JP2010280498A - Physical distribution management system and physical distribution management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem with media capable of rewriting visible information, and to smoothly carry out processing of a physical distribution step of a carried article to which the media are pasted. <P>SOLUTION: An information erasing and image analyzing line which is a physical distribution management system managing the processing of the physical distribution step of the carried article 10 to which rewritable media 12 capable of rewriting visible information are pasted, includes an information erasing device 102 erasing recorded information recorded in the rewritable media 12; an information reading-analyzing device 103 reading an image of the rewritable media 12 after erasing the recorded information recorded by the information erasing device 102, and analyzing the image of the read rewritable media 12; and a line control device 104 carrying out control for deciding a post-processing on the basis of the analysis result by the information reading-analyzing device 103. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a physical distribution management system and a physical distribution management method for managing processing of a physical distribution process of a transported object to which a medium on which information that can be newly viewed can be written is erased after information recorded to be visible is deleted. .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been disclosed a record information updating apparatus capable of rewriting the recorded content of a label (media) attached to a reusable transport container on a conveyor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the recording information updating apparatus of Patent Document 1, the label attached to the transport container is configured with reversible thermal paper that can erase and write the recording information recorded on the label. And this recorded information update apparatus arrange | positions the information erasure | elimination part which has a heating roller, and the information writing part which has a thermal head along the vicinity of the conveyor of the distribution system in which a conveyance container is conveyed, and an information erasure | elimination part and information writing As the transport container approaches the section, erasing of the old record information of the label and writing of new record information are continuously executed on the conveyor.

  As for the above-mentioned label (erasable rewritable label) that can be erased and written with new information, a leuco rewritable using an electron donating dye precursor developed as a reversible thermal paper using a reversible thermal recording material. Thermal paper is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  The electron-donating dye precursor is colored when the lactone ring in the molecule is opened in an acidic atmosphere, and when the acidic atmosphere is removed, the lactone ring is closed and returns to a colorless state. The leuco rewritable thermal paper is a combination of this electron-donating dye precursor and a reversible developer. The reversible developer reacts with the electron-donating dye precursor and is reversible in coloring and decoloring. Is expressed. As the reversible developer, for example, a phenolic compound having a long-chain alkyl group is used.

  FIG. 8 is a characteristic explanatory diagram of the above-described reversible thermal paper. In this figure, the horizontal axis indicates the temperature, and the vertical axis indicates the color density. As shown by the arrows in this figure, when a reversible thermosensitive recording layer (for example, comprising an electron donating dye precursor and a reversible developer) in a decolored state (A) is heated, both melt and develop a colored state. When this is rapidly cooled, it solidifies in a state close to the molten state and maintains the colored state (C). on the other hand. When it is gradually cooled from the molten state (B), the electron-donating dye precursor and the reversible developer are phase-separated to return to the original decolored state (A). Further, in the coloring state (C), when it is held for a certain time in a temperature range slightly lower than that in the molten state (B), it has a property of transitioning to the original decoloring state (A). This temperature region (a temperature region slightly lower than the melting temperature) is referred to as a “decoloring temperature region”.

  In addition, a recording information updating apparatus is disclosed that can erase and write recording information recorded on such a rewritable label only with a laser device (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In the recording information updating apparatus of Patent Document 3, the recording information recorded on the rewritable label is erased by holding the laser beam at a position shifted from the recording surface of the rewritable label and scanning it. The writing of the recording information recorded on the rewritable label is performed by holding the focal point of the laser beam at the recording surface position of the rewritable label and scanning the recording information.

  Furthermore, a recording information update device is disclosed that can easily rewrite the recorded contents of a rewritable label attached to a reusable transport container on a conveyor (see, for example, Patent Document 4). In the recording information updating apparatus of Patent Document 4, an erasing unit and a writing unit for erasing recording information recorded on a rewritable label and writing new recording information, and a rewritable label at the time of erasing and writing operations by the erasing unit and the writing unit Is provided with a movable back surface holding portion for pressing the back surface of the rewritable label from the inside of the transport container to which is attached.

  However, in the recording information updating apparatuses of Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is assumed that the rewritable medium (rewritable label) and the recording information updating apparatus operate normally, but the transport container to which the rewritable medium is actually attached is used. If the device is used continuously, there is a possibility that problems such as deterioration of the rewritable medium and failure of the information recording / updating apparatus may occur.

  For example, in the case of an erasure failure such that the information on the rewritable medium affixed to the conveyed product cannot be completely erased, a problem may occur in the subsequent processing. For example, the information may not be recorded again because the information on the rewritable medium is not erased, and the post-processing is stopped. In addition, for example, if information such as a new address is recorded on a rewritable medium in which information such as the address of the transport destination is not completely erased, the transport destination may become unclear and the transported object may be erroneously sent. Conceivable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in the physical distribution process of a transported object with a rewritable medium on which visible information can be rewritten, the image read from the medium after erasing the information is analyzed, and the analysis result It is an object of the present invention to obtain a logistics management system and a logistics management method capable of eliminating a malfunction of a media by deciding a later processing and smoothly proceeding with a logistics process of a transported object to which the media is attached. .

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a distribution management system that manages the processing of the distribution process of a transported object affixed with a rewritable medium with visible information recorded thereon. An erasing device for erasing the recorded information, a first reading device for reading an image of the media after erasing the recorded information by the erasing device, an analyzing device for analyzing the read image of the media, and the analyzing device And a control device that performs control for determining subsequent processing based on the analysis result.

  Further, the present invention provides a distribution management method for managing a distribution process of a transported object with a rewritable medium on which visible information can be rewritten, an erasing step of erasing the recorded information recorded on the medium, and the recording An image reading step for reading an image of the medium after erasing information, an analysis step for analyzing the read image of the medium, and a control step for performing control for determining subsequent processing based on an analysis result by the analysis step It is characterized by including these.

  According to the present invention, in the physical distribution process of a transported object with a rewritable medium on which visible information can be rewritten, the image read from the medium after erasing information is analyzed, and the subsequent processing is determined by the analysis result. There is an effect that it is possible to solve the problem of the media, and it is possible to smoothly proceed with the processing of the physical distribution process of the transported object to which the media is attached.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of each line that performs processing of a logistics process of a conveyed product according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recording area of a rewritable medium. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of physical distribution processing of the conveyed product according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which information remains outside the recording area of the rewritable medium. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a physical distribution process for a conveyed product according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining a coloring state of a rewritable medium. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a physical distribution process for a conveyed product according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a characteristic explanatory diagram of reversible thermal paper in the prior art.

  Exemplary embodiments of a physical distribution management system and a physical distribution management method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, an example in which the physical distribution management system is applied to an information erasure & image analysis line described later will be shown.

(Embodiment 1)
When erasing the visible record information recorded on the media attached to the transported object returned from the transport destination and reusing the transport container, the record information recorded on the media is erased. However, there are cases where some information remains without being completely erased, resulting in erasure failure. This may be due to deterioration of the media or failure of the erasing device. Therefore, the transport container must be reused after replacing the media or repairing the failure of the erasing device. Therefore, in the physical distribution management system of the present embodiment, after erasing the recording information of the medium affixed to the transported object, the image of the medium is read and analyzed, and the subsequent processing is determined by the analysis result. Even if the medium is defectively erased, the problem of the medium can be solved, and an appropriate process can be performed in the distribution process of the conveyed product.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of each line that performs processing of a logistics process of a conveyed product according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the physical distribution process, an information erasing & image analysis line, a media replacement line, a media washing line, and a media recording & conveying line are provided, and an overall control device that controls these lines. 500 is provided. Each of these lines is connected in a state where the transported object 10 can be transported between the lines. The transported object 10 is connected to an overall control device 500 or a control device for each line (line control devices 104, 202, which will be described later). 302, 402), the transport lines are switched and transported between the lines. In the present embodiment, each line is connected and the transported object 10 is transported by the control device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each line is not connected and transported. It is good also as a structure which displays a tip on a display etc. (not shown), and the operator who confirmed this conveys manually to another line.

  The overall control device 500 is connected to a control device (line control devices 104, 202, 302, 402, which will be described later) and a network of each line (information erasure & image analysis line, media replacement line, media washing line, and media recording & transport line). Are connected to each other and transmit / receive various information to / from each line to perform overall control such as stopping / starting of each line and synchronization between lines.

  The media recording & transport line is the main line in the logistics process of the transported object 10, and information is written on the rewritable medium 12 while transporting the transported object 10 with the rewritable medium 12 on which information can be rewritten by a conveyor or the like. It is a line to insert. Here, the rewritable medium 12 is a reversible thermal paper in which an electron donating dye precursor and a reversible developer are combined as described above, and writing or recording or erasing visible recording information, That is, the medium can rewrite the recorded information. The rewritable medium 12 is formed of a plurality of layers. For example, recording information is recorded on the second recording layer or the third recording layer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an information writing device 401 and a line control device 402 are installed in the media recording & transport line along the transport direction (arrow direction) of the transport object 10. The transported object 10 in which the record information is written is sent to a desired transport destination. Here, the recording information to be written on the rewritable medium 12 is, for example, information on an object to be put in the transport container 11, information indicating a transport destination such as an address or name, or bar code information indicating the number of times the rewritable medium 12 is used. .

  The information writing device 401 records desired recording information on the rewritable medium 12. The information writing device 401 is, for example, a thermal head or the like, and the rewritable medium 12 (label) in the decolored state (A) of FIG. 8 in a state where the rewritable medium 12 of the conveyed product 10 is in close contact with the information writing device 401. When the reversible thermosensitive recording layer is heated, both melt and become a colored state (B). When this is rapidly cooled, it is solidified in a state close to the molten state and the solid color state (C) is maintained, and new recording information can be recorded. Here, in this embodiment, an example in which a thermal head is used as an information writing device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information is recorded on the rewritable medium 12 such as recording information in a non-contact manner with a laser beam. Can be used as long as it can be recorded. In addition, various information such as characters, symbols, barcodes, and two-dimensional barcodes can be recorded on the rewritable medium by an information writing device such as a thermal head.

  Further, the information writing device 401 receives the serial number unique to the rewritable medium 12 and the usage count information indicating the usage count of the rewritable media from the information erasing & image analysis line. When the information writing device 401 writes the recording information to the rewritable medium 12 with the received serial number, the information writing device 401 includes the barcode information of the usage count information obtained by incrementing the received usage count by one.

  The line control device 402 is a device that controls the media recording & transport line, and notifies the overall device 500 that the recording of recording information on the rewritable medium 12 affixed to the transported object 10 has been completed. Instruct to send to desired destination.

  The information erasing & image analysis line erases the recorded information recorded on the rewritable medium 12 attached to the conveyed product 10 while conveying the conveyed product 10 returned from the conveying destination by a conveyor or the like, and conveys the container 11. Is a line that can be transported to the media recording & transport line.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the information erasure & image analysis line, a barcode reader 101, an information erasure device 102, an information reading / analyzing device 103, and a line control device 104 are transported in the transport direction ( After erasing the recorded information recorded on the rewritable medium 12, it is analyzed whether or not there is an erasure defect of the rewritable medium 12, and the subsequent processing is determined based on the analysis result. is doing. The bar code reader 101, the information erasing device 102, the information reading / analyzing device 103, and the line control device 104 are connected by a wired or wireless network.

  The barcode reader 101 reads the barcode information in the recording information recorded on the rewritable medium 12 attached to the conveyed product 10 returned from the conveyance destination, and uses the rewritable medium 12 from the read barcode information. Use count information indicating that is acquired. Then, the barcode reading apparatus 101 sends the acquired information on the number of times the rewritable medium 12 is used to the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103. Further, the barcode reading apparatus 101 sends the acquired information on the number of times of use of the rewritable medium 12 together with the serial number of the rewritable medium 12 to the media recording & conveyance line.

  The information erasing device 102 is for erasing the recorded information recorded on the rewritable medium 12. The information erasing device 102 is, for example, a heating roller, and when the reversible thermosensitive recording layer of the rewritable medium 12 is heated in a state where the rewritable media 12 of the conveyed product 10 is in close contact with the information erasing device 102, the color development state of FIG. When it is cooled from C to a molten state (B), the electron-donating dye precursor and the reversible developer are phase-separated to return to the original decolored state (A), so the old recorded on the rewritable medium 12 Record information can be erased. Here, in this embodiment, an example in which a heating roller is used as the information erasing device 102 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rewritable medium 12 such as a metal plate or a laser beam heated to a specific temperature is used. Any recordable information can be used.

  After the recorded information recorded on the rewritable medium 12 is erased by the information erasing apparatus 102, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 reads the image of the rewritable medium 12 with a sensor or the like (not shown) and reads the read rewritable medium 12 It is to analyze the image. Further, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 receives the usage count information of the rewritable medium 12 from the barcode reading apparatus 101. In addition, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 stores in advance a recording area when recording information is recorded on the rewritable medium 12.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recording area of a rewritable medium. As described above, the rewritable medium 12 is a medium that can record and erase visible recording information on the recording layer, and an area in which the visible recording information can be written on the recording layer. (Recording area) is determined in advance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a recording area 12a within a dotted line in the rewritable medium 12 is an area where information can be written. In FIG. 2, recording information “Chuo-ku ○ × 8-13-1 Taro Yamada” is recorded as the address and name of the transport destination within the range of the recording area 12a.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 analyzes the read image of the rewritable medium 12, and the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density is within a predetermined recording area of the image of the rewritable medium 12. It is determined whether it remains. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines whether or not recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains in the recording area 12a as compared with a recording area stored in advance. to decide. The information reading / analyzing device 103 uses the rewritable medium usage count based on the usage count information received from the barcode reader 101 when recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains in the recording area. Whether or not exceeds a predetermined threshold.

  When the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the number of times the rewritable medium 12 is used exceeds a predetermined threshold, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the rewritable medium is defectively erased due to deterioration of the rewritable medium. Further, when the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the number of times the rewritable medium 12 is used does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the information erasing apparatus 102 has an erasing failure due to an abnormality. Further, when the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that recording information having a density higher than a predetermined density does not remain within the recording area, the rewritable medium 12 and the information erasing apparatus 102 are functioning normally. Judge. Then, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 sends these determinations to the line control apparatus 104 as analysis results.

  The line control device 104 receives an analysis result from the information reading / analysis device 103, and determines a subsequent process, that is, a line to which the conveyed product 10 is to be conveyed based on the received analysis result.

  Specifically, when the line control apparatus 104 determines that the erasability of the rewritable medium 12 is defective due to the deterioration of the rewritable medium 12 in the received analysis result, the medium re-transition processing for performing a medium re-stripping process for replacing the rewritable medium 12 with a new rewritable medium. The following processing is performed so that the transported object 10 is sent to the line, and after the rewritable medium 12 is replaced by the media replacement line, the information recording process for recording new recording information is performed, and the transported object 10 is transmitted to the media recording & transporting line. Is notified, and the fact is notified to the overall control device 500 and the media switching line.

  Further, when it is determined in the received analysis result that the information erasing device 102 is defective due to an abnormality, the line control device 104 sends abnormality information indicating that the information erasing device 102 is abnormal to the overall control device 500. To do.

  Further, when it is determined in the received analysis result that the rewritable medium 12 and the information erasing apparatus 102 are functioning normally, the line control device 104 sends the transported object 10 to the media recording & transport line. Is notified, and this is notified to the overall control device 500 and the media recording & transport line.

  The media replacement line is affixed to the transported object 10 while transporting the transported object 10 that has been transported by the line controller 104 of the information erasure & image analysis line as “degradable rewritable media” being transported by a conveyor or the like. This line replaces rewritable media. As shown in FIG. 1, in the media switching line, a media switching device 201 and a line control device 202 are installed along the transport direction (arrow direction) of the transported object 10.

  The medium changing device 201 peels off the rewritable medium of the conveyed product 10 and pastes a new rewritable medium. In this case, the media rewritable device 201 performs rewritable media replacement. However, for example, the media rewritable device 201 may peel off the rewritable media and the operator may attach a new rewritable media. Alternatively, the operator may remove the rewritable medium, and the media re-sending apparatus 201 may paste a new rewritable medium.

  When the rewritable media replacement is completed by the media switching device 201, the line control device 202 switches the transport line of the transported object 10 from the media replacement line to the media recording & transport line, thereby recording and transporting the transported object 10 to the medium. To the control line 500 and to the media recording & transport line.

  The media cleaning line is transferred to the transported object 10 while transporting the transported object 10 which has been transported by the line controller 104 of the information erasure & image analysis line as “deliberate or unintentionally dirty rewritable media” being transported by a conveyor or the like. This is a line for cleaning the rewritable media affixed. As shown in FIG. 1, a media cleaning device 301 and a line control device 302 are installed in the media cleaning line along the transport direction (arrow direction) of the transported object 10. The case where the rewritable medium 12 is washed will be described in the second embodiment.

  The media cleaning device 301 is for cleaning the rewritable media of the conveyed product 10.

  When the cleaning of the rewritable medium is completed by the media cleaning device 301, the line control device 302 switches the transport line of the transported object 10 from the media cleaning line to the media recording & transport line, thereby changing the transported object 10 to the media recording & transport line. To that effect, and notifies the overall control device 500 and the media recording & conveyance line to that effect.

  Next, the flow of the physical distribution process by each line comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of physical distribution processing of the conveyed product according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, it starts from the case where the transported object 10 is returned from the transport destination.

  When the transported object 10 returned from the transport destination is transported to the information erasure & image analysis line, the barcode reader 101 reads the barcode information recorded on the rewritable medium of the transported object 10 (step S11). ) The usage count information of the rewritable medium 12 is acquired from the read barcode information (step S12). Then, the barcode reading apparatus 101 sends the acquired usage count information to the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 (step S13). Further, the bar code reader 101 transmits the usage count information together with the serial number of the transport container 11 to the media recording & transport line via the line control device 104.

  Next, the information erasing device 102 erases the recorded information recorded on the rewritable medium 12 (step S14). Next, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 reads an image of the rewritable medium 12 (step S15). Then, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines whether or not recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains in the range of the recording area in the image of the rewritable medium 12 as compared with the recording area stored in advance. Is determined (step S16).

  If recording information with a density equal to or higher than the predetermined density does not remain (step S16: No), it is determined that the rewritable medium 12 and the information erasing device 102 are functioning normally, and the line control device 104 performs media recording and conveyance. The conveyed product 10 is sent to the line, and a notification to that effect is sent to the overall control device 500 and the media recording & conveying line (step S17). Then, new recording information is written on the rewritable medium 12 in the media recording & conveyance line, and the conveyed product 10 is conveyed to a desired conveyance destination.

  On the other hand, when recording information having a density equal to or higher than the predetermined density remains (step S16: Yes), the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines whether or not the number of times the rewritable medium 12 is used exceeds a predetermined threshold value. (Step S18).

  If the predetermined threshold value is exceeded (step S18: Yes), the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the rewritable medium is erased due to deterioration of the rewritable medium, and sends the determination to the line control apparatus 104 as an analysis result. (Step S19).

  Based on the analysis result, the line control device 104 sends the conveyed product 10 to the media switching line (step S20), and notifies the media switching line and the overall control device 500 that the conveyed item 10 has been sent to the media switching line. (Step S21).

  When the conveyed product 10 is sent to the media replacement line, the media replacement device 201 peels off the rewritable media 12 attached to the conveyed product 10 and performs replacement of the rewritable media to which the new rewritable media 12 is pasted ( Step S22).

  Then, the line control device 202 sends the transported object 10 with the rewritable medium 12 replaced to the media recording & transport line (step S23), and confirms that the medium replacement is completed and the transported object 10 is sent to the media recording & transport line. Then, the media recording & conveyance line and the overall control device 500 are notified (step S24). Then, new recording information is written on the rewritable medium 12 in the media recording & conveyance line, and the conveyed product 10 is conveyed to a desired conveyance destination.

  On the other hand, if the number of times the rewritable medium 12 is used does not exceed the predetermined threshold value in step S18 (step S18: No), the information reading / analyzing device 103 determines that the erasing failure is caused by an abnormality in the information erasing device 102, and The determination is sent to the line control device 104 as an analysis result (step S25). The line control device 104 then sends abnormality information indicating that the information erasing device 102 is abnormal to the overall control device 500 based on the analysis result (step S26).

  As described above, in the physical distribution process by the information erasure & image analysis line according to the first embodiment, the transported object 10 with the rewritable medium 12 on which the rewritable record information can be rewritten is transported and recorded on the rewritable medium 12. The recorded information is erased, and then the image of the rewritable medium 12 is read. Then, the read image is analyzed, and subsequent processing is determined based on the analysis result. That is, the information erasure & image analysis line sends the conveyed product 10 to the media recording & conveyance line when the recorded information of the rewritable medium 12 has been erased, and the conveyed product when the erasable defect is caused by the deterioration of the rewritable medium 12. 10 is sent to the media replacement line, and if the information erasing device is abnormal, abnormal information indicating that is sent to the overall control device 500. As a result, when a problem occurs in the rewritable medium 12, the problem can be solved before writing new recording information. Therefore, after erasing the record information of the rewritable medium 12, the processing of the physical distribution process of the transported object that is pasted by reusing the rewritable medium 12 can be smoothly advanced.

(Embodiment 2)
When erasing the visible record information recorded on the media attached to the transported object returned from the transport destination and reusing the transport container, the record information recorded on the media is erased. However, there are cases where some information remains without being completely erased, resulting in erasure failure. Since it is considered that the medium is contaminated, the transport container must be reused after the medium is washed. Therefore, in the physical distribution management system of the present embodiment, after erasing the recording information of the medium affixed to the transported object, the image of the medium is read and analyzed, and the subsequent processing is determined by the analysis result. Even if the medium is defectively erased, the problem of the medium can be solved, and an appropriate process can be performed in the distribution process of the conveyed product. In the second embodiment, the following processing is performed before the processing in the first embodiment, but may be configured to be performed after the processing in the first embodiment.

  Since the configuration of each line that performs the processing of the distribution process of the conveyed product according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, only the configuration having different functions will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition to the functions of the first embodiment, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 for the information erasing & image analysis line analyzes the read image of the rewritable medium 12 and out of the predetermined recording area in the image of the rewritable medium 12 It is determined whether or not information on a density exceeding a predetermined density remains. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines whether or not information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains outside the recording area 12a as compared with the recording area stored in advance. to decide.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which information remains outside the recording area of the rewritable medium. The rewritable medium 12 shown in FIG. 4 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and a recording area 12a is predetermined. In the rewritable medium 12 of FIG. 4, three line images 13a, 13b, and 13c remain regardless of the inside or outside of the recording area 12a. Thus, when information remains not only within the range of the recording area 12a but also outside the range, it can be determined that some dirt is attached.

  When the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains outside the recording area, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the erasure is defective due to intentional or unexpected contamination of the rewritable medium 12. Further, when the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that there is no information with a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density outside the recording area, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the rewritable medium 12 is normal and not dirty. Then, the information reading / analyzing device 103 sends these determination results to the line control device 104 as analysis results.

  In addition to the function of the first embodiment, the line controller 104 of the information erasure & image analysis line adds to the function of the first embodiment, and if the received analysis result determines that the erasure failure due to the intentional or unexpected contamination of the rewritable medium 12 is present, the rewritable medium 12 An information erasing & image analysis line that performs information recording processing for recording new recording information after the transported object 10 is sent to a media cleaning line that performs media cleaning processing and the rewritable media 12 is cleaned by the media cleaning line The subsequent processing is determined so that the transported object 10 is sent to the control unit 500, and that is notified to the overall control device 500 and the media cleaning line.

  Further, when it is determined in the received analysis result that the rewritable medium 12 is normal, the line control device 104 determines the next process to send the transported object 10 to the media recording & transport line, and to that effect Is notified to the overall control device 500 and the media recording & conveyance line.

  Next, the flow of the physical distribution process by each line comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a physical distribution process for a conveyed product according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, it starts from the case where the transported object 10 is returned from the transport destination.

  Processing from reading barcode information by the barcode reading apparatus 101 to reading an image on the rewritable medium 12 (steps S41 to S45) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted (steps S11 to 15). . Then, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines whether or not density information of a predetermined density or more remains outside the range of the recording area in the image of the rewritable medium 12 as compared with the recording area stored in advance. Judgment is made (step S46).

  When the density information of the predetermined density or higher does not remain (step S46: No), the rewritable medium 12 is determined to be normal, and the line controller 104 sends the conveyed product 10 to the media recording & conveying line, This is notified to the overall control device 500 and the media recording & conveyance line (step S47). Then, new recording information is written on the rewritable medium 12 in the media recording & conveyance line, and the conveyed product 10 is conveyed to a desired conveyance destination.

  On the other hand, when information of a density equal to or higher than the predetermined density remains (step S46: Yes), the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the rewritable medium is erased due to contamination of the rewritable medium, and uses the determination as an analysis result. The data is sent to the line control device 104 (step S48).

  The line control device 104 sends the conveyed product 10 to the media cleaning line based on the analysis result (step S49), and notifies the media cleaning line and the overall control device 500 that the conveyed product 10 has been sent to the media cleaning line. (Step S50). When the conveyed product 10 is sent to the media cleaning line, the media cleaning device 301 cleans the rewritable media 12 attached to the conveyed product 10 (step S51).

  Then, the line control device 302 sends the transported object 10 after cleaning the rewritable medium 12 to the media recording & transporting line (step S52), and confirms that the media cleaning is completed and the transported object 10 is sent to the media recording & transporting line. Then, the media recording & transport line and the overall control device 500 are notified (step S53). Then, new recording information is written on the rewritable medium 12 in the media recording & conveyance line, and the conveyed product 10 is conveyed to a desired conveyance destination.

  As described above, in the physical distribution processing by the information erasure & image analysis line according to the second embodiment, the transported object 10 with the rewritable medium 12 on which the rewritable record information can be rewritten is transported and recorded on the rewritable medium 12. The recorded information is erased, and then the image of the rewritable medium 12 is read. Then, the read image is analyzed, and subsequent processing is determined based on the analysis result. That is, the information erasure & image analysis line sends the conveyed product 10 to the media recording & conveying line when the recording information of the rewritable medium 12 has been erased, and the conveyed item when the erasable defect due to contamination of the rewritable medium 12 occurs. 10 is sent to the media washing line. As a result, when a problem occurs in the rewritable medium 12, the problem can be solved before writing new recording information. Therefore, after erasing the record information of the rewritable medium 12, the processing of the physical distribution process of the transported object that is pasted by reusing the rewritable medium 12 can be smoothly advanced.

(Embodiment 3)
When erasing the visible record information recorded on the media attached to the transported object returned from the transport destination and reusing the transport container, the record information recorded on the media is erased. Even in this case, the entire medium may be in a predetermined colored state, resulting in an erasure defect. This may be due to deterioration of the media, so the transport container must be reused after the media is replaced. Therefore, in the physical distribution management system of the present embodiment, after erasing the recording information of the medium affixed to the transported object, the image of the medium is read and analyzed, and the subsequent processing is determined by the analysis result. Even when the medium is defectively erased, the problem of the medium can be solved, and appropriate processing can be performed in the process of transporting the transported object. In the third embodiment, the following processing is performed before the processing in the second embodiment, but may be configured to be performed after the processing in the second embodiment or after the processing in the first embodiment. .

  Since the configuration of each line for processing the logistics process of the conveyed product according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, only a configuration having a different function will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition to the functions of the first embodiment, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 for the information erasing & image analysis line analyzes the read image of the rewritable medium 12 and the background of the image of the rewritable medium 12 is in a colored state that is a predetermined value or more. It is determined whether or not. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining a coloring state of a rewritable medium. The information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 binarizes the read image of the rewritable medium 12 by performing gray scale processing, and as shown in FIG. 6, the rewritable medium 12 regardless of the inside or outside of the recording area 12a (see FIG. 2). It is determined whether the background of the image of the rewritable medium 12 is in a colored state equal to or greater than a predetermined value by determining whether the entire background of the image is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

  When the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the background of the image of the rewritable medium 12 is in a colored state equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the rewritable medium is defectively erased due to deterioration of the rewritable medium. Further, when the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the background of the image of the rewritable medium 12 is not in a colored state of a predetermined value or more, it determines that the rewritable medium 12 is functioning normally. Then, the information reading / analyzing device 103 sends these determination results to the line control device 104 as analysis results.

  In addition to the function of the first embodiment, the line controller 104 of the information erasure & image analysis line switches to a new rewritable medium when it is determined that the erasure failure is caused by the deterioration of the rewritable medium 12 in the received analysis result. After the transported object 10 is sent to the media replacement line that performs the media replacement process, and the rewritable medium is replaced by the media replacement line, the transported object 10 is transferred to the media recording & transport line that performs information recording processing for recording new recording information. The subsequent processing is determined to be sent, and notification to that effect is sent to the overall control device 500 and the media replacement line.

  Also, the line control device 104 determines the next processing to send the transported object 10 to the media recording & transport line when it is determined in the received analysis result that the rewritable medium 12 is functioning normally. This is notified to the overall control device 500 and the media recording & transport line.

  Next, the flow of the physical distribution process by each line comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a physical distribution process for a conveyed product according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 7, it starts from the case where the transported object 10 is returned from the transport destination.

  Processing from reading barcode information by the barcode reading apparatus 101 to reading an image on the rewritable medium 12 (steps S71 to S75) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted (steps S11 to 15). . Then, the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines whether or not the background of the image of the rewritable medium 12 is in a colored state of a predetermined value or more (step S76).

  When the coloring state is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S76: No), it is determined that the rewritable medium 12 is functioning normally, and the line control device 104 conveys the conveyed object 10 to the media recording & conveyance line. This is notified to the overall control device 500 and the media recording & conveyance line (step S77). Then, new recording information is written on the rewritable medium 12 in the media recording & conveyance line, and the conveyed product 10 is conveyed to a desired conveyance destination.

  On the other hand, when the coloring state is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S76: Yes), the information reading / analyzing apparatus 103 determines that the rewritable medium is erased due to deterioration of the rewritable medium, and the line control apparatus 104 uses the determination as an analysis result. (Step S78).

  Since the processing (steps S79 to 83) after the delivery of the transported object 10 to the media replacement line by the line control device 104 is the same as in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted (steps S20 to 24).

  As described above, in the physical distribution process by the information erasure & image analysis line according to the third embodiment, the transported object 10 with the rewritable medium 12 on which the rewritable record information can be rewritten is transported and recorded on the rewritable medium 12. The recorded information is erased, and then the image of the rewritable medium 12 is read. Then, the read image is analyzed, and subsequent processing is determined based on the analysis result. That is, the information erasure & image analysis line sends the conveyed product 10 to the media recording & conveyance line when the recorded information of the rewritable medium 12 has been erased, and the conveyed product when the erasable defect is caused by the deterioration of the rewritable medium 12. 10 is sent to the media replacement line. As a result, when a problem occurs in the rewritable medium 12, the problem can be solved before writing new recording information. Therefore, after erasing the record information of the rewritable medium 12, the processing of the physical distribution process of the transported object that is pasted by reusing the rewritable medium 12 can be smoothly advanced.

  In the above embodiment, the information erasure & image analysis line is configured as a physical distribution management system including the barcode reader 101, the information erasure device 102, the information read / analyzer 103, and the line controller 104. You may comprise as one apparatus provided with the barcode reading part, the information deletion part, the information reading / analysis part, and the line control part.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Conveyed object 11 Conveying container 12 Rewritable media 101 Bar code reading device 102 Information erasing device 103 Information reading / analyzing device 104 Line control device 201 Media reversing device 202 Line control device 301 Media cleaning device 302 Line control device 401 Information writing device 402 Line control device 500 Overall control device

JP 2006-231647 A JP 2002-215038 A JP 2007-76122 A JP 2007-76121 A

Claims (10)

In a logistics management system that manages the logistics process of transported items with media that can rewrite visible information,
An erasing device for erasing the recorded information recorded on the medium;
A first reading device that reads an image of the medium after erasing the recorded information by the erasing device;
An analysis device for analyzing the read image of the media;
A control device that performs control to determine subsequent processing based on the analysis result by the analysis device;
A logistics management system characterized by comprising: A second reading device that reads usage count information indicating the usage count of the medium recorded on the medium before erasing the recorded information by the erasing device;
The analysis device analyzes the image of the medium and determines whether or not the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains in a range of a predetermined recording area in the image of the medium. When the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains, it is determined whether or not the media usage count exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the usage count information, and the usage count exceeds the predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the media has been erased due to deterioration,
The control device performs a media replacement process for replacing a new medium when it is determined as an erasure failure due to the deterioration of the medium, and performs an information recording process for recording new recording information after the medium is replaced. The distribution management system according to claim 1, wherein processing is determined. A second reading device that reads usage count information indicating the usage count of the medium recorded on the medium before erasing the recorded information by the erasing device;
The analysis device analyzes the image of the medium and determines whether or not the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains in a range of a predetermined recording area in the image of the medium. When the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains, it is determined whether or not the media usage count exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the usage count information, and the usage count exceeds the predetermined threshold. If not, it is determined that the erasing device is defective due to an abnormality in the erasing device,
2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, when it is determined that the erasing device is defective due to an abnormality of the erasing device, the control device sends a message indicating that the erasing device is abnormal to an overall control device that controls the physical distribution management system. The listed logistics management system. The analysis device analyzes the image of the media, determines whether or not density information of a predetermined density or more remains outside a predetermined recording area in the media image, and If there is an afterimage of density information that is higher than the density, it is determined that the media has been erased due to dirt,
The control device performs a media cleaning process for cleaning the media when it is determined that an erasure failure due to contamination of the media, and a subsequent process for performing an information recording process for recording new recording information after the media cleaning process. The distribution management system according to claim 1, wherein: The analysis device analyzes the image of the media to determine whether the background of the image of the media is in a colored state greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Judge as erasure failure due to deterioration,
The control device performs a media replacement process for replacing a new medium when it is determined as an erasure failure due to the deterioration of the medium, and performs an information recording process for recording new recording information after the medium is replaced. The distribution management system according to claim 1, wherein processing is determined. In a logistics management method for managing the logistics process of transported items with media that can rewrite visible information,
An erasing step of erasing the recorded information recorded on the medium;
An image reading step of reading the image of the media after erasing the recorded information;
An analysis step of analyzing the read image of the media;
Based on the analysis result of the analysis step, a control step for performing control to determine a subsequent process,
A logistics management method comprising: An information reading step of reading usage count information indicating the usage count of the medium recorded on the medium before erasing the recording information;
The analyzing step analyzes the image of the media and determines whether or not the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains within a predetermined recording area in the image of the media, When the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains, it is determined whether or not the media usage count exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the usage count information, and the usage count exceeds the predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the media has been erased due to deterioration,
The control step performs a media replacement process for replacing a new medium when it is determined that an erasure failure occurs due to deterioration of the medium, and performs an information recording process for recording new recording information after the medium is replaced. The physical distribution management method according to claim 6, wherein processing is determined. An information reading step of reading usage count information indicating the usage count of the medium recorded on the medium before erasing the recording information;
The analyzing step analyzes the image of the media and determines whether or not the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains within a predetermined recording area in the image of the media, When the recording information having a density equal to or higher than a predetermined density remains, it is determined whether or not the media usage count exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the usage count information, and the usage count exceeds the predetermined threshold. If not, it is determined that the erasing device is defective due to an abnormality in the erasing device,
7. The control process according to claim 6, wherein when it is determined that the erasing device is defective due to an abnormality of the erasing device, the erasing device is notified to the overall control device that controls the physical distribution management system. The logistics management method described. The analysis step analyzes the image of the medium, determines whether or not density information of a predetermined density or more remains outside a predetermined recording area in the image of the medium, If there is an afterimage of density information that is higher than the density, it is determined that the media has been erased due to dirt,
The control step performs a media cleaning process for cleaning the media when it is determined that the media is unerasable due to contamination of the media, and a subsequent process for performing an information recording process for recording new recording information after the media cleaning process. The logistics management method according to claim 6, further comprising: The analysis step analyzes the image of the media to determine whether the background of the image of the media is in a colored state greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Judge as erasure failure due to deterioration,
The control step performs a media replacement process for replacing a new medium when it is determined that an erasure failure occurs due to deterioration of the medium, and performs an information recording process for recording new recording information after the medium is replaced. The physical distribution management method according to claim 6, wherein processing is determined.

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