Wireless Sorting Notification via Mobile Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in sorting lines may miss notifications of arriving sorting target articles due to their movement within the operation area, leading to inefficient article reception.
Innovation Solution
A sorting system comprising a reading device, a control device, and mobile terminals, where the control device determines sorting destinations based on read identification information and transmits arrival information to associated mobile terminals, which notify operators of the arrival timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operators move among areas during operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but the ability to recognize arrival of sorting target articles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mobile terminals as intermediaries between the sorting line system and operators. The control device transmits article arrival information to mobile terminals, which then notify operators. This intermediary system allows operators to remain mobile while still receiving timely notifications about article arrivals, thus maintaining both operational flexibility and reliable article reception.
2Ease of operation
If operators are notified by lighting of lumps in operation area, then local notification is improved, but notification effectiveness when operator is away deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from local physical notification (lighting of lumps in the operation area) to wireless communication notification (mobile terminals). This dimensional change allows notification to occur in the operator's personal space rather than requiring the operator to be physically present at the sorting line, thereby preventing information loss when operators are away from the operation area.
3Device complexity
If conventional sorting notification system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but operator mobility compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile terminal serve multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and a notification device. The mobile terminal receives arrival information from the control device and displays it to the operator, eliminating the need for separate notification hardware at each sorting destination. This multi-functionality maintains system simplicity while enabling operator mobility compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
To enable an operator to recognize arrival of a sorting target article, even while the operator is away from an operation area. A first control section (12) of a control device (1) determines a sorting destination on the basis of identification information that has been read by a reading device (3), and causes a first wireless communication section (11) to transmit information on reception of an article to a mobile terminal (2) that is associated with the determined sorting destination. A second control section (22) of the mobile terminal (2) causes a notification section (24, 26, 27) to notify an arrival timing at which the article is to arrive at the sorting destination, on the basis of the information on the reception of the article which has been received by a second wireless communication section (21).