JP6972339B2 - Temperature measurement system, temperature measurement method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature measurement system, a temperature measurement method, and a program.

Currently, an automated warehouse is known that includes a rack shelf having a plurality of storage areas and a transport device for transporting goods to a desired storage area using a carrier. In such an automated warehouse, various techniques for controlling the temperature of a plurality of storage areas are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a technique is known in which a temperature sensor is provided in a carrier included in a stacker crane which is a transport device, and the temperature of a stored object is measured by the temperature sensor.

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the carrier is moved to a position of the stored object that requires temperature measurement, and the temperature of the stored object is measured in a non-contact manner using a temperature sensor provided in the carrier. The measured temperature data indicating the measured temperature is transmitted to a data integration device installed on the ground via a control unit included in the stacker crane.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-206114

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the stored object is provided in the carrier. Therefore, in order to stabilize the measured value of the temperature sensor, it is necessary to stop the carrier in front of the stored object, and the temperature of the stored object cannot be efficiently measured in a short time. Therefore, there is a demand for a technique for efficiently measuring the temperature of a plurality of storage areas provided in a rack shelf in a short time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a temperature measurement system, a temperature measurement method, and a program for efficiently measuring the temperature of a plurality of storage areas included in a rack shelf in a short time. And.

In order to achieve the above object, the temperature measurement system according to the present invention is
An automated device comprising a rack shelf having a plurality of storage areas, a carrier for loading articles stored in any of the plurality of storage areas, and a transport device including a moving means for moving the carrier according to a control signal. A temperature measurement system that measures the temperature of the plurality of storage areas in a warehouse.
A temperature sensor installed in each of the plurality of storage areas to measure the temperature of the storage area, an identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the storage area, and a first radio wave are received. In response, using the power generated from the first radio wave, a second radio wave including the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means is transmitted. A temperature measuring device equipped with a radio wave transmitting / receiving means,
The second radio wave transmitted by the temperature measuring device closest to the carrier among the plurality of temperature measuring devices installed in the carrier, transmitting the first radio wave, and installed in the plurality of storage areas. And a reading device that acquires the temperature information and the identification information included in the second radio wave.
A temperature information collecting device for collecting the temperature information and the identification information acquired by the reading device is provided .
The transport device further includes a control means that generates the control signal based on the route information indicating the movement route of the carrier and controls the movement means according to the generated control signal.
The temperature information collecting device includes a temperature information storage means for storing the temperature information, the identification information, and the time information indicating the time when the temperature information and the identification information are collected in association with each other.
The movement route is determined based on the identification information and the time information stored in the temperature information storage means in association with the temperature information, and the route information indicating the determined movement route is transmitted to the control means. further Ru comprising a routing device for.

In the present invention, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the storage area, an identification information storage means that stores identification information for identifying the storage area, and a first radio wave generated in response to the reception of the first radio wave. A temperature measuring device including a radio wave transmitting / receiving means for transmitting a second radio wave including temperature information and identification information using electric power is installed in each of a plurality of storage areas, and a first radio wave is transmitted to carry a carrier. A reading device that receives the second radio wave transmitted by the temperature measuring device closest to the above and acquires the temperature information and the identification information included in the second radio wave is installed in the carrier. Therefore, according to the present invention, the temperature of a plurality of storage areas included in the rack shelf can be efficiently measured in a short time.

Configuration diagram of the automated warehouse according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Configuration diagram of the route indicating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Configuration diagram of the temperature information collecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Functional configuration diagram of the temperature measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention Configuration diagram of a temperature measuring device, a reading device, and a control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing an article storage process executed by the route indicating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The first figure which shows how the article is taken out from a rack shelf by a carrier. The second figure which shows how the article is taken out from a rack shelf by a carrier. FIG. 3 shows a state in which an article is taken out from a rack shelf by a carrier. FIG. 4 shows a state in which an article is taken out from a rack shelf by a carrier. A flowchart showing the route determination process shown in FIG. The figure which shows the plurality of candidate routes which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the movement route determination method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention Explanatory drawing of the movement route determination method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention The figure which shows the plurality of candidate routes which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. A flowchart showing a temperature measurement process executed by the route indicating device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of the automated warehouse 2000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The temperature measurement system 1000 shown in FIG. 4 is incorporated in the automated warehouse 2000. The automated warehouse 2000 is a warehouse in which the management of goods is automated by computer control. The automated warehouse 2000 is, for example, a freezer warehouse that automatically manages articles to be stored at a low temperature.

In the present embodiment, the automated warehouse 2000 mainly has a transport function for transporting the article to a desired place and a temperature measuring function for measuring the temperature of the area where the article is arranged. Then, in order to efficiently measure the temperature in the region where the articles are arranged, the automated warehouse 2000 mainly measures the temperature in this region when the articles are transported. The automated warehouse 2000 has, for example, a freezing function for keeping an article at a low temperature by a refrigerator (not shown), but the description of the freezing function will be omitted. The automated warehouse 2000 includes a route indicating device 100, a temperature information collecting device 200, a rack shelf 300, and a transport device 400.

The route instruction device 100 determines the movement route of the carrier 410 included in the transport device 400, and transmits the route information indicating the determined movement route to the control unit 440 included in the transport device 400. Further, the route indicating device 100 receives the temperature information and the identification information from the control unit 440, and transmits the received temperature information and the identification information to the temperature information collecting device 200. The temperature information is information indicating the temperature obtained by measuring the temperature of one of the plurality of storage areas 310 included in the rack shelf 300. The identification information is information for identifying the storage area 310 in which the temperature has been measured. The route indicating device 100 determines the moving route of the carrier 410 so that the storage area 310 whose temperature is not measured for a long period of time is not generated as much as possible.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the route indicating device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the route indicating device 100 includes a processor 11, a flash memory 12, a touch screen 13, a first communication interface 14, and a second communication interface 15. The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the route indicating device 100. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) having a built-in ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), RTC (Real Time Clock), and the like. The CPU operates according to, for example, a basic program stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area.

The flash memory 12 is a non-volatile memory that stores various types of information. The flash memory 12 stores, for example, a program executed by the processor 11. The touch screen 13 detects an operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the processor 11. Further, the touch screen 13 displays information under the control of the processor 11.

The first communication interface 14 is a communication interface for enabling the route indicating device 100 to communicate with the control unit 440. The first communication interface 14 may be a communication interface for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or. It may be a communication interface for wired communication such as IEEE1394. The second communication interface 15 is a communication interface for enabling the route indicating device 100 to communicate with the temperature information collecting device 200. The second communication interface 15 may be the communication interface for various types of wireless communication described above, or may be the communication interface for various types of wired communication described above.

The temperature information collecting device 200 collects temperature information of each of the plurality of storage areas 310 included in the rack shelf 300. The temperature information collecting device 200 receives the temperature information and the identification information from the control unit 440 via, for example, the route indicating device 100. The temperature information collecting device 200 stores the received temperature information and the identification information in association with the time information indicating the time when the temperature information and the identification information are collected. The time when the temperature information and the identification information are collected is basically the time when the temperature information and the identification information are received.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the temperature information collecting device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature information collecting device 200 includes a processor 21, a flash memory 22, a touch screen 23, and a communication interface 24. The processor 21 controls the overall operation of the temperature information collecting device 200. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU having a built-in ROM, RAM, RTC, and the like. The CPU operates according to, for example, a basic program stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area.

The flash memory 22 is a non-volatile memory that stores various types of information. The flash memory 22 stores, for example, a program executed by the processor 21. The touch screen 23 detects an operation performed by the user and supplies a signal indicating the detection result to the processor 21. Further, the touch screen 23 displays information under the control of the processor 21.

The communication interface 24 is a communication interface for enabling the temperature information collecting device 200 to communicate with the route indicating device 100. The communication interface 24 may be the above-mentioned communication interface for various types of wireless communication, or may be the above-mentioned communication interface for various types of wired communication.

The rack shelf 300 is a shelf provided with a plurality of storage areas 310 for storing the articles 330 to be managed. The plurality of storage areas 310 are arranged two-dimensionally side by side in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is, for example, a vertical direction. In FIG. 1, the X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, for ease of understanding, the plurality of storage areas 310 are 12 storage areas 310 in which three are arranged in the Z-axis direction and four are arranged in the Y-axis direction, and have the same shape and the same size. Suppose that However, the plurality of storage areas 310 may be arranged in two or less or four or more in the Z-axis direction and three or less or five or more in the Y-axis direction, and may have different shapes or sizes.

The temperature measuring device 320 is installed in each of the plurality of storage areas 310. The temperature measuring device 320 measures the temperature of the storage area 310 in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed. The temperature measuring device 320 is, for example, a device in which a temperature sensor is incorporated in a passive RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag. The temperature measuring device 320 operates by non-contact feeding. That is, the temperature measuring device 320 operates by the electric power based on the first radio wave received from the reading device 420.

The temperature measuring device 320 is installed, for example, in the center of the front surface of the shelf board provided in the lower part of one storage area 310. The front surface of the shelf board is, for example, the surface facing the carrier 410 among the six surfaces of the substantially plate-shaped shelf board in FIG. 1. In the temperature measuring device 320, the temperature of the air inside the storage area 310 in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed, the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the storage area 310 in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed, or the temperature measuring device 320 is installed. The temperature of the article 330 stored in the stored storage area 310 is arranged at an arbitrary position where the temperature can be measured. The temperature of the air inside the storage area 310 in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed, the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the storage area 310 in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed, and the storage area in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed. The temperature of the article 330 stored in the 310 shall be substantially equal.

The article 330 is a stored item stored in the rack shelf 300. The article 330 may be anything. In the present embodiment, the article 330 is an article that is required to be stored at a low temperature. One article 330 is stored in one storage area 310. The article 330 is loaded on a shelf board provided at the bottom of the storage area 310.

The transport device 400 is a device for transporting the article 330. The transport device 400 is, for example, a stacker crane. The transport device 400, for example, stores the article 330 stored in one storage area 310 in another storage area 310. Alternatively, the transport device 400 transports the article 330 stored in a certain storage area 310 to a predetermined reference position. Alternatively, the transport device 400 stores the article 330 placed at a predetermined reference position in the desired storage area 310. The predetermined reference position is, for example, any position on a conveyor belt (not shown). The transport device 400 includes a carrier 410, a vertical movement unit 431, a left / right movement unit 432, a control unit 440, a vertical movement rail 451 and a left / right movement rail 452, and a front-rear movement unit (not shown). , Equipped with.

The carrier 410 loads the article 330 to be transported. A reading device 420 is installed in the carrier 410. The reading device 420 radiates the first radio wave and receives the second radio wave from the temperature measuring device 320 arranged near the reading device 420. The first radio wave is a radio wave for supplying electric power to the temperature measuring device 320. The second radio wave is a radio wave radiated by the temperature measuring device 320 that has received the first radio wave, and is a radio wave including temperature information and identification information. The reader 420 is, for example, an RFID reader / writer.

The reading device 420 is installed at a position on the carrier 410 that easily transmits and receives radio waves to and from the temperature measuring device 320. For example, the reading device 420 is installed in the lower part on the front side of the carrier 410. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the reader 420 is the end of the carrier 410 in the Z-axis direction, whichever has the smaller coordinate in the Z-axis direction, and is the end of the carrier 410 in the X-axis direction. It is placed at the end with the larger coordinates on the X-axis.

The vertical movement unit 431 moves the carrier 410 in the vertical direction along the vertical movement rail 451 according to the control signal received from the control unit 440. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the vertical direction is the Z-axis direction. The vertical movement unit 431 includes, for example, a motor (not shown), a pulley (not shown), and a power supply circuit (not shown). The left-right movement unit 432 moves the carrier 410 in the left-right direction along the left-right movement rail 452 according to the control signal received from the control unit 440. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction. The left-right moving unit 432 includes, for example, a motor (not shown), a pulley (not shown), and a power supply circuit (not shown). The front-back moving unit (not shown) moves the carrier 410 in the front-rear direction according to the control signal received from the control unit 440. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction. The front-back moving unit (not shown) includes, for example, a motor (not shown), a pulley (not shown), and a power supply circuit (not shown).

The control unit 440 generates a control signal based on the route information indicating the movement route of the carrier 410, and according to the generated control signal, the vertical movement unit 431, the left / right movement unit 432, and the front-rear movement unit (not shown). Control. Further, the control unit 440 receives the temperature information and the identification information from the reading device 420, and transmits the received temperature information and the identification information to the temperature information collecting device 200 via the route indicating device 100.

The vertical movement rail 451 is a rail that serves as a guide for moving the carrier 410 in the vertical direction. The vertical movement rail 451 extends in the vertical direction. The left-right movement rail 452 is a rail that serves as a guide for moving the carrier 410 in the left-right direction. The left-right moving rail 452 extends in the left-right direction.

Next, the function of the temperature measurement system 1000 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature measuring system 1000 includes a route indicating device 100, a temperature information collecting device 200, a temperature measuring device 320, a carrier 410, a moving unit 430, and a control unit 440. The moving means corresponds to, for example, the moving unit 430. The control means corresponds to, for example, the control unit 440.

The route instruction device 100 determines the movement route based on the identification information and the time information stored in association with the temperature information in the temperature information storage unit 202. The route instruction device 100 transmits the route information indicating the determined movement route to the control unit 440. The route instruction device 100 determines a plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area 310 of the storage destination of the article 330 or the storage source of the article 330. Then, the route indicating device 100 determines as the movement route the candidate route that passes through the storage area 310 having the oldest time when the temperature information is collected among the plurality of determined candidate routes. The route instruction device 100 functionally includes a control unit 101, an instruction reception unit 102, a first communication unit 103, and a second communication unit 104. The route determining means corresponds to, for example, the control unit 101. The route information transmitting means corresponds to, for example, the control unit 101 and the first communication unit 103.

The control unit 101 controls the overall operation of the route indicating device 100. The function of the control unit 101 is realized, for example, by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the flash memory 12. The instruction receiving unit 102 receives various instructions from the user or an external device (not shown). For example, the instruction receiving unit 102 receives a transportation instruction for the article 330 from the user. The function of the instruction receiving unit 102 is realized by, for example, the function of the touch screen 13. Alternatively, the function of the instruction receiving unit 102 is realized by, for example, the function of the first communication interface 14.

The first communication unit 103 communicates with the control unit 440 according to the instruction from the control unit 101. The function of the first communication unit 103 is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the processor 11 and the first communication interface 14. The second communication unit 104 communicates with the temperature information collecting device 200 according to the instruction from the control unit 101. The function of the second communication unit 104 is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the processor 11 and the second communication interface 15.

The temperature information collecting device 200 collects the temperature information and the identification information acquired by the reading device 420. The temperature information collecting device 200 functionally includes a control unit 201, a temperature information storage unit 202, and a communication unit 203. The temperature information storage means corresponds to, for example, the temperature information storage unit 202. The control unit 201 controls the overall operation of the temperature information collecting device 200. The function of the control unit 201 is realized, for example, by the processor 21 executing a program stored in the flash memory 22.

The temperature information storage unit 202 stores the temperature information, the identification information, and the time information indicating the time when the temperature information and the identification information are collected in association with each other. The function of the temperature information storage unit 202 is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the processor 21 and the flash memory 22. The communication unit 203 communicates with the route indicating device 100 according to the control by the control unit 201. The function of the communication unit 203 is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the processor 21 and the communication interface 24.

The temperature measuring device 320 is installed in each of the plurality of storage areas 310. The temperature measuring device 320 measures the temperature of the storage area 310 in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed. Hereinafter, the configuration of the temperature measuring device 320 will be described with reference to FIG. The temperature measuring device 320 includes a control circuit 324, an antenna 326, a storage circuit 327, a resistance temperature detector 328, and a current measuring circuit 329.

The control circuit 324 controls the overall operation of the temperature measuring device 320. The control circuit 324 includes a power generation circuit 325. The power generation circuit 325 generates the power supply necessary for the temperature measuring device 320 to operate from the first radio wave received by the antenna 326. The antenna 326 receives the first radio wave radiated from the reader 420. Further, the antenna 326 emits a second radio wave including temperature information and identification information according to the control by the control circuit 324. The storage circuit 327 stores the identification information.

The resistance temperature detector 328 is a sensor that measures the temperature by measuring the electric resistance of a metal or a metal oxide by utilizing the characteristic that the electric resistance value changes due to a temperature change. A current corresponding to the voltage applied by the current measurement circuit 329 and the ambient temperature flows through the resistance temperature detector 328. The resistance temperature detector 328 can instantly measure the resistance. The resistance temperature detector 328 is, for example, a platinum resistance temperature detector. The operating temperature of the platinum resistance temperature detector is, for example, −200 ° C. to 100 ° C. As described above, the resistance temperature detector 328 can operate even at a low temperature. The temperature measurement accuracy using the platinum resistance temperature detector is higher than, for example, the temperature measurement accuracy using the infrared temperature sensor.

The current measuring circuit 329 applies a predetermined voltage to the resistance temperature detector 328 and measures the current flowing through the resistance temperature detector 328. The current measuring circuit 329 measures the temperature of the air around the temperature measuring device 320 from the measured current value.

The temperature measuring device 320 functionally includes a temperature sensor 321, an identification information storage unit 322, and a radio wave transmission / reception unit 323. The identification information storage means corresponds to, for example, the identification information storage unit 322. The radio wave transmitting / receiving means corresponds to, for example, the radio wave transmitting / receiving unit 323.

The temperature sensor 321 measures the temperature of the storage area 310. The function of the temperature sensor 321 is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the resistance temperature detector 328 and the current measurement circuit 329. The identification information storage unit 322 stores identification information for identifying the storage area 310. The function of the identification information storage unit 322 is realized by, for example, the function of the storage circuit 327. The radio wave transmission / reception unit 323 radiates the second radio wave by using the electric power generated from the first radio wave in response to receiving the first radio wave. The second radio wave includes temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 321 and identification information stored in the identification information storage unit 322.

The carrier 410 loads the article 330. A reading device 420 is installed in the carrier 410. Hereinafter, the configuration of the reading device 420 will be described with reference to FIG. The reading device 420 includes a control circuit 421, an antenna 422, and a communication circuit 423. The control circuit 421 controls the overall operation of the reader 420. The antenna 422 radiates the first radio wave according to the control by the control circuit 421. Further, the antenna 422 receives the second radio wave transmitted by the antenna 326. The communication circuit 423 communicates with the control unit 440 according to the control by the control circuit 421.

The reading device 420 radiates the first radio wave and receives the second radio wave transmitted by the temperature measuring device 320 closest to the carrier 410 among the plurality of temperature measuring devices 320 installed in the plurality of storage areas 310. The reading device 420 acquires the temperature information and the identification information included in the second radio wave. The reading device 420 may receive the second radio wave transmitted by a plurality of temperature measuring devices 320 close to the carrier 410.

The moving unit 430 moves the carrier 410 according to the control signal. The moving unit 430 functionally includes a first moving unit 433 and a second moving unit 434. The first moving means corresponds to, for example, the first moving unit 433. The second moving means corresponds to, for example, the second moving unit 434. It is assumed that the plurality of storage areas 310 are arranged in the first direction and the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first direction is, for example, the vertical direction. The second direction is, for example, the left-right direction. The moving unit 430 can also move the carrier 410 in the front-rear direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

The first moving unit 433 moves the carrier 410 in the first direction along the first moving rail extending in the first direction. The first moving rail is, for example, a vertical moving rail 451. The second moving unit 434 moves the carrier 410 in the second direction along the second moving rail extending in the second direction. The second moving rail is, for example, a left-right moving rail 452.

The control unit 440 generates a control signal based on the route information indicating the movement route of the carrier 410. The control unit 440 controls the moving unit 430 according to the generated control signal. Hereinafter, the configuration of the control unit 440 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 440 functionally includes a control circuit 441, a first communication circuit 442, a second communication circuit 443, and a third communication circuit 444.

The control circuit 441 controls the overall operation of the control unit 440. The first communication circuit 442 communicates with the route indicating device 100 according to the control by the control circuit 441. The second communication circuit 443 communicates with the reader 420 according to the control by the control circuit 441. The third communication circuit 444 communicates with the moving unit 430 according to the control by the control circuit 441.

Next, the article storage process executed by the route indicating device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The temperature measurement process executed by the route indicating device 100 is included in the article storage process. Further, the temperature measurement method executed by the route indicating device 100 is realized by executing the temperature measurement process. The route instruction device 100 starts executing the article storage process in response to receiving the storage instruction of the article 330 from the user, for example, via the touch screen 13.

First, the processor 11 loads the article 330 on the carrier 410 (step S101). The processor 11 instructs the control unit 440 to load the article 330 on the carrier 410, for example, via the first communication interface 14. On the other hand, the control unit 440 transmits a control signal according to this instruction to the moving unit 430. The moving unit 430 loads the article 330 on the carrier 410 according to this control signal.

Hereinafter, a method of loading the article 330 by the carrier 410 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D. FIG. 7A shows a side view of the article 330, the shelf board 340, and the carrier 410 before the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300 by the carrier 410. In the present embodiment, a view of the object viewed from the negative direction of the Y-axis is referred to as a side view of the object. The shelf board 340 is a board on which the article 330 is loaded on the rack shelf 300.

The shelf board 340 includes a loading portion 341 and a side wall portion 342. The loading section 341 is a plate-shaped portion provided with a loading surface (not shown) on which the article 330 is loaded. The thickness direction of the loading portion 341 is the Z-axis direction. The side wall portion 342 is a plate-shaped portion that restricts the movement of the article 330 in the Y-axis direction. The thickness direction of the side wall portion 342 is the X-axis direction. The temperature measuring device 320 is installed at the front end of the loading unit 341, that is, at the end of the loading unit 341 in the positive direction in the X-axis direction. The temperature measuring device 320 is fixed to the front end of the loading portion 341 by, for example, a fixing member such as double-sided tape or a screw. The outer shape of the temperature measuring device 320 is basically the outer shape of the antenna 326 and is in the shape of a sheet. The thickness direction of the temperature measuring device 320 is the X-axis direction. The radial plane (not shown) of the antenna 326 included in the temperature measuring device 320 is orthogonal to the X-axis direction.

The carrier 410 includes a loading portion 411 and a side wall portion 412. The loading section 411 is a plate-shaped portion provided with a loading surface (not shown) on which the article 330 is loaded. The thickness direction of the loading portion 411 is the Z-axis direction. The side wall portion 412 is a plate-shaped portion that restricts the movement of the article 330 in the X-axis direction. The thickness direction of the side wall portion 412 is the X-axis direction. A reading device 420 is installed at the bottom end of the side wall 412, that is, at the end of the side wall 412 in the negative direction in the Z-axis direction. The reading device 420 is fixed to the bottom end of the side wall 412 by, for example, a fixing member such as double-sided tape or a screw. The outer shape of the reading device 420 is basically the outer shape of the antenna 422 and is in the shape of a sheet. The thickness direction of the reading device 420 is the X-axis direction. The radial plane (not shown) of the antenna 422 included in the reader 420 is orthogonal to the X-axis direction.

In the present embodiment, the radiating surface (not shown) of the antenna 326 included in the temperature measuring device 320 and the radiating surface (not shown) of the antenna 422 included in the reading device 420 face each other, and the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device are opposed to each other. When the distance from the 420 is several meters (for example, 6 m) or less, the reading device 420 can acquire the temperature information and the identification information from the temperature measuring device 320. Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the state immediately before the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300, the radiation surface (not shown) of the antenna 326 included in the temperature measuring device 320 and the radiation of the antenna 422 included in the reading device 420. The planes (not shown) are parallel and face each other. Further, in this state, the distance between the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 is several meters or less. Therefore, in the state immediately before the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300, the reading device 420 can acquire the temperature information and the identification information from the temperature measuring device 320.

Here, when the carrier 410 loads the article 330, the carrier 410 maintains the position in the Z-axis direction so that the loading section 411 is maintained between the article 330 and the loading section 341. While doing so, it moves in the negative direction in the X-axis direction. By this movement, the loading section 411 is inserted between the article 330 and the loading section 341, and the article 330 is loaded on the loading section 411. FIG. 7B shows a side view of the article 330, the shelf board 340, and the carrier 410 immediately after the article 330 is loaded on the carrier 410. Further, FIG. 7D shows a front view of the article 330, the shelf board 340, and the carrier 410 immediately after the article 330 is loaded on the carrier 410. In the present embodiment, a view of the object viewed from the positive direction of the X-axis is referred to as a front view of the object.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7D, in the state immediately after the article 330 is loaded on the carrier 410, the radiation surface (not shown) of the antenna 326 included in the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 include. It is parallel to the radial surface of the antenna 422 (not shown) and faces each other. Further, in this state, the distance between the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 is several centimeters or less, or several tens of centimeters or less. Therefore, in the state immediately before the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300, the reading device 420 can surely acquire the temperature information and the identification information from the temperature measuring device 320.

Here, when the carrier 410 takes out the article 330 from the rack shelf 300, the carrier 410 moves in the negative direction in the X-axis direction while maintaining the position in the Z-axis direction. By this movement, the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300. FIG. 7C shows a side view of the article 330, the shelf board 340, and the carrier 410 immediately after the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300. Even in the state immediately after the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300, the reading device 420 acquires the temperature information and the identification information from the temperature measuring device 320 as in the state immediately before the article 330 is taken out from the rack shelf 300. be able to.

Further, when the carrier 410 moves in the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction, the radiating surface of the antenna 326 included in the temperature measuring device 320 (not shown) and the radiating surface of the antenna 422 included in the reading device 420 (not shown). ) And are parallel, and the state of facing each other is maintained. Further, in this state, the distance between the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 is several meters or less. Therefore, when the carrier 410 moves in the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction, the reading device 420 can acquire the temperature information and the identification information from the temperature measuring device 320.

As described above, when the carrier 410 takes out the article 330 from the rack shelf 300, or when the carrier 410 stores the article 330 in the rack shelf 300, the reading device 420 identifies the temperature information from the temperature measuring device 320. Information can be reliably obtained. Further, when the carrier 410 moves to remove the article 330 from the rack shelf 300, or when the carrier 410 moves to store the article 330 in the rack shelf 300, the reading device 420 moves from the temperature measuring device 320. It is possible to acquire temperature information and identification information. When the processor 11 completes the process of step S101, the processor 11 executes the route determination process (step S102). The route determination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, the processor 11 determines a plurality of candidate routes (step S201). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the moving source of the article 330 is the storage area 310 indicated by P1, and the moving destination of the article 330 is the storage area 310 indicated by P9. In this case, for example, four candidate routes of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are determined. R1 is a route that passes through the storage area 310 in the order of P1, P2, P3, P6, and P9. R2 is a route that passes through the storage area 310 in the order of P1, P4, P7, P8, and P9. R3 is a route that passes through the storage area 310 in the order of P1, P4, P5, P8, and P9. R4 is a route that passes through the storage area 310 in the order of P1, P5, and P9.

When the processor 11 completes the process of step S201, the processor 11 selects one candidate route (step S202). For example, the processor 11 selects R1 from four candidate routes of R1, R2, R3, and R4. When the processor 11 completes the process of step S202, the processor 11 specifies all the storage areas 310 to pass through for one selected candidate route (step S203). For example, the processor 11 identifies P1, P2, P3, P6, and P9 for the selected R1. When the processor 11 completes the process of step S203, the processor 11 determines whether or not there is an unselected candidate route (step S204).

When the processor 11 determines that there is an unselected candidate route (step S204: YES), the processor 11 returns the process to step S202 and selects one candidate route from the unselected candidate routes. On the other hand, when the processor 11 determines that there is no unselected candidate route (step S204: NO), the processor 11 sorts all the specified storage areas 310 in order of the temperature information acquisition time (step S205).

When the processor 11 completes the process of step S205, the processor 11 identifies the storage area 310 having the oldest temperature information acquisition time (step S206). When the processor 11 completes the process of step S206, the processor 11 determines a candidate route passing through the specified storage area 310 as a movement route (step S207).

For example, it is assumed that the acquisition time of the temperature information is old in the order of P8, P7, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P9, and P1. In this case, the processor 11 identifies P8 as the storage area 310 having the oldest acquisition time. Here, as shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that there are two candidate routes, R2 and R3, as candidate routes passing through P8. In this case, of the two candidate routes, R2, which is the route through which the temperature information acquisition time passes through P7, which is the second oldest after P8, is specified. Then, R2 is determined as a movement route. Of the two candidate routes, if there is no route that passes through P7, which is the second oldest temperature information acquisition time after P8, the route that passes through P2, which is the next oldest temperature information acquisition time after P7, is used as the travel route. It is determined. When the processor 11 completes the process of step S207, the processor 11 completes the route determination process.

When the processor 11 completes the route determination process in step S102, the processor 11 starts moving the carrier 410 (step S103). For example, the processor 11 transmits the route information indicating the movement route and the start instruction information instructing the start of the movement to the control unit 440. On the other hand, the control unit 440 starts the movement of the carrier 410 in response to receiving the route information and the start instruction information from the route instruction device 100. Specifically, the control unit 440 starts a process of controlling the vertical movement unit 431 and the left / right movement unit 432 by a control signal according to the route information. Further, the control unit 440 causes the reading device 420 to start the process of radiating the first radio wave in response to receiving the route information and the start instruction information from the route instruction device 100.

When the processor 11 completes the process of step S103, the processor 11 determines whether or not the second radio wave has been received (step S104). For example, the processor 11 determines whether or not the notification information notifying that the second radio wave has been received from the control unit 440 has been received by the first communication interface 14. When the processor 11 determines that the second radio wave has been received (step S104: YES), the processor 11 acquires the temperature information and the identification information (step S105). For example, the processor 11 transmits the request information requesting the transmission of the temperature information and the identification information to the control unit 440. On the other hand, in response to receiving this request information, the control unit 440 transmits the temperature information and the identification information included in the second radio wave to the route indicating device 100.

When the processor 11 completes the process of step S105, the processor 11 transmits the temperature information and the identification information (step S106). That is, the processor 11 transmits the temperature information and the identification information to the temperature information collecting device 200 via the second communication interface 15. On the other hand, the temperature information collecting device 200 stores the temperature information and the identification information received from the route indicating device 100 in association with the time information indicating the acquisition time of the temperature information and the identification information.

When the processor 11 determines that the second radio wave is not received (step S104: NO), or when the process of step S106 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether or not the movement of the carrier 410 is completed (step). S107). For example, the processor 11 determines whether or not the notification information notifying that the movement of the carrier 410 is completed is received from the control unit 440 by the first communication interface 14. When the processor 11 determines that the movement of the carrier 410 is not completed (step S107: NO), the processor 11 returns the process to step S104.

On the other hand, when the processor 11 determines that the movement of the carrier 410 is completed (step S107: YES), the processor 11 stores the article 330 in the designated shelf (step S108). The processor 11 instructs the control unit 440 to store the article 330 in the designated shelf in the carrier 410, for example, via the first communication interface 14. On the other hand, the control unit 440 transmits a control signal according to this instruction to the moving unit 430. The moving unit 430 causes the carrier 410 to store the article 330 in the designated shelf according to this control signal. When the processor 11 completes the process of step S108, the article storage process is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the temperature measuring device 320 is installed in each of the plurality of storage areas 310, and the reading device 420 is installed in the carrier 410 for loading the article 330. Therefore, the temperature of the plurality of storage areas 310 included in the rack shelf 300 can be efficiently measured in a short time.

Further, in the present embodiment, the temperature measuring device 320 includes the resistance temperature detector 328, and the temperature information is transmitted from the temperature measuring device 320 to the reading device 420 by wireless communication. Here, the time required for temperature measurement by the resistance temperature detector 328 is short, and the time for transmitting temperature information by wireless communication is also short. Therefore, the temperature of the storage area 310 can be measured instantly.

Further, in the present embodiment, the temperature measuring device 320 includes a passive RFID tag incorporating a temperature sensor 321 and operates by electric power generated by the first radio wave received from the reading device 420. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a power source for the temperature measuring device 320, and cost reduction can be expected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the movement route is determined based on the identification information and the time information stored in association with the temperature information. More specifically, among the plurality of candidate routes, the candidate route that passes through the storage area 310 having the oldest time when the temperature information is collected is determined as the movement route. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of the storage area 310 in which the temperature information is not acquired for a long period of time.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which, among a plurality of candidate routes, the candidate route that passes through the storage area 310 at the earliest time when the temperature information is collected is determined as the movement route. In the present invention, the method of determining the movement route from a plurality of candidate routes is not limited to this example. Hereinafter, the parts different from those of the first embodiment will be basically described.

First, the route instruction device 100 determines a plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area 310 of the storage destination of the article 330 or the storage source of the article 330. Then, the route indicating device 100 most often stores the storage area 310 in which the time difference between the time when the temperature information is collected and the current time is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value (for example, one week) among the plurality of determined candidate routes. The candidate area to pass through is determined as a movement route. That is, the route indicating device 100 adopts a candidate route including a large number of storage areas 310 whose temperature information acquisition time is old as a movement route.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that four candidate regions of R1, R2, R3, and R4 have been determined. Further, it is assumed that the temperature information has not been acquired for P5 and P8 for one week or more, and the temperature information for P1, P2, P3, P4, P6, P7 and P9 has been acquired within one week. R1 is a candidate route that does not pass through the storage area 310 for which temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more. R2 is a candidate route that passes through one storage area 310 for which temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more. R3 is a candidate route that passes through two storage areas 310 for which temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more. R4 is a candidate route that passes through one storage area 310 for which temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more. Therefore, it is preferable that R3 is determined as a movement route.

In the present embodiment, among the plurality of candidate routes, the candidate region that most passes through the storage area 310 in which the time difference between the time when the temperature information is collected and the current time is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value is determined as the movement route. NS. Therefore, the temperature information about many storage areas 310 whose acquisition time of the temperature information is relatively old can be collected by one movement.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, an example in which only the route having the shortest travel time in the first direction and the second direction is included in the plurality of candidate routes has been described. In the present invention, a plurality of candidate routes may include a route whose travel time in the first direction or the second direction is not the shortest. Hereinafter, the parts different from those of the first embodiment will be basically described.

This embodiment is effective when the movement time of the carrier 410 in the second direction is sufficiently longer than the movement time of the carrier 410 in the first direction. For example, when the moving speed of the carrier 410 in the first direction and the moving speed of the carrier 410 in the second direction are about the same, the moving distance of the carrier 410 in the second direction is the first direction of the carrier 410. It is effective when it is sufficiently long for the moving distance in. Alternatively, when the moving distance of the carrier 410 in the first direction and the moving distance of the carrier 410 in the second direction are about the same, the moving speed of the carrier 410 in the second direction is the first direction of the carrier 410. It is effective when it is sufficiently slow with respect to the moving speed in.

The route indicating device 100 includes a plurality of routes having a travel time in the second direction of the carrier 410 longer than the travel time in the first direction of the carrier 410, reversing in the first direction, and not reversing in the second direction. Determine the candidate route for. In FIG. 12, when the moving distance of the carrier 410 in the first direction and the moving distance of the carrier 410 in the second direction are about the same, the moving speed of the carrier 410 in the second direction is the second of the carrier 410. An example is shown which is sufficiently slow with respect to the moving speed in one direction. The first direction is the Z-axis direction, and the second direction is the Y-axis direction.

FIG. 12 shows an example in which three candidate routes, R11, R12, and R13, have been determined as routes from P1 to P9. Here, R13 is a route that passes in the order of P1, P4, P7, P8, P5, P6, and P9. R13 is a path that reverses in the first direction and does not reverse in the second direction. When R13 is determined as a movement path, it can pass through a relatively large number of storage areas 310, so that a large amount of temperature information can be acquired. On the other hand, the time for the carrier 410 to move from P1 to P9 is the shortest time even when R13 is determined as the movement route, as in the case where R11 or R12 is determined as the movement route.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to acquire more temperature information with one movement.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first embodiment, an example in which the temperature measurement process is included in the article storage process has been described. In the present invention, the temperature measurement process may be executed separately from the article storage process. Hereinafter, the temperature measurement process executed by the route indicating device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

First, the processor 11 determines whether or not there is an article storage instruction (step S301). For example, the processor 11 determines whether or not an operation corresponding to the article storage instruction has been performed on the touch screen 13. When the processor 11 determines that there is an article storage instruction (step S301: YES), the processor 11 executes the article storage process (step S302). This article storage process is basically the same as the article storage process shown in FIG.

When the processor 11 determines that there is no article storage instruction (step S301: NO), or when the process of step S302 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether or not there is an article take-out instruction (step S303). For example, the processor 11 determines whether or not an operation corresponding to an article removal instruction has been performed on the touch screen 13. When the processor 11 determines that there is an article take-out instruction (step S303: YES), the processor 11 executes the article take-out process (step S304). This article removal process is basically the same process as the article storage process shown in FIG. 6, except that the storage of the article 330 and the removal of the article 330 are different.

When the processor 11 determines that there is no article take-out instruction (step S303: NO), or when the process of step S304 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether or not there is a storage area 310 for which temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more. (Step S305). When the processor 11 determines that there is no storage area 310 whose temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more (step S305: NO), the processor 11 returns the process to step S301. On the other hand, when the processor 11 determines that there is a storage area 310 for which the temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more (step S305: YES), the processor 11 executes the routing process (step S306). In this route determination process, a route that passes through the first storage area, which is a storage area 310 for which temperature information has not been acquired for one week or more, is determined as a movement route.

When the processor 11 completes the process of step S306, the processor 11 starts moving the carrier 410 (step S307). When the processor 11 completes the process of step S307, the processor 11 determines whether or not the second radio wave has been received (step S308). When the processor 11 determines that the second radio wave has been received (step S308: YES), the processor 11 acquires the temperature information and the identification information (step S309), and transmits the temperature information and the identification information (step S310).

When the processor 11 determines that the second radio wave is not received (step S308: NO), or when the process of step S310 is completed, the processor 11 determines whether or not the movement of the carrier 410 is completed (step). S311). When the processor 11 determines that the movement of the carrier 410 is not completed (step S311: NO), the processor 11 returns the process to step S308. On the other hand, when the processor 11 determines that the movement of the carrier 410 is completed (step S311: YES), the processor 11 returns the process to step S301.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the storage area 310 from which the temperature information is not acquired for a long period of time.

(Modification example)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible in carrying out the present invention.

In the present invention, which part of the configuration, function, and operation described in the above embodiment is adopted is arbitrary. Further, in the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned configurations, functions, and operations, further configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. Further, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

For example, in the first embodiment, an example in which the route indicating device 100 and the temperature information collecting device 200 are separate devices has been described. In the present invention, the route indicating device 100 may be incorporated in the temperature information collecting device 200, or the temperature information collecting device 200 may be incorporated in the route indicating device 100. Further, the route indicating device 100 or the temperature information collecting device 200 may be incorporated in the control unit 440.

In the first embodiment, an example in which temperature information is acquired when the article 330 is stored has been described. In the present invention, temperature information may be acquired when the article 330 is taken out. In either case, the temperature information of the storage area 310 on the movement path of the carrier 410 can be acquired. Further, as described in the fourth embodiment, the temperature information may be acquired without moving the article 330.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the temperature measuring device 320 measures the temperature by measuring the current has been described. In the present invention, an example in which the temperature measuring device 320 measures the temperature by voltage measurement has been described. In this case, the temperature measuring device 320 applies a constant voltage to the resistance temperature detector 328 to pass a constant current through the resistance temperature detector 328 instead of the current measuring circuit 329 that measures the current flowing through the resistance temperature detector 328. A voltage measuring circuit (not shown) for measuring the voltage applied to the resistance temperature detector 328 is provided.

In the first embodiment, an example in which the temperature measuring device 320 is installed at the front end of the shelf board 340 and the reading device 420 is installed at the bottom of the carrier 410 on the front side has been described. In the present invention, the position where the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 are installed is not limited to this example. Further, in the first embodiment, an example in which the thickness direction of the temperature measuring device 320 and the thickness direction of the reading device 420 are the X-axis direction which is the front-back direction has been described. In the present invention, the angle at which the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 are installed is not limited to this example. However, it is desired that the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 be installed at a position and an angle at which the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 can communicate with each other. That is, it is preferable that the distance between the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 is as close as possible, and the radiating surface of the antenna 326 included in the temperature measuring device 320 and the radiating surface of the antenna 422 included in the reading device 420 are as parallel as possible. .. Further, it is desired that the temperature measuring device 320 and the reading device 420 are installed at a position and an angle that are not damaged when the article 330 is conveyed by the carrier 410.

By applying an operation program that defines the operation of the route indicating device 100 according to the present invention to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, the personal computer or the like can be made to function as the route indicating device 100 according to the present invention. be. The distribution method of such a program is arbitrary, and is stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card. It may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

The present invention allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by embodiments. And various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the equivalent meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is applicable to an automated warehouse equipped with rack shelves and a transport device.

11,21 processor, 12,22 flash memory, 13,23 touch screen, 14 first communication interface, 15 second communication interface, 24 communication interface, 100 route indicator, 101,201,440 control unit, 102 instruction reception unit , 103 1st communication unit, 104 2nd communication unit, 200 temperature information collection device, 202 temperature information storage unit, 203 communication unit, 300 rack shelf, 310 storage area, 320 temperature measurement device, 321 temperature sensor, 322 identification information storage 323 Radio transmitter / receiver, 324,421,441 control circuit, 325 power generation circuit, 326,422 antenna, 327 storage circuit, 328 resistance temperature detector, 329 current measurement circuit, 330 article, 340 shelf board, 341,411 Loading part, 342,412 side wall part, 400 carrier, 410 carrier, 420 reader, 423 communication circuit, 430 moving part, 431 vertical moving part, 432 left and right moving part, 433 first moving part, 434 second moving part , 442 1st communication circuit, 443 2nd communication circuit, 444 3rd communication circuit, 451 vertical movement rail, 452 left and right movement rail, 1000 temperature measurement system, 2000 automatic warehouse

Claims (15)

An automated device comprising a rack shelf having a plurality of storage areas, a carrier for loading articles stored in any of the plurality of storage areas, and a transport device including a moving means for moving the carrier according to a control signal. A temperature measurement system that measures the temperature of the plurality of storage areas in a warehouse.
A temperature sensor installed in each of the plurality of storage areas to measure the temperature of the storage area, an identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the storage area, and a first radio wave are received. In response, using the power generated from the first radio wave, a second radio wave including the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means is transmitted. A temperature measuring device equipped with a radio wave transmitting / receiving means,
The second radio wave transmitted by the temperature measuring device closest to the carrier among the plurality of temperature measuring devices installed in the carrier, transmitting the first radio wave, and installed in the plurality of storage areas. And a reading device that acquires the temperature information and the identification information included in the second radio wave.
Bei example and a temperature information collecting apparatus for collecting said temperature information and the identification information acquired by the reading device,
The transport device further includes a control means that generates the control signal based on the route information indicating the movement route of the carrier and controls the movement means according to the generated control signal.
The temperature information collecting device includes a temperature information storage means for storing the temperature information, the identification information, and the time information indicating the time when the temperature information and the identification information are collected in association with each other.
The movement route is determined based on the identification information and the time information stored in the temperature information storage means in association with the temperature information, and the route information indicating the determined movement route is transmitted to the control means. Further equipped with a route indicating device to
Temperature measurement system. The route indicating device determines a plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area of the storage destination or the storage source of the article, and among the determined candidate routes. A candidate route that passes through the storage area having the oldest time when the temperature information is collected is determined as the movement route.
The temperature measurement system according to claim 1. The route indicating device determines a plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area of the storage destination or the storage source of the article, and among the determined candidate routes. The candidate route that passes through the storage area where the time difference between the time when the temperature information is collected and the current time is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value is determined as the movement route.
The temperature measurement system according to claim 1. The plurality of storage areas are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
The moving means is along the first moving means for moving the carrier in the first direction along the first moving rail extending in the first direction and the second moving rail extending in the second direction. A second moving means for moving the carrier in the second direction is provided.
The route indicating device has a longer travel time of the carrier in the second direction than the travel time of the carrier in the first direction, reverts in the first direction, and does not revert in the second direction. To determine the plurality of candidate routes including the route,
The temperature measuring system according to claim 2 or 3. When the route indicating device has a first storage area in which the time difference between the time when the temperature information is collected and the current time is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value among the plurality of storage areas, the first storage area The route passing through the above is determined as the movement route.
The temperature measurement system according to claim 1. An automated device comprising a rack shelf having a plurality of storage areas, a carrier for loading articles stored in any of the plurality of storage areas, and a transport device including a moving means for moving the carrier according to a control signal. A temperature measuring method for measuring the temperature of the plurality of storage areas in a warehouse.
A temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the storage area, identification information storage means that stores identification information for identifying the storage area, and power generated from the first radio wave in response to receiving the first radio wave. A temperature measuring device including a radio wave transmitting / receiving means for transmitting a second radio wave including the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means. , Installed in each of the multiple storage areas
The first radio wave is transmitted, and the second radio wave transmitted by the temperature measuring device closest to the carrier among the plurality of temperature measuring devices installed in the plurality of storage areas is received, and the second radio wave is received. A reader for acquiring the temperature information and the identification information included in the radio wave is installed in the carrier.
The temperature information and the identification information acquired by the reading device are collected, and the information is collected.
The temperature information, the identification information, and the time information indicating the time when the temperature information and the identification information are collected are stored in association with each other.
The movement route of the carrier is determined based on the identification information and the time information stored in association with the temperature information, and the control signal is generated based on the determined movement route.
Temperature measurement method. A plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route are determined based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area of the storage destination or the storage source of the article, and the temperature information is collected from the determined plurality of candidate routes. A candidate route that passes through the storage area with the oldest time is determined as the movement route.
The temperature measuring method according to claim 6. A plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route are determined based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area of the storage destination or the storage source of the article, and the temperature information is collected from the determined plurality of candidate routes. The candidate route that passes through the storage area where the time difference between the current time and the current time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is determined as the movement route.
The temperature measuring method according to claim 6. The plurality of storage areas are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
The moving means is along the first moving means for moving the carrier in the first direction along the first moving rail extending in the first direction and the second moving rail extending in the second direction. A second moving means for moving the carrier in the second direction is provided.
The plurality of routes including a route in which the traveling time of the carrier in the second direction is longer than the traveling time of the carrier in the first direction, reversing in the first direction, and not reversing in the second direction. Determine candidate routes,
The temperature measuring method according to claim 7 or 8. When there is a first storage area in which the time difference between the time when the temperature information is collected and the current time is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value among the plurality of storage areas, the route passing through the first storage area is selected. Determined as the movement route,
The temperature measuring method according to claim 6. With rack shelves with multiple storage areas,
The control signal is transmitted based on a carrier for loading articles stored in any of the plurality of storage areas, a moving means for moving the carrier according to a control signal, and route information indicating a moving route of the carrier. A transport device comprising a control means that is generated and controls the moving means according to the generated control signal.
A temperature sensor installed in each of the plurality of storage areas to measure the temperature of the storage area, an identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the storage area, and a first radio wave are received. In response, using the power generated from the first radio wave, a second radio wave including the temperature information indicating the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the identification information stored in the identification information storage means is transmitted. A temperature measuring device equipped with a radio wave transmitting / receiving means,
The second radio wave transmitted by the temperature measuring device closest to the carrier among the plurality of temperature measuring devices installed in the carrier, transmitting the first radio wave, and installed in the plurality of storage areas. And a reading device that acquires the temperature information and the identification information included in the second radio wave.
The temperature information and the identification information acquired by the reader are collected, and the temperature information, the identification information, and the time information indicating the time when the temperature information and the identification information are collected are associated with each other. In an automatic warehouse equipped with a temperature information collecting device provided with temperature information storage means for storing the information, a computer for transmitting the route information to the control means is used.
A route determining means for determining a movement route based on the identification information and the time information stored in the temperature information storage means in association with the temperature information.
It functions as a route information transmission means for transmitting the route information indicating the movement route determined by the route determination means to the control means.
program. The route determining means determines a plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area of the storage destination or the storage source of the article, and among the determined candidate routes. A candidate route that passes through the storage area having the oldest time when the temperature information is collected is determined as the movement route.
The program according to claim 11. The route determining means determines a plurality of candidate routes that are candidates for the movement route based on the area designation information that specifies the storage area of the storage destination or the storage source of the article, and among the determined candidate routes. The candidate route that passes through the storage area where the time difference between the time when the temperature information is collected and the current time is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value is determined as the movement route.
The program according to claim 11. The plurality of storage areas are arranged in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
The moving means is along the first moving means for moving the carrier in the first direction along the first moving rail extending in the first direction and the second moving rail extending in the second direction. A second moving means for moving the carrier in the second direction is provided.
The route determining means has a longer travel time of the carrier in the second direction than the travel time of the carrier in the first direction, reverts in the first direction, and does not revert in the second direction. To determine the plurality of candidate routes including the route,
The program according to claim 12 or 13. When the route determining means has a first storage area in which the time difference between the time when the temperature information is collected and the current time is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value among the plurality of storage areas, the first storage area is used. The route passing through the above is determined as the movement route.
The program according to claim 11.

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