JP4841956B2 - Sorting system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting system having a plurality of sorting sections each associated with one type of product.

  In distribution centers (distribution centers, shipping centers, etc.) for retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, it is common to use a sorting system to sort items according to the number of orders received from stores. It has become. A picking system is typically known as such a sorting system.

  In the picking system, a plurality of product shelves are provided as sorting sections each associated with one type of product, and a number indicator that displays the number of sorting is arranged in each of the plurality of product shelves. . The worker transports a container corresponding to the store to which the merchandise is to be delivered by using a cart or the like, and removes the number of merchandise displayed on the quantity display unit from the merchandise shelf and puts it into the container. By repeating this operation for each merchandise shelf, each type of merchandise for the number of orders received from the store can be correctly arranged in the container (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-300606 A

  In the picking system as described above, in the preparatory work before the sorting work, the number of products necessary for the sorting work on that day is prepared in each product shelf. Since such a preparation work is an artificial work, an operation mistake such as a product being conveyed to the wrong product shelf is likely to occur. However, conventionally, in this preparatory work, it has not been possible to confirm whether or not the correct product has been transported to the correct product shelf.

  If the product is transported to the wrong product shelf in the preparatory work and the sorting work is performed as it is, there is a possibility that a product different from the ordered product is delivered to the store.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sorting system capable of easily confirming the legitimacy of transport that a correct product associated with the sorting section has been transported to the sorting section. And

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is a sorting system having a plurality of sorting sections each associated with one type of merchandise and on which the merchandise is transported and placed. A plurality of portable devices that can be used, storage means for storing correspondence information for associating the sorting section and the portable device relating to the same product, and identifying the sorting section from a recording medium included in the sorting section Acquiring a first identification code to be acquired, and acquiring a second identification code for identifying the portable device from a recording medium included in the portable device attached to the product that has been transported to the sorting section; Determination means for determining whether or not the correspondence relationship between the first and second identification codes acquired by the acquisition means matches the correspondence relationship indicated by the correspondence information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sorting system according to the first aspect, the acquisition unit and the first and second identification codes acquired by the acquisition unit are transmitted to the determination unit by wireless communication. And a portable communication terminal device having a transmission means.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the sorting system according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit, and a transmission unit that transmits the first and second identification codes acquired by the acquisition unit to the determination unit, Are arranged in each of the plurality of sorting sections.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the sorting system according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the first identification code from a memory included in the communication terminal device as the own device, and The second identification code is acquired in a non-contact manner from a recording medium included in the portable device existing in the vicinity of the communication terminal device.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the sorting system according to claim 3, wherein the communication terminal device can be physically integrated with the portable device, and the acquisition means is the communication as its own device. The first identification code is obtained from a memory included in the terminal device, and the second identification code is obtained from a recording medium included in the portable device integrated with the communication terminal device as the own device.

  Further, the invention according to claim 6 is the sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of portable devices is the first identification code of the sorting section relating to the commodity to which it belongs. Display means capable of displaying.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the sorting system according to claim 6, wherein, for each of the plurality of sorting sections, a derivation means for deriving an amount of the goods to be transported to the sorting section, and an amount of the derived goods And means for transmitting the identification information of the product and the first identification code of the sorting section relating to the product to one of the plurality of portable devices, and causing the display to display the information. Yes.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the sorting system according to claim 7, wherein, for each of the plurality of sorting sections, the first identification code of the sorting section and the amount of the product derived with respect to the sorting section. The apparatus further includes a generating unit that generates the correspondence information by associating the second identification code of the portable device to be transmitted.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination result of the determination unit is transferred to the portable device of the second identification code acquired by the acquisition unit. Means for transmitting and displaying on the display means of the portable device.

  According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, since it is determined whether or not the correspondence relationship between the first and second identification codes acquired by the acquisition means matches the correspondence relationship indicated by the correspondence information, It is possible to easily confirm the legitimacy of transport that the correct product associated with the section has been transported.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 2, the legitimacy of conveyance can be confirmed at low cost.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 3, the legitimacy of conveyance can be confirmed without requiring complicated work.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to confirm the legitimacy of conveyance without the operator being aware of it.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 5, the legitimacy of conveyance can be confirmed at low cost.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 6, since the first identification code of the sorting section as the transport destination of the product is displayed on the portable device attached to the product, the transport destination is clearly shown during the transport of the product. Can be.

  According to the invention of claim 7 in particular, since the amount of the product to be transported, the product identification information, and the first identification code of the sorting section that is the product transport destination are displayed on the portable device, The portable device can be used as a work instruction sheet for instructing the worker to carry the product.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 8, accurate correspondence information can be generated.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to notify the operator of the determination result of the legitimacy of conveyance.

<1. First Embodiment>
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, before describing the specific configuration and operation of the sorting system according to the first embodiment, a distribution center in which the sorting system is employed will be briefly described.

<1-1. Distribution Center>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a distribution center 100 in which the sorting system according to the first embodiment is employed. The distribution center 100 is a facility for performing sorting work for collecting various products according to the number of orders received from retail stores.

  Goods to be sorted are carried by a truck C1 from a food factory or the like. At the time of carry-in, merchandise is in a state of being accommodated in a case such as cardboard every predetermined number. In the sorting operation, individual products are taken out from each case in order quantities and transferred to containers for stores. The goods after the sorting are carried out by the truck C2 toward each store by the truck C2 in a state of being accommodated in the container.

  As shown in the figure, the distribution center 100 is provided with a management area A0, a carry-in area A1, a storage area A2, a sorting area A3, and a carry-out area A4. The management area A0 is an area where a management office of the distribution center 100 is arranged. The carry-in area A1 is an area where products to be sorted are carried in, and loading / unloading of products from the truck C1 is performed. The storage area A2 is an area for temporarily storing the imported products. The sorting area A3 is an area where actual sorting work is performed, and various products are prepared for each store in this area. In addition, the carry-out area A4 is an area in which products for which sorting has been completed is carried out, and loading work onto the truck C2 is performed.

  The arrows shown in the figure indicate the transport route of goods in the distribution center 100. That is, the product carried into the carry-in area A1 is first moved to the storage area A2 (step Sc1) and temporarily stored. Thereafter, in order to perform sorting, the product is moved from the storage area A2 to the sorting area A3 (step Sc2). The products for which sorting has been completed in the sorting area A3 are further moved to the carry-out area A4 (step Sc3), and are carried out toward the store.

  In order to carry out the sorting work, it is necessary to prepare in advance the number of products necessary for the sorting work on that day in the sorting area A3. For this reason, when the number of products existing in the sorting area A3 is insufficient with respect to the required number at the time of the sorting work, in the preparation work that is the work before the sorting work, at least the shortage number of products is sorted from the storage area A2. It is conveyed to A3. However, if the stock quantity in the storage area A2 is less than the shortage, the goods just loaded from the truck C1 in the carry-in area A1 are carried directly into the sorting area A3 without going through the storage area A2. (Step Sc0).

  The sorting system according to the present embodiment has not only a function related to sorting work but also a function of supporting preparation work for transporting products from the storage area A2 and the carry-in area A1 to the sorting area A3. Hereinafter, this sorting system will be described in detail.

<1-2. Product shelf and number display>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration arranged in the sorting area A3 in the configuration of the sorting system 10a according to the present embodiment. The sorting system 10a is configured such that the worker P sorts the product by taking out the product from the fixed product shelf 5 and putting it into the container while the container corresponding to the store is transported by the cart 7 or the like. Picking system.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of racks L are fixedly arranged in the sorting area A3. Two adjacent racks L are opposed to each other, and the two opposite racks L form one zone Z. A plurality of similar zones Z are formed in the sorting area A3. Each zone Z is provided with one operation terminal 201 adjacent to the rack L. The operation terminal 201 includes a display Ds, a barcode reader Br, a function switch Fs, and the like, and can display and input various types of information.

  Each rack L includes a large number of product shelves 5 and a large number of number indicators 2. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a part of the rack L. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the rack L is configured by assembling a number of frames in a lattice shape. As a result, a large number of product shelves 5 are formed in the rack L in a two-dimensional arrangement. Each of the merchandise shelves 5 is associated with one type of merchandise in advance, and functions as a sorting section that is one unit as a merchandise take-out source in sorting work. A large number of products 61 associated with the product shelf 5 are placed in each product shelf 5 while being accommodated in the case 6. Each product shelf 5 is formed with a relatively deep depth, and a plurality of cases 6 can be placed on one product shelf 5.

  Each of the commodity shelves 5 is fixedly provided with a number indicator 2 capable of electrically displaying numerical values on a frame constituting the upper part thereof. The number display unit 2 displays a sorted number that is the number of products to be sorted with respect to the arranged product shelf 5 (that is, the number of orders received from the store for the product corresponding to the product shelf 5).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the number display 2. The number display unit 2 includes a segment type display 21 that displays a numerical value as a sorted number and a completion button 22 that accepts from the operator P that the removal of the product has been completed on the front surface of the housing 20. As another configuration of the number indicator 2, the display 21 itself may have a function as a completion switch.

  In addition, the number indicator 2 includes a control unit 24 formed of a chip including a CPU, a memory, and the like inside the housing 20. The control unit 24 controls the display operation of the number display 2 and the like.

  In addition, the memory of the control unit 24 stores a shelf code related to the product shelf 5 on which the number indicator 2 is arranged. The shelf code is an identification code for identifying each product shelf 5. Since the merchandise shelf 5 and the number indicator 2 correspond in a one-to-one relationship, the shelf code is also used as an identification code for identifying the number indicator 2.

  The shelf code employs the format “LL-XXYY”. The first two digits “LL” indicate which rack L the arrangement position of the commodity shelf 5 is. The next two digits “XX” is the horizontal position of the product shelf 5 in the rack L, and the next two digits “YY” is the vertical position of the product shelf 5 in the rack L. The position of the direction is shown. For example, “01-0102” indicates that the arrangement position of the product shelf 5 is “1” th from the left of the “1” th rack L and “2” from the top. With such a shelf code format, the operator can easily specify the arrangement position of the product shelf 5 indicated by the shelf code only from the shelf code.

  On the front surface of the housing 20 of the number indicator 2, a label 25 as a recording medium on which a barcode is recorded is attached. The bar code of the label 25 is obtained by encoding a shelf code (the same shelf code as that stored in the memory of the control unit 24) for identifying the product shelf 5 on which the number indicator 2 is arranged.

<1-3. Electronic bill>
As shown in FIG. 3, the sorting system 10a includes a plurality of electronic bills 3 that are portable devices having a function of electronically displaying characters and the like. In the distribution center 100, the electronic tag 3 is attached to a case 6 that accommodates a product, and is used in association with the product.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the front side of the electronic card 3. The electronic tag 3 includes a display 31 for displaying information and an infrared communication unit 32 for receiving infrared rays as a control signal on the front surface of the housing 30. The display 31 is composed of a dot matrix type liquid crystal display, and can display various information such as characters and figures.

  In addition, the electronic tag 3 includes a control unit 33 that controls the entire apparatus and a battery 34 that supplies power to the entire apparatus inside the housing 30. The control unit 33 is configured by a chip including a CPU, a memory, and the like. Information based on the control signal received by the infrared communication unit 32 is displayed on the display 31 under the control of the control unit 33. The memory of the control unit 33 stores a device code related to the device itself. This device code is an identification code for identifying each electronic tag 3.

  Similarly to the number indicator 2, a label 35, which is a recording medium on which a barcode is recorded, is also attached to the front surface of the electronic tag 3. The barcode of the label 35 is obtained by encoding a device code relating to the device itself (the device code that is the same as that stored in the memory of the control unit 33).

  FIG. 6 is a view showing the configuration of the back side of the electronic card 3. As shown in the figure, a plate-like clip portion 37 is provided on the back surface of the housing 30 of the electronic tag 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic tag 3 is attached to the case 6 by sandwiching a part of the case 6 between the clip portion 37 and the housing 30. Thereby, the electronic tag 3 is attached to the product accommodated in the case 6 and is moved together with the product.

  As shown in FIG. 7, even when the electronic tag 3 is attached to the case 6, the front side of the housing 30 is exposed to the outside of the case 6. Accordingly, even in this state, the display 31 of the electronic tag 3 is disposed so as to be visible from the outside, and the infrared communication unit 32 is disposed so as to receive infrared rays from the outside.

  These electronic tags 3 display specific work contents in the preparation work for transporting the goods to the sorting area A3. More specifically, the name of the product to be transported, the number of cases, the shelf code of the product shelf 5 serving as the transport destination, and the like are displayed (details will be described later). The worker who performs the preparatory work grasps the content of the work by looking at the display of the electronic tag 3, attaches the electronic tag 3 to the case 6 of the product to be transported, and attaches the product to the product in the sorting area A3. Transport to shelf 5. That is, the electronic tag 3 is used as a work instruction sheet indicating the specific work content of the preparatory work.

  As described above, in the preparation work, the commodity is transported from either the carry-in area A1 or the storage area A2 to the sorting area A3. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, electronic bill boxes B1 and B2 capable of accommodating electronic bills 3 functioning as work instructions are provided in the carry-in area A1 and the storage area A2. These electronic tag boxes B1 and B2 contain a large number of electronic tags 3 before being attached to the product, and the electronic tag 3 on which the work content is displayed functions as a work instruction sheet.

  In addition, a large number of electronic tags 3 included in the sorting system 10a are grouped into two groups, a first group and a second group, and each electronic tag 3 belongs to one of these groups. The electronic tag 3 belonging to the first group is used as a work instruction sheet related to transport from the storage area A2 to the sorting area A3. On the other hand, the electronic tag 3 belonging to the second group is used as a work instruction sheet related to direct conveyance from the carry-in area A1 to the sorting area A3.

  The electronic tags 3 belonging to the first group and the electronic tags 3 belonging to the second group have the same device configuration, but are distinguished by device codes in terms of control. In the present embodiment, a five-digit code is adopted as the device code, and the device code of the electronic tag 3 belonging to the first group is “1xxx” with the highest digit “1”, and the device code of the electronic tag 3 belonging to the second group. The device code has a format of “2xxxx” with the highest digit “2”. As a result, the group to which the electronic tag 3 of the device code belongs can be determined based on the most significant digit of the device code.

  Further, the color of the housing 30 is different between the electronic tag 3 belonging to the first group and the electronic tag 3 belonging to the second group so that the operator can easily determine to which group the electronic tag 3 belongs. It has become. Thus, only the first group of electronic tags 3 is accommodated in the electronic tag box B2 of the storage area A2, and only the second group of electronic tags 3 is accommodated in the electronic tag box B1 of the carry-in area A1.

<1-4. Handy terminal>
As shown in FIG. 2, the sorting system 10a includes a handy terminal 4 that is a portable communication terminal device. In the distribution center 100, each worker P carries the handy terminal 4 and uses it during work.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the handy terminal 4. The handy terminal 4 is a small communication terminal device that can be easily carried by the worker P. The handy terminal 4 is a display unit 41 that displays various information, a barcode reader 42 that reads barcodes, and an input that accepts various inputs from the worker P. A button 43 and a communication unit 44 for performing wireless data communication are provided.

  Further, the handy terminal 4 includes a control unit 45 constituted by a chip having a CPU, a memory, and the like inside, and the operation of each part of the handy terminal 4 is controlled by the control unit 45. Yes.

<1-5. Host computer>
In addition, the sorting system 10a includes a host computer that comprehensively controls each of the above-described number display 2, electronic bill 3, and handy terminal 4. This host computer is arranged in the management area A0 shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sorting system 10a including the host computer 1.

  As shown in the drawing, in the sorting system 10a, the host computer 1 can communicate with each of three types of communication terminal devices, ie, the number indicator 2, the electronic tag 3, and the handy terminal 4 (first to third communication systems). (Third communication system) 200, 300, 400 are provided.

  The first communication system 200 is responsible for communication between the host computer 1 and the plurality of number indicators 2. The 1st communication system 200 is provided with the display controller 202 which controls the display of the number indicator 2 on the downstream side with the operation terminal 201 mentioned above.

  The control unit 24 of each number indicator 2 also functions as a communication unit. When displaying the number of sorting on one number display 2 as a communication terminal device, a control signal including a shelf code and the number of sorting for the number display 2 is transmitted from the host computer 1. This control signal is input to the display controller 202 via the operation terminal 201. Upon receiving this control signal, the display controller 202 identifies the number indicator 2 related to the shelf code included in the control signal, and transmits the control signal to the control unit 24 of the number indicator 2 to determine the number of the sorting. Display.

  Conversely, when the completion button 22 is pressed on the number display 2, the control unit 24 transmits a signal to that effect to the display controller 202 together with the shelf code stored in the memory. This signal is input to the host computer 1 via the operation terminal 201. As a result, the host computer 1 can recognize which number display unit 2 has completed sorting. Information operated on the operation terminal 201 is also input to the host computer 1.

  The second communication system 300 is responsible for communication between the host computer 1 and the plurality of electronic bills 3. The second communication system 300 includes a base station 301 and a plurality of transceivers 302. The transceiver 302 transmits an infrared signal to the electronic tag 3. The base station 301 functions as a signal relay between the host computer 1 and the transceiver 302.

  When displaying information on a certain electronic tag 3, a control signal including a device code of the electronic tag 3 and information to be displayed is transmitted from the host computer 1. This control signal is input to each transceiver 302 via the base station 301. Each transceiver 302 receives the control signal, converts the control signal into an infrared signal, and transmits the infrared signal. The transmitted infrared signal is received by the electronic tag 3 related to the device code included in the infrared signal. Thereby, information included in the infrared signal is displayed on the display 31 of the electronic tag 3.

  Since the transceiver 302 is arranged at almost regular intervals on all the ceilings of the carry-in area A1, the storage area A2, the sorting area A3, and the carry-out area A4 shown in FIG. 1, the electronic tag 3 exists in any of these areas. Even in this case, such infrared signals can be received.

  The third communication system 400 bears communication between the host computer 1 and the plurality of handy terminals 4. The third communication system 400 includes a wireless communication device 401 that performs wireless communication with the communication unit 44 of the handy terminal 4. The wireless communication device 401 enables bidirectional data communication between the host computer 1 and the handy terminal 4. As a wireless communication method of the wireless communication device 401, a wireless LAN or the like is employed.

  The configuration of the host computer 1 as hardware is the same as that of a general computer. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of the host computer 1. As shown in the figure, the host computer 1 includes a CPU 11 that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM 12 that stores basic programs, a RAM 13 that serves as a work area for arithmetic processes, a timer 14 that has a clocking function, programs, and various data. A hard disk 15 for storing files and the like, a display 16 for performing various displays, and an input unit 17 including a keyboard and a mouse are provided, and these are electrically connected to the same bus line 19.

  The host computer 1 further includes three communication units 18a to 18c so as to correspond to the first to third communication systems 200, 300, and 400. Specifically, the first communication unit 18 a is connected to the operation terminal 201 and performs data communication related to the first communication system 200. The second communication unit 18 b is connected to the base station 301 and performs data communication related to the second communication system 300. The third communication unit 18 c is connected to the wireless communication device 401 and performs data communication related to the third communication system 400.

  A dedicated program is stored in advance in the hard disk 15 of the host computer 1, and various functions as the host computer 1 are realized by the CPU 11 performing arithmetic processing according to this program. The hard disk 15 of the host computer 1 further stores various table data necessary for the operation of the sorting system 10a.

<1-6. Table data>
The hard disk 15 of the host computer 1 mainly stores four table data including a sorting table Ta, an inventory table Tb, a first transfer table Tc1, and a second transfer table Tc2. Hereinafter, these will be described.

  First, the sorting table Ta will be described. The sorting table Ta mainly indicates sorting information indicating how many products should be taken out from the product shelf 5 for each store, and the sorting operation is performed based on the registered contents of the sorting table Ta. The sorting table Ta is created based on orders received from each store before the sorting work for the sorting work for that day.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sorting table Ta. As shown in the figure, the sorting table Ta is data in a table format composed of a plurality of records Ra. One record Ra corresponds to one product shelf 5 and indicates the number of products ordered from each store for the product associated with the product shelf 5. That is, one record Ra indicates the total number of products that need to be sorted for one product shelf 5.

  Each record Ra includes shelf data Da related to the product shelf 5 itself and store data Db related to a store to which the product on the product shelf 5 is to be delivered. The shelf data Da includes “shelf code”, “product code”, and “product name”. “Shelf code” is a shelf code of the product shelf 5, “Product code” is an identification code for identifying the type of product associated with the product shelf 5, and “Product name” is the name of the product. . That is, the product shelf 5 and the product type are associated in terms of data by the sorting table Ta.

  Further, in the store data Db, information related to one store is registered as one sub-record Rs. Each of the sub-records Rs includes “store code”, “store name”, and “sort quantity”. The “store code” is an identification code for identifying the store, the “store name” is the name of the store, and the “sort quantity” is the number of orders received from the store.

  Next, the inventory table Tb will be described. The stock table Tb indicates the number of stocks of each product. The goods to be in stock exist in either the storage area A2 or the sorting area A3. For this reason, in the inventory table Tb, the number of inventory in each area is indicated.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the inventory table Tb. As shown in the figure, the inventory table Tb is data in a table format composed of a plurality of records Rb. Each record Rb corresponds to one type of product and indicates the number of stocks related to the product. More specifically, in each record Rb, “product code” and “product name” are associated with “accommodation number”, “shelf inventory number”, and “storage inventory number”.

  The “accommodation number” indicates the number of the commodity to be accommodated per case. For example, “accommodated number” is “36” for “◯ × chocolate” illustrated in the figure. This indicates that 36 pieces of “◯ × chocolate” are accommodated in each case 6 in a state of being carried into the distribution center 100 from a food factory or the like.

  Further, the “shelf inventory number” indicates the number that the product is in stock on the product shelf 5 in the sorting area A3. On the other hand, “the number of stored stock” indicates the number of the product stored as stock in the storage area A2. The unit of “the number of inventory on the shelf” is “number”, and the unit of “the number of stored inventory” is “the number of cases”. Therefore, for example, the “number of stored stock” of “◯ × chocolate” illustrated in the figure is “2”, which is “accommodated number (36)” × “number of stored stock (2)” = “ This indicates that “72” “◯ × chocolate” exists as stock in the storage area A2. The contents of the inventory table Tb are updated each time sorting or preparation work is performed, and are managed so as to always indicate the latest inventory status.

  Next, the transfer tables Tc1 and Tc2 will be described. The transport tables Tc1 and Tc2 register data related to preparation work for transporting products. Data relating to the electronic tags 3 belonging to the first group is registered in the first transport table Tc1, and data relating to the electronic tags 3 belonging to the second group are registered in the second transport table Tc2. Since the first transport table Tc1 and the second transport table Tc2 have the same data configuration, the first transport table Tc1 will be described below, and the description of the second transport table Tc2 will be omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first transport table Tc1. As shown in the figure, the first transport table Tc1 is data in a table format composed of a plurality of records Rc. Each record Rc corresponds to one electronic tag 3 used as a work instruction sheet, and indicates various types of information regarding the transportation related to the electronic tag 3.

  In each record Rb, work data Dc indicating the work content transmitted to the electronic tag 3 to function as a work instruction for the preparatory work for the “device code” of the electronic tag 3, and the transport related to the work content Is associated with confirmation data Dd regarding completion confirmation.

  The work data Dc includes “product code”, “product name”, “number of designated cases”, “shelf code”, and “designated time”. The “product code” and “product name” are identification information of a product to be transported. The “instruction case number” indicates the amount of the product to be transported by the number of cases. The “shelf code” indicates the shelf code of the product shelf 5 associated with the product (that is, the product shelf 5 to which the product is transported). The “instruction time” indicates the time when these contents are transmitted to the electronic tag 3.

  The contents of such work data Dc of each record Rc are registered when the contents are transmitted to the electronic tag 3. Thereby, the electronic tag 3 is associated with one product to be transported. Therefore, the electronic tag 3 related to the record Rc whose work data Dc is blank has not yet been transmitted with work contents and is not associated with any product.

  The confirmation data Dd includes “completion confirmation” and “confirmation time”. In the sorting system 10a, when the product is transported to the product shelf 5, a completion confirmation process for confirming whether or not the product has been transported to the correct product shelf 5 is performed (details will be described later). “Completion confirmation” indicates whether or not the completion confirmation processing regarding the work data Dc of the same record Rc has been properly completed. When the completion confirmation process is properly completed, “completed” is registered in “completion confirmation”, and “uncompleted” is registered in “completion confirmation” when it is not completed. The “confirmation time” indicates the time when the completion confirmation process is properly completed. Therefore, when “completion confirmation” is “not yet”, “confirmation time” is blank. In the record Rc in which the work data Dc is blank, the confirmation data Dd is also blank.

<1-7. Sorting work>
Next, a sorting operation using the sorting system will be briefly described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of processing relating to sorting work relating to one store. In the actual sorting operation, the process of FIG. 14 is performed for each store.

  First, the worker transports an empty container to be delivered to one store with the carriage 7, and inputs the store code relating to the store to the operation terminal 201 (step S1). The input store code is transmitted to the host computer 1.

  In response to this, the CPU 11 of the host computer 1 refers to the sorting table Ta and extracts the record Ra in which the store code is included in the sub-record Rs. Then, for each of the extracted records Ra, the number of sorting corresponding to the store code is transmitted to the number display 2 of the product shelf 5 related to the shelf code indicated by the record Ra. Thereby, the number of sorting is displayed all at once on the number display 2 of the plurality of product shelves 5 (step S2).

  According to the number of items displayed on the number display 2 of the product shelf 5, the operator takes out the product corresponding to the number from the case 6 placed on the product shelf 5 and puts it into the container transported by the cart 7. To do. When the take-out is completed, the completion button 22 of the number display 2 of the product shelf 5 is pressed. When the pressing of the completion button is accepted (step S3), the host computer 1 recognizes that the removal relating to the commodity shelf 5 has been completed.

  In response to this, under the control of the CPU 11 of the host computer 1, the display on the number display 2 of the product shelf 5 is turned off. At the same time, in the inventory table Tb, the “number of shelves in stock” of the record Rb for the product related to the product shelf 5 is subtracted by the number of sorting, and the inventory table Tb is updated to the latest state (step S4).

  The processes in steps S3 and S4 are performed for each of the product shelves 5. As a result, for each product, the number of sorting determined in the sorting table Ta is prepared. When the number indicators 2 of all the product shelves 5 are turned off (Yes in step S5), the sorting operation related to the one store is completed.

<1-8. Preparation work>
Next, preparation work performed before this sorting work will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an outline of the work and processing flow in the preparation work.

  First, a transport instruction process is performed in which work contents related to transport are transmitted to the electronic bills 3 accommodated in the electronic bill boxes B2 and B1 in the storage area A2 and the carry-in area A1. Thereby, each electronic tag 3 functions as a work instruction sheet (step S11).

  The workers are arranged in the storage area A2 and the carry-in area A1, respectively. The workers in the storage area A2 are in charge of transport from the storage area A2 to the sorting area A3, and the workers in the carry-in area A1 are from the carry-in area A1. Responsible for transport to sorting area A3. The worker takes out one electronic tag 3 serving as a work instruction from the electronic tag boxes B2 and B1 in the areas A2 and A1 that he is in charge of and grasps the work content. Then, according to the contents of the work, the product is transported from the areas A2 and A1 that it is in charge to the product shelf 5 in the sorting area A3 (step S12). That is, one electronic tag 3 corresponds to one transport operation. When the product is transported, the electronic tag 3 is attached to the product case 6 as shown in FIG.

  When the product is transported to the product shelf 5 in the sorting area A3, a completion confirmation process for confirming whether or not the product has been transported to the correct product shelf 5 is performed (step S13). This conveyance confirmation process is performed each time one conveyance relating to one electronic tag 3 as one work instruction is completed.

  Below, each of a conveyance instruction | indication process (step S11) and a completion confirmation process (step S13) is demonstrated in detail.

<1-9. Transport instruction processing>
First, the conveyance instruction process (step S11) will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of the conveyance instruction process, and mainly shows the process by the host computer 1. Note that the process shown in FIG. 16 is a process related to one product shelf 5, and actually the process shown in FIG. 16 is performed for all product shelves 5 (for every "shelf code"). In this description, one product shelf 5 related to the processing shown in FIG. 16 is referred to as “attention shelf”.

  First, the CPU 11 of the host computer 1 refers to the record Ra related to the target shelf in the sorting table Ta based on the “shelf code” of the target shelf. Then, all the “sorted numbers” of the sub-records Rs included in the record Ra are added. The result of the addition is the number of items related to the shelf of interest for which the sorting operation is scheduled for the day, that is, the number required for the sorting operation (hereinafter referred to as “sorting required number”) (step S21).

  When the “required number of sorting” is derived, the record Rb of the product related to the shelf of interest in the inventory table Tb is then referred to, and the “shelf inventory number” is compared with the “required number of sorting” (step S22). ). If the “shelf inventory number” is equal to or greater than the “sorting required number”, it is not necessary to transport the product. Therefore, in this case (No in step S23), the conveyance instruction process is finished as it is. In this case, of course, subsequent product conveyance and completion confirmation processing (steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 15) are not performed.

  On the other hand, if the “shelf inventory number” is less than the “required number of sorting”, it is necessary to transport the number of products insufficient to the “required number of sorting” to the sorting area A3 (Yes in step S23). Therefore, the “shelf inventory number” is subtracted from the “required number of sorting” to derive the number of goods to be transported (hereinafter referred to as “required transport number”) (step S24).

  Goods are transported to the sorting area A3 in units of 6 cases. For this reason, when the “required number of conveyances” is derived, the minimum number of cases necessary for the number of products to be equal to or greater than the “required number of conveyances” is the number of cases to be conveyed (hereinafter, ")"). The “number of transport cases” is derived by dividing the “required number of transports” by the “number of transports” of the products related to the shelf of interest in the inventory table Tb, and rounding up the number after the decimal point. For example, when the “required number of conveyances” is “100” and the “accommodation number” is “36”, “100/36” = “2.777. 3 "(step S25).

  Next, when the “number of transport cases” is derived, the “number of stored stock” and the “number of transport cases” of the products related to the shelf of interest in the inventory table Tb are compared (step S26). If “the number of storage stock” is equal to or greater than “the number of transport cases”, only the products in the storage area A2 are sufficient for the “number of transport cases”, and it is not necessary to directly transport the products from the carry-in area A1. Therefore, in this case (No in step S27), the work content in which the “number of transport cases” remains as it is and the “instruction case number” that is the number of cases instructing transport is the electronic tag 3 belonging to the first group. Sent to one.

  More specifically, first, the first transport table Tc1 is referred to, and the record Rc having the blank work data Dc is selected. As a result, the electronic tag 3 related to the device code of the record Rc is selected as the electronic tag 3 that is the transmission target of the work content. Then, “product code”, “product name”, “instruction case number”, “shelf code”, and “instruction time” are transmitted as work contents to the electronic tag 3 via the second communication system 300. The

  The “product code” and “product name” transmitted here are associated with the “shelf code” of the shelf of interest in the sorting table Ta. The “instruction case number” is the “number of transport cases” derived in step S25, and the “shelf code” is the “shelf code” of the shelf of interest. Further, as the “instruction time”, the current time obtained by the timer 14 is used (step S28).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, on the display 31 of the electronic tag 3 to be transmitted, these “product code” 3a, “product name” 3b, “number of designated cases” 3c, “shelf code” 3d, and The “instruction time” 3e is displayed as the work content, and the electronic tag 3 functions as a work instruction sheet. In other words, the “product code” 3a and the “product name” 3b indicate identification information of the product to be transported (the product to which the electronic tag 3 is attached), and the “number of designated cases” 3c is the number of cases to be transported The “shelf code” 3d indicates the product shelf 5 as the transport destination (the product shelf 5 related to the product as the attachment destination of the electronic tag 3). By confirming these contents, the operator can easily grasp which product should be conveyed, how much, and to which product shelf 5. Further, since the electronic tag 3 is attached to the product case 6 and used with the product, the transport destination can be clarified even during the transport of the product.

  A confirmation mark 3m indicating the result of the completion confirmation process is also displayed on the display 31 of the electronic tag 3. At this point, since the completion confirmation process has not been performed, the confirmation mark 3m is indicated as “not yet”.

  Returning to FIG. 16, when the work content is transmitted, the CPU 11 of the host computer 1 next updates the first transport table Tc1. That is, in the first transport table Tc1, for the “product code”, “product name”, “number of designated cases”, “shelf code”, and “designated time” of the record Rc related to the electronic tag 3 to be transmitted. The transmitted work content is registered as it is. As a result, the “shelf code” of the shelf of interest and the “device code” of the electronic tag 3 that is the transmission target of the work contents are associated (step S29).

  Here, the product corresponding to the shelf of interest is the same as the product to which the electronic tag 3 that is the transmission target of the work content is attached. That is, the first transport table Tc1 also functions as correspondence information that associates the product shelf 5 and the electronic tag 3 related to the same product. Therefore, the process of step S29 is a process of generating correspondence information by associating the “shelf code” of the product shelf 5 with the “device code” of the electronic tag 3 that is the transmission target of the work content related to the product shelf 5. It can be said that.

  On the other hand, if the “number of stocks stored” is less than the “number of transport cases” in step S26, it is necessary to transport the goods directly from the carry-in area A1. Therefore, in this case (Yes in step S27), the “number of stored stock” is subtracted from the “number of transport cases”, and the number of cases to be transported directly from the carry-in area A1 (hereinafter referred to as “the number of direct transport cases”). Is derived (step S30).

  Next, the work content in which all the “stock quantity” is “instructed case number” is transmitted to one of the electronic tags 3 belonging to the first group. Also in this case, as in step S28, “product code”, “product name”, “number of designated cases”, “shelf code”, and “designated time” are transmitted to the electronic tag 3 as work contents (step S31). . Thereby, the work content is displayed on the display 31 of the electronic tag 3 to be transmitted, and the electronic tag 3 functions as a work instruction sheet. Then, as in step S29, the contents of the first transport table Tc1 are updated (step S32).

  Subsequently, the work content in which “the number of directly sent cases” is “the number of designated cases” is transmitted to one of the electronic tags 3 belonging to the second group. In this case as well, as in step S28, “product code”, “product name”, “number of designated cases”, “shelf code”, and “designated time” are transmitted as work contents to the electronic tag 3 (step S33). . Thereby, the work content is displayed on the display 31 of the electronic tag 3 to be transmitted, and the electronic tag 3 functions as a work instruction sheet. Then, as in step S29, the contents of the second transport table Tc2 are updated (step S34). That is, the second transport table Tc2 is also correspondence information that associates the product shelf 5 and the electronic tag 3 related to the same product.

  As a result of such processing, the amount of work for transporting the goods related to the shelf of interest is divided into two, and the goods are transported from the carry-in area A1 and the storage area A2.

<1-10. Completion confirmation process>
Next, the completion confirmation process (FIG. 15: step S13) performed after goods are conveyed to the goods shelf 5 is demonstrated. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a flow of the completion confirmation process, and FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state in which products are conveyed to the product shelf 5. In the completion confirmation process, the worker who has transported the product uses the handy terminal 4 that is carried. In FIG. 18, the left flow shows the operation of the handy terminal 4, and the right flow shows the operation of the host computer 1. In this description, the product shelf 5 to which the product is transported is referred to as “target shelf”, and the product that has been transported to the target shelf is referred to as “target product”.

  First, as shown in FIG. 19, attention is paid to a label 35 attached to the front surface of the electronic tag 3 attached to the target product. Then, the barcode of the label 35 is read by the barcode reader 42 of the handy terminal 4. Thereby, the device code of the electronic tag 3 is acquired by the handy terminal 4 (step S41).

  Next, the label 25 affixed to the front surface of the number indicator 2 fixed to the target shelf is noted. Then, the barcode of the label 25 is read by the barcode reader 42 of the handy terminal 4. Thereby, the shelf code of the target shelf is acquired by the handy terminal 4 (step S42).

  Through these processes, both the device code of the electronic tag 3 attached to the target product and the shelf code of the target shelf are acquired by the handy terminal 4. Note that the order of steps S41 and S42 may be switched.

  Next, the acquired device code and shelf code are transmitted from the communication unit 44 of the handy terminal 4 to the host computer 1 by non-communication using the third communication system 400 (step S43).

  The transmitted device code and shelf code are received by the host computer 1 via the wireless communication device 401 (step S51). In response to this reception, the CPU 11 of the host computer 1 verifies the correspondence between the received device code and the shelf code with the correspondence indicated by the transport tables Tc1 and Tc2. More specifically, the transfer table Tc1, Tc2 related to the received device code is referred to, and a record related to the same device code as the received device code is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the correspondence between the received device code and the shelf code matches the correspondence between the “device code” and the “shelf code” included in the record (step S52).

  That these correspondences match each other means that the product has been conveyed to the correct product shelf 5 according to the work content of the work instruction sheet. Therefore, in this case (Yes in step S53), since the legitimacy of the conveyance has been confirmed, a completion signal for notifying the operator of the fact is transmitted to the electronic tag 3 of the received device code. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, a confirmation mark 3 m indicating “Done” is displayed on the display 31 of the electronic tag 3. By confirming this display, the operator can easily grasp that the product has been conveyed to the correct product shelf 5 (step S54).

  Next, the transfer table is updated. That is, “completed” is registered in “completion confirmation” of the record related to the same device code as the received device code, and the current time obtained by the timer 14 is registered in “confirmation time” (step S55).

  Next, the inventory table Tb is updated to the latest state. That is, the record Rb for the product related to the received “shelf code” is referred to, and the “instruction case number” that is the work content of the transfer is subtracted from the “stored stock quantity” and the “shelf stock quantity” In addition, “instruction case number” × “accommodation number” is added (step S56).

  On the other hand, if the correspondence relationship does not match in step S52, the product has been transported to the wrong product shelf 5. In this case, an error signal for notifying the operator of the fact is transmitted to the electronic tag 3 of the received device code. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 21, a confirmation mark 3 m indicating “error” is displayed on the display 31 of the electronic tag 3. By confirming this display, the operator can grasp that the product has been transported to the wrong product shelf 5 and can transport it again to the correct product shelf 5 (step S57). In this case, the transfer table is not updated, and “completion confirmation” is maintained as “not yet”.

<1-11. Summary>
As described above, in the sorting system 10a of the present embodiment, the electronic tag 3 is used in association with the commodity to be transported. The product shelf 5 and the electronic tag 3 relating to the same product are preliminarily associated in terms of data by the transport tables Tc1 and Tc2 in the transport instruction process. Then, when the product is transported to the product shelf 5, the shelf code of the product shelf 5 and the device code of the electronic tag 3 attached to the product are acquired, and the corresponding relationship is indicated by the transport tables Tc1 and Tc2. It is determined whether or not they match. Thereby, the legitimacy of conveyance that the correct goods linked | related with the goods shelf 5 were conveyed to the goods shelf 5 can be confirmed easily.

  The determination result relating to the legitimacy of the conveyance is displayed as a confirmation mark 3m on the electronic tag 3 from which the device code is acquired. For this reason, the operator can easily recognize whether or not the conveyance performed by himself / herself is correct.

  Further, the electronic tag 3 displays the identification information of the product to be transported, the amount of the product to be transported, and the shelf code of the product shelf 5 to which the product is transported. It can be used as a work instruction sheet.

<2. Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the handy terminal 4 is used for the completion confirmation process. However, in this embodiment, the number display unit 2 of each product shelf 5 has a function of acquiring the device code of the electronic bill 3. Therefore, the handy terminal 4 is not necessary for the completion confirmation process. Hereinafter, the difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the sorting system 10b of the present embodiment. As can be seen from comparison with FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the handy terminal 4 is not required, so the third communication system 400 is not provided, and only the first and second communication systems 200 and 300 are provided. Yes.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state of one commodity shelf 5 according to the present embodiment. Also in the present embodiment, the electronic tag 3 is attached to the case 6 that accommodates the product, and is used in association with the product. The electronic tag 3 includes an apparatus having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and further includes an IC tag (RFID tag) 36 that is an electromagnetic recording element. The IC tag 36 stores a device code related to the device itself.

  In addition, the number indicator 2 of the present embodiment is a device having a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, further including a tag reader 26 for reading the contents of the IC tag. The tag reader 26 can read information in a non-contact manner from an IC tag existing in a space near the number display 2 that is the device itself. For this reason, the tag reader 26 can read information from the IC tag 36 of the electronic tag 3 attached to the case 6 of the product while the product is placed on the product shelf 5. That is, the device code of the electronic tag 3 is acquired by the number indicator 2 by the function of the tag reader 26. Note that the labels 25 and 35 on which barcodes as identification codes are recorded need not be attached to the number display 2 and the electronic tag 3 of the present embodiment.

  The processing of the sorting system 10b of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the completion confirmation process, but the flow of the completion confirmation process is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. For this reason, the completion confirmation processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18 described in the first embodiment. Also in this description, the product shelf 5 to which the product is transported is referred to as “target shelf”, and the product that has been transported to the target shelf is referred to as “target product”. In the present embodiment, the flow on the left side in FIG. 18 is the operation of the number indicator 2 fixed to the target shelf, and the flow on the right side is the operation of the host computer 1.

  When the target product is transported to the target shelf, the device is first moved from the IC tag 36 of the electronic tag 3 attached to the case 6 containing the target product by the tag reader 26 of the number display 2 fixed to the target shelf. A code is acquired (step S41).

  Next, in the number indicator 2, the shelf code related to the target shelf is acquired from the memory of the control unit 24 under the control of the CPU of the control unit 24. As described above, the memory of the control unit 24 stores the shelf code related to the product shelf 5 (target shelf) on which the number display device 2 as its own device is arranged, and this shelf code is read out. In other words, the CPU acquires the shelf code from the memory included in the number display device 2 as its own device (step S42).

  Through these processes, both the device code of the electronic tag 3 attached to the target product and the shelf code of the target shelf are acquired by the number display unit 2, and the acquired device code and shelf code are sent from the control unit 24 to the host. It is transmitted to the computer 1 using the first communication system 200 (step S43).

  The transmitted device code and shelf code are received by the host computer 1 via the display controller 202 and the operation terminal 201 (step S51). Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the correspondence relationship between the apparatus code and the shelf code matches the correspondence relationship indicated by the transport tables Tc1 and Tc2 (step S52), and according to the determination result. The process is performed (steps S53 to S57).

  In the present embodiment, the operation of step S41 in which the tag reader 26 acquires the device code is started when the readable IC tag 36 exists in the vicinity of the tag reader 26. Therefore, when the merchandise is conveyed by the worker and placed on the merchandise shelf 5, the completion confirmation process shown in FIG. 18 is automatically performed. That is, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the operator to perform complicated work, and the legitimacy of conveyance can be confirmed without any awareness. In terms of cost, since the functions of the number indicator 2 and the electronic tag 3 can be simplified, the first embodiment is preferable.

<3. Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the number indicator 2 can acquire the device code of the electronic tag 3 in a non-contact manner. However, in this embodiment, the electronic tag 3 can be attached to the number indicator 2. As shown in FIG. 24, the number indicator 2 acquires the device code from the attached electronic tag 3. Hereinafter, the difference from the above embodiment will be mainly described.

  The overall configuration of the sorting system of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 22, but the configurations of the number indicator 2 and the electronic tag 3 are different. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of the number indicator 2 and the electronic tag 3 according to the present embodiment.

  The number indicator 2 is provided with a configuration for connecting to the electronic bill 3 in addition to an apparatus having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Specifically, a slot 27 for mounting the electronic tag 3 is provided in the lower part of the housing 20 of the number indicator 2. Engaging claws 29 urged toward the internal space of the slot 27 are provided on the left and right end portions inside the slot 27, respectively. A connector 28 that is electrically connected to the control unit 24 is provided on the inner upper portion of the slot 27. The engaging claw 29 is embedded in the housing 20 when the removal button 29a at the lower left portion of the housing 20 is pressed.

  Further, the electronic tag 3 is also provided with a configuration for connecting to the number indicator 2 in an apparatus having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Specifically, a connector 38 that is electrically connected to the control unit 33 is provided on the upper portion of the housing 30 of the electronic tag 3, and an engagement groove 39 that is a recessed groove is provided on the left and right of the upper portion of the housing 30. It has been. Note that the labels 25 and 35 on which barcodes as identification codes are recorded need not be attached to the number display 2 and the electronic tag 3 of the present embodiment.

  When the electronic tag 3 is attached to the number indicator 2, the electronic tag 3 is pushed in from below until the upper portion of the housing 30 of the electronic tag 3 comes into contact with the inner upper portion of the slot 27. As a result, the electronic bill 3 and the number indicator 2 are physically integrated as shown in FIG. In this state, the left and right engaging claws 29 of the slot 27 enter the engaging groove 39 of the electronic card 3 and are held so that the electronic card 3 is not detached from the number indicator 2 by the urging force of the engaging claw 29. .

  Further, in this state, the connector 38 of the electronic card 3 and the connector 28 of the number indicator 2 are in physical contact, and the control units 33 and 24 of both apparatuses are electrically connected. As a result, data communication is possible between the electronic bill 3 and the number indicator 2.

  When the electronic tag 3 is removed from the number display 2, the removal button 29a is pressed. As a result, the engaging claw 29 of the slot 27 is disengaged from the engaging groove 39 of the electronic tag 3 and the holding state of the electronic tag 3 is released, and the electronic tag 3 can be removed from the number indicator 2.

  Next, the completion confirmation processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this description, the product shelf 5 to which the product is transported is referred to as “target shelf”, and the product that has been transported to the target shelf is referred to as “target product”. Also in the present embodiment, the flow on the left side in FIG. 18 is the operation of the number indicator 2 fixed to the target shelf, and the flow on the right side is the operation of the host computer 1.

  In the present embodiment, when the operator conveys the target product to the target shelf, first, as shown in FIG. 24, the electronic tag 3 attached to the target product is removed from the case 6 and attached to the number display 2 of the target shelf. . In response to this, the control unit 24 of the number display unit 2 acquires the device code from the memory of the control unit 33 of the integrated electronic tag 3 through the connectors 38 and 28 (step S41).

  Next, in the number display 2, the shelf code relating to the target shelf is acquired from the memory of the control unit 24 under the control of the CPU of the control unit 24 (step S42). Through these processes, both the device code of the electronic tag 3 attached to the target product and the shelf code of the target shelf are acquired by the number display 2. The acquired device code and shelf code are transmitted from the control unit 24 to the host computer 1 using the first communication system 200 (step S43). Subsequent processing is the same as in the second embodiment.

  As described above, in the sorting system according to the present embodiment, the number display 2 and the electronic tag 3 of each commodity shelf 5 can be physically integrated, and the number display 2 is integrated with the electronic tag. The device code is acquired from 3. Therefore, a non-contact reader device or the like is not required for acquiring the device code, and the device code can be acquired at a relatively low cost.

<4. Other embodiments>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. Hereinafter, such other embodiments will be described.

  The sorting system of the above embodiment is a type of picking system in which the number display 2 for displaying the number of sorting is arranged on each product shelf 5, but the number of sorting is displayed on the display provided on the carriage. A picking system of a type in which the number indicator 2 is not arranged on the shelf 5 may be used. Even in this case, if a label indicating a shelf code is directly attached to the frame of the product shelf 5, the same completion confirmation processing as that in the first embodiment can be performed. Further, if a communication terminal device having a reader for acquiring the device code and a memory storing the shelf code is provided in each product shelf 5, the completion confirmation process similar to the second and third embodiments is performed. Can do.

  In the first embodiment, each identification code of the number indicator 2 and the electronic tag 3 is indicated by a label. However, the identification code is stored in an IC memory or the like, and a bar indicating the identification code is stored. You may make it display a code | cord | chord etc. on a display. Further, the identification code may be shown encoded in a two-dimensional code such as a QR code instead of a one-dimensional barcode.

  In the first embodiment, each of the number indicator 2 and the electronic tag 3 is provided with an IC tag in which an identification code is recorded, and the handy terminal 4 is provided with a tag reader. May be obtained.

  Further, in the second embodiment, a barcode is recorded at a predetermined position of the electronic tag 3, the number indicator 2 is provided with a barcode reader, and the barcode recorded on the electronic tag 3 can be contacted without contact. You may make it read.

  Further, in the second embodiment, it has been described that the tag reader 26 reads the device code of the electronic tag 3 while the electronic tag 3 is attached to the product. However, the electronic tag 3 may be brought close to the number display 2.

  Moreover, in the said 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the electronic tag 3 accompanying the goods conveyed to the goods shelf 5 was the state attached to the case 6 as it was, as shown in FIG. 5 may be installed and operated. With such an operation, the electronic tag 3 can be used as a shelf label for explaining a product placed on the product shelf 5.

  In the sorting area A3, when the correspondence between the product shelf 5 and the type of product is changed (that is, in the case of product replacement), when the product is transported to the product shelf 5 as a new correspondence destination, Similar to the above embodiment, the electronic tag 3 may be used as a work instruction sheet.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the quantity of the goods which should be conveyed was shown with the number of cases in which goods are accommodated, you may show with the number of goods.

  In any of the above-described embodiments, the product is stored in the case and transported. However, the product may be transported in a cart or a pallet stand, for example. Also in this case, if the electronic tag 3 is attached to the basket car or the pallet stand, the electronic tag 3 can be attached to the product. Moreover, you may attach the electronic tag 3 directly to goods.

  In addition, when a cart or pallet table is used to transport the goods, a plurality of areas for arranging the car etc. are secured on the floor surface of the sorting area A3, and each of the plurality of areas is made into one kind of goods. You may make it function as a sorting division which is linked | related and the said goods are conveyed and mounted.

  In any of the above embodiments, the battery 34 of the electronic tag 3 may be either a primary battery or a secondary battery. When the battery 34 is formed of a primary battery, the battery 34 may be replaced before using the electronic tag 3. In the first and second embodiments, when the battery 34 is constituted by a secondary battery, the battery 34 may be charged with a dedicated charger before the electronic tag 3 is used. Further, a charger for charging the battery 34 in a non-contact manner by an electromagnetic induction method or the like is incorporated in the number indicator 2, and the battery 34 of the electronic tag 3 attached to the product while the product is placed on the product shelf 5. May be charged in a non-contact manner. In the third embodiment, when the battery 34 is constituted by a secondary battery, the battery 34 is charged by a dedicated charger before the electronic tag 3 is used, and the number indicator 2 has a charger. The battery 34 may be charged in a state where the electronic tag 3 is integrated with the built-in number display 2.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the distribution center by which a sorting system is employ | adopted. It is a figure which shows the structure of the sorting system arrange | positioned at a sorting area. It is a front view which shows a part of rack. It is a figure which shows the structure of a number indicator. It is a figure which shows the structure of the front side of an electronic tag. It is a figure which shows the structure of the back side of an electronic tag. It is a figure explaining attachment to the case of an electronic bill. It is a figure which shows the structure of a handy terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the sorting system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the basic composition of a host computer. It is a figure which shows an example of a sorting table. It is a figure which shows an example of an inventory table. It is a figure which shows an example of a conveyance table. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process regarding a sorting operation | work. It is a figure which shows the flow of the operation | work in a preparatory work, and a process. It is a figure which shows the flow of a conveyance instruction | indication process. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of an electronic tag. It is a figure which shows the flow of a completion confirmation process. It is a figure which shows the mode at the time of goods being conveyed to the goods shelf. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of an electronic tag. It is a figure which shows an example of a display of an electronic tag. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the sorting system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of one goods shelf of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the mode of the one product shelf of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the number display and electronic tag of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | use of an electronic tag.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host computer 2 Quantity indicator 3 Electronic tag 4 Handy terminal 5 Product shelf 6 Case 25 Label 26 Tag reader 35 Label 36 IC tag

Claims (9)

A sorting system that has a plurality of sorting sections, each associated with one type of product, on which the product is transported and placed,
A plurality of portable devices that can be used with the product;
Storage means for storing correspondence information associating the sorting section and the portable device related to the same product;
A first identification code for identifying the sorting section is acquired from a recording medium included in the sorting section, and the portable device is identified from a recording medium included in the portable device attached to the product that has been transported to the sorting section. Obtaining means for obtaining a second identification code;
Determination means for determining whether a correspondence relationship between the first and second identification codes acquired by the acquisition means matches a correspondence relationship indicated by the correspondence information;
A sorting system characterized by comprising: The sorting system according to claim 1,
The acquisition means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the first and second identification codes acquired by the acquiring means to the determination means by wireless communication;
A portable communication terminal device having
A sorting system characterized by comprising: The sorting system according to claim 1,
The acquisition means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the first and second identification codes acquired by the acquiring means to the determining means;
A communication terminal device having
A sorting system characterized by being arranged and provided in each of the plurality of sorting sections. The sorting system according to claim 3,
The acquisition means includes
Obtaining the first identification code from a memory included in the communication terminal device as its own device;
A sorting system, wherein the second identification code is obtained in a non-contact manner from a recording medium of the portable device existing in the vicinity of the communication terminal device as its own device. The sorting system according to claim 3,
The communication terminal device can be physically integrated with the portable device,
The acquisition means includes
Obtaining the first identification code from a memory included in the communication terminal device as its own device;
A sorting system, wherein the second identification code is acquired from a recording medium of the portable device integrated with the communication terminal device as its own device. The sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Each of the plurality of portable devices is
Display means capable of displaying the first identification code of the sorting section relating to the commodity to which the user is attached;
A sorting system characterized by comprising: The sorting system according to claim 6,
Deriving means for deriving the amount of goods to be transported to the sorting section for each of the plurality of sorting sections;
Means for transmitting the amount of the derived merchandise, the identification information of the merchandise, and the first identification code of the sorting section relating to the merchandise to one of the plurality of portable devices and causing the display to display When,
A sorting system characterized by further comprising: The sorting system according to claim 7,
For each of the plurality of sorting sections, the first identification code of the sorting section is associated with the second identification code of the portable device that is the transmission target of the amount of the product derived with respect to the sorting section. Generating means for generating correspondence information;
A sorting system characterized by further comprising: The sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Means for transmitting the determination result of the determination means to the portable device of the second identification code acquired by the acquisition device, and displaying the result on the display device of the portable device;
A sorting system characterized by further comprising:

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