DESCRIPTION

Title of Invention

BINNING/PICKING WORK SUPPORT METHOD, AND BINNING/PICKING WORK SUPPORT SYSTEM

Technical Field

[0001]

The present invention relates to a binning/picking work support method, and a binning/picking work support system that support a binning/picking work for binning and picking a predetermined article into and from a storage area, for example, a warehouse.

Background Art

[0002]

Patent Literature 1 discloses a work instruction system which instructs a worker about a work route by using position information of a worker terminal when the worker collects ordered articles from a product shelf.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[00031-

Patent Literature 1: WO 2006/067829 A

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0004]

However, in the work instruction system of Patent Literature 1, in a case where there are a large number of ordered articles, there is a concern that it may not be efficient to collect the large number of ordered articles by one trip.

[0005]

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to support a worker to efficiently bin and pick a plurality of articles. Solution to Problem

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program (for example, contained on or in a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by a computer of a system supporting a worker to bin and pick a plurality of articles in a storage area provided with a cargo carrier passage through which a cargo carrier is moved and a worker passage through which the worker moves, the worker passage including a plurality of connection passages crossing the cargo carrier passage, wherein the program causes the computer to execute a procedure of calculating a shortest route, in which the worker passes through the cargo carrier passage and the worker passage and bins and picks the plurality of articles by using the cargo carrier, on the basis of numerical information on the plurality of articles.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to support the worker to efficiently bin and pick a plurality of articles.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a binning/picking work support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal in the binning/picking work support system according to the first embodiment .

Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a support device in the binning/picking work support system according to the first embodiment .

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a shortest route of a worker in a, binning/picking work in a storage area according to the first embodiment .

Fig. 5 is a flowchart for calculating a route of the worker in the binning/picking work support system according to the first embodiment .

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting of a work area in the storage area according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of work areas set in the storage area according to the first embodiment .

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a work of binning and picking a plurality of articles in the storage area according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of information displayed on a display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9C is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9D is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9E is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9F is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9G is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9H is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8. Fig. 91 is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9J is a diagram illustrating an example of the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal in the binning/picking work of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart for calculating a route of a worker in a binning/picking work support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting of a work area in a storage area according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of work areas set in the storage area according to the second embodiment .

Fig. 13 is a flowchart for calculating a route of a worker in a binning/picking work support system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting of a work area in a storage area according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of work areas set in the storage area according to the third embodiment .

Fig. 16 is a flowchart for calculating a route of a worker in a binning/picking work support system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart for calculating a route of a worker in a binning/picking work support system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart for calculating a route of a worker in a binning/picking work support system according to Modified Example 1.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart for calculating a route of a worker in a binning/picking work support system according to a Modified Example 2.

Description of Embodiments [0009]

(First Embodiment)

Hereinafter, a binning/picking work support system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010]

First, a storage area 6 in which the binning/picking work support system 100 is used will be described with reference to Fig.

1.

[0011]

The storage area 6 is, for example, an arrangement of bins, a warehouse, a store, a loading or unloading area, a shipping area, or any other type of storage area. In the storage area 6, a plurality of racks 7 for storing articles 11 are provided. In addition, marks 8 are provided at predetermined positions of the storage area 6.

[0012]

The storage area 6 is provided with cargo carrier passages 3a in which a cart 4 (or other type of carrier such as a pallet truck, forklift, order picker, etc.) as a cargo carrier is moved and worker passages 3b in which a worker 1 moves.

[0013]

The cargo carrier passage 3a is formed in a width that allows the worker 1 to push the cart 4 and pass through. The cart 4 can be allowed to temporarily stop in the cargo carrier passage 3a. Not only the cart 4 but also the worker 1 can pass through the cargo carrier passage 3a.

[0014]

The worker passage 3b is formed to have a width narrower than that of the cargo carrier passage 3a. The cart 4 does not enter the worker passage 3b, and only the worker 1 passes through the worker passage 3b. The worker passage 3b includes a plurality of connection passages 3c crossing the cargo carrier passage 3a and a plurality of parallel passages 3d being provided in parallel with the cargo carrier passage 3a and connecting the connection passages 3c. The worker passage 3b is formed in a grid shape in which the connection passages 3c and the parallel passages 3d form cross points .

[0015]

The marks 8 are provided at the cross points of the connection passages 3c and the parallel passages 3d formed between the racks 7. The mark 8 is installed on the ceiling portion of each cross point so as to be easily viewed by the worker 1 and not to interfere with the binning/picking work.

[0016]

In the case of binning (depositing) the article 11, the worker 1 who has stopped the cart 4 at the stop position of the cargo carrier passage 3a takes out the articles 11 from the cart 4, enters the worker passage 3b from the connection passage 3c, performs binning of the articles 11, and after that, returns from the connection passage 3c to the cart 4 on the cargo carrier passage 3a. On the other hand, in the case of picking (retrieving) the article 11, the worker 1 who has stopped the cart 4 at the stop position of the cargo carrier passage 3a enters the worker passage 3b from the connection passage 3c, performs picking the article 11, and after that, returns from the connection passage 3c to the cart 4 on the cargo carrier passage 3a to load the article 11.

[0017]

At this time, the connection passage 3c through which the worker 1 passes at the time of entering the worker passage 3b and the connection passage 3c through which the worker 1 passes at the time of returning to the cargo carrier passage 3a may be the same or different. After returning to the cart 4, the worker 1 pushes and moves the cart 4 to the next stop position.

[0018]

Next, the overall configurations of the binning/picking work support system 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to

4.

[0019]

As illustrated in Fig. 1, the binning/picking work support system 100 includes a mobile terminal 2 used by the worker 1 during the binning/picking work and a support device 5 on which various processes for supporting the binning/picking work are executed. The mobile terminal 2 and the support device 5 are communicably connected via a network 9, such as a wireless network.

[0020]

The binning/picking work support system 100 supports the binning/picking work of the plurality of articles 11 by the worker 1 in the storage area 6. Specifically, the binning/picking work support system 100 displays an instruction of the binning/picking work on the mobile terminal 2 carried by the worker 1 on the basis of the shortest route for reaching the article 11 as a binning and picking target during the binning/picking work in which the worker 1 bins and/or picks the article 11 with respect to the storage area 6.

[0021]

The mobile terminal 2 may be a smartphone or a tablet computer. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the mobile terminal 2 includes a read only memory (ROM) 21, a central processing unit (CPU) 22 that controls each component according to various control programs stored in the ROM 21, and a random access memory (RAM) 23 as a work area of the CPU 22. The ROM 21, the CPU 22, the RAM 23, and the components to be described later are connected via an internal bus 24. The mobile terminal 2 can be implemented in any type of computer, controller, control unit or processor programmed or otherwise configured to perform the functions described herein.

[0022]

In addition, the ROM 21, the CPU 22, and the RAM 23 functions as a processing unit that performs a process described later of presenting a map of the entire storage area 6 and work instruction information such as a mark 8 for guiding the worker 1 to the target article 11 of the binning/picking work and a route to the mark 8.

[0023]

The mobile terminal 2 includes a communication unit 25, a display unit 26, an input unit 27, a voice output unit 28, and a memory unit 29.

[0024]

The communication unit 25 wirelessly connects the mobile terminal 2 to the network 9 and may be any type of wireless communication circuitry, such as a wireless transceiver.

[0025]

The display unit 26 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays the work instruction information transmitted from the support device 5 described later by an LCD driver (not illustrated) for activating the LCD.

[0026]

The input unit 27 may be a touch panel configured by combining the display unit 26 and a touch detection sensor (not illustrated) on a display area of the display unit 26. The input unit 27 receives a manipulation from the worker 1 such as selection of a work instruction number and an input indicating that the target article 11 is binned or picked during the binning or picking work. Other types of user interfaces may be used for the input unit such as voice controlled interfaces, buttons, keyboards, graphical user interfaces, motion or other sensors, etc.

[0027]

The voice output unit 28 includes an audio circuit for converting a digital data into voice and a speaker (not illustrated) The voice output unit 28 outputs the work instruction information such as the mark 8 for guiding to the target article 11 and the route to the mark 8 by voice on the basis of the work instruction information transmitted from the support device 5.

[0028]

The memory unit 29 stores the work instruction information transmitted from the support device 5. As the memory unit 29, a hard disk drive (HDD) , a solid state drive (SSD) , or the like can be used.

[0029]

The memory unit 29 may store a program for executing a process for displaying the work instruction information transmitted from the support device 5 on the display unit 26.

[0030]

With the above configuration, the mobile terminal 2 receives the work instruction information on the article 11 to be a target of binning/picking work from the support device 5 via the communication unit 25 and displays the work instruction information on the display unit 26 or outputs the work instruction information from the voice output unit 28 by voice.

[0031]

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the support device 5 may be a computer that includes a ROM 51, a CPU 52 that controls each component in accordance with various control programs stored in the ROM 51, and a RAM 53 as a work area of the CPU 52. The ROM 51, the CPU 52, the RAM 53, and the configurations to be described later are connected via an internal bus 54. The support device 5 can be implemented in any type of computer, controller, control unit or processor programmed or otherwise configured to perform the functions described herein.

[0032]

The ROM 51, the CPU 52, and the RAM 53 function as a shortest route calculation unit 55 that executes various processes for supporting the binning/picking work of the articles 11. Details of the processes executed by the support device 5 will be described later.

[0033]

The support device 5 includes a communication unit 56, an input unit 57, a display unit 58, and a memory unit 59.

[0034]

The communication unit 56 wirelessly connects the support device 5 to the network 9 and may be any type of wireless communication circuitry, such as a wireless transceiver.

[0035]

The input unit 57 may be a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and receives various setting manipulations and registration manipulations for specifying the target article 11 for the binning or picking. As an example of the information input in the input unit 57, there is information for specifying the article 11 to be a target of the binning/picking work. Other types of user interfaces may be used for the input unit such as voice controlled interfaces, buttons, graphical user interfaces, motion or other sensors, etc. [0036]

In a case where information for identifying the article 11 is attached to the article 11 by an identification medium such as an RFID tag, a bar code, or a two-dimensional code, a reading device, reader, or scanner for reading the information is included as the input unit 57.

[0037]

The display unit 58 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and displays necessary items such as a manipulation for selecting the article 11 to be a target of the binning/picking work and various setting manipulations required for performing the binning/picking work.

[0038]

The memory unit 59 includes a map information memory area 59A and a storage location information memory area 59B as virtual areas. As the memory unit 59, an HDD, an SSD, or the like can be used. The map information memory area 59A and the storage location information memory area 59B may be prepared separately from the memory unit 59 as independent memory units.

[0039]

In the map information memory area 59A, map information of the entire storage area 6 and position information of a plurality of marks 8 set in the storage area 6 are stored.

[0040]

An identification ID for identifying the article 11 is attached to every article 11 stored in the storage area 6. In the storage location information memory area 59B, the identification ID for identifying the article 11 and the storage location information indicating the storage location of the article 11 in the storage area 6 are stored in association with each other.

[0041]

As illustrated in Fig. 4, in the map (referred to as an area map) of the entire storage area 6, passages are assigned with row numbers A to D and column numbers 1 to 18. For the cross points at which row passages and column passages cross, cross point numbers such as Al and A2 are defined by combinations of the row numbers and the column numbers. In the present embodiment, the cross point number is set as the mark 8 (refer to Fig. 1) . In addition, the cross point number is displayed on the mark 8 installed in the storage area 6 such that the worker 1 can visually recognize.

[0042]

The shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in which the worker 1 who has stopped the cart 4 in the cargo carrier passage 3a enters the worker passage 3b from the connection passage 3c and bins or picks the plurality of articles 11. Specifically, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route for binning or picking the plurality of articles 11 to be targets of the work instruction information selected by the worker 1. First, assuming that the cart 4 is stopped at the stop position on the cargo carrier passage 3a facing all the connection passages 3c, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates all the routes where the worker 1 travels so as to bin or pick the plurality of articles 11 from the stop position of the cart 4. The shortest route calculation unit 55 compares the movement distances of the worker 1 on all the calculated routes and sets the route having the shortest movement distance as the shortest route. Techniques for calculating routes and determining the shortest route are described in, for example, JP H01100416A, published April 18, 1989. The entire contents of this publication are incorporated herein by reference for such techniques.

[0043]

The example illustrated in Fig. 4 is to execute a work instruction of binning or picking 30 articles 11 in the storage area 6.

[0044]

First, the worker 1 stops the cart 4 at a cross point Al. The worker 1 travels from the cross point Al toward a cross point B1 on the connection passage 3c. After binning or picking one article 11 on the way, the worker 1 traces back to the connection passage 3c and returns to the cart 4 stopping at the cross point Al.

[0045] Subsequently, the worker 1 pushes the cart 4 from the cross point A1 to travel on the cargo carrier passage 3a and stops at a cross point A6. The worker 1 travels from the cross point A6 toward cross points B6 and C6 on the connection passage 3c. After binning or picking the 25 articles 11 on the way, the worker 1 traces from a cross point A12 back to the cargo carrier passage 3a and returns to the cart 4 stopping at the cross point A6.

[0046]

Subsequently, the worker 1 pushes the cart 4 from the cross point A6 to travel on the cargo carrier passage 3a and stops at a cross point A16. The worker 1 travels from the cross point A16 toward a cross point B16 on the connection passage 3c. After binning or picking the three articles 11 on the way, the worker 1 traces back to the connection passage 3c and returns to the cart 4 stopping at the cross point A16.

[0047]

Subsequently, the worker 1 pushes the cart 4 from the cross point A16 to travel on the cargo carrier passage 3a and stops at the cross point A17. The worker 1 travels from the cross point A17 toward a cross point B17 on the connection passage 3c. After binning or picking one article 11 on the way, the worker 1 traces back to the connection passage 3c and returns to the cart 4 stopping at a cross point A17.

[0048]

By travelling on the above route, the worker 1 can bin or pick all the articles 11.

[0049]

However, in the example illustrated in Fig. 4, the worker 1 bins or picks 25 articles 11 out of the 30 articles 11 by one travel after stopping the cart 4 at the cross point A6, entering the worker passage 3b, and returning to the cross point A6. For this reason, even if the distance is the shortest, there is a concern that the worker 1 needs to move with many articles 11, and thus, the shortest distance may not be necessarily efficient in order for the worker 1 to perform binning or picking the articles 11. Therefore, in the binning/picking work support system 100, as described below, the work area 10 described later for which the worker 1 is away from the cart 4 to bin/pick the article (s) 11 is divided into a plurality of areas, and then, the shortest route is calculated.

[0050]

Next, a binning/picking work support method using the binning/picking work support system 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. The flowchart of Fig. 5 and the other functions and steps described herein may be performed by any type of computer, controller, control unit or processor programmed or otherwise configured to perform the functions and steps described herein.

[0051]

The support device 5 repeatedly executes the routine illustrated in Fig. 5 at constant time intervals of, for example,

10 milliseconds. Herein, a case where the plurality of articles

11 are binned or picked with respect to the storage area 6 will be described as an example with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0052]

In step Sll, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route. Specifically, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route for binning or picking the plurality of articles 11 to be targets of the work instruction information selected by the worker 1. First, assuming that the cart 4 is stopped at the stop position on the cargo carrier passage 3a facing all the connection passages 3c, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates all the routes where the worker 1 travels so as to bin or pick the plurality of articles 11 from the stop position of the cart 4. The shortest route calculation unit 55 compares the movement distances of the workers 1 on all the calculated routes and sets the route with the shortest movement distance as the shortest route.

[0053]

In step S12, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 10 for each stop position of the cart 4 by setting each position at which the cart 4 is stopped as a start point. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the shortest route calculation unit 55 sets an area (area indicated by a broken line) including all the routes starting from the cart 4 to return to the cart 4 as the work area 10. Herein, the length (length in the lateral direction) of the work area 10 in the direction of the parallel passage 3d is W, and the length (length in the longitudinal direction) in the direction of the connection passage 3c is D.

[0054]

In step S13, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines whether or not the aspect ratio (W/D) of the work area 10 is larger than a predetermined value. When it is determined in step S13 that the aspect ratio (W/D) of the work area 10 is larger than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S15. When it is determined in step S13 that the aspect ratio (W/D) of the work area 10 is not larger than the predetermined value, that is, the aspect ratio (W/D) of the work area 10 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S14, and the process is exited.

[0055]

Herein, the predetermined value used in step S13 is set to, for example, 0.5. The predetermined value is set to an appropriate value on the basis of the shape and size of the storage area 6.

[0056]

In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the aspect ratio (W/D) of the work area 10 is larger than 0.5. Therefore, as a result of the determination in step S13, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0057]

As described above, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route such that the aspect ratio (W/D) of the lateral length in the direction of the parallel passage 3d to the longitudinal length in the direction of the connection passage 3c is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ratio set in advance.

[0058]

Herein, when the work area 10 based on the shortest route calculated in step Sll is relatively large, there is a concern that the number of articles 11 that the worker 1 bins or picks may increase Therefore, in step S15 to step S17, the work area 10 is divided into smaller pieces by using the number of connection passages 3c.

[0059]

Specifically, in step S15, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines whether or not the number of connection passages 3c included in the work area 10 is larger than a predetermined number. When it is determined in step S15 that the number of connection passages 3c included in the work area 10 is larger than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S16. When it is determined in step S15 that the number of connection passages 3c included in the work area 10 is not larger than the predetermined number, that is, the number of connection passages 3c included in the work area 10 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S14, and the process is exited.

[0060]

Herein, the predetermined number used in step S15 is set to, for example, four. The predetermined number is set in relation to the predetermined value used in step S13. Specifically, in a case where when the longitudinal length D of the work area 10 is the longitudinal length of the storage area 6 (in a case where the longitudinal length D of the work area 10 is the maximum) , the predetermined number is set so as to be in a range of being shorter than the lateral length of the work area 10 set on the basis of the predetermined value in step S13.

[0061]

In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the number of connection passages 3c included in the work area 10 is nine, which is larger than four set as the predetermined number. Therefore, as a result of the determination in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0062]

In step S16, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 10 such that the predetermined number of connection passages 3c used in step S15 is included. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the work area 10 is divided into areas (areas indicated by a two-dot dashed line) including the four connection passages 3c. [0063]

In step S17, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in which the worker 1 bins or picks the articles 11 in the work area 10 set in step S16, similarly to step Sll.

[0064]

As described above, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route, in which the worker 1 passes through the cargo carrier passage 3a and the worker passage 3b and bins and picks a plurality of the articles 11 by using the cart 4, in a range of the number of connection passages 3c which is a predetermined number set in advance.

[0065]

As a result, the route is formed which maximizes the area including the predetermined number of the connection passages 3c. Therefore, since the work area 10 is divided into small pieces by using the number of the connection passages 3c, it is suppressed that the work area 10 becomes large and the number of the articles 11 which the worker 1 bins or picks increases. Therefore, it is possible to support the worker 1 to be able to efficiently bin and pick the plurality of articles 11.

[0066]

On the other hand, in step S14, since the work area 10 based on the shortest route calculated in step Sll is divided into sufficiently small pieces, the shortest route is used as it is.

[0067]

As described above, in a case where the aspect ratio (W/D) of the work area 10 is larger than a predetermined ratio, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route within a predetermined number of routes; and in a case where the aspect ratio (W/D) is equal to or smaller than the predetermined ratio, the shortest route calculated on the basis of the predetermined ratio is used even if the predetermined number of routes is exceeded.

[0068]

Then, by repeating the routine illustrated in Fig. 5, the shortest route calculation unit 55 also calculates the shortest route for the articles 11 stored in the remaining storage area 6. As a result, as illustrated in Fig. 7, a plurality of routes which maximize the area including the four connection passages 3c are created. That is, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route for binning and picking the plurality of articles 11 by combining a plurality of routes in which the worker 1 who has stopped the cart 4 in the cargo carrier passage 3a facing the connection passage 3c enters the worker passage 3b from the connection passage 3c, performs binning or picking of the plurality of articles 11, and returns to the cart 4.

[0069]

In addition, without determining whether or not the aspect ratio (W/D) of the work area 10 in step S13 is larger than the predetermined value, it may be determined only whether or not the number of connection passages 3c included in the work area 10 in step S15 is larger than a predetermined number. In this case, the shortest route is calculated on the basis of only the number of connection passages 3c included in the work area 10.

[0070]

In addition, the shortest route calculation unit 55 may calculate the route within a range in which the longitudinal length D of the work area 10 does not exceed a predetermined upper limit value of the longitudinal length in the direction of the worker passage 3b set in advance. In this case, since there is a concern that the longitudinal length D of the work area 10 becomes too long, the storage area 6 is divided such that the longitudinal length does not exceed the predetermined upper limit value.

[0071]

Next, a specific example of the support of the binning or picking work of the article 11 to the worker 1 by the binning/picking work support system 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 9J.

[0072]

The storage area 6 is divided into a plurality of divided areas 6a to which individual color information is set. Herein, as an example, a case where the worker 1 performs the picking work in the divided area 6a to which red color information in the storage area 6 is set will be described. In addition, although the case where the worker 1 picks the articles 11 is described, the same may be applied to the case of binning the articles 11.

[0073]

First, the worker 1 selects work instruction information of the picking work. When the worker 1 completes the selection of the work instruction information, the worker 1 enters the divided area 6a from the cross point A1 while pushing the cart 4.

[0074]

When the worker 1 operates the mobile terminal 2 and logs in to the support device 5, the display unit 26 displays a search screen illustrated in Fig. 9A. A search setting area 31 for inputting a search condition is set on the left side of the search screen, and a work instruction information area 32 for displaying the work instruction information matching the search condition is set on the right side of the screen. Below the work instruction information area 32, a work start point selection switch 33 is provided.

[0075]

In the search setting area 31, selection as to whether the worker 1 performs the binning_ work or performs the picking work, selection of an area code where the worker 1 performs the binning or picking work, selection as to whether or not the work has not been started, and manual input of the work instruction numbers are possible .

[0076]

The screen illustrated in Fig. 9A illustrates the state of the input by manipulating the mobile terminal 2 such that the worker 1 performs the picking work in the state of not being started in the divided area 6a where the red color information of the first floor is set. In the lowermost portion of the search setting area 31, it is displayed as a search result that three pieces of work instruction information match the search condition.

[0077] In the work instruction information area 32, work instruction numbers, statuses, and area codes of the three pieces of work instruction information matching the search conditions are displayed. The worker 1 selects any one of the pieces of the work instruction information. Herein, the worker 1 selects the first work instruction number "0003000109". In the display unit 26, the selected work instruction information is highlightedly displayed.

[0078]

The work start point selection switch 33 is for selecting the start point of the route calculated by the shortest route calculation unit 55 from a plurality of points on the cargo carrier passage 3a. The work start point selection switch 33 is provided so as to allow a plurality of (herein, three) work start points to be selectable.

[0079]

When the worker 1 selects a first point selection switch 33a on the left side, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route from the state where the cart 4 is located at the entrance of the divided area 6a, that is, the state where the cart 4 is located at the cross point Al. When the worker 1 selects a second point selection switch 33b at the center, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route from the state where the cart 4 is located at a point advanced about 1/3 of the whole distance from the entrance of the divided area 6a, that is, the state where the cart 4 is located in the vicinity of a cross point A4. When the worker 1 selects a third point selection switch 33c on the right side, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route from the state where the cart 4 is located at a point advanced about 2/3 of the whole distance from the entrance of the divided area 6a, that is, the state where the cart 4 is located in the vicinity of a cross point A8.

[0080]

In this manner, by allowing the work start point to be selectable, the next binning or picking work can be started from the position near the point where the binning or the picking work previously performed by the worker 1 is completed in the divided area 6a. Thus, the worker 1 may not return to the start point (for example, the cross point A1 at the entrance) every time the binning or picking work is completed. Therefore, the movement distance of the worker 1 can be shortened.

[0081]

When the worker 1 selects one of the first point selection switch 33a, the second point selection switch 33b, and the third point selection switch 33c, the shortest route calculation unit 55 executes the routine illustrated in Fig. 5 described above. As a result, the shortest route for binning and picking the plurality of articles 11 is calculated by combining a plurality of routes where the worker 1 stops the cart 4 in the cargo carrier passage 3a in the vicinity of the point selected by the work start point selection switch 33, enters the worker passage 3b from the connection passage 3c, performs binning or picking the plurality of articles 11, and returns to the cart 4.

[0082]

In the example illustrated in Fig. 8, illustrated is the state where the worker 1 selects the first point selection switch 33a and the shortest route is calculated from the state where the cart 4 is located at the entrance of the divided area 6a. In addition, in the route illustrated by a solid line in Fig. 8, a navigation screen described later is displayed on the display unit 26, and in the route illustrated by a broken line, a data display screen described later is displayed on the display unit 26.

[0083]

The display unit 26 is switched to the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9B. That is, an instruction for the picking work is displayed on the display unit 26 on the basis of the shortest route calculated by the shortest route calculation unit 55.

[0084]

As illustrated in Fig. 9B, a cargo carrier route display area 34 for displaying the route information of the cart 4 is set on the left side of the navigation screen, and a worker route display area 35 for displaying the route information of the worker 1 is set on the right side of the navigation screen. As described above, in the state where the navigation screen is displayed, the route information of the cart 4 and the route information of the worker 1 based on the route information of the cart 4 are simultaneously displayed in the divided screens of the display unit 26.

[0085]

Therefore, even while worker 1 is moving through the worker passage 3b away from cart 4, since the stop position of cart 4 is always displayed, it is possible to check which point is good to return to after the article 11 is picked.

[0086]

In addition, the work instruction number selected by the worker 1 on the search screen is displayed at the upper end of the navigation screen, and the number of articles 11 to be picked in the work area 10 is displayed at the lower right side of the navigation screen.

[0087]

The route information of the cart 4 displayed in the cargo carrier route display area 34 is the stop position information on the cargo carrier passage 3a for stopping the cart 4. In the example illustrated in Fig. 9B, the work instruction information for pushing the cart 4 to travel on the cargo carrier passage 3a and stopping at a cross point A3 is displayed.

[0088]

The route information of the worker 1 displayed in the worker route display area 35 is navigation information for sequentially displaying the route of the worker 1 from the stop position where the cart 4 is stopped on the basis of the stop position information of the cart 4. In the example illustrated in Fig. 9B, after the cart 4 is stopped at the cross point A3, the work instruction information "A3 upper" indicating that the traveling backward on the connection passage 3c from the cross point A3 is displayed.

[0089]

Herein, when the area map of the divided area 6a illustrated in Fig. 8 is viewed in plan in the state where the cargo carrier passage 3a is placed in the lower portion, the term "upper" denotes directing upward (backward) (away from the cargo carrier passage 3a) , and the term "lower" denotes directing downward (forward) (closer to the cargo carrier passage 3a) .

[0090]

Herein, since the worker 1 moves on the cargo carrier passage 3a together with the cart 4, the cargo carrier route display area 34 indicating the route information of the cart 4 is highlightedly displayed. As a result, when the worker 1 looks at the display unit 26, the worker 1 can recognize which information is currently required. The highlighted display is displayed in the same color as the color information (red in this case) set in the divided area 6a. Therefore, it can be visually recognized in which divided area 6a the worker 1 is currently performing the picking work.

[0091]

While viewing the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9B, the worker 1 pushes the cart 4 to the cross point A3 and stops the cart 4. After the worker 1 arrives at the cross point A3 and stops the cart 4, when the worker 1 taps the display unit 26 (herein, also serving as the input unit 27) , the display unit 26 is switched to the data display screen illustrated in Fig. 9C. The examples of cargo carrier route display area 34 and worker route display area 35 shown in the figures are illustrative examples, and many variations are possible, depending upon, for example, the layout and design of the storage area, the arrangement and types of articles, the type of cargo carrier, etc. Also, the term divided screens as used in this specification and the claims includes any type of divided screen and is not limited to the examples illustrated in the figures. For example, the screens may be divided in any manner and need not be divided side-by-side, such as shown in Figure 9B.

[0092]

As illustrated in Fig. 9C, data of the article 11 to be picked is displayed on the data display screen. Herein, the work instruction information for picking one article 11 having the identification ID "01955803" stored in "A3-11-2-01" of the rack 7 is displayed. When the worker 1 completes the picking work of the instructed article 11 and taps the display unit 26, the display unit 26 is switched again to the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9D.

[0093]

In the example illustrated in Fig. 9D, the work instruction information of "pass through passage B3 to B2 upper" indicating traveling through the cross point B3 from the cross point B2 backward on the connection passage 3c is displayed in the worker route display area 35.

[0094]

At this time, since the worker 1 moves on the worker passage 3b away from the cart 4, the worker route display area 35 indicating the route information of the worker 1 is highlightedly displayed. The highlighted display is displayed in the same color as the color information (red in this case) set in the divided area 6a.

[0095]

While viewing the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9D, the worker 1 travels backward on the connection passage 3c, passes through the cross point B3, moves in the parallel passage 3d to arrive at the cross point B2, and then, the worker 1 turns to the direction of traveling backward on the connection passage 3c. After the worker 1 arrives at the cross point B2, when the worker 1 taps the display unit 26, the display unit 26 is switched to the data display screen. Then, when the worker 1 completes the picking work of the instructed article 11 and taps the display unit 26, the display unit 26 is switched again to the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9E.

[0096]

In the example illustrated in Fig. 9E, the work instruction information of "pass through passage C2 to C4 lower" indicating traveling through the cross point C2 from the cross point C4 backward on the connection passage 3c is displayed in the worker route display area 35.

[0097]

While viewing the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9E, the worker 1 travels backward on the connection passage 3c, passes through the cross point C2, moves in the parallel passage 3d, arrives at the cross point C4, and turns to the direction of traveling forward on the connection passage 3c. After the worker 1 arrives at the cross point C4, when the worker 1 taps the display unit 26, the display unit 26 is switched to the data display screen. Then, when the worker 1 completes the picking work of the instructed article 11 and taps the display unit 26, the display unit 26 is switched again to the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9F.

[0098]

As illustrated in Fig. 8, since the worker 1 has completely picked all the articles 11 in the first work area 10, the worker

I returns to the cart 4 and loads the articles 11 on the cart 4. Then, the worker 1 pushes the cart 4 and moves to the next work area 10 to perform the picking work. In the example illustrated in Fig. 9F, the work instruction information for moving the cart 4 from the cross point A3 which is the current stop position to a cross point A9 is displayed in the cargo carrier route display area 34. In addition, the work instruction information "A9 upper" indicating traveling backward on the connection passage 3c from the cross point A9 is displayed in the worker route display area 35.

[0099]

Thus, when the worker 1 completes the binning and picking of the plurality of articles 11 and returns to the cart 4, the stop position information of the cart 4 and the stop position information for stopping the cart 4 next are displayed simultaneously on the display unit 26.

[0100]

The worker 1 views the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 9F and pushes the cart 4 to the cross point A9 to stop the cart 4. After the worker 1 arrives at the cross point A9 and stops the cart 4, when the worker 1 taps the display unit 26, the display unit 26 is switched to the data display screen illustrated in Fig. 9G.

[0101]

As illustrated in Fig. 9G, data of the article 11 to be picked is displayed on the data display screen. Herein, after one article

II having the identification ID "05519534" stored in "A9-11-5-04" of the rack 7 is picked, the work instruction information for picking one article 11 stored in "A9-12-3-22" of the rack 7 is displayed. When the worker 1 completes the picking work of the instructed first article 11 and taps the display unit 26, as illustrated in Fig. 9H, the display of the first article 11 disappears, and only the information on the second article 11 is displayed.

[0102]

When the worker 1 completes the picking work of the instructed second article 11 and taps the display unit 26, the display unit 26 is switched to the navigation screen illustrated in Fig. 91. As illustrated in Fig. 91, the work instruction information for returning to the cross point A9 which is the current stop position of the cart 4 is displayed in the cargo carrier route display area 34.

[0103]

When the worker 1 returns to the cart 4 stopping at the cross point A9 and taps the display unit 26, as illustrated in Fig. 9J, the display unit 26 displays a check of completion of the picking work. When the worker 1 taps "Yes" on the display unit 26, the work having the work instruction number "0003000109" selected first is completed. Then, the search screen illustrated in Fig. 9A is displayed again on the display unit 26.

[0104]

As described above, the worker 1 can perform the binning or picking work while referring to the work instruction information displayed on the display unit 26 of the mobile terminal 2. In the state where the navigation screen is displayed, the route information of the cart 4 and the route information of the worker 1 based on the route information of the cart 4 are simultaneously displayed in the divided screens of the display unit 26. For this reason, the worker 1 can easily understand at which position in the divided area 6a the worker 1 exists and where is good to finally return. Therefore, in a case where the worker 1 bins and picks a plurality of articles 11 by using the cart 4, it is possible to support the worker 1 to efficiently perform the binning and the picking. [0105]

According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0106]

The shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route, in which the worker 1 passes through the cargo carrier passage 3a and the worker passage 3b and bins and picks the plurality of articles 11 by using the cart 4, in a range of the number of connection passages 3c which is within a predetermined number. Thus, the route which maximizes the area including the predetermined number of connection passages 3c is formed. Therefore, since the work area 10 is divided into small pieces by using the number of connection passages 3c, it is suppressed that the work area 10 becomes large and the number of the articles 11 to be binned or picked by the worker 1 is increased. Therefore, the worker 1 can be supported to be able to efficiently bin and pick the plurality of articles 11.

[0107]

(Second Embodiment)

Next, a binning/picking work support system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12.

[0108]

The first embodiment and the second embodiment are different in terms of a reference of determination for creating the work area 10. That is, the first embodiment in which the aspect ratio of the work area 10 (step S13 in Fig. 5) and the number of connection passages (step S15 in Fig. 5) are determined is different from the second embodiment in which it is determined whether or not the total number of articles 11 in the work area 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "number of items") exceeds a predetermined number M.

[0109]

In addition, in all the following embodiments, the same components and processes as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, in all the following embodiments, although the case where the worker 1 performs the picking work is described, the binning work can also be implemented by the same structure and method as a matter of course.

[0110]

Referring to Fig. 10, similarly to the first embodiment, the shortest route 62 (refer to Fig. 11) is calculated in step Sll, and the work area 60 (refer to Fig. 11) is created by setting the stop position of the cart 4 as a start point in step S12.

[0111]

When the work area 10 is created in step S12, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines whether or not the number of items in the work area 10 exceeds a predetermined number M set in advance. In this embodiment, the number of articles is the numerical information of the article (s) 11.

[0112]

Herein, the predetermined number M set in advance is, for example, the number of articles 11 that the worker 1 can carry without the cart 4 at the time when the worker 1 performs binning and picking away from the cart 4. Hereinafter, the predetermined number M will be described as five, as an example.

[0113]

When it is determined in step S20 that the number of items does not exceed the predetermined number M, that is, the number of items is the predetermined number M or less, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0114]

In step S21, when the shortest route calculation unit 55 stores the route calculated in step Sll in the memory unit 59 as the shortest route 62, the process is exited.

[0115]

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S20 that the number of items in the work area exceeds the predetermined number M, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 60 such that the number of items is five, as indicated by a broken line in Fig. 11. When the work area 60 is created, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0116]

In step S23, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route 62 in the work area 60 created in step S22 and stores the shortest route 62 in the memory unit 59.

[0117]

In step S23, when the shortest route 62 is stored in the memory unit 59, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines whether or not the (M+l)-th or sixth and subsequent items 71 exist in the last connection passage 64.

[0118]

Herein, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the last connection passage 64 is the connection passage 3c closest to the end of the work area 60 among the connection passages 3c through which the worker 1 passes along the shortest route 62. In other words, the last connection passage 64 is the connection passage 3c which is on the shortest route 62 and located at the farthest position in the traveling direction of the cart 4.

[0119]

The sixth item 71 exists in the last connection passage 64. That is, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines that the sixth and subsequent items 71 exist in the last connection passage 64 in step S24, and the process proceeds to step S25.

[0120]

In step S25, the shortest route calculation unit 55 sets the position of the cart 4 as the work start position of the worker 1 to the last connection passage 64. Thus, at the time of the next shortest route calculation, as described later, the work area 61 is created from the last connection passage 64, and the shortest route 66 (refer to Fig. 12) is calculated.

[0121]

A method of calculating the next shortest route 66 after the completion of the above-described process is described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of the work areas 60 and 61 are set. When the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25, the shortest route calculation unit 55 performs the following processes.

[0122]

Referring to Fig. 12, the cart 4 is stopped at the entrance of the last connection passage 64 of the work area 60 by the process of step S25. By executing steps Sll to S22 of Fig. 10, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 61 for the worker

I to perform next work by setting the stop position of the cart 4 as a start point. As illustrated, in the second embodiment, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 60 in which the work area 60 and the work area 61 overlap in the last connection passage 64.

[0123]

As described above, the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the second embodiment calculates the shortest routes 62 and 66 at the time when the worker 1 bins and picks the plurality of articles 11 on the basis of the total number of articles

II that are targets of the binning and picking of the worker 1.

[0124]

More specifically, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area (first work area) 60 such that the total number of the plurality of articles 11 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number M and calculates the shortest route 62 in the work area 60. Then, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines the last connection passage 64 on the shortest route (first shortest route) 62 in the work area 60. The shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area (second work area) 61 including the last connection passage 64 and calculates the shortest route 66 in the work area 61 by setting the entrance of the last connection passage 64, that is, the cross point of the last connection passage 64 and the cargo carrier passage 3a as a start point.

[0125]

According to the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. [0126]

The worker 1 can know the shortest route 62 in the work area 60 set on the basis of the number of articles 11 that can be carried without the cart 4. Therefore, since the worker 1 carries the number of articles 11 suitable for carrying out the binning/picking work, the worker 1 can smoothly take out (or store) the articles 11 and return to the position of the cart 4 in the shortest distance. As a result, the worker 1 can efficiently perform the binning/picking work.

[0127]

(Third Embodiment)

Next, a binning/picking work support system 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15.

[0128]

The second embodiment and the third embodiment are different in terms of the calculation method of the shortest routes 62 and 82 when the item 71 exists in a last connection passage 84. That is, in the second embodiment, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route 62 (step S23 in Fig. 10) and, after that, determines whether or not the (M+l)-th and subsequent items 71 exist in the last connection passage 64 (step S24 in Fig. 10) , and even in a case where it is determined that the item 71 exists, the shortest route 62 is not changed. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the shortest route calculation unit 55 temporarily calculates the shortest route 62 and determines whether or not the (M+l)-th and subsequent items 71 exist in the last connection passage 84, and in a case where it is determined that the item 71 exists, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route 82 in which the item 71 can be picked again.

[0129]

The processing of the shortest route calculation unit 55 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Steps Sll to S22 are the same as the processing of the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in terms of steps S30 to S32. Hereinafter, the predetermined number M will be described as five, as an example.

[0130]

In step S22, as illustrated in Fig. 14, when the work area 80 in which the number of items to be picked is five or less is created, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines whether or not the sixth and subsequent items 71 exist in the last connection passage 84.

[0131]

When the sixth and subsequent items 71 do not exist in the last connection passage 84, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route 62 (refer to Fig. 11) in the work area 80. The shortest route calculation unit 55 stores the shortest route 62 calculated in step S31 in the memory unit 59, and the process is exited.

[0132]

On the other hand, when the sixth and subsequent items 71 exist in the last connection passage 84, the process proceeds to step S32. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 14, it is assumed that the sixth item 71 exists in the last connection passage 84.

[0133]

In step S32, although the item 71 is not included in the work area 80, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route 82 for picking the item 71 outside the work area 80 as well. The shortest route calculation unit 55 stores the shortest route 82 calculated in step S32 in the memory unit 59, and the process is exited.

[0134]

A method of calculating the next shortest route 86 after the completion of the above-described process is described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of the work areas 80 and 81 are set. When the item 71 exists in the last connection passage 84 of the work area 80, the shortest route calculation unit 55 performs the following processes to calculate the shortest route 86 in the next work area 81.

[0135]

First, the shortest route calculation unit 55 executes the steps Sll to S12 of Fig. 13 to set the work area 81 in which the worker 1 performs the next work. At this time, since the item 71 existing in the last connection passage 84 has already been picked, it is not necessary to allow the next work area 81 to include the last connection passage 84. Therefore, as illustrated, in the third embodiment, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 81 such that the work area 80 and the work area 81 do not overlap in the last connection passage 84. When the work area 81 is created, the shortest route 86 in the next work area 81 is calculated by the processes of step S20 and subsequent steps.

[0136]

In addition, in the third embodiment, the cart 4 is stopped at the position according to the result of the calculation of the shortest route 86. That is, in the second embodiment, the position of the cart 4 is determined before the shortest route 66 (refer to Fig. 12) is calculated, but in the third embodiment, the position of the cart 4 is not determined before the shortest route 86 is calculated. In this example, as illustrated in Fig. 15, the cart 4 is stopped at a substantially central point of the work area 81 according to the shortest route 86 calculated by the shortest route calculation unit 55.

[0137]

As described above, the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the third embodiment calculates the shortest routes 82 and 86 at the time when the worker 1 bins and picks the plurality of articles 11 on the basis of the total number of articles 11 that are targets of the binning and picking of the worker 1.

[0138]

More specifically, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area (third work area) 80 such that the total number of the plurality of articles 11 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number M and calculates the shortest route 62 in the work area 80. Then, the shortest route calculation unit 55 determines the last connection passage 84 on the shortest route 62 in the work area 80. In a case where the item (other article) 71 is binned and picked at a position facing the last connection passage 84 and not included in the shortest route 62, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route (third shortest route) 82 for binning and picking the item 71 in addition to the plurality of articles 11 in the work area 80. After that, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 81 not including the last connection passage 84 and calculates the shortest route (fourth shortest route) 86 in the work area 81.

[0139]

According to the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0140]

When the item 71 is located at the position facing the last connection passage 84, the shortest route calculation unit 55 re-calculates the shortest route 82 through which the worker 1 can pick the item 71 even if the item 71 is not included in the work area 80. As a result, the worker 1 can pick (or bin) the item 71 at a position near the work area 80 of the worker 1 on the way.

[0141]

That is, when creating the next work area 81, the shortest route calculation unit 55 can create an area not including the last connection passage 84. In other words, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route 86 in the work area 81 that does not overlap with the work area 80. Since the last connection passage 84 is not included in the next work area 81, the work area 80 and the work area 81 are prevented from overlapping with each other. As a result, the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the third embodiment can calculate the shortest routes 82 and 86 with higher work efficiency in comparison to the second embodiment.

[0142] As described above, according to the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects by the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide the shortest route 82 having higher efficiency. As a result, the worker 1 can efficiently perform the binning/picking work.

[0143]

(Fourth Embodiment)

Next, a binning/picking work support system 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 16.

[0144]

The fourth embodiment in which the shortest route (hereinafter not illustrated) is determined on the basis of the total volume V _A of the articles 11 in the work area 60 is different from the second and third embodiments in which the shortest routes 62 and 82 are determined on the basis of the number of items in the work areas 60 and 80.

[0145]

Referring to Fig. 16, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in step Sll and creates the work area 10 by setting the cart stop position as a start point in step S12. When the work area 10 is created, the process proceeds to step S40.

[0146]

In step S40, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the total volume V _A of the plurality of articles 11 in the created work area 10. For example, the numerical value information of the article 11 to be binned and picked is stored in a predetermined area of the memory unit 59. In this embodiment, the numerical information is, for example, the volume, size, and mass of each of the plurality of articles 11.

[0147]

Specifically, the shortest route calculation unit 55 reads out information on the volumes of all the articles 11 in the work area 10 from the memory unit 59 and adds the volumes to calculate the total volume V _A . The shortest route calculation unit 55 determines whether or not the calculated total volume V _A exceeds the total volume V [m ³ ] .

[0148]

Herein, the total volume V [m ³ ] is, for example, the total volume V _A of the articles 11 which can be carried by the worker 1 without the cart 4.

[0149]

When it is determined in step S40 that the total volume V _A is equal to or smaller than the total volume V [m ³ ] , the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the shortest route calculation unit 55 stores the shortest route calculated in step Sll in the memory unit 59.

[0150]

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S40 that the total volume V _A exceeds the total volume V [m ³ ] , the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 10 in which the total volume V _A of the article (s) 11 in the work area is equal to or smaller than the total volume V [m ³ ] . When the work area 10 is created, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0151]

In step S43, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in the work area 10 created in step S42. The shortest route calculation unit 55 stores the shortest route calculated in step S43 in the memory unit 59.

[0152]

As described above, the shortest route is calculated on the basis of the total volume V _A of the plurality of articles 11 in the work area. In addition, in the present embodiment, although the value of the volume is used as an example of the size of the article 11, other numerical information may be used as long as the numerical information is an index indicating the size. For example, a value indicating the longest portion of the article 11 may be used as an index of the size.

[0153] As described above, the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the fourth embodiment calculates the shortest route at the time when the worker 1 performs binning or picking on the basis of the total volume V _A of the plurality of articles 11 to be targets of the binning and picking of the worker 1.

[0154]

According to the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0155]

The binning/picking work support system 100 can obtain the shortest route on the basis of the total volume V _A of the articles 11 that the worker 1 can carry without the cart 4. As a result, since the worker 1 performs the work while carrying the article (s) 11 having a volume suitable for carrying, it is possible to efficiently perform the binning and the picking. Specifically, it is possible to solve the problem that the worker 1 cannot move through the worker passage 3b smoothly since the volume of the article (s) 11 is too large or the like.

[0156]

(Fifth Embodiment)

Next, a binning/picking work support system 100 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17.

[0157]

The fifth embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment in terms of the variable serving as a reference for determination when creating the work area 10. That is, while the shortest route is determined on the basis of the total volume V _A of the plurality of articles 11 in the work area 10 in the fourth embodiment, the shortest route is determined on the basis of the total mass W _A in the fifth embodiment.

[0158]

Referring to Fig. 17, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in step Sll and creates the work area 10 by setting the stop position of the cart 4 as a start point in step S12. When the work area 10 is created, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0159]

In step S50, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the total mass W _A of the articles 11 in the created work area 10. In step S50, the shortest route calculation unit 55 reads out information on the masses of all the articles 11 in the work area 10 from the memory unit 59 and adds the masses to calculate the total mass W _A . The shortest route calculation unit 55 determines whether or not the calculated total mass W _A exceeds the total mass W [kg] .

[0160]

Herein, the total mass W [kg] is, for example, the total mass W _A of the articles 11 which can be carried by the worker 1 without the cart 4.

[0161]

When it is determined in step S50 that the total mass W _A is equal to or smaller than the total mass W [kg] , the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the shortest route calculation unit 55 stores the shortest route calculated in step Sll in the memory unit 59.

[0162]

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S50 that the total mass W _A exceeds the total mass W [kg] , the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 10 in which the total mass W _A of the articles 11 in the work area is equal to or smaller than the total mass W [kg] . When the work area 10 is created, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0163]

In step S53, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in the work area 10 created in step S52. The shortest route calculation unit 55 stores the shortest route calculated in step S53 in the memory unit 59.

[0164]

Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the shortest route is calculated on the basis of the total mass W _A of the plurality of articles 11 in the work area 10. In the present embodiment, the mass itself is taken as a reference of determination as an example of the mass, but other numerical information may be used as long as the numerical information is an index indicating the mass. For example, other numerical information may be a weight X [N] .

[0165]

According to the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0166]

The binning/picking work support system 100 can calculate the shortest route on the basis of the total mass W _A of the articles 11 that the worker 1 can carry without the cart 4. As a result, since the worker 1 performs the work while carrying the article (s) 11 having the total mass W _A suitable for carrying, it is possible to efficiently perform the binning and the picking. Specifically, it is possible to solve the problem that the worker 1 cannot move through the worker passage 3b smoothly since the total mass W _A of the article (s) 11 is too large.

[0167]

(Modified Example 1)

Next, Modified Example 1 obtained by combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18.

[0168]

In Modified Example 1, the shortest route is calculated on the basis of the aspect ratio and the number of connection passages of the work area 10 illustrated in the first embodiment and the number of items in the work area 10 illustrated in the second embodiment .

[0169]

The same processes as the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, but as illustrated in Fig. 18, the processes of Modified Example 1 are the same as a portion of the processes of the first or second embodiment. Therefore, the description of each process is omitted, and only the outline of the entire processes will be described.

[0170]

In Modified Example 1, first, the work area 10 in which the number of items is limited is created (step S22) . Furthermore, the work area 10 in which the aspect ratio and the number of connection passages of the created work area 10 are limited is created (steps S13 to S16) . The shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in the work area 10 created through these processes.

[0171]

In addition, the order of a series of the steps (steps S20, S22, and the like) relating to the limitation of the number of items and a series of the steps (steps S13, S15, and S16) relating to the limitation of the aspect ratio and number of connection passages of the work area 10 illustrated as Modified Example 1 is variable. That is, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate.

[0172]

As described above, the shortest route calculation unit 55 creates the work area 10 such that the total number of the plurality of articles 11 and the total number of the connection passages 3c are equal to or smaller than predetermined values and calculates the shortest route in the work area 10.

[0173]

According to Modified Example 1, the following effects can be obtained.

[0174]

According to Modified Example 1, it is possible to obtain the shortest route in the work area 10 in which the number of articles 11 that can be carried by the worker 1 without the cart 4 exists and the work area 10 is not too wide for the worker 1 to perform the work. Therefore, the worker 1 can take out (or store) the number of articles 11 suitable for work in an appropriate distance range. In other words, the worker 1 need not move a long distance while carrying a number of articles 11 that are hard to carry. As a result, it becomes possible for worker 1 to efficiently bin and pick a plurality of articles 11. [0175]

(Modified Example 2)

Next, Modified Example 2 obtained by combining the second to fifth embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 19. In Modified Example 2, similarly to Modified Example 1, the description of each process is omitted, and only the outline of the entire processes will be described.

[0176]

In Modified Example 2, first, when a work area 10 with the number of items limited is created (step S22), the work area 10 with the total volume V _A of the articles 11 in the work area 10 limited is created (step S42), and furthermore, the work area 10 with the total mass W _A of the articles 11 in the work area 10 limited is created (step S52) . The shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in the work area 10 created through these processes.

[0177]

That is, in a case where none of the processes in steps S22, S42, and S52 are performed, the work area 10 is not changed from the work area 10 created in step S12. Therefore, in step S60, it is determined that there is no change in the work area 10, and the process proceeds to step S61.

[0178]

In step S61, since the work area 10 created in step S12 is not changed, there is no need to calculate the shortest route again. Therefore, when the shortest route calculation unit 55 uses the shortest route calculated in step Sll as it is in step S61, the process is ended.

[0179]

On the other hand, in a case where at least one of the processes in steps S22, S42, and S52 is performed, the work area 10 is changed from the work area 10 created in step S12. Therefore, in step S60, it is determined that the work area 10 has been changed. When it is determined in step S60 that the work area 10 has been changed, the process proceeds to step S62.

[0180] In step S62, since the work area 10 is changed from the work area 10 created in step S12, the shortest route calculation unit 55 does not use the shortest route calculated in step Sll as it is. In step S62, the shortest route calculation unit 55 calculates the shortest route in the changed work area 10. When the shortest route is calculated, the process is ended.

[0181]

As described above, the shortest route calculation unit 55 according to Modified Example 2 creates the work area 10 such that each of the total number of the plurality of articles 11, the total mass W _A of the plurality of articles 11, and the total volume V _A of the plurality of articles 11 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value and calculates the shortest route in the work area .

[0182]

In addition, the order of a series of the steps (steps S20 and S22) relating to the limitation of the number of items, a series of the steps (steps S40 and S 2 ) relating to the limitation of the total volume V _A of the article (s) 11, and the steps (steps S50 and S52) relating to the limitation of the total mass W _A of the article (s) 11 illustrated in Modified Example 2 is variable. That is, the order of steps may be changed as appropriate, or a configuration having at least one of the three types of limitations described above may be used.

[0183]

According to Modified Example 2, the following operations and effects are achieved.

[0184]

According to Modified Example 2, the shortest route in the work area 10 imposed with at least one of the limitations of the number (predetermined number M) , total volume V _A , and total mass W _A of the articles 11 within the range that the worker 1 can carry without the cart 4 is obtained. Therefore, the worker 1 can take out (or store) the articles 11 having the number (predetermined number M) , the total volume V _A , and the total mass W _A suitable for performing the works . In other words, the worker 1 does not perform the works in a state of carrying the article (s) 11 having a number (predetermined number M) , a total volume V _A , or a total mass W _A that are hard to carry. As a result, it becomes possible for the worker 1 to efficiently bin and pick the plurality of articles 11.

[0185]

As described above, the binning/picking work support system 100 according to the second to fifth embodiments and Modified Examples 1 and 2 calculates the shortest route on the basis of the numerical information on the plurality of articles 11 that are targets of the binning and picking of the worker 1. The worker 1 can efficiently bin and pick the plurality of articles 11 according to the obtained shortest route.

[0186]

In addition, as a further modified example, the binning/picking work support system 100 may further include the following configurations.

[0187]

For example, in the binning/picking work support system 100 according to all the embodiments described above, the shape of an article 11 may be determined. In this case, the shortest route calculation unit 55 acquires numerical information on one, two, or three dimensions (or a combination of dimensions) of each of the plurality of articles 11 from the memory unit 59.

[0188]

For example, a case where the configuration for determining the shape is applied to the fourth embodiment will be described. The shortest route calculation unit 55 specifies the shape from the dimensions of the articles 11 and calculates the total volume V _A . For example, in a case where the article 11 has a shape of a flat plate which is hard to carry, even if the total volume V _A is equal to or smaller than the total volume V [m ³ ] , the worker 1 can carry only one article 11. On the other hand, in a case where the article 11 has a shape of an elongated rod which is easy to carry, even if the total volume V _A is larger than the total volume V [m ³ ] , the worker 1 may be able to carry a large number of the articles 11. In such a case, the shortest route calculation unit 55 may calculate the number of articles 11 that can be carried by the worker 1 on the basis of the shape of the article 11, regardless of the total volume V _A , and may calculate the shortest route according to the number.

[0189]

As mentioned above, although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments illustrate only a portion of application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific configurations of the embodiments. One or more features or aspects of one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features or aspects of another embodiment. Also, one or more features or aspects may be removed from a particular embodiment .

[0190]

For example, in the above-described embodiments, the worker

I manipulates the input unit 27 of the mobile terminal 2 (taps the display unit 26) to input that the article 11 has been binned or picked. Instead of this, information for identifying the article

II may be allocated by an identification medium such as an RFID tag, a bar code, and a two-dimensional code, and a reading device may read the identification medium to input that the article 11 has been binned or picked.

[0191]

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the shortest route calculation unit 55 is provided in the support device 5, so that the calculation of the shortest route is performed in the support device 5. Instead of this, the shortest route calculation unit 55 may be provided in the mobile terminal 2, so that the calculation of the shortest route may be calculated in the mobile terminal 2.

[0192]

In addition, a computer may be connected to a cloud server on the Internet, and execution of each of the above processes in the mobile terminal 2 and the support device 5 may be performed in the cloud server. Furthermore, in a case where the execution of each of the above processes is in the cloud server, the configuration may be such that the binning/picking work support system 100 does not include a computer and each device such as the mobile terminal 2 is directly connected to the cloud server via the Internet. The term computer as used in this specification and the claims includes such a cloud server and any other type of server.

[0193]

In addition, a series of the processes in the binning/picking work support system 100 described above may be provided as a program for executing the processes on a computer.

[0194]

That is, the program (s) according to the present embodiments causes the computer to execute a procedure for calculating the shortest route, in which the worker 1 passes through the cargo carrier passage 3a and the worker passage 3b and bins and picks a plurality of the articles 11 by using the cart 4, on the basis of the numerical information on the plurality of articles 11. The numerical information is not limited to the examples of numerical information set forth above and other types of numerical information (and combinations and subcombinations thereof) may be used.

[0195]

A program for executing a series of the processes described above is provided by a computer-readable storage medium. In the support device 5, the program may be stored in the memory unit 59.

[0196]

In addition, as various programs executed by the computer, for example, those stored on or in a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM may be used.

Reference Signs List

[0197]

100 BINNING/PICKING WORK SUPPORT SYSTEM

1 WORKER

2 MOBILE TERMINAL

3a CARGO CARRIER PASSAGE b WORKER PASSAGE

c CONNECTION PASSAGE

d PARALLEL PASSAGE

CART (CARGO CARRIER)

SUPPORT DEVICE

STORAGE AREA

a DIVIDED AREA

RACK

MARK

NETWORK

0 WORK AREA

1 ARTICLE

1 ROM

2 CPU

3 RAM

4 INTERNAL BUS

5 COMMUNICATION UNIT

6 DISPLAY UNIT

7 INPUT UNIT

8 VOICE OUTPUT UNIT

9 MEMORY UNIT

1 SEARCH SETTING AREA

2 WORK INSTRUCTION INFORMATION AREA3 WORK START POINT SELECTION SWITCH3a FIRST POINT SELECTION SWITCH3b SECOND POINT SELECTION SWITCH3c THIRD POINT SELECTION SWITCH4 CARGO CARRIER ROUTE DISPLAY AREA5 WORKER ROUTE DISPLAY AREA

1 ROM

2 CPU

3 RAM

4 INTERNAL BUS

5 SHORTEST ROUTE CALCULATION UNIT6 COMMUNICATION UNIT

7 INPUT UNIT 58 DISPLAY UNIT

59 MEMORY UNIT

59D MAP INFORMATION MEMORY AREA

59B STORAGE LOCATION INFORMATION MEMORY AREA

60 WORK AREA

61 WORK AREA

62 SHORTEST ROUTE

64 LAST CONNECTION PASSAGE

66 SHORTEST ROUTE

71 ITEM

80 WORK AREA

81 WORK AREA

82 SHORTEST ROUTE

84 LAST CONNECTION PASSAGE

86 SHORTEST ROUTE

V TOTAL VOLUME

V _A TOTAL VOLUME

W TOTAL MASS

W _A TOTAL MASS