Work support facility

Abstract

This work support facility supports work by a worker who performs work to load and / or remove items into / from containers (8), said facility comprising: a transport conveyor (3) for transporting a plurality of containers (8); a sensing system for sensing abnormality in the positional relationship between the plurality of containers (8); and a projection device for projecting an image onto a projection subject (6) that is a container (8) being transported and / or a member (7) arranged at a position adjacent to the container (8) being transported. The work support facility is able to execute: instruction image projection processing to cause a container instruction image, which is an image indicating a subject container (8a) that is a subject of work, among the plurality of containers (8) being transported, to be projected onto the projection subject with alignment to the position of the subject container (8a) being transported; and recovery support processing to cause a recovery instruction image (24), which is an instruction image for a worker to restore the positional relationship to normal, to be projected onto the projection subject if the sensing system has sensed abnormality in the positional relationship of the plurality of containers 8.

Description

Work Support Facility

[0001] The present invention relates to a work support facility.

[0002] For example, International Publication No. 2019 / 003689 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology related to work support equipment. Hereinafter, in the description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a work support system (item sorting system (100)) that provides work support to a worker who works on items (P) that are transported sequentially by a transport conveyor (50). In this work support system, a projector (40) can project information regarding work instructions for the worker as a projected image onto the surface of each item (P). In addition, this work support system projects a projected image in accordance with the position of the item (P) being transported. The worker can work on the item (P) while viewing the projected image displayed on the item (P) being transported.

[0004] International Publication No. 2019 / 003689

[0005] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not particularly describe how to deal with the situation when the position of an object being transported on a transport conveyor becomes misaligned from its correct position due to some factor, specifically, how to correct the position of the projected image or how to correct the misalignment of the object. Therefore, when such a misalignment of an object occurs, it may become impossible to provide appropriate work support to the worker.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for work support equipment that can provide appropriate work support to workers.

[0007] The work support equipment disclosed herein is work support equipment that provides work support to a worker performing at least one of the tasks of putting items into and taking items out of containers, and includes a transport conveyor that transports a plurality of the containers, a detection system that detects abnormalities in the positional relationship of the plurality of containers on the transport conveyor, and a projection device that projects an image onto a projection target that is at least one of the containers being transported by the transport conveyor and a member positioned adjacent to the container being transported, and is capable of executing an instruction image projection process that causes the projection device to project a container instruction image, which is an image indicating a target container that is the subject of the work among the plurality of containers being transported by the transport conveyor, onto the projection target in accordance with the position of the target container being transported by the transport conveyor; and a recovery support process that, when an abnormality in the positional relationship of the plurality of containers is detected by the detection system, causes the projection device to project a recovery instruction image, which is an instruction image for the worker to restore the positional relationship to normal, onto the projection target.

[0008] According to this configuration, by executing the instruction image projection process, a container instruction image is projected according to the position of the target container being transported, allowing the worker to clearly indicate the target container that is the target of the work. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately support the worker in at least one of the work of putting items into and removing items from the container. Furthermore, according to this configuration, when the detection system detects an abnormality in the positional relationship of multiple containers on the transport conveyor, the projection device executes a restoration support process in which a restoration instruction image, which is an instruction image for the worker to restore the positional relationship of the containers to normal, is projected onto the projection target, allowing the worker to easily perform the work of restoring the positional relationship of the multiple containers to normal. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the incidence of work errors caused by abnormal positional relationships of multiple containers.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the work support equipment will become apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments which are given with reference to the drawings.

[0010] A control block diagram. A plan view schematically showing the transport of a target container within one section. A plan view schematically showing the transport of multiple containers within one section. A plan view schematically showing the arrangement of multiple containers and the display of a restoration instruction image when an abnormality is detected within one section. A plan view schematically showing the arrangement of multiple containers and the display of a restoration instruction image when an abnormality is detected within one section in another embodiment. A control flow diagram. A plan view schematically showing the display of a restoration instruction image in another embodiment. A side view schematically showing a projection target in another embodiment.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the work support equipment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings, illustrating an example in which the work support equipment 1 is applied to a sorting equipment 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the sorting equipment 100 includes a storage shelf 4 capable of storing a plurality of removal containers 91, and the work support equipment 1. In this example, the storage shelf 4 includes a plurality of storage sections 18 arranged vertically. Each storage section 18 is configured to be able to store a plurality of removal containers 91. Each removal container 91 stores a plurality of items W by type. In the illustrated example, the storage shelf 4 further includes a plurality of support columns 63 and a plurality of mounting members 62. The mounting members 62 are supported by the plurality of support columns 63. The mounting members 62 are arranged vertically with a space between them. The mounting sections 18 are formed by the mounting members 62 and the space above the mounting members 62. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the work support equipment 1 includes a transport conveyor 3 that transports multiple shipping containers 8, a detection system 10, and a projection device 5. The shipping containers 8 may be collapsible containers, cardboard boxes, or polystyrene foam containers. Here, the shipping containers 8 are rectangular collapsible containers with an open top. A unique identification code T is displayed on each shipping container 8 transported by the transport conveyor 3. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3 , a sticker bearing the identification code T is affixed to the shipping container 8, but this is not limiting. For example, the identification code T may be printed directly on the shipping container 8. The identification code T may be located on either the outer or inner surface of the shipping container 8.

[0012] In this embodiment, the direction in which the shipping containers 8 are transported by the transport conveyor 3 is referred to as the transport direction X. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the transport direction X of the shipping containers 8 by the transport conveyor 3 when viewed from the top and bottom is referred to as the transport width direction Y, with one side of the transport width direction Y being referred to as the transport width direction first side Y1 and the other side of the transport width direction Y being referred to as the transport width direction second side Y2.

[0013] The storage shelf 4 is disposed adjacent to the conveyor 3 on the second side Y2 in the conveying width direction. Here, the outlets 18a of the storage sections 18 are disposed on the second side Y2 in the conveying width direction with respect to the conveyor 3. Each storage section 18 is configured to accommodate the take-out containers 91 arranged at least in the conveying direction X. In the illustrated example, the placement member 62 is disposed so as to slope downward toward the conveyor 3 (the first side Y1 in the conveying width direction). Therefore, the take-out containers 91 stored in the storage sections 18 are also placed on the placement member 62 in an inclined position. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the work area 9 where the worker P is located is disposed on the first side Y1 in the conveying width direction with respect to the conveyor 3. In this example, the work area 9 is disposed on the first side Y1 in the conveying width direction with respect to the storage shelf 4, across the conveyor 3.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the work support equipment 1 supports a worker P who performs at least one of the tasks of putting items W into and taking out items W from a shipping container 8. In this embodiment, the work support equipment 1 supports a worker P who puts items W into a shipping container 8. Here, the worker P performs the above task in a work area 9. More specifically, the worker P takes out items W from a plurality of take-out containers 91 stored on a storage shelf 4 and puts them into a shipping container 8 on a transport conveyor 3. In this example, one transport conveyor 3 is provided between the work area 9 and the storage shelf 4. The transport conveyor 3 transports a plurality of shipping containers 8 from the upstream side in the transport direction X (here, referred to as the "transport direction first side X1") to the downstream side in the transport direction X (here, referred to as the "transport direction second side X2"). In this example, the transport conveyor 3 is a roller conveyor (so-called accumulation conveyor) that can temporarily store some of the transported items (here, some of the shipping containers 8) on the transport surface 3a. According to the order information, the worker P retrieves specific items W from the storage section 18 of the storage shelf 4 and sequentially places them into the shipping containers 8 on the transport conveyor 3. The shipping containers 8 containing all of the items W included in the order information are loaded onto, for example, a truck and shipped to the destination store. The order information here includes at least the types of items W to be placed into each of the multiple shipping containers 8 and the number of each type. The order information is input in advance, for example, to a control device H ( FIG. 4 ) described below or a host controller (not shown) that controls the entire sorting equipment 100 and is capable of communicating with the control device H. The transport conveyor 3 may be an accumulation conveyor, a belt conveyor, a chain conveyor, or the like.

[0015] The detection system 10 detects abnormalities in the positional relationship of multiple shipping containers 8 on the transport conveyor 3. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the detection system 10 includes a detection device 12 that detects the shipping containers 8 and a determination unit 21 ( FIG. 4 ) that determines whether an abnormality has occurred. The detection device 12 is a sensor (here, an optical sensor) that detects the shipping containers 8 placed on the transport surface 3 a of the transport conveyor 3. In this example, the detection system 10 includes multiple detection devices 12. In this embodiment, the detection system 10 is configured to detect an abnormality in the positional relationship when the spacing between adjacent shipping containers 8 arranged in the transport direction X of the shipping containers 8 by the transport conveyor 3 is outside an appropriate range.

[0016] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the work area 9 is divided into multiple sections A along the conveying direction X. One worker P is assigned to each section A. In the example of FIG. 1 , one worker P is assigned to each of the first section A1 and the second section A2 adjacent to the first section A1. The worker P performs work within the section A in which he or she is assigned. Furthermore, the conveying surface 3 a of the transport conveyor 3 corresponding to one section A is divided into multiple imaginary areas E along the conveying direction X. In the illustrated example, in each of the first section A1 and the second section A2, the conveying surface 3 a of the transport conveyor 3 is divided into four areas E (first area E1 to fourth area E4). Each area E is rectangular and is large enough so that the entire shipping container 8 does not extend beyond the area.

[0017] 1, a plurality of detectors 12 (here, optical sensors) are provided corresponding to each of a plurality of the above-mentioned regions E formed on the conveying surface 3a of the transport conveyor 3. Here, each detector 12 is disposed adjacent to a side of the conveying surface 3a of the transport conveyor 3 (the second side Y2 in the conveying width direction relative to the conveying surface 3a). Furthermore, each detector 12 is disposed adjacent to an area downstream (the second side X2 in the conveying direction) of the central area of ​​the corresponding region E. Therefore, each detector 12 detects a shipping container 8 that is passing through an area downstream of the central area of ​​the region E that it is responsible for.

[0018] In this example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the work support equipment 1 further includes a control device H. The control device H controls the detection device 12, the transport conveyor 3, and the projection device 5. The control device H includes, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as a memory, and the like. Each function is realized by cooperation between this hardware and a program executed on a processor such as a computer. Here, the determination unit 21 is provided in the control device H. The determination unit 21 determines whether each of the multiple shipping containers 8 is in the correct positional relationship based on the detection state in which each of the multiple shipping containers 8 is detected by the detection device 12 (optical sensor). The control device H also includes an image generation unit 22.

[0019] Here, the distance between adjacent shipping containers 8 on the conveying surface 3a (front and rear in the conveying direction X) is a distance (hereinafter referred to as a "prescribed distance") preset by the control device H. As shown in FIG. 1 , at the prescribed distance, when a specific shipping container 8 is positioned within a predetermined area E, the other shipping containers 8 are also positioned within the other areas E. In this embodiment, the prescribed distance is set separately for each pair of adjacent shipping containers 8. Therefore, when setting prescribed distances for multiple shipping containers 8, some of the prescribed distances can be set to a distance different from the other prescribed distances. When multiple shipping containers 8 are positioned at prescribed distances, when the leading edge (the end on the first side X1 in the conveying direction) of a specific shipping container 8 is positioned so as to be detected by the detection device 12 in the predetermined area E, the leading edges of the other shipping containers 8 are also positioned so as to be detected by the detection device 12 in the other areas E. In this example, as shown in FIG. 1 , each shipping container 8 is positioned within a different area E. Thus, with the specified spacing, when a specific shipping container 8 is positioned within a predetermined area E on the conveying surface 3a, other shipping containers 8 will not be positioned on the boundary line between adjacent areas E. Meanwhile, among multiple shipping containers 8 being conveyed, the spacing between adjacent shipping containers 8 in the front-to-rear direction may become larger or smaller than the specified spacing. Factors that may cause the actual spacing between adjacent shipping containers 8 in the front-to-rear direction to differ from the specified spacing include, for example, the worker P's hand coming into contact with the shipping container 8, causing the shipping container 8 to shift in position on the conveying surface 3a. Another example is the worker P taking too long to load the items W into the shipping container 8, resulting in the shipping container 8 shifting in position on the conveying surface 3a. Various other factors are also considered.

[0020] In this example, the determination unit 21 performs the above determination for each section A. When each of the multiple shipping containers 8 moving within one section A is detected by the detection device 12 at the correct position, the determination unit 21 determines that the shipping containers 8 are in the correct positional relationship. The example of FIG. 6 shows that three shipping containers 8 are in the correct positional relationship in the first section A1. Here, one shipping container 8 is arranged in each of the first section E1, the third section E3, and the fourth section E4. The specified distance between the shipping container 8 arranged in the first section E1 and the shipping container 8 arranged in the third section E3 is set longer than the specified distance between the shipping container 8 arranged in the third section E3 and the shipping container 8 arranged in the fourth section E4. In FIG. 6, when each shipping container 8 is detected by the detection device 12 in this arrangement, the determination unit 21 determines that the shipping containers 8 are in the correct positional relationship in the first section A1. In other words, the determination unit 21 does not detect an abnormality. On the other hand, when the distance between the shipping containers 8 in the predetermined area E differs from the specified distance, the determination unit 21 determines that the shipping containers 8 are not positioned correctly. The example of FIG. 7 shows a situation in which a shipping container 8 that should be positioned in the third area E3 is mistakenly positioned in the second area E2. In this example, the distance between the shipping container 8 positioned in the first area E1 and the incorrectly positioned shipping container 8 is shorter than the specified distance (the distance between the shipping container 8 positioned in the first area E1 and the shipping container 8 indicated by the two-dot chain line). Naturally, the shipping container 8 mistakenly positioned in the second area E2 is detected by the detection device 12 in the second area E2, not the detection device 12 in the third area E3. In this way, when shipping containers 8 are transported at intervals different from the specified intervals (intervals wider or narrower than the specified intervals) in a predetermined section A, and as a result the shipping containers 8 are detected by a detection device 12 different from the detection device 12 in the position where they should originally be placed (area E), the determination unit 21 determines that the shipping containers 8 in the section A are not in an appropriate positional relationship. In other words, the determination unit 21 detects an abnormality in the positional relationship of multiple shipping containers 8 in the section A.

[0021] On the other hand, in this example, the determination unit 21 does not detect an abnormality even if the spacing between adjacent shipping containers 8 differs from the specified spacing as long as the deviation is within a predetermined range (appropriate range). Specifically, even if shipping containers 8 are arranged at intervals other than the specified spacing within each section A, the determination unit 21 does not detect the abnormality if all shipping containers 8 are detected by the appropriate detector 12. Here, the "appropriate detector 12" refers to a detector 12 that detects shipping containers 8 when the shipping containers 8 are arranged in the appropriate positions. The detector 12 may be a camera sensor that detects the position and orientation of each shipping container 8 on the conveying surface 3a. Based on the detection results from the camera sensor, the determination unit 21 may determine an abnormality if the spacing between adjacent shipping containers 8 differs from the specified spacing or if the shipping containers 8 are not arranged in the desired orientation ( FIG. 8 ). In this example, the desired orientation refers to the orientation of the shipping containers 8 aligned along the conveying direction X when viewed from above. Furthermore, when a camera sensor is used as the detection device 12, it is also possible to measure the actual distance between adjacent shipping containers 8. It is also possible to detect the posture of each shipping container 8 regardless of whether the shipping container 8 is located in the position (area) where it should originally be located.

[0022] 3 and 5 to 8, the projection device 5 projects an image onto a projection target which is at least one of a shipping container 8 being transported by the transport conveyor 3 and a member 7 arranged in a position adjacent to the shipping container 8 being transported. In this embodiment, the projection device 5 projects an image onto a member 7 arranged in a position adjacent to the shipping container 8 being transported, as the projection target 6. In this example, the member 7 as the projection target 6 is arranged on the second side Y2 in the transport width direction relative to the transport conveyor 3. More specifically, the member 7 is provided on the storage shelf 4 (here, the mounting member 62).

[0023] In this embodiment, the projection target 6 is a screen 93 disposed adjacent to the second side Y2 in the conveying width direction of the transport conveyor 3. In this example, the sorting equipment 100 is provided with a plurality of screens 93. Specifically, the screens 93 are disposed at the outlets 18a of the plurality of storage sections 18 arranged vertically (here, at the ends of the placement members 62 on the first side Y1 in the conveying width direction). The plurality of screens 93 are arranged vertically. As shown in FIG. 3 , the surface of each screen 93 facing the first side Y1 in the conveying width direction is a sheet-like member 7 elongated in the conveying direction X. The projection device 5 is configured to project an image onto each screen 93. The lowermost screen 93 of the plurality of screens 93 is disposed above the conveying surface 3a of the conveyor 3 (here, further above the shipping containers 8 on the conveying surface 3a). In this example, the projection device 5 is a projector. As shown in FIG. 2 , the projection device 5 is provided above the worker P (here, near the ceiling). The projection device 5 is configured to be able to project an image onto the projection target 6 while moving, for example, in the conveying direction X. A plurality of projection devices 5 may be provided, or only one projection device 5 may be provided. One projection device 5 may be provided in each section A, or multiple projection devices 5 may be provided in each section A, or one projection device may be provided for each multiple sections A. The projection device 5 may also be, for example, a monitor, an LED display device, or the like. In that case, a monitor, an LED display device, or the like is provided instead of the screen 93.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 6 , the work support equipment 1 (in this example, the control device H) is configured to be able to execute an instruction image projection process and a recovery support process. The control device H selectively executes the instruction image projection process and the recovery support process based on image information generated by the image generation unit 22. In this example, the control device H is also configured to be able to execute a shelf work projection process. The control device H executes the instruction image projection process, the recovery support process, and the shelf work projection process for each section A. As shown in FIG. 3 , the shelf work projection process is a process in which the projection device 5 projects onto the screen 93 an image (removal instruction image 96) indicating the work content in which the worker P removes items W from multiple removal containers 91 stored on the storage shelf 4. The removal instruction image 96 displays instructions regarding how many items W should be removed from which removal container 91 within a specific section A. In the example of FIG. 3 , the removal instruction image 96 is projected onto screens 93 (here, multiple screens 93 arranged vertically) provided corresponding to multiple storage sections 18. Based on the order information, the control device H selects a removal container 91 from which the worker P should remove the items W. Then, the control device H controls the projection device 5 to project a removal instruction image 96 onto the screen 93 at a position corresponding to the selected removal container 91. The worker P looks at the removal instruction image 96 projected onto the screen 93 and removes the required number of items W from the specified removal container 91. The image generation unit 22 generates the removal instruction image 96 based on the order information. The generated removal instruction image 96 is sent to the projection device 5 as image information.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5 , the instruction image projection process is a process in which a container instruction image 23, which is an image indicating a target container 8a that is the target of work among multiple shipping containers 8 being transported by the transport conveyor 3, is projected onto the projection target 6 by the projection device 5 in accordance with the position of the target container 8a being transported by the transport conveyor 3. In this embodiment, the control device H projects the container instruction image 23 onto the projection target 6 so as to follow the movement of the target container 8a being transported by the transport conveyor 3. In this example, the container instruction image 23 is projected so as to move from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction X at a speed equivalent to the movement speed of the target container 8a (the transport speed of the transport conveyor 3). Here, "equivalent speed" includes not only cases where the speeds are the same, but also cases where the magnitude of the speeds is slightly different (for example, when there is a difference of several percent from the movement speed of the target container 8a). In addition, the control device H can control the projection device 5 to slow down, accelerate, or stop the moving container indication image 23 so as to follow the target container 8a, even if the target container 8a slows down, accelerates, or stops during transportation.

[0026] In this example, the container instruction image 23 is projected onto the lowest screen 93 (projection target 6) of multiple screens 93 arranged vertically. In the example of FIG. 3 , both the removal instruction image 96 and the container instruction image 23 are displayed on the screen 93 as the projection target 6. Here, the container instruction image 23 is displayed below the removal instruction image 96. The image generation unit 22 generates the container instruction image 23 based on the order information. The generated container instruction image 23 is transmitted to the projection device 5 as image information. The worker P places the item W removed from the specified removal container 91 into the shipping container 8 on which the container instruction image 23 is displayed.

[0027] In the example of FIG. 3 , the worker P removes items W from the removal container 91 in accordance with the removal instruction image 96 projected on the screen 93. Here, the projected removal instruction image 96 displays an instruction to "remove two items A." Another removal instruction image 96 displays an instruction to "remove three items F." The worker P removes the required number of items W from each removal container 91 onto which the removal instruction image 96 is projected. The worker P then places the removed items W into the target container 8a displayed by the container instruction image 23 (in the example of FIG. 3 , a shipping container 8 labeled with "No. 03" as the identification code T). Note that in this example, the worker P places the items W into the target container 8a moving at a constant speed in the conveyance direction X. In the illustrated example, multiple removal instruction images 96 are displayed simultaneously, but these removal instruction images 96 may be displayed at different times. Furthermore, the removal instruction image 96 projected onto the screen 93 is a combination of graphics and text, but may be text only. Furthermore, the projection device 5 may continuously project graphics and text for the removal instruction image 96, or may project the image in a flashing manner. Here, the container instruction image 23 is shown as being graphics only, but may be a combination of graphics and text. Furthermore, the container instruction image 23 may include an identification code T of the target container 8a. Specifically, the container instruction image 23 may be configured so that the identification code T is movable in the conveying direction X. In this way, the projection manner and display content of the removal instruction image 96 and the container instruction image 23 can be changed as appropriate.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the recovery support process is a process in which, when an abnormality in the positional relationship is detected by the detection system 10, the projection device 5 projects a recovery instruction image 24, which is an instruction image for the worker P to restore the positional relationship to normal, onto the projection target. In this embodiment, the control device H executes the recovery support process when the detection system 10 detects an abnormality in the positional relationship of multiple shipping containers 8. The control device H executes the recovery support process when the determination unit 21 determines that the multiple shipping containers 8 are not in the correct positional relationship. In this example, when the determination unit 21 determines that the multiple shipping containers 8 are not in the correct positional relationship, the control device H cancels the instruction image projection process and executes a stop process to stop the transport by the transport conveyor 3. Then, the control device H executes the recovery support process while the transport conveyor 3 is stopped. Note that, in this example, the transport conveyor 3 is an accumulation conveyor as described above. Therefore, the control device H is capable of controlling the drive of the transport conveyor 3 for each section A, for example. The control device H is capable of executing a stop process for each section A. When the control device H executes the stop process for a specific section A, it stops the operation of the section A where the stop process was executed and the transport conveyors 3 upstream of the section A, while allowing the transport of shipping containers 8 to continue for the transport conveyors 3 downstream of the section A. This allows the worker P to continue working in the section A downstream of the section A where the abnormality was detected. Note that when the control device H executes the stop process, it can also stop the operation of all transport conveyors 3. In this case, the control device H executes the stop process for all sections A, rather than for each section A. The recovery instruction image 24 is configured to include an image showing the identification code T of each shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor 3 ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ). In this example, the recovery instruction image 24 is a combination of a graphic and letters representing the identification code T. In the illustrated example, the recovery instruction image 24 is a combination of letters, such as "No. 01," representing the identification code T and a rectangular graphic. Here, the identification code T is displayed within a rectangular figure, but the identification code T may be displayed separately from the figure.In this way, the display content of the restoration instruction image 24 can be changed as appropriate.

[0029] In this embodiment, the recovery instruction image 24 includes a proper position image 25 that indicates the position of each shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor 3 when the positional relationship between the multiple shipping containers 8 is normal. The proper position image 25 includes an indication of the proper position of each shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor within one section A. In this example, if a shipping container 8 is transported at an interval different from the specified interval in one section A and a shipping container 8 is detected by a detector 12 other than the detector 12 in area E where it should be located, the determination unit 21 detects the abnormality, and transport by the transport conveyor 3 is stopped. With transport stopped, a shipping container 8 that maintains the specified interval is detected by a detector 12 in the proper position (the position where the shipping container 8 should be), and the control device H (determination unit 21) determines that the shipping container 8 is located in the correct area E. On the other hand, when the transport is stopped, shipping containers 8 that are arranged at intervals different from the specified interval are detected by the detection device 12 at an abnormal position (a position where the shipping container 8 should not be), and the control device H (determination unit 21) determines that the shipping container 8 is arranged in the incorrect area E. Here, the control device H controls the projection device 5 to project a correct position image 25 onto the projection target 6 (the lowermost screen 93) for each of these shipping containers 8 that are arranged at an abnormal position within one section A. Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , among the correct position images 25 corresponding to each of the multiple shipping containers 8, the correct position image 25 corresponding to a shipping container 8 whose spacing with the preceding and succeeding shipping containers 8 in the transport direction X is outside the correct range is displayed in a different manner from the correct position images 25 corresponding to the other shipping containers 8. In this example, the correct position image 25 of a shipping container 8 arranged at an interval different from the specified interval (a shipping container 8 detected by the detection device 12 at an abnormal position) is displayed in a different manner from the correct position images 25 of the other shipping containers 8. Here, the image generating unit 22 generates the appropriate position image 25 in a different display mode by changing the color of the image projected onto the screen 93 so that the worker P can easily distinguish between them.Each correct position image 25 is projected onto the screen 93 at a position adjacent to the second side Y2 in the conveyance width direction with respect to the correct area E where the shipping container 8 should be placed.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 7 , the shipping container 8 detected by the abnormal position detection device 12 is located in a region E (second region E2 in FIG. 7 ) different from the region E where the shipping container 8 should be located (third region E3 in FIG. 7 ). In this example, the control device H controls the projection device 5 so as not to project anything onto the screen 93 at a position corresponding to the region E different from the region E where the shipping container 8 should be located. However, the control device H may also control the projection device 5 to display, for example, a message indicating that the shipping container 8 has been located in the incorrect region E or specific work instructions. Also, in the example of FIG. 8 , the detection device 12 (a camera sensor in this case) detects a shipping container 8 located outside the region E where the shipping container 8 should be located (third region E3). Here, the shipping container 8 is located so as to overlap the boundary between the second region E2 and the third region E3. In such a case, the control device H displays the correct position image 25 in the region E where the shipping container 8 should be located (third region E3) in a manner different from the correct position images 25 of the other shipping containers 8. Furthermore, even if the shipping container 8 is placed within the range of the area E where it should originally be placed, if the shipping container 8 is in a position other than the desired position, the control device H displays the correct position image 25 in a manner different from the correct position images 25 of other shipping containers 8.

[0031] While the transport conveyor 3 is stopped, the worker P looks at the correct position image 25 projected onto the projection target 6 and moves the shipping container 8 placed in the incorrect area E to the correct area E (the third area E3 in FIGS. 7 and 8 ). When the detection device 12 corresponding to the correct area E detects the shipping container 8, the determination unit 21 determines that all shipping containers 8 in one section A are placed at the specified intervals. In other words, when the determination unit 21 determines that the abnormality has been resolved, the control device H executes an instruction image projection process. The control device H then executes a restart process to resume the transport of the shipping containers 8 by the transport conveyor 3. Furthermore, when a camera sensor is used as the detection device 12 and it is detected that the shipping container 8 is in a position other than the desired position, the worker P looks at the correct position image 25 and corrects the shipping container 8 to the desired position (correct position). Then, when the determining unit 21 determines that the shipping container 8 has assumed the desired posture (the abnormality has been resolved), the control device H executes the instruction image projection process.

[0032] The control flow described in the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9 . The control device H executes an instruction image projection process (S01). Here, the control device H executes the instruction image projection process for each section A based on the order information. The control device H also executes a shelf operation projection process for each section A. The control device H (here, the determination unit 21) then determines whether an abnormality in the positional relationship of multiple shipping containers 8 on the transport conveyor 3 has been detected (S02). In this example, the control device H performs the above determination for each section A. If the control device H determines that the abnormality has been detected (S02: Yes), it executes a stop process (S03). Then, the control device H executes a recovery support process (S05). In this case, the control device H temporarily suspends the execution of the instruction image projection process. In this example, the control device H executes the stop process and the recovery support process for each section A. Then, if the control device H determines that the abnormality has been resolved (S05: Yes), it executes an instruction image projection process (S06). Then, the control device H executes a resume process (S07). In this example, the control device H performs the restart process for each section A. When the control device H detects the abnormality, it may stop the execution of the shelf operation projection process or may continue the execution of the process as is. When the execution of the shelf operation projection process is continued, the latest removal instruction image 96 remains projected.

[0033] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the work support equipment 1 will be described with reference to the drawing ( FIG. 10 ). The following description of the work support equipment 1 of this embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically mentioned are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used to omit detailed description thereof.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the detection system 10 detects an abnormality in the positional relationship during the execution of the instruction image projection process, the work support equipment 1 executes the recovery support process while continuing the instruction image projection process. That is, the control device H executes the recovery support process while continuing the instruction image projection process. Here, the control device H executes the recovery support process and the instruction image projection process simultaneously. Here, "simultaneously" also includes the period during which the processes are executed overlapping with each other. More specifically, after executing the stop process, the control device H projects the appropriate position image 25 onto the screen 93 as the projection target 6 through the recovery support process. The control device H also projects the container instruction image 23 onto the screen 93 as the projection target 6 through the instruction image projection process. In the example of FIG. 10 , the appropriate position image 25 and the container instruction image 23 are displayed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction and simultaneously for the shipping container 8 in the fourth area E4. In this example, the control device H can simultaneously display both the correct position image 25 and the container indication image 23 for a shipping container 8 detected by the abnormal position detection device 12 (a shipping container 8 placed in the incorrect area E). In this case, the control device H displays these images so that the shipping container 8 corresponds to the area E where it should be placed. Therefore, the worker P can continue to load items W into the shipping container 8 even while the transport conveyor 3 is stopped and the recovery support process is being executed. Note that, when the control device H simultaneously executes the recovery support process and the indication image projection process, it is preferable that the control device H also continue to execute the shelf operation projection process. Note that the correct position image 25 and the container indication image 23 may be projected as a single merged image.

[0035] Other Embodiments (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which one transport conveyor 3 is provided adjacent to the work area 9 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of transport conveyors 3 may be provided adjacent to the work area 9. In this case, shipping containers 8 are arranged on each of the transport surfaces 3a arranged in a plurality of rows along the transport direction X. It is also preferable that a plurality of projection targets 6 are arranged corresponding to the shipping containers 8 on the plurality of rows of transport surfaces 3a.

[0036] (2) In the above embodiment, the work support equipment 1 has been described as being configured to provide work support to a worker P who is performing the work of putting items W into a shipping container 8, but this is not limited to this. The work support equipment 1 may also be configured to provide work support to a worker P who is performing the work of removing items W from a container on the transport conveyor 3. In this case, it is preferable that the container instruction image 23 includes information on the type and number of items W to be removed from the target container 8a. Furthermore, the work support equipment 1 may also be configured to provide work support to a worker P who is performing both the work of putting items W into a shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor 3 and the work of removing items W from a container other than the shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor 3.

[0037] (3) In the above embodiment, the projection device 5 projects an image onto the projection target 6, which is a member 7 positioned adjacent to the shipping container 8 being transported. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The projection device 5 may project an image directly onto the shipping container 8, which is the projection target 6, while the shipping container 8 being transported by the transport conveyor 3 is being transported. For example, the projection device 5 may project an image such as the container indication image 23 onto the surface of the shipping container 8 facing the first side Y1 in the transport width direction (toward the work area 9). Of course, a projection screen 93 may be attached to the shipping container 8, and the image may be projected onto this screen 93.

[0038] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the correct position image 25 indicating the position of each shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor 3 is projected when the positional relationship between multiple shipping containers 8 is normal. However, this is not limiting. For example, a correct position image 25 may be projected only onto a shipping container 8 that is positioned on the transport conveyor 3 in a position where it should not be. Furthermore, a correct position image 25 may be projected onto such a shipping container 8 and onto a shipping container 8 adjacent to (before or after) the shipping container 8 in the transport direction X.

[0039] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the appropriate position image 25 corresponding to a shipping container 8 whose spacing with the preceding and succeeding shipping containers 8 in the conveying direction X is outside the appropriate range is displayed in a manner different from the appropriate position images 25 corresponding to other shipping containers 8. However, this is not limited to this. The appropriate position image 25 corresponding to a shipping container 8 whose spacing with the preceding and succeeding shipping containers 8 in the conveying direction X is outside the appropriate range and the appropriate position images 25 corresponding to other shipping containers 8 may be displayed in a similar manner.

[0040] (6) In the above embodiment, the restoration instruction image 24 includes an image showing the identification code T of each shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor 3, but this is not limiting. The restoration instruction image 24 may be configured not to include an image showing the identification code T of each shipping container 8 on the transport conveyor 3.

[0041] (7) In the above embodiment, the control device H executes the stop processing and then executes the recovery support processing while continuing the instruction image projection processing. However, this is not limited to this. The control device H may execute the recovery support processing while continuing the instruction image projection processing without executing the stop processing. In this case, the control device H may execute, for example, a deceleration processing, which is a processing for lowering the conveying speed of the transport conveyor 3, and then execute the recovery support processing while continuing the instruction image projection processing.

[0042] (8) In the above embodiment, the projection target 6 is a screen 93 disposed adjacent to the second side Y2 in the transport width direction relative to the transport conveyor 3. However, this is not limiting. The projection target 6 may be something other than the screen 93. FIG. 11 shows such an example. In the example of FIG. 11, a projection member 71 is disposed adjacent to a shipping container 8 being transported. The projection member 71 is disposed adjacent to the second side Y2 in the transport width direction relative to the shipping container 8 and is raised from a fixed portion of the transport conveyor 3 (here, a portion supporting the rollers). The projection target 6 may also be a surface of the projection member 71 facing the first side Y1 in the transport width direction. In this way, the configuration of the projection target 6 can be modified as appropriate.

[0043] (9) Note that the configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Summary of the Above-described Embodiments The following provides a summary of the above-described work support equipment.

[0045] The work support equipment disclosed herein is work support equipment that provides work support to a worker performing at least one of the tasks of putting items into and taking items out of containers, and includes a transport conveyor that transports a plurality of the containers, a detection system that detects abnormalities in the positional relationship of the plurality of containers on the transport conveyor, and a projection device that projects an image onto a projection target that is at least one of the containers being transported by the transport conveyor and a member positioned adjacent to the container being transported, and is capable of executing an instruction image projection process that causes the projection device to project a container instruction image, which is an image indicating a target container that is the subject of the work among the plurality of containers being transported by the transport conveyor, onto the projection target in accordance with the position of the target container being transported by the transport conveyor; and a recovery support process that, when an abnormality in the positional relationship of the plurality of containers is detected by the detection system, causes the projection device to project a recovery instruction image, which is an instruction image for the worker to restore the positional relationship to normal, onto the projection target.

[0046] According to this configuration, by executing the instruction image projection process, a container instruction image is projected according to the position of the target container being transported, allowing the worker to clearly indicate the target container that is the target of the work. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately support the worker in at least one of the work of putting items into and removing items from the container. Furthermore, according to this configuration, when the detection system detects an abnormality in the positional relationship of multiple containers on the transport conveyor, the projection device executes a restoration support process in which a restoration instruction image, which is an instruction image for the worker to restore the positional relationship of the containers to normal, is projected onto the projection target, allowing the worker to easily perform the work of restoring the positional relationship of the multiple containers to normal. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the incidence of work errors caused by abnormal positional relationships of multiple containers.

[0047] Here, it is preferable that the restoration instruction image includes a proper position image that indicates the position of each of the plurality of containers on the transport conveyor when the positional relationship between the containers is normalized.

[0048] According to this configuration, the worker can easily understand the proper positional relationship of the multiple containers by looking at the restoration instruction image, and therefore can easily perform the work of restoring the positional relationship of the containers on the transport conveyor to the normal positional relationship.

[0049] Furthermore, the detection system is configured to detect an abnormality in the positional relationship when the spacing between adjacent containers arranged in the transport direction of the containers by the transport conveyor is outside the appropriate range, and it is preferable that, among the appropriate position images corresponding to each of the multiple containers, the appropriate position image corresponding to a container whose spacing with the container before and after in the transport direction is outside the appropriate range is represented in a manner different from the appropriate position images corresponding to the other containers.

[0050] With this configuration, by viewing the restoration instruction image, the worker can easily determine which container caused the abnormality in the positional relationship of multiple containers on the transport conveyor and the correct position of that container, thereby easily performing the work of restoring the positional relationship of the containers to normal.

[0051] Preferably, each of the containers has a unique identification code displayed thereon, and the restoration instruction image includes an image showing the identification code of each of the containers on the transport conveyor.

[0052] This configuration allows the worker to accurately know the position where each container should be on the transport conveyor, thereby increasing the reliability of the worker's work to restore the correct positional relationship of the containers.

[0053] Furthermore, if the detection system detects an abnormality in the positional relationship during execution of the instruction image projection process, it is preferable to execute the restoration support process while continuing the instruction image projection process.

[0054] According to this configuration, it is possible to continue at least one of putting items into and taking items out of the containers while performing the work of restoring the containers to their normal positional relationship, which makes it easier to improve the overall efficiency of the work.

[0055] Furthermore, it is preferable that the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the container by the conveying conveyor when viewed from above is defined as the conveying width direction, one side of the conveying width direction is defined as the first conveying width direction side, and the other side of the conveying width direction is defined as the second conveying width direction side, and that the work area where the worker performing the work is located is located on the first conveying width direction side relative to the conveying conveyor, and that the projection target is a screen located at a position adjacent to the second conveying width direction side relative to the conveying conveyor.

[0056] According to this configuration, the container instruction image and the restoration instruction image can be projected in a position that is easily visible to workers working on containers on the transport conveyor in the work area. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately support workers in both the work of putting items into and taking items out of containers, and the work of restoring the containers to their normal positional relationship. Furthermore, according to this configuration, because the container instruction image and the restoration instruction image are projected onto a screen, high visibility can be easily ensured even if these images include small characters or figures.

[0057] It is sufficient for the work support equipment according to the present disclosure to achieve at least one of the above-described effects.

[0058] 1: Work support equipment 3: Transport conveyor 5: Projection device 6: Projection target 7: Component 8: Shipping container (container) 8a: Target container 10: Detection system 23: Container instruction image 24: Recovery instruction image 25: Appropriate position image 93: Screen A: Work area P: Worker T: Identification code X: Conveying direction Y: Conveying width direction Y1: Conveying width direction first side Y2: Conveying width direction second side

Claims

1. A work support facility that provides work support to a worker performing at least one of the tasks of putting items into and taking items out of containers, comprising: a transport conveyor that transports a plurality of the containers; a detection system that detects abnormalities in the positional relationship of the plurality of containers on the transport conveyor; and a projection device that projects an image onto a projection target that is at least one of the containers being transported by the transport conveyor and a member positioned adjacent to the container being transported, and is capable of executing an instruction image projection process that causes the projection device to project a container instruction image, which is an image indicating a target container that is the subject of the work among the plurality of containers being transported by the transport conveyor, onto the projection target in accordance with the position of the target container being transported by the transport conveyor; and a recovery support process that, when an abnormality in the positional relationship of the plurality of containers is detected by the detection system, causes the projection device to project a recovery instruction image, which is an instruction image for the worker to restore the positional relationship to normal, onto the projection target.

2. The work support equipment of claim 1, wherein the recovery instruction image includes a correct position image showing the position of each of the containers on the transport conveyor when the positional relationship between the multiple containers is normal.

3. The work support equipment described in claim 2, wherein the detection system is configured to detect an abnormality in the positional relationship when the spacing between adjacent containers arranged in the transport direction of the containers by the transport conveyor is outside the appropriate range, and among the appropriate position images corresponding to each of the multiple containers, the appropriate position image corresponding to a container whose spacing with the container before and after in the transport direction is outside the appropriate range is represented in a manner different from the appropriate position images corresponding to other containers.

4. The work support equipment described in claim 2, wherein each of the containers is marked with a unique identification code, and the restoration instruction image includes an image showing the identification code of each of the containers on the transport conveyor.

5. A work support facility as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein if the detection system detects an abnormality in the positional relationship while the instruction image projection process is being executed, the recovery support process is executed while the instruction image projection process is continued.

6. A work support facility as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the container by the conveying conveyor when viewed from above is defined as the conveying width direction, one side of the conveying width direction is defined as the first conveying width direction side, and the other side of the conveying width direction is defined as the second conveying width direction side, the work area where the worker performing the work is located is positioned on the first conveying width direction side relative to the conveying conveyor, and the projection target is a screen positioned adjacent to the second conveying width direction side relative to the conveying conveyor.

Images