JP2006160324A - Package, method and system for managing physical distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply and efficiently check detailed contents of a plurality of articles stored in a package to improve the efficiency of a physical distribution system. <P>SOLUTION: An article is managed by applying an RFID, and a two-dimensional bar code containing the detailed contents is stuck to or directly printed on the package storing a plurality of the articles to manage the package. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a package that stores a plurality of articles, a distribution management method thereof, and a distribution management system thereof.

  It is usual that a package containing a plurality of articles is affixed or described with a content description (article contents and quantity thereof) on the package. In this case, even for inspection at the time of distribution, it is only possible to confirm the difference between the pasted content details and the content, and the content details pasted on these packages cannot be used as data. .

  In order to utilize these content details as data, a management number is assigned to the package. There is one that manages by adding a one-dimensional bar code that records. In the case of management, these are the management numbers. A database for storing information on the contents based on the above is prepared in advance, and the contents are confirmed by referring to the database. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an article code such as a barcode attached to a packaged article is read, and image data of the article is displayed by referring to an article data file. Check the goods.

  However, in such a technique, when attaching detailed content information to a packing body in which a plurality of articles are stored, it takes time to write the detailed description at the time of picking or packing. In addition, there is a problem that the data cannot be used, for example, after refilling the box or taking out an item from the box.

  In order to cope with these problems, a technique using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is increasingly used in logistics. RFID is generally used as a tag (tag) or a card-like medium, and is called an IC tag or an IC card, respectively. Due to the features that it is easy to miniaturize and can accommodate a small installation space, and has a large storage data capacity, it is increasingly used for merchandise distribution. By attaching an RFID such as a label type or a coin type to an article, the efficiency of physical distribution is improved by detecting the RFID of the article and confirming the article.

  RFID can read and analyze a plurality of articles at the same time in a non-contact manner, and can use this function to check the contents without opening the package, thereby improving logistics efficiency. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, an ID tag is attached to a packing body in which each article is packed, and content information indicating a product list is recorded on the ID tag, so that the content can be easily confirmed.

  However, when detecting RFID in the package, there is no guarantee that all RFIDs in the package can be detected, such as a recognition error when IC tags overlap, and it is not easily recognized due to the influence of metal. There is a risk of misunderstanding. For this reason, it was actually necessary to manually confirm the contents.

On the other hand, as disclosed in Patent Document 3, there is a mechanism for recording RFID information in a package, displaying the number of the information on the package, and checking the number of the package and the number of RFIDs at the time of reading. It has been devised.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-259355 Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-324405 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-91088

  However, even if the checking mechanism is strengthened, if the RFID of each article cannot be read due to the overlap of RFID, the influence of metal present in the package, or the damage of the RFID, it is necessary to confirm which RFID cannot be read. It was necessary to do it.

  Further, in order to use the detailed contents of the article included in the package as data, it is necessary to check the article for an article whose RFID cannot be read and to perform an input operation.

  On the other hand, it is necessary to inspect the received article at the delivery destination, but it is necessary to check whether there is an error between the delivery note affixed or enclosed in the delivered article and the actual product. Such acceptance inspection must be performed at each delivery, and if it is not possible to identify which item, such as when there is an RFID reading error, the delivery note and the actual inspection will be accelerated as the delivery quantity increases. This will increase the time and effort.

  The object of the present invention is that it is possible to confirm the contents in a package in which a plurality of articles are stored, even when storing a plurality of articles, at the time of picking, after packing, and after refilling a box or taking out an article. The present invention is to provide a package capable of accurately and efficiently utilizing the detailed content data, a distribution management system for the package, and a distribution management method.

  The present invention is a packaging body in which a plurality of articles are stored. Each stored article has an RFID attached thereto, and a two-dimensional barcode is attached or printed on the outer surface of the packaging body. Includes at least a code for identifying the RFID and information for identifying the attached item, and the two-dimensional bar code includes a list of codes for identifying at least the RFID attached to each of the items (hereinafter referred to as a list). , Called an ID list).

  Here, the plurality of articles refers to articles of different types, articles of different production lots, articles of different colors and sizes, or combinations thereof. Moreover, a package shows things, such as a packing box, a conveyance carrier, a carriage, a container, a return box, and a shelf in which a plurality of articles are stored.

  As is well known, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) attached to each article has a built-in wireless transmission / reception function and memory, and records information in the memory in a non-contact manner using wireless communication. Or read information from the memory.

  In the present invention, the RFID attached to each article stores at least a code for identifying the RFID and information for identifying the attached article. Here, the code for identifying the RFID is an identification code for identifying each RFID, and any system of codes may be used as long as the purpose can be achieved. The information specifying the attached article is information regarding the article to which the RFID is attached, and includes at least information indicating the type of the article. In addition, more detailed information, for example, information indicating the manufacturer or delivery destination of the article, image video information, audio information, olfactory information, taste information, etc. (hereinafter referred to as attribute information) is recorded. be able to.

  The information of the two-dimensional barcode includes at least an ID list. Here, the ID list is information that lists all identification codes of all RFIDs included in the package. Further, the two-dimensional barcode may further include information relating to delivery such as a unique number that identifies the package and a store code that represents a delivery destination store. Moreover, you may include the information which specifies the kind and quantity of each article | item. Further, similarly to the information recorded in the RFID, image video information, audio information, olfactory information, and taste information regarding each article may be stored simultaneously as two-dimensional barcode data.

  If the information amount of these pieces of information does not fit in a single two-dimensional barcode, two or more two-dimensional barcodes may be attached or printed directly. When it is necessary to attach a plurality of two-dimensional barcodes, it is desirable to include the number of two-dimensional barcodes or the number thereof as data in order to prevent misidentification when reading the two-dimensional barcode.

  Further, the present invention is a method for managing the physical distribution of a package that stores a plurality of articles. At the time of shipment, the information recorded in each RFID is read from a plurality of articles each having an RFID attached thereto. The product is stored in a package, the read information is aggregated, converted into a two-dimensional barcode, and pasted or printed on the outer surface of the package. This is a physical distribution management method including a step of reading an ID list from the received information, reading an ID list from the two-dimensional barcode, and collating the ID list read from the two-dimensional barcode with the ID list read by the RFID reader.

  The present invention also includes means for reading information recorded on each RFID from a plurality of articles each having an RFID attached thereto, means for consolidating the read information and converting the information into a two-dimensional barcode, and the two-dimensional bar A two-dimensional bar code creating apparatus including a means for printing a code.

  The present invention also provides an RFID reader that reads information recorded on an RFID, a two-dimensional barcode reader that reads a two-dimensional barcode, an ID list read from the two-dimensional barcode, and an ID read by the RFID reader. It is a physical distribution management device provided with RFID collation means for collating lists.

  In the above, it is preferable to include at least a logistics management database for managing inventory information and database update means for updating information in the logistics management database using information read by the RFID reader. Here, the physical distribution management database manages at least inventory information of articles to be distributed. Various information such as a shipping source, a delivery destination, a delivery schedule, and slip information may be managed as necessary.

  Furthermore, by providing a communication interface, it is possible to transmit read item attribute information or the like to a management server or the like, thereby enabling centralized management of data relating to distribution in real time. However, such a communication interface is not necessarily required, and offline distribution management can be performed in the present invention.

  At the time of shipment, by using the two-dimensional barcode creation apparatus of the present invention, a two-dimensional barcode can be created quickly and easily by using a function capable of reading the information of a plurality of RFIDs simultaneously without contact with the RFID. .

  On the other hand, it is necessary to inspect the received goods at the delivery destination. That is, it is necessary to confirm whether there is a discrepancy between the delivery note attached to or encapsulated in the delivered article and the actual product. This can be confirmed by the two-dimensional barcode of the delivery contents and the RFID of each article, so that work efficiency can be improved.

  RFID has a function of reading information of a plurality of RFIDs at the same time without contact, but as described above, some RFIDs may not be read due to the overlap of RFIDs or the influence of metal. Even in such a case, according to the present invention, it is possible not only to know that there is a reading error by collating the ID list read from the two-dimensional bar code with the ID list read by the RFID reader, but which RFID Can be read and can be confirmed more quickly.

  Also, the system can be configured to automatically re-read when there is a reading error. Thereby, the reading reliability can be greatly improved.

  Further, even when some of the RFIDs are damaged, the damaged RFID can be identified, so that replacement can be performed quickly.

  In addition, when an item in a package is replaced or another package is refilled, the type and number of items can be easily checked by using the RFID attached to each item. Without being able to grasp the exact contents.

  In that case, the two-dimensional barcode can be reissued quickly and easily using the two-dimensional barcode creating apparatus of the present invention. Conversely, when the two-dimensional bar code cannot be read due to dirt or scratches, the two-dimensional bar code can be reissued quickly and easily in the same manner.

  Further, by updating the information in the physical distribution management database using the checked data obtained by collating the information read by the RFID reader with a two-dimensional barcode, more accurate and efficient work can be performed. . Even when issuing a tag label, packing details, and a slip at the time of distribution, the data can be used and issued.

  In order to use RFID information and two-dimensional barcode information, there is no need to construct a LAN environment and receive data, so there is no restriction on the installation location of the issuing machine, and there is no need for a LAN environment. The system construction cost can also be reduced.

  On the other hand, if a communication interface is provided, it is expected to consolidate or consolidate distribution bases, optimize delivery schedules, improve accuracy and improve efficiency of inventory management. Furthermore, exchange of electronic data eliminates the need for invoices and invoices, leading to cost reduction.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 1, the schematic diagram of the package of this invention is shown. In FIG. 1, a plurality of articles 2 are stored in a package 1, and each article 2 is attached with an RFID. A two-dimensional barcode 3 is attached to the outer surface of the package 1. In the RFID attached to each article, an identification code of each RFID, information indicating the kind of article, attribute information of the article, and the like are recorded. In particular, when an article is a product with many variations, such as clothing, it may be difficult to identify the article at first glance using only character information. Therefore, it is useful to store image information as attribute information.

  The two-dimensional bar code includes an ID list for identifying the RFID attached to each article and a unique number for identifying the package. The two-dimensional barcode may store information indicating the type of the article, attribute information of the article, and the like, similarly to the information recorded on the RFID.

  Here, in an aspect in which information indicating the type of article, attribute information of the article, and the like are stored in the two-dimensional barcode, the same information is stored twice in the RFID and the two-dimensional barcode. The advantage of such an aspect is that the contents in the package can be confirmed and these data can be used by reading only the two-dimensional barcode at any stage of physical distribution. That is, the system of the present invention can be used not only at the time of shipment and at the delivery destination, but also in every process of logistics such as a process line and a warehouse, but if you try to use it in any place, It is necessary to install a device that reads both the RFID and the two-dimensional barcode. In such a case, if the information as described above is stored in the two-dimensional barcode, the contents in the package can be confirmed by a simple device having only the two-dimensional barcode reader at some places. It can be performed.

  On the other hand, in a mode in which article attribute information or the like is not stored in the two-dimensional barcode, a simple device using only the two-dimensional barcode reader as described above cannot be used, but it must be stored in the two-dimensional barcode. There is an advantage that the amount of information that needs to be reduced is small. That is, when trying to store up to the attribute information etc. of the article in the two-dimensional barcode, the amount of information increases, so that the information cannot be stored in one two-dimensional barcode, and a plurality of items for one package There are cases where a two-dimensional barcode must be attached or printed. On the other hand, in the case of this aspect, since the amount of information is small, there is an advantage that the information can be contained in one two-dimensional barcode and the system can be simplified.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a process for reading the RFID information of each article using the two-dimensional barcode creating apparatus of the present invention and creating two-dimensional barcode information to be attached to the package. When storing a plurality of articles attached with RFID in a packing body, or before packing work such as picking work or after packing work, read RFID information affixed to each article, and details of the goods Is converted into a two-dimensional bar code and affixed to the package or printed directly.

  At this time, separately from the two-dimensional bar code, a specification printed with normal characters may be attached to the package to increase the efficiency of the subsequent confirmation work.

  As a method for recording information, for example, a CSV (Comma Separated Value) format, a TAB delimiter format, a fixed length or other general-purpose database format, or a SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language HumpLH) A method of expressing in a tagged language such as Markup Language) can be given. The data format of the database and the tag of the tagged language can be appropriately defined as necessary when actually used.

  Also, the information amount of RFID may be fully utilized by embedding these pieces of information as compressed data in a two-dimensional barcode. However, in this case, a function for decompressing the compressed data in the reading device is required.

  Further, information security may be ensured by embedding these pieces of information as encrypted data in a two-dimensional barcode. However, in this case, the reader needs a function to decrypt the encrypted data.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of a method of automatically reading the two-dimensional barcode attached to the package and the RFID of each article using the physical distribution management apparatus of the present invention and linking it with the physical distribution management database. At the time of shipment of the package, as shown in FIG. 3, the RFID of each article in the package 1 and the two-dimensional barcode 3 that is the aggregated information are simultaneously read by the reading device 7. The distribution management database update device 8 connected to the reading device 7 updates the contents of the distribution management database 9 based on the information read by the reading device 7.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows a mechanism for automatically issuing slips. In the distribution process line 10, the two-dimensional barcode 3 attached to the package 1 and the RFID of each article are automatically and automatically read by the reading device 7. The distribution management database update device 8 connected to the reading device 7 updates the physical distribution management database 9 based on the information read by the reading device 7, and the slip issuing device 11 automatically creates the slip 12.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a work procedure for inspecting an article received at a delivery destination. As shown in FIG. 5, the two-dimensional barcode read on the delivered package is read by the two-dimensional barcode reader 13. At the same time, the RFID attached to each article stored in the package is read for each package by the RFID reader 14. The contents detail check function 15 (RFID collation means) collates both contents. If both contents match, the contents of the package are confirmed. On the other hand, as described above, some RFIDs may not be read due to the overlap of RFIDs or the influence of metal. As a result of the collation, in the case of a reading error, it is possible to improve the accuracy by configuring the system so that the RFID is re-read automatically. In addition, if a read error occurs as a result of re-reading several times, a delivery content detail error list 16 is output. In this error list, the article that has caused the reading error is specified and shown, so it is possible to check the contents of the package by checking only the specified article.

  In addition, the delivery contents detail list 17 is output based on the confirmed packing contents. By checking the delivery content item list 17 with the delivery slip 18, the delivery content can be checked with a minimum of effort. When the delivery slip 18 is digitized and transmitted, the collation work can be automated by having a function of automatically collating the delivery content item list 17 and the delivery slip 18 in the system. Is also possible.

  Further, the two-dimensional barcode attached or printed on the package can be used for confirming the contents in the delivery destination as long as the contents of the package are not changed. Further, the RFID attached to each article can be used as it is for inventory management or sales management.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the distribution process of physical distribution in units of packages, the contents in the package can be confirmed by reading the RFID of each article and the two-dimensional barcode attached or directly printed on the package. In addition, it is possible to provide a logistics management method and a logistics management apparatus that can quickly use these data and can perform efficient logistics management. The physical distribution management method and the physical distribution management apparatus of the present invention can be used not only at the time of shipment and at the delivery destination but also in all processes of physical distribution such as process lines and warehouses.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the package of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the process which reads the RFID information of each article | item using the 2D barcode production apparatus of this invention, and produces the information of the 2D barcode for affixing on a package. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example of the method of automatically reading the 2-dimensional barcode stuck on the package and RFID of each article | item using the physical distribution management apparatus of this invention, and making it cooperate with a physical distribution management database. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically an example which automatically reads the two-dimensional barcode stuck on the package and the RFID of each article in the distribution process line, updates the distribution management database, and automatically creates a slip. It is a figure explaining an example of the work procedure for inspecting the goods received at the delivery destination.

Explanation of symbols

1: Packing body 2: Article 2 (a) attached with RFID stored in the packing body: Article (a) attached with RFID stored in the packing body
2 (b): Article with RFID attached to the package (b)
3: Two-dimensional barcode 4: Two-dimensional barcode creation and printing device 5: RFID reading device 6 for each article: Packing contents specification data creation device 7: Two-dimensional barcode and RFID reading device 8 for each article: Contents specification data Distribution management database update device 9: Distribution management database 10: Distribution line 11: Voucher issuing device 12: Voucher 13: Two-dimensional barcode reading device 14: RFID reading device 15: Content item check means 16: Delivery details item error list 17: Delivery details list 18: Delivery slip

Claims (5)

A package in which a plurality of articles are stored, each of the stored articles has an RFID attached thereto, and a two-dimensional barcode is attached or printed on the outer surface of the package, and the RFID includes the RFID At least a code for identifying an RFID attached to each of the articles (hereinafter referred to as an ID list) is recorded in the two-dimensional barcode. Package) characterized in that it is included. A method of managing physical distribution of a package that stores a plurality of articles, and at the time of shipment, reads information recorded in each RFID from a plurality of articles each having an RFID attached thereto, and uses the plurality of articles as a package Storing, consolidating the read information, converting it into a two-dimensional bar code and pasting or printing on the outer surface of the package, and at the delivery destination, the ID list is obtained from the information recorded in the RFID. A physical distribution management method including a step of reading, reading an ID list from a two-dimensional barcode, and collating an ID list read from the two-dimensional barcode with an ID list read by an RFID reader. Means for reading information recorded in each RFID from a plurality of articles each having an RFID attached thereto, means for consolidating the read information and converting it into a two-dimensional barcode, and means for printing the two-dimensional barcode A two-dimensional bar code creating device. RFID reader that reads information recorded on RFID, two-dimensional barcode reader that reads two-dimensional barcode, RFID verification that collates ID list read from two-dimensional barcode and ID list read by RFID reader Logistics management device with means. 5. The physical distribution management apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a physical distribution management database for managing at least inventory information; and database update means for updating information in the physical distribution management database using information read by the RFID reader.

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