JP6269364B2 - Sorting equipment and voice support system used in the sorting equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting facility and a voice support system used in the sorting facility.

  The conventional sorting equipment is provided with various display means such as a quantity display, picking display, input display, or temporary display that displays the order quantity of the ordered items. Sorting work while visually observing. In such a sorting facility, since the operator visually confirms the display device, the display effect of the display device becomes weaker as the user gets used to only visual information. For this reason, there are cases where an article of a different number from the number displayed on the display is sorted, or an article which has not been ordered is sorted, and a sorting error may occur due to a misreading of the display.

Therefore, in order to prevent the above-described sorting error, a sorting facility that performs voice notification in addition to display on the display, that is, a sorting facility that adds voice information to the visual information for notification is proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
In Patent Document 1, the output request data for each product supplied at random is formed into output data in a form converted into a code signal indicating the product name, standard, quantity, and destination. Outgoing data is divided into multiple channels and converted into audio signals for each channel, and this audio signal is supplied directly to one or more workers at the same time, and picking data for each product is audio signaled for each channel. Simultaneously with the reading, the color-indicating indicators for the respective channels provided at the storage positions of the respective products are turned on.

JP-A-5-85604

  However, in the sorting facility of Patent Document 1, not only a situation where there are many work mistakes (for example, when sorting a plurality of articles, a case where articles are sorted from a plurality of shelves, etc.), but also a situation where there are few work mistakes (for example, one Even when an article is sorted, an indicator corresponding to the voice signal is always turned on at the same time when the voice signal is output. That is, if the sound is output, the indicator lamp is always lit regardless of the state of the sorting work. Therefore, there is no problem in the information to be notified, and on the other hand, there is a problem that the notification effect is weakened and the error of the sorting work occurs because the user gets used to the notification by the audio signal and the indicator lamp.

  Therefore, the present invention improves the notification effect by changing the notification method of the information related to the sorting work according to the status of the sorting work of the article, thereby improving the notification effect, thereby reducing the error of the sorting work. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sorting facility for preventing occurrence and a voice support system used in the sorting facility.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

That is, the sorting facility according to claim 1 of the present invention is a sorting facility that sorts articles according to the article request information of the sorting destination, and displays the information about the sorting operation of the articles, and the display means and sound output means for outputting voice information on task of sorting the article in accordance with the display of, and control means for controlling the operation of said display means and said audio output means, said control means, said information When displaying on a single display means, only the display means to be operated is operated, and when displaying the information on a plurality of display means, the display means to be displayed and the display to be displayed Both the voice output means corresponding to the means are operated .
In the above configuration, when information relating to the sorting operation of the article is displayed on a single display means
Is notified from only that single display means, and if displayed on multiple display means,
Are notified from both the display means and the sound output means corresponding to the display means. That is, according to the status of the sorting work, the information notification method is changed to information from the view (information from the display means) and information from the view and the ears (information from the display means and the audio output means), Information is notified to the worker.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting facility for sorting articles according to the article request information of the sorting destination, wherein the display means displays information relating to the sorting operation of the articles, and according to the display of the display means. Voice output means for outputting information related to the sorting operation of the article by voice; and control means for controlling operations of the display means and the voice output means, wherein the control means is a single display means. When the article sorting operation is performed on a single article, only the display means to be displayed is operated, the information is displayed on the single display means, and the article sorting is performed. When work is performed on a plurality of articles, both the display means to be displayed and the audio output means corresponding to the display means are operated to display the information on the plurality of display means. Expediently, a display unit to be the display, and the audio output means corresponding to the display means to be the display is intended to both operate.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is the sorting facility according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the sound output means is configured to sound a place where the corresponding display means is displaying the information. Is output.
In the said structure, the place where the display means is displaying information is alert | reported with an audio | voice to an operator.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the voice output means uses a voice to indicate the degree of concentration of the article request information of the sort destination. Output.
In the above configuration, the degree of concentration of the article request information of the sorting destination is notified to the worker by voice.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5 is the sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the voice output means outputs the processing status of the worker in the sorting work by voice. Is.
In the above configuration, the processing status of the worker in the sorting work is notified to the worker by voice.

  According to the sorting equipment of the present invention, information from the ear can be added to the information from the field of view, so that the information can be accurately notified to the operator. In addition, by changing the information notification method according to the status of the sorting work, it is possible to notify the worker with an overlay on the information to be notified. Therefore, the information notification effect is improved, and in the sorting work in which work mistakes are likely to occur, work mistakes can be prevented and work efficiency can be improved.

It is a side view of the picking equipment which is an example of the sorting equipment concerning the present invention. It is a top view of the picking equipment. It is the schematic which shows the control structure of the picking equipment. It is a block diagram of the general controller of the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining control of a frontage indicator and a headset in the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining control of the input indicator and headset in the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining control of a frontage indicator and a headset when a tag reader is used in the picking equipment. It is a flowchart explaining control of an attached display and a headset at the time of tag reader use in the picking equipment. It is a perspective view which shows another implementation of the audio | voice output means in the picking equipment.

[Picking equipment 1]
First, the picking equipment 1 which is an example of the sorting equipment according to the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the picking facility 1 is configured such that an order (order, shipping plan, etc.) “article request information” from an individual pre-registered user (consumer, middleman, etc., an example of “sorting destination”). ”Is collected and delivered to the collection container 10 to which the user's order is assigned.
The picking facility 1 includes a storage line A for storing a storage box 12 in which articles 2 to be collected are stored, a container transport line B for transporting a collection container 10 for storing (inputting) the picked articles 2 In addition, each of the input indicators 26 (an example of “display means”) that indicates that the collection container 10 is an input target to which the article 2 is input is transported in accordance with the collection container 10 to be input (display). It moves along the line B, and when the collection is completed, it is composed of an indicator moving line C for circulating and transporting it back to the upstream of the container transport line B.

  The storage line A is composed of a flow rack 15. The flow rack 15 is configured by arranging a plurality of stages 17 of shelves 17 having a plurality of rows of front doors 16 on which storage boxes 12 storing one type (one item) of articles 2 are placed (stored). . In the storage line A, a picking zone P for executing the work of taking out the articles 2 to be collected into the collection container 10 is set for each of the plurality of frontage openings 16, and the worker H who performs the picking work for each picking zone P is set. Are arranged one by one. Each worker H performs a picking operation in a state in which a tag reader 60 and a headset 70 (an example of “audio output unit”) to be described later are mounted.

[Frontage display 19]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a frontage indicator that displays the quantity (the number of picked-up items) 2 to be picked, the presence / absence of picking work, etc. on the front face of each frontage 16 of each shelf 17 of the flow rack 15. 19 (an example of “display means”) is provided.
As shown in FIG. 2, the frontage indicator 19 is a display / completion functioning as a digital indicator 19A that displays the quantity (the number of items to be picked up) of the articles 2 to be picked, and a lamp and button switch that indicate that there is a picking operation. Button 19B. The display / completion button 19B is displayed when a predetermined color (for example, red) is lit when displaying that there is a picking operation in the corresponding frontage 16 and the picking operation is normally performed in the corresponding frontage 16. Blinks in the predetermined color, and blinks in a color (for example, yellow) different from the predetermined color when the picking operation is not normally performed in the corresponding frontage 16. Further, when the display / completion button 19B is blinking in the predetermined color, the blinking is turned off by pressing the display / completion button 19B itself, and the picking work is completed at the corresponding frontage 16. A completion signal is transmitted to the zone controller 52 (see FIG. 3). When blinking in a color different from the predetermined color, even if the display / completion button 19B is pressed, the blinking is not turned off, and the completion signal is not transmitted to the zone controller 52.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container transport line B is disposed on the opposite side of the storage line A (flow rack 15) with the worker H in between, and transports the collection container 10 along the flow rack 15. It comprises a roller drive conveyor device 21. Corresponding to each picking zone P, the container transport line B is set with a loading zone Z for sorting a plurality of collection containers 10 to be loaded with articles 2 taken out in the picking zone P.
The container transport line B is not limited to the case where the container transport line B is disposed on the opposite side of the storage line A (flow rack 15) with the worker H interposed therebetween. It may be arranged so as to be offset to the same side as the rack 15).

[Loading completion tape switch 23 (attached indicator 27), LED lamp 24]
Further, on the side portion of the roller drive conveyor device 21, a loading completion tape switch 23 and an LED lamp 24 (an example of “display means”) are provided for each loading zone Z.
The loading completion tape switch 23 is a switch that is pressed when the worker H completes loading of the article 2 into the collection container 10. Further, the insertion completion tape switch 23 is integrally provided with an attached indicator 27 (an example of “display means”) having a completion button 28. The completion button 28 is a switch that blinks when all the articles 2 to be put into the collection container 10 have been put in, and is pressed when the worker H has finished putting the articles 2 into the collection container 10. is there.
The LED lamp 24 turns on or blinks in the input zone Z in which it is installed, for example, when there is an input error of the article 2 into the collection container 10, and notifies the input error.

[Input indicator 26]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the collection container 10 conveyed on the container conveyance line B (roller drive conveyor device 21) has an attachment 25 having a protrusion that can be engaged with the collection container 10. A loading indicator 26 is attached via
The input indicator 26 is an indicator for displaying the collection container 10 into which the articles 2 are to be input. The input indicator 26 is connected to the attachment 25 and is transported in accordance with one collection container 10 to be displayed. It is conveyed by the indicator movement line C that is movable along the line B.
As shown in FIG. 2, the input indicator 26 includes a vertically long box-shaped indicator main body 30 and a first lamp portion 31 that is upstream zone display means arranged in order on the surface of the indicator main body 30 in the long axis direction. And a digital display 32 which is a display screen and a second lamp unit 33 which is a self-zone display means. The first lamp unit 31 is a lamp that indicates whether or not the collection container 10 is a collection container to be charged with the article 2 picked in the self-picking zone P. The second lamp unit 33 is a lamp that indicates whether or not the collection container 10 located in the upstream loading zone Z is a collection container to be loaded with the article 2 picked in the self-picking zone P. The digital display 32 is a display that displays the order number, the total amount (count) of the articles 2 to be put into the collection container 10, and the like.
In addition, the insertion indicator 26 incorporates an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification, RF tag capable of writing / erasing data) (not shown) in the display body 30. An order number for specifying the collection container 10 is written and stored in the RFID of the loading indicator 26.

As shown in FIG. 1, the indicator movement line C is upstream of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the container transport line B, and is behind the collection container 10 (the side surface in the short axis direction and the operation of the storage line A). Attached to the attachment 25 to which the loading indicator 26 is attached, the projection 25 of the attachment 25 is configured to be engaged with the back surface of the collection container 10. Further, the indicator moving line C is configured so that the attachment 25 to which the input indicator 26 is attached is detached from the collection container 10 downstream of the storage line A (flow rack 15) of the container transport line B. .
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the indicator movement line C reads the order number stored in the RFID of the input indicator 26 for each upstream end of the input zone Z (the boundary of the input zone Z). RFID reader 58 is provided. The RFID reader 58 reads the order number stored in the RFID of the input indicator 26, whereby the RFID position of the input indicator 26 (the position of the input indicator 26), that is, the collection with the input indicator 26 attached. The position of the product container 10 is specified.
Further, an order number is input to the display moving line C at the most upstream end (near the position where the input display 26 is close to the collection container 10 and engages the back of the collection container 10). An RFID writer (not shown) for writing to the 26 RFIDs is provided.

[Tag reader 60]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the picking facility 1, each worker H performs a picking operation with the tag reader 60 attached.
The tag reader 60 mainly reads information from a shelf-side tag 65 provided at the front upper portion of each frontage 16 and a container-side tag 66 provided on the display body of the loading display 26. When the worker H reads the shelf-side tag 65 with the tag reader 60, the worker H and the picking zone P in which the worker H performs the picking work are associated with each other. Further, when the worker H reads the container-side tag 66 with the tag reader 60, the worker H and the loading zone Z in which the worker H performs the loading operation are associated with each other.

The tag reader 60 includes a reader terminal 61, an antenna 62, and a battery 63.
The reader terminal 61 constitutes the main body of the tag reader 60 and is a part that controls the entire tag reader 60. The reader terminal 61 includes an information reading function for reading information from the shelf-side tag 65 and the container-side tag 66, an information transmission function for transmitting information to the first data transmitter / receiver 53, an LED lamp, and the like. And an information display function for displaying such information. The reader terminal 61 is attached to the waist of the worker H, for example.
The antenna 62 is an antenna unit for reading information from the shelf-side tag 65 and the container-side tag 66, and is connected to the reader terminal 61 by wire such as a cable. The antenna 62 is formed in a flat plate shape, and is attached to the arm of the worker H, for example.
The battery 63 is a power source for the tag reader, and is connected to the reader terminal 61 by a wire such as a cable. The battery 63 is attached to the waist of the worker H, for example.

[Shelf side tag 65]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the shelf-side tag 65 read by the tag reader 60 is composed of passive tags, and relates to the sorting work of the articles 2 such as the position information of each frontage 16 (position information of the flow rack 15). Information is stored. The shelf-side tag 65 is provided on the upper front side of each frontage 16 of the flow rack 15. As shown in FIG. 3, when the worker H picks the article 2 from the storage box 12 of the flow rack 15, when the operator H inserts the arm with the antenna 62 into the frontage 16, the upper side of the storage box 12 ( Information stored in the shelf-side tag 65 provided in the upper part of the frontage 16 is read by the tag reader 60 in a non-contact manner. Whether information stored in the shelf-side tag 65 is read by the tag reader 60, so that the worker H is picking the instructed item 2 from the storage box 12 placed in the instructed frontage 16. Whether or not can be detected.

[Container side tag 66]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the container-side tag 66 read by the tag reader 60 is composed of a passive tag, and stores information related to the sorting operation of the article 2 such as the position information of the collection container 10. The container-side tag 66 is provided on the front side surface of the display body 30 of the loading display 26. As shown in FIG. 3, when the worker H puts the article 2 picked from the flow rack 15 into the collection container 10, the worker H inserts the arm with the antenna 62 into the collection container 10. Information stored in the container-side tag 66 attached to the side surface of the display 26 is read by the tag reader 60 in a non-contact manner. By reading the information stored in the container-side tag 66 by the tag reader 60, it is detected whether or not the operator H has put the instructed article 2 into the instructed collection container 10. be able to.

[Headset 70]
Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the picking facility 1, each worker H performs a picking operation with the headset 70 attached to one ear.
The headset 70 outputs information regarding the sorting work to the worker H by voice. Here, the information related to the sorting work includes, in particular, information for preventing a work mistake during the sorting work. For example, the quantity of the articles 2 to be picked from the shelf 17 (storage box 12) and a plurality of picking works are included. To indicate that the pick is a point pick or a multi-item pick, the position of the shelf 17 (storage box 12) in which the article 2 to be picked is stored, the progress of the sorting operation (the progress of the sorting operation, the operating status of the conveyor device 8, etc.) Information such as the quantity of articles 2 to be put into the collection container 10 and the fact that a plurality of articles 2 are put into the collection container 10 is included.
The headset 70 is configured to be able to read an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag 67. The headset 70 is associated with a data transmitter / receiver (data transmitter / receiver 53, 55) that transmits information (audio signal) related to sorting work by reading the NFC tag 67, and the associated data transmitter / receiver (data transmitter / receiver 53). , 55) to receive information (voice signal) and output the information to the worker H.
[NFC tag 67]
As shown in FIG. 3, the NFC tag 67 read by the headset 70 stores information for associating the headset 70 with the data transceivers (data transceivers 53 and 55). The NFC tag 67 is provided for each second data transmitter / receiver 55 provided in the picking zone P and for each first data transmitter / receiver 53 provided in the input zone Z. The operator H reads the NFC tag 67 by the headset 70 before the sorting work, thereby associating the headset 70 with the data transceivers (data transceivers 53 and 55) provided in the zone where the sorting work is performed. .

Next, a control configuration of the picking facility 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, as a control unit of the picking facility 1, an overall controller 51, a zone controller 52 provided for each picking zone P, and a communication controller 56 provided for each input zone Z are provided.

[General controller 51]
A zone controller 52 for each picking zone P, a communication controller 56, and the roller drive conveyor device 21 are connected to the overall controller 51 via a hub 57. The overall controller 51 starts and stops the roller drive conveyor device 21. Further, when an order from each user is input, the overall controller 51 assigns the order number to the picking data of the storage line A (the user's order (or user) in the order of the pre-registered users who received the order. , Data in which the order quantity (picking quantity) is written in each frontage 16 of each picking zone P, an example of “information on sorting work of articles”) is formed, and the zone controller 52 and each input zone of each picking zone P Output to the Z communication controller 56. Further, the overall controller 51 assigns the order number to the collection container 10 by outputting the order number to the RFID reader 58.

As shown in FIG. 4, the overall controller 51 includes a control unit 51 </ b> A that comprehensively controls the entire picking facility 1, and a process that calculates the amount of work that has been completed in the zones (the picking zone P and the input zone Z). Work amount calculating means 51B and work setting time calculating means 51C for calculating the work setting time in the zone (for example, the length of time from the start to the stop of the operation of the picking equipment 1 can be used) for each zone For each zone, the time until the operator H is notified that the loading operation is completed by operating the loading completion tape switch 23 after the instruction by the frontage indicators 19 is started is indicated as the loading completion tape switch. 23, the accumulated processing time calculation means 51D for calculating the accumulated processing time, which is the time accumulated for the notification operation by the operation 23, and the work amount Wherein comprising from cumulative value obtained by dividing the time (processing rate), and a margin calculating means 51E for calculating a value obtained by subtracting (margin ratio) division value (operating rate) in the work setting time the amount of work.
The control means 51A issues a take-out instruction by the frontage display 19. Further, when the loading completion tape switch 23 is operated and the control means 51A is notified that the loading of the article 2 into the target collection container 10 is completed, the control unit 51A sets the next display of the frontage display 19 of the frontage 16 for the frontage 16. The display and the display 26 are displayed.
The margin rate calculation means 51E calculates an operation rate for each of the above zones from the work amount input from the processing work amount calculation means 51B and the work setting time input from the work setting time calculation means 51C, and performs cumulative processing. The processing rate is calculated from the accumulated processing time input from the time calculation means 51D, and the margin rate is calculated by subtracting the processing rate from the operating rate. Here, the operation rate can be regarded as a processing speed required for each zone. The processing rate can be regarded as the speed of processing actually performed in each zone. Further, the margin rate can be regarded as a manual waiting time generated in each zone.

[Zone controller 52]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the zone controller 52 receives data from the frontage display 19 of the picking zone P (hereinafter referred to as “self-picking zone P”) handled by each worker H and the tag reader 60. To the first data transceiver 53. Further, the zone controller 52 includes a bay indicator 20, an insertion completion tape switch 23 and an attached indicator 27 (completion button 28) of the insertion zone Z that are arranged to face the picking zone P, an LED lamp 24, and the like. , Is connected. Further, the zone controller 52 is set in advance with a number that identifies the self-picking zone P and the self-insertion zone Z. Furthermore, the arrangement of the frontage 16 of the self-picking zone P and the articles 2 stored in the frontage 16 Is set. The zone controller 52 receives the order number assigned to the user, the picking data specified by each order number, and the sound data thereof from the overall controller 51. The zone controller 52 controls the display of the frontage display 19, the attached display 27 (completion button 28), the LED lamp 24, and the notification of the headset 70 based on the input picking data.

[Communication controller 56]
The communication controller 56 is connected to a second data transmitter / receiver 55 to which an antenna 54 provided in the closing zone Z is connected. The communication controller 56 transmits / receives data to / from the wireless device of each input indicator 26 via the antenna 54 and the second data transmitter / receiver 55. Further, the communication controller 56 transmits information (audio signal) relating to the sorting work to the headset 70 via the antenna 54 and the second data transmitter / receiver 55.

[Voice support system]
Thus, in the picking facility 1, various displays (frontage display 19, input display 26, attached display 27, LED lamp 24), headset 70, various controllers (overall controller 51, zone controller 52). , The communication controller 56) forms a voice support system for sorting work. That is, information related to the sorting work is displayed on various displays, and is output by voice by the headset 70 corresponding to the various displays, so that information by voice is added to the information based on the visual information. This is a voice support system for sorting work to notify (instruction).

In the voice support system of the present invention, the method for notifying information (instruction) relating to the sorting work is changed according to the status of the sorting work of the article 2. Specifically, according to the state of the sorting work of the article 2, both the case where only various displays are displayed, the display of the various displays, and the notification from the headset 70 corresponding to the various displays are performed. It is divided into the case of performing and the case of performing.
In this way, the information (instruction) notification method related to the sorting work is changed according to the status of the sorting work of the article 2, so that the information (instruction) to be notified is marked and notified to the worker H. be able to.
Further, in the voice support system of the present invention, the worker H can recognize the notification (instruction) of both the display of various indicators and the notification from the headset 70, so that the sorting operation can be performed. It is configured as follows. That is, the notification of information from the headset 70 is merely an alert, and the sorting operation cannot be performed only by notification from the headset 70.
By configuring the voice support system in this way, compared with the conventional system that can perform the sorting work only by notification from the headset 70, the worker H displays various display devices when performing the sorting work. And notification from the headset 70 are more conscious, and there is no familiarity with the display of various indicators and notification from the headset 70, thereby improving the notification effect. be able to.
Based on this, the control method of the voice support system of the present invention will be described below.

[Control Method for Display of Frontage Indicator 19 and Notification of Headset 70]
First, a method for controlling the display of the frontage display 19 and the notification of the headset 70 by the zone controller 52 will be described.
The zone controller 52 controls the display of the frontage display 19 and the notification of the headset 70 according to the state of the picking work. That is, the zone controller 52 controls the frontage display 19 and the headset 70 based on the picking data transmitted from the overall controller 51.
The zone controller 52 determines from the picking data transmitted from the overall controller 51 the situation in which a work mistake is likely to occur in the picking work. The zone controller 52 is attached to the worker H who performs the picking work by operating only the frontage display 19 and the frontage display 19 and the display of the frontage display 19 based on the determination result. Control is performed by changing the information reporting method when both the headset 70 and the headset 70 are operated.
Here, as a situation where an operation error is likely to occur in the picking work, specifically, when picking a plurality of articles 2 from the frontage 16 (storage box 12, shelf 17), a plurality of frontage 16 (storage box 12, There is a case where the article 2 is picked from the shelf 17).

A specific control method will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 5, when picking data is transmitted from the overall controller 51, the zone controller 52 obtains the number of frontage 16 to pick from the picking data, and displays the frontage indicator to be displayed from the number of frontage 16 Find the number of 19. Then, it is determined from the number of the frontage indicators 19 whether or not the display is performed by the single frontage indicator 19 (S1). That is, it is determined whether or not the article 2 is picked from the single frontage 16.
When the zone controller 52 determines that the display is performed by the single frontage indicator 19, that is, when it is determined that the article 2 is picked from the single frontage 16 (S1-Yes), the zone controller 52 continues to The picking quantity of the frontage 16 to be picked is read from the picking data, and it is determined whether or not the single article 2 is picked from the frontage 16 to be picked (S2).
On the other hand, when the zone controller 52 determines that the display is performed by the plurality of frontage indicators 19, that is, when it is determined that the article 2 is picked from the plurality of frontage 16 (S1-No), the zone controller 52 performs the picking. The display / completion button 19B of each of the frontage indicators 19 corresponding to the plurality of frontage 16 to be turned on is turned on at the same time, and at the same time, “location of the plurality of frontage 16 to be picked (number of stages of the frontage 16)” or “multiple frontage 16 is transmitted to the headset 70 via the first data transmitter / receiver 53 (S3). As a result, the display / completion button 19B of each of the frontage indicators 19 in the plurality of frontage 16 to be picked is turned on, and at the same time, “location of the plurality of frontage 16 to be picked” (for example, “upper 1, middle 3 and 6 in the lower row) or “the fact that the article 2 should be picked from a plurality of front doors 16” (for example, a notification that “multiple picks are made”) from the headset 70. It is done. Since the sound of the headset 70 is only an alert, the worker H picks up by both notification (instruction) of the sound of the headset 70 and the lighting of the display / completion button 19B of the frontage indicator 19. Do work.
The zone controller 52 subsequently reads the picking quantity of the frontage 16 to be picked from the picking data, and determines whether or not to pick a single article 2 from the frontage 16 to be picked (S2).

When it is determined in S2 that the single article 2 is picked from the frontage 16 to be picked (S2-Yes), the zone controller 52 displays the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 corresponding to the frontage 16 to be picked. Turn on (S4).
On the other hand, when it is determined that a plurality of articles 2 are picked from the frontage 16 to be picked (S2-No), the zone controller 52 displays / displays the frontage display 19 corresponding to the frontage 16 to which the plurality of articles 2 is to be picked. The completion button 19B is turned on, and the quantity (number of picked-up articles) of the articles 2 to be picked is displayed on the digital display 19A. At the same time, “location of the frontage 16 where the plurality of articles 2 are to be picked (number of steps of the frontage 16)” Alternatively, an audio signal for outputting a voice to the effect that “a plurality of articles 2 should be picked” from the headset 70 is transmitted to the headset 70 via the first data transceiver 53 (S5). As a result, the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 corresponding to the frontage 16 to pick a plurality of articles 2 is lit, and the quantity (for example, quantity “3”) of the articles 2 to be picked on the digital display 19A. ) Is displayed, and at the same time, “the location of the frontage 16 where the plurality of articles 2 should be picked” (for example, “notification of“ upper one, middle three, lower six ”) or“ multiple articles 2 Is to be picked "(for example," Notice that it is a multi-item pick "or" 3 to 2 picks in the middle ") is emitted from the headset 70 by voice. Since the sound of the headset 70 is only an alert, the worker H picks up by both notification (instruction) of the sound of the headset 70 and the lighting of the display / completion button 19B of the frontage indicator 19. Do work.

[Control Method for Display of Input Indicator 26 and Notification of Headset 70]
Next, a method for controlling the display of the input indicator 26 and the notification of the headset 70 by the communication controller 56 will be described.
The communication controller 56 controls the display of the input indicator 26 and the notification of the headset 70 according to the state of the input operation of the article 2. That is, the communication controller 56 controls the display of the input indicator 26 and the notification of the headset 70 based on the picking data transmitted from the overall controller 51.
The communication controller 56 determines from the picking data transmitted from the overall controller 51 that a work error is likely to occur during the input work. Based on the determination result, the communication controller 56 operates only the input indicator 26, and the operator H who performs the input operation of the article 2 while viewing the input indicator 26 and the display of the input indicator 26. Control is performed by changing the information notification method when both the headset 70 attached to the head is operated.
Here, as a situation where an operation mistake is likely to occur in the input operation of the article 2, specifically, a case where a plurality of articles 2 are input into the collection container 10 is exemplified.

A specific control method will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the picking data is transmitted from the overall controller 51, the communication controller 56 reads the input quantity of the collection container 10 to be input from the picking data, and simply stores it in the collection container 10 to be input. It is determined whether or not one article 2 is to be inserted (S11).
When the communication controller 56 determines that the single article 2 is to be put into the collection container 10 to be loaded (S11-Yes), the communication controller 56 displays the loading indicator 26 corresponding to the collection container 10 to be loaded. The quantity (quantity “1”) of the article 2 is displayed on the digital display 32 (S12).
On the other hand, when the communication controller 56 determines that a plurality of articles 2 are to be put into the collection container 10 to be loaded (S11-No), the communication controller 56 displays a loading indicator corresponding to the collection container 10 to be loaded. The number of articles 2 (for example, quantity “3”) is displayed on the 26 digital indicators 32, and at the same time, an audio signal for outputting “a plurality of articles 2 should be input” from the headset 70 by voice. The data is transmitted to the headset 70 via the second data transceiver 55 (S13). As a result, the quantity of the article 2 is displayed on the digital display 32 of the loading indicator 26 corresponding to the collection container 10 into which the plurality of articles 2 are to be loaded, and at the same time, the “quantity of the article 2 to be loaded” (for example, “Notification that“ the number of inputs is three ”” or “notification that a plurality of articles 2 should be input” (for example, notification that “multiple items are input”) is issued by voice from the headset 70. Since the sound of the headset 70 is only a reminder, the worker H performs the input work by notifying (instructing) both the sound of the headset 70 and the display of the digital display 32 of the input indicator 26. I do.

[Control Method for Display of Frontage Indicator 19 and Notification of Headset 70 when Tag Reader 60 is Used]
Next, a method for controlling the display of the frontage display 19 and the notification of the headset 70 by the zone controller 52 when the tag reader 60 is used will be described.
The zone controller 52 controls the frontage display 19 and the headset 70 based on information transmitted from the tag reader 60.
The tag reader 60 reads information stored in the shelf-side tag 65 from the antenna 62 when the operator H inserts his arm into the frontage 16 when picking the article 2 from the storage box 12 of the flow rack 15. The read information is transmitted from the tag reader 60 to the zone controller 52 via the first data transceiver 53. The zone controller 52 determines the status of the picking work based on the information read by the tag reader 60, and controls the display of the frontage display 19 and the notification of the headset 70 based on the determination result. Here, the state of the picking work is a state of whether or not the worker H is picking the designated quantity of the article 2 designated from the frontage 16 designated by the picking data.

A specific control method will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the information read from the shelf-side tag 65 by the tag reader 60 is transmitted from the tag reader 60, the zone controller 52 instructs the operator H from the frontage 16 instructed by the picking data from the information. It is determined whether or not the designated item 2 is picked by the designated quantity (S21).
When the zone controller 52 determines that the worker H is picking the indicated quantity of the article 2 indicated from the frontage 16 indicated by the picking data (S21-Yes), the zone controller 52 displays the frontage display. The display / completion button 19B of the device 19 is blinked (S22). Then, the zone controller 52 presses the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 so that the blinking can be turned off (S23).
On the other hand, when the zone controller 52 determines that the worker H has not picked the designated quantity of the article 2 designated by the frontage 16 designated by the picking data (S21-No), the zone controller 52 The display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 blinks in a color different from the color of the lamp in S22, and at the same time, “not picking as instructed by picking data” is output from the headset 70 by voice. An audio signal for transmitting is transmitted to the headset 70 via the first data transmitter / receiver 53 (S24). As a result, the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 in the frontage 16 where the worker H has performed the picking work blinks in a color different from the color of the lamp in S22. ”(For example, a notification“ Please pick from the right place ”),“ A message that the product is not instructed 2 ”(for example, a notification“ Please pick the correct product ”), or“ "For example, a notification that" please pick the correct quantity ") is issued from the headset 70 by voice. Then, the zone controller 52 makes the blinking impossible to turn off even if the display / completion button 19B of the frontage display 19 is pressed (S25), and the operator H is instructed again from the frontage 16 instructed by the picking data. It is determined whether or not the article 2 is picked by the designated quantity (S21).

[Control Method for Display of Attached Indicator 27 of LED Switch 23 and LED Lamp 24 and Notification of Headset 70 When Using Tag Reader 60]
Next, a method for controlling the display of the attached indicator 27 and the LED lamp 24 of the insertion completion tape switch 23 and the notification of the headset 70 by the zone controller 52 when the tag reader 60 is used will be described.
The zone controller 52 controls the attached indicator 27, the LED lamp 24, and the headset 70 of the insertion completion tape switch 23 based on information transmitted from the tag reader 60.
The tag reader 60 reads information stored in the container-side tag 66 from the antenna 62 when the operator H inserts his / her arm into the collection container 10 when putting the article 2 into the collection container 10. The read information is transmitted from the tag reader 60 to the zone controller 52 via the first data transceiver 53. The zone controller 52 determines the status of the input operation based on the information read by the tag reader 60, and displays the attached indicator 27 and LED lamp 24 of the input completion tape switch 23 and the notification of the headset 70 from the determination result. Control. Here, the state of the loading operation is a state of whether or not the worker H has loaded the designated quantity of the designated article 2 into the collection container 10 designated by the picking data.

A specific control method will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 8, when the information read from the container side tag 66 by the tag reader 60 is transmitted from the tag reader 60, the zone controller 52 receives the collection container 10 in which the operator H is instructed by the picking data from the information. It is determined whether or not the specified quantity of the articles 2 specified in (1) has been input (S31).
When the zone controller 52 determines that the worker H has put the designated quantity of the designated article 2 into the collection container 10 designated by the picking data (S31-Yes), the zone controller 52 The completion button 28 on the indicator 27 of the insertion completion tape switch 23 is blinked (S32). Then, the zone controller 52 presses the completion button 28 of the attached display device 27 so that the blinking can be turned off (S33).
On the other hand, when the zone controller 52 determines that the worker H has not put the designated quantity of the designated article 2 into the collection container 10 designated by the picking data (S31-No), the zone controller 52 , The LED lamp 24 is turned on, and at the same time, an audio signal for outputting a voice from the headset 70 indicating that the article 2 has not been put in as instructed by the picking data is sent via the first data transmitter / receiver 53. To the headset 70 (S34). As a result, the LED lamp 24 in the loading zone Z where the worker H has performed the loading operation is turned on, and at the same time, “not the designated collection container 10” (for example, “put into the correct collection container 10” ”),“ Not instructed article 2 ”(for example,“ notify the correct product ”), or“ not instructed quantity ”(for example,“ incorrect quantity ” Please send it in. "Is issued by voice from the headset 70. Then, the zone controller 52 makes the operation impossible even when the loading completion tape switch 23 (the completion button 28 of the attached display 27) is pressed (S35), and the operator H is again instructed by the picking data. It is determined whether or not the designated quantity of the designated article 2 is put into the goods container 10 (S31).

[Method for controlling notification of headset 70 based on work efficiency in picking facility 1]
Next, a notification control method for the headset 70 based on each work efficiency (operating rate, margin rate, cumulative stop time) in the picking facility 1 will be described.
The overall controller 51 controls notification of the headset 70 based on the work efficiency (operating rate, margin rate, accumulated stop time) in the picking facility 1.
The overall controller 51 mainly determines the processing capability (working speed) of the worker H from the operating rate. Further, the overall controller 51 mainly determines the degree of order concentration (degree of congestion) from the margin rate and the accumulated stop time. Furthermore, the overall controller 51 combines the respective work efficiencies (operating rate, margin rate, cumulative stop time), and the relative order concentration degree (congestion degree) compared to other zones (other workers H). And the relative processing capability of the worker H is determined. Then, the overall controller 51 notifies various voice messages from the headset 70 based on the determination result. For example, in accordance with the following patterns (1) to (8), the overall controller 51 transmits various audio signals to the headset 70 to notify the headset 70 of various audio messages.

(1) When the overall controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively large, the margin rate is relatively large, and the cumulative stop time is relatively long, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Compared with the worker H in the zone, the work speed is considered to be relatively fast (the processing capability is relatively high), but the work load may be concentrated. For example, an audio signal for issuing a notification that “the order is concentrated” is transmitted to 70.
(2) When the general controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively large, the margin rate is relatively large, and the cumulative stop time is relatively short, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Compared to the worker H in the zone, the work speed is considered to be relatively fast (the processing capability is relatively high), and the work load is not concentrated. On the other hand, for example, an audio signal for transmitting a notification “Your processing capacity is above average” is transmitted.

(3) When the overall controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively large, the margin rate is relatively small, and the cumulative stop time is relatively long, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Compared to the worker H in the zone, the work speed is considered to be relatively high (the processing capability is relatively normal), but the work load may be concentrated. For example, an audio signal for issuing a notification that “the order is concentrated” is transmitted to 70.
(4) When the overall controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively large, the margin rate is relatively small, and the cumulative stop time is relatively short, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Compared to the worker H in the zone, the work speed is considered to be relatively fast (the processing capability is relatively high), and the work load is not concentrated. On the other hand, for example, an audio signal for transmitting a notification “Your processing capacity is above average” is transmitted.

(5) When the general controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively small, the margin rate is relatively large, and the cumulative stop time is relatively long, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Compared with the worker H in the zone, the speed of the work speed is unknown, but the work load may be concentrated. An audio signal is sent to issue a notification saying “We are concentrated.”
(6) When the overall controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively small, the margin rate is relatively large, and the cumulative stop time is relatively short, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Compared with the worker H in the zone, the speed of the work speed is unknown, but since the work load is not concentrated, the overall controller 51 transmits an audio signal to the headset 70. There is nothing.

(7) When the overall controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively small, the margin rate is relatively small, and the cumulative stop time is relatively long, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Compared to the worker H in the zone, it is conceivable that the work speed is relatively slow (the processing ability is relatively low), and the work load is concentrated. On the other hand, for example, an audio signal for issuing a notification “work is delayed” is transmitted.
(8) When the overall controller 51 determines that the operation rate is relatively small, the margin rate is relatively small, and the cumulative stop time is relatively short, the worker H arranged in the corresponding zone Although it is conceivable that the work speed is relatively slow (the processing capability is relatively low) compared to the worker H in the zone, the work load is not concentrated. For example, an audio signal for issuing a notification “Your processing capacity is below average” is transmitted to the set 70.

  As described above, in the picking equipment 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the notification from the headset 70 is displayed on the display of various indicators (the frontage indicator 19, the input indicator 26, the attached indicator 27, and the LED lamp 24). By adding the information, it is possible to accurately notify the operator H of the information. In addition, by changing the information notification method according to the status of the sorting work, it is possible to notify the worker H by attaching an overlay to the information to be notified. Therefore, the information notification effect is improved, and in the sorting work in which work mistakes are likely to occur, work mistakes can be prevented and work efficiency can be improved.

  Further, in the picking facility 1 according to the above embodiment, when the sorting operation is performed on a plurality of articles 2, the information is accurately obtained by adding the notification from the headset 70 to the display of various indicators. The operator H can be notified. Therefore, in the sorting work performed on the plurality of articles 2 with relatively many work mistakes, the information is surely notified to the worker H by notifying both the eyes and ears of the worker H. Notification can be made and work mistakes can be prevented.

  Further, in the picking facility 1 according to the above embodiment, when information is displayed on the plurality of frontage indicators 19, the information from the headset 70 is added to the display of the frontage indicator 19 so that the information is accurately obtained. The operator H can be notified. Therefore, even when a plurality of frontage indicators 19 display simultaneously, sorting work can be performed without overlooking each display, and work mistakes can be prevented.

  Furthermore, in the picking facility 1 according to the above embodiment, the worker H can clearly recognize the location displayed by the frontage display 19 through the sound from the headset 70. Therefore, sorting work can be performed without overlooking the display on the frontage display 19, and work mistakes can be prevented.

  Furthermore, in the picking facility 1 according to the embodiment, the worker H can clearly recognize the presence / absence (concentration degree) of the order through the voice of the headset 70. Therefore, the worker H can accurately grasp the status of the sorting work and can improve the work efficiency.

  Furthermore, in the picking facility 1 according to the above embodiment, the worker H can clearly recognize his / her processing status (the own working speed and his / her processing ability) in the sorting work through the voice of the headset 70. . Therefore, the worker can accurately grasp his / her processing status and can maintain motivation for the sorting work.

  In the present embodiment, the headset 70 to be worn on the ear of the worker H is used as the sound output means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the chest or shoulder of the worker H is used. It may be an audio output means that can be attached to the unit.

  In the present embodiment, the headset 70 worn by the worker H is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information regarding the sorting work can be output to the worker H by voice. If possible, for example, a fixed speaker 71 as shown in FIG. 9 may be used. The speaker 71 is provided at a position where a voice can be notified to the worker H in each picking zone P. Specifically, the speaker 71 is provided on the front upper portion of the shelf 17 in each picking zone P. The speaker 71 preferably has directivity so that only the worker H in the picking zone P to be notified of information can hear information, and confusion of notification due to the notification to the worker H in another picking zone P is heard. It is comprised so that it may not produce. Note that the speaker 71 may be provided on the input zone Z (container conveyance line B) side as long as it can notify the worker H of each picking zone P of the voice. A plurality of speakers 71 may be provided in each picking zone P (or each input zone Z).

  In the present embodiment, each worker H wears the tag reader 60 and the headset 70, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only the headset 70 is worn without wearing the tag reader 60. It does not matter.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the above-described operation errors are caused in the control of the display of various indicators (frontage indicator 19, input indicator 26, attached indicator 27, LED lamp 24) and the notification of headset 70. Although it is limited to situations that are likely to occur, it is not limited to this, and if it is a situation where sorting work is performed by display of various indicators, it is a situation where errors other than the above are likely to occur It doesn't matter.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, information for preventing work mistakes during sorting work is listed as information on sorting work. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information that should be notified is used. Information other than information for preventing work mistakes may be used as long as it is information related to sorting work that needs to be attached with a beam.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the display of various indicators and the notification of the headset 70 are controlled separately for a situation where a work mistake is likely to occur and a situation where a work mistake is unlikely to occur. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the control method can be changed according to the status of the sorting work, for example, display of various indicators and notification of the headset 70 are controlled for each type of sorting work. It doesn't matter. Specifically, control is performed so that only various displays are displayed during normal picking, and both display of the various displays and notification of the headset 70 are performed during preceding picking.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the frontage display 19 displays the completion signal by pressing the display / completion button 19B itself when the display / completion button 19B is blinking in the predetermined color. When the display / completion button 19B itself is pressed, the completion signal is not transmitted to the zone controller 52 when it is flashing in a color different from the predetermined color. However, as long as the display / completion button 19B lights up in the predetermined color, the completion signal may be transmitted to the zone controller 52 by pressing the display / completion button 19B itself. That is, as long as the display / completion button 19B is lit in the predetermined color, the display / completion button 19B may be always pushed to turn off the lighting.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the picking equipment 1 having the indicator movement line C that conveys the input indicator 26, and may be a picking equipment that does not have the indicator movement line C. In this case, the input indicator 26 is conveyed integrally with the collection container 10.
Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the articles 2 are collected with respect to the collection container 10 conveyed by the roller drive conveyor device 21 of the container conveyance line B. A configuration may be adopted in which the articles 2 are collected in the collection container 10 while being loaded on a picking cart pushed by hand and moved by the worker H.

Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a picking facility having a temporary storage shelf. For example, the display of the temporary display and the notification of the headset 70 may be controlled separately for the temporary placement work and the normal sorting work (picking work, loading work).
Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to assortment equipment.

1 Picking equipment (sorting equipment)
2 Goods 19 Frontage display (display means)
24 LED lamp (display means)
26 Input indicator (display means)
27 Attached indicator (display means)
51 General controller (control means)
52 Zone controller (control means)
56 Communication controller (control means)
70 Headset (Audio output means)

Claims (5)

A sorting facility that sorts articles according to article request information of a sorting destination, and a display unit that displays information relating to the sorting operation of the articles;
Voice output means for outputting information on the sorting operation of the articles by voice according to the display of the display means;
Control means for controlling operations of the display means and the audio output means;
With
The control means includes
When displaying the information on a single display means, only the display means to be displayed is operated,
When the information is displayed on a plurality of display means, both the display means to be displayed and the voice output means corresponding to the display means to be displayed are operated . A sorting facility for sorting articles according to the article request information of the sorting destination.
Display means for displaying information relating to the sorting operation of the article;
Voice output means for outputting information on the sorting operation of the articles by voice according to the display of the display means;
Control means for controlling operations of the display means and the audio output means;
With
The control means includes
When the information is displayed on a single display means and the sorting operation of the article is performed on a single article, only the display means to be displayed is operated,
In a case where the information is displayed on a single display means, and the sorting operation of the article is performed on a plurality of articles, the display means to be displayed, and the audio output means corresponding to the display means, Both
When displaying the information on a plurality of display means, operate both the display means to be displayed and the audio output means corresponding to the display means to be displayed.
Sorting equipment characterized by The sorting equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the voice output means outputs the place where the corresponding display means displays the information by voice . The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the voice output means outputs the degree of concentration of the article request information of the sorting destination by voice . The sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the voice output means outputs the processing status of the worker in the sorting work by voice .

Images