JP2008214016A - Sorting work supporting program, recording medium recording the program, sorting work supporting method, and sorting work supporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To associate sorting data with one another with high accuracy, without spending time and effort. <P>SOLUTION: (1)First, a carrying truck transported from a stand-by place passes through a shipping gate. (2)Therefore, a reader/writer 103 reads truck information from an RFID tag attached to the carrying truck. (3)Simultaneously, the reader/writer 103 reads truck information from an RFID tag attached to each carrying container stored in the carrying truck. (4)The reader/writer 103 transmits the read truck information and the container information to a DAS through a sorting work supporting device 101. Therefore, in the DAS receiving the truck information and the container information, association between the truck information and the container information is carried out, and the information is stored in a management database. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting work support program for supporting sorting work in a physical distribution system, a recording medium storing the program, a sorting work support method, and a sorting work support apparatus.

  In recent logistics systems, sorting information consisting of information such as product information, quantity, and shipping destination is displayed by reading the barcode attached to the product using a handy scanner or the like, and the displayed sorting information is displayed. Based on this, it is common to use a sorting system that sorts products for each shipping destination. By introducing such a sorting system, sorting work can be efficiently performed.

  Further, when a product cannot be stored in a transport container when the product is transported, the product is transported across a plurality of transport containers. In such a case, in the conventional sorting system, it is difficult for the person in charge at the transport destination to determine which product is stored in which transport container. Therefore, at the time of sorting work, by associating the transport container with the product and outputting this association information in a timely manner, it is easy for the person in charge at the transport destination to determine which product is stored in which transport container. A technology that makes this possible has been devised (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP-A-8-310620

  However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, when associating a transport container with a product, a time-consuming and time-consuming terminal operation such as barcode reading or screen input is required. For this reason, there are problems such as a long working time and an increase in work cost, as well as problems such as forgetting to associate and incorrect association.

  The present invention eliminates the problems caused by the prior art described above, and enables the associating of the sorting data with high accuracy without taking time and effort, so that the work time required for the sorting work is increased. An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting work support program, a recording medium storing the program, a sorting work support method, and a sorting work support apparatus that can reduce the time required for the work and reduce the work cost.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a sorting work support program, a recording medium storing the program, a sorting work support method, and a sorting work support device according to the present invention communicate with a plurality of RFID tag reading devices. A wireless tag reader is attached to each of the transport cart and the transport container as the transport cart carrying the transport container passes through a computer that can access a management database that stores transport container management information. The carrier identification information and the transport container identification information read from the wireless tag being read are acquired, the management database is referred to, and it is determined whether the acquired transport container identification information is read by another wireless tag reader, The transport container identification information determined to have been read by another RFID reader is included in the acquired transport vehicle identification information. Without performing the association information, the transport container identification information is judged not to read in another wireless tag reader, it was decided to be stored in the management database to associate with the acquired transport trolley identification information.

  According to this invention, with the passage of the transport cart carrying the transport container, the transport cart identification information and the transport container identification information can be associated together. Further, the association can be performed with high accuracy without associating the transport cart identification information with the erroneously read transport container identification information.

  Further, in the above-described invention, with reference to the management database, the container identification information associated with the transportation vehicle identification information different from the acquired transportation vehicle identification information is specified, and the container identification information is associated with another transportation vehicle identification information. Instructing the wireless tag transmitting apparatus that transmits the command to transmit a command for prohibiting reading of the container identification information by the wireless tag reader to the wireless tag that stores the identified container identification information. Good.

  According to this invention, with the passage of the transport cart carrying the transport container, the transport cart identification information and the transport container identification information can be associated together. Further, it is possible to perform the association with high accuracy without erroneously reading the transport cart identification information and the transport container identification information.

  According to the sorting work support program, the recording medium on which the program is recorded, the sorting work support method, and the sorting work support apparatus according to the present invention, the sorting data is associated with high accuracy without taking time and effort. As a result, the working time required for the sorting work can be shortened and the working cost can be reduced.

(Embodiment 1)
Exemplary embodiments of a sorting work support program, a recording medium storing the program, a sorting work support method, and a sorting work support apparatus according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(System configuration of sorting work support system)
First, the system configuration of the sorting work support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the system configuration of the sorting work support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A sorting work support system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that constitutes a sorting system together with a DAS (Digital Assist System) having a management database for storing management information of transport containers, and supports the input of various data to the DAS. The sorting work support apparatus 101, readers / writers 102, 103, and 104, and the handy terminal 105 are configured.

  The sorting work support apparatus 101 is an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer that controls the entire sorting work support system 100. This sorting work support apparatus 101 is wired or wirelessly connected to each reader / writer 102 to 104 and the handy terminal 105, and various control signals and various data are input to and output from each reader / writer 102 to 104 and the handy terminal 105. Can be done. The sorting work support apparatus 101 is wired or wirelessly connected to the DAS, and can transmit various data received from the reader / writers 102 to 104 and the handy terminal 105 to the DAS.

  Further, the sorting work support apparatus 101 performs sorting work support processing for preventing reading error of container information by the reader / writer 103. For example, in FIG. 1, the reading range of the container information by the reader / writer 103 extends not only to the shipping gate but also to the transport container in the standby area. For this reason, the reader / writer 103 erroneously reads the container information from the RFID tag attached to the transport container in the standby area. The sorting work support apparatus 101 performs sorting work support processing for preventing such misreading of container information by controlling the reader / writer 104 and the RFID tag attached to the transport container in the waiting area.

  The reader / writer 102 functions as a wireless tag reader and is provided in an empty transport container storage location (hereinafter referred to as “container storage place”). From the RFID tag attached to the transport container, the transport container identification information ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as “container information”. Further, the reader / writer 102 reads shipping destination identification information (hereinafter referred to as “shipping destination information”) from an RFID tag attached to a shipping destination slip provided for each shipping destination. Here, the shipping destination slip is provided, for example, in a standby place (hereinafter referred to as “standby place”) of a transport cart waiting to be shipped on which a transport container is placed. As described above, the container information and the shipping destination information read by the reader / writer 102 are transmitted to the DAS via the sorting work support apparatus 101. As a result, the DAS can associate the transport container with the shipping destination of the transport container and store it in the management database.

  The reader / writer 103 functions as a wireless tag reader and is provided at a gate to which a transport cart is shipped (hereinafter referred to as “shipment gate”). From an RFID tag attached to the transport cart that passes through the shipping gate, At the same time as reading the carriage identification information (hereinafter referred to as “cart information”), the container information is read from the RFID tag attached to each transport container placed on the carriage. In this way, the cart information and the container information read by the reader / writer 103 are transmitted to the DAS via the sorting work support device 101. As a result, the DAS can associate the transport cart with the transport container accommodated in the transport cart and store it in the management database.

  The reader / writer 104 functions as a wireless tag reading device and a wireless tag transmission device, and is provided in the direction of the shipping gate in the waiting area in order to prevent erroneous reading of container information by the reader / writer 103. Under the control of 101, reading / writing of information is performed with respect to the RFID tag attached to the transport container placed on the transport cart in standby.

  The handy terminal 105 is provided in the sorting work place, and inputs the products stored in the transport container and the quantity (hereinafter referred to as “sorted product information”). As described above, the sorted product information input by the handy terminal 105 is transmitted to the DAS via the sorting work support apparatus 101. In addition, you may make it use the handy terminal 105 provided in DAS.

(An example of various information)
Next, an example of various information used in the sorting work support system 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of various types of information used in the sorting work support system 100.

  In FIG. 2, for example, container information including “conveyance container ID” is recorded in an RFID tag attached to the conveyance container. For example, the “conveying container ID” of the conveying container shown in FIG. 2 is “1357”, and the DAS system can specify the conveying container by this “conveying container ID”.

  In addition, shipping destination information including “shipping destination ID” and “shipping destination name” is recorded in the RFID tag attached to the shipping destination slip. For example, the “shipping destination ID” of the RFID tag shown in FIG. 2 is “01”, and the DAS system can specify the shipping destination by this “shipping destination ID”.

  In addition, cart information including “carrying cart ID” is recorded in the RFID tag attached to the carrying cart. For example, the “transport cart ID” of the transport cart shown in FIG. 2 is “114”, and the DAS system can specify the shipping destination by this “transport cart ID”.

  From the handy terminal 105, sorted product information including “product ID (JAN code)”, “product name”, and “quantity” is recorded. For example, the “product ID” of the products sorted by the handy terminal 105 shown in FIG. 2 is “12345...” And the “quantity” is “10”. The DAS system can specify the products sorted by the “product ID” and “quantity” and their quantities.

(How to read container information and ship-to party information)
Next, a method for reading container information and shipping destination information by the reader / writer 102 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for reading container information and shipping destination information by the reader / writer 102.

  (1) First, an arbitrary shipping address slip is picked up from a standby place where a shipping address slip is provided for each shipping address, and is placed on the reader / writer 102. As a result, the reader / writer 102 reads the shipping destination information from the RFID tag.

  (2) Then, the reader / writer 102 transmits the read shipping destination information to the DAS via the sorting work support apparatus 101. Here, in the DAS that has received the shipping destination information, reception of container information is waited.

  (3) Subsequently, an arbitrary transport container is picked up from the container storage place, and an RFID tag attached to the transport container is placed on the reader / writer 102. Thereby, the reader / writer 102 reads the container information from the RFID tag.

  Here, the other transport container is arranged in the container place in a state where the polarization direction of the RFID tag attached to the transport container is orthogonal to the polarization direction of the radio wave readable by the reader / writer 102. This prevents the reader / writer 102 from erroneously reading the container information from the RFID tag of the other transport container even when the other transport container and the reader / writer 102 are arranged close to each other. Can do.

  (4) Then, the reader / writer 102 transmits the read container information to the DAS via the sorting work support apparatus 101. Thus, in the DAS that has received the container information, the container information is associated with the shipping destination information that has already been received and stored in the management database.

(Product sorting method)
Next, a method for sorting products using the handy terminal 105 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a method for sorting products using the handy terminal 105.

  (1) First, according to the sorting information displayed on the DAS, a predetermined quantity of products is stored in a predetermined quantity in a transport container. Here, as described with reference to FIG. 3, it is assumed that the container information has already been read by the reader / writer 102 for the transport container that stores the product.

  (2) Next, the sorted product information related to the product placed on the transport container is input from the handy terminal 105. (3) Then, the handy terminal 105 transmits the read sorted product information to the DAS via the sorting work support apparatus 101. As a result, in the DAS that has received the sorted product information, the sorted product information is associated with the already received container information and stored in the management database.

(How to read cart information and container information)
Next, a method for reading cart information and container information by the reader / writer 103 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for reading cart information and container information by the reader / writer 103.

  (1) First, the transport cart carried out from the waiting area passes through the shipping gate. (2) Thereby, the reader / writer 103 reads the cart information from the RFID tag attached to the transport cart.

  (3) At the same time, the reader / writer 103 reads the cart information from the RFID tag attached to each transport container accommodated in the cart. (4) Then, the reader / writer 103 transmits the read cart information and container information to the DAS via the sorting work support apparatus 101. Thus, in the DAS that has received the cart information and the container information, the cart information is associated with the container information and stored in the management database.

(Procedure for sorting process)
Next, the procedure of the sorting process by the sorting work support system 100 and the DAS will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the sorting process by the sorting work support system 100 and the DAS.

  First, the reader / writer 102 reads the shipping destination information from the RFID tag attached to the shipping destination slip (step S601), and transmits the read shipping destination information to the DAS (step S602). In the DAS, the shipping destination information transmitted from the reader / writer 102 is received (step S603).

  Next, the reader / writer 102 reads the container information from the RFID tag attached to any of the transport containers arranged in the container storage place (step S604), and transmits the read container information to the DAS. (Step S605). In DAS, the container information transmitted from the reader / writer 102 is received (step S606). Then, in the DAS, the shipping destination information received in step S603 and the container information received in step S606 are associated (step S607) and stored in the management database.

  Subsequently, in the DAS, the sorting information associated with the shipping destination information received in step S603 is displayed on a display or the like provided in the sorting work place (step S608). As a result of the sorting operation based on the sorting information displayed in this way, sorted product information is input at the handy terminal 105. Thereby, the handy terminal 105 acquires sorted product information (step S609), and transmits the acquired sorted product information to the DAS (step S610).

  The DAS receives the sorted product information transmitted from the handy terminal 105 (step S611), and associates the container information received in step S606 with the sorted product information received in step S611 (step S612). ) And store it in the management database. Thereby, in DAS, the container information, the shipping destination information, and the sorted product information are associated with each other and stored in the management database.

  Subsequently, as a result of the transport cart being passed at the shipping gate, the reader / writer 103 reads the cart information from the RFID tag attached to the cart (step S613), and at the same time, each transport container placed on the transport cart is read. The container information is read from the attached RFID tag (step S614), and the read cart information and container information are transmitted to the DAS (step S615).

  Here, in steps S613 to S615, sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 is involved. Details of the sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The DAS receives the cart information and container information transmitted from the reader / writer 103 (step S616), and associates the cart information received in step S616 with the container information received in step S616. (Step S617), storing in the management database. As a result, in DAS, the container information, the shipping destination information, the sorted product information, and the cart information are associated with each other and stored in the management database, and the shipping specification data is generated based on these information. (Step S618).

  Next, a hardware configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, the sorting work support apparatus 101 includes a computer main body 710, an input apparatus 720, and an output apparatus 730, and a network 740 such as a LAN, WAN, or Internet via a router or modem (not shown). Can be connected to.

  The computer main body 710 has a CPU, a memory, and an interface. The CPU governs overall control of the sorting work support apparatus 101. The memory is composed of ROM, RAM, HD, optical disk 711, and flash memory. The memory is used as a work area for the CPU.

  Various programs are stored in the memory, and loaded according to instructions from the CPU. In the HD and the optical disk 711, data read / write is controlled by a disk drive. The optical disk 711 and the flash memory are detachable from the computer main body 710. The interface controls input from the input device 720, output to the output device 730, and transmission / reception with respect to the network 740.

  The input device 720 includes a keyboard 721, a mouse 722, a scanner 723, and the like. The keyboard 721 includes keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like, and inputs data. Further, it may be a touch panel type. The mouse 722 performs cursor movement, range selection, window movement, size change, and the like. The scanner 723 optically reads an image. The read image is captured as image data and stored in a memory in the computer main body 710. Note that the scanner 723 may have an OCR function.

  Examples of the output device 730 include a display 731, a speaker 732, and a printer 733. The display 731 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. The speaker 732 outputs sounds such as sound effects and reading sounds. The printer 733 prints image data and document data.

(Functional configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101)
Next, a functional configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, the sorting work support apparatus 101 includes a control unit 801, a cart information reception unit 802, a container information reception unit 803, a non-target container information reception unit 804, a determination unit 805, and an association unit 806. It is configured.

  The control unit 801 controls reading of cart information and container information by the reader / writer 103 and the reader / writer 104. For example, the control unit 801 controls the start / end of reading of cart information and container information by the reader / writer 103 and the reader / writer 104. Specifically, the control unit 801 realizes its function when the CPU executes a program stored in a memory of the computer main body 710 shown in FIG. 7, for example.

  The cart information receiving unit 802 receives the cart information read by the reader / writer 103 (that is, the cart information read from the RFID tag attached to the transport cart passing through the shipping gate) under the control of the control unit 801. To do. Specifically, the cart information receiving unit 802 realizes its function by an interface of the computer main body 710 shown in FIG. 7, for example. Further, specifically, the information received by the cart information receiving unit 802 is temporarily stored in, for example, a memory included in the computer main body 710 shown in FIG.

  The container information receiving unit 803 is controlled by the control unit 801 to read the container information read by the reader / writer 103 (that is, read from the RFID tag attached to each transport container placed on the transport carriage passing through the shipping gate. Received container information). Specifically, the container information receiving unit 803 realizes its function by an interface of the computer main body 710 shown in FIG. 7, for example. In addition, specifically, the information received by the container information receiving unit 803 is temporarily stored in, for example, a memory included in the computer main body 710 illustrated in FIG.

  The non-target container information receiving unit 804 controls the container information read by the reader / writer 104 under the control of the control unit 801 (that is, each transport placed on a transport cart different from the transport cart passing through the shipping gate). The container information read from the RFID tag attached to the container is received. Specifically, the non-target container information receiving unit 804 realizes its function by an interface included in the computer main body 710 shown in FIG. 7, for example. Further, specifically, the information received by the non-target container information receiving unit 804 is temporarily stored in, for example, a memory included in the computer main body 710 illustrated in FIG.

  Based on the container information received by the container information receiving unit 803 and the container information received by the non-target container information receiving unit 804, the determination unit 805 converts the container information received by the container information receiving unit 803 into the DAS. It is determined whether or not to transmit. That is, it is determined whether or not to associate the container information received by the container information receiving unit 803 with the cart information received by the cart information receiving unit 802. Specifically, the container information received by the container information receiving unit 803 that overlaps with the container information received by the non-target container information receiving unit 804 is excluded from transmission to the DAS. Specifically, the determination unit 805 realizes its function by the CPU executing a program stored in a memory of the computer main body 710 shown in FIG. 7, for example. Further, specifically, the information regarding the result determined by the determination unit 805 is temporarily stored in, for example, a memory included in the computer main body 710 illustrated in FIG.

  The associating unit 806 associates the cart information with the container information by transmitting the cart information received by the cart information receiving unit 802 and the container information determined to be transmitted to the DAS by the determining unit 805 to the DAS. And store it in the management database provided in the DAS. Specifically, the associating unit 806 realizes its function by, for example, an interface included in the computer main body 710 shown in FIG.

(Procedure for Sorting Work Support Processing by Sorting Work Support Device 101)
Next, the procedure of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the cart information read by the reader / writer 103 is received by the cart information receiving unit 802 (step S901). Next, the container information read by the reader / writer 103 is received by the container information receiving unit 803 (step S902). Then, the container information read by the reader / writer 104 is received by the non-target container information receiving unit 804 (step S903).

  Subsequently, the determination unit 805 determines the container information to be transmitted to the DAS based on the container information received in step S902 and the container information received in step S903 (step S904). The cart information received in step S901 and the container information determined to be sent to the DAS in step S904 are sent to the DAS (step S905), whereby the cart information and the step received in step S901 are sent to the DAS. The association with the container information determined in S904 is performed and stored in the management database, and the series of processing ends.

(Specific example of sorting work support processing)
Next, a specific example of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, as an example, it is assumed that a transport cart to the Otaru store is shipped.

  In FIG. 10, a reading area A is an area where the reader / writer 103 can read the container information from the RFID tag attached to the transport container placed on the transport cart. The reading area B is an area where the reader / writer 104 can read from the RFID tag.

  The reading area C is an area in which reading from the RFID tag can be performed by both the reader / writer 103 and the reader / writer 104. In this example, the reading area C is located at the front door for the Ebetsu store, so that the reader / writer 103 erroneously reads the container information from the RFID tag provided in the transport container for the Ebetsu store. It means that there is a possibility.

  The reading area A should be adjusted by installing a radio wave absorber or the like so that the reading area C does not occur as much as possible. However, due to the limitation of the work space and diffraction caused by the influence of the surrounding environment, etc. It is difficult to prevent the reading area C from occurring.

  The reading area D is an area where the reader / writer 103 can read the cart information from the RFID tag attached to the transport cart.

  (1) First, in the waiting area, a worker in charge depresses a frontage button for the Otaru store, so that the frontage (shipping destination) of the delivery carriage to be paid out (shipped) from the waiting area is sent to the sorting work support apparatus 101. Notice. (2) Thereby, reading of container information by the reader / writer 104 is started. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 10, the container information is read from the RFID tag attached to the transport container disposed at the frontage (Ebetsu store) in the reading area C.

  (3) Then, when the container information is read from the RFID tags attached to all the transport containers arranged at the frontage (Ebetsu store), the operator is notified that the transport cart may be shipped. The For example, it is possible to notify that the transport cart may be shipped by turning on a lamp provided in the waiting area.

  Thereafter, a new transport container is not added to the frontage (Ebetsu store) until a transport cart for the Otaru store is shipped. This is because when the container information of the added transport container is read by the reader / writer 103, it cannot be excluded from the transmission target to the DAS system.

  (4) Then, the person in charge carries out the carriage from the waiting area and passes through the shipping gate. (5) When the transport cart enters the reading area D, the cart information is read by the reader / writer 103. (6) When the carriage enters the reading area A, the container information is read by the reader / writer 103.

  In the sorting work support apparatus 101 that has received the cart information and the container information transmitted from the reader / writer 103, the container information transmitted from the reader / writer 103 overlaps with the container information transmitted from the reader / writer 104. For the object, the reader / writer 103 determines that the container information has been erroneously read from the transport container arranged in the reading area C, and is the object to be transmitted to the DAS system, that is, the object to be associated with the cart information Can be excluded from.

  Since the reader / writer 103 cannot read the container information from the transport container disposed at the frontage of another store (a store other than the Otaru store and the Ebetsu store), the sorting work support apparatus 101 has the reader / writer 103. If it is determined that the container information sent from the store contains container information of another store (a store other than the Otaru store and the Ebetsu store), the transport container of the other store is included in the transport cart for the Otaru store. A worker may be warned that it is included.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a preferred embodiment 2 of a sorting work support program, a recording medium recording the program, a sorting work support method, and a sorting work support apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. To do. Note that the same components as in the first embodiment, such as the system configuration of the sorting support system 100 and the hardware configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101, are referred to the first embodiment and description thereof is omitted.

(Functional configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101)
First, the functional configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 11, the sorting work support apparatus 101 includes a control unit 1101, a cart information receiving unit 1102, a container information receiving unit 1103, an associating unit 1104, a specifying unit 1105, and an instruction unit 1106. .

  The control unit 1101 controls reading of cart information and container information by the reader / writer 103. For example, the control unit 1101 controls the start / end of reading of cart information and container information by the reader / writer 103. Specifically, the control unit 1101 realizes its function when the CPU executes a program stored in a memory of the computer main body 710 shown in FIG. 7, for example.

  The cart information receiving unit 1102 receives the cart information read by the reader / writer 103 (that is, the cart information read from the RFID tag attached to the transport cart passing through the shipping gate) under the control of the control unit 1101. To do. Specifically, the cart information receiving unit 1102 realizes its function by an interface of the computer main body 710 shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 7), for example. Further, specifically, the information received by the cart information receiving unit 1102 is temporarily stored, for example, in a memory or the like included in the computer main body 710 shown in Embodiment 1 (FIG. 7).

  The container information receiving unit 1103 is controlled by the control unit 1101 to read the container information read by the reader / writer 103 (that is, read from the RFID tag attached to each transfer container mounted on the transport carriage passing through the shipping gate. Received container information). Specifically, the container information receiving unit 1103 realizes its function by an interface of the computer main body 710 shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 7), for example. In addition, specifically, the information received by the container information receiving unit 1103 is temporarily stored, for example, in a memory or the like included in the computer main body 710 shown in Embodiment 1 (FIG. 7).

  The associating unit 1104 associates the cart information with the container information by transmitting the cart information received by the cart information receiving unit 1102 and the container information received by the container information receiving unit 1103 to the DAS. And stored in the management database provided in the DAS. Specifically, the associating unit 1104 realizes its function by the interface of the computer main body 710 shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 7), for example.

  The identifying unit 1105 refers to the management database provided in the DAS, and does not want the reader / writer 103 to read the container information (that is, the container attached to the transport container that is not mounted on the transport carriage that passes through the shipping gate). The container information recorded on the RFID tag is specified. Specifically, the specifying unit 1105 realizes its function when the CPU executes a program stored in a memory of the computer main body 710 shown in FIG. 7, for example. The container information specified by the specifying unit 1105 is specifically temporarily stored in, for example, a memory included in the computer main body 710 shown in Embodiment 1 (FIG. 7).

  The instruction unit 1106 transmits a command for prohibiting reading of the container information by the reader / writer 103 to the RFID tag that stores the container information specified by the specifying unit 1105 that the reader / writer 103 does not want to read. To the reader / writer 104 that transmits the command. Specifically, the instruction unit 1106 realizes its function by an interface of the computer main body 710 shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 7), for example.

(Procedure for Sorting Work Support Processing by Sorting Work Support Device 101)
Next, a procedure of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the specifying unit 1105 refers to the management database provided in the DAS, specifies container information that the reader / writer 103 does not want to read (step S1201), and the instruction unit 1106 uses the reader / writer in step S1201. The reader / writer that transmits the blocking command so as to transmit a blocking command that prohibits reading of the container information by the reader / writer 103 to the RFID tag that stores the container information that is specified not to be read by the 103 An instruction is issued to 104 (step S1202). As a result, the RFID tag that has received the block command is in a state where reading of container information by the reader / writer 103 is prohibited.

  Subsequently, the carriage information reception unit 1102 receives the carriage information read by the reader / writer 103 (step S1203), and the container information reception unit 1103 receives the container information read by the reader / writer 103 (step S1203). Step S1204).

  Then, the cart information received in step S1203 is transmitted to the DAS by transmitting the cart information received in step S1203 and the container information received in step S1204 to the DAS by the associating unit 1104 (step S1205). And the container information received in step S1204 are associated with each other and stored in the management database.

  In addition, the blockage release command is sent by the instructing unit 1106 so as to transmit a blockage release command for releasing the prohibition of reading the container information by the reader / writer 103 to the RFID tag to which the blockage command has been transmitted in step S1202. An instruction is given to the reader / writer 104 to be transmitted (step S1206), and a series of processing ends.

(Specific example of sorting work support processing)
Next, a specific example of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of sorting work support processing by the sorting work support apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Here, as an example, it is assumed that a transport cart to the Otaru store is shipped.

  In FIG. 13, a reading area A is an area where the reader / writer 103 can read the container information from the RFID tag attached to the transport container accommodated in the transport cart. The reading area B is an area where the reader / writer 104 can read from the RFID tag.

  The reading area C is an area in which reading from the RFID tag can be performed by both the reader / writer 103 and the reader / writer 104. In this example, the reading area C covers the front door for the Ebetsu store, which may cause the reader / writer 103 to erroneously read the container information from the RFID tag provided in the transport container for the Ebetsu store. It means that there is sex.

  The reading area A should be adjusted by installing a radio wave absorber or the like so that the reading area C does not occur as much as possible. However, due to the limitation of the work space and diffraction caused by the influence of the surrounding environment, etc. It is difficult to prevent the reading area C from occurring.

  The reading area D is an area where the reader / writer 103 can read the cart information from the RFID tag attached to the transport cart.

  (1) First, in the waiting area, a worker in charge depresses a frontage button for the Otaru store, so that the frontage (shipping destination) of the delivery carriage to be paid out (shipped) from the waiting area is sent to the sorting work support apparatus 101. Notice. (2) Thereby, transmission of the block command by the reader / writer 104 is started. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 13, the closing command is transmitted to the RFID tag attached to the transport container disposed at the frontage (Ebetsu store) in the reading area C.

  (3) Then, when the closure of the RFID tags attached to all the transport containers arranged at the frontage (Ebetsu store) is completed, the worker is notified that the transport cart may be shipped. For example, it is possible to notify that the transport cart may be shipped by turning on a lamp provided in the waiting area.

  Thereafter, a new transport container is not added to the frontage (Ebetsu store) until a transport cart for the Otaru store is shipped. This is because when the container information of the added transport container is read by the reader / writer 103, it cannot be excluded from the transmission target to the DAS system.

  (4) Then, the person in charge carries out the carriage from the waiting area and passes through the shipping gate. (5) When the transport cart enters the reading area D, the cart information is read by the reader / writer 103. (6) When the carriage enters the reading area A, the container information is read by the reader / writer 103.

  At this time, since the RFID tag attached to the transport container already arranged in the reading area C is already closed, the reader / writer 103 is mistakenly mistakenly attached to the transport container placed in the reading area C. Therefore, it is impossible to read the container information.

  The sorting work support apparatus 101 that has received the cart information and the container information transmitted from the reader / writer 103 transmits the received cart information and the container information to the DAS. (7) Then, after the shipping of the transport cart is completed, the obstruction release command is transmitted by the reader / writer 104.

  Since the reader / writer 103 cannot read the container information from the transport container disposed at the frontage of another store (a store other than the Otaru store and the Ebetsu store), the sorting work support apparatus 101 has the reader / writer 103. If it is determined that the container information sent from the store contains container information of another store (a store other than the Otaru store and the Ebetsu store), the transport container of the other store is included in the transport cart for the Otaru store. A worker may be warned that it is included.

(Example of shipment item data)
Next, an example of shipment specification data generated by DAS will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of shipment specification data generated by DAS.

  The shipping specification data shown in FIG. 14 is generated by DAS based on the various information shown in FIG. For example, from the shipment specification data shown in FIG. 14, the shipping destination of the transport container having the transport container ID “1357” can be determined to be “Sapporo store” having the shipping destination ID “01”. Further, from the shipping specification data shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to determine that the transport cart on which the transport container having the transport container ID “1357” is placed is the transport cart having the transport cart ID “114”.

  Furthermore, from the shipment specification data shown in FIG. 14, the product stored in the transport container having the transport container ID “1357” is “Nato” having the product ID “12345...”, And the quantity is “10”. Can be determined. Similarly, the product stored in the transport container having the transport container ID “1357” is “Tofu” having the product ID “56789...”, And the quantity thereof can be determined to be “15”.

  As described above, according to the sorting work support program according to the embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium recording the program, the sorting work support method, and the sorting work support device, the transport carriage carrying the transport container is When passing near the position where the reader / writer 103 is installed, the cart information for identifying the transport cart and the container information for identifying the transport container are displayed on the RFID tag and the transport container attached to the transport cart. It was set as the structure which performs the correlation with the read cart information and container information after reading collectively from the attached RFID tag.

  For this reason, the person in charge of the work only needs to pass the transport cart in the vicinity of the installation position of the reader / writer 103, and can associate the transport cart with the transport container with high accuracy without taking time and effort. As a result, it is possible to shorten the work time required for the sorting work and to reduce the work cost.

  Further, in the vicinity of the installation position of the reader / writer 103, the container information for identifying the transport container placed on the transport cart not to be shipped is read by the reader / writer 104, and the container read by the reader / writer 103 is read. Among the information, the container information that does not overlap with the container information read by the reader / writer 104 is configured to be associated with the cart information.

  Thereby, even when the reader / writer 103 erroneously reads the container information of the transport container placed on the transport cart that is not shipped, without causing the worker in charge to perform a special operation, It is possible to control the container information that has been read in error so as not to be associated with the cart information. For this reason, it is possible to associate the transport cart with the transport container with high accuracy without taking time and effort, and as a result, the work time required for the sorting work can be shortened and the work cost can be reduced. Cost can be reduced.

  As another method, before the worker in charge passes the carriage near the installation position of the reader / writer 103, in the vicinity of the installation position of the reader / writer 103, the conveyance placed on the carriage other than the shipment target. The RFID tag attached to the container is configured to be in an access prohibited state.

  Thus, the reader / writer 103 can be controlled so as not to erroneously read the container information of the transport container placed on the transport carriage that is not shipped, without causing the worker in charge to perform a special operation. it can. For this reason, it is possible to associate the transport cart with the transport container with high accuracy without taking time and effort, and as a result, the work time required for the sorting work can be shortened and the work cost can be reduced. Cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the vicinity of the installation position of the reader / writer 102 in which a plurality of transport containers with RFID tags are arranged, the shipping destination information for identifying the shipping destination is read from the RFID tag attached to the shipping destination slip. Thus, the container information for identifying the transport container is read from the RFID tag attached to the transport container, and the read shipping destination information and the container information are associated with each other. In particular, the container information is read from the RFID tag attached to the transport container by changing the posture of the transport container to be read.

  For this reason, the worker only needs to place the shipping slip and the transport container on the reader / writer 102, and the reader / writer is not required to install a special device or perform a special operation to the worker. Control can be performed so that the writer 102 does not erroneously read the container information of the transport container that is not the target of reading. As a result, it is possible to associate the transport cart with the transport container with high accuracy without taking time and effort, and as a result, the work time required for the sorting work can be shortened and the work cost can be reduced. Cost can be reduced.

  The sorting work support method described in the first and second embodiments can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a CAD. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where the sorting work support system 100 and the DAS are configured separately has been described. However, the DAS may include the sorting work support system 100. For example, the former can be used to add the sorting work support system 100 to an existing DAS, and the sorting work support system 100 can be realized without significantly modifying the existing DAS. In the latter case, it is possible to realize the sorting work support system 100 with a small apparatus configuration, which is used when a DAS is newly constructed.

(Supplementary note 1) A computer capable of communicating with a plurality of RFID tag readers and having access to a management database for storing management information of a transport container,
Carriage cart identification information and transport container identification information read from the radio tag attached to each of the transport cart and the transport container by any of the RFID tag readers along with the passage of the transport cart carrying the transport container Reading information acquisition step of acquiring,
A determination step of referring to the management database and determining whether the transport container identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step is read by another wireless tag reader;
In the determination step, the transfer container identification information determined to be read by the other RFID tag reader is not associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step, and the determination step An association step in which the transport container identification information determined not to be read by the other RFID tag reader is associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step and stored in the management database. When,
Sorting work support program characterized by causing

(Additional remark 2) The specific process which specifies the container identification information linked | related with the conveyance trolley identification information different from the conveyance trolley identification information acquired in the said reading information acquisition process with reference to the said management database,
In order to transmit a command for prohibiting reading of the container identification information by the wireless tag reader to the wireless tag storing the container identification information specified to be associated with the other transport cart identification information by the specifying step. An instruction process for instructing the RFID tag transmitting apparatus to transmit a command;
The sorting work support program according to supplementary note 1, further comprising:

(Supplementary Note 3) A computer-readable recording medium in which the sorting work support program according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2 is recorded.

(Appendix 4) A computer capable of communicating with a plurality of RFID tag readers and having access to a management database for storing management information of a transport container,
Carriage cart identification information and transport container identification information read from the radio tag attached to each of the transport cart and the transport container by any of the RFID tag readers along with the passage of the transport cart carrying the transport container Reading information acquisition step of acquiring,
A determination step of referring to the management database and determining whether the transport container identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step is read by another wireless tag reader;
In the determination step, the transfer container identification information determined to be read by the other RFID tag reader is not associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step, and the determination step An association step in which the transport container identification information determined not to be read by the other RFID tag reader is associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step and stored in the management database. When,
The sorting work support method characterized by performing this.

(Additional remark 5) The specific process which specifies the container identification information linked | related with the conveyance cart identification information different from the conveyance cart identification information acquired in the said reading information acquisition process with reference to the said management database,
In order to transmit a command for prohibiting reading of the container identification information by the wireless tag reader to the wireless tag storing the container identification information specified to be associated with the other transport cart identification information by the specifying step. An instruction process for instructing the RFID tag transmitting apparatus to transmit a command;
The sorting work support method according to supplementary note 4, further comprising:

(Supplementary note 6) A sorting work support device capable of communicating with a plurality of wireless tag readers and accessing a management database for storing management information of a transport container,
Carriage cart identification information and transport container identification information read from the radio tag attached to each of the transport cart and the transport container by any of the RFID tag readers along with the passage of the transport cart carrying the transport container Reading information acquisition means for acquiring
A determination unit that refers to the management database and determines whether the transport container identification information acquired by the read information acquisition unit is read by another wireless tag reader;
The determination means does not associate the transport container identification information determined to be read by the other wireless tag reading device with the carrier information identifying information acquired by the read information acquisition means. Correlation means for associating the transport container identification information determined not to be read by the other wireless tag reader with the carriage information identified by the read information acquisition means and storing it in the management database When,
A sorting work support device characterized by comprising:

(Additional remark 7) The specific means which specifies the container identification information linked | related with the transporting cart identification information different from the transporting cart identification information acquired with the said read information acquisition means with reference to the said management database,
In order to transmit a command for prohibiting reading of the container identification information by the wireless tag reader to the wireless tag storing the container identification information specified to be associated with the other transport cart identification information by the specifying means. Instructing means for instructing the RFID tag transmitting apparatus to transmit a command;
The sorting work support device according to appendix 6, further comprising:

  As described above, the sorting work support program, the recording medium storing the program, the sorting work support method, and the sorting work support device according to the present invention can be used for any physical distribution system in which sorting work occurs. It is suitable for use in logistics systems with limited equipment costs, work space, work time, and work costs.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the system configuration | structure of the sorting work assistance system concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the various information used for a sorting work assistance system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the reading method of the container information and shipping destination information by a reader / writer. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the goods sorting method using a handy terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the reading method of the trolley | bogie information and container information by a reader / writer. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure of the sorting process by a sorting work support system and DAS. It is explanatory drawing which shows the hardware constitutions of the sorting work assistance apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sorting work assistance apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the sorting work assistance process by the sorting work assistance apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the sorting work assistance process by the sorting work assistance apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the sorting work assistance apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the sorting work assistance process by the sorting work assistance apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the sorting work assistance process by the sorting work assistance apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the shipment detailed data produced | generated by DAS.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Sorting work support system 101 Sorting work support apparatus 102 Reader / writer 103 Reader / writer 104 Reader / writer 105 Handy terminal 801 Control unit 802 Carriage information receiving unit 803 Container information receiving unit 804 Untargeted container information receiving unit 805 Judgment unit 806 Association Unit 1101 Control unit 1102 Carriage information receiving unit 1103 Container information receiving unit 1104 Association unit 1105 Identification unit 1106 Instruction unit

Claims (4)

A computer that can communicate with a plurality of RFID tag readers and that can access a management database that stores management information on transport containers.
Carriage cart identification information and transport container identification information read from the radio tag attached to each of the transport cart and the transport container by any of the RFID tag readers along with the passage of the transport cart carrying the transport container Reading information acquisition step of acquiring,
A determination step of referring to the management database and determining whether the transport container identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step is read by another wireless tag reader;
In the determination step, the transfer container identification information determined to be read by the other RFID tag reader is not associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step, and the determination step An association step in which the transport container identification information determined not to be read by the other RFID tag reader is associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step and stored in the management database. When,
Sorting work support program characterized by causing A specifying step of referring to the management database and specifying container identification information associated with transport cart identification information different from the transport cart identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step;
To transmit a command for prohibiting reading of the container identification information by the wireless tag reader to the wireless tag storing the container identification information specified to be associated with the other transport carriage identification information by the specifying step. An instruction process for instructing the RFID tag transmitting apparatus to transmit a command;
The sorting work support program according to claim 1, further comprising: A computer capable of communicating with a plurality of RFID tag readers and accessing a management database for storing management information of a transport container,
Carriage cart identification information and transport container identification information read from the radio tag attached to each of the transport cart and the transport container by any of the RFID tag readers along with the passage of the transport cart carrying the transport container Reading information acquisition step of acquiring,
A determination step of referring to the management database and determining whether the transport container identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step is read by another wireless tag reader;
In the determination step, the transfer container identification information determined to be read by the other RFID tag reader is not associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step, and the determination step An association step in which the transport container identification information determined not to be read by the other RFID tag reader is associated with the transport carriage identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step and stored in the management database. When,
The sorting work support method characterized by performing this. A specifying step of referring to the management database and specifying container identification information associated with transport cart identification information different from the transport cart identification information acquired in the read information acquisition step;
In order to transmit a command for prohibiting reading of the container identification information by the wireless tag reader to the wireless tag storing the container identification information specified to be associated with the other transport cart identification information by the specifying step. An instruction process for instructing the RFID tag transmitting apparatus to transmit a command;
The sorting work support method according to claim 3, further comprising:

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