Processing unit

Abstract

To provide a processing device which can manage whether a tray is in usage status of collection or delivery.SOLUTION: A processing device (8) is used for collecting a cargo (B) from a shelf and delivering it to the shelf by using a tray (2). The processing device comprises: a first acquisition unit (81) which acquires the latest usage status information including collection / delivery information on the tray (2); a second acquisition unit (82) which acquires position information on the tray (2); a third acquisition unit (83) which acquires identification information on the tray (2) which is read out by a reading unit provided for each support part capable of supporting the tray (2) in the shelf, and stored in a tag (21) provided in the tray (2); and an update unit (84) which updates the usage status information on the tray (2) and the position information of the tray (2) associated with the identification information of the tray (2), on the basis of the latest usage status information on the tray (2), the position information of the tray (2) and the identification information of the tray (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a processing device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that can manage the position and delivery status of a tray including luggage based on the identification information of the tray by associating the identification information of the tray with the identification information of the luggage placed on the tray.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The applicant of the present application has found the following problems. The management system of Patent Document 1 can manage that a tray or the like is in a delivery state based on the identification information of the tray, but when the tray is also used at the time of cargo collection, it cannot manage whether the usage state of the tray is in the state of cargo collection or delivery. This disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and realizes a processing device capable of managing whether a tray is in a state of cargo collection or delivery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A processing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a processing device used for collecting luggage from a shelf and delivering it to the shelf using a tray, a first acquisition unit that acquires the latest usage state information of the tray including the collection and delivery information of the tray, a second acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the tray, A third acquisition unit reads the tray's identification information stored on a tag provided on the tray and reads it using a reading unit provided on each support portion of the shelf capable of supporting the tray, An update unit updates the tray's usage status information and tray's location information, which are linked to the tray's identification information, based on the tray's latest usage status information, the tray's location information, and the tray's identification information. It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This disclosure enables the realization of a processing device that can manage whether a tray is being used for collection or delivery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the collection and delivery system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows how packages are collected and delivered between the first and second collection shelves in the collection and delivery system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of delivering packages using the collection and delivery system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of collecting packages using the collection and delivery system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for the collection and delivery system of Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the collection and delivery system in Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes specific embodiments applying this disclosure with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate.

[0009] <Embodiment 1> The delivery system of this embodiment is suitable for delivering packages placed on trays from a first delivery shelf to a second delivery shelf, or for collecting packages placed on trays from a second delivery shelf to a first delivery shelf. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the delivery system of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing how packages are collected and delivered between the first and second delivery shelves in the delivery system of this embodiment. Here, "delivery" refers to, for example, delivering packages or collecting packages.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the collection and delivery system 1 of this embodiment comprises a tray 2, a first collection and delivery shelf 3, a first portable terminal 4, a second collection and delivery shelf 5, a second portable terminal 6, a robot 7, a processing unit 8, and a database (DB) 9. The first collection and delivery shelf 3, the first portable terminal 4, the second collection and delivery shelf 5, the second portable terminal 6, the robot 7, the processing unit 8, and the DB 9 are connected via a network 10. Here, the network 10 is a wired or wireless communication line, for example, the Internet.

[0011] Tray 2, as shown in Figure 2, for example, has a basic form as a flat plate on which luggage B can be placed, and a flange 21 protrudes from the side of tray 2. A tag 22, which stores identification information assigned to each tray 2, is provided on the side of tray 2. The tag 22 can be, for example, an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag whose identification information can be read by a reader. Tray 2 is used repeatedly to collect and deliver luggage B and is collected and delivered together with luggage B.

[0012] The first delivery rack 3 is located, for example, in a delivery base for temporarily storing packages for delivery or collected packages. The first delivery rack 3 includes, for example, a frame 31 and a reading unit 32, as shown in Figure 2. The frame 31 has a basic form that is roughly rectangular when viewed from the front, and the front and rear of the frame 31 are open. On the inner surface of the frame 31, as shown in Figure 2, multiple pairs of rails (support parts) 33 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction of the frame 31. Each pair of rails 33 extends in the front-rear direction of the frame 31 and supports the tray 2 by placing the flange 21 of the tray 2 on it. In other words, by appropriately selecting one pair of rails 33 from the multiple pairs of rails 33 and inserting the tray 2 into that pair of rails 33, the height position in which the tray 2 is supported can be changed. Each pair of rails 33 is marked with identification information, including height position information of the rail 33.

[0013] The reading unit 32 is fixed to the frame 31 for each pair of rails 33, for example, as shown in Figure 2. The reading unit 32 recognizes that the tray 2 has been inserted into the pair of rails 33 when the tag 22 of the tray 2 approaches within a predetermined range, and reads the identification information of the tray 2 from the tag 22. It also recognizes that the tray 2 has been removed from the pair of rails 33 when the tag 22 of the tray 2 moves away from the predetermined range. The reading unit 32 has identification information including the position information of the first collection and delivery rack 3 and identification information of the rails 33. The reading unit 32 associates the identification information of the first collection and delivery rack 3 and the identification information of the rails 33 that support the tray 2 with the identification information of the tray 2 that it has read, and transmits it to DB9. The reading unit 32 also transmits the insertion and removal information of the tray 2 to DB9.

[0014] The first mobile terminal 4 is, for example, a mobile terminal owned by worker P1 who performs the collection and delivery of package B at a collection and delivery base. When worker P1 delivers package B, the mobile terminal is used to read the identification information of the tray 2 on which package B is placed and link it to the identification information of package B, and to input the usage status information of tray 2. Here, the identification information of package B includes, for example, the consignor's information, the recipient's name information, address information, contact information, and the height information of package B. This information can be obtained by reading a unique two-dimensional code shown on the slip attached to package B with the first mobile terminal 4. The first mobile terminal 4 transmits the identification information of tray 2, to which the identification information of package B is linked, and the usage status information of tray 2 to DB9.

[0015] The second delivery rack 5 is located, for example, at the residence of client P2 who wishes to receive or have package B picked up. The second delivery rack 5 has a configuration substantially the same as the first delivery rack 3, as shown in Figure 2, for example, and includes a frame 52 in which multiple pairs of rails 51 are arranged at vertical intervals, and a reading unit 53 positioned to read the identification information of a tray 2 from the tag 22 of the tray 2 supported by a pair of rails 51. The reading unit 53 has identification information including the location information of the second delivery rack 5 and identification information of the rails 51. The reading unit 53 associates the identification information of the second delivery rack 5 and the identification information of the rails 51 supporting the tray 2 with the identification information of the tray 2 and transmits it to DB9. The reading unit 53 also transmits the insertion and removal information of the tray 2 to DB9.

[0016] The second mobile terminal 6 is, for example, a mobile terminal owned by the requester P2, and is used to read the identification information of the package B for which the requester P2 has requested collection, or to read the identification information of the tray 2 on which the package B for which collection has been requested is placed and associate it with the identification information of the package B, or to input the information on the desired receipt of the package B and the information on the desired delivery and collection of the package B. The second mobile terminal 6 transmits the identification information of the tray 2 associated with the identification information of the package B, the information on the desired receipt of the package B, and the information on the desired delivery and collection of the package B to the DB 9. Here, the second mobile terminal 6 can also acquire the identification information of the package B by reading a unique two-dimensional code or the like shown on the slip attached to the package B.

[0017] The robot 7 is a moving body for collecting and distributing the tray 2 between the first distribution shelf 3 and the second distribution shelf 5. The robot 7 includes, for example, an accommodation part 71 as shown in FIG. 2, and can accommodate the tray 2 from the accommodation part 71 to the first distribution shelf 3 or the second distribution shelf 5, or recover the tray 2 from the first distribution shelf or the second distribution shelf 5 to the accommodation part 71 by a conveyance mechanism (not shown). The robot 7 is configured to be able to acquire the position information of the robot 7 by means of GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like. The robot 7 transmits the position information of the robot 7 to the DB 9.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 8 includes a first acquisition unit 81, a second acquisition unit 82, a third acquisition unit 83, an update unit 84, a distribution management unit 85, and a control unit 86. The first acquisition unit 81 acquires the latest usage status information of the tray 2. The usage status information of the tray 2 is information indicating, for example, whether the tray 2 is being used at the time of collection of the package B or whether the tray 2 is being used at the time of delivery of the package B. The first acquisition unit 81 acquires the latest usage status information of the tray 2 based on the usage status information of the tray 2 transmitted from the first mobile terminal 4 or the second mobile terminal 6.

[0019] The second acquisition unit 82 acquires the position information of the tray 2. The position information of the tray 2 is, for example, the position information of the first delivery shelf 3 in which the tray 2 is housed and the height position information of the rail 33, the position information of the tray 2 while it is being moved by the robot 7, or the position information of the second delivery shelf 5 in which the tray 2 is housed and the height position information of the rail 51. Based on the identification information of the first delivery shelf 3 transmitted from the reading unit 32 of the first delivery shelf 3 and the identification information of the rail 33 supporting the tray 2, the second acquisition unit 82 acquires the position information of the first delivery shelf 3 in which the tray 2 is housed and the height position information of the rail 33. Based on the insertion / removal information of the tray 2 transmitted from the reading unit 32 of the first delivery shelf 3 or the reading unit 53 of the second delivery shelf 5 and the position information of the robot 7, the second acquisition unit 82 acquires the position information of the tray 2 while it is being moved by the robot 7. The second acquisition unit 82 acquires the position information of the second delivery shelf 5 in which the tray 2 is housed and the height position information of the rail 51, based on the identification information of the second delivery shelf 5 transmitted from the reading unit 53 of the second delivery shelf 5 and the identification information of the rail 51 supporting the tray 2.

[0020] The third acquisition unit 83 acquires the identification information of tray 2 transmitted from the reading unit 32 of the first collection / delivery shelf 3 or the reading unit 53 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5. The update unit 84 updates the usage status information and location information of tray 2 linked to the identification information of tray 2, based on the latest usage status information of tray 2, the location information of tray 2, and the identification information of tray 2. The collection / delivery management unit 85 generates instruction information to instruct worker P1 to prepare for the collection and delivery of package B, and generates control information to control robot 7 for the collection and delivery of package B. In detail, the collection / delivery management unit 85 generates instruction information to instruct worker P1 to prepare for the delivery of package B based on the request information for receiving package B transmitted from the second mobile terminal 6. The collection / delivery management unit 85 also generates instruction information to instruct worker P1 to prepare tray 2 for the collection and delivery of package B based on the request information for collection and delivery of package B transmitted from the second mobile terminal 6. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 generates control information for controlling the robot 7 based on the usage status information of tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the rail 33 supporting tray 2, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 supporting tray 2. The control unit 86 controls the robot 7 based on the control information generated by the collection and delivery management unit 85. The DB9 stores the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the rail 33 supporting tray 2, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, the identification information of the rail 51 supporting tray 2, the identification information of tray 2, the usage status information of tray 2, the position information of tray 2, the insertion and removal information of tray 2, the identification information of package B, and the position information of the robot 7.

[0021] Next, the process of delivering package B using the delivery system 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the process of delivering a package using the delivery system of this embodiment. First, when the client P2 inputs the request information for package B via the second mobile terminal 6, the second mobile terminal 6 transmits the request information for package B to the processing unit 8 (S1). The delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 identifies the package to be delivered to the client P2 based on the identification information of package B, generates instruction information to have worker P1 prepare the identified package B for dispatch, and transmits it to the first mobile terminal 4. At this time, it is preferable for worker P1 to register the identification information of package B in DB9 in advance. If the client P2 does not input the request information for package B, package B may be delivered to the second delivery shelf 5 depending on the operating status of worker P1 or robot 7.

[0022] Worker P1 prepares the package B to be delivered and the tray 2 on which package B will be placed, reads the identification information of package B and the identification information of tray 2 via the first portable terminal 4, sets the usage status information of tray 2 to delivery status, and inserts the tray 2 on which package B is placed into the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 for support (S2). The first portable terminal 4 transmits the usage status information of tray 2 and the identification information of tray 2, which is linked to the identification information of package B, to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8, for example, based on the usage status information of tray 2 and the identification information of tray 2, updates the usage status of tray 2 to delivery status if the usage status of tray 2 is in collection status. The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of tray 2 and transmits the identification information of tray 2, the insertion and removal information of tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 on which tray 2 is supported to the processing unit 8. As a result, the identification information of tray 2 is linked to the usage status information of tray 2, the identification information of package B, the identification information of the first collection and delivery rack 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 on which tray 2 is supported. The update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the usage status of tray 2 is in the delivery state and that tray 2 is in a waiting state to move on the first collection and delivery rack 3 in order to deliver package B. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery rack 3 based on the insertion and removal information of tray 2.

[0023] Next, the delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 identifies the second delivery rack 5 to be received by the client P2 based on the identification information of the package B. Based on the identification information of the identified second delivery rack 5, the usage status information of the tray 2 linked to the identification information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first delivery rack 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 on which the tray 2 is supported, the robot 7 generates control information for delivering the package B from the first delivery rack 3 to the second delivery rack 5. At this time, the delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 may generate control information to determine the rail 51 into which the tray 2 can be inserted together with the package B in the second delivery rack 5 based on the usage status information of the rail 51 of the second delivery rack 5 and the height information included in the identification information of the package B, and to insert the tray 2 into the determined rail 51.

[0024] Next, the robot 7 operates based on the control information and removes the tray 2 on which the package B is placed from the first collection / delivery shelf 3 and delivers it to the second collection / delivery shelf 5 (S3). The reading unit 32 of the first collection / delivery shelf 3 transmits the insertion / removal information of the tray 2 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the tray 2 is in the delivery state and is moving to the second collection / delivery shelf 5, and can acquire the position information of the tray 2 based on the position information of the robot 7. In addition, the collection / delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage state of the rail 33 of the first collection / delivery shelf 3.

[0025] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 on which package B is placed onto the rail 51 of the second delivery shelf 5 and supports it, thereby storing package B in the second delivery shelf 5 (S4). The reading unit 53 of the second delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of the tray 2 and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, the insertion / removal information of the tray 2, the identification information of the second delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 on which the tray 2 is supported to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in the delivery state and that package B is in a waiting state for receipt at the second delivery shelf 5. In addition, the delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 51 of the second delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of the tray 2. At this time, the delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 may generate delivery completion information indicating that package B has been delivered to the second delivery shelf 5 and transmit it to the second mobile terminal 6. This allows client P2 to recognize that package B has arrived at the second delivery rack 5.

[0026] Client P2 removes tray 2 from the second delivery shelf 5 to receive package B, then inserts tray 2 into the rail 51 of the second delivery shelf 5 for support, and stores tray 2 in the second delivery shelf 5 (S5). The reading unit 53 of the second delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of tray 2 and transmits the identification information of tray 2, the insertion / removal information of tray 2, the identification information of the second delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 on which tray 2 is supported to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the delivery of package B is complete, the usage status of tray 2 is in the delivery state, and tray 2 is in a waiting state for collection at the second delivery shelf 5. In addition, the delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 51 of the second delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of tray 2. If the insertion / removal information of tray 2 can be updated, client P2 can retrieve the tray from the second delivery shelf 5. 2 It is not necessary to completely remove it.

[0027] Subsequently, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 generates control information for the robot 7 to retrieve the tray 2 from the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to the first collection and delivery shelf 3, based on the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 on which the tray 2 is supported. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 may generate control information to determine which rail 33 on the first collection and delivery shelf 3 into which the tray 2 can be inserted, based on the usage status information of the rail 33 on the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and to insert the tray 2 into the determined rail 33.

[0028] The robot 7 operates based on control information, removes and retrieves tray 2 from the second collection / delivery shelf 5, and moves it to the first collection / delivery shelf 3 (S6). The reading unit 53 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5 transmits the insertion / removal information of tray 2 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that tray 2 is in the delivery state and is moving to the first collection / delivery shelf 3, and can acquire the position information of tray 2 based on the position information of the robot 7. In addition, the collection / delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 51 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5.

[0029] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 into the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and supports it, thereby storing the tray 2 in the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S7). The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of the tray 2 and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, the insertion and removal information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in the delivery state and that the tray 2 has been collected and returned to the first collection and delivery shelf 3. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3.

[0030] Next, the process of collecting package B using the collection and delivery system 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of collecting package using the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. First, when the client P2 registers the identification information of package B that they wish to have collected, or reads the identification information of package B, and inputs the information requesting collection of package B, the second mobile terminal 6 transmits the identification information of package B and the information requesting collection of package B to the processing device 8 (S11).

[0031] The collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 generates instruction information for worker P1 to prepare tray 2 for collecting package B and transmits it to the first portable terminal 4. Worker P1 prepares tray 2 for collecting package B, reads the identification information of tray 2 via the first portable terminal 4, sets the usage status information of tray 2 to collection and delivery status, and inserts and supports tray 2 on the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S12). However, client P2 may use tray 2 that is in a collection waiting state in the second collection and delivery shelf 5 and set the usage status information of said tray 2 to collection and delivery status. In this case, tray 2 that has already been inserted and supported in the second collection and delivery shelf 5 may be used. The first mobile terminal 4 transmits identification information of tray 2, which is linked to the usage status information of tray 2 and the identification information of package B, to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8, for example, based on the usage status information of tray 2 and the identification information of tray 2, updates the usage status of tray 2 to collection status if the usage status of tray 2 is in delivery status. The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of tray 2 and transmits the identification information of tray 2, the insertion and removal information of tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 that supports tray 2 to the identification information of tray 2. As a result, the usage status information of tray 2, the identification information of package B, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 that supports tray 2 are linked to the identification information of tray 2, and the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that when the usage status of tray 2 is collection status, tray 2 is in a waiting state to move to collect package B at the first collection and delivery shelf 3. Furthermore, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rails 33 of the first collection and delivery rack 3 based on the insertion and removal information of the trays 2.

[0032] Next, the delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 identifies the second delivery rack 5 to be received by the client P2 based on the identification information of package B, and generates control information for the robot 7 to move the tray 2 from the first delivery rack 3 to the second delivery rack 5 based on the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the identified second delivery rack 5, the identification information of the first delivery rack 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2. At this time, the delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 may generate control information to determine which rail 51 on the second delivery rack 5 into which the tray 2 can be inserted, based on the usage status information of the rail 51 on the second delivery rack 5, and to insert the tray 2 into the determined rail 51.

[0033] Next, the robot 7 operates based on the control information and removes the tray 2 from the first collection / delivery shelf 3 and moves it to the second collection / delivery shelf 5 (S13). At this time, the reading unit 32 of the first collection / delivery shelf 3 transmits the insertion / removal information of the tray 2 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in the collection state and that the tray 2 is moving to the second collection / delivery shelf 5, and can acquire the position information of the tray 2 based on the position information of the robot 7. In addition, the collection / delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 33 of the first collection / delivery shelf 3.

[0034] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 into the rail 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 and supports it, placing the tray 2 into the second collection and delivery shelf 5 (S14). The reading unit 53 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of the tray 2 and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, the insertion and removal information of the tray 2, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 supporting the tray 2 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in the collection state and that the tray 2 is in a collection waiting state for collection of package B at the second collection and delivery shelf 5. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 51 of the second collection and delivery shelf 5. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 may generate collection preparation completion information indicating that the tray 2 has been delivered to the second collection and delivery shelf 5 and transmit it to the second mobile terminal 6. This allows client P2 to recognize that tray 2 for collecting package B has arrived at the second collection / delivery shelf 5.

[0035] Then, client P2 removes tray 2 from the second collection / delivery shelf 5, reads the identification information of tray 2 and the identification information of package B via the second handheld terminal 6, inserts tray 2 with package B on it into the rail 51 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5 for support, and stores tray 2 in the second collection / delivery shelf 5 (S15). The reading unit 53 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5 reads the identification information of tray 2 and transmits the identification information of tray 2, the insertion / removal information of tray 2, the identification information of the second collection / delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 supporting tray 2 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the usage status of tray 2 is in the collection state and that tray 2 with package B on it is in a collection waiting state on the second collection / delivery shelf 5. In addition, the collection / delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 51 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of tray 2.

[0036] Subsequently, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 generates control information for the robot 7 to collect the tray 2 on which the package B is placed from the second collection and delivery shelf 5 to the first collection and delivery shelf 3, based on the usage status information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, the identification information of the second collection and delivery shelf 5, and the identification information of the rail 51 on which the tray 2 is supported. At this time, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 may generate control information to determine the rail 33 into which the tray 2 can be inserted together with the package B on the first collection and delivery shelf 3, based on the usage status information of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and the height information included in the identification information of the package B, and to insert the tray 2 into the determined rail 33.

[0037] Robot 7 operates based on control information, removes tray 2 on which package B is placed from the second collection / delivery shelf 5, retrieves it, and moves it to the first collection / delivery shelf 3 (S16). The reading unit 53 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5 transmits the insertion / removal information of tray 2 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that tray 2 is in the collection state and that tray 2 on which package B is placed is moving to the first collection / delivery shelf 3, and can acquire the position information of tray 2 based on the position information of robot 7. In addition, the collection / delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage state of the rail 51 of the second collection / delivery shelf 5 based on the insertion / removal information of tray 2.

[0038] Then, the robot 7 inserts the tray 2 on which the package B is placed into the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 and supports it, thereby storing the tray 2 in the first collection and delivery shelf 3 (S17). The reading unit 32 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 reads the identification information of the tray 2 and transmits the identification information of the tray 2, the insertion and removal information of the tray 2, the identification information of the first collection and delivery shelf 3, and the identification information of the rail 33 that supports the tray 2 to the processing unit 8. As a result, the update unit 84 of the processing unit 8 can recognize that the usage status of the tray 2 is in the collection state and that the tray 2 on which the package B is placed has been collected into the first collection and delivery shelf 3, indicating that collection is complete. In addition, the collection and delivery management unit 85 of the processing unit 8 can recognize the usage status of the rail 33 of the first collection and delivery shelf 3 based on the insertion and removal information of the tray 2.

[0039] As described above, the collection and delivery system 1 and processing device 8 of this embodiment acquire usage status information of tray 2 entered via the first mobile terminal 4 owned by worker P1 and the second mobile terminal 6 owned by client P2, and can recognize whether the latest usage status of tray 2 is delivery status or collection status. Therefore, the collection and delivery system 1 and processing device 8 of this embodiment can easily manage whether tray 2 is in collection status or delivery status.

[0040] <Embodiment 2> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the collection and delivery system of this embodiment. The collection and delivery system 201 of this embodiment has a configuration substantially the same as the collection and delivery system 1 of Embodiment 1, but is configured to update the usage status of the tray 2 according to the usage mode set on the first collection and delivery shelf 210 and the second collection and delivery shelf 220. As shown in Figure 5, the processing unit 230 has a configuration substantially the same as the processing unit 8 of Embodiment 1, but includes a fourth acquisition unit 231 that acquires the usage mode set on the first collection and delivery shelf 210 and the second collection and delivery shelf 220.

[0041] For example, the usage mode of the first collection / delivery shelf 210 can be set by worker P1 via the first mobile terminal 4 to either delivery mode or collection mode. The fourth acquisition unit 231 of the processing unit 230 associates information indicating the usage mode of the first collection / delivery shelf 210 with the identification information of the first collection / delivery shelf 210 and stores it in the DB 240. Also, for example, the usage mode of the second collection / delivery shelf 220 can be set by client P2 via the second mobile terminal 6 to either delivery mode or collection mode. The fourth acquisition unit 231 of the processing unit 230 associates information indicating the usage mode of the second collection / delivery shelf 220 with the identification information of the second collection / delivery shelf 220 and stores it in the DB 240. As a result, when the first collection / delivery rack 210 is set to delivery mode and worker P1 places the tray 2 on the rail 33 of the first collection / delivery rack 210, or when the second collection / delivery rack 220 is set to delivery mode and client P2 places the tray 2 on the rail 51 of the second collection / delivery rack 220, the first acquisition unit 232 of the processing unit 230 acquires the latest usage status indicating that the tray 2 is in a delivery state.

[0042] On the other hand, if the first delivery rack 210 is set to collection mode and worker P1 places the tray 2 on the rail 33 of the first delivery rack 210, or if the second delivery rack 220 is set to collection mode and client P2 places the tray 2 on the rail 51 of the second delivery rack 220, the first acquisition unit 232 of the processing unit 230 acquires the latest usage status indicating that the tray 2 is in collection status. Then, the update unit 233 of the processing unit 230 updates the usage status information of the tray 2 based on the latest usage status information of the tray 2 acquired by the first acquisition unit 232. It is preferable that the usage modes set for the first delivery rack 210 and the second delivery rack 220 be reset after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

[0043] In this way, by setting the usage mode of the first delivery rack 210 via the first mobile terminal 4 and the second delivery rack 220 via the second mobile terminal 6, information on the usage status of the tray 2 can be easily obtained. At this time, it is preferable that the frame 31 of the first delivery rack 210 is provided with a lighting unit 211 such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for each pair of rails 33 of the first delivery rack 210. Similarly, it is preferable that the frame 52 of the second delivery rack 220 is provided with a lighting unit 221 such as an LED for each pair of rails 51 of the second delivery rack 220. These lighting units 211 of the first delivery rack 210 and the lighting units 221 of the second delivery rack 220 are controlled by the control unit 234 of the processing device 230.

[0044] In detail, when the first delivery rack 210 is set to delivery mode, the control unit 234 of the processing unit 230 illuminates the lights 211 on the rail 33 supporting tray 2 after the delivered package B has been received, and the lights 211 on the rail 33 supporting tray 2 on which the delivered package B is placed, based on the usage status information of tray 2. Also, when the first delivery rack 210 is set to collection mode, the control unit 234 of the processing unit 230 illuminates the lights 211 on the rail 33 supporting tray 2 before the collected package B is placed, and the lights 211 on the rail 33 supporting tray 2 on which the collected package B is placed, based on the usage status information of tray 2. This allows worker P1 to easily recognize, for example, whether the package B stored in the first delivery rack 210 is a package to be delivered or a package that has been collected. Furthermore, worker P1 can easily recognize, for example, whether the tray 2 stored in the first collection / delivery rack 210 is for collecting package B, or is a tray 2 after package B has been delivered.

[0045] When the second delivery rack 220 is set to delivery mode, the control unit 234 of the processing unit 230 illuminates the lights 221 on the rail 51 supporting tray 2 on which the delivered package B is placed, and the lights 221 on the rail 51 supporting tray 2 after the delivered package B has been received, based on the usage status information of tray 2. Also, when the second delivery rack 220 is set to collection mode, the control unit 234 of the processing unit 230 illuminates the lights 221 on the rail 51 supporting tray 2 before the collected package B is placed on it, and the lights 221 on the rail 51 supporting tray 2 on which the collected package B is placed, based on the usage status information of tray 2. This allows the client P2 to easily recognize, for example, whether the package B stored in the second delivery rack 220 is a delivered package or a collected package. Furthermore, client P2 can easily recognize, for example, whether tray 2 in the second collection / delivery rack 220 is tray 2 for collecting package B, or tray 2 after package B has been delivered.

[0046] <Embodiment 3> Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the delivery system in this embodiment. The delivery system 301 in this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the delivery system 201 in Embodiment 2, so redundant explanations will be omitted, but it is configured to notify the rails on which packages B can be accommodated in the delivery racks. As shown in Figure 6, the processing unit 310 includes a fifth acquisition unit 311 that acquires usage status information of the rails 33 of the first delivery rack 210 and the rails 51 of the second delivery rack 220 based on the insertion and removal information of the tray 2. Here, the usage status of the rails 33 of the first delivery rack 210 and the rails 51 of the second delivery rack 220 is, for example, whether or not the rails 33 and 51 are supporting the tray 2.

[0047] For example, when worker P1 places package B into the first delivery rack 210, and reads the identification information of tray 2 and package B via the first portable terminal 4, and sets the usage mode of the first delivery rack 210 to delivery mode, the control unit 312 of the processing unit 310 lights up the lighting unit 211 of the rail 33 that can support the tray 2 on which package B is placed, based on the information indicating the usage mode set for the first delivery rack 210, the usage status information of the rail 33 of the first delivery rack 210, and the height information included in the identification information of package B linked to the identification information of tray 2.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, when client P2 places package B into the second delivery rack 220, and reads the identification information of tray 2 and the identification information of package B via the second mobile terminal 6, and sets the usage mode of the second delivery rack 220 to the collection mode, the control unit 312 of the processing unit 310 lights up the lighting unit 221 of the rail 51 that can support the tray 2 on which package B is placed, based on the information indicating the usage mode set for the second delivery rack 220, the usage status information of the rail 51 of the second delivery rack 220, and the height information included in the identification information of package B linked to the identification information of tray 2.

[0049] At this time, the control unit 312 of the processing unit 310 can recognize the internal state of the first or second delivery rack 210 or second delivery rack 220 based on, for example, the identification information of the rails 33 and 51 linked to the identification information of other trays 2 housed in the first or second delivery rack 220, and the height information included in the identification information of the luggage B placed on the tray 2, and based on the internal state, recognize the rails 33 and 51 capable of supporting the tray 2 on which the luggage B is placed.

[0050] As a result, the collection and delivery system 301 and processing device 310 of this embodiment can notify the worker P1 and the client P2 of the rails 33 and 51 that can accommodate the package B. Therefore, the collection and delivery efficiency of the package B for the worker P1 and the client P2 can be improved.

[0051] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, some or all of the above processes may be executed by a computer program. In other words, the control of the above-mentioned processing unit may be performed by a control computer that constitutes the processing unit executing a program. For example, in the above embodiment, the robot 7 collects and delivers the packages B, but the worker P1 may also collect and deliver the packages B. For example, in the above embodiment, worker P1 reads and inputs various information via the first mobile terminal 4, but the information may also be read and input via an input unit provided on the first delivery shelf. Similarly, in the above embodiment, client P2 reads and inputs various information via the second mobile terminal 6, but the information may also be read and input via an input unit provided on the second delivery shelf. In short, the means for reading and inputting various information are not limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Collection and Delivery System 2 trays, 22 tags 3 First collection / delivery rack, 32 Reading unit, 33 Rail 5. Second collection / delivery rack, 51. Rail, 53. Reading unit 8 Processing unit, 81 First acquisition unit, 82 Second acquisition unit, 83 Third acquisition unit, 84 Update unit, 85 Collection and delivery management unit, 86 Control unit 201 Collection and Delivery System 210 First collection / delivery shelf, 211 Lighting unit 220 Second collection / delivery shelf, 221 Lighting unit 230 Processing unit, 231 Fourth acquisition unit, 232 First acquisition unit, 233 Update unit, 234 Control unit 301 Delivery System 310 Processing unit, 311 Fifth acquisition unit, 312 Control unit

Claims

1. A processing device used for collecting packages from shelves and delivering them to said shelves using trays, A first acquisition unit that acquires the latest usage status information of the tray, including the collection and delivery information of the tray, A second acquisition unit that acquires the position information of the tray and the insertion / removal information of the tray from the shelf, A third acquisition unit reads the tray's identification information stored on a tag provided on the tray and reads it using a reading unit provided at each support unit on the shelf, An update unit updates the tray's usage status information and tray's location information, which are linked to the tray's identification information, based on the tray's latest usage status information, the tray's location information, the tray's insertion / removal information from the shelf, and the tray's identification information. Equipped with, The usage status of the aforementioned tray includes the delivery state, the collection state, and the state during transit. A processing device in which, when the tray is in a collection state and no packages to be collected are placed on the tray, the update unit recognizes that the tray is in a collection waiting state for collecting packages.

2. The system includes a fourth acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the usage mode, including the collection mode and delivery mode of the trays set on the shelf, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the support portion of the shelf supports the tray in the usage mode set for the shelf, the third acquisition unit acquires identification information of the tray, and the first acquisition unit acquires the latest usage status information of the tray according to the usage mode set for the shelf.

3. The shelf includes a control unit that controls a lighting unit provided for each of the support units, The processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the lighting unit according to the usage mode set for the shelf.

4. When the usage mode set for the shelf is the tray collection mode, the control unit lights up the indicator light of the support part that supports at least one of the trays on which the collected items are placed or the tray on which the collected items are placed. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, when the usage mode set for the shelf is the tray delivery mode, the control unit lights up a light on a support part that supports at least one of the tray on which the delivered goods are placed or the tray on which the delivered goods are placed.

5. The system includes a fifth acquisition unit that acquires information on the usage status of the support portion of the shelf, The processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit illuminates a light unit of a support unit capable of supporting a tray on which packages to be collected are placed, or a light unit of a support unit capable of supporting a tray on which packages to be delivered are placed, based on information indicating the usage mode set for the shelf, information on the usage status of the support unit of the shelf, and identification information of the package, including height information of the package placed on the tray, which is linked to the identification information of the tray.

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