JP2706610B2 - Book storage management device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a book storage management device suitable for use in, for example, a large library for storing a large number of books, and more particularly to improving the efficiency of work required for returning a large number of books. Regarding what was done.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, recently, in large-scale libraries having a large amount of books, an automatic loading / unloading system has been introduced in order to improve the efficiency of work required to retrieve and return books. Is coming. This automatic entry / exit system
The user retrieves the requested book from the library and transports it to the user counter, records that the book has been borrowed, records that the book has been returned, and returns the book to the library. The operation of recording the storage position and the like are automated so that the operation required for taking out and returning books can be executed accurately and quickly.

That is, in the automatic entry / exit system, a bar code is attached to each book in order to easily manage a large number of stored books. Also,
Each book is stored in a container for each of a plurality of books, and is stored in and out of the library in containers. Then, when the retrieval of the book is requested, the container in which the book is stored is automatically released from the library and transported to the user counter. The librarian searches for a desired book from the containers transported to the user counter and hands it over to the user, where the book is lent.

[0004] When a book is requested to be returned,
A container for storing the returned book is automatically released from the library and taken out to the user counter. The librarian puts the returned book in the removed container at the user counter, then puts the container in the original position of the library, where the book is returned.

[0005] On the other hand, in the current library, a fixed location allocation method according to classification is adopted almost without exception as a book storage management means. This fixed location allocation method by classification is a method in which a plurality of books are classified into various fields such as "Japanese literature" and "mechanical engineering" and stored in a library. The above-mentioned automatic entry / exit system is combined with the fixed location allocation method for each category.

[0006] When books are stored and managed by the fixed location layout method for each category, since books of various sizes are mixed in one category, books of the maximum size (for example, A4 It is necessary to set the height and depth of the bookshelf according to the edition). However, since about 80% of the books in actual libraries are smaller than A5 size (half of A4 size), it is not possible to set the height and depth of the bookshelf according to the largest size book for each category. However, the problem is that a wasteful space in the library is increased and the storage efficiency of books is deteriorated.

[0007] Further, in the book storage management means based on the classification-specific fixed location shelving system, when the bookshelf space for storing books of a certain category becomes full, excess books are stored in another bookshelf at a distance. This would reduce the effectiveness of sorting, and it would be a tremendous effort to shift books on the bookshelf, including books of other categories, in order to maintain the accommodation by category. And time will be spent. Therefore, in order to cope with such a situation, in the current library, a space of several tens% is provided in advance in the original space for accommodating books belonging to each class in each class. I have. For this reason, the problem that the useless space in a library increases further and the accommodation efficiency of books worsens will arise.

[0008] Further, in the book storage management means by the fixed location arrangement method by classification, when returning the book,
Since it is necessary to take out the container corresponding to the book classification from the library to the user counter, when a plurality of books having different classifications are returned, another container is taken out from the library to the user counter for each book. Need arises. For this reason, the number of operations of the transport mechanism for transporting the container between the library and the user counter increases,
Despite the introduction of the automatic entry / exit system, there is also a disadvantage that the efficiency of book retrieval and return operations cannot be sufficiently improved.

Therefore, at present, a large number of books are sized regardless of their contents (for example, A4 size, B5 size, A5 size).
Plate, B6 plate, etc., the thickness is irrelevant), and the same container stores only books of the same size.
A new storage management system for storing data in different shelf areas of a library has been developed (Japanese Patent Application No. 5-179126).
According to this storage management system, in each shelf area of the library,
Depending on the size of the book to be stored in each, the height and depth can be set so that the book can be stored efficiently, and the storage efficiency of the book can be effectively improved. become.

[0010] In the new storage management system as described above, the storage positions of a plurality of containers in the library and the respective book codes of the plurality of books stored in each container are stored in association with each other. A free location method is adopted in which the stored contents are updated each time a book is taken out and returned. According to the free location method, books of the same size can be arbitrarily stored as long as there is space in the container for storing books of the same size. It is possible to reduce the number of operations of the transport mechanism for transporting books, and to effectively improve the efficiency of book retrieval and return operations by automation.

For this reason, in the free location system, for example, when a large number of books of the same size are returned, a container having as much free space as possible among containers storing books of the same size is stored in the user counter. It would be more convenient to take it out to improve the efficiency of the return operation. However, in the current free location method, what kind of books are stored in each container is grasped, but it is not possible to grasp how much empty space is present in each container. That is, since each book has a different thickness depending on the number of pages, paper quality, and the like, the empty space in the container cannot be determined only by the number of books contained in the container.

In view of the above, a storage management system which adopts the free location method as described above and effectively improves the efficiency of book retrieval and return work by automation is described. By grasping the storage rate of books in each of a plurality of containers stored in a container, when a book is returned, a container with a low storage rate, that is, a container with a lot of empty space, is automatically selected and taken out to the user counter. Another object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of the work required to return a large amount of books.

[0013]

As described above, in the storage management system adopting the free location method, a large number of books can be obtained by grasping the accommodation ratio of each of a plurality of containers accommodated in a library. There is a strong demand to contribute to further improving the efficiency of the return operation of refuse.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to grasp the accommodation ratio of books in a plurality of containers accommodated in a library and further improve the efficiency of book return work. It is an object of the present invention to provide a very good book storage management device.

[0015]

A book storage management device according to the present invention stores a plurality of containers , each containing a plurality of books , each of which is stored in a library, and a container designated from the plurality of containers. while transported to the station is removed from the library, it is directed to those with an automatic conveying means for returning to transfer the containers held on the station in the book box.

Then, the station is moved by the automatic conveying means .
In the transfer route of the container being transferred from the
The container being installed and being transported passes nearby.
The presence / absence detection means for automatically detecting the presence / absence portion of the book inside the container, the detection result of the presence / absence detection means, and the automatic conveyance means
Library of the container returned to the library from the transfer station
Storage means for storing in correspondence a housing position in the inner, in a state in which return of the book is requested, a library to be the return
To remove from the archive to the station to accommodate
And a control means for selecting an antenna based on the storage content of the storage means .

[0017]

According to the above construction, the automatic transfer means
Is the container transferred from the station to the library?
The book's occupied and unoccupied parts inside
By automatically detecting and storing this detection result and the storage position of the container returned in the library in association with each other, the storage rate of each of the plurality of containers stored in the library is grasped, Return books when requested to return
From the library to the station to accommodate
Select a container to be exported based on its stored contents
I have to. For this reason, a large amount of books must be returned
In such cases, the book capacity is low,
Automatically select containers with lots of
Since the books can be taken out of the library, the efficiency of the book return operation can be further improved. Special
And transfer from the station to the library by automatic transport
Installed in the transfer path of the container to be
As the tena passes near it, the interior of the container
Automatically detect the presence and absence of books in a book
The presence / absence detection means
Detection of occupied and unoccupied parts of books inside the tena
Easily and accurately without the hassle of workers
Will be able to do it.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a book storage management system described in this embodiment. Reference numeral 11 denotes a bookshelf. The bookshelf 11 is installed, for example, in a library on the third floor of a library. The bookcase 11 contains a plurality of containers 12, 12,.... In these containers 12, 12,..., The details of which will be described later, a plurality of books 13, 13,... Are accommodated in a plurality of rows arranged in the depth direction, with one row arranged in the thickness direction. Have been.

At the front of the bookshelf 11, a stacker crane 15 which is guided by rails 14 and runs is installed. This stacker crane 15 is used for books 13, 1
At the time of delivery from 3, ..., the desired container 12
Is taken out and transferred to the outgoing rack station 16. The container 12 transferred to the unloading rack station 16 is transferred to a container outlet 18 via a transfer conveyor 17 and then, via a vertical transfer device (not shown), to a second floor container inlet 19 or a first floor. It is transported to the container entrance 20.

The container 12 transferred to the second-floor container entrance 19 is transferred via a transfer conveyor 21 to a second-floor station 22 which is a user counter. The container 12 transported to the first-floor container entrance 20 is transported via the transport conveyor 23 to the first-floor station 24 or 25 as a user counter.

On the other hand, the container 12 at the first floor station 24 or 25 is transported to the first floor container outlet 27 via the transport conveyor 26. 2nd floor station 2
The container 12 in the container 2
It is conveyed to the floor-oriented container carry-out port 29. The container 12 transported to the first-floor container transport port 27 or the second-floor container transport port 29 is transported to the third-floor container transport port 30 via a vertical transport device (not shown). The container 12 transferred to the container entrance 30 is transported by the transport conveyor 31.
After being transferred to the storage rack station 32 through the stacker crane 15, it is stored in the bookcase 11 by the stacker crane 15.

FIG. 2 shows the details of the second floor station 22. Note that the first-floor stations 24 and 25 have the same configuration as the second-floor station 22, and a description thereof will be omitted. On the second floor station 22,
A counter table 33 and two container supports 34 and 35 arranged along the counter table 33 are provided.

The container 12 transferred to the second floor station 22 via the transfer conveyor 21 is once transferred between the two container supports 34 and 35 and then transferred to one of the container supports 34 or 35. It is transported and supported. In addition, any container support 34 or 3
The container 12 supported by the transport conveyor 2 is also transferred to the space between the two container support portions 34 and 35 once.
8 to the second-floor container outlet 29.

On the counter table 33, an operation unit 36 for a librarian to perform various operations related to the loading and unloading of books 13, 13,..., And books 13, 13,.
And a barcode reader 37 for reading the barcode attached to the. Container support parts 34, 35
On the walls 38 and 39 on the rear side of the container 12, indicators 40 and 41 for indicating the book name and book number of the book 13 to be taken out of the container 12 supported by the container supporting portions 34 and 35, respectively. Is installed.

The container supporting portions 34 and 35 are provided with a substantially frame-shaped support table 34a for supporting the peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the container 12.
35a. That is, the container 12 is supported by the container support portions 34 and 35 by mounting the periphery of the bottom surface on the support bases 34a and 35a, and most of the bottom surface of the container 12 is supported in the supported state. Will be exposed.

The walls 38, 39 on the rear side of the container supports 34, 35 are provided on the container supports 34, 35, respectively.
The presence rate detectors 42 and 43 for detecting the presence rate (accommodation rate) of the book 13 in the container 12 supported by 35 are installed. Among them, the occupancy rate detector 42 is a container 1 supported by the container support 34.
Each of the rows of books 13, 13,... (Two rows in the case shown) accommodated in the books 13, 13,.
.. Are provided with two presence / absence detectors 42a and 42b, respectively.

The presence / absence detectors 42a and 42b are
The container 12 supported by the container support 34 is the bookcase 1
The two container supports 34, 3 to be returned to
Book 1 that passes directly below in the figure when transferred between
The detection light is emitted toward 3, 13,..., And the presence or absence of the book 13 is detected based on the difference in the reflectance.
The presence rate detector 43 also includes two similar presence / absence detectors 43a and 43b.

Further, the wall 39 on the back side of the container support 35 has a container support 35
When the container 12 supported by the container 12 is returned to the bookcase 11 and is transferred between the two container supports 34 and 35, a position detector 43c for detecting the position in the transfer direction is installed. ing. Further, the container 12 supported by the container support 34 is also provided on the wall 38 on the rear side of the container support 34 with the two container supports 34 and 35.
A position detector 42c for detecting the position in the transfer direction when the transfer is performed during the transfer is installed, but is hidden from view in FIG.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the container 12 contains six sub-containers 44, 44,... Each of the sub-containers 44, 44,... Includes a plurality of books 1 each having a barcode label 13a.
Are accommodated in a line in the thickness direction. In addition, each container 12, 12, ...
Although not shown, a bar code label is attached to each of them.

Openings 12a, 12a,... Are formed on the bottom surface of the container 12 at positions corresponding to the respective sub-containers 44, 44,. . That is, each of the sub-containers 44, 44,
... Indicate that the bottom edges of the openings are openings 12a, 12a,
.. Are accommodated in the container 12 while being supported by the edges of the sub-containers 44, 44,.
Most of the bottom surface of ... will also be exposed.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in the container support portion 34, six openings 12a, 12a, 12a, 12a, 12a, 12b, which are formed in the container 12, are opposed to the bottom surface of the container 12 supported by the support base 34a. Lift plate 3 that allows selective insertion of
4b is prepared. In the container support portion 34, two screw shafts are provided at positions corresponding to both longitudinal ends of the container 12 supported by the support table 34a so as to be parallel to each other along the short direction of the container 12. 3
4c and 34d are provided. The rack gears 34e are attached to the screw shafts 34c and 34d so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the container 12 supported by the support table 34a.
Are screwed at both ends.

For this reason, the rack gear 34e is connected to the motor 3
By the rotation force of 4f, the two screw shafts 34c and 34d are simultaneously rotated about their axes via the transmission mechanism 34g, so that they are translated in the directions of the arrows a and b in the figure. The lift plate 34b is supported by the rack gear 34e so as to be slidable in its longitudinal direction, that is, in the directions of arrows c and d in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the lift plate 34b is supported by a support unit 34h slidably supported by a rack gear 34e. This support unit 3
4h is moved along the rack gear 34e by transmitting the rotational force of the motor 34k to the gear 34j meshed with the teeth 34i of the rack gear 34e.

The support unit 34h includes a lift plate 3
4b, a pair of cylinder mechanisms 3 for supporting both end portions, respectively.
4l and 34m are installed. These cylinder mechanisms 341 and 34m raise the lift plate 34b from the position shown by the solid line in the figure to the position shown by the two-dot chain line, and conversely lower the lift plate 34b from the position shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure to the position shown by the solid line. Has been made possible.

The lift plate 34b is moved in the directions of arrows a, b and c, d shown in FIG. 4 (b), and as shown in FIG. 4 (d), the container supported by the support table 34a. 12 can selectively face the desired openings 12a, 12a,.... For this reason, for example, when the lift plate 34b is moved to a position facing the predetermined opening 12a and the lift plate 34b is raised at that position, the lift plate 34b passes through the opening 12a and the sub container at that position 44 is adapted to be lifted.

The same operation as that of the container support section 34 is performed for the container support section 35 as well. Such container supports 34 and 35 are also installed in the first floor stations 24 and 25, respectively.

FIG. 5 shows a control system of the book storage management system as described above. Reference numeral 45 denotes a central processing unit. The central processing unit 45 includes, for example, a microprocessor or the like. An uninterruptible power supply 47 is connected to the central processing unit 45 via a bus line 46. The central processing unit 45 includes a bus line 4
6 through a file adapter 48, a floppy disk 49, a hard disk 50 storing a system control program and a cartridge tape 51 are connected. The central processing unit 45 includes a bus line 46.
, Via a file adapter 52, a hard disk 53 storing book information is connected. The central processing unit 45 has a bus adapter 46 and a file adapter 5.
4, the hard disk 55 storing the backup information is connected.

On the other hand, to the central processing unit 45, an overall control panel 57 and a stationary detector 58 are connected from a bus line 46 via a serial interface adapter 56. As will be described later in detail, the general control panel 57 controls the operations of the stacker crane 15, the vertical conveyor, the conveyors 17, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, and the container support portions 34, 35, etc. The control operation is performed based on the detection result of the stationary detector 58 that detects the position of the container 12.

The central processing unit 45 includes a bus line 4
6 through the serial interface adapter 59,
A console 60, a display 61, a barcode reader 62 (these correspond to the operation unit 36, the barcode reader 37, and the indicators 40 and 41 shown in FIG. 2) and a serial printer 63 are connected. The console 60, the display 61, the barcode reader 62, and the serial printer 63 are installed in the station 22 on the second floor.

The central processing unit 45 includes a bus line 4
6 through the serial interface adapter 64,
A display 65, a barcode reader 66, a serial printer 67, and a barcode printer 68 are connected. These displays 65, barcode readers 66,
The serial printer 67 and the barcode printer 68
It is assumed that they are installed in the first floor stations 24 and 25, respectively.

FIG. 6 shows the detailed configuration of the general control panel 57. The bus line 46 includes an input / output circuit 69
Is connected to the control circuit 70 via the. This control circuit 70
Are stacker cranes 15, vertical conveyors (indicated by reference numeral 71 in FIG. 6), transport conveyors 17,
21, 23, 26, 28, 31 and container support 3
The input / output circuits 72, 73, 74,
A control signal is generated and transmitted via the drive circuit 75 and the drive circuits 76, 77, 78, 79.

Stacker crane 15, vertical transfer machine 7
1, conveyors 17, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31
And stationary detectors 58a, 5 which are provided on the container support portions 34, 35, respectively, and detect the position of the container 12.
Output signals from 8b, 58c, 58d are supplied to corresponding input / output circuits 72, 73, 74, 75, respectively.
It is used to generate control signals. Barcode reader 6
2 and 66 are supplied to an input / output circuit 69 to drive the overall control panel 57, that is, the stacker crane 15, the vertical conveyor 71, the conveyors 17, 21, 23, 26,
28 and 31 and the container supporting portions 34 and 35 are driven.

A book presence detection device 80 is connected to the general control panel 57. The book presence ratio detecting device 80 includes the presence / absence detectors 42a, 42b,
The book presence ratio in the container 12 is calculated based on each detection output of the position detectors 43a and 43b and the position detectors 42c and 43c. The calculated book presence ratio is controlled by the control circuit via the input / output circuit 81. After being supplied to 70, it is output to the outside of the general control panel 57 via the input / output circuit 69, and is stored in the hard disk 53 or 55, for example, as a set of book information or backup information.

Next, the books 13,
Specific means for detecting the occupancy rate of 13,... Will be described. First, the container 12 has six sub-containers 44, 44,.
... and, as shown in FIG.
There is a type that accommodates eight sub-containers 44, 44,... In a row. These two types can be appropriately used depending on, for example, the size of the book 13 to be stored, the frequency of loading and unloading, and the like. In this case, either type of container 12
Also, in consideration of automatic transfer by the stacker crane 15, the vertical transfer device 71, the transfer conveyors 17, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, etc., the plane dimensions thereof are substantially the same.

Here, the eight sub-containers 44, 44,
, Are formed with openings 12a, 12a,... At positions corresponding to the sub-containers 44, 44,. The lift plate 34b is selectively inserted. That is, the eight sub-containers 44, 4
The container 12 that accommodates the containers 4,...
4 and 35, the desired sub-container 4
4 can be lifted.

For the following description, FIG.
The following is defined for the container 12 containing the two sub-containers 44, 44,.... That is, regardless of the state in which the container 12 is supported by any of the container supports 34, 35, the direction in which the container 12 is transferred from the container support 34 or 35 to between the two container supports 34, 35. Is the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8, each sub-container 4 accommodated in the container 12
4, 44,... Have numbers No. 1,
No.2, No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6, No.7, No.8 shall be added.

In this case, assuming that the container 12 is supported by the container support 34, No. 1, No. 2, No.
, Correspond to the presence / absence detector 42b, and the No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 sub-containers 44, 44,. This corresponds to the presence / absence detector 42a. Further, assuming that the container 12 is supported by the container support 35, the sub-containers 44, 44,... Of No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 are detected by the presence / absence detector 43a. Correspondingly, sub-containers 44 of No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8,
.. Correspond to the presence / absence detector 43b.

As shown in FIG. 7 again, on both sides of the container 12, the container 12 supported in the longitudinal direction, that is, the container support portion 34 or 35, is provided between the two container support portions 34 and 35. A reflection band 12b is provided along the direction in which the reflection band is transferred. It is needless to say that the same reflection band is provided for the container 12 of the type that accommodates the six sub-containers 44, 44,.... The reflection band 12b is configured such that first reflection portions and second reflection portions having different reflectances are alternately arranged.

Then, for example, the aforementioned position detector 43c
Is installed at a position corresponding to the reflection band 12b of the container 12 supported by the container support 35, and the container 12 supported by the container support 35 is returned for return.
When transported between the two container supports 34 and 35, the detection light is emitted toward the reflection band 12b passing therethrough, and the reflected light obtained from the first reflection portion and the second reflection portion. A position detection signal of a level corresponding to the amount of light is generated. Therefore, assuming that the container 12 supported by the container support 35 is transferred at a constant speed between the two container supports 34 and 35, the position detector 43c
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9A, a pulse-like position detection signal that repeats the L (low) level and the H (high) level at a constant cycle is generated.

On the other hand, the presence / absence detectors 43a and 43b of the occupancy rate detector 43 are used to return the container 12 supported by the container support portion 35 between the two container support portions 34 and 35. , The detection light is irradiated toward each of the books 13, 13,... Of each row passing right below, and the amount of the reflected light changes according to the presence or absence of the book 13. A level presence / absence detection signal is generated. For this reason, the container 12 supported by the container support part 35 includes two container support parts 34,
Assuming that the document is transferred at a constant speed during the period 35, the presence / absence detectors 43a and 43b go to the L level in the absent part of the book 13 as shown in FIG.
The presence / absence detection signal which becomes the H level is generated at the occupied portion.

Here, when the container 12 supported by the container support 35 is transferred between the two container supports 34 and 35, the reflection band 1 provided on the container 12 is provided.
Let T be the time required for everything from one end to the other end of 2b to pass in front of the position detector 43c. Then, during this time T, the books 13, 1 in one row in the container 12 are read.
Assume that the presence of the book 13 is detected in two periods of time T1 and time T2 with respect to 3,. Then, the occupancy rate of the book 13 with respect to the row can be represented by (T1 + T2) / T.

Similarly, during the time T, the container 12
, At time T1 with respect to the books 13, 13,.
Assuming that the presence of the book 13 is detected in the two periods of 'and the time T2', the presence rate of the book 13 in that row is
It can be expressed by (T1 '+ T2') / T. And the presence rate of the book 13 in the whole container 12 is
It can be calculated by (T1 + T2 + T1 '+ T2') / 2T. However, in practice, instead of measuring the time, the number of pulses of the position detection signal is counted within the time during which the presence of the book 13 is detected, and the presence rate is calculated using this count value. I have to.

That is, from the one end to the other end of the reflection band 12b provided on the container 12, the position detector 43c
Are set in such a manner that the number of pulses of the position detection signal becomes, for example, 400 when passing through the front of the container 13, the books 13, 13,.
.., The sum of the count values of the number of pulses of the position detection signal in each of the two periods of the time T1 and the time T2 when the presence of the book 13 is detected is divided by 400, and The attendance rate of the book 13 is calculated. The occupancy rates of the books 13 in the other rows in the container 12 and in the entire container 12 can be calculated in the same manner.

The reflection band 1 provided on the container 12
The number of pulses of the position detection signal obtained when all from one end to the other end of 2b pass in front of the position detector 43c is 4
00, four sub-containers 4 forming one row
4, 44, 44, 44, one of which is a position detector 43c.
Is 100 when the number of pulses of the position detection signal obtained when the signal passes through the front. Therefore, the number of pulses of the position detection signal is 1 to 100, 101 to 200, 201 to 300, 301.
By counting the number of pulses of the position detection signal at the time when the presence of the book 13 is detected in each of the four sections from -400, the sub-containers 44, 44,.
The attendance rate can be calculated in units.

FIG. 10 shows the structure of the book presence rate detecting device 80. Input / output circuit 8 of the general control panel 57
1 is connected to the arithmetic and control circuit 83 via the input / output circuit 82. The operation control circuit 83 includes, for example, a microprocessor or the like, and the presence / absence detector 42
a, 42b, 43a, 43b and position detectors 42c, 4
Each detection signal obtained from 3c is supplied via an input circuit 84. The arithmetic control circuit 83 processes each of the input detection signals based on the program stored in the program storage circuit 86 in synchronization with the reference clock output from the reference clock generation circuit 85, and Is calculated and output to the general control panel 57 via the input / output circuit 82.

The arithmetic control circuit 83 utilizes the data storage circuit 87 when calculating the occupancy rate. This data storage circuit 87 has a position detector 42c or 43c
Has an A-counter area for realizing an A-counter function for counting the number of pulses of the position detection signal obtained from. Further, the data storage circuit 87 stores the No. 1 to No. 8 sub-containers 44, 44,.
Corresponding to the presence / absence detectors 42a, 42b or 4
No. 1 to No. 8 counter area for realizing the No. 1 to No. 8 counter function for counting the number of pulses of the position detection signal when the presence / absence detection signals obtained from 3a and 43b are at H level have.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of detecting the occupancy rate in the book occupancy rate detecting device 80 having the above-described configuration. The operation for detecting the occupancy rate is started in a state where the container 12 containing, for example, eight sub-containers 44, 44,... Is supported by the container support 35 (step S1). Then, in step S2, the arithmetic control circuit 83 determines whether or not it is required to store (return) the container 12 supported by the container support unit 35 to the bookcase 11, and it is determined that the storage is requested. If it is determined (YES), in step S3, the contents of the A counter area of the data storage circuit 87 and the contents of Nos.
o.8 Clear all the contents of the counter area to 0.

Thereafter, the arithmetic and control circuit 83 determines in step S
4, the container 1 supported by the container support 35
2 is moved between the container supports 34, 35,
It is determined whether or not the position detection signal obtained from the position detector 43c has changed from L level to H level. If it is determined that the position detection signal has changed from L level to H level (YES), in step S5 A of the data storage circuit 87
The content of the counter area is incremented by one. Then, the arithmetic control circuit 83 determines in step S6 that the content of the A counter area is 10
It is determined whether or not it is within 0, and if it is determined that it is within 100 (YES), in step S7, it is determined whether or not an H-level presence / absence detection signal is obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a. Determine.

Here, when it is determined that an H-level presence / absence detection signal is obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a (Y
ES), the arithmetic control circuit 83 increments the contents of the No. 1 counter area of the data storage circuit 87 by 1 in step S8. After step S8, or when it is determined in step S7 that the presence / absence detection signal at the H level cannot be obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a (NO), the arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S9. It is determined whether an H level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained from the detector 43b. And now
If it is determined that an H level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained from the absence detector 43b (YES), the arithmetic control circuit 83
Increments the contents of the No. 5 counter area of the data storage circuit 87 by 1 in step S10.

On the other hand, after step S10 or when it is determined in step S9 that the presence / absence detection signal of H level cannot be obtained from presence / absence detector 43b (NO), arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S11. Then, it is determined whether or not the content of the A counter area has become 400, and if it is determined that the content has not become 400 (NO), the process returns to the step S4, and thereafter the processes from the steps S4 to S11 are performed. Repeated. Then, by repeating the processing of steps S4 to S11, the count values accumulated in the No. 1 and No. 5 counter areas become No. 1 and N, respectively.
o.5 Corresponds to the percentage of books 13 in the sub-container 44.

In such a processing state, step S
If it is determined in step 6 that the content of the A counter area has exceeded 100 (NO), the arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S12.
It is determined whether or not the content of the A counter area is within 200, and when it is determined that the content is within 200 (YE
S), in step S13, the presence / absence detector 43a outputs H
It is determined whether a level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained. If it is determined that an H-level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a (YES), the arithmetic and control circuit 83 determines in step S14 that the data storage circuit 87
The contents of the No. 2 counter area are incremented by 1.

After step S14 or step S1
If it is determined in S3 that the presence / absence detection signal of H level cannot be obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a (NO), the arithmetic and control circuit 83 proceeds to step S15, where the presence / absence detector 43b is determined.
It is determined whether or not an H level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained from. When it is determined that the presence / absence detection signal of H level is obtained from the presence / absence detector 43b (YE
S), the arithmetic control circuit 83 increments the contents of the No. 6 counter area of the data storage circuit 87 by 1 in step S16.

On the other hand, after step S16 or when it is determined in step S15 that the presence / absence detection signal of H level cannot be obtained from presence / absence detector 43b (NO), arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S11. Then, it is determined whether or not the content of the A counter area has become 400. If it is determined that the content has not become 400 (NO), the process returns to step S4, and thereafter, steps S4 to S6 and S12 to S1 are performed.
6. The processing up to S11 is repeated. Then, by repeating the processing of steps S4 to S6, S12 to S16, and S11, the count values accumulated in the No. 2 and No. 6 counter areas respectively become No. 2 and No. 6 sub-containers 44. Of the book 13 in the book.

In such a processing state, step S
If it is determined in step 12 that the content of the A counter area has exceeded 200 (NO), the arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S1.
7, it is determined whether or not the content of the A counter area is within 300, and when it is determined that the content is within 300 (YE
S), in step S18, the presence / absence detector 43a outputs H
It is determined whether a level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained. If it is determined that an H-level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a (YES), the arithmetic control circuit 83 determines in step S19 that the data storage circuit 87
Increment the contents of No.3 counter area by +1.

After step S19 or step S1
When it is determined in S8 that the presence / absence detection signal at the H level cannot be obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a (NO), the arithmetic and control circuit 83 proceeds to step S20, where
It is determined whether or not an H level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained from. When it is determined that the presence / absence detection signal of H level is obtained from the presence / absence detector 43b (YE
S), the arithmetic control circuit 83 increments the content of the No. 7 counter area of the data storage circuit 87 by 1 in step S21.

On the other hand, after step S21 or when it is determined in step S20 that the presence / absence detection signal of H level cannot be obtained from presence / absence detector 43b (NO), arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S11. Then, it is determined whether or not the content of the A counter area has become 400. If it is determined that the content has not become 400 (NO), the process returns to the step S4, and thereafter, the steps S4 to S6, S12, S1
7 to S21 and S11 are repeated. Then, steps S4 to S6, S12, S17 to S2
By repeating the processing up to S1 and S11, N
The count values stored in the o.3 and No.7 counter areas respectively correspond to the occupancy rates of the books 13 in the No.3 and No.7 sub-containers 44.

In such a processing state, step S
If it is determined at 17 that the content of the A counter area has exceeded 300 (NO), the arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S2
At 2, it is determined whether or not the presence / absence detection signal of H level is obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a. Presence / absence detector 4
When it is determined that the H level presence / absence detection signal is obtained from 3a (YES), the arithmetic control circuit 83 increments the content of the No. 4 counter area of the data storage circuit 87 by 1 in step S23.

After step S23 or step S2
When it is determined that the presence / absence detection signal of H level cannot be obtained from the presence / absence detector 43a in step 2 (NO), the arithmetic and control circuit 83 determines in step S24 that the presence / absence detector 43b
It is determined whether or not an H level presence / absence detection signal has been obtained from. When it is determined that the presence / absence detection signal of H level is obtained from the presence / absence detector 43b (YE
S), the arithmetic control circuit 83 increments the contents of the No. 8 counter area of the data storage circuit 87 by 1 in step S25.

On the other hand, after step S25 or when it is determined in step S24 that the presence / absence detection signal at H level cannot be obtained from presence / absence detector 43b (NO), arithmetic control circuit 83 proceeds to step S11. Then, it is determined whether or not the content of the A counter area has become 400. If it is determined that the content has not become 400 (NO), the process returns to the step S4, and thereafter, the steps S4 to S6, S12, S1
7, the processing of S22 to S25 and S11 is repeated. Then, steps S4 to S6, S12, S1
By repeating the processing from S7 to S22 to S25 and S11, the count values accumulated in the No. 4 and No. 8 counter areas are respectively changed to the No. 4 and No. 8 sub-containers 44.
Of the book 13 in the book.

If it is determined in step S11 that the content of the A counter area has reached 400 (YES),
In step S26, the arithmetic and control circuit 83 calculates the No. 1 to N from the count values respectively stored in the No. 1 to No. 8 counters.
o.8 The occupancy rate of the books 13 in the sub-containers 44, 44,... is calculated, and the calculation result is sent to the general control panel 57, and the process is terminated (step S28). Note that the position detector 43
One cycle of the position detection signal output from the
If the movement distance of 2 is set to correspond to, for example, 2 mm, the count values respectively accumulated in the No. 1 to No. 8 counters are multiplied by 2 to obtain the No. 1 to No. 8 sub-containers. The occupancy rates of the books 13 in 44, 44,... Can be obtained by the distances along the moving direction of the container 12.

In the above description, the detection of the book occupancy rate of the container 12 supported by the container support 35 has been described. At the time of returning the taken out container 12, it is needless to say that the presence ratio of the book 13 in the container 12 is similarly detected.

The operation of the book storage management system provided with the book presence rate detecting means as described above will be described below. First, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts for explaining the book 13 taking-out operation. That is, the operation of taking out the book 13 is started when the user transmits the book 13 requested to be taken out to, for example, a librarian at the second floor station 22 (step S28).
Then, in step S29, the librarian of the second floor station 22 operates the console 60 to request the requested book 1
The instruction for leaving the car 3 is input to the central processing unit 45.

When the delivery instruction is input, the central processing unit 4
5 moves the stacker crane 15 to the storage position of the container 12 containing the requested book 13 in the bookcase 11 via the general control panel 57 in step S30, and removes the container 12 from the bookcase 11 in step S31. It is moved to the outgoing rack station 16. Then, the central processing unit 45 determines in step S32 that the central control panel 57
The container 12 taken out to the unloading rack station 16 is transferred to, for example, the container support section 34 of the second floor station 22 by controlling the vertical transfer machine 71 and the transfer conveyors 17 and 21 via Let them support you.

Thereafter, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S
At 33, the container support unit 34 is controlled via the general control panel 57, and the lift plate 34b is moved to the required book 1 in the container 12.
3 is moved to a position corresponding to the stored sub-containers 44, 44,...
To rise. As a result, the sub-container 44 including the requested book 13 is lifted to a position higher than the other sub-containers 44, 44,..., So that the books 13, 13,. The spine is easy to see for librarians.

Next, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S3.
5, the request book 1 is displayed on the display 40 via the general control panel 57.
Display the book number or book name of No. 3. Then, in step S36, the librarian searches and retrieves the book 13 with the book number or book name displayed on the display 40 from the sub-containers 44 lifted in the container 12 by the lift plate 34b. And the librarian
In step S37, the barcode attached to the taken book 13 is read by the barcode reader 62.

Then, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S
At 38, it is determined whether or not the read barcode corresponds to the book 13 requested to be taken out. When it is determined that the barcode corresponds (YES), at step S39, the container 12 currently supported by the container support unit 34 is determined. It is determined whether or not there is another book 13 requested to be taken out of the book. If it is determined that there is no other book 13 requested to be taken out (NO), the central processing unit 45 controls the container support unit 34 via the general control panel 57 in step S40, and Is lowered.

Thereafter, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S
At 41, the vertical transport machine 71 and the transport conveyors 28 and 31 are controlled via the general control panel 57, and the container support section 34 is controlled.
Is transferred to the storage rack station 32. At this time, the central processing unit 45 executes step S
At 42, the book occupancy rate detecting device 8 via the general control panel 57
0, the book occupancy rate in the container 12 is detected and transmitted to the hard disk 53 or 55 for storage. And
In step S43, the central processing unit 45 controls the stacker crane 15 to return the container 12 transferred to the storage rack station 32 to the original position of the bookcase 11,
Here, the work of taking out the book 13 is completed (step S4).
4) is done.

If it is determined in step S38 that the read barcode does not correspond to the requested book 13 (NO), the librarian proceeds to step S4.
In step S5, the retrieved book 13 is returned to the original position in the sub-container 44, and in step S46, the book 13 with the book number or book name displayed on the display 40 is retrieved and retrieved again. Then, in step S47, the librarian reads the barcode attached to the retrieved book 13 with the barcode reader 62.

Then, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S
At 48, it is determined whether or not the read barcode corresponds to the book 13 requested to be taken out. If it is determined that the barcode corresponds (YES), the process proceeds to step S39.
If it is determined that the bar code read in step S48 does not correspond to the book 13 requested to be taken out (NO), the librarian places the taken out book 13 in the original position in the sub-container 44 in step S49. Then, in step S50, it is determined whether or not the requested book 13 is in the lifted sub-container 44.

If it is determined that there is (NO),
The librarian executes the process of step S46 again, and when it is determined that the subcontainer 44 has not been lifted by operating the console 60 in step S51, the process proceeds to step S51.
Is input to the central processing unit 45 indicating that the requested book 13 does not exist. Then, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S3
Move to the process of No. 9.

If it is determined in step S39 that there is another book 13 requested to be taken out of the containers 12 currently supported by the container support unit 34 (YES), the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S39. , Step S5
In step 2, the container support unit 34 is controlled via the general control panel 57, and the lift plate 34b is moved down to a position corresponding to the sub-container 44 of the next required book 13 in the container 12, and Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the return operation of the book 13. That is, Book 1
The return operation of No. 3 is started by giving the book 13 returned by the user to, for example, a librarian at the second floor station 22 (step S53). Then, in step S54, the librarian of the second floor station 22 calls the console 60
Is input to the central processing unit 45 to store the returned book 13.

When a storage instruction is input, the central processing unit 4
5 is a step S55 in which the hard disk 53 has already been set.
, 55, etc., the containers 12, 12,...
Of the selected container 12 in the bookcase 11 via the general control panel 54 by automatically selecting a container 12 having a small book presence ratio, that is, a large empty space. The container 12 is moved to the storage position, and the container 12 is removed from the bookcase 11 and moved to the retrieval rack station 16 in step S56. Then, in step S57, the central processing unit 45 causes the vertical transport device 71 and the transport conveyor 17,
By controlling the container 21, the container 12 taken out to the unloading rack station 16 is transferred to, for example, the container support section 34 of the second floor station 22 and is supported by the support table 34 a.

Thereafter, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S
At 58, the container support section 34 is controlled via the general control panel 57, and the lift plate 34b is moved to a position corresponding to the empty sub-container 44 in the container 12 and raised. Then, in step S59, the librarian reads the barcode attached to the returned book 13 with the barcode reader 62, and then returns the returned book 13 to the raised sub-container 4.
Return to 4.

Next, in step S60, the librarian determines whether or not there is only one return book 13. If it is determined that there is only one book (YES), the librarian operates the console 60 in step S61. Support for completion of return is input to the central processing unit 45. Then, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S62.
Then, the container support section 34 is controlled via the general control panel 57 to lower the lift plate 34b.

Thereafter, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S
At 63, the vertical transport 71 and the transport conveyors 28 and 31 are controlled via the general control panel 57, and the container support 34 is controlled.
The container 12 in the container 12 is transferred to the storage rack station 32, and in step S64, the book presence ratio detecting device 80 is controlled via the general control panel 57 to detect the book presence ratio in the container 12 and , 55, etc. and store them. Then, the central processing unit 45 proceeds to step S6.
In step 5, the stacker crane 15 is controlled to return the container 12 of the storage rack station 32 to the original position of the bookcase 11, and the work of returning the book 13 is completed here (step S66).

In step S60, the returned book 1
If it is determined that the number 3 is not only one (NO), the librarian determines in step S67 whether or not there is a space for accommodating another returned book 13 in the currently raised sub-container 44. If it is determined that there is (YE
S), In step S68, the barcode attached to the returned book 13 is read by the barcode reader 62, and is returned to the raised sub-container 44. Then, in step S69, the librarian determines whether there is no book 13 to be returned. If it is determined that there is no book 13 to be returned (YES), the process proceeds to step S61, and if it is determined that there is such a book (NO).
The processing in step S67 is performed.

Further, in step S67, another returned book 13 is stored in the currently raised sub-container 44.
If it is determined that there is no space to accommodate (NO),
In step S70, the librarian determines whether another subcontainer 4
It is determined whether or not there is a space for accommodating the returned book 13 among 4, 44,..., And when it is determined that there is no space (N
O) The process of step S61 is performed. If it is determined that there is space in the other sub-containers 44, 44,... For accommodating the return book 13 (YES), the librarian operates the console 60 in step S71 to operate the lift plate 34b. Is moved down to the position of another empty sub-container 44 and raised. Then, in step S72, the librarian reads the barcode attached to the returned book 13 with the barcode reader 62, returns the returned book 13 to the raised sub-container 44, and executes the processing of step S69. I do.

Therefore, according to the configuration as in the above-described embodiment, the book 13 is returned from the container 12 returned to the bookshelf 11.
Automatically detects the occupied portion and the unoccupied portion, and stores the detection result in correspondence with the storage position of the container 12 returned in the bookcase 11, so that the plurality of Containers 12, 12,..., The storage rate of each book 13 is grasped, and when the return of book 13 is requested based on the stored contents, the second floor or first floor stations 22, 24 from bookshelf 11 are returned. , 25 are automatically selected, so that when a large amount of books 13, 13,... Are required to be returned, the container 12 having a low book accommodation ratio, that is, a large amount of empty space, is used. Can be automatically selected and taken out to the second floor or first floor stations 22, 24, and 25, and the efficiency of the book 13 return operation can be further improved. In particular, the second or first floor stations 22,2
Transfer of container 12 transferred to bookshelf 11 from 4, 25
During the route, the container 12 being transferred is in its vicinity (in FIG. 2,
(Underneath), inside the container 12
Occupancy rate (accommodation rate) of books 13, 13, ...
The presence rate detectors 42 and 43 that detect
The books 13, 1 inside the container 12
3) The presence / absence of a person is troubled by the worker
Can be detected easily and accurately.
You.

Here, in the book storage management system shown in FIG. 1, the bookshelf 11 and the second floor and first floor station 2
A large-scale apparatus using the vertical conveyor 71, the conveyors 17, 21, 23, 26, 28, 31, and the like in addition to the stacker crane 15 for transferring the container 12 between the containers 2, 24, and 25 has been described. For example, in a small-scale system in which the transfer of the container 12 between the bookcase 11 and the station is performed only by the stacker crane 15, FIG.
In other words, a general control panel 57 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 7, that is, a controller that controls the stacker crane 15 and the container support portions 34 and 35 in the station may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the container 12 transported by the stacker crane 15 is used as a station.
It is configured to be selectively supported by the container support portions 34 and 35 on both sides.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the presence / absence detectors 42a, 42b, 43a, 43b for detecting the presence / absence of the book 13 in the container 12.
And a position detector 4 for detecting the position of the container 12
Each of 2c and 43c has been described as performing the detection operation by irradiating the detection light and the reflected light, but is not limited thereto. For example, a type of detection that emits an ultrasonic wave and performs the detection operation by receiving the reflected wave. A detector may be used. In short, various types of detectors can be used as long as the detector does not contact the container 12 or the book 13. In addition,
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0092]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide an extremely good book storage management device which can grasp the accommodation ratio of books in a plurality of containers accommodated in a library and further improve the efficiency of book return work.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a book storage management device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of a second floor station in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a relationship between a container and a sub-container in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the container and a container support unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing details of an integrated control panel of the control system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of a container in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing details of the container in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a waveform chart showing the output of each detector of the book occupancy detection device in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing details of the book presence ratio detecting device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the book occupancy detection device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of book retrieval in the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of book retrieval in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of book return in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing details of a general control panel in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing details of a station in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 bookshelf, 12 containers, 13 books, 14 rails, 15 stacker crane, 16 warehouse rack station, 17 transport conveyor, 18 container exit, 19 container entrance for 2nd floor, 20 ... Container entrance for the first floor, 21 ... Conveyor, 22 ... Second floor station, 23 ... Conveyor, 24, 25 ... First floor station, 26 ... Conveyor, 27 ... Container exit for the first floor, 28 ... Conveyor, 29: Container loading / unloading for the second floor, 30: Container loading / unloading, 31: Transport conveyor, 32
... Racking rack station, 33 ... Counter stand, 3
4, 35: container support, 36: operation unit, 37
... Barcode readers, 38,39 ... Wall, 40,41 ... Display, 42,43 ... Presence rate detector, 44 ... Subcontainer, 45 ... Central processing unit, 46 ... Bus line, 47 ... Uninterruptible power supply 48, a file adapter, 49, a floppy disk, 50, a hard disk, 51, a cartridge tape, 52, a file adapter, 53, a hard disk, 54, a file adapter, 55, a hard disk, 56, a serial interface adapter, 57,
Integrated control panel, 58: stationary detector, 59: serial interface adapter, 60: console, 61: display, 62: barcode reader, 63: serial printer, 64: serial interface adapter, 6
5 display, 66 barcode reader, 67 serial printer, 68 barcode printer, 69 input / output circuit, 70 control circuit, 71 vertical transporter, 72 to
75 input / output circuit, 76-79 drive circuit, 80 book presence ratio detection device, 81, 82 input / output circuit, 83 arithmetic operation control circuit, 84 input circuit, 85 reference clock generation circuit, 86 Program storage circuit, 87: Data storage circuit.

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of containers accommodated in a library , each containing a plurality of books, and a designated container out of the plurality of containers is taken out of the library and transferred to a station. in library storage management apparatus and an automatic conveying means for returning the retained container transferred to the library, by the automatic conveying means, said document from said station
Installed in the transfer route of the container transferred to the warehouse
That the container being transported passes nearby.
Accordingly, the presence absence seat detecting means for automatically detecting the presence portions and missed seat portion of the book inside the container, and the detection result of the presence absence seat detection means, said automatic conveying hands
Before being returned from the station to the archive by a step
The serial containers, storage means for storing in correspondence a housing position within the library, in a state in which return is requested of the book, to be the return book
From the archive to the station to accommodate
And a control unit for selecting a container to be exported based on the storage content of the storage unit. Wherein said control means, based on the stored contents of the storage means, a library storage of claim 1, wherein the selecting more the container <br/> Na of absence seat portion of the book Management device.