JPH10338312A - Inventorying method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and instantly understand identification information of stock goods and their position without manual process, by reading identification information of an electronic tag device which is adhered to goods using an electronic tag reading device, and by creating inventory information for goods stored in a warehouse. SOLUTION: An electronic tag reading processor 80 calculates distance between an electronic tag reading device 60 and an electronic tag device 70, and updates contents of electronic tag reading information DB400, based on one set of reading information which electronic tag reading device 60 reads from the electronic tag device 70. Similarly, the electronic tag reading processor 80 processes all sets of information from the electronic tag device 70. A three- points distance searching processor 90 updates information of three-points distance information DB401. An inventory location calculating processor 100 updates information of inventory result information DB404. After all information update processes are finished, the inventory location calculating processor 100 outputs inventory result list to a screen display device 20 or an output device 50.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for carrying out inventory counting of inventory items, and more particularly, to simply and immediately grasping the identification information and inventory location (absolute position) of inventory items without manual intervention. The present invention relates to a technology for inventory inventories to be performed and an effective technique applied to an apparatus for executing the inventory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to accurately and efficiently carry out work in a warehouse, such as arranging stocks and putting in and out of stocks, it is assumed that the current stock situation (what, where and how many) is accurately grasped. Becomes However, it is difficult to reach a complete grasp of the inventory status only by the daily management of the incoming and outgoing information by the computer, and it is apt to be out of the realization place. Therefore, in order to accurately grasp the inventory status, it is necessary to periodically perform inventory inventory.

[0003] As a conventional inventory counting method, an inventory list is output from a computer as described in "Intelligent Logistics" (published by Industrial Technology Service Center, February 1989), pages 741 to 743. There is a method in which a person in charge actually walks around the warehouse, visually checks the stock stored in the shelf, and enters the actual inventory count in the inventory list one by one.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional inventory counting method, there is a problem that a large number of persons must take a long time to inventory a large amount of inventory in a warehouse.

In addition, in the conventional inventory counting method, if the stocking and unloading work during the stocktaking operation is stopped in order to grasp the exact number of stocktaking, there is a problem that the work efficiency of the stocking and unloading work is reduced. There is a problem that it is not possible to accurately determine the number of inventories if the loading / unloading operation is performed during the operation.

[0006] These problems are caused by the fact that the system for carrying out the above-mentioned conventional inventory inventory method is a work system which requires that a person in charge check each inventory one by one. Has occurred.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem and to provide a technique capable of easily and immediately grasping the identification information and the position of the stock commodity without manual operation.

[0008]

According to the present invention, an electronic tag reader is installed in a warehouse for storing goods, and an electronic tag device in which identification information for identifying the goods is stored in advance is attached to the goods and the goods are stored in the warehouse. Store and read the identification information stored in the electronic tag device by the electronic tag reader, and define a stock location definition table defined for each distance range between the electronic tag reader and the electronic tag reader or for each electronic tag reader. , The inventory location of the electronic tag device is extracted, and inventory information including the identification information and the inventory location of the product to which the electronic tag device is attached is generated.

According to the inventory counting method of the present invention, an electronic tag reading device is installed in a warehouse for storing products in advance, and when storing the products in the warehouse, an electronic tag in which identification information for identifying the products is stored in the products in advance. Affix the device and store.

[0010] When inventory is taken, the identification information stored in the electronic tag device of the product is read by the electronic tag reading device, and a stock location indicating a storage area where the product is stored is extracted, and the electronic tag is read. Inventory information including the identification information of the product to which the apparatus is attached and the inventory location is generated.

It is assumed that the inventory location for storing the merchandise is defined in advance in the inventory location definition table for each distance range between the electronic tag readers and each electronic tag reader or for each electronic tag reader, and the reading is performed. The inventory location of the product to which the electronic tag device is attached is extracted from the inventory location definition table according to the distance range between the read electronic tag reader and the electronic tag device and the read electronic tag reader. You.

As described above, according to the stock inventory method of the present invention, the identification information of the electronic tag device attached to the product is read by the electronic tag reading device to generate the inventory information of the product stored in the warehouse. Therefore, it is possible to easily and immediately grasp the identification information and the position of the stocked product without manual operation.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an area within a specific distance from an installed electronic tag reader is defined as a stock location indicating a specific storage area in a warehouse, and identification information and stock location of stock items in the warehouse are defined. A description will be given of a stock inventory device according to a first embodiment for easily and immediately grasping (absolute position) without manual intervention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stock inventory device of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the stock inventory device of the present embodiment includes an input device 10, a screen display device 20, a processing device 30, a storage device 40, an output device 50, an electronic tag reading device 60, and an electronic tag device 70, It is connected to an inventory management system 110 which is an external system via a storage device 40.

The processing device 30 includes an electronic tag reading processing unit 80, a three-point distance search processing unit 90, and a stock location calculation processing unit 100. The storage device 40 stores an electronic tag reading information DB 400 and three-point distance information. DB 401, inventory location definition table 402, and product code definition table 4
03 and an inventory result information DB 404. Here, DB represents a database.

FIG. 2 shows an electronic tag reader 6 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image of a location 0 and an electronic tag device 70 in a warehouse and a stock location. As shown in FIG. 2, the arrangement and the stock location of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 in the present embodiment in the warehouse correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of electronic tag reading devices 60 A to C in the warehouse and the electronic tag device. Reference numerals 70 denote inventory locations L0001 to L0009, which are storage areas for a plurality of products.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between each processing unit of the present embodiment, each table, and the DB. The electronic tag reading processing unit 80 and the three-point distance search processing unit 90 included in the processing device 30 are shown.
And inventory location calculation processing unit 100 and storage device 4
0, electronic tag read information DB 400, three-point distance information DB 401, inventory location definition table 40
2. Product code definition table 403 and inventory result information D
B404 is shown.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of each table, DB, and electronic tag device 70 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, each table, DB, and data configuration of the electronic tag device 70 of the present embodiment include an electronic tag read information DB 400 stored in the storage device 40 and a three-point distance information DB.
401, an example of data stored in the stock location definition table 402, the product code definition table 403, the inventory result information DB 404, and the electronic tag device 70.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the electronic tag reading processing section 80 of the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the electronic tag reading processing unit 80 of the present embodiment performs a process of updating the electronic tag reading information DB 400 with information read from the electronic tag device 70 by the electronic tag reading device 60.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the three-point distance search processing section 90 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the three-point distance search processing unit 90 of the present embodiment reads the electronic tag read information DB 400 of each electronic tag reader 60 and updates the three-point distance information DB 401.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the stock location calculation processing section 100 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the inventory location calculation processing unit 100 of the present embodiment generates inventory information based on the information of the three-point distance information DB 401, the inventory location definition table 402, and the product code definition table 403, and stores the inventory result information DB 404. A process of updating and outputting the inventory result list 405 is performed.

FIG. 8 shows an inventory result list 40 according to this embodiment.
5 is a diagram showing an output image of No. 5. FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the inventory result list 405 of the present embodiment represents an output image output by the inventory location calculation processing unit 100.

Next, the operation of the processing device 30 having the electronic tag reading processing unit 80, the three-point distance search processing unit 90, and the stock location calculation processing unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. explain.

First, the arrangement image of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 in the warehouse and the image of the stock location in the stock inventory device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The electronic tag readers 60 are arranged at three locations in the upper part of the warehouse so as to draw a "sufficient triangle".
Here, the “sufficiently large triangle” means that the absolute position of the product to which the electronic tag device 70 is attached can be uniquely determined by the distance from the three electronic tag reading devices 60 to the electronic tag device 70. Means that

As will be described later, the number of the electronic tag readers 60 is determined by
Any number may be used as long as the absolute position of the product to which the electronic tag device 70 is attached can be uniquely determined by the distance to 0, but in this case, the electronic tag reading device 60
Are described in three places.

The electronic tag device 70 is attached to each product stored in the warehouse, and is an IC that holds identification information of the product.
It is a device such as a card, and the stock location is a concept indicating a storage area for commodities in a warehouse as shown in FIG.
In particular, when carrying out the loading / unloading operation, it is indispensable for the efficient execution of the operation to accurately grasp the inventory location of the product.

Next, the electronic tag reading processing unit 80, the three-point distance search processing unit 90, and the stock location calculation processing unit 100 included in the processing device 30, the tables and DBs stored in the storage device 40, The relationship between the tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 will be described with reference to FIG.

The electronic tag readers 60 arranged at three locations in the warehouse read the identification information of the goods stored in the electronic tag device 70 attached to the goods, and read the identification information of the electronic tag devices from the electronic tag reader 60. The distance to 70 is calculated.

The electronic tag reading processing section 80 receives the identification information of the product read by the electronic tag reading device 60 and the calculated distance, and stores the information in the electronic tag reading information DB 400.

The three-point distance search processing section 90 picks up information on the same product based on the information in the electronic tag reading information DB 400 stored for each electronic tag reading device 60, sorts the information as product-specific information, and It is stored in the point distance information DB 401.

The stock location calculation processing unit 100
Based on the information in the point distance information DB 401, the inventory location definition table 402, and the product code definition table 403, a corresponding inventory location is searched by the distance of the product from the three electronic tag readers 60, and a corresponding product name is searched. Then, the inventory result information DB 404 is updated, and the inventory result list 405 is output.

Inventory management system 11 which is an external system
0 updates the stock information in the stock management system 110 based on the updated information of the inventory result information DB 404.

Electronic tag read information DB 4 in storage device 40
The 00, three-point distance information DB 401, the inventory location definition table 402, the product code definition table 403, the inventory result information DB 404, and the electronic tag device 70 are provided with respective information fields as shown in FIG.

In the electronic tag reading information DB 400, the same information column is provided for each of the three electronic tag reading devices 60, and the information and the distance of the electronic tag device 70 read by the electronic tag reading device 60 are the product code. Column 411, unique code column 412, and distance column 413.

Here, the product code column 411 is a column for storing a product code for identifying the type of product, and the unique code column 412 is for storing a unique code for identifying each product of the same type having the same product code. It is a column to do.

The three-point distance information DB 401 is an electronic tag read information DB 4 provided for each of the three electronic tag readers 60.
00 is sorted for each product, and includes a product code column 421, a unique code column 422, and reading devices A to
Distance column 42 for storing each distance from C to the product
3 to 425 are provided.

The inventory location definition table 402
This is a table in which inventory locations are defined in advance by distance ranges from the three electronic tag readers 60, and an inventory location column 431 and distance range columns 432 to 434 of the inventory locations from the readers A to C are provided.
It is assumed that numerical information indicating a storage area corresponding to the stock location is stored in each distance range column.

The product code definition table 403 is a table in which the product names corresponding to the product codes are defined in advance.
A product code column 441 and a product name column 442 are provided. The stocktaking result information DB 404 is a DB for storing stocktaking results, and includes a stock location column 451, a product code column 452, a product name column 453, and a quantity column 454.

The electronic tag device 70 has a product code column 461 for storing a product code and a unique code of a product to which the electronic tag device 70 is attached, and a unique code column 4.
62 are provided.

Next, actual processing steps in the stock inventory device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the processing steps of the electronic tag reading processing unit 80 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The electronic tag reading processing section 80 initializes each information column of the electronic tag reading information DB 400 (step 50).
1) Next, upon activation from the input device 10, the electronic tag reading device 60 causes the information stored in each information column of the electronic tag device 70 to be read (step 50).
2). The information to be read here is the information stored in the product code column 461 and the unique code column 462 of the electronic tag device 70.

"Monthly barcode September 1996"
(Published by the Distribution System Development Center) As described on pages 6-9 (Current status and trends of super tags),
By adding a process to disable reading for a certain time to the electronic tag device 70 once read, the electronic tag reading device 60
Can sequentially read all of the plurality of stationary electronic tag devices 70 one by one.

Next, based on one piece of read information of the electronic tag device 70 read by the electronic tag reading device 60 in step 502, the electronic tag reading processing section 80 Is calculated (step 503).

Here, "Radio Technology Handbook" (19)
November 1988, published by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun) pages 443-446
Using the transmission speed and transmission time of radio waves as shown on the page, calculate the time difference between when the reader transmits radio waves to the target and when it receives radio waves from the target. Accordingly, a technique for calculating the distance to the target is known as a known technique.

Next, the electronic tag reading processor 80 reads the information stored in each information column of the electronic tag device 70 read by the electronic tag reading device 60 and the calculated electronic tag device 70.
Based on the distance to the corresponding electronic tag reader 60
Product code column 411 of the electronic tag read information DB 400
The contents of the unique code column 412 and the distance column 413 are updated (step 504).

Next, the electronic tag reading processing section 80 executes steps 502 to 5 for all the electronic tag devices 70.
04 is determined (step 50).
5).

Here, when the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 are placed in the warehouse, the electronic tag reading device 60
By arranging all the electronic tag devices 70 so as to be included in the readable range, the electronic tag reading device 60 can read the information of all the electronic tag devices 70.

The electronic tag reading processing section 80 determines whether the processing of steps 502 to 504 has been executed for all the electronic tag devices 70 read by the electronic tag reading device 60, If the device 70 remains, the processing of steps 502 to 504 is repeated for the remaining electronic tag device 70.

If the processing of steps 502 to 504 has been completed for all the electronic tag devices 70, the electronic tag reading processing unit 80 ends the processing. Note that a series of processing in steps 501 to 505 is executed for all of the reading devices A and B that are the electronic tag reading device 60.

Next, the processing steps of the three-point distance search processing section 90 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, the three-point distance search processing unit 90 outputs the three-point distance information DB4
01 are initialized (step 601).

Next, the three-point distance search processing section 90 reads information stored in each information column of the electronic tag read information DB 400 for the reader A of the electronic tag reader 60 (step 602).

Next, the three-point distance search processing section 90 determines the product code stored in one product code column 411 of the electronic tag read information DB 400 for the reading device A read in step 602 and the unique code column 412. The information stored in each information column of the electronic tag read information DB 400 relating to the reading device B / C corresponding to the product code and the unique code is read based on the unique code stored in (step 603).

Next, the three-point distance search processing unit 90 reads three points based on the product code and the unique code read in steps 602 and 603 and the corresponding distance from the electronic tag reader 60 to the electronic tag device 70. Product code column 421 and unique code column 4 of distance information DB 401
22 and the information in the distance columns 423 to 425 are updated (step 604).

Next, the three-point distance search processing unit 90 executes steps 602 to 602 for all electronic tag read information stored in the electronic tag read information DB 400 for the reading device A.
It is determined whether the process of step 604 has been executed (step 605).

If there is any electronic tag read information for which the above processing has not been performed, the processing of steps 602 to 604 is repeated for the remaining electronic tag read information. Step 602 for all electronic tag read information
If the processing of Steps 604 to 604 has been completed, the three-point distance search processing unit 90 ends the processing.

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 100
Will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the inventory location calculation processing unit 100
Initializes each information column of the inventory result information DB 404 (step 701) and reads information stored in one information column of the three-point distance information DB 401 (step 70).
2).

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 100
Refers to the inventory location definition table 402, and the respective distances stored in the distance columns 423 to 425 of the three-point distance information DB 401 read in step 702 are the distance ranges stored in the distance range columns 432 to 434. Is read (step 70)
3).

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 100
Is the three-point distance information DB 40 read in step 702.
Based on the product code stored in the first product code column 421, the product name stored in the product name column 442 of the product code definition table 403 corresponding to the product code is read (step 704).

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 100
Are the product code read in step 702, the inventory location read in step 703, and step 7
Based on the product name read in 04, inventory result information DB4
04 stock location column 451, product code column 45
2. Update the information in the product name column 453 and the quantity column 454 (step 705).

Here, for the combination of a certain inventory location and a product code, the first inventory result information DB 40
4 is updated, the inventory location field 45
1, information corresponding to the product code column 452 and the product name column 453 is stored, and “1” is stored in the quantity column 454.

When the inventory result information DB 404 is updated when the same combination of the inventory location and the product code exists in the inventory location column 451 and the product code column 452 of the inventory result information DB 404, the corresponding quantity is updated. The cumulative quantity is stored only in the column 454.

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 100
Is the 3 of all the cases stored in the three-point distance information DB 401.
It is determined whether or not the processing of Steps 702 to 705 has been executed with respect to the point distance information (Step 706). If the three-point distance information for which the processing has not been executed remains, the remaining three-point distance information is determined. Step 702-
Step 705 is repeated.

Step 70 for all three-point distance information
If the processing of Steps 2 to 705 has been completed, the inventory location calculation processing section 100 sets the screen display device 20
Alternatively, the inventory result list 405 is output to the output device 50 (step 707).

The inventory result list 405 is, as shown in FIG. 8, a stock location column 45 of the inventory result information DB 404.
1, product code column 452, product name column 453, and quantity column 4
Based on the information stored in 54, a list of inventory locations, product codes, product names, and quantities is displayed as inventory results.

After outputting the inventory result list 405 at step 707, the inventory location calculation processing section 100
Ends the processing, and the inventory management system 1 which is an external system
Reference numeral 10 updates the stock information based on the information stored in the stock location column 451, the product code column 452, the product name column 453, and the quantity column 454 of the inventory result information DB 404.

As described above, in the stock inventory device of the present embodiment, the example in which the electronic tag reading devices 60 are arranged at three places has been described. However, the distance from each electronic tag reading device 60 to the electronic tag device 70 is described. Accordingly, the number of the electronic tag readers 60 need not be three as long as the absolute position of the product to which the electronic tag device 70 is attached can be uniquely determined.

For example, when the warehouse has a quadrangular plane shape, one electronic tag reader 60 is disposed at each end of one side of the warehouse, and the distance from the two electronic tag readers 60 to the electronic tag apparatus 70 is set. Thus, the absolute position of the product to which the electronic tag device 70 is attached may be uniquely determined. However, in this case, it is necessary to adjust the number of the electronic tag reading devices 60 according to the readable range of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the accuracy of calculating the distance to the electronic tag device 70.

As described above, according to the inventory counting apparatus of the present embodiment, the identification information of the electronic tag device attached to the product is read by the electronic tag reading device, and the inventory information of the product stored in the warehouse is read. Is generated, it is possible to easily and immediately grasp the identification information and the position of the stocked product without manual operation.

(Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a specific area in which the electronic tag reading device 60 is installed is defined as a stock location indicating a specific storage area in a warehouse, and identification information and inventory of stock items in the warehouse are defined. A description will be given of a stock inventory device according to a second embodiment, in which a location is easily and immediately grasped without manual intervention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the stock inventory device of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the stock inventory device of the present embodiment includes an input device 10, a screen display device 20, a processing device 30, a storage device 40, an output device 50, an electronic tag reading device 60, and an electronic tag device 70, It is connected to an inventory management system 110 which is an external system via a storage device 40.

The processing device 30 has an electronic tag reading processing unit 800 and a stock location calculation processing unit 900.
The storage device 40 has an electronic tag read information DB 4000, a stock location definition table 4001, a product code definition table 403, and an inventory result information DB 404.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image of an arrangement in a warehouse and an inventory location of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement and the inventory location of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 of the present embodiment in the warehouse are different from those of the plurality of electronic tag reading devices 60 indicated by to which are installed for each inventory location. The location in the warehouse and the inventory location L0 which is a storage area for a plurality of products to which the electronic tag device 70 is attached.
001 to L0009.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between each processing unit and each table and DB in this embodiment. The electronic tag reading processing unit 800 and the stock location calculation processing unit 900 included in the processing device 30 and the storage device The relationship between the electronic tag reading information DB 4000, the inventory location definition table 4001, the product code definition table 403, and the inventory result information DB 404 stored in the storage 40 is shown.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of each table according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the data configuration of each table in the present embodiment represents an example of data stored in the electronic tag read information DB 4000 and the inventory location definition table 4001 stored in the storage device 40. Here, it is assumed that the data configurations of the product code definition table 403, the inventory result information DB 404, and the electronic tag device 70 are the same as those in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the electronic tag reading processing section 800 of the present embodiment. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic tag reading processing unit 800 of the present embodiment
Performs a process of updating the electronic tag read information DB 4000 with information read from the electronic tag device 70 by the electronic tag reader 60.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the inventory location calculation processing section 900 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the inventory location calculation processing unit 900 according to the present embodiment includes the inventory location definition table 40
01 and the information of the product code definition table 403,
Generate inventory information and update the inventory result information DB 404,
A process for outputting the inventory result list 405 is performed.

Next, the operation of the processing device 30 having the electronic tag reading processing section 800 and the stock location calculation processing section 900 shown in FIG. 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, the arrangement image of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 in the warehouse and the image of the stock location in the stock inventory device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The electronic tag reading device 60 of the stock inventory device of the present embodiment has a one-to-one correspondence with each stock location in the warehouse.
It is set up so that it becomes a relationship. This can be done by making the readable range of each electronic tag reader 60 coincide with the storage area of the corresponding inventory location, or by sealing each inventory location with a metal plate and installing it at the relevant inventory location. This is realized by making settings such that the electronic tag reading device 60 can read only the electronic tag device 70 existing in the same stock location. The role of the electronic tag device 70 and the concept of the inventory location are the same as those in FIG.

Next, the electronic tag reading processing unit 800 and the stock location calculation processing unit 900 included in the processing device 30
The relationship between each of the tables, each DB and the electronic tag reading device 60 accommodated in the storage device 40, and the electronic tag device 70 will be described with reference to FIG.

The electronic tag reading device 60 arranged at each stock location in the warehouse reads the identification information of the product stored in the electronic tag device 70 attached to the product, and the electronic tag reading processing unit 800 The identification information of the product read by the tag reading device 60 is received, and the electronic tag reading information DB
Store it in 4000.

The stock location calculation processing unit 900 searches the read stock location of the electronic tag device 70 based on the information in the electronic tag read information DB 4000, the stock location definition table 4001, and the product code definition table 403, The corresponding product name is searched, the inventory result information DB 404 is updated, and the inventory result list 405 is output.

Inventory management system 11 which is an external system
0 updates the stock information in the stock management system 110 based on the updated information of the inventory result information DB 404.

Electronic tag read information DB 4 in storage device 40
000 and the inventory location definition table 4001 are provided with respective information fields as shown in FIG. Here, the product code definition table 403, the inventory result information DB
It is assumed that the 404 and the electronic tag device 70 have the same information fields as those in FIG.

In the electronic tag reading information DB 4000, the same information column is provided for all the electronic tag reading devices 60. The information of the electronic tag device 70 read by the electronic tag reading device 60 is stored in the product code column 4011 and the unique information column. It is stored in the code column 4012.

[0087] Inventory location definition table 4001
Is a table in which inventory locations corresponding to the respective electronic tag readers 60 are defined in advance, and a inventory location column 4021 and a reader column 4022 are provided. Each reader column is installed at the relevant inventory location. It is assumed that identification information for identifying the electronic tag reader 60 is stored.

Next, the actual processing steps in the stock inventory device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the electronic tag reading processing unit 80
The processing step 0 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The electronic tag reading processing section 800 initializes each information column of the electronic tag reading information DB 4000 (step 1301).

Next, the electronic tag reading processing section 800 causes the electronic tag reading device 60 to read information stored in each information column of the electronic tag device 70 by the activation from the input device 10 (step). 1302). The information read here is stored in the product code column 461 of the electronic tag device 70.
And the information stored in the unique code column 462.

As described above, by processing the electronic tag device 70 once read out so as not to be readable for a certain period of time, the electronic tag reading device 60 can perform all of the plurality of stationary electronic tag devices 70. Can be sequentially read one by one.

Next, based on the read information of the electronic tag device 70 read by the electronic tag read device 60, the electronic tag read processing section 800 reads the product code field of the electronic tag read information DB 4000 of the relevant electronic tag read device 60. The contents of 4011 and the unique code column 4012 are updated (step 1303).

Next, the electronic tag reading processing section 800 determines whether the processing of steps 1302 and 1303 has been executed for all the electronic tag devices 70 (step 1).
304), the electronic tag device 70 that has not performed the above processing
If is left, the processing of steps 1302 and 1303 is repeated for the remaining electronic tag device 70.

If the processing of steps 1302 and 1303 has been completed for all the electronic tag devices 70, the electronic tag reading processing section 800 ends the processing.
Note that a series of processing from step 1301 to step 1304 is executed for all of the plurality of electronic tag reading devices 60.

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 900
Will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the inventory location calculation processing unit 900
Initializes each information column of the inventory result information DB 404 (step 1401).

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 900
Reads information stored in each information column of one electronic tag read information DB 4000 for a specific one of the plurality of electronic tag readers 60 (step 140).
2).

Further, the stock location definition table 40
With reference to 01, the inventory location corresponding to the identification information of the specific reader (for example, the electronic tag reader number such as, for example) is read from the inventory location column 4021 (step 1403).

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 900
Is the electronic tag read information D read in step 1402
The product name stored in the product name column 442 of the product code definition table 403 corresponding to the product code is read based on the product code stored in the product code column 4011 of B4000 (step 1404).

Then, the inventory location calculation processing section 90
0 is a stock location column 451, a product code column 452, a product name column 453, and a quantity of the inventory result information DB 404 based on the product code read in step 1402, the inventory location read in step 1403, and the product name read in step 1404. The information in the column 454 is updated (step 1405).

As described above, when the inventory result information DB 404 is updated for the first time for a combination of a certain inventory location and a product code, the inventory location column 451, the product code column 452, and the product name column 4
Information corresponding to 53 is stored, and “1” is stored in the quantity column 454.

If the inventory result information DB 404 is updated when the same combination of inventory location and product code already exists in the inventory location column 451 and the product code column 452 of the inventory result information DB 404, the corresponding quantity The accumulated quantity is stored only in the column 454.

Next, the inventory location calculation processing section 900
Determines whether the processes of steps 1402 to 1405 have been executed for all electronic tag read information stored in the electronic tag read information DB 4000 (step 1).
406) If there is any electronic tag read information for which the above-mentioned processing has not been performed, the processing of steps 1402 to 1405 is repeated for the remaining electronic tag read information.

If the processing of steps 1402 to 1405 has been completed for all the electronic tag read information, the inventory location calculation processing unit 900 outputs the inventory result list 405 to the screen display device 20 or the output device 50. (Step 1407).

The inventory result list 405 displays a list of inventory locations, product codes, product names, and quantities as inventory results based on the information stored in the inventory result information DB 404 as shown in FIG. .

After outputting the inventory result list 405 in step 1407, the inventory location calculation processing section 900 ends the processing. The inventory management system 110, which is an external system, sets the inventory location column 451 of the inventory result information DB 404, The stock information is updated based on the information stored in the code column 452, the product name column 453, and the quantity column 454.

As described above, in the stock inventory device of this embodiment, the electronic tag device 70 for holding the identification information of the product is attached to the product, but the electronic tag device 70 is stored in a storage device such as a pallet or a container. The electronic tag device 70 that holds the identification information of the product group may be attached to a storage device.

As described above, according to the stock inventory device of the present embodiment, the identification information of the electronic tag device attached to the product is read by the electronic tag reading device, and the inventory information of the product stored in the warehouse is read. Is generated, it is possible to easily and immediately grasp the identification information and the position of the stocked product without manual operation.

Although the present invention has been specifically described based on the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. It is.

[0109]

According to the present invention, since the identification information of the electronic tag device attached to the product is read by the electronic tag reading device and the inventory information of the product stored in the warehouse is generated, the identification of the stock product can be performed. The information and its position can be grasped simply and immediately without manual intervention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stock inventory device of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image of an arrangement in a warehouse and an inventory location of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an association between each processing unit, each table, and a DB according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of each table, DB, and electronic tag device 70 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the electronic tag reading processing unit 80 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a three-point distance search processing unit 90 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a stock location calculation processing unit 10 according to the first embodiment.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of No. 0.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an output image of an inventory result list 405 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a stock inventory device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image of an arrangement in a warehouse and an inventory location of the electronic tag reading device 60 and the electronic tag device 70 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates each processing unit, each table, and a DB according to the second embodiment.
FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of each table according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an electronic tag reading processing unit 800 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a stock location calculation processing unit 9 according to the second embodiment.
It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of 00.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 input device, 20 screen display device, 30 processing device, 40 storage device, 50 output device, 60 electronic tag reading device, 70 electronic tag device, 80 electronic tag reading processing unit, 90 3 Point distance search processing unit, 100: inventory location calculation processing unit, 110: inventory management system, 400
... Electronic tag read information DB, 401 ... 3-point distance information DB,
402 stock location definition table, 403 product code definition table, 404 inventory result information DB, 40
5 ... Inventory result list 411 ... Product code column 412 ...
Unique code column, 413 distance column, 421 product code column, 422 unique code column, 423-425 distance column, 431 stock location column, 432-434 ...
Distance range column, 441: Product code column, 442: Product name column, 451: Inventory location column, 452: Product code column, 453: Product name column, 454: Quantity column, 461: Product code column, 462: Unique code column , 800: electronic tag reading processing unit, 900: inventory location calculation processing unit,
4000 ... electronic tag reading information DB, 4001 ... stock location definition table, 4011 ... product code column, 40
12: Unique code column, 4021: Inventory location column, 4022: Reading device column.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An electronic tag reader for reading information from an electronic tag device and calculating a distance to the electronic tag device is installed in a warehouse for storing goods, and a specific distance range from the installed electronic tag reader is set. Is defined as an inventory location indicating a specific storage area in the warehouse, an electronic tag device that stores identification information for identifying the product in advance in the product stored in the warehouse is affixed, by the electronic tag reading device, Reading the identification information stored in the electronic tag device and calculating the distance from the electronic tag reader to the electronic tag device, extracting the inventory location of the electronic tag device based on the calculated distance, A stock inventory method, characterized by generating inventory information including identification information and a stock location of a product to which an electronic tag device is attached. 2. An electronic tag reader for reading information from an electronic tag device is installed in a warehouse for storing goods, and a specific area where the electronic tag reader is installed indicates a specific storage area in the warehouse. An electronic tag device, which is defined as a stock location and stores identification information for identifying the product in advance in a warehouse, is attached, and the electronic tag reading device reads the identification information stored in the electronic tag device. And extracting the inventory location where the electronic tag reading device is installed as the inventory location of the electronic tag device, and generating inventory information including the identification information and the inventory location of the product to which the electronic tag device is attached. And inventory counting method. 3. An electronic tag device that stores identification information of a product and is attached to the product, an electronic tag reading device that reads the identification information stored in the electronic tag device and calculates a distance to the electronic tag device. An inventory location definition table holding an inventory location indicating a specific storage area in a warehouse defined by a distance range from the electronic tag reader; and the inventory location definition based on a distance between the electronic tag reader and the electronic tag device. A stock location calculation processing unit that extracts a stock location of a product to which the electronic tag device is attached from a table, and generates inventory information including the extracted stock location and identification information of the product read by the electronic tag reader; An inventory counting device, characterized in that: 4. An electronic tag device which stores identification information of a product and is attached to the product, an electronic tag reader which reads the identification information stored in the electronic tag device, and a warehouse defined for each electronic tag reading device. And a stock location definition table holding a stock location indicating a specific storage area, and a stock location where an electronic tag reader that has read the identification information of the electronic tag device is set to the inventory location of the product to which the electronic tag device is attached. A stock location calculation processing unit that extracts the stock location definition table from the stock location definition table and generates inventory information including the product identification information read by the electronic tag reader and the extracted stock location; Inventory device.