42 optically projects projection information onto the guide frame 9b. The projection information is a collection of pixel position information and pixel values ​​on the screen. To the eyes of the worker 8, the projection information appears as colors, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, or photographs. Examples of projection information are shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10. In the following, a case where the projection image is a color, a number, a letter and / or a figure will be described.

[0033] <Color: Examples 51a, 51b and 51c> Consider example 51a in Figure 8. The projector projects a first color as projection information onto the frontage position "UL." The first color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that frontage position is currently being transported toward station 7. In example 51b, the projector projects a second color as projection information at the frontage position "UL." The second color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at the frontage position is currently in a ready state at station 7. Consider example 51c. The projector projects a third color as projection information at the frontage position "UL." The third color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that frontage position is currently being picked at station 7.

[0034] As is clear from the above, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 determines the color as projection information based on the current state (field 123) in the shelf information 33 (FIG. 5).

[0035] Colors and Numbers: Examples 52a and 52b Consider example 52a. The projector projects a second color and the number "3" as projection information at the front position "UL." The second color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at the front position is currently in a ready state at station 7. The number "3" indicates that three items need to be picked from the container at the front position. Furthermore, the packing unit of the item may be projected instead of or in addition to the number "3."

[0036] Consider example 52b. The projector projects a third color and the number "3" as projection information at the front position "UL." The third color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that front position is currently being picked at station 7. The number "3" indicates that three items need to be picked from the container at that front position. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the number "3," the packing unit of the item may be projected.

[0037] As is clear from the above, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 determines the numbers as projection information based on the packing unit (column 103) of the item information 31 (Figure 3) and the order quantity (column 113) of the order information 32 (Figure 4).

[0038] <Colors and Letters (Symbols): Examples 53a, 53b, 53c and 54> Pay attention to example 53a. The projector projects a third color and the text "Another" as projection information at the front position "UL." The third color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that front position is currently being picked at station 7. The text "Another" indicates that at the next picking opportunity, an item needs to be picked from a container other than the container at that front position.

[0039] Focus on example 53b. The projector projects a third color and the symbol "↓" as projection information onto the frontage position "UL." The third color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that frontage position is currently being picked at station 7. The symbol "↓" indicates that at the next picking opportunity, an item needs to be picked from a container located in the direction of the arrow based on the frontage position.

[0040] Pay attention to example 53c. The projector projects a third color and the character "same" as projection information onto the front position "UL." The third color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that front position is currently being picked at station 7. The character "same" indicates that an item needs to be picked from the container at that front position at the next picking opportunity.

[0041] As is clear from the above, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 determines the characters (symbols) as projection information based on the entrance position (column 107) in the item information 31 (FIG. 3). Furthermore, the projection processing unit 21 determines the picking order based on the order information 32 (FIG. 4). For example, if item "A01" is to be picked this time at station "F01," the opportunity to pick item "A02" becomes the "next picking opportunity." In this example, the projection processing unit 22 references the item information 31 (FIG. 3) and recognizes that the entrance position of item "A01" is "UL" and the entrance position of item "A02" is "ML." Then, the projector projects projection information such as that shown in example 53b.

[0042] Although not shown, the projector may project a different number indicating the picking order onto each of the multiple door positions. For example, the projector may project the number "1" onto door position "UL," the number "2" onto door position "MC," and the number "3" onto door position "LR." This indicates that the worker must first pick an item from door position "UL," then another item from door position "MC," and finally another item from door position "LR." Visually recognizing this projection information, the worker knows that he or she needs to gradually move to the right as he or she faces the shelf, gradually lowering his or her posture.

[0043] Consider example 54 in Figure 9. The projector projects a third color and text such as "Caution: Liquids" as projection information onto the frontage position "UL." The third color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at the frontage position is currently being picked up at station 7. The text such as "Caution: Liquids" is a caution to take when picking an item from that container.

[0044] As is clear from the above, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 determines the characters to be projected information based on the notes (field 108) in the item information 31 (FIG. 3).

[0045] <Color and Figure: Examples 55 and 56> Consider Example 55. The projector projects a fourth color and a "bar graph" graphic as projection information at the entrance position "UC." The fourth color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at the entrance position is being returned to the storage position. The "bar graph" graphic indicates the cumulative workload at the time the worker finished picking for that shelf.

[0046] The cumulative work volume here refers to all picking performed by the worker on that shelf, regardless of the type of item. In that sense, the projection information may be displayed at a location other than "UC." When dividing the cumulative work volume by item type, the projector projects nine separate pieces of projection information at the respective locations of "UL," "UC," ..., and "LR." This also applies to Examples 56 to 60 described below.

[0047] Consider Example 56. The projector projects a fourth color and a "bar graph" graphic as projection information at the frontage position "UC." The fourth color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at the frontage position is being returned to the storage position. The "bar graph" graphic indicates the latest productivity at the time when the worker finished picking related to that shelf.

[0048] <Colors and Numbers: Example 57> Consider Example 57. The projector projects a fourth color and the number "◯" as projection information at the entrance position "UC." The fourth color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at the entrance position is being returned to the storage position. The number "◯" indicates the cumulative work time at the time the worker finished picking related to that shelf.

[0049] <Color and Figure: Examples 58 and 59> Focus on Example 58. The projector projects a third color and a graphic "bar graph" as projection information at the frontage position "UC." The third color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that frontage position is currently being picked at station 7. The graphic "bar graph" indicates (countdown) the target total time and difference (remaining time) for that worker to pick that order.

[0050] Focus on Example 59. The projector projects a fourth color and a graphic "bar graph" as projection information at the frontage position "UC." The fourth color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that frontage position is being returned to the storage position. The graphic "bar graph" indicates the latest (or cumulative) productivity and average productivity at the time the worker finished picking related to that shelf.

[0051] <Colors and Numbers: Example 60> Consider Example 60. The projector projects a fourth color and the number "●" as projection information at the frontage position "UC." The fourth color indicates that the shelf 9 storing the container at that frontage position is being returned to the storage position. The number "●" indicates the expected wage at the time the worker finishes picking from that shelf.

[0052] As is clear from the above, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 determines the figure or number as projection information based on the target total time (column 136) and difference (column 137) in the work information 34 (Figure 6), or each item (columns 142 to 147) in the evaluation information 35 (Figure 7).

[0053] The projection information is preferably projected onto the front face of the shelf where the item to be picked is stored. However, the projection information may be projected onto any object other than the guide frame 9b. In this case, the object is preferably white and positioned in a position that is naturally included in the field of view of the worker 8 at station 7 when viewing the shelf 9. When the projection information is a photograph or a graphic, the photograph or graphic may be an image or drawing of the entire front face of the shelf 9, or may be an image or drawing of only one or more containers. The size of the photograph or graphic may or may not be the same as the actual container, etc.

[0054] (Processing Procedure) Fig. 11 is a flowchart of the processing procedure. Before the processing procedure can be started, it is assumed that the product information 31 (Fig. 3), order information 32 (Fig. 4), shelf information 33 (Fig. 5), work information 34 (Fig. 6), and evaluation information 35 (Fig. 7) are always stored in the latest state in the auxiliary storage device 15.

[0055] In step S201, the station management unit 22 of the picking management device 1 determines whether an order has been received. Specifically, if the station management unit 22 recognizes that a new record (order ID unit) has been added to the order information 32 (step S201 "Yes"), it proceeds to step S202, and otherwise (step S201 "No") it remains in standby. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that a new order has been received and the transport vehicle 3 has started transporting the shelf 9 storing the ordered item toward the station 7.

[0056] In step S202, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 projects necessary information before the arrival of the shelf. Specifically, the projection processing unit 21 transmits an instruction to project, for example, projection information of example 51a (FIG. 8) toward the guide frame 9b to the projector 42 via the projector control device 41. Then, the projector 42 projects the projection information of example 51a toward the guide frame 9b.

[0057] In step S203, the station management unit 22 of the picking management device 1 determines whether a shelf has arrived. Specifically, the station management unit 22 refers to the shelf information 33 (FIG. 5), and when it recognizes that the current state of the shelf 9 being transported has transitioned from "in transport" to "arrived at FXX and waiting to be picked" (step S203 "Yes"), it proceeds to step S204. Otherwise (step S203 "No"), the station management unit 22 continues to wait.

[0058] In step S204, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 projects the necessary information when the shelf arrives. Specifically, the projection processing unit 21 transmits an instruction to the projector 42 via the projector control device 41 to project, for example, the projection information of example 51b or 52a (FIG. 8) toward the guide frame 9b. Then, the projector 42 projects the projection information of example 51b or 52a toward the guide frame 9b.

[0059] In step S205, the station management unit 22 of the picking management device 1 determines whether picking has started. Specifically, the station management unit 22 refers to the shelf information 33 (FIG. 5), and if it recognizes that the current state of the shelf 9 being transported has transitioned from "arrived at FXX and waiting to be picked" to "picking at FXX" (step S205 "Yes"), it proceeds to step S206. Otherwise (step S205 "No"), the station management unit 22 continues to wait.

[0060] In step S206, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 projects information required during picking. Specifically, the projection processing unit 21 transmits an instruction to the projector 42 via the projector control device 41 to project projection information of examples 51c, 52b, 53a, 53b, 53c, 54, or 58 (FIG. 8, FIG. 9, or FIG. 10) toward the guide frame 9b. Then, the projector 42 projects the projection information of examples 51c, 52b, 53a, 53b, 53c, 54, or 58 toward the guide frame 9b.

[0061] In step S207, the station management unit 22 of the picking management device 1 determines whether picking has finished. Specifically, the station management unit 22 refers to the shelf information 33 (FIG. 5), and if it recognizes that the current state of the shelf 9 being transported has transitioned from "picking at FXX" to "returning" (step S207 "Yes"), it proceeds to step S208. Otherwise (step S207 "No"), the station management unit 22 continues to wait.

[0062] In step S208, the projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 projects information required after picking. Specifically, the projection processing unit 21 transmits an instruction to the projector 42 via the projector control device 41 to project the projection information of example 55, 56, 57, 59, or 60 (FIG. 9 or FIG. 10) toward the guide frame 9b. Then, the projector 42 projects the projection information of example 55, 56, 57, 59, or 60 toward the guide frame 9b. Then, the processing procedure ends.

[0063] At this time, the projection processing unit 21 may project the projection information so that it overlaps with the position of the entrance where the item to be picked is stored. This allows the worker to perform the work intuitively, contributing to supporting the worker and improving work efficiency.

[0064] (Variation 1) The projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 monitors the projected index of the same type of projection information (e.g., recent productivity) in chronological order. If the index improves over time, the projection processing unit 21 may project information indicating that the index has improved over time as other projection information. This improves the motivation and satisfaction of workers, and ultimately improves work efficiency. The example of the picking management device 1 described above is characterized in that if an index included in the projection information related to work efficiency improves over a predetermined period, a first display is projected to the worker performing picking.

[0065] Furthermore, when the index decreases over time, the projection processing unit 21 may project information indicating that the index has decreased over time as other projection information. Furthermore, the projection processing unit 21 may infer the cause of the decrease in the index depending on the type of the decreased index and the way in which it has changed over time, and project information related to the cause.

[0066] For example, the projection processing unit 21 may refer to the absolute value of the decrease in work efficiency per hour, and if the absolute value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, may infer that fatigue is the cause and may announce a break. If the absolute value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the projection processing unit 21 may infer that work has been interrupted for some reason and may project an alarm for the worker or a question asking whether it is necessary to report the abnormality at the site to a manager at a predetermined projection position. This makes it possible to manage and support the workers themselves while managing the progress of work at the site.

[0067] The example of the picking management device 1 described above is characterized in that, if an index included in the projection information relating to work efficiency drops during a predetermined period, a second display is projected to the worker performing the picking.

[0068] The projection processing unit 21 may project the time-series change of the index as other projection information to the worker. This allows the worker to intuitively grasp the change in his / her own work efficiency, leading to worker support such as improving worker motivation. The example of the picking device 1 is characterized by projecting information showing the time-series change of the projection information.

[0069] (Variation 2) The projection information may include information related to the display format. The projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 may project projection information in different display formats to the worker performing the picking, depending on an index related to the work efficiency of the worker performing the picking, which is included in the projection information (e.g., recent productivity, etc.). For example, the projection processing unit 21 may determine whether the index related to the worker's work efficiency satisfies a predetermined standard, and if the index does not satisfy the predetermined standard, project the projection information in a first display format, and if the index satisfies the predetermined standard, project the projection information in a second display format different from the first display format. Here, the predetermined standard is a standard set in advance according to the index related to the work efficiency.

[0070] As an example of projecting projection information in different display formats, the use of colors will be described. For example, if the most recent productivity of the worker currently performing picking work is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the projection processing unit 21 may display the projection information in blue or green. If the most recent productivity falls below a predetermined threshold, the projection processing unit 21 may display the projection information in red. If work efficiency is declining, the projection processing unit 21 may display the projection information in yellow. While examples of blue, green, yellow, and red are shown, colors other than danger colors may be used depending on the work environment of a factory or warehouse. Furthermore, the color variations are not limited to the above examples, and colors that differ in indicators such as shade, saturation, and brightness may be used as separate colors.

[0071] Furthermore, the predetermined threshold may be the average value of the work efficiency of one or more workers performing the picking. The predetermined threshold may be changed as needed, and may be the average or median value of the workers' work speed. The predetermined threshold can be used as an index of the worker's work efficiency by multiplying the average value by a coefficient based on the worker's cumulative work time for the work day. This allows the calculation of a work efficiency that is more suited to the worker. This configuration allows workers to intuitively understand the evaluation of their own work efficiency, contributing to work support.

[0072] In the above example, a case where colors are used as an example of a different display format has been described. As another example, the projection processing unit 21 may distinguish between cases where an index relating to the work efficiency of a worker performing picking meets a predetermined standard and cases where it does not, and project projection information of a different shape to the operator depending on the classification. For example, when the most recent productivity of a worker currently performing picking work falls below a predetermined threshold, the projection processing unit 21 may display the projection information in a specific shape so as to highlight it.

[0073] Here, the specific shape may include, for example, increasing the display size, emphasizing it with a font that is different from other characters, or displaying it together with additional characters or symbols such as "!" or other figures. This configuration may be combined with the example that uses color. The attention of users can be attracted by displaying it in a different color, size, or font that is different from other characters, or by a figure, or by a combination of these.

[0074] (Variation 3) As another example, the product information 31 may include information about product attributes. Here, the product attributes may be the following information. - Indicators of items in picking work, such as the rate of incorrect picking, where the wrong item is picked by mistake Information indicating the nature of the item itself, such as whether it is a set of two or more items, whether it needs to be handled with more care than usual as a fragile item or precision instrument, or whether it can be handled with care.

[0075] The projection processing unit 21 of the picking management device 1 may acquire information regarding the attributes of the items to be picked and project projection information in different display formats to the worker depending on the attributes. For example, the projection processing unit 21 may determine whether the attributes of the items to be picked satisfy a predetermined condition, and if the attributes of the items do not satisfy the predetermined condition, project projection information in a first display format, and if the attributes of the items satisfy the predetermined condition, project projection information in a second display format different from the first display format.

[0076] The predetermined conditions are determined in advance according to the attributes of the items, and in accordance with the above-mentioned example of item attributes, the condition may be that the erroneous picking rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, that the item is a set, that the item is fragile, etc. As in Modification 2, the projection processing unit 21 may project projection information of different shapes to the worker according to the attributes of the item to be picked. This configuration allows the worker performing the picking work to intuitively recognize points to pay attention to during the work by using different colors, contributing to work support.

[0077] (Effects of this embodiment) The picking management system of this embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The picking management system can communicate information about work efficiency to workers using easily visible projected information. (2) The picking management system can project the packing unit of an item. (3) The picking management system can project the target time and remaining time. (4) The picking management system can compare the work efficiency of one worker with that of other workers.

[0078] (5) The picking management system can project worker wages. (6) The picking management system can communicate the relative position of the opening where the next picking should be performed. (7) The picking management system can project information even if there are no shelves at the station.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Picking management device 2. Transport vehicle control device 3 Transport vehicle 4 Network 5. Storage space 6. Fence 7 Station 8. Workers 9 shelves 9b Information frame 11 Central control unit 12 Input Devices 13 Output Devices 14 Main memory 15 Auxiliary storage 16. Communications equipment 21 Projection processing unit 22 Station Management Department 31 Product information 32 Ordering Information 33 Shelf Information 34 Work Information 35 Evaluation Information 41 Projector control device 42 Projector

Claims

1. A picking management system for a warehouse having shelves on which items are stored and stations from which the items are picked from the shelves, a projector that projects projection information onto the shelf; a picking management device that stores information including an index related to the work efficiency of a worker who performs picking at the station; the picking management device instructs the projector to project the projection information in a content or display format corresponding to a change in the index related to the work efficiency; The projection information is the number of packing units of the article; The target time and remaining time for picking, The results of comparing the work efficiency of the workers performing the picking with the average work efficiency, and and wages of the workers who are picking the items. A picking management system characterized by:

2. A picking management system for a warehouse having shelves on which items are stored and stations from which the items are picked from the shelves, comprising: a projector that projects projection information onto the shelf; a picking management device that stores information including an index related to the work efficiency of a worker who performs picking at the station; the picking management device instructs the projector to project the projection information in a content or display format corresponding to a change in the index related to the work efficiency; Furthermore, the absolute value of the decrease in the work efficiency per unit time is referred to, If the absolute value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, instruct the projector to project an alarm to the worker or information inquiring about the need to report the abnormality at the site to a manager; A picking management system characterized by:

3. The projection information is The positional relationship between the frontage of the shelf from which the item was picked this time and the frontage of the shelf from which the item should be picked next is included.

3. The picking management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

4. The picking management device is If the shelf is not present at the station, projecting the projection information toward a simulated shelf at the station; The picking management system according to claim 3,

5. The picking management device is determining whether an index relating to work efficiency included in the projection information satisfies a predetermined standard; projecting the projection information in a first display format when the indicator does not satisfy a predetermined criterion; projecting the projection information in a second display format different from the first display format when the indicator satisfies a predetermined criterion; The picking management system according to claim 4,

6. The picking management device is obtaining information about attributes of the item; determining whether the attributes of the item to be picked satisfy a predetermined condition; If the attribute does not satisfy a predetermined condition, projecting the projection information in a first display format; When the attribute satisfies a predetermined condition, the projection information is projected in a second display format different from the first display format. The picking management system according to claim 5,

7. The picking management device is monitor time-series changes in the index relating to the work efficiency; If the indicator improves within a predetermined period of time, instruct the projector to project information indicating the improvement; instructing the projector to project information indicating that the indicator has decreased in a predetermined period of time; 3. The picking management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

8. A picking management device in a warehouse having a shelf on which an item is stored and a station from which the item is picked up from the shelf, a storage unit for storing information including an index relating to the work efficiency of a worker performing picking; a projection processing unit that issues an instruction to project projection information onto the shelf in a content or display format of the projection information corresponding to a change in the index related to the work efficiency, The projection information is the number of packing units of the article; The target time and remaining time for picking, The results of comparing the work efficiency of the workers performing the picking with the average work efficiency, and and wages of the workers who are picking the items. A picking management device characterized by the above.

9. A picking management device in a warehouse having shelves on which items are stored and stations from which the items are picked from the shelves, a storage unit for storing information including an index relating to the work efficiency of a worker performing picking; a projection processing unit that issues an instruction to project projection information onto the shelf in a content or display format of the projection information corresponding to a change in the index related to the work efficiency, The projection processing unit includes: Refer to the absolute value of the decrease in the work efficiency per unit time, If the absolute value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, instruct the projector to project an alarm to the worker or information inquiring about the need to report the abnormality at the site to a manager; A picking management device characterized by the above.

10. A picking management method for a picking management device in a warehouse having shelves on which items are stored and stations from which the items are picked from the shelves, the method comprising: storing information including an index relating to the work efficiency of the worker performing the picking; instructing the shelf to project projection information in a content or display format corresponding to the change in the index related to the work efficiency; The projection information includes: the number of packing units of the article; The target time and remaining time for picking, The results of comparing the work efficiency of the workers performing the picking with the average work efficiency, and and the wages of the workers who are picking the items. A picking management method characterized by the above.

11. A picking management method for a picking management device in a warehouse having shelves on which items are stored and stations from which the items are picked from the shelves, comprising: storing information including an index relating to the work efficiency of the worker performing the picking; instructing the shelf to project projection information in a content or display format corresponding to the change in the index related to the work efficiency; Furthermore, the absolute value of the decrease in the work efficiency per unit time is referred to, If the absolute value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, instruct the projector to project an alarm to the worker or information inquiring about the necessity of reporting the abnormality at the site to a manager; A picking management method comprising:

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