Visualization method, visualization device, and program

Abstract

This method for visualizing the progress of warehouse work in warehouse work simulation involves displaying, on the basis of warehouse work assigned to a person in charge of work of a warehouse in simulation, a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position associated with the person in charge of work, and displaying a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work over on the first graphic according to the progress of the warehouse work by the person in charge of work.

Description

Visualization method, visualization device, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a visualization method, a visualization device, and a program.

[0002] Conventionally, simulations of work at sites such as warehouses have been performed. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a system that simulates the operation of an automated warehouse in order to optimize the warehouse automation design.

[0003] Japan Special Table No. 2020-520526

[0004] A simulation of warehouse work is displayed, for example, on a display device and visually confirmed by a user such as a warehouse manager. In the simulation of warehouse work, for example, warehouse workers (note that the term "worker" includes figures, symbols, marks, images, etc. that allow the user to recognize the person or robot working in the simulation) may move around the warehouse while performing work. For example, when a bird's-eye view of the entire warehouse in the simulation is displayed on a display device, if the size of the worker working in the warehouse is small, it may be difficult for the user to find the worker. As a result, it may be difficult for the user to grasp the progress of the work by the worker.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above-described conventional situation, and aims to easily grasp the progress of work by workers.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a method for visualizing the progress of warehouse work in a simulation of the warehouse work, the visualization method comprising: displaying a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position linked to a warehouse worker based on the warehouse work assigned to the worker in the simulation; and displaying a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides a visualization device including a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory work together to display a simulation of warehouse work on a display device capable of data communication with the processor, display a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work assigned to a warehouse worker in the simulation at a specific position linked to the worker, and display a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic in accordance with the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a program for causing a computing device to execute a simulation of warehouse work, and based on the warehouse work assigned to a warehouse worker in the simulation, display a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position linked to the worker, and, in accordance with the progress of the warehouse work by the worker, display a second graphic corresponding to the progress status of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic.

[0009] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the expression of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, storage medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the progress of work by workers can be easily grasped.

[0011] Schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of a conventional simulation. Schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of a conventional simulation. Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a visualization device according to embodiment 1. Schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of work progress according to embodiment 1. Flowchart showing processing by the visualization device according to embodiment 1. Schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of a simulation according to embodiment 1. Schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of a simulation according to embodiment 1. Schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of work progress according to a modified example of embodiment 1. Schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of work progress according to a modified example of embodiment 1.

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, detailed descriptions of embodiments specifically disclosing the visualization method, visualization device, and program according to the present disclosure will be provided. However, more detailed descriptions than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

[0013] (Background to the present disclosure) Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of visualization of a conventional simulation. Figure 1 shows a warehouse model 10. The warehouse model 10 is a model created to simulate a real warehouse, for simulating work and the like in the warehouse. The warehouse model 10 is, for example, a model in a multi-agent system.

[0014] A simulation executed using the warehouse model 10 is displayed on a display device such as a monitor. In other words, the simulation is visualized. This allows a user, such as a manager of a real warehouse, to visually confirm the state of the simulation. Hereinafter, the terms "displayed," "visualized," and "rendered" are used synonymously.

[0015] In this specification, each figure may be explained using a three-dimensional coordinate system consisting of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The XY plane is a plane parallel to the warehouse floor, and the axis perpendicular to the XY plane is the Z-axis. In each figure, the orientation of the three-dimensional coordinate system corresponds. In each figure, the direction of the arrow in the coordinate system shown in the figure is positive, and the direction opposite the arrow is negative. For convenience of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as "up" and the negative direction of the Z-axis as "down." Note that the configuration of each axis is an example and is not limited to this.

[0016] In the example of FIG. 1 , a simulation is performed in which six workers (note that the term "worker" includes figures, symbols, marks, images, etc. that allow a user to recognize the person or robot performing the work in the simulation) pick items stored in a warehouse. Of the six workers, the following description focuses on worker 20. As shown in FIG. 2 , worker 20 performs the picking work using loading and unloading equipment 21. Loading and unloading equipment 21 may be, for example, a pallet jack. The loading and unloading equipment 21 displayed in the simulation may also be figures, symbols, marks, images, etc. that allow a user to recognize the loading and unloading equipment. Even if a user can visually identify worker 20 and loading and unloading equipment 21 in the visualized simulation, it is difficult for the user to grasp the progress of the picking work performed by worker 20. In other words, with the conventional simulation visualization techniques such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , it is difficult for a user viewing the visualized simulation to grasp the progress of the work performed by the workers. Furthermore, for example, if the warehouse is large, the size of the workers relative to the size of the warehouse will be small when the entire warehouse is viewed from above on a display device, etc. In this case, it will be difficult for the user to find the workers performing the work in the visualized simulation.

[0017] Therefore, in the following embodiment, a visualization method that allows a user to easily grasp the progress of work by workers will be described.

[0018] First Embodiment First, an example of the hardware configuration of the visualization device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . The visualization device 30 helps a user understand the progress of work performed by workers in a simulation by visualizing the progress. The visualization device 30 is configured using a general-purpose computer device, such as a personal computer or a server computer. The visualization device 30 is used by a user, such as a warehouse manager. Hereinafter, the visualization device 30 may be referred to as a computing device.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a visualization device 30 according to embodiment 1. The visualization device 30 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, an input device 33, a display device 34, a communication device 35, and an external interface device 36. The components included in the visualization device 30 are connected to each other via an internal bus 37 so as to enable data communication. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 3 is an example and is not limited to this.

[0020] The processor 31 is configured using, for example, a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "CPU"), a Graphics Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "GPU"), a Micro Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as "MPU"), a Digital Signal Processor (hereinafter referred to as "DSP"), a Field Programmable Gate Array (hereinafter referred to as "FPGA"), etc. The processor 31 realizes the functions of the visualization device 30 by reading and executing various data and programs stored and held in the memory 32.

[0021] The memory 32 is a storage area for storing and holding various data, programs, etc. The memory 32 is composed of, for example, a read only memory (hereinafter referred to as "ROM"), which is a non-volatile storage area, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as "HDD"), and a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as "RAM"), which is a volatile storage area. The RAM is, for example, a work memory used during operation of the visualization device 30. The ROM stores and holds, in advance, for example, programs for controlling the visualization device 30.

[0022] The input device 33 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or other input devices, and receives input of various data and the like through user operations.

[0023] The display device 34 is a device that displays data such as information or images. Examples of the display device 34 include a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as "EL") display, and the like.

[0024] The input device 33 and the display device 34 may be configured as an integrated device. An example of the input device 33 and the display device 34 configured as an integrated device is a touch panel display.

[0025] The communication device 35 communicates with external systems or devices via a network (not shown) and transmits and receives various data or signals. The communication device 35 may support both wired and wireless communication. The communication method used by the communication device 35 may be, for example, a wide area network (hereinafter referred to as "WAN"), a local area network (hereinafter referred to as "LAN"), long term evolution (hereinafter referred to as "LTE"), mobile communication such as 5G, power line communication, short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a combination thereof.

[0026] The external interface device 36 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external system or device.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of visualization of work progress according to the first embodiment. A worker 40 shown in FIG. 4 is visualized and displayed for simulating warehouse work. Here, the warehouse work is assumed to be picking items. The worker 40 carries a loading device 41 for the picking work. Note that the worker display forms shown in FIG. 4 and in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 described below are forms in which a specific worker is enlarged and displayed when the user selects, for example, a specific worker on a screen displaying an overview of the entire warehouse.

[0028] As explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2, it is difficult for a user viewing the visualized simulation to grasp the progress of worker 40's picking work, even if worker 40 is performing the picking work, simply by visualizing worker 40 carrying loading and unloading equipment 41.

[0029] In the first embodiment, based on the warehouse work assigned to the worker 40, a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work is displayed at a specific position linked to the worker 40. In the example of Fig. 4, when picking work is assigned to the worker 40, in other words, when a pick list is assigned, a first graphic 42 is displayed on the loading and unloading equipment 41.

[0030] In this specification, the term picklist is used to mean a list that instructs warehouse workers on how many items of one or more types of items stored in the warehouse to pick and in what order.

[0031] The specific position associated with the worker 40 may be, for example, on top of loading and unloading equipment 41 that the worker 40 uses for warehouse work, as in the example of Fig. 4. However, the specific position is not limited to being on top of loading and unloading equipment 41 and may be set arbitrarily by the user. For example, the specific position may be set to be above the head of the worker 40.

[0032] In the example of FIG. 4 , the first figure 42 is a rectangular parallelepiped. Hereinafter, the first figure 42 may be referred to as the first rectangular parallelepiped. The first figure 42 is drawn, in other words, visualized, so that its height is picklist_num*L. picklist_num is the number of times the worker 40 picks an item, as indicated by the picklist. For example, if the picklist indicates that the worker 40 picks an item 10 times, picklist_num is 10. L is a positive number that is set in advance by the user. The first figure 42 is visualized so that its height is the product of the value of picklist_num and the value of L. Since the value of picklist_num corresponds to the workload of the picking work, the first figure 42 corresponds to the workload of the picking work assigned to the worker 40. Hereinafter, the number of times that an operator picks an item, as indicated by the pick list, may be referred to as the number of picks.

[0033] The worker 40 picks items based on the assigned pick list. As the worker 40 progresses with the picking operation, a second graphic 43A corresponding to the progress of the picking operation is displayed over the first graphic 42. In the example of FIG. 4 , the second graphic 43A is a rectangular parallelepiped. Hereinafter, the second graphic 43A may be referred to as the second rectangular parallelepiped. The first and second rectangular parallelepipeds each have the same width (e.g., length in the Y direction; the same applies below) and depth (e.g., length in the X direction; the same applies below). The second graphic 43A is drawn, or visualized, so that its height is equal to picked_num*L. picked_num is the number of times the worker 40 has picked an item. For example, if the worker 40 has picked an item three times, picked_num is 3. The second graphic 43A is visualized so that its height is the product of the value of picked_num and the value of L. Since the value of picked_num corresponds to the progress of the picking work, the second graphic 43A corresponds to the progress of the picking work by the worker 40.

[0034] When the worker 40 repeatedly picks items and completes the picking work based on the pick list assigned to the worker 40, the height of the visualized second figure 43A becomes equal to the height of the first figure 42. In other words, when the worker 40 completes the picking work, the first figure 42 and the second figure 43 appear to be completely overlapping to a user viewing the simulation.

[0035] The heights of the three first rectangular parallelepipeds (first figures 42) shown in FIG. 4 are all the same.

[0036] The colors of the first figure 42 and the second figure 43A are set so that the user can distinguish between them. For example, the second figure 43A is drawn in a darker color than the first figure 42. Specifically, for example, the first figure 42 may be drawn in a light green color, and the second figure 43A may be drawn in a dark green color. Alternatively, for example, the first figure 42 may be drawn in red, and the second figure 43A may be drawn in blue, so that the user can distinguish between the first figure 42 and the second figure 43A. Note that the colors of the first figure 42 and the second figure 43A may be set in advance by the user.

[0037] A user viewing the simulation can confirm the workload of the picking work by looking at the first graphic 42 visualized on the loading and unloading equipment 41 used by the worker 40 for the picking work. The user can then confirm the progress of the picking work by looking at the second graphic 43A visualized as the worker 40 performs the picking work and the first graphic 42. When the worker 40 completes the picking work, the first graphic 42 and the second graphic 43A appear to overlap, allowing the user to confirm that the picking work has been completed.

[0038] As will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, by visualizing the first figure 42 or the second figure 43A, it becomes easier for a user viewing the simulation to understand where the worker 40 is located within the warehouse model.

[0039] In the example of Figure 4, the first figure 42 and the second figure 43A are rectangular parallelepipeds. However, this is not a limitation, and the types of the first figure 42 and the second figure 43A may be set arbitrarily. For example, the first figure 42 and the second figure 43A may each be a cylinder. However, the type of the first figure 42 and the second figure 43A is the same.

[0040] In the first embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 4 , a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker is displayed overlaid on the first graphic. However, for example, each time worker 40 picks an item, a third graphic 43B having a height of L may be drawn stacked on top. This is because the height of second graphic 43A is equal to the total height of all stacked third graphics 43B having a height of L when the number of third graphics 43B indicated by picked_num are stacked on top. Note that the third graphic 43B is a rectangular parallelepiped, and its width and depth are equal to those of the second rectangular parallelepiped. Hereinafter, the third graphic 43B may be referred to as the third rectangular parallelepiped.

[0041] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the visualization device 30 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the visualization device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Note that the description of this flowchart is based on the premise that the visualization device 30 executes a simulation of a picking operation by an operator. In addition, in the description of this flowchart, the first figure and the second figure to be visualized are each a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0042] The processor 31 of the visualization device 30 assigns a picklist to a worker (step S50). Note that, for example, an area where a worker who has not been assigned a warehouse task waits until a warehouse task is assigned, in other words, a waiting area, may be set within the warehouse model. A worker who has not been assigned a picklist in step S50 may wait in the waiting area.

[0043] Processor 31 draws a first rectangular parallelepiped with a height of picklist_num*L at a specific location associated with the worker based on the number of picks in the picklist assigned to the worker in step S50 (step S51). At this time, processor 31 calculates the height of the first rectangular parallelepiped, i.e., picklist_num*L, based on the workload of warehouse work assigned to the worker. Here, the warehouse work is picking work, and the workload is the number of picks. Furthermore, the specific location is assumed to be above the loading and unloading equipment used by the worker for picking work.

[0044] The processor 31 determines whether the worker to whom the pick list was assigned in step S50 has completed all of the picking tasks assigned based on the pick list (step S52). Specifically, for example, the processor 31 may compare the number of picks assigned to the pick list with the number of items picked to determine whether they are the same. Alternatively, the processor 31 may compare the items assigned to the pick list with the items picked to determine whether any items assigned to the pick list have been picked.

[0045] If the processor 31 determines that all assigned picking operations have been completed (step S52; YES), the processor 31 proceeds to step S56.

[0046] If the processor 31 determines that all assigned picking work has not been completed (step S52; NO), it moves the workers within the warehouse model based on the pick list and has them pick items (step S53).

[0047] The processor 31 increments the value of picked_num, which indicates the number of picked items (step S54). The picked items may also be registered as a pickup list.

[0048] Processor 31 draws a second rectangular parallelepiped with a height of picked_num*L (step S55). At this time, processor 31 calculates the height of the second rectangular parallelepiped, i.e., picked_num*L, based on the progress of the warehouse work by the worker. Here, the progress of the warehouse work refers to the number of items picked by the worker in the picking work. Furthermore, the second rectangular parallelepiped is drawn superimposed on the first rectangular parallelepiped drawn in step S51. Processor 31 then returns to step S52 and repeats the process.

[0049] When the worker has completed the picking operation, the processor 31 moves the worker to a designated area within the warehouse model (step S56). The designated area within the warehouse model is, for example, an area where the worker loads the items onto a shipping vehicle. The designated area may be set in the warehouse model in advance by the user. At this time, the processor 31 sets the value of picked_num to 0.

[0050] When the worker moves to the designated area in the warehouse model in step S56, the processor 31 hides the displayed first and second rectangular parallelepipeds at a specific position associated with the worker (step S57). In step S57, the items placed on the cargo handling equipment, more specifically, the overlapping first and second rectangular parallelepipeds, may simply be hidden in the simulation. Alternatively, the processing of step S57 may appear to a user viewing the simulation as if the worker leaves the items placed on the cargo handling equipment, more specifically, the overlapping first and second rectangular parallelepipeds, in the designated area. Upon completing step S57, the processor 31 terminates this processing flow. Note that the processor 31 may move the worker to a waiting area after step S57. The processor 31 may then have the worker wait in the waiting area until the next warehouse task is assigned to the worker, i.e., until the next warehouse task simulation is executed.

[0051] 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining a visualization example of a simulation according to embodiment 1. A warehouse model 60 shown in Fig. 6 is a model created to simulate a real warehouse, similar to the warehouse model 10 shown in Fig. 1, for simulating work in the warehouse. The warehouse model 60 is, for example, a model in a multi-agent system.

[0052] The visualization device 30 executes a simulation using the warehouse model 60. The simulation is displayed on a display device 34 such as a display. In other words, the simulation is visualized. This allows the user to visually check the state of the simulation.

[0053] 6 simulates the task of six workers picking items stored in a warehouse. To easily understand the difference between the visualization example of the conventional simulation and the visualization example of the simulation according to the first embodiment, warehouse model 10 and warehouse model 60 have the same layout. Furthermore, the arrangement of the six workers in warehouse model 10 is the same as the arrangement of the six workers in warehouse model 60.

[0054] 6 , in the first embodiment, the first and second figures are displayed in the warehouse operation simulation, allowing a user viewing the simulation to easily check the progress of the warehouse operation. Furthermore, even if the size of the worker displayed on display device 34 is small compared to warehouse model 60 displayed on display device 34, the visualization of the first and second figures allows the user to easily grasp the worker's position within warehouse model 60.

[0055] Of the six workers, the following description focuses on worker 70. As shown in FIG. 7 , worker 70 is performing picking work using loading equipment 71. Loading equipment 71 may be, for example, a pallet jack. A first graphic 72 and a second graphic 73A are displayed on loading equipment 71. Note that the user can visually distinguish between first graphic 72 and second graphic 73A. By visually checking first graphic 72, the user can confirm the workload of the picking work assigned to worker 70. Furthermore, by visually checking first graphic 72 and second graphic 73A, the user can confirm the progress of worker 70 relative to the overall workload of the picking work assigned to worker 70.

[0056] (Modification of First Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, picklist_num indicates the number of times a worker picks an item, and picked_num indicates the number of times the worker has picked an item. However, this is not limiting, and picklist_num may indicate the number of items that a worker picks. Furthermore, picked_num may indicate the number of items that a worker has picked.

[0057] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the visualization device 30 visualizes and displays a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work assigned to the worker and a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work. However, this is not limited to this, and the visualization device 30 may display only the second graphic without the first graphic. In other words, the visualization device 30 may display a graphic at a specific position associated with the worker in accordance with the progress of the warehouse work assigned to the worker. In this case, the visualization device 30 does not display a graphic at the specific position associated with the worker simply by assigning the warehouse work to the worker. The visualization device 30 displays a graphic at the specific position associated with the worker in accordance with the progress of the warehouse work performed by the worker.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the types of the first and second figures may be arbitrarily set to, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylinder, but the first and second figures are the same type. However, this is not limited to the case where the first figure is a circle, as in the example of Figure 8 described below. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of work progress according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0059] In the example of FIG. 8 , when a pick list, i.e., picking work, is assigned to a worker 80 carrying loading and unloading equipment 81, a first graphic 82 is displayed above the head of the worker 80. The first graphic 82 is a circle. Furthermore, a character string 84 is displayed above the head of the worker 80. In the example of FIG. 8 , the character string 84 is displayed superimposed on the first graphic 82, but this is not limited to this. The character string 84 indicates the workload of the warehouse work and the progress of the warehouse work by the worker. In the example of FIG. 8 , the number of picks for the picking work assigned to the worker 80 is 8. If the worker 80 assigned to the picking work has picked zero items, the character string 84 is 0 / 8.

[0060] When the worker 80 picks an item once, the character string 84 changes from 0 / 8 to 1 / 8. In other words, the visualization device 30 changes the character string according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0061] Furthermore, if the worker 80 picks an item once, a second graphic 83A corresponding to the progress of the picking operation is displayed overlaid on the first graphic 82. The second graphic 83A is at least one of a plurality of equal-divided circles obtained by equally dividing the first graphic 82, i.e., a circle, based on the amount of warehouse work. In this specification, the term "equal-divided circle" means one of a plurality of figures obtained by equally dividing a circle. In the example of FIG. 8 , eight equal-divided circles are obtained by equally dividing the first graphic 82 by eight, which is the number of picks. The third graphic 83B shown in FIG. 8 is one of the eight equal-divided circles. As shown in FIG. 8 , if the worker 80 picks an item once, the second graphic 83A is composed of one third graphic 83B. Although not shown in FIG. 8 , for example, if the worker 80 picks an item four times, the second graphic 83A is composed of four third graphic 83B. 8, the second graphic 83A is a semicircle, and the character string 84 is 4 / 8. In this manner, the visualization device 30 may display one or more equal circles superimposed on a circle according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0062] When the worker 80 repeatedly picks items and completes the picking operation, the character string 84 becomes 8 / 8. At this time, the second graphic 83A becomes a circle and is displayed completely overlapping the first graphic 82. Simply put, the first graphic 82 and the second graphic 83A form a pie chart showing the progress of the warehouse operation. In this way, a user viewing the simulation may be able to grasp the progress of the warehouse operation from the pie chart.

[0063] Furthermore, only a character string may be displayed at a specific position associated with a worker, without displaying a graphic such as the first graphic. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of visualization of work progress according to a modification of the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 9, a character string 92 is displayed above the head of a worker 90 to whom a pick list has been assigned. In the example of FIG. 9, the number of picks is 10. If the worker 90 has not picked an item even once, the character string 92 is 0 / 10. If the worker 90 has picked an item once, the visualization device 30 changes the character string 92 from 0 / 10 to 1 / 10. If the worker 90 has repeatedly picked an item and completed the picking work, the character string 92 becomes 10 / 10.

[0064] (Summary of First Embodiment) The above description of the first embodiment discloses at least the following techniques. Note that, in parentheses, examples of corresponding components in the first embodiment are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0065] (Technology 1) A method for visualizing the progress of warehouse work in a warehouse work simulation displays a first graphic (e.g., first graphic 42) corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position linked to the warehouse worker (e.g., worker 40) based on the warehouse work assigned to the worker in the simulation, and displays a second graphic (e.g., second graphic 43A) corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0066] This allows a user viewing a simulation of warehouse work within the warehouse model displayed on the display device to easily grasp the location of the worker performing the warehouse work within the warehouse model. In addition, the user can easily grasp the workload of the warehouse work assigned to the worker and the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0067] (Technology 2) In the visualization method described in Technology 1, the first figure is a first rectangular parallelepiped, the second figure is a second rectangular parallelepiped, and the visualization method calculates the height of the first rectangular parallelepiped based on the workload of warehouse work assigned to the worker, calculates the height of the second rectangular parallelepiped according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker, and displays the second rectangular parallelepiped superimposed on the first rectangular parallelepiped.

[0068] This allows the user to easily grasp the amount of warehouse work assigned to a worker in the simulation and the progress of that warehouse work by that worker by visually checking the height of the first rectangular parallelepiped and the height of the second rectangular parallelepiped.

[0069] (Technology 3) In the visualization method described in Technology 2, when the worker completes the warehouse work, the height of the second rectangular parallelepiped becomes equal to the height of the first rectangular parallelepiped.

[0070] This allows the user to confirm that the worker's warehouse work has been completed when the first and second rectangular parallelepipeds completely overlap on the display screen, making the first rectangular parallelepiped appear invisible.

[0071] (Technology 4) In the visualization method described in Technology 2 or 3, when a worker completes warehouse work and moves to a specified area in the warehouse, the visualization method hides the first cuboid and the second cuboid.

[0072] This allows, for example, when a worker has completed the work of picking an item and has moved to a designated area for the work of loading the item, to hide the first and second rectangular parallelepipeds, thereby allowing, for example, the worker to be assigned the next warehouse work.

[0073] (Technology 5) In the visualization method described in any one of Technologies 1 to 4, the warehouse work is the work of picking items, the workload is the number of times a worker picks items in the picking work, and the progress is the number of times the worker picks items.

[0074] This allows the user to easily grasp the progress of the picking work in the simulation.

[0075] (Technology 6) In the visualization method described in Technology 1, the first figure is a circle, the second figure is at least one of a plurality of equal-divided circles obtained by equally dividing the circle based on the amount of warehouse work, and the visualization method displays one or more equal-divided circles superimposed on the circle according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0076] This allows the user to grasp the progress of warehouse work in a pie chart.

[0077] (Technology 7) In the visualization method described in any one of Technologies 1 to 6, a character string composed of one or more characters is displayed at a specific position, and the character string changes according to the progress of warehouse work by the worker.

[0078] This allows the user to grasp the progress of warehouse work through text.

[0079] (Technology 8) The visualization method according to claim 1, wherein the specific position associated with the worker is above the worker's head or on top of a loading and unloading device used by the worker for warehouse work.

[0080] This allows the user to understand the progress of warehouse work by looking at the graphics displayed above the workers' heads or on loading and unloading equipment such as pallet jacks that the workers use for warehouse work.

[0081] (Technology 9) A method for visualizing the progress of warehouse work in a warehouse work simulation displays a graphic at a specific position associated with a warehouse worker in accordance with the progress made by the worker on warehouse work assigned to the worker in the simulation.

[0082] This allows a user viewing the simulation of warehouse work within the warehouse model displayed on the display device to easily understand the progress being made by each worker on the warehouse work assigned to them.

[0083] (Technology 10) In the visualization method described in Technology 9, the figure is a rectangular parallelepiped, and the visualization method calculates and displays the height of the rectangular parallelepiped according to the progress of warehouse work by the worker.

[0084] This allows the user to easily grasp the progress of a worker on the warehouse work assigned to that worker in the simulation by visually checking the height of the rectangular parallelepiped.

[0085] (Technology 11) A visualization device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory work together to display a simulation of warehouse work on a display device capable of data communication with the processor, display a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position linked to the warehouse worker based on the warehouse work assigned to the warehouse worker in the simulation, and display a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0086] This allows the visualization device to obtain the same effect as that of Technique 1.

[0087] (Technology 12) A program for causing a computing device to execute a simulation of warehouse work, display a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position linked to the worker based on the warehouse work assigned to the worker in the simulation, and display a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

[0088] This allows the program to achieve the same effect as Technique 1.

[0089] The functions of the above-described embodiments can also be realized by supplying programs and applications for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device using a network or storage medium, etc., and having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the programs.

[0090] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by a circuit that realizes one or more functions (for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (hereinafter referred to as "ASIC") or an FPGA).

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

[0092] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2024-019514) filed on February 13, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] The present disclosure is useful as a visualization method, a visualization device, and a program.

[0094] 10, 60 Warehouse model 20, 40, 70, 80, 90 Worker 21, 41, 71, 81 Material handling equipment 30 Visualization device 31 Processor 32 Memory 33 Input device 34 Display device 35 Communication device 36 External interface device 37 Internal bus 42, 72, 82 First figure 43A, 73A, 83A Second figure 43B, 83B Third figure 84, 92 Character string

Claims

1. A method for visualizing the progress of warehouse work in a warehouse work simulation, comprising: displaying a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position linked to a warehouse worker based on the warehouse work assigned to the worker in the simulation; and displaying a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work, superimposed on the first graphic, according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

2. The visualization method of claim 1, wherein the first figure is a first rectangular parallelepiped, the second figure is a second rectangular parallelepiped, the height of the first rectangular parallelepiped is calculated based on the workload of the warehouse work assigned to the worker, the height of the second rectangular parallelepiped is calculated according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker, and the second rectangular parallelepiped is displayed superimposed on the first rectangular parallelepiped.

3. The visualization method according to claim 2, wherein when the worker completes the warehouse work, the height of the second rectangular parallelepiped becomes equal to the height of the first rectangular parallelepiped.

4. The visualization method according to claim 2, wherein when the worker completes the warehouse work and moves to a specified area of ​​the warehouse, the first cuboid and the second cuboid are hidden.

5. The visualization method according to claim 1, wherein the warehouse work is item picking work, the amount of work is the number of times the worker picks the item in the picking work, and the progress status is the number of times the worker picks the item.

6. The visualization method of claim 1, wherein the first figure is a circle, the second figure is at least one of a plurality of equal circles obtained by equally dividing the circle based on the amount of work performed in the warehouse, and one or more of the equal circles are displayed superimposed on the circle according to the progress of the warehouse work performed by the worker.

7. The visualization method according to claim 1, further comprising displaying a character string consisting of one or more characters at the specific position, and changing the character string according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

8. The visualization method of claim 1, wherein the specific location associated with the worker is above the worker's head or on top of loading and unloading equipment used by the worker for the warehouse work.

9. A method for visualizing the progress of warehouse work in a warehouse work simulation, comprising displaying a graphic at a specific position associated with a warehouse worker in accordance with the progress made by the worker in the warehouse work assigned to the worker in the simulation.

10. The visualization method according to claim 9, wherein the graphic is a rectangular parallelepiped, and the height of the rectangular parallelepiped is calculated and displayed according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

11. A visualization device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory work together to display a simulation of warehouse work on a display device capable of data communication with the processor, display a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work assigned to a warehouse worker in the simulation at a specific position linked to the worker, and display a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

12. A program for causing a computing device to execute a simulation of warehouse work, display a first graphic corresponding to the workload of the warehouse work at a specific position linked to a warehouse worker based on the warehouse work assigned to the worker in the simulation, and display a second graphic corresponding to the progress of the warehouse work superimposed on the first graphic according to the progress of the warehouse work by the worker.

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