Inventory management system and display method

Abstract

We provide an inventory management system that allows users to easily and visually understand the location and quantity of products in stock. [Solution] The inventory management system 10 includes a generation unit 52 for generating a three-dimensional model of a space in which multiple products are arranged, a storage unit 53 for storing product information including the inventory quantity of each product, and a display control unit 54 that displays the three-dimensional model on a display unit 23, indicates the location of a selected product among the multiple products in the three-dimensional model, displays the product information of the selected product together with the three-dimensional model on the display unit 23, displays a linear object on the display unit 23 connecting the location in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed on the display unit 23, and moves the three-dimensional model on the display unit 23 while the linear object connects the location in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed on the display unit 23 when the display unit 23 moves the three-dimensional model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory management system and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that displays sales-related data of a plurality of products on an electronic illustration of a virtual retail environment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, it is desired to be able to visually and easily grasp the placement position and the inventory quantity of products.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inventory management system or the like that can visually and easily grasp the placement position and the inventory quantity of products.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An inventory management system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a generation unit for generating a three-dimensional model of a space in which one or more shelves and a plurality of products placed on the one or more shelves are arranged; a storage unit for storing product information, including the inventory quantity of each product; a display unit for displaying the three-dimensional model, indicating the placement position of a selected product which is a product selected from the plurality of products in the three-dimensional model, displaying the product information of the selected product together with the three-dimensional model in the display unit, displaying a linear object in the display unit connecting the placement position in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed in the display unit, and a display control unit for moving the three-dimensional model in the display unit while the linear object connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed in the display unit.

[0007] Furthermore, a display method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a generation step for generating a three-dimensional model of a space in which one or more shelves and a plurality of products placed on the one or more shelves are arranged; a storage step for storing product information, including the inventory quantity of each product; a display unit for displaying the three-dimensional model, indicating the placement position of a selected product which is a product selected from the plurality of products in the three-dimensional model, displaying the product information of the selected product together with the three-dimensional model in the display unit, displaying a linear object in the display unit connecting the placement position in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed in the display unit, and a display control step for moving the three-dimensional model in the display unit while the linear object connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed in the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inventory management system that allows for easy visual confirmation of the location and quantity of goods in stock. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an inventory management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the first display example in the display unit. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a second display example in the display unit. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing a third display example in the display unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the fourth display example in the display unit. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the fifth display example in the display unit. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the inventory management system generates a three-dimensional model. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the inventory management system stores product information. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the inventory management system works when displaying a three-dimensional model. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the inventory management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first display example in the display unit 23. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second display example in the display unit 23. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a third display example in the display unit 23. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth display example in the display unit 23. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a fifth display example in the display unit 23. First, the functional configuration of the inventory management system 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0012] The inventory management system 10 is a system that manages the inventory of products. For example, one or more shelves are arranged in the space within a warehouse, and a plurality of products are placed as inventory on the one or more shelves, and the inventory management system 10 manages the inventory quantity of each of these products. Note that the inventory management system 10 may manage the inventory quantities of a plurality of products arranged in various spaces such as within a store or within a factory instead of within a warehouse. As shown in FIG. 1, the inventory management system 10 includes an information terminal 20, a database 30, a camera 40, and a processing device 50.

[0013] The information terminal 20 is a terminal used by a user. The user can use the information terminal 20 to determine a product for which the user wants to know the inventory quantity and know the inventory quantity of the product. The information terminal 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, an operation reception unit 22, a display unit 23, and a reading unit 24. For example, the information terminal 20 is a smartphone or a tablet terminal or the like.

[0014] The terminal communication unit 21 performs wireless communication with the database 30, the camera 40, and the processing device 50 via a network 60. For example, the terminal communication unit 21 is configured by a communication module or the like.

[0015] The operation reception unit 22 receives various operations by the user. For example, the operation reception unit 22 is configured by a touch button or a hardware button or the like.

[0016] The display unit 23 displays various information. For example, the display unit 23 is configured by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or the like.

[0017] The reading unit 24 can read the barcode associated with each product. In the present embodiment, the barcode is a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code. For example, the reading unit 24 is configured by a camera or the like.

[0018] The database 30 stores the expiration date, etc. of each product. For example, the expiration date, etc. of each product input by the user using the information terminal 20 is transmitted to the database 30 via the network 60, and the expiration date, etc. of each product is stored in the database 30.

[0019] The camera 40 is installed in a space where a plurality of products are arranged as inventory and photographs the inside of the space. The image captured by the camera 40 is transmitted to the processing device 50 etc. via the network 60.

[0020] The processing device 50 performs various processes such as the generation of the three-dimensional model 1. The processing device 50 includes a device communication unit 51, a generation unit 52, a storage unit 53, a display control unit 54, and a simulation unit 55. For example, the device communication unit 51 is composed of a communication module etc., the storage unit 53 is composed of a memory etc., and the display control unit 54 and the simulation unit 55 are composed of a processor etc. Also, the generation unit 52 is composed of software etc. In the present embodiment, since the generation unit 52 is composed of software that can operate on a web browser, it is not necessary to install special dedicated software, and the introduction and operation costs are reduced. The device communication unit 51, the generation unit 52, the storage unit 53, the display control unit 54, and the simulation unit 55 may be provided in a single housing or may be provided distributed in a plurality of housings.

[0021] The device communication unit 51 performs wireless communication with the information terminal 20, the database 30, and the camera 40 via the network 60.

[0022] The generation unit 52 is a generation unit for generating a three-dimensional model 1 of a space in which one or more shelves and multiple products placed on one or more shelves are arranged. The user can generate the three-dimensional model 1 by operating the generation unit 52 using the information terminal 20. For example, when the user starts the generation unit 52 via the information terminal 20, a screen for generating the three-dimensional model 1 is displayed on the display unit 23 of the information terminal 20. The user can generate the three-dimensional model 1 of the space by arranging shelf objects 2 representing shelves on the screen to reproduce the space in which one or more shelves and multiple products are arranged, and by inputting product information 4 (see Figure 3, etc.) for each product placed on the shelf. The product information 4 for each product includes the stock quantity of that product. In this embodiment, the product information 4 for each product further includes the number of the shelf on which the product is placed and the scheduled delivery date of the product. The storage unit 53 stores the product information 4 for each product, etc.

[0023] The display control unit 54 displays the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23. The user can use the information terminal 20 to operate the processing unit 50 and display the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23. The display control unit 54 displays the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23 in response to operations performed by the user using the information terminal 20. For example, when the user performs a display operation to display the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23, the display control unit 54 displays the three-dimensional model 1 as seen from above, as shown in Figure 2. When the user performs a movement operation to move the three-dimensional model 1, the display control unit 54 translates or rotates the three-dimensional model 1 in response to the movement operation.

[0024] The display control unit 54 indicates the placement position of the selected product, which is a product selected from among multiple products, in the three-dimensional model 1. In this embodiment, the selected product is the product associated with the barcode read by the reading unit 24 from among the multiple products. The display control unit 54 also displays the product information 4 of the selected product together with the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23, and displays a linear object 5 on the display unit 23 that connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model 1 with the product information 4 of the selected product displayed on the display unit 23. In addition, the display control unit 54 displays the JAN code read by the reading unit 24 on the display unit 23 along with the three-dimensional model 1, the product information 4 of the selected product, and the linear object 5.

[0025] For example, as shown in Figure 3, when a user reads a JAN code associated with a product using the reader 24, the display control unit 54 indicates the location of the product associated with that JAN code by coloring it in the three-dimensional model 1 (see dot 3 in Figure 3). The display control unit 54 also displays product information 4 and a linear object 5 connecting the location and the product information 4. Here, the product information 4 includes the shelf number on which the product is placed, the scheduled delivery date of the product, the stock quantity, and a gauge indicating the stock quantity. Since the selected product is placed in multiple locations, the product information 4 is displayed for each location. Here, the display control unit 54 displays the product information 4 in the corner of the display area of ​​the three-dimensional model 1 in the display unit 23. The display control unit 54 also displays the JAN code in the barcode display field 6 in the display unit 23. The product information 4 is updated as needed by the user operating the information terminal 20, etc. Note that the selected product does not have to be a product associated with the JAN code read by the reading unit 24; it may also be a product associated with the JAN code entered by the user in the barcode display field 6, etc.

[0026] When the display control unit 54 moves the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23, the linear object 5 connects the placement position of the three-dimensional model 1 with the product information 4 of the selected product displayed on the display unit 23, and moves the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23. For example, the display control unit 54 moves the three-dimensional model 1 from the state shown in Figure 3 to the state shown in Figure 4 in response to user operation. In this case, the display control unit 54 moves the three-dimensional model 1 with the linear object 5 connecting the placement position of the three-dimensional model 1 with the product information 4 of the selected product displayed on the display unit 23. The same applies when moving the three-dimensional model 1 from the state shown in Figure 4 to the state shown in Figure 5.

[0027] When product information 4 displayed on the display unit 23 is tapped or clicked, the display control unit 54 moves the three-dimensional model 1 so that the product related to product information 4 is visible from the front, as shown in Figure 6. This allows the user to easily visually understand which shelf the product related to product information 4 is placed on.

[0028] The display control unit 54 displays products in the three-dimensional model 1 that have an expiration date within a predetermined period from among multiple products. The display control unit 54 communicates with the database 30 in real time via the device communication unit 51 and determines whether or not there are products among the multiple products that have an expiration date within a predetermined period. For example, the display control unit 54 displays products with an expiration date within a predetermined period in the three-dimensional model 1 using a different color or the like from the selected product.

[0029] The simulation unit 55 uses the three-dimensional model 1 to perform a simulation of picking one or more selected items and outputs the simulation results, including the route and time required when picking one or more selected items. For example, the user uses the information terminal 20 to determine one or more selected items by reading one or more JAN codes and starts the simulation. The simulation unit 55 performs the simulation when this operation is performed. For example, the simulation unit 55 performs a simulation starting from a certain point in space, picking one or more selected items, and returning to that point, and displays the simulation results, including the route and time required when picking one or more selected items, on the display unit 23. This makes it possible to streamline picking work and support the formulation of picking work plans.

[0030] The display control unit 54 indicates the installation position of the camera 40 in the three-dimensional model 1 and displays the image captured by the camera 40 together with the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23. For example, when the user generates the three-dimensional model 1, the display control unit 54 indicates the installation position of the camera 40 by placing an object indicating the camera 40 together with the shelf object 2 on the three-dimensional model 1. The display control unit 54 also acquires the image captured by the camera 40 via the device communication unit 51, etc., and displays it together with the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23.

[0031] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the inventory management system 10 in Figure 1 when generating the three-dimensional model 1. Next, an example of the operation of the inventory management system 10 when generating the three-dimensional model 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7, the operation reception unit 22 accepts the user's operation to generate the three-dimensional model 1 (step S1).

[0033] The generation unit 52 generates the three-dimensional model 1 according to the generation operation (step S2).

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the inventory management system 10 in Figure 1 stores product information 4. Next, an example of how the inventory management system 10 stores product information 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0035] As shown in Figure 8, the operation reception unit 22 accepts the user's input operation for product information 4 (step S11).

[0036] The memory unit 53 stores the product information 4 entered during the input operation (step S12).

[0037] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of how the inventory management system 10 in Figure 1 displays the three-dimensional model 1. Next, an example of how the inventory management system 10 displays the three-dimensional model 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, the operation reception unit 22 receives a display operation of the three-dimensional model 1 by the user (step S21).

[0039] The display control unit 54 causes the three-dimensional model 1 to be displayed on the display unit 23 (step S22).

[0040] The operation reception unit 22 receives the user's product selection operation (step S23).

[0041] The display control unit 54 displays the placement position of the selected product, the product information 4 of the selected product, and the linear object 5 on the display unit 23 (step S24).

[0042] The operation reception unit 22 receives the user's operation to move the three-dimensional model 1 (step S25).

[0043] The display control unit 54 moves the three-dimensional model 1 while the linear object 5 is connected to the placement position of the selected product and the product information 4 of the selected product (step S26).

[0044] The inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0045] According to the inventory management system 10, even if the selected items are scattered in multiple locations or placed at different heights, users can easily visually grasp the location of the selected items. This reduces the likelihood of missed items and inefficient movement compared to when users pick items based on paper or digital lists.

[0046] Furthermore, the inventory management system 10 can manage expiration dates and identify and display products that are nearing their expiration date, thus streamlining the process of collecting expired products.

[0047] Furthermore, to streamline picking operations, the simulation unit can calculate the optimal work route and required time, providing support for developing work plans.

[0048] Because this system is provided as software that runs on a web browser, it does not require the distribution of a dedicated app or setup on each device, reducing implementation and maintenance costs, and offering excellent compatibility between devices.

[0049] As described above, the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment includes a generation unit 52 for generating a three-dimensional model 1 of a space in which one or more shelves and multiple products placed on one or more shelves are arranged, a storage unit 53 for storing product information including the inventory quantity of each product, and a display unit 23 for displaying the three-dimensional model 1, indicating the placement position of selected products which are selected products from among the multiple products in the three-dimensional model 1, displaying the product information of the selected products together with the three-dimensional model 1 in the display unit 23, displaying a linear object 5 in the display unit 23 that connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model 1 and the product information of the selected products displayed in the display unit 23, and a display control unit 54 for moving the three-dimensional model 1 in the display unit 23 while the linear object 5 connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model 1 and the product information of the selected products displayed in the display unit 23.

[0050] According to this, the placement location of the selected product can be easily understood visually by indicating its position in the three-dimensional model 1. Furthermore, since the linear object 5 connects the placement location and the product information, the inventory quantity of the selected product can be easily understood visually. In addition, since the three-dimensional model 1 can be moved while the linear object 5 is connected to the placement location and the product information, the relationship between the placement location and the inventory quantity can be understood even more easily visually.

[0051] Furthermore, in the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment, the product information for each product further includes the shelf number on which the product is placed among one or more shelves, and the scheduled delivery date of the product.

[0052] This makes it easy to visually identify the shelf number where the selected product is located and the scheduled delivery date of the selected product.

[0053] Furthermore, the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment further includes a device communication unit 51 that communicates with a database 30 that stores the expiration date of each product, and the display control unit 54 displays in the three-dimensional model 1 products whose expiration date is within a predetermined period from among a plurality of products.

[0054] This makes it possible to visually and easily identify products whose expiration date is within a specified period.

[0055] Furthermore, the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment further includes a simulation unit 55 that performs a simulation of picking one or more selected products using a three-dimensional model 1 and outputs simulation results including the route and time required when picking one or more selected products.

[0056] This makes it easy to understand the route and time required when picking one or more selected items.

[0057] Furthermore, in the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment, the generation unit 52 is composed of software that can run on a web browser.

[0058] According to this, a three-dimensional model 1 can be generated on a web browser.

[0059] Furthermore, the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment is further equipped with a reading unit 24 capable of reading barcodes associated with each product, and the selected product is the product associated with the barcode read by the reading unit 24 from among multiple products.

[0060] According to this, it becomes possible to easily select products by scanning barcodes.

[0061] Furthermore, in the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment, the barcode is a JAN code, and the display control unit 54 displays the JAN code read by the reading unit 24 on the display unit 23, along with the three-dimensional model 1, the product information of the selected product, and the linear object 5.

[0062] This makes it possible to easily identify JAN codes.

[0063] Furthermore, in the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment, the display control unit 54 causes the display unit 23 to display a gauge on the display unit 23 that indicates the number of items in stock.

[0064] This makes it possible to visually grasp inventory levels more easily.

[0065] Furthermore, in the inventory management system 10 according to this embodiment, the display control unit 54 indicates the installation position of the camera 40 installed in space in the three-dimensional model 1, and displays the image captured by the camera 40 together with the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23.

[0066] This allows us to understand the images captured by camera 40.

[0067] Furthermore, the display method according to this embodiment includes a generation step (step S2) for generating a three-dimensional model 1 of a space in which one or more shelves and multiple products placed on one or more shelves are arranged; a storage step (step S12) for storing product information, including the inventory quantity of each product; and a display control step (steps S22, S24, S26) for displaying the three-dimensional model 1 on a display unit 23, indicating the placement position of selected products, which are products selected from among the multiple products, displaying the product information of the selected products together with the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23, displaying a linear object 5 on the display unit 23 that connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model 1 and the product information of the selected products displayed on the display unit 23, and moving the three-dimensional model 1 on the display unit 23 while the linear object 5 connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model 1 and the product information of the selected products displayed on the display unit 23.

[0068] According to this, it will have the same effects as the inventory management system 10 described above.

[0069] Although one or more embodiments of an inventory management system have been described above based on these embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments that are conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, the case in which the information terminal 20 is equipped with a reading unit 24 was explained, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a reading device that reads barcodes using infrared light or the like may be used separately from the information terminal 20. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. Three-dimensional model 2 shelf objects 3. Dot area 4 Product information 5 Linear Objects 6. Barcode display area 10. Inventory Management System 20 Information terminals 21 Terminal Communication Section 22 Operation reception section 23 Display section 24 Reading section 30 databases 40 Cameras 50 Processing Units 51. Device Communication Unit 52 Generation part 53 Memory section 54 Display Control Unit 55 Simulation Department 60 Networks

Claims

1. A generation unit for generating a three-dimensional model of a space in which one or more shelves and multiple products placed on the one or more shelves are arranged, A storage unit that stores product information, including the inventory quantity of each of the aforementioned products, The display unit displays the three-dimensional model, indicates the placement position of a selected product, which is a product selected from among the multiple products, displays the product information of the selected product together with the three-dimensional model on the display unit, displays a linear object on the display unit connecting the placement position in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed on the display unit, and when the display unit moves the three-dimensional model, the linear object connects the placement position in the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed on the display unit while the display unit moves the three-dimensional model on the display unit. Inventory management system.

2. The product information for each of the aforementioned products further includes the shelf number on which the product is placed among the one or more shelves and the scheduled delivery date of the product. The inventory management system according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a communication unit that communicates with a database that stores the expiration dates of each of the aforementioned products. The display control unit indicates in the three-dimensional model the products among the plurality of products whose expiration date is within a predetermined period. The inventory management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system further includes a simulation unit that performs a simulation of picking one or more selected items using the three-dimensional model and outputs simulation results including the route and time required when picking the one or more selected items. The inventory management system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The generation unit consists of software that can run on a web browser. The inventory management system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The system further includes a reader capable of reading the barcode associated with each of the aforementioned products. The selected product is the product linked to the barcode read by the reader among the multiple products. The inventory management system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned barcode is a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code. The display control unit causes the JAN code read by the reading unit to be displayed on the display unit along with the three-dimensional model, the product information of the selected product, and the linear object. The inventory management system according to claim 6.

8. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a gauge indicating the inventory quantity that is displayed on the display unit. The inventory management system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The display control unit indicates the installation position of the camera installed in the space in the three-dimensional model, and displays the image captured by the camera together with the three-dimensional model on the display unit. The inventory management system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A generation step for generating a three-dimensional model of a space in which one or more shelves and multiple products placed on the one or more shelves are arranged, A storage step for each of the aforementioned products, which includes storing product information including the inventory quantity of the product, The display control step includes: displaying the three-dimensional model on the display unit; indicating the placement position of a selected product, which is a product selected from among the plurality of products, on the three-dimensional model; displaying the product information of the selected product together with the three-dimensional model on the display unit; displaying a linear object on the display unit connecting the placement position on the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed on the display unit; and, when the three-dimensional model is moved on the display unit, moving the three-dimensional model on the display unit while the linear object connects the placement position on the three-dimensional model and the product information of the selected product displayed on the display unit. Display method.

11. A program for causing a computer to perform the display method described in claim 10.

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