Work support device, program, and method

Abstract

A work support device that can reduce the management burden on a manager is provided. [Solution] A work support device comprising: a time acquisition unit that acquires the work time when work related to an item is performed; a work type identification unit that identifies the work type of the work based on the work time; an item information acquisition unit that acquires item information about the item; a storage position acquisition unit that acquires storage position information associated with the item information and indicating the storage position of the item according to the work type; an imaging unit that captures an image of the worker's field of view; an identifier detection unit that detects a target identifier corresponding to the storage position based on information of at least one identifier included in the field of view image and the storage position information; and a display unit that generates an emphasized image in which the target identifier is emphasized in the field of view image and displays it to the worker.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a work support device, a program, and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Inventory management of incoming raw materials, products, and other items is carried out in factories, logistics warehouses, and the like. In order to store the incoming items in a designated location within the facility, workers move the items through shelving, and in order to move the stored items to another designated location within the facility, workers retrieve the items through picking. Patent Document 1 describes a picking operation support device that displays picking instructions on a display in accordance with optical features captured by a camera, enabling accurate and rapid item picking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 002686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, work is identified and work instructions are given based on worker authentication. In order to give work instructions after worker authentication, it is necessary to assign work instructions to each worker, which places a management burden on the factory manager.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a work support device that can reduce the management burden on the administrator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A work support device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a time acquisition unit that acquires the work time when work related to an item is performed, a work type identification unit that identifies the work type of the work based on the work time, an item information acquisition unit that acquires item information about the item, a storage position acquisition unit that acquires storage position information associated with the item information and indicating the storage position of the item according to the work type, an imaging unit that captures an image of the worker's field of view, an identifier detection unit that detects a target identifier corresponding to the storage position based on information about at least one identifier included in the field of view image and the storage position information, and a display unit that generates an emphasized image in which the target identifier is emphasized in the field of view image and displays it to the worker.

[0007] This allows the task type to be identified based on the task time. Therefore, for example, a manager at a factory or the like no longer needs to assign task instructions to each worker individually, thereby reducing the management burden. Furthermore, if task instructions are assigned to workers, tasks must be reassigned when a worker becomes unavailable. However, with the work assistance device disclosed herein, tasks are assigned based on the task time, so no reassignment of tasks occurs. Additionally, workers can grasp the item being worked on based on the highlighted image displayed on the work assistance device, improving work efficiency, such as the accuracy and speed of the work.

[0008] In addition, in a work assistance device according to another aspect of the present invention, the work is a stocking operation of moving items to a storage position, the item information acquisition unit acquires, as item information, item identification information that is included in the field of view image captured by the imaging unit and associated with the item, and the storage position acquisition unit acquires storage position information that is associated with the item identification information and indicates where the item is to be stored.

[0009] This can improve the efficiency of the stocking work.

[0010] In addition, in a work assistance device according to another aspect of the present invention, the work is picking work of removing items from a storage location, the item information acquisition unit acquires information about the line that the worker is responsible for and acquires information about the items associated with the line as item information, and the storage location acquisition unit acquires storage location information that indicates the storage location of the items.

[0011] This can improve the efficiency of the picking work.

[0012] In addition, a work support device according to another aspect of the present invention further includes a work information acquisition unit that acquires information on multiple picking operations associated with a responsible line, a work presentation unit that presents information on the multiple picking operations to a worker via a work selection screen, and a work selection unit that acquires information for selecting an execution picking operation to be performed by the worker from the multiple picking operations, and the item information acquisition unit may acquire information on items that are the subject of the execution picking operation.

[0013] This allows workers to perform the work associated with their assigned line when the work is picking, eliminating the need to assign work to individual workers and reducing the management burden.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, in the work support device, a work order is associated with multiple picking tasks, and the work presentation unit may present the multiple picking tasks to the worker by preferentially displaying picking tasks with a higher work order on the work selection screen.

[0015] This allows work instructions to be presented according to the priority of the work, thereby improving the efficiency of the picking work and / or the work in the subsequent process.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, in the work support device, a work order is associated with a plurality of picking tasks, and the display unit may display to the worker on the same screen storage location information of the first picking task associated with the first work order and currently selected by the worker, and work advance notice information based on storage location information of the second picking task associated with the second work order that follows the first work order.

[0017] This allows the worker to carry out the next task while understanding the task that he or she is scheduled to perform, thereby improving the worker's work efficiency.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the task assistance device may further include a completion information transmission unit that acquires completion information indicating completion of the task and transmits the completion information to the management server.

[0019] This allows the completion of work to be recorded, allowing the manager to accurately grasp the progress of the work.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, in the work support device, the display unit may highlight the target identifier in a first manner when the work is a stocking work, and may highlight the target identifier in a second manner when the work is a picking work.

[0021] This allows the worker to perform the work without confusing the type of work he or she is doing, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, in the work support device, the display unit may set the size of a highlight marker that highlights the target identifier depending on the size, perspective, etc. of the target identifier in the field of view image, and display it to the worker.

[0023] This allows the worker to grasp the distance between themselves and the storage position according to the size of the highlight marker. For example, if the worker is far from the storage position, the highlight marker can be prevented from obstructing the worker's view in the field of view image. This allows the worker to move efficiently, improving work efficiency.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, the work assistance device is configured such that a task is associated with an authority request that controls the viewing of information relating to the content of the task, and further includes an authority information acquisition unit that acquires authority information associated with the worker based on information about the worker operating the work assistance device, and the display unit may display information relating to the content of the task according to the authority information of the worker.

[0025] This makes it possible to present the information required by each worker, allowing the worker to properly understand the information.

[0026] A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following operations: acquire a work time when work related to an item is performed; identify a work type of the work based on the work time; acquire item information for the item; acquire storage position information associated with the item information and indicating a storage position of the item according to the work type; capture an image of the worker's field of view; detect a target identifier corresponding to the storage position based on information of at least one identifier included in the field of view image and the storage position information; generate an enhanced image in which the target identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and display it to the worker.

[0027] A method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a computer acquiring a work time when work related to an item is to be performed, identifying a work type of the work based on the work time, acquiring item information for the item, acquiring storage location information associated with the item information and indicating a storage location of the item according to the work type, capturing a field of view image of the worker, detecting a target identifier corresponding to the storage location based on information of at least one identifier included in the field of view image and the storage location information, and generating an enhanced image in which the target identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and displaying the image to the worker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a work support device that can reduce the management burden on an administrator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a work support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of processing in a work support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of each device in the work support system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating time-zone-specific work information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating shelf stocking work information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating picking work information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating processing in the work support device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display image displayed on the work support device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display image displayed on the work support device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0031] 1 shows a work support system 10 according to this embodiment. The work support system 10 includes a work support device 101, a work management server 201, and an information processing terminal 301. The work support device 101, the work management server 201, and the information processing terminal 301 are communicably connected via a network N.

[0032] The work support system 10 is a system used, for example, in a factory, a logistics warehouse, etc. The work support system 10 is a system that supports shelving work for storing received goods in a predetermined storage location and picking work for moving the stored goods to another predetermined location, for example, a factory line or a shipping line.

[0033] The work support device 101 is an information terminal that is worn or carried by a worker and includes an imaging unit and a display unit. The work support device 101 is, for example, smart glasses, and includes a camera that captures the worker's field of vision and a display unit that displays work instructions. Alternatively, the work support device 101 may be a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal that includes an imaging unit and a display unit. Note that there are multiple work support devices 101, one for each worker. In the following embodiments, an example of the work support device 101 will be described as smart glasses.

[0034] The work management server 201 is a server that registers work by a work manager, transmits work instructions to the work support device 101, records work results acquired from the work support device 101, and the like.

[0035] The information processing terminal 301 is an information processing terminal that is installed in a work facility such as a factory or warehouse, or in a remote headquarters, and is, for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. The manager can register work in the work management server 201 through the information processing terminal 301.

[0036] An overview of the processing in the work support system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the shelving work will be described, and then the picking work will be described. The shelving work and the picking work have different work time periods, and when worker W1 wears the work support device 101 and performs work at a certain time, the shelving work will be instructed, and when worker W2 wears the work support device 101 and performs work at another time, the picking work will be instructed.

[0037] In step (I1), the work support device 101 worn by the worker W1 acquires item information for identifying the item. The item information is information associated with the item for identifying the item, such as the item's model number. The item identification information is written on the package of the item, for example, in the form of a character string or a two-dimensional code. In the work support system 10, for example, item identification information associated with the item and included in a field of view image captured by the work support device 101 is acquired as item information.

[0038] In step (I2), the work support device 101 acquires the storage position of the item corresponding to the item from the work management server 201 based on the item identification information. The storage position is, for example, information on the shelf where the item should be stored and the shelf opening, which is the storage position on the shelf. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an overhead view of shelves A, B, and C in a facility. The example in FIG. 2 shows an example of work in which item O is placed in a storage position called shelf opening B4 on shelf B.

[0039] In step (I3), the worker W1 moves within the facility and approaches the target storage location, and the work support device 101 detects the identifier M assigned to the shelf opening corresponding to the storage location. The identifier M has, for example, a two-dimensional code format, and information indicating each shelf opening is embedded in the identifier M.

[0040] In step (I4), the work support device 101 highlights the detected identifier in the field of view image of the worker W1 and displays it to the worker W1. The worker W1 moves toward the highlighted identifier, moves to the storage position, and then stores the item in the target shelf opening. The worker W1 records the completion of the work in the work management server 201. This completes the shelving.

[0041] Next, the picking work will be described. In the picking work, a worker moves an item stored on a shelf to the assigned line to which the item is to be transported.

[0042] In step (P1), the work support device 101 acquires line information of the line that the worker W2 is in charge of in response to an input operation from the worker W2 via a screen displayed on the work support device 101. Here, it is assumed that the worker W2 acquires line L2 out of line L1 and line L2.

[0043] In step (P2), the work support device 101 acquires the storage location where the item to be picked is stored based on the line information from the work management server 201. Here, it is assumed that a picking instruction is given for the item O stored by the worker W1 at the shelf opening B4.

[0044] In step (P3), the worker W2 moves within the facility and approaches the target storage position, and the work support device 101 detects the identifier M assigned to the shelf opening corresponding to the storage position.

[0045] In step (P4), the work support device 101 highlights the detected identifier in the field of view image of the worker W2 and displays it to the worker W2. The worker moves toward the highlighted identifier, moves to the storage position, and then takes out the item from the target shelf opening.

[0046] In step (P5), worker W2 carries the target item out to line L2 and records the completion of the work in the work management server 201. This completes the picking.

[0047] Each unit of the device in the work support system 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0048] The work support device 101 has a communication unit 1011, a memory unit 1012, a time acquisition unit 1013, a work type identification unit 1014, an item information acquisition unit 1015, a storage position acquisition unit 1016, an imaging unit 1017, an identifier detection unit 1018, a display unit 1019, a work information acquisition unit 1020, a work presentation unit 1021, a work selection unit 1022, and a completion information transmission unit 1023.

[0049] The work support device 101 is, for example, an eyeglass-type wearable device such as smart glasses, and each unit of the work support device 101 can be realized by a processor executing a program stored in a storage unit 1012 of the work support device 101. Note that, in addition to each unit described below, the work support device 101 may further include an input operation unit having buttons that allow operation input from the worker or a microphone for operation input by voice.

[0050] The communication unit 1011 controls communication between the work support device 101 and external information processing devices including the work management server 201 .

[0051] The storage unit 1012 stores various types of information used in the processing of the work assistance device 101.

[0052] The time acquisition unit 1013 acquires the work time when work related to an item is to be performed. The time acquisition unit 1013 communicates with a server that can provide time, including the work management server 201, to acquire time information when the worker will perform the work. Note that in order to accommodate environments where communication is impossible or where the communication speed is very slow, time information already set in the work assistance device 101 that is stored in the storage unit 1012 may be acquired.

[0053] The work type identification unit 1014 identifies the work type of the work based on the work time. The work type identification unit 1014 communicates with the work management server 201, and identifies the work type based on the time period and work type stored in the time period-based work DB 20131 described below.

[0054] The item information acquisition unit 1015 acquires item information of an item. The item information is item identification information associated with an item in the case of shelving work, and is information on an item associated with a line in the case of picking work.

[0055] The storage location acquisition unit 1016 acquires storage location information that indicates the storage location of an item according to the work type and is associated with the item information. In the case of shelving work, the storage location information is information that indicates the storage location of the item and is associated with the item identification information. In the case of picking work, the storage location information is information that indicates the storage location of the item and is associated with the assigned line.

[0056] The image capturing unit 1017 is, for example, a camera having an image capturing element, and captures an image of the field of view of the worker wearing the work support device 101.

[0057] The identifier detection unit 1018 detects a target identifier corresponding to a storage position based on information about at least one identifier included in the field of view image and storage position information. The identifier detection unit 1018 detects an identifier in the form of a two-dimensional code, for example, from the field of view image. The identifier is information corresponding to information about the storage position, and specifically, information indicating the storage position acquired by the work assistance device 101 is stored. The identifier detection unit 1018 detects an identifier corresponding to a storage position associated with the item to be worked on from information about each identifier in the field of view image including at least one identifier.

[0058] The display unit 1019 generates an enhanced image in which the object identifier is enhanced in the field of view image, and displays it to the worker. The display unit 1019 has a display capable of displaying images, which is disposed on the lens body or near the lens portion of the eyeglass-type work support device 101, as hardware, and controls the display on the display. Note that, as a method of displaying images on the work support device 101, in addition to displaying on the display of the work support device 101, a projection device that projects a screen onto the lens surface or a projection device that projects directly or indirectly onto the retina may also be used. Furthermore, when the work support device 101 is a smartphone or tablet terminal, the display unit 1019 is the display of the smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0059] Furthermore, the display unit 1019 may highlight the target identifier in a first manner when the work is shelving work, and may highlight the target identifier in a second manner when the work is picking work. Furthermore, the display unit 1019 may set the size of a highlight marker that highlights the target identifier according to the size of the target identifier in the field of view image and display it to the worker. Furthermore, the display unit 1019 may display to the worker, on the same screen, storage location information for the first picking work selected by the worker and work advance notice information based on storage location information for the second picking work associated with the next picking work.

[0060] The work information acquisition unit 1020 acquires information on a plurality of picking work tasks associated with the lines in charge of the picking work. Note that the work support device 101 may include an authentication unit that authenticates the worker and a worker-specific assigned line identification unit that acquires the assigned lines associated with the worker, and may acquire assigned line information based on worker information, instead of selecting assigned line information, to acquire picking work information.

[0061] The work presentation unit 1021 presents information about multiple picking operations to the worker through the work selection screen. When a work order is associated with the picking operations, the work presentation unit 1021 may present multiple picking operations to the worker by preferentially displaying a picking operation that is high in the work order on the work selection screen.

[0062] The work selection unit 1022 acquires information for selecting an execution picking work to be performed by the worker from among a plurality of picking works. The work selection unit 1022 acquires information for selecting an execution picking work, for example, based on an operation input by the worker to the work support device 101. Alternatively, the work selection unit 1022 may be triggered to select the next work when the completion information transmission unit 1023 transmits information indicating the completion of the work to the work management server 201.

[0063] The completion information sending unit 1023 acquires completion information indicating the completion of the work, and sends the completion information to the work management server 201. The completion information sending unit 1023 can input the completion information to the work assistance device 101, for example, through a completion information input screen displayed on the work assistance device 101.

[0064] The work management server 201 includes a communication unit 2011 , a control unit 2012 , and a storage unit 2013 .

[0065] The communication unit 2011 controls communication between the work management server 201 and the work support device 101 and the information processing terminal 301. The control unit 2012 controls various processes in the work management server 201.

[0066] The storage unit 2013 includes a time-slot operation DB 20131, a shelving information DB 20132, and a picking operation information DB 20133.

[0067] The work by time period DB 20131 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The work information by time period stores a "time period" and a "work type" in association with each other. The "time period" is information indicating the time period in which the work is performed. The "work type" stores the type of work performed in the time period. In the example of Fig. 4, it is stored that the work for time period A is shelving, the work for time period B is picking, and the work for time period C is shelving.

[0068] The shelving information DB20132 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The shelving information DB20132 stores "item identification information," "storage location information," and "quantity" in association with each other. "Item identification information" is an identifier that uniquely identifies an item to be shelved (stored). The item identification information is, for example, a container number or an item model number. "Storage location information" is information that indicates the shelf opening where the item should be stored. "Quantity" is information that indicates the quantity of the item that should be stored in the shelf opening. In the example of FIG. 5, it is stored that the storage location information for the item with item identification information "XXX1" is "P001" and the quantity is "5." Similarly, it is stored that the storage location information for the item with item identification information "XXX2" is "P002" and the quantity is "10."

[0069] The picking work information DB20133 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The picking work information DB20133 stores "line information," "item identification information," "work sequence," "storage location information," "shipping classification," and "number of picks" in association with each other. "Line information" is information indicating the production line for which the worker is responsible. "Item identification information" is information indicating an identifier for the item to be picked (shipped). "Work sequence" is information indicating the order in which the picking work is to be performed on the line. "Storage location information" is information indicating the shelf opening where the item to be picked is stored. "Ships classification" is information indicating the classification of the shipping content, such as whether it is a planned shipment or an emergency shipment. "Number of picks" is information indicating the quantity of items to be picked. In the example of FIG. 6, at least three operations are associated with line "L1," and at least two operations are associated with line "L2."

[0070] Of these, item "XXX1" on line L1 is assigned an operation sequence number "1" and an operation indicating the planned delivery of 15 items from storage location "P001." Similarly, it is stored that item "XXX2" will be picked in operation sequence number "2" from storage location "P002" as planned delivery of 15 items, and item "XXX3" will be picked in operation sequence number "3" from "P003" as emergency delivery of 5 items. Here, emergency delivery is, for example, an operation performed by a work manager in the form of interrupting a picking operation that was planned before the start of work. Specifically, it is an operation performed to urgently supply items when an unexpected situation occurs on a subsequent line in a factory, etc.

[0071] Furthermore, for line L2, it is stored that the work order for item "YYY1" is "1" and that 10 items are to be picked from storage location "P004" as planned delivery, and that the work order for item "YYY2" is "2" and that 5 items are to be picked from storage location "P005" as planned delivery.

[0072] The processing in the work support device 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. When work is performed using the work support device 101, it is assumed that the worker wears the work support device 101 and activates the work support device 101. First, the shelving work will be described.

[0073] In step S701, the time acquisition unit 1013 acquires the task time. The time acquisition unit 1013 may acquire the time stored inside the task support device 101, or may acquire the task time by communicating with the task management server 201.

[0074] In step S702, the work type identification unit 1014 references the information on work by time period stored in the work management server 201 and identifies the work type corresponding to the work time acquired by the time acquisition unit 1013. Note that if it is difficult to identify the work type based on the work time, such as when shelving work and picking work are performed at the same or close times, the work support device 101 may acquire operation input by the worker and identify the work type selected by the worker as the work type. A self-selection format may also be used. When the worker selects the work type, the work support device 101 does not need to have the functional units of the time acquisition unit 1013 and the work type identification unit 1014.

[0075] In step S703, the work type identification unit 1014 determines whether the work type is shelving work.

[0076] If the work type is shelving work (step S703: YES), in step S704, the item information acquisition unit 1015 acquires item identification information.

[0077] In step S705, the storage position acquisition unit 1016 refers to the shelf placement information DB 20132 and acquires the storage position information of the item corresponding to the item identification information.

[0078] In step S706, the image capturing unit 1017 captures an image of the worker's field of view.

[0079] In step S707, the identifier detection unit 1018 detects the identifier corresponding to the storage position.

[0080] In step S708, the display unit 1019 generates an emphasized image in which the object identifier is emphasized in the field of view image, and displays the emphasized image to the worker.

[0081] In step S709, the completion information transmission unit 1023 acquires the task completion information and transmits it to the task management server 201.

[0082] The status of the shelving work is shown schematically in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the worker's working state as seen from above, and a display image displayed on the monitor M corresponding to the display unit 1019 of the work support device 101.

[0083] An image of the field of view PA of the worker W is captured and acquired as a field of view image. The work support device 101 acquires item identification information by capturing an image of an item O present in the field of view, or acquires the item identification information through an input operation. Once the item identification information is acquired, information about the item to be shelved is highlighted in the display image IG1. Thereafter, the work support device 101 displays the information about the item to be shelved to the worker W via the display unit 1019.

[0084] When the worker W moves to a shelf close to the storage location, a field of view image including multiple identifiers M1, M2, and M3 is acquired. For example, if the storage location is identified by identifier M2, the identifier detection unit 1018 detects identifier M2 as the target identifier. When identifier M2 is detected in the field of view image, the display unit 1019 generates an enhanced image IG2 in which identifier M2 is highlighted in the field of view image and displays it to the worker W. In the example of FIG. 8, identifier M2 is highlighted with a mark D1. At this time, the display unit 1019 adjusts the size of mark D1 to correspond to the size of identifier M2. This makes it possible to convey information about the distance to the worker W by combining identifier M3, which is located farther from the worker W, and identifier M1, which is located closer to the worker W. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8, the identifier M2 may be highlighted by displaying a frame surrounding the identifier, in addition to providing a mark superimposed on the identifier to ensure the worker's field of view.

[0085] It is assumed that the worker W uses the mark D1 as a guide to move to the storage position "P001." At this time, the work support device 101 displays an enhanced image IG3 including the mark D1 displayed based on the identifier M2. The worker W realizes that he has reached the target position and stores the item O in the storage position.

[0086] When the storage of the item O is completed, the worker W operates the work support device 101 to display the completion information input screen IG4 on the display unit 1019. When the worker W selects the completion button, the completion information is sent to the work management server 201. This completes the shelving work.

[0087] Returning to Figure 7, the picking operation will be explained.

[0088] In step S701, the time acquisition unit 1013 acquires the task time. The time acquisition unit 1013 may acquire the time stored inside the task support device 101, or may acquire the task time by communicating with the task management server 201.

[0089] In step S702, the work type identification unit 1014 refers to the information on work by time period stored in the work management server 201, and identifies the work type corresponding to the work time acquired by the time acquisition unit 1013.

[0090] In step S703, the work type identification unit 1014 determines whether the work type is shelving work.

[0091] If the work type is not stocking work (step S703: NO), in step S710, the work type identifying unit 1014 determines whether the work type is picking work.

[0092] If the work type is picking work (step S710: YES), in step S711, the item information acquisition unit 1015 acquires information about the line in charge.

[0093] In step S712, the work information acquisition unit 1020 acquires information on a plurality of picking works associated with the assigned line.

[0094] In step S713, the work presentation unit 1021 presents information on a plurality of picking works to the worker via a work selection screen.

[0095] In step S714, the work selection unit 1022 acquires information for selecting the picking work to be performed by the worker.

[0096] In step S715, the item information acquisition unit 1015 acquires information about the item that is the target of the execution picking operation.

[0097] In step S716, the storage location acquisition unit 1016 acquires the storage location information indicating the storage location of the item.

[0098] Thereafter, the processing from steps S706 to S709 is carried out in the same manner as in the shelving operation, and the picking operation is completed.

[0099] The status of the picking work is shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the worker's work status as seen from above, and a display image displayed on the monitor M corresponding to the display unit 1019 of the work support device 101.

[0100] When picking work is performed, a line selection screen IG5 is displayed on the display unit 1019. When the worker selects a line (for example, line L1), the work information acquisition unit 1020 acquires work information corresponding to the line from the work management server 201, and the work presentation unit 1021 generates a picking instruction list screen IG6 and displays it on the display unit 1019.

[0101] The worker performs a task selection operation on the task support device 101, and the task selection unit 1022 acquires information for selecting the picking task to be performed. Here, it is assumed that task "2" in the task order has been selected. When a task is selected, basic information required for the task is displayed at the top of the display unit 1019.

[0102] When the worker W moves to a shelf close to the storage location, a field of view image including multiple identifiers M1, M2, and M3 is acquired. For example, if the storage location is identified by identifier M2, the identifier detection unit 1018 detects identifier M2 as the target identifier. When identifier M2 is detected in the field of view image, the display unit 1019 generates an enhanced image IG7 in which identifier M2 is highlighted in the field of view image and displays it to the worker W. In the example of FIG. 9, an example is shown in which identifier M2 is highlighted by mark D2. In this case, the display unit 1019 may display mark D2 in a different manner from mark D1 used in the shelving work. In addition, the display unit 1019 may display information about the next work in the work notice information display field N1. In the example of FIG. 9, information indicating that the work in the work order "3" is for storage location "P002" and item identification information "XXX2" is displayed in the enhanced image IG7.

[0103] Let us assume that the worker W uses the mark D2 as a guide and moves to the storage position "P001." At this time, the work support device 101 displays an enhanced image IG3 including the mark D2 displayed based on the identifier M2. The worker W realizes that he has reached the target position and takes out the number of items O corresponding to the number of items to be picked.

[0104] When picking of the items O is completed, the worker W operates the work support device 101 to display the completion information input screen IG9 on the display unit 1019. At this time, the number of items actually picked may be input. When the worker W selects the completion button, completion information is sent to the work management server 201. This completes the picking work.

[0105] The information displayed on the screens shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 includes an authority request for controlling the viewing of information about the work content. The work support device 101 may further include an authority information acquisition unit that acquires authority information associated with the worker based on information about the worker operating the work support device 101, and the display unit may display information about the work content according to the worker's authority information. For example, if a special method is used to handle an item to be worked on, an authority request requiring that the work be performed by a worker with appropriate capabilities may be associated with the work. In this case, the work support device 101 acquires the authority information associated with the worker, and displays the specific details of the work if the worker has the capabilities appropriate for the work, and does not display the specific details of the work and prevents the worker from performing the work if the worker does not have the capabilities appropriate for the work. The worker's authority information may include, for example, job title, qualifications, training status, etc., and the possibility of performing the work and the display range are determined based on these.

[0106] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, conditions, shape, size, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10...work support system, 101...work support device, 201...work management server, 301...information processing terminal, 1013...time acquisition unit, 1014...work type identification unit, 1015...item information acquisition unit, 1016...storage position acquisition unit, 1017...imaging unit, 1018...identifier detection unit, 1019...display unit

Claims

1. A time acquisition unit that acquires a work time when work related to a target item among a plurality of items is performed; a task type identification unit that identifies the task type of the task based on the task time by referring to information in which time periods and task types are associated with each other; an item information acquisition unit that acquires item information of the target item; a storage position acquisition unit that refers to information in which a task type, storage position information indicating a storage position, and item information are associated with each other for each of the plurality of items, and acquires storage position information of the target item based on the item information of the target item and the task type for the target item; an imaging unit that captures an image of the worker's field of view; an identifier detection unit that detects a target identifier that has embedded storage location information corresponding to the target item among the at least one identifier based on at least one identifier that is included in the field of view image and has embedded storage location information and the storage location information of the target item; A work support device comprising: a display unit that generates an enhanced image in which the object identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and displays the enhanced image to the worker.

2. The work support device according to claim 1, the work is a shelving work of moving the item to the storage position, The item information acquisition unit acquires, as the item information, item identification information that is included in the field of view image captured by the imaging unit and that is associated with the item; The storage location acquisition unit acquires the storage location information that is associated with the item identification information and indicates a storage location of the item.

3. The work support device according to claim 1, the work is a picking work of removing the item from the storage location, The item information acquisition unit Obtain information about the line that the worker is responsible for, acquiring information about an item associated with the assigned line as the item information; The storage position acquisition unit acquires the storage position information indicating a storage position of the item.

4. The work support device according to claim 3, a work information acquisition unit that acquires information on a plurality of picking operations associated with the assigned line; a work presentation unit that presents information about the plurality of picking works to the worker through a work selection screen; a task selection unit that acquires information for selecting a picking task to be performed by the worker from among the plurality of picking tasks, The item information acquisition unit is a work support device that acquires information about the item that is the target of the execution picking work.

5. The work support device according to claim 4, A work order is associated with the plurality of picking operations, The work presentation unit presents the plurality of picking works to the worker by preferentially displaying the picking work that is high in the work order on the work selection screen.

6. The work support device according to claim 4, A work order is associated with the plurality of picking operations, The display unit displays to the worker on the same screen the storage location information of a first picking operation that is associated with a first work sequence and is being selected by the worker, and work advance notice information based on the storage location information of a second picking operation that is associated with a second work sequence that follows the first work sequence.

7. The work support device according to claim 1, The work support device further includes a completion information sending unit that acquires completion information indicating completion of the work and sends the completion information to a management server.

8. The work support device according to claim 1, The display unit highlights the target identifier in a first manner when the work is a stocking work, and highlights the target identifier in a second manner when the work is a picking work.

9. The work support device according to claim 1, The display unit sets a size of a highlight marker that highlights the target identifier according to a size of the target identifier in the field of view image, and displays the highlight marker to the worker.

10. The work support device according to claim 1, The work is associated with an authorization request that controls viewing of information related to the work content; an authority information acquisition unit that acquires authority information associated with the worker operating the work assistance device based on information about the worker; The display unit displays information about the content of the work according to authority information of the worker.

11. A work type identification unit that receives an operation input for selecting a work type for work related to a target item among a plurality of items and identifies the work type; an item information acquisition unit that acquires item information of the target item; a storage position acquisition unit that refers to information in which a task type, storage position information indicating a storage position, and item information are associated with each other for each of the plurality of items, and acquires storage position information of the target item based on the item information of the target item and the task type for the target item; an imaging unit that captures an image of the worker's field of view; an identifier detection unit that detects a target identifier that has embedded storage location information corresponding to the target item among the at least one identifier based on at least one identifier that is included in the field of view image and has embedded storage location information and the storage location information of the target item; A work support device comprising: a display unit that generates an enhanced image in which the object identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and displays the enhanced image to the worker.

12. A work support device as described in claim 11, The object identifier is disposed in a storage location where the object is stored; The display unit notifies the worker of the storage location of the target item by the highlighted image.

13. On the computer, acquiring a work time when work related to a target item among a plurality of items will be performed; referring to information in which time periods and task types are associated with each other, and identifying the task type of the task based on the task time; Obtaining product information of the target product; referring to information in which a work type, storage location information indicating a storage location, and item information are associated with each other for each of the plurality of items, and acquiring storage location information of the target item based on the item information of the target item and the work type for the target item; Capturing an image of the worker's field of view; Detecting a target identifier, among the at least one identifier, in which storage location information corresponding to the target item is embedded, based on at least one identifier included in the field of view image and in which storage location information is embedded and the storage location information of the target item; A program that generates an enhanced image in which the object identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and displays it to the worker.

14. The computer acquiring a work time when work related to a target item among a plurality of items will be performed; referring to information in which time periods and task types are associated with each other, and identifying the task type of the task based on the task time; Obtaining product information of the target product; referring to information in which a work type, storage location information indicating a storage location, and item information are associated with each other for each of the plurality of items, and acquiring storage location information of the target item based on the item information of the target item and the work type for the target item; Capturing an image of the worker's field of view; Detecting a target identifier in which storage location information corresponding to the target item is embedded among the at least one identifier based on information of at least one identifier included in the field of view image and in which storage location information is embedded and the storage location information of the target item; generating an enhanced image in which the object identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and displaying the enhanced image to the worker.

15. A computer comprising: acquiring an operation input for selecting a work type for work relating to a target item among a plurality of items, and identifying the work type; Obtaining product information of the target product; referring to information in which a work type, storage location information indicating a storage location, and item information are associated with each other for each of the plurality of items, and acquiring storage location information of the target item based on the item information of the target item and the work type for the target item; Capturing an image of the worker's field of view; Detecting a target identifier, among the at least one identifier, in which storage location information corresponding to the target item is embedded, based on at least one identifier included in the field of view image and in which storage location information is embedded and the storage location information of the target item; A program that generates an enhanced image in which the object identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and displays it to the worker.

16. A computer comprising: acquiring an operation input for selecting a work type for work relating to a target item among a plurality of items, and identifying the work type; Obtaining product information of the target product; referring to information in which a work type, storage location information indicating a storage location, and item information are associated with each other for each of the plurality of items, and acquiring storage location information of the target item based on the item information of the target item and the work type for the target item; Capturing an image of the worker's field of view; Detecting a target identifier, among the at least one identifier, in which storage location information corresponding to the target item is embedded, based on at least one identifier included in the field of view image and in which storage location information is embedded and the storage location information of the target item; generating an enhanced image in which the object identifier is enhanced in the field of view image and displaying the enhanced image to the worker.

Images