Article search system and calculator system

Abstract

An identification information acquisition unit acquires information about a space in a storage area in which an article may be positioned, and thereby aquires a characteristic of the article, which may be positioned randomly within said space. An identification unit identifies the article from the characteristic of the article that was acquired by the identification information acquisition unit. A location recognition unit allocates planar coordinates to the information about the space of the storage area, and at an arbitrary timing, repeatedly associates the article identified by the identification unit with the planar coordinates. A search unit searches for the location of a desired article within the storage area on the basis of a characteristic of the desired article, said characteristic having been inputted via an input unit. A notification unit provides notification of the location of the desired article that the search unit searched for.

Description

Item search system and computer system

[0001] The present invention relates to an article search system and a computer system, and is suitable for application to, for example, an article search system and a computer system for searching for articles that may be stored in random positions within a storage area.

[0002] A method for managing the storage of parts and other items from the time they are received to the time they are shipped out in a factory storage area is described in Patent Document 1. This method aims to improve the efficiency of shipping items by shortening the cycle time from the time they are shipped out of an automated warehouse, and devise an operating mode for the lane on which the items to be shipped out are placed, enabling the items to be transported out efficiently.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-257707

[0004] However, while the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an efficient method for large factories that mass-produce a small variety of products, it is difficult to say that it is an effective method for small factories that produce a wide variety of products in small quantities, because it often requires manual intervention by workers when managing the placement of parts in storage areas.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose an item search system and computer system that can easily search for items that may be stored in random locations within a storage area.

[0006] In order to solve this problem, the present invention comprises an identification information acquisition unit that acquires characteristics of items that can be randomly placed within a storage area by acquiring spatial information about the storage area where items can be placed, an identification unit that identifies the items from the characteristics of the items acquired by the identification information acquisition unit, a position recognition unit that assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information about the storage area acquired by the identification information acquisition unit and repeatedly associates items identified by the identification unit with the planar coordinates at any timing, an input unit that accepts characteristics of a desired item in order to search for its location within the storage area, a search unit that searches for the location of the desired item within the storage area based on the characteristics of the desired item input via the input unit, and a notification unit that notifies the location of the desired item searched for by the search unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an article search system and a computer system that can easily search for articles that may be stored in random locations within a storage area.

[0008] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an item search system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a simplified representation of the functions of the item search system. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a simplified representation of a map within a storage area. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of managing the map of the storage area shown in FIG. 3 using a matrix coordinate system. FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing an example of a procedure for linking position information of items within a storage area to the map of the storage area. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an item search sequence. FIG. 7 is a sequence chart for searching for items that are components that make up a parent item based on the identification code of a desired item. FIG. 8 is a sequence chart for when an item is newly carried into a storage area. FIG. 9 is a sequence chart for when an item is carried out from a storage area. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of measures to be taken when the identification code of an item that should have been found in the storage area is not found. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an item search system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system including a security system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a storage management area management database. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a valuables management database. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user information management database. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen displayed on a terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on photographed data. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a terminal screen displayed on a terminal. FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system including a production management system in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an identification code management database. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a parts management database. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a work list management database. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an identification code position information management database. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen displayed on a user's terminal. FIG. 18 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system including a delivery system in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a loading list management database. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen displayed on a user's terminal. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an identification code position storage database of an item search system in a sixth embodiment.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an item search system 100 according to a first embodiment. The item search system 100 is a system for searching for items that may be placed at random positions in a space. In the first embodiment, a storage area 99 is illustrated as an example of a space, and parts that constitute a finished product (hereinafter referred to as "items") are illustrated as an example of an item. Note that in addition to the storage area 99, work areas and aisle areas may also exist. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between each item 5, they will be simply referred to as items 5.

[0011] In the storage area 99, in the illustrated example, an entrance 100a is provided on the rear left side wall for bringing in items 5 that are components that make up products manufactured by the factory's manufacturing process, and in the illustrated example, an exit 100b is provided on the right side of the front side wall for transporting items 5 out of the storage area 99.

[0012] A plurality of racks 10 are arranged on the floor of the storage area 99, and each rack 10 has, for example, four wheels on its underside. This allows each rack 10 to be moved to a random position on the floor of the storage area 99, and therefore each rack 10 can be placed in a random position within the storage area 99. Therefore, in the storage area 99, the items 5 that can be placed on each rack 10 can be placed in a random position. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish each rack 10 from another, they will be simply referred to as rack 10.

[0013] The racks 10 each have flat shelves or multiple shelves, and at least one type of item 5 can be placed on each shelf. For example, the rack 10a in the lower left of the figure has two shelves, and different types of items 5a and 5b are placed on each shelf. A work slip corresponding to each item 5 to be placed is attached to the top surface of each rack 10. An identification code 9 is printed on each work slip to identify the type of item 5 to be placed on each rack 10. The identification code 9 is, for example, a barcode such as a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark). By reading the identification code 9, it is possible to determine the type of item 5 placed on the rack 10.

[0014] Meanwhile, a plurality of cameras 3, which are an example of an identification information acquisition unit, are fixed to the ceiling of the storage area 99. The cameras 3 photograph the space of the storage area 99 to acquire information about the space of the storage area 99 in which items 5 may be placed, thereby acquiring identification codes 9 as an example of characteristics of items 5 that may be randomly placed within the space. Note that instead of the identification codes 9, the characteristics of the items 5 may be, for example, the shape of the items 5 themselves.

[0015] When the storage area 99 is divided into a plurality of areas, a camera 3 is provided on the ceiling of the storage area for each area. That is, one camera 3 is provided on the ceiling of each area. By combining the angles of view of the cameras 3, it is possible to obtain an image that covers the entire space of the storage area 99. In the first embodiment, the storage area 99 is managed by dividing it into two areas, left and right, in the orientation shown in the figure, and one camera 3 is provided on the ceiling of the storage area 99 for each area.

[0016] In the first embodiment, an imaging device having a so-called autofocus function or a deep focal depth is used as the camera 3. This allows the camera 3 to reliably read the identification code 9 on the work slip of the item 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "identification code 9 of the item 5") attached to each rack 10 that may be placed at random positions within the storage area 99, even if the height from the floor of the identification code 9 is not always constant.

[0017] Instead of camera 3 taking pictures downward from the ceiling of storage area 99 in which camera 3 is installed as described above, camera 3 (or movable lamp 7) may be installed facing a vertical surface (e.g., a side wall) within storage area 99, and the camera may take a picture from the side of the work slip identification code 9 installed on the side of a vertical rack on which item 5 can be placed.

[0018] Furthermore, a movable lamp 7 is provided on the ceiling of the storage area 99 as an example of a notification unit that notifies the user of the location of the desired item 5. At least one movable lamp 7 is provided on the ceiling. The movable lamp 7 includes a lamp unit 7a and a movable unit 7b. The lamp unit 7a has a function of emitting light with a certain degree of directionality.

[0019] The movable unit 7b has a fixed part that is fixed to the ceiling of the storage area 99, and the movable unit 7b that supports the lamp unit 7a is configured to be able to change the orientation of the lamp unit 7a so that it can be tilted, for example, within a range of 180° left and right and 45° up and down, relative to the fixed part. This allows the movable lamp 7 to irradiate light, for example, onto each rack 10, in accordance with the input attitude control data. This allows a worker to recognize the position of a specific rack 10 within the storage area 99 based on the mode of light irradiation by the movable lamp 7.

[0020] In the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment, the above-mentioned movable lamp 7, camera 3, and information terminal 6 are connected to one another via a wireless or wired network.

[0021] The information terminal 6 is a so-called tablet or computer equipped with a display unit, and, in response to an identification code (corresponding to the display of "XXX" in the illustrated example) input by the worker as an example of the characteristic of the desired item 5, when the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99 is identified by a search, the display unit displays the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99, as will be described in detail below. As described above, the characteristic of the item 5 may be the shape of the item 5 instead of the identification code. In this case, the type of item 5 is identified based on the shape of the item 5, and the identification code of the item 5 is identified.

[0022] Here, the worker manually inputs the identification code of the desired item 5, but instead, the code may be input using voice recognition or by reading another type of barcode. When inputting using voice recognition, the input unit 35 is equipped with a voice recognition unit that receives voice as the characteristics of the item 5 to be input when searching for the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99, and recognizes the received voice as the characteristics of the item 5 using the voice recognition function of this voice recognition unit.

[0023] It should be noted that the method of presenting the search results for the item 5 to the worker is not limited to this, and instead of displaying the results on the display unit of the information terminal 6 described above, for example, a screen display unit 95 may be provided on the side wall of the storage area 99, and the notification unit 37 may display on this screen display unit 95 the location of the item 5 in the storage area 99 that was searched for by the search unit 36. In this way, the worker can directly ascertain the location of the item 5 in the storage area 99 without having to operate the information terminal 6.

[0024] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a simplified representation of the functions of the item search system 100. The item search system 100 includes a control unit 31, an identification information acquisition unit 32, an identification unit 33, a position recognition unit 34, an input unit 35, a search unit 36, a notification unit 37, and a memory unit 38, and preferably further includes an external connection interface 39. The control unit 31 is connected to the identification information acquisition unit 32, the identification unit 33, the position recognition unit 34, the input unit 35, the search unit 36, the notification unit 37, the memory unit 38, and the external connection interface 39, and controls the identification information acquisition unit 32, etc. while exchanging data with these units. The external connection interface 39 is an example of a first external connection interface, and is an interface for connecting to an external system, which will be described later.

[0025] The storage unit 38 stores the following product configuration table and placement history table. The product configuration table manages the relationship between the product (finished product) manufactured in the manufacturing process in the storage area 99 and the multiple parts that make up the product. On the other hand, the placement history table manages the placement history of the item 5 that has already been stored in the storage area 99. The positions of the item 5 that have been recognized in the past by the position recognition unit 34 are written into this placement history table.

[0026] As described above, the identification information acquisition unit 32 has a function of acquiring the identification code 9 of the item 5, which may be placed at a random position within the storage area 99, and one example thereof is the camera 3. The identification information acquisition unit 32 is not limited to the camera 3, and may be a contactless reader or a laser reading device. The identification information acquisition unit 32 may also be an airborne aircraft equipped with the camera 3. This airborne aircraft is an aircraft having at least one propeller, and is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) function so that its position in space within the storage area 99 to which it is moving can be determined.

[0027] Under the control of the control unit 31, the identification unit 33 identifies the item 5 from the characteristics of the item 5 acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 32. Specifically, the identification unit 33 uses an image recognition function to perform image recognition on an image of the storage area 99 based on photographic data from the camera 3, which is an example of the identification information acquisition unit 32, to determine whether or not the identification code 9 of the item 5 included in the image of the storage area 99 is present.

[0028] If the identification code 9 is located near the edge of the camera 3's imaging range, the image of the identification code 9 will be distorted. If the identification code 9 remains distorted, it may be difficult for the position recognition unit 34 to recognize the identification code 9 even using the image recognition function. Therefore, in this embodiment, distortion correction of the image is performed according to the imaging angle of the camera 3 and the state of distortion of the captured image. For example, when a square identification code 9 is captured by the camera 3, if the image is trapezoidal or diamond-shaped, distortion correction of the image is performed so that the shape becomes square. In this way, the recognition rate of the identification code 9 can be improved.

[0029] Furthermore, when the identification code of the item 5 includes information that can identify the orientation of the identification code itself, the identification unit 33 adjusts the orientation of the identification code to identify the item 5 from the identification code regardless of the orientation of the item 5. Here, it is desirable that the rack 10 on which the item 5 with an identification code is placed is placed in a position that allows the item 5 to be easily photographed by the camera 3 when it is carried into the storage area 99.

[0030] Under the control of the control unit 31, the position recognition unit 34 assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information of the storage area 99 acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 32, and associates the items 5 repeatedly identified by the identification unit 33 with these planar coordinates at any timing. Specifically, the position recognition unit 34, for example, combines two images taken by the two cameras 3 on the ceiling described above, and creates a map of the storage area 99 so as to cover the entire floor surface of the storage area 99. In this case, the position recognition unit 34 combines the two images so that they overlap each other, thereby creating a map of the storage area 99 that can cover the entire floor surface of the storage area 99 without omission. Furthermore, the position recognition unit 34 manages each matrix-like section of the map of the storage area 99 using a single coordinate system.

[0031] Under the control of the control unit 31, the input unit 35 receives an identification code as an example of a characteristic of the desired item 5 in order to search for the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99. The characteristic of the item 5 may be at least one of a character and a symbol attached to the item 5. The input unit 35 receives input of the identification code via the information terminal 6 operated by the worker. Based on the received identification code and the association result by the position recognition unit 34, the input unit 35 searches for the location of the desired item 5 within the storage area 99.

[0032] Under the control of the control unit 31, the search unit 36 ​​searches for the position of the desired item 5 within the storage area 99 from the association result by the position recognition unit 34 based on the identification code received by the input unit 35. Specifically, the search unit 36 ​​searches for the position of the item 5 within the storage area 99 from the association result by the position recognition unit 34 based on the identification code of the item 5 received by the input unit 35, using the above-mentioned planar coordinates as a reference.

[0033] The search unit 36, under the control of the control unit 31, searches for and understands the relationship between a product (finished product) and the multiple parts that make up the product, based on the product configuration table in the storage unit 38, and identifies the component parts that have the product as a parent item. Note that this identification may also be performed by the control unit 31.

[0034] In this embodiment, the memory unit 38 has a placement history table that manages the placement history of items 5 that have been brought into the storage area 99, and if the item 5 cannot be found in the storage area 99 as a result of photographing by the camera 3, the search unit 36 ​​checks the history of the location information of the item 5 from the above-mentioned placement history table.

[0035] The notification unit 37 has a function of optically notifying the worker of the location of the desired item 5 within the storage area 99 in accordance with the search result by the search unit 36. Specifically, the notification unit 37 outputs, via the control unit 31, attitude control data for controlling the attitude of the lamp unit 7a of the movable lamp 7 so that the lamp unit 7a of the movable lamp 7 faces the rack 10 on which the desired item 5 is placed. This attitude control data also includes lighting control data for the lamp unit 7a to emit light in a predetermined manner (e.g., lit or blinking) for a certain period of time. As a result, the lamp unit 7a of the movable lamp 7 emits light from the lamp unit 7a for a certain period of time so as to cover all the racks 10 on which the desired item 5 is placed.

[0036] In this embodiment, the notification unit 37 may display the results of the search performed by the search unit 36 ​​for the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99 on the display unit of the portable information terminal 6 using augmented reality (AR).

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, the notification unit 37 may project an image of the spatial information of the storage area 99 acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 32 onto a display unit not shown, for example, using projection mapping.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the notification unit 37 may be configured to have a guidance unit that provides guidance on the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99 using at least one of sound and voice.

[0039] 3 is a plan view showing an example of a simplified map of the storage area 99. The map of the storage area 99 is made up of the photographed areas 33a and 33b captured by the two cameras 3 described above. As indicated by the two-dot chain line, the photographed areas 33a and 33b are configured so that their adjacent areas overlap, and the angle of view of the two cameras 3 is configured to be larger than the photographed area so that no items 5 are missed. In other words, the angles of view of the two cameras 3 overlap so that no gaps are left between them. As a result, images of the storage area 99 captured by the two cameras 3 are stitched together to form a single image of the storage area 99.

[0040] In the illustrated example, a new rack 10 carrying items 5 can be carried in through an inlet 100a of the storage area 99, and a rack 10 in the storage area 99 can be carried out through an outlet 100b. Even when a rack 10 is being carried in or out in this way, the camera 3 captures an image of the items 5 on the rack 10 being carried in or out, as shown by the two-dot chain line.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of managing the map of the storage area 99 shown in Figure 3 using a matrix coordinate system. The method of managing this coordinate system is performed by the position recognition unit 34 described above. The position recognition unit 34 manages the map of the storage area 99 using a single coordinate system with a large number of matrix-shaped rectangular sections corresponding to the map of the storage area 99. The position recognition unit 34 joins together images captured by the two cameras 3 described above to create a single coordinate system.

[0042] The general configuration of the item search system 100 has been described above, and an example of the operation of the item search system 100 will now be described.

[0043] 5 is a sequence chart showing an example of a procedure for linking the position information of the item 5 within the storage area 99 to a map of the storage area 99. In step S101, the control unit 31 controls two cameras to capture images of the storage area 99 using the two cameras 3, respectively. In step S102, the position recognition unit 34 stitches together the two images of the storage area 99 to create a map of the storage area 99. In step S103, the control unit 31 assigns the above-mentioned coordinate system to the generated map.

[0044] Meanwhile, in step S104, the worker carries the item 5 into any position in the storage area 99 through the entrance 100a and places it in a position where the identification code 9 attached to the work slip for the item 5 can be photographed by the camera 3.

[0045] Next, in step S105, the control unit 31 outputs an instruction to the camera 3 to read the identification code 9 of the item 5 at an arbitrary timing. In step S106, the camera 3 reads the identification code of the item 5. Note that the method for identifying the item 5 is not limited to the above-described method, and methods using characters or symbols attached to the item 5, the shape of the item 5 itself, or a non-contact tag (RFID: Radio Frequency Identification) may also be used. In step S107, the control unit 31 causes the position recognition unit 34 to link the location information within the storage area 99 related to the identification code 9 read by the camera 3 to the map. Linking here means managing the map in the coordinate system.

[0046] On the other hand, in step S108, the worker moves the position of the rack 10 carrying the item 5 within the storage area 99.

[0047] Next, in step S109, the control unit 31 outputs an instruction to the camera 3 to read the identification code 9 of the item 5 at an arbitrary timing. In step S110, the camera 3 reads the identification code 9 in the storage area 99. Note that in step S110, the size of the identification code itself may be increased so that it can be read, or the storage location of the item 5 may be moved to a position visible to the camera 3. Note that in steps S109 to S110, since a worker is likely to be involved when the position of the item 5 on the rack 10 changes, the presence of a worker may be recognized and the movement of the identification code within a certain range from the worker may be tracked. Also, in steps S109 to S110, reading of the identification code may be stopped outside of business hours, such as at night. Next, in step S111, the control unit 31 links the location information within the storage area 99 related to the identification code 9 read by the camera 3 to the map.

[0048] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a search sequence for an article 5. In step S201, the worker inputs the identification code of the desired article 5 from the information terminal 6. In step S202, the control unit 31 compares the input identification code with the identification code 9 on the map. In step S203, the control unit 31 outputs attitude control data to the notification unit 37 for the movable lamp 7 corresponding to the coordinates of the article on the map whose identification code matches. This attitude control data includes control information for setting a predetermined rotation angle left / right and up / down.

[0049] In step S204, the notification unit 37 outputs attitude control data to the movable lamp 7. The movable lamp 7 then controls the movable unit 7b in accordance with the input attitude control data to control the attitude of the lamp unit 7a so that it is oriented at a predetermined rotation angle left and right and up and down, and causes the lamp unit 7a to emit light for a certain period of time. In the first embodiment, when emitting light in this manner, in order to improve visibility for the worker, methods such as changing the color of the lit light or flashing the light may be adopted, rather than simply turning it on. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the same type of desired item 5 is present in multiple racks 10, the color of the light may be changed depending on the purpose.

[0050] Meanwhile, in step S205, the worker finds the desired item 5 by relying on the light emitted from the lamp portion 7a of the movable lamp 7, and moves the desired item 5 from the storage area 99 to the work area. The work area is a place where assembly is performed using the moved desired item 5.

[0051] In step S206, the control unit 31 outputs an instruction to the notification unit 37 to turn off the lamp unit 7a of the movable lamp 7 after a predetermined input or after a certain time has elapsed. In step S207, the notification unit 37 outputs the instruction to turn off the movable lamp 7, turning off the lamp unit 7a.

[0052] The method of notifying the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99 is not limited to the spotlight method using the movable lamp 7 described above, but may include shining a laser at the item 5 with pinpoint accuracy, suggesting the location as a light shadow puppet, displaying a map including the location of the item 5 on a tablet, smartphone, or monitor as an example of the information terminal 6, superimposing the item 5 on augmented reality (AR), displaying the location of the item 5 in cooperation with a global positioning system (GPS), or simply displaying it on a screen. Furthermore, methods of notifying the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99 may include projecting the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99 using so-called projection mapping, indicating the location of the item 5 using a beacon, suggesting the location of the item 5 using a so-called patrol lamp (registered trademark) or searchlight, or guiding the location of the item 5 using sound or voice.

[0053] In the first embodiment, if the identification codes 9 are not recognized due to unintentional overlapping of the identification codes 9 or the like, and the control unit 31 determines that no item 5 is present in the storage area 99 in the latest history, the movable lamp 7 may be configured to emit light according to the location information of the item 5 going back to the time when the desired item 5 was last present in the storage area 99. In this way, the worker can identify the location when searching for the desired item 5.

[0054] 7 is a sequence chart for searching for components that make up a parent item from the identification code of a desired item 5. In step S301, a worker inputs the identification code of a finished product that is a parent item made up of a combination of multiple components (items 5) from the information terminal 6. In step S302, the control unit 31 compares the part numbers of the items 5 that are components that make up the parent item with the identification codes 9 on the map.

[0055] In step S303, the control unit 31 controls the notification unit 37 to output attitude control data to all movable lamps 7 corresponding to the map coordinates that match for all items of goods 5. In step S304, the notification unit 37 outputs the input attitude control data and turns on or blinks the movable lamps 7 for all items of goods 5. In step S304, the notification unit 37 may notify multiple items 5 at once, or may notify multiple items 5 one by one by shining a light on the multiple items 5 in order of proximity to the position of the search unit 36 ​​(or information terminal 6), whose position relative to the storage area 99 is preset, or may notify multiple items 5 in a preset order.

[0056] On the other hand, in step S305, the worker searches for all of the above items 5 using the guidance of the light emitted from the movable lamp 7 and moves them from the storage area 99 to the work area.

[0057] In step S306, the control unit 31 controls the notification unit 37 so that after a certain time has elapsed, the movable lamp 7 is turned off. In step S307, the notification unit 37 controls the movable lamp 7 to be turned off.

[0058] 8 is a sequence chart for newly carrying in an item 5 into the storage area 99. In step S401, a worker passes through the entrance 100a of the storage area 99 while moving the rack 10, which has been positioned so that the identification code 9 attached to the work slip for the item 5 can be photographed by the camera 3.

[0059] In step S402, the identification information acquisition unit 32 controls the camera 3 capable of photographing the entrance 100a of the storage area 99 to read the identification code 9 on the work slip for the item 5. In step S403, the control unit 31 recognizes that the item 5 corresponding to the read identification code 9 has been brought into the storage area 99. In step S404, the notification unit 37 notifies the worker that the reading at the time of delivery has been completed by turning on the movable lamp 7.

[0060] 9 is a sequence chart for carrying out an item from the storage area 99. In step S501, an operator places the item 5 on the rack 10 in a position where it can be photographed by the camera 3, and passes through the exit 100b of the storage area 99.

[0061] In step S502, the identification information acquisition unit 32 reads the identification code of the item 5 using the camera 3 capable of photographing the exit 100b of the storage area 99. In step S503, the control unit 31 recognizes that the item with the read identification code 9 has been removed from the storage area 99. In step S504, the notification unit 37 turns on the movable lamp 7 to notify the worker that the reading at the time of removal has been completed.

[0062] In the first embodiment, as described above, in addition to lighting or flashing the movable lamp 7 described above, methods of notifying a worker that an item 5 has been brought into (stored in) or taken out (dispatched from) the storage area 99 may include, for example, displaying a map on an information terminal 6 such as a tablet, smartphone, or monitor, linking with virtual reality (AR: Augmented Reality) or a GPS (Global Positioning System), displaying on a screen, displaying using projection mapping, notifying with a patrol lamp (registered trademark), or notifying with sound or voice.

[0063] 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of a measure to be taken when the identification code 9 of an item 5 that should have been found in the storage area 99 is not found. In step S601, the worker inputs the identification code of the desired item 5 from the information terminal 6. In step S602, the control unit 31 compares the identification code 9 of the item 5 that is a component part that makes up the parent item with the identification code 9 on the map.

[0064] In step S603, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the item 5 of the specified part is present in the storage area 99. If it is not present, step S604 is executed, but if it is present, step S604 is skipped.

[0065] In step S604, the control unit 31 refers to the placement history in the placement history table (not shown) described above for the item 5, determines whether or not there is a placement history, and if there is a placement history, executes step S605, whereas if there is no placement history, executes step S606.

[0066] In step S605, the notification unit 37 notifies the worker that the item has been taken out by lighting the movable lamp 7. In step S606, the control unit 31 goes back to the most recent history of recognition of the target item 5 and outputs attitude control data to the movable lamp 7 corresponding to the coordinates of the item 5 within the storage area 99. In step S607, the notification unit 37 moves the movable lamp 7 in accordance with the input attitude control data to light up or flash. At this time, if the movable lamp 7 is irradiating light onto multiple items 5, the light may be irradiated onto each item 5 in any order or a predetermined order or cycle, or the light may be irradiated onto each item 5 in order of proximity to the control unit 31, whose installation position has been determined in advance.

[0067] In step S608, the control unit 31 outputs, after a certain time has elapsed, an instruction to turn off the movable lamp 7. In step S609, the notification unit 37 turns off the movable lamp 7.

[0068] Meanwhile, in step S610, the worker finds the desired item 5 using the guidance of the light emitted from the movable lamp 7 and moves it from the storage area 99 to the work area.

[0069] As described above, the item search system 100 of this embodiment comprises an identification information acquisition unit 32 that acquires characteristics of items 5 that may be randomly placed in the space by acquiring spatial information of the storage area where items may be placed; an identification unit 33 that identifies items from the characteristics of the items acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 32; a position recognition unit 34 that assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information of the storage area 99 acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 32 and repeatedly associates items identified by the identification unit 33 with the planar coordinates at any timing; an input unit 35 that accepts the characteristics of the desired item 5 in order to search for its position within the storage area 99; a search unit 36 ​​that searches for the position of the desired item 5 within the storage area 99 from the position recognition results by the position recognition unit 34 based on the characteristics of the desired item 5 input via the input unit 35; and a notification unit 37 that notifies the location of the desired item 5 searched for by the search unit 36.

[0070] With this configuration, the identification information acquisition unit 32 acquires spatial information of the storage area 99 where items can be placed, and thereby acquires characteristics of the items 5 that can be randomly placed within the space. The identification unit 33 identifies the items 5 from the characteristics of the items 5 acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 32. The position recognition unit 34 assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information of the storage area 99, and repeatedly associates the items 5 identified by the identification unit 33 with the planar coordinates at any timing. The search unit 36 ​​searches for the location of the desired item within the storage area 99 based on the characteristics of the desired item 5 input via the input unit 35. The notification unit 37 notifies the user of the location of the desired item searched for by the search unit 36.

[0071] In this embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 32 is an airborne flying object equipped with a camera 3 as an example of an imaging unit. In this way, the identification information acquisition unit 32 can more reliably acquire the identification code of the item 5 by changing its position and orientation within the storage area 99.

[0072] In this embodiment, the identification unit 33 identifies the item 5 from the characteristics of the item 5 regardless of the orientation of the item 5. In this way, the identification information acquisition unit 32 can more reliably acquire the identification code of the item 5 that may be placed in a random position and orientation within the storage area 99.

[0073] In this embodiment, the feature of the item 5 is an identification code that allows the item 5 to be distinguished from other items, and when the item 5 is brought into the storage area 99, the item 5 with the identification code is placed in a position that makes it easy to acquire by the identification information acquisition unit 32. In this way, the identification code of the item 5 can be read more reliably.

[0074] In this embodiment, the memory unit 38 has a placement history table (not shown) that manages the placement history of the items 5 that have been brought into the storage area 99, and if the identification information acquisition unit 32 cannot acquire the item 5 within the storage area 99, the search unit 36 ​​checks the history of the location information of the item 5 from this placement history table. In this way, even if the search unit cannot find the desired item 5 within the storage area 99, the worker can be notified of the location where the item 5 was located until recently, making it easier to find the desired item 5 within the storage area 99.

[0075] In this embodiment, the notification unit 37 optically notifies the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99. In this way, it becomes easier for the worker to visually find the desired item 5 within the storage area 99.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the notification unit 37 may be configured to display the location of the desired item 5 in the storage area 99, which has been searched for by the search unit 36, on a screen display unit 95 provided on a side wall within the storage area 99. In this way, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated terminal for displaying the location of the item 5 in the storage area 99, and the worker can visually grasp the location of the desired item 5 in the storage area 99 even if he or she does not have the information terminal 6 in his or her hand.

[0077] In this embodiment, the notification unit 37 uses augmented reality to display the results of the search performed by the search unit 36 ​​to find the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99 on the display unit of the portable information terminal 6. In this way, the worker can easily grasp the location of the item 5 using augmented reality, which is easy for the worker to grasp intuitively.

[0078] In this embodiment, the notification unit 37 projects an image of the spatial information of the storage area 99 acquired by the identification information acquisition unit 32 onto the display unit using, for example, projection mapping.

[0079] In this embodiment, the notification unit 37 has a guidance unit that uses at least one of sound and voice to guide the worker as to the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99. In this way, the worker can auditorily grasp the location of the desired item 5 within the storage area 99.

[0080] In this embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 32 stitches together images of the storage area 99 taken by the multiple cameras 3 to create a single image of the storage area 99. In this way, the space of the storage area 99 can be accurately covered without any omissions.

[0081] In this embodiment, the input unit 35 has a voice recognition unit that receives voice as a characteristic of the item 5 to be input when searching for the location of the item 5 within the storage area 99, and uses a voice recognition function to recognize the received voice as a characteristic of the item 5. In this way, the worker does not need to manually input the identification code of the desired item 5, and the effort required to search for the location of the item 5 can be reduced.

[0082] In this embodiment, the storage area 99 has an entrance 100a through which the item 5 is carried in, the identification information acquisition unit 32 acquires characteristics of the item 5 at the entrance 100a, and the identification unit 33 recognizes that the item 5 corresponding to the acquired characteristics of the item 5 has been brought into the storage area 99. In this way, the worker can reliably recognize that the item 5 has been brought into the storage area 99.

[0083] In this embodiment, the storage area 99 has an exit 100b through which the item 5 is carried out, the identification information acquisition unit 32 acquires characteristics of the item 5 at the exit 100b, and the identification unit 33 recognizes that the item 5 corresponding to the acquired characteristics of the item 5 has been carried out from the storage area 99. In this way, the worker can reliably recognize that the item 5 has been carried out from the storage area 99.

[0084] (2) Second embodiment The item search system according to the second embodiment has almost the same configuration and operation as the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, so we will omit the explanation of the similar configuration and operation and focus on the differences below.

[0085] The item search system according to the second embodiment includes a warehouse area 99a corresponding to the storage area 99 of the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, and an aisle area 99b which is a space connected to this warehouse area 99a.

[0086] Dedicated rails 98, which are an example of guide units, are laid on the ceilings of the warehouse area 99a and the aisle area 99b so as to cover the entire floor surface of the warehouse area 99a and the aisle area 99b. A warehouse area dedicated rail 98a is installed on the ceiling of the warehouse area 99a, and an aisle area dedicated extension rail 98b is installed on the ceiling of the aisle area 99b. In the following description, unless there is a need to particularly distinguish between the warehouse area dedicated rail 98a and the aisle area dedicated extension rail 98b, they will be simply referred to as dedicated rails 98.

[0087] The dedicated rail 98 is provided with a movable part 97 that can move along the dedicated rail 98, and this movable part 97 can be driven by, for example, a rechargeable battery, and is configured to be able to move along the dedicated rail 98 while supporting the camera 3. Therefore, as the movable part 97 moves along the dedicated rail 98, the camera 3 can capture images of the space within the warehouse area 99a and the passage area 99b.

[0088] A maintenance area 99c is provided in part of the storage area 99a. In this maintenance area 99c, a part of the above-mentioned storage area dedicated rail 98a descends from the ceiling to the floor of the storage area 99a. This allows a worker to reach the movable part 97 when the movable part 97, which moves on the storage area dedicated rail 98a, enters the maintenance area 99c, and perform maintenance work such as replacing the battery of the movable part 7b.

[0089] Furthermore, in the article search system according to the modified example of the second embodiment, the movable unit 97, which is an example of a guide unit, is provided with a remote-controlled electric lift that can move the camera 3 up and down in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface of the maintenance area 99 c. In this way, maintenance such as battery replacement for the movable unit 7 b can be performed in the warehouse area 99 a other than the above-mentioned maintenance area 99 c.

[0090] (3) Other Modifications In this embodiment, a QR code (registered trademark) is used as an example of an identification code (barcode) used to identify each item 5 from another item, but this is not limiting and other types of barcodes may also be used.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, as a measure to be taken when an item 5 is intentionally removed from the storage area 99, the camera 3 as the identification information acquisition unit 32 may be linked to follow the actions of the worker, to follow the identification code of the item 5, to always read the identification code of the item 5 at the exit 100b, or to be linked to various sensors.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing for acquiring the location information of the items 5 within the storage area 99 can be any timing as described above, or can be random at regular intervals, at times when the items 5 are moving, only during the day or only at night, or in conjunction with human detection such as for workers, at short intervals during times when people are detected.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixed portion of the movable lamp 7 is mainly fixed to the ceiling, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the movable lamp 7 may be configured to be movable on the ceiling.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, methods for making the identification code of the item 5 easier to read include determining the placement position of the rack 10 in the storage area 99 in advance and determining the placement position of the identification code in advance, as well as reducing the information in the identification code and making the code itself larger.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, as a countermeasure when the identification code cannot be read, the position recognition unit 34 may refer to the placement history table in the memory unit 38 and notify the notification unit 37 about the item 5 on a date close to the date on which the identification code was read, or may notify the notification unit 37 about the data one step before in chronological order, or may automatically notify the notification unit 37 about the items 5 up to the point where they have been recognized.

[0096] (4) Third Embodiment The item search system in the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration and operation as the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, the item search system according to the second embodiment, and their modified examples (hereinafter collectively referred to and illustrated as the "item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc."). Therefore, a description of the similar configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences. Note that in the following description, users, users, workers, etc. are examples of people, and unless otherwise specified, they are the same person. Also, in the following embodiments, some networks are not illustrated.

[0097] The computer system according to the third embodiment includes the following security system in addition to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. The security system includes a second interface (not shown) that can be connected to an external system, and is connected to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. via a network (not shown) for communicating data etc.

[0098] In the first embodiment, parts constituting a finished product were described as an example of the object 5 to be searched, but in the third embodiment, personal belongings of a visitor (hereinafter also referred to as a "general user" or "owner") who visits the storage area 99 will be described as an example of the personal belongings. In the following, valuables will be described as an example of the personal belongings. Note that in the third embodiment, in addition to the personal belongings, parts constituting a finished product may also be searched.

[0099] That is, the item search system according to this embodiment is used to search for belongings of visitors that may be brought into the storage area 99.

[0100] 12 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system including a security system 300 according to the third embodiment. The computer system according to this embodiment includes the item search system 100 and the security system 300 according to the first embodiment or the like described above.

[0101] The security system 300 receives the photographed data 199 from the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc. The security system 300 transmits the user ID, password, face information, update information, terminal location information, and determination results to the information terminal 6 of the administrator user, and notifies the information terminal 6 of the administrator user of the determination results. The security system 300 also receives the user information and update information input by the administrator user to the information terminal 6.

[0102] Meanwhile, the security system 300 transmits the user ID, password, face information, update information, terminal location information, and judgment result to the information terminal 6 of the general user, and notifies the judgment result to the information terminal 6 of the general user. The security system 300 also receives the user information and update information input by the general user to the information terminal 6.

[0103] The security system 300 comprises a storage management area management database 302, a valuables management database 303, a user information management database 304, and a warning control unit 305. In the following description, database will be abbreviated as "DB."

[0104] The warning control unit 305 determines whether there is a problem with the security of the storage area 99, for example, by identifying the visitor based on the photographic data 199 and identifying the visitor's valuables based on the photographic data 199, and then determining whether there is a problem with the security of the valuables based on the received photographic data 199. If there is a problem with the security of the visitor's valuables, the warning control unit 305 issues a warning or notification.

[0105] The storage area management DB 302 manages each storage area 99. The valuables management database 303 manages each valuable. The user information management DB 304 manages each user information. Details of the storage area management DB 302, valuables management DB 303, and user information management DB 304 will be described later.

[0106] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the storage management area management database 302. The storage management area management database 302 manages, for each ID (identifier), a storage area ID for identifying each storage area 99 from another, a camera ID (identifier) ​​for identifying each camera 3 from another, and storage area position information indicating the position of the storage area 99.

[0107] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the valuables management database 303. For each ID, the valuables management database 303 manages the classification of valuables, images of the valuables, storage area IDs, user IDs for identifying each visitor, and proxy user IDs for identifying each proxy user acting on behalf of each visitor. Although not shown in Fig. 14, the database also manages user names (e.g., owner names) corresponding to the above-mentioned user IDs (e.g., owner identifiers).

[0108] 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user information management database 304. The user information management database 304 manages, for each ID, a user name indicating the name of each user and a user image indicating an image of the user's appearance.

[0109] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen displayed on the information terminal 6. In the example shown, the terminal screen displays, for each ID, a valuables classification, an image of the valuables, the owner's name, and an owner image representing an image of the owner among the above-mentioned user IDs.

[0110] 17 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on the photographic data 199. The image includes, for example, person information 317A and valuables information 317B and 317C. The person information 317A and valuables information 317B and 317C are the person information and valuables information respectively extracted from the photographic data 199 by the warning control unit 305 described above through image recognition.

[0111] The person information 317A is obtained from a face image and motion information (e.g., video, skeletal coordinate information) included in the image, while the valuables information 317B is obtained from the type of valuables (e.g., wallet) based on an image of the valuables included in the image (hereinafter referred to as a "valuables image").

[0112] 18 is a diagram showing another example of a terminal screen displayed on the information terminal 6. In the example shown, the terminal screen displays, for each ID, a valuables classification, a valuables image, the owner's name, an owner image representing an image of the owner among the above-mentioned user IDs, owner motion information, and a terminal ID. The terminal ID indicates a value that can identify the information terminal 6 (for example, an IP (Internal Protocol) address).

[0113] The warning control unit 305 compares the valuables images with each other, and if the valuables images match, it further compares the most similar owner image corresponding to the valuables image with the facial image based on the photographed data 199. If the warning control unit 305 cannot make a determination based on the facial image alone, it also compares the user's motion information with each other.

[0114] <Warning Output Process> In the warning output process, a warning is output when a person other than the owner of the valuables enters the storage area 99. In this embodiment, the assumed situation is when a place for managing valuables is set up within the storage area 99, such as in a factory, and this warning output process is executed to prevent theft of the valuables. For example, workers working at the factory and visitors such as guests each have an information terminal 6 that can identify them, and use the information terminal 6 to register their own valuables and users.

[0115] <When Registering and Updating Valuables and Storage Areas> The warning control unit 305 executes user authentication using a predetermined login function.

[0116] In step A1, the administrator user inputs user information using the administrator user's information terminal. In step A2, the administrator user transmits the input user information to the security system using the administrator user's information terminal. In step A3, the security system 300 compares the user management information it manages with the received user information.

[0117] In step A4, if the user management information managed by the security system 300 matches the received user information, the security system 300 authenticates the login and sends function list information to the information terminal of the administrator user. In step A5, if the user management information managed by the security system 300 does not match the received user information, the security system 300 rejects the login and sends login screen information and error information to the information terminal of the administrator user.

[0118] <Selecting the valuables and storage area registration and update function> In step A6, the information terminal of the administrator user displays a function list from the function list information received from the security system 300. In step A7, the administrator user selects the valuables (and storage area) registration and update function from the function list displayed on the information terminal.

[0119] In step A8, the administrator user's information terminal requests the security system 300 to send information related to the valuables (and storage area) registration and update functions. In step A9, the security system 300 acquires a data list from its own management information for valuables (and storage areas) based on the information requested from the administrator user's information terminal. In step A10, the security system 300 transmits the data list acquired from its own management information for valuables (and storage areas) to the administrator user's information terminal.

[0120] <Valuables (and storage area) registration, input and transmission of update information> In step A11, the administrator user's information terminal displays a list of valuables (and storage area) management data received from the security system 300. In step A12, the administrator user inputs information on the valuables (and storage area) that the administrator user wishes to register or update into the administrator user's information terminal. In step A13, the administrator user confirms the valuables (storage area) information that the administrator user wishes to register or update, which has been entered on the administrator user's information terminal.

[0121] In step A14, the information terminal of the administrator user transmits the registered and updated valuables (and storage area) information to the security system.

[0122] <Updating the valuables (and storage area) database> In step A15, the security system 300 updates the valuables (and storage area) management information in the storage area management DB 302 and the valuables management DB 303 based on the valuables (and storage area) information received from the management user's information terminal.

[0123] <When issuing an alert when someone other than the owner of valuables enters the storage area (issuing an alert when someone other than the owner of valuables enters)> <Obtaining photographic data of the storage area portion> In procedure B1, the item search system 100 of the first embodiment etc. acquires photographic data from the camera 3 capturing a portion of the storage area 99. In procedure B2, the item search system 100 of the first embodiment etc. then extracts valuables information (e.g., valuables classification, valuables image), and person information (e.g., facial image, motion information (video, skeletal coordinate information, etc.)) from the photographic data and transmits it to the security system 300.

[0124] <Selecting authenticated users for valuables from photographed data and identifying people captured on camera> In step B3, the security system 300 enters a waiting state to receive valuable information and person information from the item search system 100 of the first embodiment, etc. In step B4, the security system 300 creates a list of authenticated users linked to the valuables from the valuable information received from the item search system 100 of the first embodiment, etc., its own valuables management information (valuable type, valuable image), and user management information (face information, motion information, terminal information). In step B5, the security system identifies people from the person information (face information, motion information, etc.) received from the object detection system.

[0125] <Determining Whether the Identified Person is on the List of Authenticated Users> In step B6, if the identified person is on the list of authenticated users, the security system 300 performs step B3. If the identified person is not on the list of authenticated users or if it is unclear whether the identified person is on the list of authenticated users, the security system 300 performs step B7.

[0126] <If it is unclear whether the identified person is an authenticated user, inference is made based on the information terminal owned by the person> In step B7, the security system 300 requests the information terminal of the authenticated user from the list of authenticated users to send current location information (e.g., GPS (Global Positioning System) information, beacon information).

[0127] In step B8, the authenticated user's information terminal sends its current location information to the security system. In step B9, security system 300 waits for a certain period of time to receive location information from the authenticated user's information terminal. If security system 300 receives location information within the certain period of time, it performs step B10, which will be described later. However, if it does not receive location information within the certain period of time, it performs step B12, which will be described later.

[0128] In step B10, the security system 300 compares the location information received from the authenticated user's information terminal with the location information of the storage area. In step B11, the security system 300 performs step B3 if the location information of the authenticated user's information terminal indicates that the information terminal is located near the storage area. If the location information of the authenticated user's information terminal is not located near the storage area, the security system 300 performs step B12.

[0129] <If the user is not an authenticated user, issue a warning to the intruder into the storage area and notify the authenticated user> In step B12, the security system 300 issues a warning (display on a display, audio warning, lighting a lamp, etc.) to the person who has intruded into the storage area 99. In addition, the security system 300 transmits warning information to the information terminal of the authenticated user.

[0130] The computer system according to this embodiment includes an item search system according to at least one of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modifications, or a combination of any of them, and a security system 300 that includes a second external connection interface for connecting to the item search system and manages the security of the storage area 99. In this way, the security system 300 can manage the security of belongings (e.g., valuables) of visitors to the storage area 99 based on the image data 199 received from the item search system as image data captured by the camera 3.

[0131] The computer system according to this embodiment exchanges data and the like with, for example, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc., via the second external connection interface. In this way, it is possible to ensure the security of the item 5 while exchanging data and the like with the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc., and utilizing the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc.

[0132] In this embodiment, the security system 300 sets the items 5 to be protected and the storage area 99 to be protected, and registers and updates information (such as the above-mentioned valuables information) relating to the possessions (items 5) of visitors (e.g., owners) such as valuables as needed. In this way, the security system 300 can ensure the security of the items 5 in the set storage area 99.

[0133] In this embodiment, the security system 300 identifies the item 5 from the photographic data 199, which is an example of image information acquired internally or externally, and creates an authenticated user list that extracts pre-authorized persons as owner information of the item 5. The authenticated user list may be managed, for example, as a database. In this way, the security system 300 can ensure the security of the item 5 in the storage area 99 by authenticating persons in the storage area 99 using the created authenticated user list.

[0134] In this embodiment, the security system 300 identifies a person from the photographic data 199, which is an example of image information acquired internally or externally, and determines whether the person matches a previously authorized person. In this way, by determining whether the identified person is an authorized person (e.g., a worker), the security of the items 5 in the storage area 99 can be ensured.

[0135] In this embodiment, the security system 300 determines whether the person carrying the information terminal 6 is a pre-authorized person or not, depending on whether the location information of the information terminal 6 carried by the pre-authorized person indicates that the person is near the target storage area 99. In this way, by verifying the person carrying the information terminal 6, the security of the items 5 in the storage area 99 can be ensured.

[0136] In this embodiment, the security system 300 issues a warning using optical information, sound information, or both to a person who has been determined in advance not to be an authorized person, thereby protecting the security of the item 5 from a person who has been determined not to be an authorized person.

[0137] In this embodiment, when a warning is issued, the security system 300 transmits the information about the warning to the information terminal 6 of a person who has been authorized in advance. In this way, the authorized person can use the information terminal 6 to check the information about the warning and ensure the security of the item.

[0138] (5) Fourth embodiment The item search system in the fourth embodiment has almost the same configuration and operation as the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, a description of the similar configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0139] The computer system according to the fourth embodiment includes the following production management system in addition to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. The production management system includes a second interface (not shown) that can be connected to an external system, and is connected to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. via a network (not shown) for communicating data etc.

[0140] 19 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system including a production management system 400 according to the fourth embodiment. The computer system according to this embodiment is equipped with the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. described above and the production management system 400. In addition to the functions described above, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. is equipped with, for example, an identification code generation function and an identification code issuance function.

[0141] The production management system 400 transmits identification code information 9A corresponding to the identification code 9 to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. has a function of issuing an identification code 9 to a user based on the identification code information 9A.

[0142] The production management system 400 includes a work list management DB 402, a parts information management DB 403, a user information management DB 404, and an identification code management DB 405. The user information management DB 404 is almost the same as the user information management DB 304 in the third embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] The work list management DB 402 manages work lists. The part information management DB 403 manages part information about, for example, item 5. The identification code management DB 405 manages identification information. Details of the work list management DB 402, part information management DB 403, and identification code management DB 405 will be described later.

[0144] 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification code management DB 405. The identification code management DB 405 manages, for each ID (identifier), the identification code information of the identification code 9, the part number of the item 5, and the number of parts.

[0145] 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the part information management DB 403. The part information management DB 403 manages, for each ID, the part number of the item 5, the part image corresponding to the image of the item 5, and a remarks column. Note that the part image is shown schematically for the sake of explanation.

[0146] 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the work list management DB 402. The work list management DB 402 manages, for each ID, a user ID for identifying each user, work content, a part number corresponding to the item 5, and a delivery date.

[0147] 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the identification code management DB 405 provided on the side of the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. The identification code management DB 405 manages, for each ID, the identification code information of the identification code 9, location information, user ID, and update date and time.

[0148] 24 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen displayed on the user's information terminal 6. In the example shown, the terminal screen displays a part image, the number of parts, and a remarks column for each part number, and when the part number, part image, number of parts, and remarks column are entered and an update button is pressed, the input contents are registered.

[0149] 25 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen displayed on the user's information terminal 6. In the example shown, the terminal screen for searching for parts for the next job displays, for each ID, the job content, part number, part image, and delivery date, as well as an input field 901 for the next job ID, a search button 902, and a cancel button 903. The part number in question is associated with the part number in FIG. 24.

[0150] The next job ID input field 901 is a field for inputting a next job ID corresponding to the job content to be performed next. The search button 902 is a button for searching the job list management DB 402 based on the part number of the item 5 that is the part to be used in the next job corresponding to the next job ID input in the next job ID input field 901. The cancel button 903 is a button for canceling and clearing the terminal screen for searching for the part for the next job.

[0151] In this embodiment, the assumed situation for processing item searches is, for example, that there is a production management system 400 for appropriately setting work content for workers, and that the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc., works in conjunction with that production management system 400.

[0152] <Issuing a new identification code for inventory management> <Issuing an identification code for inventory management> In procedure C1, the user inputs part information (e.g., part number, part quantity) using the user's information terminal 6. In procedure C2, the user issues an identification code using the user's information terminal 6.

[0153] In step C3, the user's information terminal 6 transmits part information (e.g., part number, number of parts) to the production management system 400. In step C4, the production management system 400 receives the part information (e.g., part number, number of parts) from the user's information terminal.

[0154] In procedure C5, the production management system 400 registers the part information (e.g., part number, part quantity) and the newly created identification code information in the identification code management database 405. In procedure C6, the production management system 400 transmits the newly created identification code information to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc.

[0155] In procedure C7, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. receives the identification code information from the production management system 400. In procedure C8, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. generates an identification code image from the identification code information.

[0156] In procedure C9, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. prints the generated identification code image to obtain the identification code 9. In procedure C10, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. sends a notification of completion of the issuance of the identification code to the production management system 400.

[0157] In step C11, the production management system 400 receives a notification of completion of the issuance of the identification code from the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc. In step C12, the user receives the identification code 9 issued by the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc.

[0158] <Updating identification code information for inventory management> <User selects identification code update function and reads in the relevant identification code> Step D1: The user selects the identification code update function using the user's information terminal 6. Step D2: The user's information terminal 6 changes its own status to a status in which it can read the identification code 9.

[0159] In step D3, the user reads the identification code 9 that the user wants to change using the information terminal 6. In step D4, the user's information terminal 6 transmits identification code information based on the read identification code 9 to the production management system 400. The identification code information includes, for example, the part number and part quantity information.

[0160] <Aggregating information from the production management system and displaying part information corresponding to the identification code> In procedure D5, the production management system 400 receives the identification code information from the user's information terminal 6. In procedure D6, the production management system 400 acquires the corresponding part number and part quantity information from the identification code information.

[0161] In procedure D7, the production management system 400 transmits the part number, part count information, and part image information held by the production management system to the user's information terminal 6. In procedure D8, the user's information terminal 6 receives the part number, part count information, and part image information held by the production management system 400 transmitted from the production management system 400. In procedure D9, the user's information terminal 6 displays the part information (e.g., part number, part image, part count) on the screen.

[0162] <Updating Identification Code Information> In step D10, the user selects the part information (for example, part number, part image, and part quantity) that he or she wishes to change based on the information displayed on the information terminal 6, and inputs the changed information.

[0163] In step D11, the user's information terminal 6 transmits the changed part information (e.g., part number, part image, and part quantity) input by the user to the production management system 400. In step D12, the production management system 400 receives the changed part information (e.g., part number, part image, and part quantity) transmitted by the user's information terminal 6.

[0164] In step D13, the production management system 400 updates the database based on the changed part information (for example, product number, product image, product quantity).

[0165] <Indicating with a movable lamp which parts should be prioritized according to the delivery date> <Acquire information on work performed by the user> In procedure E1, the production management system 400 creates a list of work performed by the user (e.g., work content, part number, part image, delivery date) and sends it to the user's information terminal 6. In procedure E2, the user's information terminal 6 receives the work list. In procedure E3, the user's information terminal 6 displays the work list.

[0166] <User Inputs Current Work Completion Status> In step E4, the user inputs the completion status of the current work using the information terminal 6. In step E5, the user's information terminal 6 sends a deletion command for the work for which the completion status has been input to the production management system.

[0167] In step E6, the production management system 400 receives a deletion command for the work for which completion has been input, sent by the user's information terminal 6. In step E7, the production management system 400 updates the work list for the user based on the deletion command for the work for which completion has been input.

[0168] In step E8, the production management system 400 transmits a list of tasks for which the user is responsible to the user's information terminal 6. In step E9, the user's information terminal 6 receives the list of tasks for which the user is responsible, transmitted from the production management system 400.

[0169] In step E10, the user's information terminal 6 displays the updated list of tasks for which the user is responsible.

[0170] <User Requests Search for Location of Next Part to Be Performed> In step E11, the user executes a search function for a part required for the next task using the information terminal 6. In step E12, the user's information terminal 6 transmits part information (e.g., part number, part image) corresponding to the selected task to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc.

[0171] In step E13, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment receives the part information (for example, part number, part image) corresponding to the selected work, which is sent from the user's information terminal 6.

[0172] <Obtaining Corresponding Part Information> In step E14, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. extracts the corresponding part information from its own item management database (not shown). If the same part exists, the part with the oldest registration date is given priority. In step E15, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. obtains the location information of the corresponding part (also referred to as "item").

[0173] <Irradiate the relevant component with light> In step E16, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. calculates the light irradiation angle based on the position information of the component. In step E17, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. issues an adjustment request and an irradiation command to the movable lamp 7 for the irradiation angle of the lamp unit 7a.

[0174] In step E18, the movable lamp 7 in the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. irradiates the relevant location with light using the lamp unit 7a based on the adjustment request and the irradiation command. In step E19, the user goes to the location where the light is irradiated and obtains the relevant part (item 5).

[0175] The computer system according to this embodiment includes an item search system according to at least one of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modifications, or a combination of any of them, and a production management system 400 that has a second external connection interface for connecting to the item search system and manages production using items 5 in a storage area 99. In this way, the production management system 400 can manage production using items 5 in a storage area 99 by using the identification codes 9 issued to users via the item search system.

[0176] In this embodiment, the production management system 400 causes the item search system 100 according to, for example, the first embodiment to issue an identification code 9 corresponding to the item 5 constituting the product corresponding to the input product information (parts information) based on the input product information. In this way, production management of the item 5 can be performed using the identification code 9 issued based on the product information.

[0177] In this embodiment, the production management system 400 changes and updates the part information of the item 5 corresponding to the identification code information of the registered identification code 9. In this way, the production management of the item 5 can be performed using the changed and updated part information of the item 5.

[0178] In this embodiment, the production management system 400 transmits the above-mentioned identification code information to the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment or the like, and causes the system to issue an identification code 9 for the article 5 .

[0179] In this embodiment, the production management system 400 creates a list of tasks to be performed by the workers based on worker information, part information, and delivery date information. In this way, the created task list can be used to manage the production of the item 5.

[0180] In this embodiment, the production management system 400 changes the progress status information of the list of tasks to be performed by the workers based on worker information, parts information, and delivery date information, in accordance with the current progress.

[0181] (6) Fifth embodiment The item search system in the fifth embodiment has almost the same configuration and operation as the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, a description of the similar configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0182] The computer system according to the fifth embodiment includes the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc., as well as a delivery system as described below. The delivery system includes a second interface (not shown) that can be connected to an external system, and is connected to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc., via a network (not shown) for communicating data, etc.

[0183] 26 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system including a delivery system 500 according to the fifth embodiment. The computer system according to this embodiment includes the item search system 100 and the delivery system 500 according to the first embodiment or the like described above.

[0184] The delivery system 500 transmits part information about the item 5 to be searched (hereinafter also referred to as "searched part information") to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. has a function of transmitting location information about the item 5 to be searched (hereinafter also referred to as "searched part location information") to the user's information terminal 6 based on the searched part information.

[0185] The delivery system 500 includes a loading list management DB 502, a parts information management DB 503, a user information management DB 504, an identification code management unit 505, and a delivery vehicle management unit 506. The parts information management DB 503 is substantially the same as the parts information management DB 403 in the fourth embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The user information management DB 504 is substantially the same as the user information management DB 304 in the third embodiment and the user information management DB 404 in the fourth embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0186] The loading list management DB 502 manages the loading list. The identification code management unit 505 manages identification code information corresponding to the identification code 9. The delivery vehicle management unit 506 manages delivery vehicles that are to carry and deliver the search target item 5.

[0187] 27 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the loading list management DB 502. The loading list management DB 502 manages, for each ID, the user ID of the user, the delivery vehicle name indicating the name of the vehicle to be dispatched, the loading location, the loading number indicating the lot of the item 5 to be loaded, the part number of the item 5, and the delivery date.

[0188] 28 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal screen displayed on the user's information terminal 6. In the example shown, the terminal screen displays the name of the deliverer, loading location, part number, part image, and delivery date for each ID, as well as a next job ID input field 911, a search button 912, and a cancel button 913. The loading location indicates, for example, where on the truck bed the part is to be placed in three dimensions. The loading location may also be displayed using multiple images.

[0189] The next job ID input field 911 is a field for inputting a next job ID corresponding to the job content to be performed next. The search button 912 is a button for searching the loading list management DB 502 based on the part number of the item 5 as a part to be used in the next job corresponding to the next job ID input in the next job ID input field 911. The cancel button 913 is a button for canceling and clearing the terminal screen for searching for parts for the next job.

[0190] In the assumed situation in this embodiment, for example, it is assumed that there is a delivery system 500 that can calculate an appropriate loading order for items 5 for a user, and that the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment or the like cooperates with the delivery system 500. Furthermore, in this assumed situation, it is assumed that items 5 are delivered to multiple locations from one base including, for example, a storage area 99. Note that this does not include cases where items are transported to long distances by large truck, for example.

[0191] <When loading luggage, instruct the parts to be loaded based on the order that will be easiest to remove at the time of delivery> <Obtain information on the work that the user is responsible for> In step F1, the delivery system 500 creates a loading list that the user is responsible for (e.g., delivery vehicle information, loading location information, part number, part image, delivery date) and sends it to the user's information terminal 6.

[0192] In step F2, the user's information terminal 6 receives the loading list. In step F3, the user's information terminal 6 displays the loading list.

[0193] <User Inputs Current Work Completion Status> In step F4, the user inputs the completion status of the current work using the information terminal 6. In step F5, the user's information terminal 6 transmits to the delivery system 500 a deletion command for the work for which the completion status has been input.

[0194] In step F6, the delivery system 500 receives a deletion command for the work for which completion of the work has been input, sent from the user's information terminal 6. In step F7, the delivery system 500 updates the loading list for which the user is responsible based on the deletion command.

[0195] In step F8, the delivery system 500 transmits a loading list of items 5 for which a user, such as a truck driver, is responsible to the user's information terminal 6. In step F9, the user's information terminal 6 receives the user's loading list transmitted from the delivery system 500. In step F10, the user's information terminal 6 displays the loading list.

[0196] <User requests search for location of next part to be performed> In step F11, the user uses the information terminal 6 to execute a search function for the item 5 corresponding to the part required for the next task. In step F12, the user's information terminal 6 transmits part information (e.g., part number, part image) corresponding to the selected task to the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc. In step F13, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc. receives the part information transmitted by the user's information terminal 6.

[0197] In step F14, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment or the like extracts the relevant part information from its own article management database (not shown), and if an identical part exists, prioritizes the part with the oldest registration date. In step F15, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment or the like acquires the location information of the relevant part.

[0198] <Illuminating the relevant part with the movable lamp> In step F16, the article searching system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. calculates the illumination angle of the lamp portion 7a of the movable lamp 7 within the storage area 99 based on the position information of the part. In step F17, the article searching system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. requests the movable lamp 7 to adjust the illumination angle and issues an illumination command.

[0199] In step F18, the lamp unit 7a of the movable lamp 7 in the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. illuminates the corresponding location based on the adjustment request and illumination command. In step F19, the user goes to the illuminated location in the storage area 99 and retrieves the corresponding part.

[0200] The computer system according to this embodiment includes an item search system according to at least one of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modifications, or a combination of any of them, and a delivery system 500 that has a second external connection interface for connecting to the item search system and manages delivery vehicles that are to load items 5 in storage areas 99. In this way, the delivery system 500 can manage the delivery of items 5 in storage areas 99 using identification codes 9 issued to users via the item search system.

[0201] In this embodiment, the delivery system 500 automatically creates a list of parts to be loaded based on worker information, part information, delivery date information, and delivery vehicle information, so that the worker can appropriately load the items 5 that make up the parts. In this way, the items 5 can be appropriately loaded by referring to the list of parts to be loaded.

[0202] In this embodiment, the delivery system 500 changes the progress status of the list of parts to be loaded by the worker based on worker information, part information, delivery date information, and delivery vehicle information, in accordance with the current progress. In this way, it is possible to appropriately load items 5 in accordance with the list of parts to be loaded while understanding the progress status in accordance with the current progress.

[0203] (7) Sixth embodiment The item search system in the sixth embodiment has almost the same configuration and operation as the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment described above, and therefore, a description of the similar configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0204] The article search system according to the sixth embodiment is characterized by a measure taken when the identification code 9 cannot be read in the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment or the like.

[0205] 29 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an identification code position storage DB of the item search system according to the sixth embodiment. The identification code position storage DB is stored in, for example, the storage unit 38 shown in Fig. 2, and manages the position information of the identification code 9 (hereinafter also referred to as "identification code position information").

[0206] The identification code location storage DB manages, for example, for each ID, the identification code information, location information, user ID, and update date of the identification code 9. The location information is information about the location of the item 5 with the identification code 9 attached thereto within the storage area 99 at the time when the identification code 9 corresponding to the identification code information was updated.

[0207] <Function to re-read identification code based on illuminance and person confirmation> <Reading identification code from camera image> In step G1, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. acquires identification code location information indicating the location in the storage area 99 of the identification code 9 of the item 5 to be searched.

[0208] In step G2, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. adjusts the direction and angle of the camera 3 based on the identification code position information, and photographs the identification code 9 with the camera 3. In step G3, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. reads the identification code 9 by inputting the photographed data 199 into the identification information acquisition unit 32.

[0209] In step G4, if the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment, etc., is able to read the identification code 9 using the identification information acquisition unit 32, it updates the identification code location information corresponding to the identification code 9 and returns to step G1 to execute this.

[0210] <Checking the illuminance when reading is not possible> In this embodiment, for example, if the illuminance is high, the aperture of the camera 3 is adjusted and the image is taken again, whereas if the illuminance is low, the image is taken again by irradiating the image with the movable lamp 7. This will be described in detail below.

[0211] In step G5, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. acquires brightness information of the image if the identification code 9 cannot be read by the identification information acquisition unit 32. In step G6, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. adjusts the aperture of the camera 3 if the brightness information of the image is greater than a specified value (bright), and returns to step G2 to execute this.

[0212] In step G7, if the brightness information of the image is smaller (darker) than a specified value, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment calculates the light position, illuminates the image, and returns to step G2 to execute the same.

[0213] In step G8, the article search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. determines whether a person is present in the image if the brightness information of the image is within a specified value.

[0214] <Check the illuminance if reading is not possible. Perform skeleton detection if there is no problem with the illuminance> In step G9, if the brightness information of the image is within a specified value, the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. determines whether a person is present in the image using its own person determination function.

[0215] In step G10, when the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment or the like determines that no person is present in the image, it determines that the searched identification code 9 has moved, updates the identification code position information, and returns to step G1 to execute this.

[0216] <If it is determined that a person is present, re-photograph the image after a certain period of time> In step G11, when the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. determines that a person is present in the image, for example by skeletal detection, it checks whether it determined that a person was present in the previous image capture. In step G12, if the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment etc. determines that a person was not present in the previous image capture, it returns to step G2 so that the same location can be photographed after a certain period of time.

[0217] In step G13, if the item search system 100 according to the first embodiment or the like determines that a person was present at the time of the previous photograph, it sends a warning of the person's presence and the location information of the observed location to the user's information terminal 6.

[0218] In step G14, the user's information terminal 6 receives the person presence warning and the location information of the observed location. In step G15, the user's information terminal 6 displays the person presence warning and the location information of the observed location.

[0219] In the computer system according to this embodiment, if the identification information acquisition unit 32 is unable to read the identification code 9, which is an example of a feature of the article 5, due to an external factor such as the shooting environment, the identification information acquisition unit 32 retries reading the identification code 9. In this way, the identification code 9 can be read more reliably.

[0220] In the computer system according to this embodiment, when the identification information acquisition unit 32 is unable to read the identification code 9, which is an example of an item's characteristic, due to brightness issues, it adjusts the setting values ​​of the camera 3, which is an example of an imaging unit, or the movable lamp 7, which is an example of an illumination unit, and retries reading the identification code 9. In this way, the identification code 9 can be read more reliably.

[0221] In the computer system according to this embodiment, if the identification information acquisition unit 32 is unable to read the identification code 9, which is an example of an item's characteristic, due to the presence of an obstacle such as a person, based on the results of photography by the camera 3, which is an example of an imaging unit, the identification information acquisition unit 32 retries reading after a certain period of time. In this way, the identification code 9 can be read more reliably.

[0222] In the computer system according to this embodiment, the identification information acquisition unit 32 issues a notification and a warning to the outside if the identification code, which is an example of an item's characteristic, cannot be read multiple times due to the presence of an obstacle such as a person, based on the results of photography by the camera 3, which is an example of an imaging unit. In this way, it is possible to notify the outside that the identification code 9 cannot be read, providing an opportunity for the outside to take appropriate action.

[0223] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, the elements described in parallel in the present embodiment may be configured such that at least one of the elements is connected in series to the other elements.

[0224] The present invention can be applied to an article search system that can easily search for articles that may be stored in random locations within a storage area.

[0225] 3...camera, 7...movable lamp, 5...item, 6...terminal, 9...identification code, 10...rack, 31...control unit, 32...identification information acquisition unit, 33...identification unit, 37...notification unit, 99...storage area, 100...item search system.

Claims

1. An item search system comprising: an identification information acquisition unit that acquires characteristics of items that may be randomly placed within a storage area by acquiring spatial information of the storage area in which items may be placed; an identification unit that identifies the item from the characteristics of the item acquired by the identification information acquisition unit; a position recognition unit that assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information of the storage area acquired by the identification information acquisition unit, and repeatedly associates the item identified by the identification unit with the planar coordinates at any desired timing; an input unit that accepts characteristics of the desired item in order to search for the location of the item within the storage area; a search unit that searches for the location of the desired item within the storage area from the association result by the position recognition unit based on the characteristics of the desired item accepted by the input unit; and a notification unit that notifies the location of the desired item searched for by the search unit.

2. The item search system according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification information acquisition unit is connected to a movable part that can move along a guide part laid on the inner surface of the storage area.

3. The item search system described in claim 2, characterized in that the inner surface of the storage area is a ceiling, and the storage area has a maintenance area in which a portion of the guide section descends from the ceiling toward the floor of the storage area.

4. The item search system according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide section is provided with a lift that moves the identification information acquisition section up and down in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface of the maintenance area.

5. The object search system according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification information acquisition unit is an airborne flying object equipped with an imaging unit.

6. The object search system according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition unit identifies the object from its characteristics regardless of the object's orientation.

7. The item search system described in claim 6, characterized in that the feature of the item is an identification code that allows the item to be distinguished from other items, and when the item is brought into the storage area, the item with the identification code attached is placed in a position that is easy to acquire by the identification information acquisition unit.

8. The item search system described in claim 1, further comprising a placement history table for managing the placement history of the items that have been brought into the storage area, and wherein the search unit, if the identification information acquisition unit is unable to acquire the item within the storage area, checks the history of the item's location information from the placement history table.

9. The item search system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit notifies the location of the item within the storage area by optical means.

10. The item search system of claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit causes a display unit provided within the storage area to display the location of the desired item within the storage area searched for by the search unit.

11. The item search system described in claim 10, characterized in that the notification unit displays the results of a search performed by the search unit for the location of the item within the storage area on a portable display unit using augmented reality.

12. The item search system according to claim 10, characterized in that the notification unit projects an image of the spatial information of the storage area acquired by the identification information acquisition unit onto a display unit.

13. The item search system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit has a guidance unit that provides guidance on the location of the item within the storage area by at least one of sound and voice.

14. The item search system according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification information acquisition unit stitches together images taken of the storage area using multiple imaging units to create a single image of the storage area.

15. The item search system of claim 1, characterized in that the input unit has a voice recognition unit that receives voice as a characteristic of the item input when searching for the location of the item within the storage area, and recognizes the received voice as a characteristic of the item using a voice recognition function.

16. The item search system described in claim 1, characterized in that the storage area has an entrance through which the item is brought in, an identification information acquisition unit acquires characteristics of the item at the entrance, and the identification unit recognizes that the item corresponding to the acquired characteristics of the item has been brought into the storage area.

17. The item search system described in claim 1, characterized in that the storage area has an exit port through which the item is removed, an identification information acquisition unit acquires characteristics of the item at the exit port, and the identification unit recognizes that the item corresponding to the acquired item characteristics has been removed from the storage area.

18. The item search system according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification information acquisition unit retries reading the identification code if the identification code characteristic of the item cannot be read due to an external factor.

19. The item search system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the identification information acquisition unit is unable to read the identification code characteristic of the item due to brightness, it adjusts the setting value of the imaging unit or the illumination unit and retries reading the identification code.

20. The item search system of claim 1, characterized in that if the identification information acquisition unit is unable to read the identification code characteristic of the item due to the presence of a person based on the results of the image capture by the imaging unit, it retries reading after a certain period of time.

21. The item search system of claim 1, characterized in that the identification information acquisition unit issues a notification and warning to the outside when the identification code characteristic of the item is read multiple times due to the presence of a person based on the results of the image capture by the imaging unit.

22. An item search system comprising: an identification information acquisition unit that acquires characteristics of items that may be randomly placed in a storage area by acquiring spatial information of the storage area in which an item may be placed; an identification unit that identifies the item from the characteristics of the item acquired by the identification information acquisition unit; a position recognition unit that assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information of the storage area acquired by the identification information acquisition unit and repeatedly associates the item identified by the identification unit with the planar coordinates at any timing; an input unit that accepts characteristics of a desired item in order to search for the position of the item in the storage area; a search unit that searches for the position of the desired item in the storage area from the association result by the position recognition unit based on the characteristics of the desired item accepted by the input unit; a notification unit that notifies the user of the position of the desired item searched for by the search unit; and a first external connection interface for connecting to the item search system; and a security system that manages security of the storage area, comprising a second external connection interface for connecting to the item search system.

23. The computer system according to claim 22, characterized in that said security system exchanges data etc. with said item search system via said second external connection interface.

24. The computer system according to claim 22, characterized in that said security system sets items to be protected and target storage areas, and regularly registers and updates information regarding visitors' valuables and other belongings.

25. The computer system according to claim 22, characterized in that the security system identifies an item from image information acquired internally or externally, and creates an authenticated user list by extracting previously authorized persons as the owner information of the item.

26. The computer system according to claim 22, characterized in that the security system identifies a person from image information acquired internally or externally, and determines whether the person matches a previously authorized person.

27. The computer system according to claim 22, characterized in that the security system determines whether or not a person carrying an information terminal is a pre-authorized person depending on whether the location information of the information terminal carried by the pre-authorized person is near a target protected area.

28. The computer system according to claim 27, characterized in that the security system issues a warning to a person determined not to be one of the previously authorized persons using optical or sound information, or both.

29. The computer system according to claim 28, characterized in that said security system transmits the information warned at the time of a warning to an information terminal of said person who has been pre-authorized.

30. An item search system comprising: an identification information acquisition unit that acquires characteristics of items that may be randomly placed in a storage area by acquiring spatial information of the storage area in which items may be placed; an identification unit that identifies the item from the characteristics of the item acquired by the identification information acquisition unit; a position recognition unit that assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information of the storage area acquired by the identification information acquisition unit and repeatedly associates the item identified by the identification unit with the planar coordinates at any timing; an input unit that accepts characteristics of a desired item in order to search for the position of the item in the storage area; a search unit that searches for the position of the desired item in the storage area from the association result by the position recognition unit based on the characteristics of the desired item accepted by the input unit; a notification unit that notifies the user of the position of the desired item searched for by the search unit; and a first external connection interface for connecting to the item search system; and a production management system that has a second external connection interface for connecting to the item search system and manages security of the storage area.

31. The computer system according to claim 30, characterized in that the production management system issues an identification code corresponding to an item constituting a product corresponding to the input product information, based on the input product information.

32. The computer system according to claim 30, characterized in that said production management system changes and updates part information of an article corresponding to identification code information of a registered identification code.

33. The computer system according to claim 32, wherein said production management system transmits said identification code information to said item search system to cause it to issue an identification code.

34. The computer system according to claim 30, characterized in that the production management system creates a list of tasks to be performed by workers based on worker information, parts information, and delivery date information.

35. The computer system according to claim 34, characterized in that the production management system changes progress status information for a list of tasks to be performed by workers in accordance with current progress, based on worker information, parts information, and delivery date information.

36. An item search system comprising: an identification information acquisition unit that acquires characteristics of items that may be randomly placed in a storage area by acquiring spatial information of the storage area in which an item may be placed; an identification unit that identifies the item from the characteristics of the item acquired by the identification information acquisition unit; a position recognition unit that assigns planar coordinates to the spatial information of the storage area acquired by the identification information acquisition unit and repeatedly associates the item identified by the identification unit with the planar coordinates at any timing; an input unit that accepts characteristics of a desired item in order to search for the position of the item in the storage area; a search unit that searches for the position of the desired item in the storage area from the association result by the position recognition unit based on the characteristics of the desired item accepted by the input unit; a notification unit that notifies the user of the position of the desired item searched for by the search unit; and a first external connection interface for connecting to the item search system; and a delivery system that has a second external connection interface for connecting to the item search system and manages delivery vehicles to be loaded with items in the storage area.

37. The computer system according to claim 36, characterized in that said delivery system creates a list of parts to be loaded based on worker information, part information, delivery date information, and delivery vehicle information, so that workers can appropriately load parts.

38. The computer system according to claim 36, characterized in that the delivery system changes the progress status of a list of parts to be loaded by workers based on worker information, part information, delivery date information, and delivery vehicle information, in accordance with the current progress.

Images