WO2018047854A1

WO2018047854A1 - Picking assistance device, picking assistance system, and picking assistance method

Info

Publication number: WO2018047854A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/032086
Authority: WO
Inventors: 吉田　龍一; 柴谷　一弘; 智也山下; 佳祐三ツ井; 康夫羽合; 研二林
Original assignee: コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-09-07
Filing date: 2017-09-06
Publication date: 2018-03-15

Abstract

Provided is a picking assistance device which minimizes danger to workers during picking work. This picking assistance device (130) is configured so as to be capable of communication with a server (120), which has information (122) of an item to be picked and movement information (124) for a worker to move to a storage place where the item is stored. This picking assistance device (130) comprises: a display (140); a control unit (150) for controlling the display contents of the display; and a determination unit for determining whether or not the worker has reached the storage place shown by the movement information. The control unit (150), upon receiving the movement information (124) from the server (120), displays the movement information (124) on the display (140), and displays the item information (122) received from the server (120) on the display (140) in response to the determination by the determination unit that the worker has reached the storage place (10) shown by the movement information (124).

Description

Picking support device, picking support system, and picking support method

This disclosure relates to a technology for supporting picking, and more specifically, to a technology for suppressing the danger of an operator in picking work.

At a distribution center where goods are received and delivered, an operator picks up the required number of products from the product storage location. More specifically, the worker moves to a storage location where the product is stored according to the instruction, and picks the specified number of the specified product. In order to increase the efficiency of such picking work, various picking support devices have been proposed.

Regarding the picking support device, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-147411 (Patent Document 1) displays both numbers and product pictures on a see-through screen of a head-mounted display to clarify the picking target, We have disclosed a picking work method that prevents accidental picking work and improves work efficiency (see [Summary]).

On the other hand, as a control method for a transmissive head mounted display, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-032085 (Patent Document 2) displays a plurality of icons 81 in a retreat area 85 that avoids a view securing area 84 on the display screen 26. The composition is disclosed (see [Summary]).

JP-A-10-147411 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-032085

By the way, in a place where picking work is performed, a plurality of workers, a cart operated by the worker, a forklift, an automatic guided vehicle, and the like are moving. Therefore, there is a risk that the worker may come into contact with other moving objects when moving to the storage location where the product is stored according to the instruction.

In the picking support device disclosed in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the danger of the worker during this movement. Patent Document 2 does not mention any picking work in the first place.

The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and an object in one aspect is to provide a picking support apparatus, a picking support method, and a picking support apparatus that reduce the risk of an operator in picking work Is to provide a picking support system.

A picking support apparatus according to a certain aspect is an apparatus for an operator to pick a specified article from a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations. The picking support apparatus is configured to be able to communicate with a server having information on an article to be picked and movement information for an operator to move to a storage location where the article is stored. The picking support apparatus includes a display, a control unit for controlling display contents of the display, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information. When the control unit receives the movement information from the server, the control unit displays the movement information on the display. When the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached, the control unit displays the information on the article received from the server. To display.

The picking support system according to another category is a system for an operator to pick a specified article from a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations. The picking support system includes a server and a picking support device. The server includes information on an article to be picked and movement information for an operator to move to a storage location where the article is stored. The picking support apparatus includes a display, a control unit for controlling display contents of the display, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information. When the control unit receives the movement information from the server, the control unit displays the movement information on the display. When the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached, the control unit displays the information on the article received from the server. To display.

According to still another aspect, a picking support method for picking a specified article among a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations, which is processed by an information processing terminal having a display, The processing terminal receives information on the article to be picked, receives the movement information for moving to the storage location where the article to be picked is stored and displays it on the display, and the operator receives the movement information. A step of determining whether or not the storage location indicated is reached, and a step of displaying on the display information on the article to be picked in response to the determination that the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information. .

The picking support device according to an embodiment can suppress the danger of the worker who performs the picking work, in particular, the danger when the worker moves to the storage location where the product is stored according to the instruction.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention which is to be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure explaining the structural example of the picking assistance system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the structural example of the database server according to Embodiment 1, a picking server, a picking support apparatus, and a shelf. It is a figure explaining related DB according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control of picking work by the picking support system according to the first embodiment. It is the figure where the monocular display is attached to the position for the right eye. It is an example of the display mode of shelf ID when the monocular display is attached to the position for the right eye. It is the figure where the monocular display is attached to the position for the left eye. It is an example of the display mode of shelf ID when the monocular display is attached to the position for the left eye. It is a figure explaining the display mode which displays article information etc. on HMD according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control of picking work by the picking support system according to the second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the movement information according to Embodiment 3. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Technology]
The picking work performed by the worker mainly includes two works. One is an operation in which a worker receives a picking instruction and moves to a storage location where an article to be picked is stored. One is an operation in which the worker confirms that the article stored in the storage location is the article indicated in the instruction and puts the article in the cart.

Requirement information differs between these two operations. The former requires information for moving to a storage location. In one aspect, this information can be information for identifying a storage location. In the latter case, detailed information on the article (name of article, image, etc.) is required so as not to mistake the article to be put in the cart.

In the picking work, it is the former work (moving work) that the worker can come into contact with the forklift or other workers. Therefore, the picking support apparatus according to the embodiment displays information for moving to the storage location on the display when the worker performs the former work. When the picking support apparatus determines that the worker has reached the storage location, the picking support apparatus displays detailed information on the article on the display. That is, this picking support apparatus does not display the detailed information of the article when the worker performs the former work.

According to the above, the picking support apparatus according to the embodiment can secure a wide display area for information to move to the storage location on the display. As a result, in the former work, the worker can more easily recognize information for moving to the storage location, and does not recognize unnecessary information, so that the worker can work more concentratedly. Thereby, the picking assistance apparatus according to the embodiment can suppress the danger of the worker in the former work. The configuration and control of this picking support apparatus will be described below.

[Embodiment 1]
(External structure of picking support system)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a picking support system 100 according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the picking support system 100 includes a database server 110, a picking server 120, and a picking support device 130.

The picking support device 130 includes a head mounted display (hereinafter also referred to as “HMD”) 140 and a control device 150. The picking support device 130 is configured to be attachable to an operator.

Next, the storage location where the items to be picked are stored will be described. A plurality of articles that can be picked are stored for each type in a plurality of storage locations. In the first embodiment, a plurality of articles are stored in a plurality of

shelves

10A, 10B, and 10C (hereinafter collectively referred to as shelves “10”). Each of the plurality of shelves 10 is provided with a plurality of sections. One section contains one or more kinds of articles.

Each of the plurality of shelves 10 is provided with a shelf ID display board 12 on which different identification information (shelf ID) is written. For example, “10A” is described on the shelf ID display board 12 provided on the shelf 10A.

Each of the plurality of sections is provided with a section ID display board 14 on which different identification information (section ID) is written. The identification information displayed on the section ID display board 14 includes the identification information of the shelf 10 on which the section is provided. That is, each of the plurality of sections provided on the shelf 10A has identification information including “10A”. As an example, “10A-1-1” is described on the section ID display board 14 provided in the section provided in the first row of the first row of the shelf 10A.

(Summary of picking work)
Next, the flow of picking work will be described. First, an operator (not shown) inputs an article to be picked into the database server 110. The database server 110 outputs an article ID 112 that identifies an article to be picked to the picking server 120.

The picking server 120 outputs the article information 122 and the movement information 124 associated with the article ID 112 to the picking support apparatus 130. The article information 122 may include, for example, information for identifying an article name, an article image, and other articles. The movement information 124 is information for the worker to move to a storage location where the article is stored. In one aspect, the movement information may include identification information (shelf ID) of the shelf 10.

The picking support apparatus 130 displays the movement information 124 on the HMD 140. The worker looks at the movement information displayed on the HMD 140 and moves to a storage location where the article to be picked is stored. At this time, the article information 122 is not displayed on the HMD 140.

When the picking support device 130 determines that the worker has arrived at the storage location where the picked item is stored, the picking support device 130 displays the item information 122 on the HMD 140. The worker looks at the article information 122 displayed on the HMD 140, identifies the article to be picked, and picks (acquires) the article.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the database server 110, the picking server 120, the picking support device 130, and the shelf 10 according to the first embodiment.

(Configuration of database server 110)
The database server 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 202, an input interface (I / F) 204, a communication interface (I / F) 206, and an article database (DB) 208.

CPU 202 controls the operation of database server 110. The input interface 204 is a device for inputting information to the database server 110. The input interface 204 can be realized by a mouse, a keyboard, or the like.

The communication interface 206 is a device for communicating with the picking server 120. In one aspect, the communication interface 206 can be a LAN (Local Area Network) card. The database server 110 can communicate with the picking server 120 connected to a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication interface 206.

The article DB 208 is a database for associating and storing names of a plurality of articles to be picked and an article ID for identifying the article.

(Configuration of picking server 120)
The picking server 120 includes a CPU 212, a communication interface 214, and a related DB. The CPU 212 controls the operation of the picking server. The communication interface 214 is a device for communicating with the database server 110 and the picking support apparatus 130, respectively. In one aspect, the communication interface 214 can be a LAN card.

The related DB 216 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the related DB 216 according to the first embodiment. The association DB 216 is a table for holding the article ID, the article information 122, and the section ID in association with each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the article ID “0001” includes an article name “flat head screw” as article information, an image A indicating a flat head screw, and a section ID “10A-1” of a section in which the flat head screw is stored. -3 ”.

(Configuration of Picking Support Device 130)
Referring back to FIG. 2, the picking support device 130 includes an HMD 140 and a control device 150. The HMD 140 includes a camera 220. In the first embodiment, the HMD 140 is a monocular transmissive head-mounted display. The reason is that when trouble occurs in the HMD 140 for some reason (for example, white display on the entire surface), the worker can secure the field of view with the eyes not wearing the HMD 140. In other aspects, HMD 140 may be binocular. In still another aspect, the HMD 140 may be a non-transmissive type (immersive type) that covers both eyes of the worker. In such a case, an image captured by the camera 220 is displayed on the HMD 140. In yet another aspect, the picking support apparatus 130 can display information on a display that is not head-mounted. In this case, the picking support apparatus 130 can be realized as a tablet, a fablet, or other portable terminal.

The control device 150 includes a controller 230, a communication interface 242, a reception module 244, and a storage device 246.

The controller 230 includes a CPU 232, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 234, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 236.

The CPU 232 controls the operation of the picking support apparatus 130 by reading and executing a control program stored in the ROM 234 or the storage device 246. The ROM 234 is typically a flash memory or the like, and stores a control program executed by the CPU 232 and various setting information related to the operation of the picking support apparatus 130. The RAM 236 is typically a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like, and temporarily stores data necessary for the CPU 232 to execute the control program. That is, the RAM 236 functions as a working memory for the CPU 232.

The communication interface 242 is a device for communicating with the picking server 120. In one aspect, the communication interface 214 can be a LAN card.

The receiving module 244 is a device for receiving radio waves emitted from a transmitter 250 described later. The reception module includes an antenna and a modulation / demodulation circuit, converts the received radio wave into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the controller 230. The storage device 246 stores a control program executed by the CPU 232 and other information.

(Configuration of shelf 10)
The shelf 10 includes a shelf ID display board 12, a transmitter 250, and a plurality of sections 20. The section 20 has a section ID display board 14.

The transmitter 250 is configured to transmit radio waves including different identification information for each shelf 10 toward a predetermined space area of a short distance (for example, 3 m). Preferably, the transmitter 250 is configured to transmit a radio wave including a shelf ID. The transmitter 250 functions as a so-called beacon. As an example, the transmitter 250 transmits radio waves according to the BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) standard toward a narrow space.

(Picking work support flow)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating control of picking work by the picking support system 100 according to the first embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the

CPUs

202, 212, and 232 executing a control program stored in each storage device. In other aspects, some or all of the processing may be performed by circuit elements or other hardware. This condition is the same in the flowchart of FIG. 7 described later.

In step S405, the CPU 202 of the database server 110 accepts a picking instruction from the operator via the input interface 204. As an example, the operator inputs an article to be picked and a necessary number to the database server 110 from a list of a plurality of articles displayed on a display (not shown).

In step S410, the CPU 202 refers to the article DB 208 and transmits the article ID of the article to be picked and the required number to the picking server 120.

In step S415, the CPU 212 of the picking server 120 refers to the related DB 216 and identifies the article information 122 associated with the article ID and the section ID. In step S420, the CPU 212 transmits the shelf ID included in the section ID to the picking support apparatus 130.

In step S425, the CPU 232 of the picking support apparatus 130 displays the shelf ID on the HMD 140. The worker moves to the shelf 10 indicated by the shelf ID displayed on the HMD 140. That is, the picking support apparatus 130 displays the shelf ID on the HMD 140 as the movement information 124. In another aspect, the picking support apparatus 130 may display the section ID on the HMD 140 as the movement information 124. In this case, the picking server 120 transmits the section ID to the picking support apparatus 130 instead of the shelf ID in step S420. Next, a display mode of the movement information 124 in the HMD 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D.

5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating display modes for displaying the shelf ID on the HMD 140 according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5C, the monocular display 510 provided in the HMD 140 is configured to be able to change the position for the right eye and the position for the left eye. FIG. 5A is a diagram in which the monocular display 510 is attached to the right eye position. FIG. 5C is a diagram in which the monocular display 510 is attached to the left eye position.

In one aspect, the HMD 140 has a mounting rail for mounting the monocular display 510 on the upper part of the frame. The position information to which the monocular display 510 is attached is transmitted to the control device 150. As an example, switches are provided on the left and right of the mounting rail. This switch is pressed when the monocular display 510 is attached. Based on this position information (switch output), the control device 150 determines whether the monocular display 510 is attached at the right eye position or the left eye position.

FIG. 5B is an example of the display mode of the shelf ID when the monocular display 510 is attached to the right eye position. FIG. 5D is an example of a shelf ID display mode when the monocular display 510 is attached to the position for the left eye. In FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D, the part without the character is transparent.

When it is determined that the monocular display 510 is attached to the right eye position, the control device 150 displays the shelf ID on the right end of the display. On the other hand, when it is determined that the monocular display 510 is attached to the position for the left eye, the control device 150 displays it on the left end of the display.

The worker basically walks while looking at the front when moving. Therefore, it is preferable that the center of the worker's field of view is secured when the worker moves to the storage location. The reason is that it is difficult for an operator to recognize other moving objects while moving, and the risk of a contact accident increases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D, the picking support apparatus 130 displays the movement information 124 (shelf ID) in an area within a predetermined distance from the body side surface end of the HMD 140. Thereby, since the picking assistance apparatus 130 can ensure an operator's visual field center part, it can suppress the danger of the accident during an operator's movement.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the worker looks at the shelf ID displayed on the HMD 140 in step S425 and moves to the shelf 10 that stores the items to be picked.

In step S430, the reception module 244 receives a radio wave including a shelf ID from the transmitter 250 provided in the shelf 10 that stores the item to be picked. Note that the transmitter 250 may not transmit radio waves including the shelf ID of the shelf 10 on which the transmitter 250 is provided. In this case, the picking server 120 further transmits the identification information transmitted by the transmitter 250 provided on the identified shelf 10 to the picking support apparatus 130 in step S415.

In step S435, the CPU 232 of the picking support apparatus 130 transmits a notification signal to the picking server 120 in response to the reception module 244 receiving a radio wave including the shelf ID of the shelf 10 that stores the item to be picked.

In step S440, the CPU 212 of the picking server 120 transmits the article information 122, the section ID, and the necessary number specified in step S415 to the picking support apparatus 130 in response to receiving the notification signal.

In step S445, the CPU 232 displays the received article information 122, section ID, and necessary number of information on the HMD 140.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display mode for displaying the article information 122 and the like on the HMD 140 according to the first embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 6 is an example of the display mode of the shelf ID when the monocular display 510 is attached to the right eye position.

On the monocular display 510, a section ID 610, an article name 620, a necessary number 630, an article image 640, and caution information 650 are displayed. Note that the caution information 650 is stored in the storage device 246. In another aspect, the caution information 650 may be held as the article information 122 in the related DB 216.

The worker sees this screen and moves to the section (for example, 10A-1-3) indicated by the section ID 610. The worker specifies the article name 620 and the picking target article indicated by the article image 640 from one or more kinds of articles stored in the section indicated by the section ID 610. The worker picks the specified article by the number indicated by the required number 630.

Referring to FIGS. 5B and 6, the display area of information (movement information 124) displayed on HMD 140 until the operator determines that the storage location has been reached corresponds to the fact that the worker has reached the storage location. It is smaller than the display area of information (610 to 650) displayed on the HMD 140. Thereby, since the picking assistance apparatus 130 can ensure the visibility at the time of an operator's movement, it can suppress the danger in an operator's picking work.

Referring to FIG. 4 again, in step S450, CPU 232 of picking support apparatus 130 inspects the picked article. More specifically, the CPU 232 performs inspection by comparing the identification information (for example, the item ID) displayed on the picked item photographed by the camera 220 with the identification information of the item to be picked.

In step S455, if these pieces of identification information match, the CPU 232 transmits an inspection signal to the picking server 120, assuming that the correct article has been picked.

In step S460, in response to receiving the inspection signal, the CPU 212 of the picking server 120 transmits a signal notifying that the picking operation for the target article has been completed to the database server 110.

In step S465, the database server 110 transmits the item ID and the required number of the next item to be picked to the picking server 120 in response to receiving the signal from the picking server 120. Thereafter, the operations in steps S415 to S460 are repeated.

According to the above, the picking support system 100 according to the first embodiment displays only information necessary for moving to the storage location on the HMD 140 until the worker reaches the storage location where the article to be picked is stored. Therefore, the worker can move more concentrated because he / she does not recognize unnecessary information when moving to the storage location. Therefore, the picking support system 100 can suppress the danger of the worker who performs the picking work.

[Embodiment 2]
The picking server 120 according to the first embodiment is configured to transmit only the shelf ID included in the specified section ID after specifying the section ID associated with the article ID (step S415 in FIG. 4). The picking server according to the second embodiment also transmits information associated with the item ID other than the shelf ID. When it is determined that the picking support apparatus 130 according to the second embodiment has reached the storage location for storing the picking target article, the picking support apparatus 130 switches the information displayed on the HMD 140 itself. According to this configuration, the picking support system according to the second embodiment can reduce the traffic between the picking server and the picking support device as compared with the picking system according to the first embodiment. The configuration of the picking support system according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the picking support system 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining control of picking work by the picking support system 100 according to the second embodiment. In addition, since it is the same process about the part which attached | subjected the same code | symbol as FIG. 4, description about the part is not repeated.

In step S710, the CPU 212 of the picking server 120 transmits the identified section ID, article information 122, and necessary number to the picking support apparatus 130.

In step S720, the CPU 232 of the picking support apparatus 130 extracts the shelf ID from the received section ID, and displays the extracted shelf ID on the HMD 140.

In step S730, in response to the reception module 244 receiving the radio wave including the shelf ID of the shelf 10 that stores the item to be picked, the HMD 140 receives the section ID, the item information, and the necessary number received in step S710. To display.

According to the above, the picking server 120 and the picking support device 130 according to the second embodiment can reduce the amount of data exchanged with each other.

[Embodiment 3]
In the above-described embodiment, the picking support apparatus 130 is configured to display the movement information 124 (shelf ID or section ID) on the HMD 140 when the worker moves to the article storage location. The picking support apparatus 130 according to the third embodiment displays a route to the shelf 10 indicated by the shelf ID instead of or in addition to the movement information 124. Note that the configuration of the picking support system according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the configuration of the picking support system 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore only different parts will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the movement information 124 according to the third embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, a monocular display 510 displays a map 810, a current location 820, and a route 830 in addition to the shelf ID.

The map 810 shows an arrangement of a plurality of shelves 10 as an example. The map 810 is stored in the storage device 246. Based on the shelf ID received from the picking server 120, the CPU 232 of the picking support apparatus 130 displays the shelf 10 storing the articles to be picked in a display mode different from the other shelves 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the shelf 10 </ b> A that stores the picking target article is displayed in gray scale.

The current location 820 indicates the current location on the worker's map 810. The picking support apparatus 130 according to the third embodiment has a position specifying unit for specifying the current location on the map 810. As an example, the picking support apparatus 130 specifies the position of the shelf ID (or section ID) included in the radio wave with the highest intensity among the radio waves received by the reception module 244 as the current location. In an environment where the shelf 10 is installed outdoors, the picking support device 130 may identify a current location by receiving a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal from an antenna (not shown). In still another aspect, the picking support apparatus 130 may specify the position using the received signal strength of Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

The route 830 indicates a route from the current location 820 to the storage location of the item to be picked. In one aspect, the path 830 may be the shortest path from the current location 820 to the shelf 10 corresponding to the shelf ID received from the picking server 120. The path 830 is calculated by the CPU 232 of the picking support apparatus 130.

According to the above, even an operator who does not remember the arrangement positions of the plurality of shelves 10 can efficiently move to a storage location (shelf 10) where articles to be picked are stored.

[Other configurations]
(How to determine when the worker has reached the storage location)
In the above description, the picking support apparatus 130 is configured to determine that the worker has reached the storage location when the receiving module 244 receives specific identification information transmitted by the transmitter 250. In another aspect, picking support apparatus 130 includes stop determination means for determining whether or not the worker has stopped, and when the worker determines that the worker has stopped for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) or more. It can be determined that the worker has reached the storage location. For example, the picking support apparatus 130 can determine that the worker is stopped when the amount of change per unit time in the radio wave intensity received by the reception module 244 is less than a predetermined intensity. In another example, the picking support device 130 is equipped with an acceleration sensor (not shown), and when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor (that is, the acceleration at which the worker moves) falls below a predetermined value, It can be determined that the person has stopped.

In yet another aspect, the picking support apparatus 130 determines that the worker has reached the storage location when the camera 220 reads the shelf ID that displays the shelf ID or the section ID received from the picking server 120. More specifically, when the worker arrives at a storage location where the picking target article is stored, the operator captures an ID displayed on the shelf ID display board 12 or the section ID display board 14 with the camera 220. The CPU 232 analyzes the image photographed by the camera 220 using known optical character recognition software and extracts characters. If the extracted characters include the shelf ID or the section ID received from the picking server 120, the CPU 232 can determine that the worker has reached the storage location.

In addition, the picking support apparatus 130 according to the third embodiment, when the distance between the storage location (the shelf 10 or the section 20) that stores the picking target article on the map 810 and the current location 820 is less than a predetermined distance (for example, 1 m), It can be determined that the worker has reached the storage location.

(Inspection method)
In the above, the picking support apparatus 130 is configured to perform inspection processing using the camera 220. In another aspect, the picking support apparatus 130 can perform an inspection process according to a value of a weight sensor provided in a cart on which the picked article is loaded. In this case, the picking support device 130 is configured to be able to communicate with the weight sensor. More specifically, the article information 122 held in the related DB 216 includes the weight of the article. In step S415 in FIG. 4, the picking server 120 further transmits the weight of the article to the picking support apparatus 130. When the weight detected by the weight sensor is substantially equal to the value obtained by multiplying the weight of the article by the required number, the picking support apparatus 130 determines that the correct article has been picked. According to this configuration, the worker does not have to perform inspection work using the camera 220 each time. Therefore, the efficiency of the picking work performed by the worker can be improved.

In yet another aspect, the picking support apparatus 130 can perform an inspection process by reading identification information such as a barcode and a two-dimensional code attached to an article with a barcode reader, a two-dimensional code reader, and the like.

(Location of related DB 216)
In the above, the picking server 120 refers to the related DB 216 to specify the item information and the like associated with the item ID. Thereby, the processing load of the database server 110 can be reduced. However, in another aspect, the database server 110 may be configured to hold the related DB 216, specify information associated with the article designated by the operator, and transmit the information to the picking server 120 or the picking support device 130.

Note that it is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function and execute control as described in the above flow. Such programs are recorded on non-temporary computer-readable recording media such as flexible disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), ROM and memory cards attached to computers, and provided as program products. You can also Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

The program may be a program module that is provided as part of a computer operating system (OS) and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

Further, the program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

(Configuration 1)
A picking support apparatus according to an aspect is an apparatus for an operator to pick a specified article from a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations. The picking support apparatus is configured to be able to communicate with a server having information on an article to be picked and movement information for an operator to move to a storage location where the article is stored. The picking support apparatus includes a display, a control unit for controlling display contents of the display, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information. When the control unit receives the movement information from the server, the control unit displays the movement information on the display. When the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached, the control unit displays the information on the article received from the server. To display.

(Configuration 2)
Preferably, each of the plurality of storage locations includes different first identification information. The movement information includes first identification information.

(Configuration 3)
Preferably, each of the plurality of storage locations includes a plurality of storage units that store one or more articles. Each of the plurality of accommodating portions includes different second identification information. The movement information includes second identification information.

(Configuration 4)
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a storage device for storing a map indicating the arrangement of a plurality of storage locations, and a position specifying unit for specifying the current location of the worker on the map. When receiving the movement information from the server, the control unit calculates a route from the current location specified by the position specifying unit to the storage location indicated by the movement information, and displays the calculated route, the map, and the movement information on the display. To do.

(Configuration 5)
Preferably, the determination unit includes a stop determination unit that determines whether or not the worker has stopped. The determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached when the time at which the worker is determined to be stopped by the stop determination unit reaches a predetermined time.

(Configuration 6)
Preferably, each of the plurality of storage locations includes a transmitter that transmits radio waves including third identification information different from each other. The movement information includes third identification information corresponding to the storage location where the picking target is stored. The determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached in response to receiving the radio wave including the third identification information included in the movement information.

(Configuration 7)
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a storage device for storing a map indicating the arrangement of a plurality of storage locations, and a position specifying unit for specifying the current location of the worker on the map. When the distance between the current location specified by the position specifying unit on the map and the storage location indicated by the movement information is less than a predetermined distance, the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached.

(Configuration 8)
More preferably, a camera is further provided. The determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached by reading the first identification information indicated by the movement information by the camera.

(Configuration 9)
Preferably, the display is a head mounted display (hereinafter referred to as HMD).

(Configuration 10)
More preferably, when the movement information is received from the server, the control section displays the movement information in an area within a predetermined distance from the end of the HMD. The display area of the information displayed on the HMD until the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached is the display of information displayed on the HMD in response to the determination unit reaching the location indicated by the movement information. Smaller than the area.

(Configuration 11)
More preferably, the HMD is a one-eye wearing type. When receiving the movement information from the server, the control unit displays the movement information in an area within a predetermined distance from the body side surface end of the HMD.

(Configuration 12)
The picking support system according to another station is a system for an operator to pick a specified article from a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations. The picking support system includes a server and a picking support device. The server includes information on an article to be picked and movement information for an operator to move to a storage location where the article is stored. The picking support apparatus includes a display, a control unit for controlling display contents of the display, and a determination unit for determining whether or not the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information. When the control unit receives the movement information from the server, the control unit displays the movement information on the display. When the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached, the control unit displays the information on the article received from the server. To display.

(Configuration 13)
Preferably, the picking support device further includes a confirmation device for confirming that the picking target article indicated by the article information has been picked. When the control unit confirms that the article to be picked has been picked by the confirmation device, the control unit transmits a confirmation signal to the server. In response to receiving the confirmation signal from the picking support apparatus, the server transmits information on the next article and movement information for moving to the storage location where the next article is stored to the picking support apparatus.

(Configuration 14)
According to still another aspect, a picking support method for picking a specified article among a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations, which is processed by an information processing terminal having a display, The processing terminal receives information on the article to be picked, receives the movement information for moving to the storage location where the article to be picked is stored and displays it on the display, and the operator receives the movement information. A step of determining whether or not the storage location indicated is reached, and a step of displaying on the display information on the article to be picked in response to the determination that the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information. .

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10 shelves, 12 shelves ID display board, 14 compartment ID display boards, 20 compartments, 100 picking support system, 110 database server, 120 picking server, 122 article information, 124 movement information, 130 picking support device, 140 head mounted display, 150 Control device, 202, 212, 232 CPU, 204 input interface, 206, 214, 242 communication interface, 208 article DB, 216 related DB, 220 camera, 230 controller, 234 ROM, 236 RAM, 244 reception module, 246 storage device, 250 transmitter, 510 monocular display, 810 map, 820 current location, 830 routes.

Claims

A picking support device for an operator to pick a specified article from a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations,
The picking support device includes:
It is configured to be able to communicate with a server having information on an article to be picked and movement information for the worker to move to a storage location where the article is stored,
Display,
A control unit for controlling the display content of the display;
A determination unit for determining whether the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information;
The controller is
When the movement information is received from the server, the movement information is displayed on the display,
A picking support apparatus that displays information on the article received from the server on the display in response to the determination unit determining that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached.
Each of the plurality of storage locations includes different first identification information;
The picking support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement information includes the first identification information.
Each of the plurality of storage locations includes a plurality of storage units that store one or more articles,
Each of the plurality of accommodating portions includes different second identification information,
The picking support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement information includes the second identification information.
A storage device for storing a map showing an arrangement of the plurality of storage locations;
A position specifying unit for specifying the current location of the worker on the map;
When receiving the movement information from the server, the control unit calculates a route from the current location specified by the position specifying unit to a storage location indicated by the movement information, the calculated route, the map, The picking support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein movement information is displayed on the display.
The determination unit
Including a stop determination unit for determining whether or not the worker has stopped,
5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein when the time at which the worker is determined to be stopped by the stop determination unit reaches a predetermined time, it is determined that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached. Picking support device.
Each of the plurality of storage locations includes a transmitter that transmits radio waves including third identification information different from each other,
The movement information includes third identification information corresponding to a storage location where the picking target is stored,
The determination unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached in response to receiving a radio wave including third identification information included in the movement information. The picking support apparatus according to the item.
A storage device for storing a map showing an arrangement of the plurality of storage locations;
A position specifying unit for specifying the current location of the worker on the map;
The determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached when the distance between the current location specified by the position specification unit in the map and the storage location indicated by the movement information is less than a predetermined distance. Item 5. The picking support apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 4.
A camera,
The picking support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached by reading the first identification information indicated by the movement information by the camera.
The picking support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display is a head mounted display (hereinafter referred to as HMD).
When the control unit receives the movement information from the server, the control unit displays the movement information in an area within a predetermined distance from the end of the HMD,
The display area of information displayed on the HMD until the determination unit determines that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached is displayed on the HMD in response to the determination unit reaching the location indicated by the movement information. The picking support apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the picking support apparatus is smaller than a display area of displayed information.
The HMD is a one-eye wearing type,
The picking support apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the movement information is received from the server, the control unit displays the movement information in a region within a predetermined distance from the body side surface end of the HMD. .
A picking support system for an operator to pick a specified item from a plurality of items stored in a plurality of storage locations,
A server and a picking support device,
The server
Information on the item to be picked,
Movement information for the worker to move to a storage location where the article is stored;
The picking support device includes:
Display,
A control unit for controlling the display content of the display;
A determination unit for determining whether the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information;
The controller is
When the movement information is received from the server, the movement information is displayed on the display,
A picking support system for displaying information on the article received from the server on the display in response to the determination unit determining that the storage location indicated by the movement information has been reached.
The picking support device further includes a confirmation device for confirming that the picking target article indicated by the article information has been picked.
When the controller confirms that the article to be picked has been picked by the confirmation device, it sends a confirmation signal to the server,
In response to receiving the confirmation signal from the picking support apparatus, the server transmits information on the next article and movement information for moving to a storage location where the next article is stored to the picking support apparatus. The picking support system according to claim 12.
A picking support method for picking a specified article from a plurality of articles stored in a plurality of storage locations, which is processed by an information processing terminal having a display,
The information processing terminal receiving information on an article to be picked;
Receiving movement information for moving to a storage location where the article to be picked is stored and displaying it on the display;
Determining whether the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information;
A picking support method comprising: displaying information on the picking target article on the display in response to determining that the worker has reached the storage location indicated by the movement information.