JP5901427B2 - Picking system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a picking system capable of improving work efficiency.

  Conventionally, for example, a picking system described in Patent Document 1 is known.

  This conventional picking system includes, for example, a storage shelf having a plurality of storage units for storing articles, which are commodities, and a conveyor for transporting articles picked from the storage unit by an operator into a collection container in the transport direction. And.

  The storage shelf is provided with storage-side instruction lamps such as LED lamps that are positioned corresponding to the storage units. The conveyance conveyor is provided with a collection container side instruction lamp such as an LED lamp positioned corresponding to each collection container.

  Further, a plurality of workers are arranged between the storage shelf and the transfer conveyor, and each worker picks an article from the storage unit indicated by the storage-side instruction lamp that is lit, and picks the picked article. The product is put into the collection container designated by the lighted collection container side indicator lamp.

JP 2010-1152 (FIG. 3, FIG. 4, etc.)

  In recent years, in this type of picking system, the efficiency of work by an operator is required, and a picking system capable of improving work efficiency is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to provide a picking system capable of improving work efficiency.

The picking system according to claim 1 is a storage shelf having a plurality of storage units in which articles are stored, a transport conveyor for transporting articles picked from the storage unit by a worker in a transport direction, and a worker A head-mounted display that is an augmented reality device that additionally presents storage unit instruction information indicating the storage unit in which an article to be picked is stored to the real space, and a control device that controls the head-mounted display, The storage shelf is configured by a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor, and an operator wearing the head mounted display is provided between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor by each zone. The set work range for one of the two workers that are arranged one by one and adjacent to each other corresponds to each other. Including the entire zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone, and the set work range for the other worker of the two workers adjacent to each other is the corresponding other zone And one part of the one zone adjacent to the other zone, and if one worker has a higher work ability than the other worker, the other worker If one worker works on a part of the other zone and the other worker has a higher work capacity than one worker, A picking system in which one worker does not work on a part of the one zone and the other worker works on a part of the one zone, and the control device has a work management Analyzing the amount of work performed by the worker using logs, Changes work execution range of the worker on the basis of the result is performed without interrupting the work.

請 Motomeko 2 picking system according the conveyor for conveying the storage shelf having a plurality of storage portions article is stored, in the conveying direction to put an article which has been picked from the storage unit to the current product container by the operator And storage unit instruction information for instructing the storage unit in which the article to be picked is stored for the worker, and collection container instruction information for instructing the collection container to which the article is to be loaded for the worker. A head-mounted display which is an augmented reality device additionally presented to the space, and a control device for controlling the head-mounted display, and the storage shelf is arranged in a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor. And an operator wearing the head mounted display is arranged between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor for each zone. The setting work range for one of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least a corresponding one zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone, The set work range for the other of the two adjacent workers includes at least all of the corresponding other zones and a part of the one zone adjacent to the other zones, If the worker has a higher work ability than the other worker, the other worker does not work on a part of the other zone, and one worker becomes a part of the other zone. When the other worker has a higher work ability than one worker, one worker does not work on a part of the one zone and the other worker Pickins that work on a portion of the one zone A system, the control device may analyze the amount of work of the worker by the work management log, it is performed without disrupting the change of work execution range of the worker on the basis of the analysis result.

The picking system according to claim 3 is a storage shelf having a plurality of storage units in which articles are stored, a transport conveyor for transporting articles picked from the storage units by a worker in a transport direction, and a worker A head-mounted display that is an augmented reality device that additionally presents storage unit instruction information indicating the storage unit in which an article to be picked is stored to the real space, and a control device that controls the head-mounted display, The storage shelf is configured by a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor, and an operator wearing the head mounted display is provided between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor by each zone. The set work range for one of the two workers that are arranged one by one and adjacent to each other corresponds to each other. Including the entire zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone, and the set work range for the other worker of the two workers adjacent to each other is the corresponding other zone And one part of the one zone adjacent to the other zone, and if one worker has a higher work ability than the other worker, the one worker When it is possible to work on a part of a zone and the other worker has a higher work capacity than one worker, the other worker The control device analyzes the work amount of the worker based on the work management log, and interrupts the change of the work execution range of the worker based on the analysis result. Things to do without letting A.

The picking system according to claim 4, a storage shelf having a plurality of storage units in which articles are stored, a transport conveyor that transports articles picked from the storage unit by an operator into a collection container and transports them in a transport direction. The storage unit instruction information for instructing the storage unit in which the article to be picked is stored for the worker, and the collection container instruction information for instructing the collection container to which the article is to be loaded for the worker A head mounted display that is an augmented reality device to be additionally presented, and a control device that controls the head mounted display, and the storage shelf is configured by a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor An operator wearing the head mounted display is arranged between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor for each zone. The setting work range for one of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least a corresponding one zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone, The set work range for the other of the two adjacent workers includes at least all of the corresponding other zones and a part of the one zone adjacent to the other zones, When a worker has a higher work ability than the other worker, the one worker can work on a part of the other zone, and the other worker can work on one task. A picking system in which the other worker can perform work on a part of the one zone when the work capability is higher than that of the worker, and the control device performs work according to a work management log. The amount of work , It is performed without disrupting the change of work execution range of the worker on the basis of the analysis result.

The picking system according to claim 5 is a collection container into which an article is put, an inspection apparatus for determining whether or not the article is correctly put into the collection container, and an augmented reality apparatus worn by an operator. A head-mounted display, and the head-mounted display displays NG collection container instruction information for indicating an NG collection container in which an article is not properly loaded to an operator based on a determination result of the inspection device in real space. In addition, when there is an excess item in the NG collection container, excess item instruction information for indicating the excess item is additionally presented in the real space.

The picking system according to claim 6 is the picking system according to claim 5, wherein the NG collection container instruction information is an NG collection container instruction image overlapping with the NG collection container, and the excess product instruction information is an excess product It is an overlapping excess product instruction image.

The picking system according to claim 7, a storage shelf having a plurality of storage units for storing articles, a transport conveyor for transporting articles picked from the storage unit by a worker in a transport direction, and a worker A head-mounted display that is an augmented reality device that additionally presents storage unit instruction information indicating the storage unit in which an article to be picked is stored to the real space, and a control device that controls the head-mounted display, The storage shelf is configured by a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor, and an operator wearing the head mounted display is provided between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor by each zone. The set work range for one of the two workers that are arranged one by one and adjacent to each other corresponds to each other. At least a part of another zone corresponding to the other worker adjacent to the one zone, and the control device analyzes the amount of work of each worker and When one of the two workers adjacent to each other has a higher work ability than the other worker, one of the workers in the set work range is determined. The work execution range is changed to a range consisting of all of the one zone and a part of the other zone without interrupting the work, and is included in the work execution range of one worker after the change. The storage unit instruction information for instructing the storage unit corresponding to a part of another zone is not presented on the head mounted display worn by the other worker, but on the head mounted display worn by one worker. Also present It is.

The picking system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the picking system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the head mounted display is a spectacle type head mounted display having a transmissive display.

  According to the present invention, since the augmented reality device additionally presents desired information to the real space, the worker can work efficiently, and thus the work efficiency can be improved.

1 is a schematic plan view of a picking system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the augmented reality apparatus (AR spectacles) of a picking system same as the above. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the storage shelf of a picking system same as the above. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the conveyance conveyor of a picking system same as the above. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a picking operation | work. It is explanatory drawing following FIG. It is explanatory drawing following FIG. It is explanatory drawing following FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating replenishment work. It is explanatory drawing following FIG. It is explanatory drawing in the case of performing replenishment and a picking operation | work using a temporary storage shelf. It is explanatory drawing in the case of performing inspection work using an inspection apparatus. It is explanatory drawing following FIG.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a picking system. The picking system 1 is a picking facility (collection system) that uses augmented reality (“AR”).

  The picking system 1 includes a horizontal storage shelf 3 having a plurality of storage units (frontage) 2 in which articles W, which are products, are stored in a storage container b.

  The picking system 1 is arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the storage shelf 3 in front of the storage shelf 3, and an article W picked up manually from the storage unit 2 by the worker X is a collection container. A transport conveyor 4 is provided that is transported in a horizontal transport direction (left direction in FIG. 1).

  Further, the picking system 1 is configured so that each of a plurality of workers X arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction in a worker space 7 which is a longitudinal space between the storage shelf 3 and the transport conveyor 4. AR glasses (transparent head-mounted display: HMD) 5 which is an augmented reality device detachably mounted is provided.

  The picking system 1 includes a control device 6 that is a processing device for controlling the transfer conveyor 4 and the AR glasses 5, and the control device 6 processes, for example, picking data including order data, location data, and a product master. To do.

  The collection container a is, for example, a synthetic resin container that can store a plurality of articles W, and is configured to be foldable in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having an upper surface opening. The storage container b is, for example, a cardboard box that can store a plurality of articles W.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the storage shelf 3 that is an augmented reality shelf includes a plurality of zones arranged adjacent to each other in the direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor 4, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the storage shelf 3. (Picking area). Each zone is configured by a plurality of rows of storage units 2, that is, for example, four rows and four rows (16 in total).

  In the worker space 7 between the storage shelf 3 and the conveyor 4, a plurality of workers X wearing AR glasses 5 are arranged for each zone. That is, one worker X is arranged for one zone (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the storage shelf 3 has a shelf frame 11, and a plurality of storage units 2 are provided on the shelf frame 11. Each storage unit 2 is provided at a free roller unit 12 that is an inclined article transport storage unit that gradually descends from the rear end side to the front end side of the storage shelf 3, and a front end portion of the free roller unit 12. It has a plate-like stopper portion 13 that comes into contact with the lower front end portion of the front storage container b on the free roller portion 12.

  Each stopper unit 13 is fixedly provided with a storage unit identification front AR tag 14 that is a marker (identifier) for a marker-type vision base AR for specifying the additional information presentation position. That is, on the front side of the storage shelf 3, a storage unit identification front AR tag 14 is provided for each storage unit 2. Different figures are attached to the surface of each storage unit identification front AR tag 14.

  When the leading storage container b becomes empty due to picking of the article W, the worker X takes out the empty leading storage container b from the storage unit 2. Then, the subsequent storage container b moves on the free roller portion 12 by its own weight until it contacts the stopper portion 13 in the storage portion 2.

  Further, the replenishment of the articles W to the storage unit 2 of the storage shelf 3, that is, the replenishment of the storage container b onto the free roller unit 12 is performed manually by the operator X from the rear side of the storage shelf 3.

  A rear AR tag 15 for storage unit identification, which is a marker (identifier) for marker-type vision base AR for specifying the additional information presentation position, is fixed to the rear end of each free roller unit 12. Yes. That is, on the rear side of the storage shelf 3, a storage unit identification rear AR tag 15 is provided for each storage unit 2. Different figures are attached to the surface of each storage unit identification rear AR tag 15.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and the like, the transport conveyor 4 that is an augmented reality transport conveyor is composed of, for example, a roller conveyor device that is a single drive-type conveyor device. A plurality of collection containers a into which articles W picked from the storage unit 2 are placed and accommodated are arranged in a row on the upper surface and conveyed. In addition, the conveyance conveyor 4 conveys several sets all together as one set for every worker X, for example, making 5 collection containers a adjoin each other.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the conveyor 4 has a conveyor frame 16 that is elongated in the conveying direction, and a plurality of conveying rollers 17 that convey the collection containers a directly on the conveyor frame 16 are conveyed. It is juxtaposed in the direction. The cylindrical roller portion of the transport roller 17 is rotated by power from a drive source (not shown) such as a motor controlled by the control device 6, for example.

  Each collection container a is fixedly provided with a collection container identification AR tag 20 which is a marker (identifier) for a marker-type vision base AR for specifying the additional information presentation position. That is, the collection container identifying AR tag 20 is provided for each collection container a. Different figures are attached to the surface of each collection container identifying AR tag 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the AR glasses 5 acquire position information of a real space (real environment) using, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) and AR tags 14, 15, and 20. In addition, predetermined additional information (visual information such as a CG image) is additionally presented to a worker X who is a wearer at a desired position in the real space.

  The additional information presented to the worker X by the AR glasses 5 is, for example, a storage unit instruction image that is storage unit instruction information that instructs the storage unit 2 in which the article W to be picked is stored for the worker X. , A collection container instruction image which is collection container instruction information for instructing the collection container a to which the article W should be put into the worker X, and instructs the storage unit 2 to replenish the article W to the worker X It is a supplement storage part instruction image which is supplement storage part instruction information to be performed.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the AR glasses 5 include a glasses unit 21 that can be worn on the head of the worker X, a camera unit 22 provided in the glasses unit 21, the glasses unit 21, and the camera. And a control unit 23 electrically connected to the unit 22. The control unit 23 includes a communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control device 6.

  The eyeglass unit 21 includes a transmissive display (transmissive display unit) 25 that covers the front of both eyes of the worker X. In other words, the spectacles unit 21 is a pair of left and right transparent small size that allows the worker X to see the sight of the real space and the additional information overlapping a part of the sight while wearing the spectacles unit 21. The display 25 is provided. Both displays 25 are fixed to the left and right sides of the spectacle frame 26, and the camera unit 22 is fixed to the central portion of the spectacle frame 26 in the left-right direction.

  Based on the control by the control unit 23, the display 25 of the glasses unit 21 virtually superimposes the additional information on the scene (real image) in the real space so that the additional information is added to the real space. And presented to the worker X.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the control device 6 that is a computer device includes a computer main body 31, and a monitor 32 is electrically connected to the computer main body 31. In addition, a communication device (wireless HUB) 33 for performing wireless communication with the AR glasses 5 is electrically connected to the computer main body 31.

  Next, a work flow by the picking system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, picking work will be described. In the worker space 7 between the storage shelf 3 and the conveyor 4, a plurality of workers (picking workers) X wearing AR glasses 5 are arranged for each zone.

  Then, each worker X is instructed for his / her set work range. The set work range may overlap with a plurality of workers X.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, five workers A, B, C, D, and E wearing AR glasses 5 are arranged corresponding to their own zones A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. To do.

  In this case, the set work range for the worker A is a range including the entire corresponding zone A and a part of the zone B adjacent to the zone A. The setting work range for the worker B includes all of the corresponding zones B, a part of the zone A adjacent to one end side of the zone B, and a part of the zone C adjacent to the other end side of the zone B. It is a range. The set work range for the worker C includes all of the corresponding zones C, a part of the zone B adjacent to one end side of the zone C, and a part of the zone D adjacent to the other end side of the zone C. It is a range. The setting work range for the worker D includes all of the corresponding zones D, a part of the zone C adjacent to one end side of the zone D, and a part of the zone E adjacent to the other end side of the zone D. It is a range. The set work range for the worker E is a range including the entire corresponding zone E and a part of the zone D adjacent to the zone E.

  For example, although not illustrated, the set work range for the worker A may include the left half of the zone B, and the set work range for the worker C may include the right half of the zone B. Even if the person B becomes absent for some reason during the work, the picking work can be continued.

  In this manner, a plurality of collection containers (for example, one set of five) a in the transport conveyor 4 in a state where a plurality of workers (picking workers) X are arranged side by side in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 4. Is transported in the transport direction and arrives at a predetermined position, the control device 6 transmits data relating to a picking instruction or the like to the AR glasses 5, and the AR glasses 5 receives the data.

  Then, the AR glasses 5 additionally presents the storage unit instruction image to the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 so as to be superimposed and displayed at a desired position (for example, one storage unit) in the real space.

  At the same time, the AR glasses 5 additionally presents auxiliary information (additional information) regarding the article W picked by the worker X to the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 together with the storage unit instruction image in the real space. . The auxiliary information includes, for example, a picking quantity display that is the quantity of the article W to be picked, a product name display that is the name of the article W, a product feature display that indicates the characteristics of the article W (for example, “easy to break”), and the like. .

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 sees the storage shelf 3 through the display 25 of the glasses unit 21 of the AR glasses 5, the worker X is set by himself / herself. One storage unit instruction image (the hatched portion in FIG. 6) that overlaps the only storage unit 2 among the plurality of storage units 2 in the work range, and picking quantity display (in the corner of the display 25) For example, “6”) is visually recognized.

  This storage unit instruction image is, for example, a red image displayed on the display 25 so as to overlap the top storage container b stored in the target storage unit 2, which is the only storage unit 2.

  When the target storage unit (target front) 2 is out of the field of view of the worker X, the display 25 of the AR glasses 5 displays a CG image (for example, an arrow) that is additional information indicating the direction in which the target storage unit 2 is located. ) May be displayed to guide the worker X toward the target storage unit 2.

  Then, the worker X picks the quantity of articles W instructed by the picking quantity display from the target storage section 2 instructed by the storage section instruction image, that is, takes out the instructed quantity of articles W.

  At this time, for example, if the indicated quantity of articles W (for example, six articles) is not stored in the target storage unit 2, the worker X performs a missing item notification gesture (for example, a sign of a joy with a finger). . Then, the AR glasses 5 detects the missing part notification gesture of the worker X, transmits the missing part data to the control device 6, and receives data related to the next picking instruction from the control device 6.

  Further, the worker X inspects the article W picked from the target storage unit 2 using the AR glasses 5. That is, for example, the AR glasses 5 detects an identifier (for example, a barcode, an IC tag, etc.) attached to the picked article W, and displays “OK” on the display 25 if the article W is instructed. If it is different from W, “NG” is displayed on the display 25.

  Subsequently, when the picked article W is in accordance with the instruction, when the worker X faces the transport conveyor 4 side while holding the article W, the AR glasses 5 is the worker wearing the AR glasses 5. For X, the collection container instruction image is additionally presented so as to be superimposed on a desired position in the real space (for example, one collection container).

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 sees the transport conveyor 4 through the display 25 of the glasses unit 21 of the AR glasses 5, the worker X is in charge of a plurality One collection container instruction image (the hatched portion in FIG. 7) that overlaps with only one collection container a in the collection containers a (for example, five in one set) will be visually recognized.

  The collection container instruction image is, for example, a red image displayed on the display 25 so as to overlap the upper surface opening of the target collection container a which is the only collection container a.

  When the target collection container (target input port) a is out of the field of view of the worker X, the display 25 of the AR glasses 5 is a CG image that is additional information indicating the direction in which the target collection container a is located. (For example, an arrow) may be displayed to guide the worker X toward the target collection container a.

  Then, the worker X puts the article W picked from the target storage unit 2 into the target collection container a instructed by the collection container instruction image.

  After this input, the worker X performs a gesture of completion of input (for example, a circle sign with a finger). Then, the AR glasses 5 detects the insertion completion gesture of the worker X, transmits the insertion completion data to the control device 6, and receives data related to the next picking instruction from the control device 6. When the data related to the next picking instruction is received, the collection container instruction image on the display 25 disappears.

  In addition, when the article W obtained is different from what the control device 6 has instructed, the AR glasses 5 may not present the collection container instruction image. As a result, it is possible to prevent the article W taken out by mistake from being erroneously put into the collection container a. In this case, the wrong article W is returned to the original position on the storage shelf 3, and the correct article W is picked again and inspected to present the collection container instruction image.

  In this way, when all the picking operations (the removal of articles and the introduction of articles) in the line unit of the zone with respect to the collection container a are completed, the conveyor 4 is operated to move the collection container a to the next zone. Transport to. Proceed in the same way in all zones to complete the picking operation.

  When an abnormality occurs in the apparatus, for example, the AR glasses 5 additionally presents an abnormal location instruction image, which is additional information indicating the abnormality occurrence position, to the abnormality occurrence position in the real space, or additionally presents an abnormality recovery procedure. It is also possible. For example, when the collection container a on the transport conveyor 4 is clogged and a transport abnormality occurs, an abnormal location instruction image such as a CG image is additionally presented to the location of the transport conveyor 4 that has become abnormal. Then, the worker X restores the normal state by canceling the abnormality and correcting the position of the collection container a causing the abnormality according to the abnormality restoration procedure displayed on the display 25 of the AR glasses 5.

  Here, each worker X basically performs the picking work for each zone, but when the work ability difference of the worker X becomes clear as the picking work proceeds, that is, for example, each work based on the work management log. When the work capacity difference of the worker X is found based on the result of analyzing the work amount of the worker X, the work range is changed without interrupting the work.

  That is, in order to equalize the load, the control device 6 instructs the worker X with high work ability to pick more in the overlapping area than the worker X with low work ability, that is, the work execution range of the worker X. The change is made without interrupting the picking operation.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when one worker A of two workers A and B adjacent to each other has higher work ability than the other worker B, the worker B does not work on a part of its own zone B (overlapping part B ′), and an adjacent worker A applies to a part of zone B (overlapping part B ′) in addition to his own zone A Also work.

  Thus, the worker B with low work ability does not receive the picking instruction in the overlapping portion B ′ of his / her zone B, and the work load is reduced.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the other worker B of the two workers A and B adjacent to each other has higher work ability than the one worker A, the worker A does not work on a part of his own zone A (overlapping part A ′), and an adjacent worker B works on part of zone A (overlapping part A ′) in addition to zone B I do.

  In this way, the worker A who has a low work ability does not receive the picking instruction in the overlapping portion A ′ in his / her zone A, and the work load is reduced.

  Note that the collection container a into which the article W is put does not necessarily have to be stopped. If the collection container a moves together with the AR tag 20 for identifying the collection container a, the AR glasses 5 can be moved. A collection container instruction image may be presented to the worker X so as to follow the collection container a. In this case, the worker X throws the article W into the target collection container a moving along with the collection container instruction image on the transport conveyor 4.

  Next, the replenishment work of the articles W to the storage shelf 3 will be described. In the computer main body 31 of the control device 6, product data to be replenished and a replenishment location (frontage address) are registered in advance.

  The article W to be replenished is preliminarily arranged near the storage shelf 3, for example. However, if the article W is on a separate shelf or the like, the article W may be replenished after total picking with the AR glasses 5. .

  The operator (supplement worker) X wearing the AR glasses 5 selects the supplement article W, and then an identifier (for example, a barcode, an IC tag, etc.) attached to the selected article W, or the selected article. An identifier (for example, a bar code, an IC tag, etc.) attached to the storage container b containing W is detected by, for example, the AR glasses 5 which is a reading device.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, on the display 25 of the eyeglass unit 21 of the AR glasses 5, additional information that indicates that the article W has been detected (for example, product name display, product code, “supplemented” message, etc.) Is displayed. If the article W is not to be replenished, additional information (for example, a message “No replenishment”) for notifying the worker X of the fact is displayed on the display 25. When inventory management of the storage shelf 3 is performed, the quantity of articles W to be replenished may be displayed on the display 25.

  Then, when the worker X faces the storage shelf 3 side with the article W to be replenished, the AR glasses 5 displays the replenishment storage unit instruction image for the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 in the real space. Are additionally displayed so as to be superimposed on a desired position (for example, one storage unit).

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 looks at the storage shelf 3 through the display 25 of the glasses unit 21 of the AR glasses 5, the worker X is in charge of a plurality One replenishment storage unit instruction image (a hatched portion in FIG. 10) that overlaps with the only storage unit 2 in the storage unit 2 is visually recognized.

  The replenishment storage unit instruction image is, for example, a red image displayed on the display 25 so as to overlap the rear surface of the target replenishment storage unit 2, which is the only storage unit 2.

  When the target replenishment storage unit (target replenishment front) 2 is out of the field of view of the worker X, the display 25 of the AR glasses 5 is a CG image that is additional information indicating the direction in which the target replenishment storage unit 2 is located. (For example, an arrow) may be displayed to guide the worker X toward the target replenishment storage unit 2.

  Then, the worker X replenishes the article W into the target replenishment storage unit 2 indicated by the replenishment storage unit instruction image.

  After the replenishment, the worker X performs a replenishment completion gesture (for example, a circle sign with a finger). Then, the AR glasses 5 detects the replenishment completion gesture of the worker X, transmits replenishment completion data to the control device 6, and the replenishment storage unit instruction image on the display 25 disappears.

  Subsequently, the worker X detects an identifier such as a barcode of another supplementary article W with the AR glasses 5 and proceeds the supplementary work in the same manner.

  Next, a case where the temporary storage shelf 41 is used will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the case of an article W that is a medium-frequency product or a low-frequency product with relatively few orders, if the storage unit (frontage) 2 fixed to the storage shelf 3 is allocated, there is a possibility that a problem that the storage shelf 3 cannot be effectively used may occur. is there.

  Therefore, in this case, there is a method of effectively using the storage shelf 3 by temporarily placing (replenishing) a necessary quantity of articles W on the temporary storage shelf 41 immediately before picking and picking it. The temporary storage shelf 41 includes a plurality of rows and stages of temporary storage portions 42 and is disposed, for example, at a downstream position of the conveyor 4.

  For example, the article W to be temporarily placed is preliminarily arranged in the vicinity of the temporary shelf 41. However, if the article W is on a separate shelf or the like, the article W is temporarily placed after the total picking with the AR glasses 5. May be.

  When the collection container a is transported by the transport conveyor 4 and approaches the collection place, the control device 6 temporarily applies the AR glasses 5 of the worker (supplement worker) X who performs the replenishment work as the temporary placement work. Send data related to placement instructions.

  Then, the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 selects the replenishment article W, and then the identifier (for example, barcode, IC tag, etc.) attached to the selected article W or the selected article W is selected. An identifier (for example, a bar code, an IC tag, etc.) attached to the stored storage container b is detected by, for example, the AR glasses 5 which is a reading device.

  Then, as in FIG. 9 above, the display 25 of the eyeglass unit 21 of the AR glasses 5 has additional information (for example, product name display, product code, “supplemented” message, etc.) indicating that the article W has been detected. ) Is displayed. If the article W is not to be replenished, additional information (for example, a message “No replenishment”) for notifying the worker X of the fact is displayed on the display 25.

  When the worker X faces the temporary storage shelf 41 side while holding the temporarily placed article W, the AR glasses 5 should temporarily place the article W on the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5. A supplementary temporary placement part instruction image (additional information), which is supplementary temporary placement part instruction information for instructing the temporary placement part 42, is additionally presented so as to be superimposed on a desired position (for example, one temporary placement part) in the real space.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 sees the temporary storage shelf 41 through the display 25 of the glasses unit 21 of the AR glasses 5, the worker X is in charge of himself / herself. One supplementary temporary placement portion instruction image (a hatched portion in FIG. 11) that overlaps with the only temporary placement portion 42 among the plurality of temporary placement portions 42 is visually recognized.

  The supplementary temporary placement portion instruction image is a red image displayed on the display 25 so as to be positioned so as to overlap the front surface of the target temporary placement portion 42 that is the only temporary placement portion 42, for example.

  In addition, when the target temporary storage part (target temporary storage front) 42 is out of the field of view of the worker X, the display 25 of the AR glasses 5 is CG that is additional information indicating the direction in which the target temporary storage part 42 is located. It is also possible to display an image (for example, an arrow) and guide the worker X toward the target temporary placement unit 42.

  Then, the worker X who is the replenishment worker temporarily places the article W in the target temporary placement unit 42 instructed by the supplementary temporary placement unit instruction image and replenishes it.

  After this temporary placement, the worker X performs a temporary placement completion gesture (for example, a circle sign with a finger). Then, the AR glasses 5 detects the temporary placement completion gesture of the worker X, transmits temporary placement completion data to the control device 6, and the supplementary temporary placement portion instruction image on the display 25 disappears.

  Next, when the collection container a arrives at a predetermined position, the control device 6 transmits data relating to a picking instruction or the like to the AR glasses 5 of the worker (picking worker) X who performs the picking work.

  Then, when the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 sees the temporary storage shelf 41 through the display 25, the worker X overlaps with the only temporary storage unit 42 among the plurality of temporary storage units 42 that he / she takes charge of. One temporary placement portion instruction image and auxiliary information (for example, picking quantity display) regarding the article W picked from the only temporary placement portion 42 are visually recognized. That is, similarly to the case of the storage shelf 3 described above, the AR glasses 5 additionally presents additional information such as a red image to the wearing worker X so as to be superimposed on a desired position in the real space.

  In addition, when the target temporary storage part (target temporary storage front) 42 is out of the field of view of the worker X, the display 25 of the AR glasses 5 is CG that is additional information indicating the direction in which the target temporary storage part 42 is located. It is also possible to display an image (for example, an arrow) and guide the worker X toward the target temporary placement unit 42.

  Thereafter, the picking operation is performed in the same manner as the storage shelf 3 described above.

  Next, the case where the inspection device 46 is used will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the inspection container 46 is used to inspect the collection container a for which the picking operation has been completed, the AR glasses 5 can perform the following.

  The inspection device 46 has a tunnel-shaped conveyor insertion portion 47, and a downstream conveyor 45 whose upstream end is connected to the downstream end of the transport conveyor 4 is inserted into the conveyor insertion portion 47.

  The downstream conveyor 45 receives the collection container a in which the articles W are input from the conveyance conveyor 4 and conveys the collection container a in the conveyance direction. During the conveyance, the collection container that the inspection device 46 is conveying on the downstream conveyor 45 is collected. It is determined whether or not the article W is correctly put into a, that is, whether or not the article W in the collection container a is in the order unit as instructed.

  For example, the inspection device 46, which is a reading device, reads and detects the identifiers (for example, barcodes, IC tags, etc.) of all articles W placed in the collection container a for which the picking operation has been completed. Check the data for excess and deficiency and incorrect input.

  Then, when there is a collection container a in which excess or deficiency / incorrect input occurs, that is, there is an NG collection container a in which the article W is not correctly input, the worker (inspection worker) X wearing the AR glasses 5 When the downstream conveyor 45 is viewed through the display 25 of the section 21, the worker X gives an NG collection container instruction image (an oblique line on FIG. 12) which is NG collection container instruction information overlapping with the NG collection container a. (Part) will be visually recognized.

  This NG collection container instruction image is a red image displayed on the display 25 so as to overlap the NG collection container a. When the NG collection container a is out of the field of view of the worker X, the display 25 of the AR glasses 5 displays a CG image (for example, an arrow) that is additional information indicating the direction in which the NG collection container a is located. It is also possible to display and guide the worker X toward the NG collection container a.

  Further, when the worker (inspection worker) X looks inside the NG collection container a through the display 25 of the glasses unit 21, the worker X is, for example, an excess item such as a red image that overlaps the article W that is an excess item. It is possible to visually recognize an excess product instruction image (indicated by a hatched portion in FIG. 13), which is instruction information, and instantly identify the excess product.

  In addition to the excess product instruction image, for example, a message “excess product” is also displayed as the NG content information for notifying the worker X of the NG content.

  Then, after taking out excess items from the NG collection container a, the worker X causes the AR glasses 5 to detect an inspection completion gesture (for example, a circle sign with a finger) and transmits inspection completion data to the control device 6. To do.

  In the case of shortage, the AR glasses 5 presents NG content information regarding the shortage of articles W to the worker X. Upon receiving this presentation, the worker X replenishes the shortage article W into the NG collection container a, and then transmits inspection completion data to the control device 6 by an inspection completion gesture or the like.

  According to the picking system 1, the AR glasses 5 additionally presents desired information such as storage unit instruction images and collection container instruction images to the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 in the real space. Person X can work efficiently and work efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, since the worker X wearing the AR glasses 5 cannot see the instruction image or the like for the neighboring worker X, the worker X does not make an erroneous pick or thrown in response to the instruction to the neighboring worker X. The work efficiency can be further improved.

  Further, when one of the two workers X adjacent to each other has higher work ability than the other worker X, the other worker X works on a part of another zone. If one worker X performs work on a part of another zone without performing the operation, and the other worker X has higher work ability than one worker X, one worker X By making the other worker X work on a part of one zone without working on a part of one zone, the waiting time of the worker X can be reduced, The efficiency can be further improved.

  Further, since the AR glasses 5 additionally presents auxiliary information such as picking quantity display to the worker X along with the storage unit instruction image in the real space, for example, it is effectively prevented that the quantity of the article W to be picked is wrong. It is possible to improve work efficiency.

  Furthermore, since the AR glasses 5 additionally present the supplement storage section instruction image to the worker X in the real space, it is possible to effectively prevent the storage section 2 to which the article W is to be supplemented from being mistaken and to improve the work efficiency. Can be planned.

  Further, since the AR glasses 5 additionally presents the supplementary temporary placement portion instruction image to the worker X in the real space, it is possible to effectively prevent the temporary placement portion 42 where the article W should be temporarily placed from being mistaken, and work efficiency. Can be improved.

  Furthermore, since the AR glasses 5 additionally presents an NG collection container instruction image, NG content information, and the like to the worker X based on the determination result of the inspection device 46, the inspection operation can be performed efficiently and work efficiency. In addition, for example, when taking out excess items from the inside of the NG collection container a, it is possible to prevent the wrong article W from being taken out.

  In addition, since a display device such as an LED lamp (storage side instruction lamp, collection container side instruction lamp, etc.), which has been necessary in the past, is unnecessary, for example, electrical wiring, a mechanism for attaching the display device, and the like are also unnecessary. Therefore, the cost required for installation, maintenance, relocation, disposal, etc. can be reduced.

  Note that the augmented reality device that gives an instruction to the worker X is not limited to the glasses-type HMD that is the AR glasses 5, but may be a hat-type HMD or the like. It is not limited and may be a video transmission type or the like. Further, the HMD projection method is not limited to the one using a half mirror or the like, but directly forms an image on the retina using the crystalline lens of the operator's eyes, etc. But you can.

  In addition to the HMD such as the AR glasses 5, the augmented reality device may be one that adds additional information to the real space and presents it to the operator using a screen of a small information terminal such as a portable device.

  Further, the transport conveyor 4 is not limited to a conveyor device that is a single collection line disposed along the storage shelf 3. For example, the parallel conveyor 2 disposed along the storage shelf 3. It may be composed of one conveyor device, or may be composed of three or more conveyor devices. That is, the number of collection lines constituting the conveyor 4 is arbitrary.

  Further, the transport conveyor 4 is not limited to the transport conveyor 4 that transports the collection container a into which the article W picked from the storage unit 2 by the worker X is loaded, and is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-179426. As in the configuration, the article W picked from the storage unit 2 by the worker X may be directly placed on the transport surface on the upper surface and transported. In this configuration, the augmented reality device such as the AR glasses 5 provides, for example, guide body instruction information for instructing a guide body (temporary placement table for guiding articles toward the transport conveyor) to be placed on the operator. Additional presentation in real space.

  Further, for example, the picked article W is not directly put into the collection container a, but the article W is placed in a temporary place designated by the AR glasses 5, and then the article W is automatically put into the collection container a. It may be configured.

  Moreover, each storage part 2 of the storage shelf 3 is not limited to what is stored in a state where the article W is put in the storage container b. For example, a plurality of articles W can be directly received without using the storage container b. It may be placed and stored.

  Further, the collection container identification AR tag 20 is not fixed to the collection container a, but fixed to a predetermined position of the conveyor frame 16 of the transport conveyor 4 so as to be positioned corresponding to each stopped collection container a, for example. You may make it do.

  Furthermore, acquisition of position information in the real space is not limited to a method of detecting a marker (AR tag) (marker type vision base AR). For example, a method of detecting and detecting the frontage itself or the collection container itself (marker) Less vision-based AR).

  In addition, gestures detected by the augmented reality device such as the AR glasses 5 (notification of missing item, completion of addition, completion of replenishment, completion of temporary placement, completion of inspection, cancellation of operation, etc.) are performed by the finger or hand of the worker X It is not limited to, e.g., standing, one finger, etc., but may be based on the arm, foot, body, etc. of the worker X.

  Furthermore, for example, a gesture input machine that detects the swing or gesture of the worker X may be used separately, or may be based on the voice of the worker X.

  Further, when inspection is performed by looking at the article W with the AR glasses 5 at the time of picking, the article itself may be recognized and inspected instead of an identifier (for example, a barcode, an IC tag, etc.). You may make it inspect using a certain wearable apparatus (for example, finger mounting BCR).

  Further, the temporary storage shelf 41 and the inspection device 46 are not necessarily required, and a configuration without the temporary storage shelf 41 and the inspection device 46 may be used.

  Further, for example, color images, characters, numbers, symbols, and the like, which are additional information displayed on the display 25 of the AR glasses 5, may be changed to a display that can be easily customized by each worker X.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Picking system 2 Storage part 3 Storage shelf 4 Conveyor 5 Head mounted display which is an augmented reality apparatus
6 control devices
25 Display Lee
46 Inspection equipment a Collection container W Article X Worker

Claims (8)

A storage shelf having a plurality of storage units for storing articles;
A transport conveyor for transporting an article picked from the storage unit by an operator in the transport direction;
A head-mounted display that is an augmented reality device that additionally presents storage unit instruction information instructing the storage unit in which an article to be picked is stored for an operator to the real space ;
And a control device for controlling the head mounted display,
The storage shelf is composed of a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor,
Between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor, one worker wearing the head mounted display is arranged for each zone,
The setting work range for one of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least a corresponding one zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone,
The set work range for the other worker of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least the corresponding other zone and a part of the one zone adjacent to the other zone,
When one worker has a higher work ability than the other worker, the other worker does not work on a part of the other zone, and one worker does not work in the other zone. Work on the department,
When the other worker has a higher work ability than the one worker, one worker does not work on a part of the one zone, and the other worker does not work in the one zone. A picking system for performing operations on
The picking system characterized in that the control device analyzes the work amount of the worker based on the work management log, and changes the work execution range of the worker based on the analysis result without interrupting the work . A storage shelf having a plurality of storage portions object article is stored,
A transport conveyor for transporting articles picked from the storage unit by an operator into a collection container and transporting them in the transport direction;
The storage unit instruction information for instructing the storage unit in which the article to be picked is stored for the worker and the collection container instruction information for instructing the collection container into which the article is to be input to the worker are stored in the real space. A head-mounted display which is an augmented reality device to be additionally presented ;
And a control device for controlling the head mounted display,
The storage shelf is composed of a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor,
Between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor, one worker wearing the head mounted display is arranged for each zone,
The setting work range for one of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least a corresponding one zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone,
The set work range for the other worker of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least the corresponding other zone and a part of the one zone adjacent to the other zone,
When one worker has a higher work ability than the other worker, the other worker does not work on a part of the other zone, and one worker does not work in the other zone. Work on the department,
When the other worker has a higher work ability than the one worker, one worker does not work on a part of the one zone, and the other worker does not work in the one zone. A picking system for performing operations on
The picking system characterized in that the control device analyzes the work amount of the worker based on the work management log, and changes the work execution range of the worker based on the analysis result without interrupting the work . A storage shelf having a plurality of storage units for storing articles;
A transport conveyor for transporting an article picked from the storage unit by an operator in the transport direction;
A head-mounted display that is an augmented reality device that additionally presents storage unit instruction information instructing the storage unit in which an article to be picked is stored for an operator to the real space;
And a control device for controlling the head mounted display,
The storage shelf is composed of a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor,
Between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor, one worker wearing the head mounted display is arranged for each zone,
The setting work range for one of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least a corresponding one zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone,
The set work range for the other worker of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least the corresponding other zone and a part of the one zone adjacent to the other zone,
When one worker has higher work ability than the other worker, the one worker can work on a part of the other zone,
When the other worker has a higher work ability than the one worker, the other worker is a picking system capable of working on a part of the one zone,
The control device analyzes the work amount of the worker based on the work management log, and changes the work execution range of the worker based on the analysis result without interrupting the work.
Picking system characterized by that. A storage shelf having a plurality of storage units for storing articles;
A transport conveyor for transporting articles picked from the storage unit by an operator into a collection container and transporting them in the transport direction;
The storage unit instruction information for instructing the storage unit in which the article to be picked is stored for the worker and the collection container instruction information for instructing the collection container into which the article is to be input to the worker are stored in the real space. A head-mounted display which is an augmented reality device to be additionally presented;
And a control device for controlling the head mounted display,
The storage shelf is composed of a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor,
Between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor, one worker wearing the head mounted display is arranged for each zone,
The setting work range for one of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least a corresponding one zone and a part of another zone adjacent to the one zone,
The set work range for the other worker of the two workers adjacent to each other includes at least the corresponding other zone and a part of the one zone adjacent to the other zone,
When one worker has higher work ability than the other worker, the one worker can work on a part of the other zone,
When the other worker has a higher work ability than the one worker, the other worker is a picking system capable of working on a part of the one zone,
The control device analyzes the work amount of the worker based on the work management log, and changes the work execution range of the worker based on the analysis result without interrupting the work.
Picking system characterized by that. A collection container into which goods are placed;
An inspection device for judging whether or not an article is correctly put in the collection container;
With a head-mounted display that is an augmented reality device worn by the worker,
The head mounted display additionally presents in the real space NG collection container instruction information indicating an NG collection container in which an article has not been correctly input to an operator based on a determination result of the inspection device, and If there is an excess item in the NG collection container, the excess item instruction information indicating the excess item is additionally presented in the real space.
Picking system characterized by that. The NG collection container instruction information is an NG collection container instruction image that overlaps with the NG collection container.
The excess product instruction information is an excess product instruction image that overlaps with the excess product.
The picking system according to claim 5. A storage shelf having a plurality of storage units for storing articles;
A transport conveyor for transporting an article picked from the storage unit by an operator in the transport direction;
A head-mounted display that is an augmented reality device that additionally presents storage unit instruction information instructing the storage unit in which an article to be picked is stored for an operator to the real space;
And a control device for controlling the head mounted display,
The storage shelf is composed of a plurality of zones arranged in a direction along the transport direction of the transport conveyor,
Between the storage shelf and the transport conveyor, one worker wearing the head mounted display is arranged for each zone,
The set work range for one of the two workers adjacent to each other includes all of the corresponding one zone and a part of the other zone corresponding to the other worker adjacent to this one zone. Including at least
The control device determines the work capacity of each worker by analyzing the work amount of each worker,
When one worker of two workers adjacent to each other has higher work ability than the other worker, the work execution range of one worker among the set work ranges of one worker To a range consisting of the whole of the one zone and a part of the other zone without interrupting the operation,
The head mounted display on which the storage unit instruction information indicating the storage unit corresponding to a part of the other zone included in the work execution range of one worker after the change is attached by the other worker Present to the head mounted display worn by one worker
Picking system characterized by that. The head mounted display is a spectacle type head mounted display having a transmissive display.
The picking system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein