Work support system

Abstract

To provide a work support system that enables workers to easily recognize at which position object goods should be stacked.SOLUTION: A work support system provides supports to workers by giving instructions to them for stacking a plurality of goods on a support that can support the goods. The system is equipped with a projection device and a control device that controls the projection device. With a support 2 or goods W to be stacked on top of goods W already stacked on the support 2 being regarded as target goods, the control device controls the projection device to project a position indication image A indicating a stacking position of the target goods onto a projection target, which is at least one of the support 2 or the goods W that have already been stacked on the support 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work support system that supports an operator in performing a stacking operation of stacking a plurality of the articles on a support that can support the articles by giving an instruction to the operator.

Background Art

[0002] An example of such a work support system is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. Hereinafter, in the description of this background art, the reference numerals and names in Patent Document 1 are cited in parentheses.

[0003] In the stacking equipment of Patent Document 1, a transfer device (transfer robot 4) for stacking articles on a placement part (placement table 8) and a control device (H) for controlling the operation of the transfer device (4) are provided. A placement part (8) having a rectangular shape in plan view for placing and supporting articles, and a back part and a pair of side parts in a state of rising from three sides of the four sides forming the outer edge of the placement part (8) are provided. The transfer device (4) is configured to stack articles on the stacking part (cage car 3) in an arrangement determined by an arrangement determination method for determining an arrangement for stacking a plurality of articles in multiple stages. On the other hand, for example, when the transfer device (4) cannot be used due to restrictions on the installation space or a failure, an image showing the determined stacking pattern is displayed on a monitor, and the operator may manually stack the articles (W) on the stacking part (3) based on the image displayed on the monitor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, relying solely on the image displayed on the monitor, it could be difficult to intuitively grasp the precise placement of each item when stacking multiple items, potentially leading to errors. Such errors could result in problems such as being unable to stack all items in the designated stacking area because the items could not be stacked according to the predetermined stacking pattern.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a work support system that enables workers to easily recognize where the target items should be stacked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In light of the above, the characteristic configuration of the work support system is: A work support system that assists a worker in stacking multiple items onto a support that can hold items by giving instructions to the worker, Projection device and The system comprises a control device for controlling the projection device, The articles to be stacked on the support or on top of the articles already stacked on the support are designated as the target articles. The control device controls the projection device to project a position indicator image showing the stacking position of the target article onto the projection target, which is at least one of the support and the article already stacked on the support. The item to be stacked next to the aforementioned item will be designated as the next item. The control device controls the projection device to project, in addition to the position indication image, a next position indication image indicating the stacking position of the next target item in a manner different from the position indication image onto the projection target. It's at a single point.

[0008] With this feature configuration, when an operator stacks multiple items on a support, the operator can easily recognize where to stack the items by looking at the position indicator image projected onto the target object. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the operator's item stacking work. This configuration allows workers to know in advance the placement of the next item to be stacked when stacking multiple items on a support structure. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the worker's item stacking work. Furthermore, this configuration allows workers to change the stacking order of the current target item and the next target item, thus increasing the flexibility of the worker's work.

[0009] In light of the above, the characteristic configuration of the work support system is: A work support system that assists a worker in stacking multiple items onto a support that can hold items by giving instructions to the worker, Projection device and The system comprises a control device for controlling the projection device, The articles to be stacked on the support or on top of the articles already stacked on the support are designated as the target articles. The control device controls the projection device to project a position indicator image showing the stacking position of the target article onto the projection target, which is at least one of the support and the article already stacked on the support. The control device sets a reference point on the support surface, which is the surface on the support that supports the plurality of articles, and sets an X-axis and a Y-axis that are along the horizontal plane and intersect at the reference point. The control device controls the projection device to project a first reference line image, positioned to coincide with the X-axis in a vertical view, and a second reference line image, positioned to coincide with the Y-axis in a vertical view, onto the entire support and the articles already stacked on the support. It is at a point.

[0010] With this feature configuration, when an operator stacks multiple items on a support, the operator can easily recognize where to stack the items by looking at the position indicator image projected onto the target object. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the operator's item stacking work. With this feature configuration, the first and second reference line images are projected onto the support surface of the support, or onto the top surface of items already stacked on that support surface. Therefore, workers can stack items using these reference line images as a reference. Consequently, it becomes easier for workers to optimize the position in which they stack items. .

[0011] In light of the above, the characteristic configuration of the work support system is: A work support system that assists a worker in stacking multiple items onto a support that can hold items by giving instructions to the worker, Projection device and The system comprises a control device for controlling the projection device, The articles to be stacked on the support or on top of the articles already stacked on the support are designated as the target articles. The control device controls the projection device to project a position indicator image showing the stacking position of the target article onto the projection target, which is at least one of the support and the article already stacked on the support. It further includes an image display device that displays images on the display screen, The control device displays on the display screen a status display image which is an image corresponding to the article already stacked on the support, and a position indication image which indicates the stacking position of the target article. The image display device is controlled to overlay the aforementioned situation display image with a projected image on the display screen that corresponds to the image projected onto the projection target by the projection device, thereby displaying the projected image on the display screen. The control device is configured to change the orientation in which the status display image, the position indicator image, and the projection image are displayed on the display screen according to instructions from the worker, and controls the image display device to display a worker position image on the display screen that indicates the standing position of the worker performing the stacking work. It is at a point.

[0012] With this feature configuration, when an operator stacks multiple items on a support, the operator can easily recognize where to stack the items by looking at the position indicator image projected onto the target object. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the operator's item stacking work. This feature configuration allows workers to easily recognize where to stack items by looking at the images displayed on the screen, and also to easily recognize the current status of items already stacked on the support. Therefore, it is easier to further improve the efficiency of the item stacking work performed by workers. With this feature configuration, the projected image corresponding to the image projected onto the target object by the projection device is also displayed on the display screen. Therefore, the worker can recognize the correspondence between the image projected onto the actual target object by the projection device and the projected image displayed on the display screen. Consequently, it becomes easier to further improve the efficiency of the worker's goods stacking work. This feature configuration allows for the free repositioning of each image on the display screen, enabling the worker to view each image at a comfortable angle. Furthermore, even when the orientation of each image on the display screen is changed, the worker's position within the displayed image remains easily discernible. .

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] General view of the article conveying equipment [Figure 2] Perspective view of the cage car [Figure 3] Perspective view of the cage car during stacking operation [Figure 4] Control block diagram [Figure 5] Explanatory drawing of the work support system of the first embodiment [Figure 6] Explanatory drawing of the work support system of the second embodiment [Figure 7] ]Diagram illustrating the work support system of the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the work support system of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the work support system of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the work support system of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] Diagram illustrating a modified example of the sixth embodiment of a work support system. [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating a modified example of the sixth embodiment of a work support system. [Figure 13] Explanatory diagram of a work support system relating to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] 1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of the work support system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The following describes an example of applying the work support system 1 to the goods transport equipment 100, based on the drawings. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the goods transport equipment 100 comprises the work support system 1, a loading section 3 into which goods W are brought, a transport conveyor 5, a work area 4, a storage section 9 for storing goods W, a shipping conveyor 8, an adhesive device 7 provided adjacent to the shipping conveyor 8, and a shipping work area 6.

[0015] Items W arriving inside the goods handling equipment 100 are loaded onto a support 2 (in this case, a cage cart) via the work support system 1. The items W loaded onto the support 2 are then stored in the storage section 9. Items W being shipped out from inside the goods handling equipment 100 are placed on the shipping conveyor 8 from the storage section 9. The items W are then transported by the shipping conveyor 8 to the shipping work area 6, and from the shipping work area 6 they are shipped out to the outside of the goods handling equipment 100. Labels are attached to the shipped items W by the labeling device 7 while they are being transported on the shipping conveyor 8. Once the items W reach the shipping work area 6, they are loaded onto a truck or the like and transported to the destination.

[0016] Furthermore, items W stacked on the support 2 via the work support system 1 may not be stored in the storage unit 9, but instead transported directly to the shipping work area 6 by the shipping conveyor 8. Furthermore, when shipping item W, there are cases where item W is not placed on the shipping conveyor 8 but is transported directly to the shipping work area 6. In this case, the labeling device 7 does not affix a label to item W.

[0017] In the example shown in Figure 1, the shipping conveyor 8 comprises a first discharge conveyor 10, a second discharge conveyor 11, and a third discharge conveyor 12. Multiple first discharge conveyors 10 are arranged adjacent to each other in the storage section 9. Each of the multiple first discharge conveyors 10 is connected to the second discharge conveyor 11 on the downstream side. An adhesive device 7 is arranged adjacent to the second discharge conveyor 11. The second discharge conveyor 11 is connected to a plurality of third discharge conveyors 12 downstream of the adhesive device 7. Each of the plurality of third discharge conveyors 12 is positioned so as to overlap with the shipping work area 6 when viewed from above. That is, the goods W placed on the first discharge conveyor 10 pass through the second discharge conveyor 11 and are transported to one of the plurality of third discharge conveyors 12. In the shipping work area 6, workers remove the goods W from the third discharge conveyors 12 and load them onto carts or the like.

[0018] In addition to trolleys, other examples of support structures 2 include pallets, cartons, various containers such as collapsible containers, and trolleys. The shipping area 6 is designed to accommodate vehicles such as trucks, and multiple stacked items W are loaded onto these vehicles for shipment. In the example shown in Figure 1, the labeling device 7 is a labeler that automatically attaches labels indicating the shipping destination. The configuration of the shipping conveyor 8 can be modified as needed.

[0019] In the storage section 9, multiple items W stacked on the support 2 by the work support system 1 are stored. In the example shown in Figure 1, multiple support 2 are arranged side by side in the storage section 9, and multiple items W are stacked on each support 2. The storage section 9 is located between the work support system 1 and the shipping conveyor 8 (in this case, the first unloading conveyor 10). That is, the storage section 9 is adjacent to both the work support system 1 and the shipping conveyor 8. When transporting multiple items W placed on the support 2, or items W not placed on the support 2, within the item transport equipment 100 without using a conveyor, it is preferable to use forklifts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), etc., in addition to manual transport.

[0020] In this embodiment, article W is a container that can be stacked on the support 2. For example, article W is a corrugated cardboard box that serves as a carton container for storing goods. Examples of goods that can be stored in the carton container include clothing, books, drinking water, food products, and machine parts.

[0021] Furthermore, article W is not limited to a single type, but may be multiple types of article W. Articles W of the same type are defined as those with the same size (length, width, height), shape, and weight, while articles W of different types are defined as those with some or all differences in size, shape, and weight.

[0022] The work support system 1 is a device that assists workers in stacking multiple items W onto a support structure 2 (a cart) capable of supporting items W, by providing instructions to the worker.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the cart 2 in this embodiment is provided with a rectangular platform 20 in plan view for supporting the item W, three peripheral wall portions 21 rising from three of the four sides forming the outer edge of the platform 20, and a plurality of moving wheels 22 provided on the lower surface of the platform 20. Two opposing peripheral wall portions 21 are referred to as side portions 21a, and the remaining peripheral wall portion 21 is referred to as the rear portion 21b. The direction in which the pair of side portions 21a are aligned is referred to as the left-right direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to this left-right direction is referred to as the front-back direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the goods W are first stacked on the loading platform 20 of the cart 2, and then additional goods W are sequentially stacked on top of the stacked goods W.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the work support system 1 comprises a projection device 14 and a control device 13 that controls the projection device 14.

[0026] Furthermore, the control device 13 is pre-programmed with item information regarding the size (length, width, height), shape, weight, and quantity of the items W. Based on predetermined criteria, the control device 13 determines and stores a stacking arrangement pattern for loading these multiple items W onto the cart.

[0027] In the work area 4, when an item W is removed from the conveyor belt 5 and loaded onto the cart 2 by a worker, the work support system 1 is activated. The control device 13 then controls the projection device 14 to project a position indicator image A, which indicates the loading position of the item, onto the projection target, which is at least one of the cart 2 or the item W already loaded on the cart 2, based on the loading arrangement pattern. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the position indicator image A, which indicates the loading position of the item, is projected using MR (Mixed Reality) via goggles worn by the worker, with the item W already loaded on the cart 2 as the projection target.

[0028] As a result, when a worker stacks multiple items W on a support 2, the worker can easily recognize where to stack the items by looking at the position indicator image A projected onto the target object. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the worker's item stacking work.

[0029] The projection device 14 applicable to the present invention is not limited to MR, but also includes, for example, a laser pointer, projection mapping, etc. That is, "projection" is a concept that includes not only projecting an image onto the support 2 or article W using MR goggles or the like, as in this embodiment, but also projecting directly onto the support 2 or article W.

[0030] In this embodiment, the projection target is the lower item W which serves as the support surface for the place on which the target item is placed. However, it is not limited to this, and may also be a support body that serves as the support surface for the place on which the target item is placed (for example, the mounting platform 20 of the trolley 2). Furthermore, in addition to the support body that serves as the support surface or the lower item W, the projection target may also be a support body that serves as the side wall surface for the place on which the target item is placed (for example, the peripheral wall portion 21 of the trolley 2) or the side surface of the item W on the same level. Alternatively, the projection target may be only the side wall surface (for example, the peripheral wall portion 21 of the trolley 2) without projecting onto the support surface. In other words, the term "position indicator image" is not limited to images projected onto the stacking position of the target item as in this embodiment, but also includes images projected near the stacking position of the target item in a manner that indicates the stacking position.

[0031] Furthermore, the "position indicator image" may be a form that only displays the stacking position of the target item, such as a dot or an arrow (an arrow projected onto a support that forms the side wall of the place where the target item is placed).

[0032] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows a configuration in which the goods W are loaded only by an operator and not by a transfer robot, the system is not limited to this. For example, an operator may perform the loading work in place of the transfer robot during recovery work when the transfer robot malfunctions and an error occurs in the loading operation, or during maintenance work on the transfer robot.

[0033] 2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the work support system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 6. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the article W is rectangular in plan view, and the control device 13 projects a direction indicator image B onto the projection target, in addition to or together with the position indicator image A, indicating the direction along the longer side of the target article in plan view. Below, the work support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0034] In this embodiment, the rectangular shape does not have to be a rectangle in the strict sense; it is sufficient if the general shape is rectangular.

[0035] In this embodiment, position indicator image A and direction indicator image B are integrated and represented as a single image. Position indicator image A is a rectangular image, and direction indicator image B is a linear image. It is desirable that direction indicator image B be represented in a color that is easily visible to the worker (for example, red). The position of position indicator image A and the orientation of direction indicator image B simultaneously indicate the position and orientation in which the rectangular item W is stacked.

[0036] According to this configuration, when stacking rectangular items W in a plan view, the worker can easily recognize the direction along which to align the long side of the item W in a plan view by looking at the directional indicator image B projected onto the target object. Therefore, the possibility of the worker stacking the items W incorrectly can be reduced, and it is easier to further improve the efficiency of the worker's stacking work of items W.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, for example, a linear image indicating the position and direction of the object to be placed may be projected onto the upper surface of the object W that serves as the support surface for the place where the object will be placed, or onto the platform 20 of the cart 2. Such a linear image can be described as a position indicator image A indicating the stacking position of the object, a direction indicator image B indicating the direction of the object, or a linear image that integrates position indicator image A and direction indicator image B. Because such a linear image has a simple shape, it is suitable, for example, when using a laser pointer or projection mapping as the projection device 14.

[0038] In this embodiment, the directional indicator image B and the position indicator image A are not limited to being represented as a single image; they may also be configured to be represented separately.

[0039] 3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the work support system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 7. In this embodiment, the item W to be stacked after the target item is designated as the next target item, and the control device 13 projects a next position indicator image N onto the projection target in addition to the position indicator image A, indicating the stacking position of the next target item in a manner different from that of the position indicator image A. This is one aspect that differs from the first embodiment. In the following, the work support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described will be the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0040] In this embodiment, the next position indicator image N is represented by a different shape, color, or brightness, or a combination thereof, from the position indicator image A. The next position indicator image N is not necessarily limited to one; for example, multiple next position indicator images N may be projected, numbered as #1, #2, #3, etc., corresponding to the stacking order.

[0041] With this configuration, when an operator stacks multiple items W on a support, they can know in advance the position of the next item W to be stacked. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the operator's item stacking work.

[0042] Furthermore, this configuration allows workers to change the stacking order of the current target item and the next target item, thus increasing the flexibility of the worker's work.

[0043] 4. Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the work support system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 8. In this embodiment, the control device 13 projects onto the projection target at least one of the sequence display images H that show the stacking order of the target items among all the items W to be stacked on the support 2, and the sequence display images h of the items W that have already been stacked. In the following, the work support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described will be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0044] The sequential display image H, which shows the stacking order of the target items, and the sequential display image h of the already stacked items W, can be, for example, numbers indicating the stacking order, as shown in Figure 8. Other forms of the sequential display image may also be, for example, a graphic such as a bar graph showing the position corresponding to the order of the target items within the total stacked items W.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the sequence indicator image H and the position indicator image A, which show the stacking order of the target items, may be represented as a single integrated image (for example, using numbers instead of colored lines), or the sequence indicator image H and the position indicator image A may be represented as separate images.

[0046] 5. Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the work support system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 9. In this embodiment, the control device 13 sets a reference point E on the support surface, which is the surface of the support body 2 that supports a plurality of articles W, and sets the X and Y axes along the horizontal plane and intersecting at the reference point E. It projects a first reference line image C, which is positioned to coincide with the X axis in a vertical view, and a second reference line image D, which is positioned to coincide with the Y axis in a vertical view, onto the entire support body 2 and the articles W already stacked on the support body 2. This is the first embodiment. Below, the work support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, for example, the support 2 is rectangular (square or rectangle) in plan view, the X and Y axes are set parallel to each side of the support 2, and the intersection point of the X and Y axes (reference point E) is set at the center of the support surface (centroid of the figure). Of course, when articles W are stacked on the support 2, the X and Y axes and their intersection point are projected onto the upper surface of the stacked articles W.

[0048] In this embodiment, the configuration is not limited to setting the reference point E at the center of the support surface; the reference point may be set at a position offset from the center of the support surface. Furthermore, the X and Y axes may be set in directions that intersect each side of the support 2.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two reference line images, a first reference line image and a second reference line image, are provided. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, a grid-like reference line image or a radial reference line image may be set, and further reference line images such as a third reference line image, a fourth reference line image, and so on, may be projected.

[0050] With this configuration, the first reference line image and the second reference line image are projected onto the support surface of the support body 2, or onto the upper surface of the articles W already stacked on the support surface. Therefore, the worker can stack the articles W using these reference line images as a reference. Consequently, it is easier for the worker to optimize the position in which they stack the articles W.

[0051] 6. Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the work support system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 10. This embodiment further includes an image display device 15 that displays images on a display screen, and the control device 13 differs from the first embodiment in that it displays a status display image F, which is an image corresponding to an item W already stacked on the support 2, and a position indicator image G that indicates the stacking position of the target item, on the display screen, and also displays a projected image K on the display screen, which corresponds to the image projected onto the projection target by the projection device 14, superimposed on the status display image F. Below, the work support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 10, A1, B1, C1, D1, and E1 are displayed on the screen as projected images K corresponding to the position indicator image A, direction indicator image B, X-axis C, Y-axis D, and intersection point E, which are images projected onto the projection target by the projection device 14. Images labeled with the symbol W1 are images corresponding to the item W.

[0053] In this embodiment, the image display device 15 is, for example, a monitor or a projector. A three-dimensional image, for example, showing the same state as the actual stacking condition, is displayed on the display screen as a situation display image F, together with a position indicator image G that shows the stacking position of the target items. Furthermore, a projected image K corresponding to the image projected onto the projection target by the projection device 14 is displayed on the display screen superimposed on the situation display image F. Note that the displayed projected image K does not necessarily have to be the entirety of the projected image; only a part of it may be displayed. Also, an image with the same purpose may be displayed in a different form than the projected image. For example, the position indicator image A may be a red line in the projected image, and in its displayed image A1, the color of the item W itself may be a different color (for example, red) from the color of other items W (for example, blue). In addition, the situation display image F may also display an image of at least a part of the support 2, not just the stacked items W.

[0054] Furthermore, the projected image K may or may not include the position indicator image G. For example, as shown in Figure 6, a position indicator image A and a direction indicator image B are projected onto the projection target, and as shown in Figure 10, if projected image K includes projected image A1 corresponding to position indicator image A and projected image B1 corresponding to direction indicator image B, then projected image K includes the position indicator image G. Also, for example, if a linear image as shown in Figure 13 is projected onto the projection target, and the image corresponding to that linear image is displayed on the screen as projected image K, then projected image K includes the position indicator image G. On the other hand, for example, even if a position indicator image A and a direction indicator image B are projected onto the projection target, if projected image K does not include projected image A1 corresponding to position indicator image A, and projected image K includes projected image B1 corresponding to direction indicator image B, then projected image K does not include the position indicator image G. Naturally, if, for example, a position indicator image A and a direction indicator image B are projected onto a projection target, the projected image B1 corresponding to the direction indicator image B may not be displayed, and the projected image A1 corresponding to the position indicator image A may be displayed on the screen as projected image K. In this case, projected image K will include the position indicator image G.

[0055] With this configuration, the worker can easily recognize where to stack the target items by looking at the image displayed on the display screen, and can also easily recognize the current status of the items W already stacked on the support 2. Therefore, it is easier to further improve the efficiency of the worker's item stacking work.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, the control device 13 may be configured to control the image display device 15 so that it displays both a three-dimensional image (left side of Figure 10) representing the situation display image F, the position indication image G, and the projected images A1 and B1 in a three-dimensional manner, and a planar image (right side of Figure 10) representing them in a planar view, on the display screen. Furthermore, it is desirable that the 3D image be a perspective view, and that the display angle be configured to be easily adjustable by the operator.

[0057] With this configuration, the operator can more easily recognize, by looking at the image displayed on the display screen, where the target item should be stacked and the current status of the items W already stacked on the support 2.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 13 may be configured to control the image display device 15 so that the position indication image G is an image with a shape corresponding to the actual target item, and the image showing the items W already stacked on the support 2 included in the status display image F, and the position indication image G are displayed on the display screen in different ways (for example, shape, color, brightness, etc.).

[0059] With this configuration, the worker can more easily recognize where to stack the target items by looking at the image displayed on the screen. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the worker's stacking work of items W.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the control device 13 is configured to change the orientation in which the status display image F, position indicator image G, and projection image K are displayed on the display screen according to instructions from the worker, and the image display device 15 may also be configured to control the display screen to display a worker position image P that indicates the standing position of the worker performing the stacking work.

[0061] With this configuration, the orientation of each image on the display screen can be freely changed, allowing the worker to view each image at an angle that is easy for them to see. Furthermore, even when the orientation of each image displayed on the screen is changed in this way, the worker's position within the displayed image remains easy to understand.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, when articles W are stacked in multiple layers on the support 2, the control device 13 may be configured to control the image display device 15 so that the image showing the articles W included in the status display image F is displayed on the display screen in different ways depending on which of the multiple layers the articles W belong to. In the example shown in Figure 12, both a side view image (bottom of Figure 12) and a plan view image (top of Figure 12) corresponding to each layer formed by stacking articles W are displayed sequentially on the display screen for each layer according to the progress of stacking, and a gradient is shown in which the lower layers of the stacked articles W have darker colors.

[0063] With this configuration, the worker can easily intuitively recognize the height position for stacking the target items by looking at the image displayed on the screen. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the worker's stacking work of items W.

[0064] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in each of the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0065] 7. Summary of this embodiment The following is a summary of the embodiments of the work support system described above.

[0066] The work support system is a work support system that assists a worker in stacking multiple items onto a support that can support items by giving instructions to the worker, Projection device and The system comprises a control device for controlling the projection device, The articles to be stacked on the support or on top of the articles already stacked on the support are designated as the target articles. The control device controls the projection device to project a position indicator image showing the stacking position of the target article onto the projection target, which is at least one of the support and the article already stacked on the support.

[0067] With this configuration, when a worker stacks multiple items on a support, the worker can easily recognize where to stack the items by looking at the position indicator image projected onto the target object. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the worker's item stacking work.

[0068] Here, the article is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. It is preferable that the control device controls the projection device to project a direction indicator image onto the projection target, in addition to the position indicator image, or together with the position indicator image, that indicates the direction along the long side of the target article in a plan view.

[0069] With this configuration, when stacking rectangular items in a plan view, the worker can easily recognize the direction along which to align the long side of the item in a plan view by looking at the directional indicator image projected onto the object. Therefore, the possibility of the worker stacking items incorrectly can be reduced, and it is easier to further improve the efficiency of the worker's item stacking work.

[0070] Furthermore, the item to be stacked next to the aforementioned item will be designated as the next item. Preferably, the control device controls the projection device to project, in addition to the position indication image, a next position indication image indicating the stacking position of the next target item in a manner different from the position indication image onto the projection target.

[0071] With this configuration, when a worker is stacking multiple items on a support, they can know in advance the position of the next item to be stacked. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the worker's item stacking work. Furthermore, this configuration allows workers to change the stacking order of the current target item and the next target item, thus increasing the flexibility of the worker's work.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device controls the projection device to project onto the projection target at least one of the following: an order display image showing the stacking order of the target articles among all the articles to be stacked on the support, and an order display image of the articles that have already been stacked.

[0073] With this configuration, when a worker is stacking multiple items on a support, the worker can easily determine at least one of the following: which number the current item is out of all the items to be stacked on the support, and the stacking order of each item that has already been stacked.

[0074] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device sets a reference point on the support surface which supports the plurality of articles on the support, sets an X-axis and a Y-axis that are along the horizontal plane and intersect at the reference point, and controls the projection device to project a first reference line image positioned to coincide with the X-axis in a vertical view, and a second reference line image positioned to coincide with the Y-axis in a vertical view, onto the entire support and the articles already stacked on the support.

[0075] With this configuration, the first reference line image and the second reference line image are projected onto the support surface of the support, or onto the top surface of articles already stacked on that support surface. Therefore, workers can stack articles using these reference line images as a reference. Consequently, it is easier for workers to optimize the position in which they stack articles.

[0076] Furthermore, it is equipped with an image display device that displays images on the display screen, The control device preferably displays a status display image, which is an image corresponding to the articles already stacked on the support, and a position indicator image, which indicates the stacking position of the target articles, on the display screen.

[0077] With this configuration, workers can easily recognize where to stack the target items by looking at the images displayed on the screen, and can also easily recognize the current status of items already stacked on the support. Therefore, it is easier to further improve the efficiency of the item stacking work performed by workers.

[0078] Furthermore, it is preferable to control the image display device so that, in addition to the status display image, a projected image corresponding to the image projected onto the projection target by the projection device is displayed on the display screen.

[0079] With this configuration, the projected image corresponding to the image projected onto the target object by the projection device is also displayed on the display screen. Therefore, the worker can recognize the correspondence between the image projected onto the actual target object by the projection device and the projected image displayed on the display screen. Consequently, it becomes easier to further improve the efficiency of the worker's goods stacking work.

[0080] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device controls the image display device so that both a three-dimensional image representing the status display image, the position indication image, and the projection image are displayed on the display screen, as well as a planar image representing them in a planar view.

[0081] With this configuration, the operator can more easily recognize, by looking at the image displayed on the screen, where the target item should be stacked and the current status of the items already stacked on the support.

[0082] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control device makes the position indication image an image with a shape corresponding to the actual target item, and controls the image display device to display the position indication image and the image showing the item already stacked on the support included in the status display image on the display screen in different ways.

[0083] With this configuration, workers can more easily recognize where to stack the target items by looking at the images displayed on the screen. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the workers' item stacking work.

[0084] Furthermore, the control device is preferably configured to change the orientation in which the status display image, the position indicator image, and the projection image are displayed on the display screen in accordance with instructions from the worker, and to control the image display device so as to display a worker position image on the display screen that indicates the standing position of the worker performing the stacking work.

[0085] With this configuration, the orientation of each image on the display screen can be freely changed, allowing the worker to view each image at an angle that is easy for them to see. Furthermore, even when the orientation of each image displayed on the screen is changed in this way, the worker's position within the displayed image remains easy to understand.

[0086] Furthermore, when the articles are stacked in multiple layers on the support, The control device preferably controls the image display device so that the image of the article included in the status display image is displayed on the display screen in different ways depending on which of the multiple rows the article belongs to.

[0087] With this configuration, workers can easily intuitively recognize the height position for stacking items by looking at the image displayed on the screen. Therefore, it is easier to improve the efficiency of the workers' item stacking work. [Industrial applicability]

[0088] The technology disclosed herein can be used in stacking operations, which involve stacking multiple articles onto a support structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100: Goods handling equipment 1: Work support system 2:Support 20: Mounting platform (support surface) 21: Peripheral wall part 21a: Side part 21b: Back part 22: Wheels for transport 3: Loading / Receiving Section 4: Work Area 5: Conveyor 6: Shipping and handling area 7: Adhesive device 8: Shipping conveyor 9: Storage department 10: First discharge conveyor 11: Second discharge conveyor 12: Third discharge conveyor 13: Control device 14: Projection device 15: Image display device A: Position indicator image B:Direction image C: X axis (first reference line image) D: Y axis (second reference line image) E: Intersection (reference point) F: Situation display image G: Position indication image H: Sequential display showing the stacking order of the items. h: Image showing the order of items already stacked. N:Next position indication image P: Image of worker's position W:Goods K: Projected image

Claims

1. A work support system that assists a worker in stacking multiple items onto a support that can hold items by giving instructions to the worker, Projection device and The system comprises a control device for controlling the projection device, The articles to be stacked on the support or on top of the articles already stacked on the support are designated as the target articles. The control device controls the projection device to project a position indicator image showing the stacking position of the target article onto the projection target, which is at least one of the support and the article already stacked on the support. The item to be stacked next to the aforementioned item will be designated as the next item. The control device controls the projection device to project, in addition to the position indication image, a next position indication image indicating the stacking position of the next target item in a manner different from the position indication image onto the projection target, as a work support system.

2. A work support system that assists a worker in stacking a plurality of articles onto a support that can support articles by giving instructions to the worker, Projection device and The system comprises a control device for controlling the projection device, The articles to be stacked on the support or on top of the articles already stacked on the support are designated as the target articles. The control device controls the projection device to project a position indicator image showing the stacking position of the target article onto the projection target, which is at least one of the support and the article already stacked on the support. A work support system comprising: a control device which sets a reference point on a support surface which is the surface on the support that supports a plurality of articles on the support, sets an X-axis and a Y-axis which are along a horizontal plane and intersect at the reference point, and controls the projection device to project a first reference line image positioned to coincide with the X-axis in a vertical view, and a second reference line image positioned to coincide with the Y-axis in a vertical view, onto the entire support and the articles already stacked on the support.

3. A work support system that assists a worker in stacking multiple articles onto a support that can support articles by giving instructions to the worker, Projection device and The system comprises a control device for controlling the projection device, The articles to be stacked on the support or on top of the articles already stacked on the support are designated as the target articles. The control device controls the projection device to project a position indicator image showing the stacking position of the target article onto the projection target, which is at least one of the support and the article already stacked on the support. It further includes an image display device that displays images on the display screen, The control device displays on the display screen a status display image which is an image corresponding to the article already stacked on the support, and a position indication image which indicates the stacking position of the target article. The image display device is controlled to overlay the aforementioned situation display image with a projected image on the display screen that corresponds to the image projected onto the projection target by the projection device, thereby displaying the projected image on the display screen. The control device is configured to change the orientation in which the status display image, the position indicator image, and the projection image are displayed on the display screen according to instructions from the worker, and the image display device controls the display screen to display a worker position image indicating the standing position of the worker performing the stacking work.

4. The aforementioned article is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The work support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device controls the projection device to project a direction indicating the direction along the long side of the object in a plan view onto the projection target, in addition to or together with the position indication image.

5. The work support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device controls the projection device to project onto the projection target at least one of a sequence display image showing the stacking order of the target articles among all the articles to be stacked on the support, and a sequence display image of the articles that have already been stacked.

6. It further includes an image display device that displays images on the display screen, The work support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device displays on the display screen a status display image which is an image corresponding to the articles already stacked on the support, and a position indication image which indicates the stacking position of the target articles.

7. The work support system according to claim 6, wherein the image display device is controlled to display on the display screen a projected image corresponding to the image projected onto the projection target by the projection device, superimposed on the status display image.

8. The work support system according to claim 7, wherein the control device controls the image display device so that the status display image, the position indication image, and the projection image are displayed on the display screen as both a three-dimensional image represented in three dimensions and a planar image represented in a planar view.

9. The work support system according to claim 6, wherein the control device controls the image display device so that the position indication image is an image of the shape corresponding to the actual target article, and an image showing the article already stacked on the support included in the status display image and the position indication image are displayed on the display screen in different manners.

10. When the articles are stacked in multiple layers on the support, The work support system according to claim 6, wherein the control device controls the image display device so that the image of the article included in the status display image is displayed on the display screen in different ways depending on which of the multiple rows the article belongs to.

Images