JP7350552B2 - Information processing equipment and article sorting system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and an article sorting system.

BACKGROUND ART A sorting device that sorts articles into a plurality of sorting destinations, a storage device that stores the articles in containers, and an information processing device that controls the sorting device and the storage device have been put into practical use as a configuration of an article sorting system.

The sorting processing device sorts articles into sorting destinations provided according to their destinations. The sorting processing device supplies a plurality of articles sorted to a sorting destination to a storage device.

A storage device is provided for each sorting destination of the sorting processing device. The storage device stores the plurality of articles supplied from the sorting processing device into containers (for example, bags, basket cars, pallets, etc.), and supplies the containers to downstream processing devices. When the container is a bag, the storage device puts the article into the bag, closes the bag, and discharges the bag.

However, in the above configuration, it is necessary to arrange a storage device for each sorting destination of the sorting processing device, which leads to an increase in cost. For this reason, a configuration can be considered in which an intermediate conveyance device is provided to collectively transport articles to one storage device for each sorting destination, and the articles of a plurality of sorting destinations are processed by one storage device. However, in a configuration in which articles are collectively transported to a storage device for each sorting destination, there is a problem in that it is necessary to determine in advance whether all the articles can be stored in containers in the storage device.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-156404

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an article sorting system that can efficiently sort articles.

An information processing device according to an embodiment is an information processing device that controls a sorting device that sorts articles into a plurality of sorting destinations based on destinations and supplies the sorted articles to a storage device that stores the sorted articles in containers. The apparatus includes a communication interface for communicating with the sorting processing apparatus, and a processor. The processor determines whether the article already sorted to the sorting destination and the article to be newly sorted to the sorting destination can be accommodated in the container, and determines that the article cannot be accommodated in the container. In this case, the sorting process is performed via the communication interface so that the articles that have already been sorted to the sorting destination are supplied to the storage device before the articles to be newly sorted to the sorting destination are sorted to the sorting destination. Control the device.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic configuration example of an article sorting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration example of an article sorting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation when an article is inputted in the article sorting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation related to sorting articles in an article sorting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation related to discharging articles at a sorting destination in an article sorting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation related to bagging of articles in the article sorting system according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of determining whether bagging is possible in the article sorting system according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification of the article sorting system according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification of the article sorting system according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation related to bagging of articles in a modified example of the article sorting system according to one embodiment.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic configuration example of an article sorting system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of each configuration of the article sorting system 1. As shown in FIG.

The article sorting system 1 is a system for sorting articles 2. The article sorting system 1 is used at a distribution base or the like for the purpose of sorting articles 2 into preset destinations according to their destinations. A form or the like with an address written thereon is attached to the article 2. The article sorting system 1 reads the form of the articles 2, recognizes the destination and sorting destination based on the read information, and sorts the articles 2 for each sorting destination.

The article sorting system 1 includes an information processing device 11, a sorting device 12, a bagging device 13, a first conveying device 14, a second conveying device 15, a third conveying device 16, a camera 17, and a weight sensor 18. Equipped with The information processing device 11 , the sorting device 12 , the bagging device 13 , the first conveyance device 14 , the second conveyance device 15 , the third conveyance device 16 , the camera 17 , and the weight sensor 18 are connected via the network 19 . They are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

The information processing device 11 controls the operations of the sorting device 12 , the bagging device 13 , the first transport device 14 , the second transport device 15 , the third transport device 16 , the camera 17 , and the weight sensor 18 . That is, the information processing device 11 controls the article sorting system 1 in an integrated manner. For example, the information processing device 11, the sorting device 12, the bagging device 13, the first conveyance device 14, the second conveyance device 15, and the third conveyance device 16 each individually have a camera 17, and a weight sensor 18. The configuration may include a control board (or a programmable logic controller (PLC), a personal computer (PC), etc.) that controls the system. The information processing device 11 includes a communication interface 21, a control section 22, and a touch panel 23.

The communication interface 21 is an interface for communicating with other devices other than the information processing device 11. The communication interface 21 communicates with the sorting device 12 , the bagging device 13 , the first conveying device 14 , the second conveying device 15 , the third conveying device 16 , the camera 17 , and the weight sensor 18 via the network 19 . connect.

The control unit 22 is a processing unit that executes various processes. The control unit 22 includes a processor 24 and a memory 25.

The processor 24 is an arithmetic element that performs arithmetic processing. The processor 24 is configured as, for example, a CPU. The processor 24 performs various processes based on programs stored in the memory 25.

The memory 25 is a storage medium that stores programs and data. The memory 25 includes, for example, one or more of a ROM that is a read-only nonvolatile memory, a RAM that temporarily stores data, and a storage that stores data.

The touch panel 23 is a device that displays a screen and generates operation signals based on operations. The touch panel 23 includes a display 26 and a touch sensor 27 that are integrally configured.

The display 26 displays a screen based on display data (screen data) supplied from the control unit 22 or a graphic controller (not shown).

The touch sensor 27 generates an operation signal indicating a position touched by an operator operating the information processing device 11 on the screen displayed on the display 26 .

Note that the information processing device 11 may be configured to include a display that displays a screen instead of the touch panel 23, and an operation section that generates an operation signal based on the operation. The operation unit may be any device such as a mouse, trackball, keyboard, or trackpad.

The sorting processing device 12 is a device that sorts the articles 2 based on the control of the information processing device 11. The sorting processing device 12 includes a communication interface 31, an input section 32, a sorting section 33, and a chute section 34.

The communication interface 31 is an interface for communicating with other devices other than the sorting processing device 12. Communication interface 31 communicates with information processing device 11 via network 19 .

The input section 32 is a section into which the article 2 is input from the first conveyance device 14 . The input section 32 includes a loading mechanism 35 that inputs the articles 2 on the conveyance path of the first conveyance device 14 into the sorting section 33 . Further, the input unit 32 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the article 2 on the conveyance path of the first conveyance device 14 .

The sorting section 33 is a mechanism that sorts the articles 2 input from the input section 32 into one of a plurality of destinations. The sorting section 33 includes a plurality of cells 41 and a circulation type moving mechanism 42 that moves the cells 41. Each cell 41 is loaded with the article 2 input from the input unit 32 and moved by the moving mechanism 42 . Each cell 41 has a function of discharging the article 2 to the chute section 34.

The chute section 34 is a sorting destination where the articles 2 are sorted by the sorting section 33. The sorting destination is set in advance according to the destination. The destination is, for example, a group of destinations. For example, the destination for article 2 is determined to be a destination that includes the destination written on the form for article 2.

The chute section 34 has a plurality of trays 51 arranged for each sorting destination. A plurality of articles 2 discharged from the cells 41 of the sorting section 33 are received by a tray 51. Further, the chute unit 34 discharges the tray 51 on which the plurality of articles 2 are placed based on the control of the information processing device 11 .

The bagging device 13 is a device that stores the article 2 in a bag serving as a container, closes the opening of the bag, and discharges the bag under the control of the information processing device 11. The bagging device 13 includes an automatic bagging mechanism 61, an inside bag detection section 62, and an overflow determination section 63. Note that instead of the bagging device 13, any device can be used as long as it automatically stores the article 2 in a container with an upper limit.

The automatic bagging mechanism 61 is a mechanism that bags the plurality of articles 2 on the tray 51 and closes the bag.

The bag inside detection section 62 is a device that detects the state inside the bag. For example, the bag interior detection unit 62 is a camera that images the bag from above or from the side. The camera is, for example, a distance camera that detects the distance to the target bag and the article 2 inside the bag. The inside-of-bag detection unit 62 outputs an image (distance image) of the bag as a detection result. Further, the bag inside detection section 62 may be configured with a color camera, a laser displacement meter, a laser range finder, or the like.

The overflow determining section 63 outputs a determination result as to whether or not the article 2 is overflowing from the bag, based on the detection result of the inside bag detecting section 62. For example, the overflow determining section 63 determines whether or not the articles 2 in the bag are overflowing from the bag, based on the image acquired by the inside-of-bag detecting section 62, and outputs the determination result.

The first conveyance device 14 is a device that conveys an object from the upstream side to the downstream side. The first conveyance device 14 is composed of, for example, a plurality of rollers that convey an object by rotating. The article 2 is supplied to the upstream side of the first conveyance device 14 by a robot arm or the like. The first conveyance device 14 is configured to be able to load the article 2 into the input section 32 of the sorting device 12 on the downstream side. Note that the first conveyance device 14 may be provided with a sensor (for example, a photoelectric sensor or a transmission laser sensor) that detects the article 2 passing on the conveyance path of the first conveyance device 14.

The second transport device 15 is a device that transports objects from the upstream side to the downstream side. The second conveyance device 15 is composed of, for example, a plurality of rollers that convey the object by rotating. A tray 51 on which a plurality of articles discharged from the chute section 34 of the sorting device 12 is mounted is supplied to the upstream side of the second conveyance device 15 . The second transport device 15 supplies the tray 51 to the bagging device 13 on the downstream side.

In the example of FIG. 1, the second conveyance device 15 further includes a conveyance path detection section 71. The conveyance path detection unit 71 images the tray 51 passing on the conveyance path and the article 2 on the tray 51. The conveyance path detection unit 71 supplies the captured and acquired image to the information processing device 11 or the bagging device 13 via the network 19. The conveyance path detection unit 71 is configured by, for example, a camera including an image sensor and an optical system that forms an image of light on the image sensor, a transmission type laser sensor, a laser range finder, or the like.

The third transport device 16 is a device that transports objects from the upstream side to the downstream side. The third conveyance device 16 is composed of, for example, a plurality of rollers that convey the object by rotating. The bags discharged from the bagging device 13 are supplied to the upstream side of the third conveying device 16. The third conveyance device 16 supplies the bags to a downstream conveyance means on the downstream side. Note that the third conveyance device 16 may be provided with a sensor (for example, a photoelectric sensor or a transmission type laser sensor) that detects bags passing on the conveyance path of the third conveyance device 16.

The camera 17 is a device that captures an image of the article 2 being conveyed on the conveyance path of the first conveyance device 14 . The camera 17 is configured, for example, as a distance camera (stereo camera) including a plurality of sets of an image sensor in which pixels that convert light into an image are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and a lens that forms an image of the light on the pixels. The camera 17 generates information regarding the shape of the article 2 (shape information) by capturing images of the article 2 from multiple directions and acquiring distance images. The shape information includes, for example, information indicating the dimensions (for example, width, height, and depth dimensions) of the article 2, information indicating the volume, and the like. Further, the shape information may include information indicating the volume of the article 2. Further, the shape information may include data (shape data) indicating the three-dimensional shape of the external appearance of the article 2.

Further, the camera 17 reads the form of the article 2 and acquires various information (for example, recipient information: destination, sender information, and contents information) based on the read image. That is, the camera 17 performs optical character recognition processing and acquires information written on the form (form information) such as recipient information, sender information, and content information from the image of the form.

The camera 17 supplies shape information and form information for each article to the information processing device 11 via the network 19 .

Note that the camera 17 may be configured as a line image sensor that includes, for example, an image sensor in which pixels that convert light into an image are arranged in a line, and a lens that focuses the light on the pixels.

The weight sensor 18 is a device that detects the weight of the article 2 being conveyed on the conveyance path of the first conveyance device 14 . The weight sensor 18 is configured, for example, as part of the transport path of the first transport device 14. The weight sensor 18 detects the weight of the article 2 while moving the article 2, and generates information regarding the weight of the article 2 (weight information). The weight sensor 18 supplies weight information for each article to the information processing device 11 via the network 19.

Next, the operation of each component of the article sorting system 1 will be explained.
The sorting device 12 , the bagging device 13 , the first conveying device 14 , the second conveying device 15 , and the third conveying device 16 supply passage information of the articles 2 to the information processing device 11 . Further, the camera 17 and the weight sensor 18 supply form information, shape information, and weight information acquired from the article 2 to the information processing device 11.

The information processing device 11 recognizes the destination of the article 2 in the chute section 34 (that is, the tray 51 for sorting the target article 2) based on the received form information. That is, the information processing device 11 recognizes the destination based on the form information, and recognizes the sorting destination corresponding to the recognized destination as the sorting destination of the article 2. The information processing device 11 generates sorting destination information indicating the sorting destination.

Furthermore, the information processing device 11 uses the passage information received from the sorting device 12, the bagging device 13, the first conveyance device 14, the second conveyance device 15, the third conveyance device 16, etc. The current position of article 2 is recognized. The information processing device 11 generates information indicating the current position of the article 2 (position information).

Further, the information processing device 11 recognizes the dimensions, volume, weight, etc. of each article 2 based on the received shape information and weight information.

The information processing device 11 associates the identification information, destination information, shape information, weight information, and position information of the article 2 with each article 2, creates a database, stores it in the memory 25, and manages it. Note that the identification information, destination information, shape information, weight information, and position information are referred to as article information. The information processing device 11 makes various judgments based on the article information in the database, and processes the sorting device 12 , the bagging device 13 , the first conveying device 14 , the second conveying device 15 , and the third conveying device 16 . control the behavior of

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the article 2 passes through the input section 32 of the sorting processing device 12. The flowchart in FIG. 3 will be described assuming that it is executed by the information processing device 11 that controls the sorting processing device 12. Note that a control board (not shown) provided in the sorting processing device 12 or the input section 32 may be configured to execute the flowchart of FIG. 3.

The processor 24 of the control section 22 of the information processing device 11 determines whether the article 2 being transported by the first transport device 14 has arrived at the input section 32 of the sorting processing device 12 (step S11). Note that the processor 24 receives form information, shape information, and weight information acquired by the camera 17 and the weight sensor 18 while the article 2 is being transported by the first transporting device 14 . Furthermore, the processor 24 generates destination information based on the form information. The processor 24 associates the identification information, destination information, shape information, weight information, and position information of the article 2 and adds them to the database of the memory 25 as article information.

The processor 24 controls the sorting device 12 to input the article 2 being conveyed by the first conveying device 14 into an arbitrary cell 41 of the sorting section 33 of the sorting device 12 (step S12).

When the insertion of the article 2 into the cell 41 is completed, the sorting processing device 12 notifies the information processing device 11 of the completion of the insertion (step S13).

When the processor 24 receives the notification of completion of loading, it determines whether or not to end the process of FIG. 3 (step S14). For example, the processor 24 determines to end the process in FIG. 3 when an operation to stop the process is performed using an operation interface such as the touch panel 23, or when a stop command is input from the outside via the communication interface 21. . When the processor 24 determines that the process does not end (step S14, NO), the process moves to step S11. Further, when the processor 24 determines that the process should be finished (step S14, YES), the process is finished.

Through the above processing, the articles 2 transported by the first transport device 14 are placed one by one into the sorting section 33 of the sorting processing device 12.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when sorting articles 2 by the sorting section 33 of the sorting processing device 12. The flowchart in FIG. 4 will be described assuming that it is executed by the information processing device 11 that controls the sorting processing device 12. Note that a control board (not shown) provided in the sorting processing device 12 or the sorting section 33 may be configured to execute the flowchart in FIG. 4 .

The processor 24 of the control unit 22 of the information processing device 11 determines whether the article 2 has been inserted into the cell 41 by the input unit 32 (step S21). When the processor 24 determines that the article 2 has not been loaded into the cell 41 by the loading unit 32 (step S21, NO), the process proceeds to step S24.

When the processor 24 determines that the article 2 has been inserted into the cell 41 by the input unit 32 (step S21, YES), the processor 24 associates the inserted article 2 with the cell 41 (step S22). The processor 24 associates the inserted articles 2 with the cells 41 and sequentially recognizes the position of each cell 41 of the sorting section 33, thereby sequentially updating the current position of the article in the database of the memory 25.

When the processor 24 determines that the article 2 has been inserted into the cell 41 by the input unit 32 (step S21, YES), the processor 24 associates the inserted article 2 with the cell 41 (step S22). The processor 24 associates the inserted articles 2 with the cells 41 and sequentially recognizes the position of each cell 41 of the sorting section 33, thereby sequentially updating the current position of the article in the database of the memory 25.

Each time the article 2 is put into the cell 41, the processor 24 acquires the sorting destination information of the article information from the database of the memory 25 (step S23). Thereby, the processor 24 recognizes the destination of the article 2 placed in the cell 41 in the chute section 34 .

The processor 24 controls the sorting device 12 to transport the cells 41 of the sorting section 33 (step S24). Thereby, the article 2 on the cell 41 is conveyed.

The processor 24 calculates the current position of each cell 41 of the sorting section 33 (step S25). For example, the processor 24 sequentially calculates the current position of each cell 41 based on the amount of transport of the cells 41 by the sorting unit 33 (step S25).

The processor 24 determines whether the article 2 has arrived at the sorting destination (step S26). The processor 24 determines whether the article 2 has reached the sorting destination by comparing the current position of each article 2 with the sorting destination of the article 2 recognized in step S23.

When the processor 24 determines that the article 2 has arrived at the sorting destination (step S26, YES), it determines whether the article 2 can be sorted to the sorting destination (step S27). If the processor 24 determines that the article 2 has not reached the sorting destination (step S26, NO), or if it determines that the article 2 cannot be sorted to the sorting destination (step S27, NO), the processor 24 performs step S31. Move to processing. Note that the determination as to whether or not the article 2 can be sorted to a sorting destination will be described later.

Further, when the processor 24 determines that the article 2 can be sorted to a sorting destination (step S27, YES), the processor 24 discharges the article 2 from the cell 41 onto the tray 51 of the chute section 34 (step S28).

When the discharge of the articles 2 from the cell 41 to the tray 51 of the chute section 34 is completed, the sorting processing device 12 notifies the information processing device 11 of the completion of sorting (step S29).

Upon receiving the notification of the completion of sorting, the processor 24 updates the list of articles to be sorted (step S30). The sorting destination article list is a list of articles 2 for each sorting destination. Specifically, the sorting destination article list is a list of article information of the articles 2 on the tray 51 of the sorting destination. The processor 24 adds the article information of the article 2 discharged onto the tray 51 of the sorting destination by the sorting section 33 to the list of articles of the sorting destination.

The processor 24 determines whether the processing of steps S25 to S30 has been completed for the articles 2 on all cells 41 of the sorting section 33 (step S31). When the processor 24 determines that the processing of steps S25 to S30 has not been completed for all the articles 2 in the cells 41 of the sorting section 33 (step S31, NO), the process proceeds to step S25.

Further, when the processor 24 determines that the processing of steps S25 to S30 has been completed for the articles 2 on all cells 41 of the sorting section 33 (step S31, YES), it determines whether or not to end the processing of FIG. A judgment is made (step S32). For example, the processor 24 determines to end the process in FIG. 4 when an operation to stop the process is performed using an operation interface such as the touch panel 23, or when a stop command is input from the outside via the communication interface 21. .

When the processor 24 determines that the process does not end (step S32, NO), the process moves to step S21. When the processor 24 determines to end the process (step S32, YES), the process in FIG. 4 ends. Thereby, every time the article 2 is thrown onto the cell 41, the processor 24 associates the inserted article 2 with the cell 41 and acquires the article information. Further, the processor 24 determines whether or not the articles 2 on the cell 41 have reached the sorting destination each time the cell 41 is moved, and supplies the cell 41 to the tray 51 of the sorting destination in the chute section 34. Controls the sorting processing device 12.

Through the above processing, the articles 2 input into the sorting processing device 12 are sorted to their corresponding sorting destinations.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when feeding the tray 51 from the chute section 34 of the sorting processing device 12 to the second conveyance device 15. The flowchart in FIG. 5 will be described assuming that it is executed by the information processing device 11 that controls the sorting processing device 12. Note that a control board (not shown) provided in the sorting device 12 or the chute section 34 may be configured to execute the flowchart in FIG. 5.

The processor 24 determines for each tray 51 whether or not to eject the tray 51 (step S41). The determination as to whether or not to eject the tray 51 will be described later. When the processor 24 determines that there is no tray 51 to be discharged (step S41, NO), the process proceeds to step S48.

When the processor 24 determines that there is a tray 51 to be ejected (step S41, YES), the processor 24 sets the sorting unit 33 to prohibit sorting to the destination corresponding to the tray 51 to be ejected (step S42). If sorting by the sorting unit 33 to the sorting destination is set to be prohibited, the processor 24 determines in step S27 in FIG. 4 that it is impossible to sort the articles 2 to the sorting destination.

The processor 24 controls the sorting device 12 to discharge the tray 51 to the second transport device 15 (step S43).

The processor 24 controls the sorting device 12 to replenish the trays 51 that have been ejected (step S44).

When the replenishment of the discharged trays 51 is completed, the processor 24 sets permission for sorting by the sorting section 33 to the sorting destination corresponding to the tray 51 to be discharged (step S45). If sorting by the sorting unit 33 to the destination is set to be permitted, the processor 24 determines in step S27 in FIG. 4 that the article 2 can be sorted to the destination.

Further, when the ejection of the tray 51 to the second transport device 15 is completed, the sorting processing device 12 notifies the information processing device 11 of the completion of tray ejection (step S46).

When the processor 24 receives the notification of tray ejection completion, it clears the sort destination article list of the corresponding sort destination (step S47).

Further, the processor 24 determines whether to end the process of FIG. 5 (step S48). For example, the processor 24 determines to end the process in FIG. 5 when an operation to stop the process is performed using an operation interface such as the touch panel 23, or when a stop command is input from the outside via the communication interface 21. . When the processor 24 determines that the process does not end (step S48, NO), the process moves to step S41. If the processor 24 determines to end the process (step S48, YES), it ends the process of FIG. That is, each time the tray 51 is ejected, the processor 24 controls the sorting device 12 to prohibit sorting to the tray 51 that is currently being ejected. That is, when the processor 24 determines that the bagging in the bagging device 13 will fail when the article 2 is newly added to the sorting destination, the processor 24 does not let the sorting destination sort the article 2 to be newly sorted, and transfers the article 2 to the sorting section. The sorting processing device 12 is controlled so that the sorting processing device 12 is made to stay on the 33 cells 41.

Through the above processing, the articles 2 sorted onto the trays 51 by the sorting device 12 are supplied together with the trays 51 to the second conveying device 15 . Note that the processor 24 repeatedly executes the above process while the article 2 on the cell 41 is being conveyed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process when the bagging device 13 packs the articles 2 on the tray 51 supplied from the second transport device 15 into bags. The flowchart in FIG. 6 will be described assuming that it is executed by the information processing device 11 that controls the bagging device 13. Note that a control board (not shown) provided in the bagging device 13 may be configured to execute the flowchart in FIG. 6 .

The processor 24 controls the bagging device 13 so that the automatic bagging mechanism 61 loads all the articles 2 on the tray 51 supplied by the second transport device 15 into bags (step S51).

The processor 24 controls the bag filling device 13 so that the inside of the bag is imaged by the inside of the bag detection section 62 (step S52). That is, the processor 24 controls the bagging device 13 so that the inside-of-bag detection section 62 acquires a distance image of the bag and the mouth of the bag.

The processor 24 determines whether it is possible to close the bag by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S53). For example, the overflow determination section 63 of the bag filling device 13 is configured to output a determination result of whether or not the article 2 is overflowing from the bag based on the detection result (distance image) of the inside bag detection section 62. Suppose there is. In this case, if the overflow determination section 63 determines that the articles 2 are overflowing from the bag, the processor 24 determines that it is impossible for the automatic bag filling mechanism 61 to close the bag opening. Furthermore, when the overflow determining section 63 determines that the articles 2 are not overflowing from the bag, the processor 24 determines that the automatic bagging mechanism 61 can close the bag opening. Further, the processor 24 determines whether the article 2 has protruded from the bag based on the distance image acquired in step S52, and determines whether the automatic bagging mechanism 61 can close the bag opening. It may be.

When the processor 24 determines that the bag opening can be closed by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S53, YES), the processor 24 controls the bagging device 13 so that the automatic bagging mechanism 61 closes the bag opening. control (step S54).

The processor 24 controls the bagging device 13 to attach a label to the bag whose mouth is closed by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S55). The label is a form on which information indicating the destination is written. For example, the region and category for sorting are written on the label.

The processor 24 controls the bagging device 13 so that the bag whose mouth has been closed by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 is discharged to the third transport device 16 (step S56).

When the bag has been completely discharged to the third transport device 16, the bag filling device 13 notifies the information processing device 11 that the bag has been discharged completely (step S57).

Upon receiving the bag discharge completion notification, the processor 24 controls the bagging device 13 to attach a new bag to the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S58).

Furthermore, the processor 24 determines whether or not to end the process of FIG. 6 (step S59). For example, the processor 24 determines to end the process in FIG. 6 when an operation to stop the process is performed using an operation interface such as the touch panel 23, or when a stop command is input from the outside via the communication interface 21. . When the processor 24 determines that the process does not end (step S59, NO), the process moves to step S51. If the processor 24 determines to end the process (step S59, YES), it ends the process of FIG.

Further, if the processor 24 determines in step S53 that it is impossible to close the bag opening by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S53, NO), the processor 24 determines that bagging has failed (step S60). ), the process moves to step S59.

Through the above process, the plurality of articles 2 on the tray 51 supplied to the bagging device 13 by the second conveyance device 15 are packed in bags by the bagging device 13, and then supplied to the third conveyance device 16. The processor 24 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 6 every time the tray 51 is supplied to the bagging device 13 by the second conveyance device 15.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the determination of whether or not to eject the tray 51 from the chute unit 34 of the sorting device 12 to the second conveyance device 15. That is, the process in FIG. 7 corresponds to the process in step S41 in FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 7 will be described assuming that it is executed by the information processing device 11 that controls the sorting processing device 12. Note that a control board (not shown) provided in the sorting device 12 or the chute unit 34 may be configured to execute the flowchart in FIG. 7 .

The processor 24 acquires the article information of the article 2 inputted from the first conveyance device 14 into the cell 41 of the sorting section 33 of the sorting processing device 12 by the inputting section 32 (step S71).

The processor 24 recognizes the sorting destination based on the article information of the newly inputted article 2, and acquires the sorting destination article list of the sorting destination (step S72).

The processor 24 acquires shape information and weight information for each article 2 to be sorted from the list of articles to be sorted (step S73).

The processor 24 calculates the total weight based on the article information of the newly introduced article 2 and the weight information for each article 2 to be sorted (step S74). For example, the processor 24 calculates the sum of the weight of the newly introduced article 2 and the weight of all the articles 2 to be sorted as the total weight. That is, the processor 24 calculates the sum of the weight indicated by all the article information in the destination article list and the weight indicated by the article information of the newly introduced article 2 as the total weight.

The processor 24 determines whether the calculated total weight is less than a preset threshold (step S75). Thereby, the processor 24 determines whether the sum of the weight of the newly introduced article 2 and the weight of all the articles 2 that have already been sorted to the sorting destination is a weight that can be stored in the bag in the bagging device 13. Decide whether or not.

When the processor 24 determines that the calculated total weight is less than the preset threshold (step S75, YES), the processor 24 stores the article information of the newly introduced article 2 and the shape information of each article 2 to be sorted. Based on this, the total volume is calculated (step S76). For example, the processor 24 calculates the volume of the newly introduced article 2 based on the shape information, calculates the volume of all the articles 2 to be sorted based on the shape information, and calculates the sum of the calculated volumes as the volume Calculate as a total sum. That is, the processor 24 calculates the sum of the volume based on all the article information in the destination article list and the volume based on the article information of the newly introduced article 2 as the total weight.

The processor 24 determines whether the calculated total volume is less than a preset threshold (step S77). Thereby, the processor 24 determines whether the sum of the volume of the newly introduced article 2 and the volume of all the articles 2 already sorted to the sorting destination is the volume that can be accommodated in the bag in the bagging device 13. Decide whether or not.

When the processor 24 determines that the calculated total volume is less than the preset threshold (step S77, YES), the processor 24 stores the article information of the newly introduced article 2 and the article information for each article 2 to be sorted. Based on this, the success rate of bagging in the bagging device 13 is evaluated (calculated) (step S78).

For example, the processor 24 uses the article information of the newly introduced article 2 and the article information of each article 2 to be sorted to run a physics simulation of bagging the article 2 using a physics engine. conduct. The processor 24 calculates the result of the physical simulation as a bagging success rate in the bagging device 13. In this case, the processor 24 uses conditions such as information regarding preset bags, the dimensions, volume, and weight of the articles 2 that have already been sorted to the sorting destination, and the dimensions, volume, and weight of the newly placed articles 2. is used for physical simulation. Alternatively, the processor 24 may calculate the success rate by varying the conditions in the physical simulation using random numbers and performing the physical simulation multiple times. Furthermore, the processor 24 may be configured to consider the order in which the articles 2 are put in. Furthermore, the processor 24 may change the weighting of the success rate based on the frequency of occurrence for each simulation condition.

Further, for example, the processor 24 uses the article information of the newly introduced article 2, the article information of the article 2 that has already been sorted to the sorting destination, and the bagging evaluation model (discrimination model) generated in advance by machine learning. The configuration may be such that the success rate of bagging in the bagging device 13 is calculated based on the following. The bagging evaluation model uses information such as the dimensions, volume, and weight of the articles 2 that have already been sorted to the sorting destination, and the dimensions, volume, and weight of the newly introduced articles 2, and evaluates whether the bagging was successful or not. It is generated using a method such as a neural network for segmentation based on learning data with answers as answers. For example, the processor 24 may be configured to generate or update the identification model based on learning data that uses the total weight and total volume as a problem and uses the result of the determination in step S53 in FIG. 6 as the answer.

The processor 24 determines whether the calculated bagging success rate is greater than or equal to a preset threshold (step S79). Thereby, the processor 24 determines in advance whether or not bagging will be successful even if the newly introduced articles 2 are added to all the articles 2 that have already been sorted at the sorting destination.

When the processor 24 determines that the calculated bagging success rate is equal to or higher than the preset threshold (step S79, YES), the processor 24 adds the article information of the newly introduced article 2 to the sorting destination article list. (Step S80).

The processor 24 determines whether to end the process of FIG. 7 (step S81). For example, the processor 24 determines to end the process in FIG. 7 when an operation to stop the process is performed using an operation interface such as the touch panel 23, or when a stop command is input from the outside via the communication interface 21. . When the processor 24 determines that the process does not end (step S81, NO), the process moves to step S71. Thereby, the processor 24 repeatedly executes a process of determining whether or not sorting to a destination is possible based on the article information of the newly introduced article 2 and the list of destination articles. Further, when the processor 24 determines to end the process (step S81, YES), the process in FIG. 7 ends. Note that the processor 24 may determine that the processing ends in step S81, and may also determine whether there is a destination article list for which article information remains. If there is a destination article list for which article information remains, the processor 24 causes each unit to supply the second conveyance device 15 with the destination tray 51 corresponding to the destination article list for which article information remains. may be controlled.

Further, if the processor 24 determines that the total weight is equal to or greater than the preset threshold (step S75, NO), and if the processor 24 determines that the total volume is less than the preset threshold (step S77, YES), Alternatively, if it is determined that the bagging success rate is equal to or higher than a preset threshold (step S79, NO), the sorting processing device 12 and bagging device 13 are controlled to execute bagging (step S82). That is, when the processor 24 determines that the total weight is equal to or greater than the preset threshold (step S75, NO), and when the processor 24 determines that the total volume is less than the preset threshold (step S77, YES), Alternatively, if it is determined that the bagging success rate is equal to or higher than a preset threshold (step S79, NO), it is determined that there is a possibility that bagging will fail if the newly introduced article 2 is added to the sorting destination. . For this reason, the processor 24 causes the tray 51 on which the articles 2 that have already been sorted to be sorted to be ejected to the second conveying device 15 before the newly introduced articles 2 are sorted to the sorting destination. Then, the sorting processing device 12 is controlled. The processor 24 controls the bagging device 13 to bag the articles 2 on the tray 51 transported by the second transport device 15. Further, the processor 24 clears the sorting destination article list of the corresponding sorting destination, and proceeds to the process of step S81.

As described above, the sorting processing device 12 of the article sorting system 1 is a storage device that sorts the articles 2 into a plurality of sorting destinations and stores the articles 2 sorted by the sorting destinations into containers (bags). It is supplied to a certain bagging device 13. The information processing device 11 that controls the sorting device 12 includes a communication interface 21 that communicates with the sorting device 12 and a processor that controls the sorting device 12 . The processor 24 determines whether all of the articles 2 to be newly sorted to the sorting destination, that is, the articles 2 input into the sorting processing device 12 and the articles 2 already sorted to the sorting destination, can be accommodated in the container. to decide. When the processor 24 determines that it is impossible to store the articles 2 in a container, the processor 24 supplies all the articles 2 that have already been sorted to the sorting destination to the bagging device 13 before sorting the articles 2 to the sorting destination. The sorting processing device 12 is controlled as follows.

Thereby, the information processing device 11 determines in advance whether or not bagging will be successful when a newly introduced article 2 is added to all the articles 2 that have already been sorted at the sorting destination. be able to. Further, the information processing device 11 performs a sorting process such that when it is determined that bagging will not be successful if a newly introduced article 2 is added, all articles 2 that have already been sorted at the sorting destination are bagged. Control device 12. As a result, when the bagging device 13 stores the articles 2, it is possible to prevent the articles 2 from overflowing from the bag.

Further, according to the above configuration, the bagging process and the chute section 34 are arranged apart from each other. In such a configuration, the chute section 34 functions as a buffer that retains a certain amount of the articles 2. Moreover, the chute section 34 can collectively supply the plurality of retained articles 2 to the bagging process. Therefore, by making the number of bagging processes smaller than the number of chutes, it is possible to improve the efficiency (labor saving) of the article sorting system 1. Moreover, since the number of bagging devices 13 can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the cost of automating the bagging process.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the supply of the articles 2 to the input unit 32 may be performed by manually transferring the articles 2 directly from a container such as a pallet. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the material is supplied from an upstream conveyance system via an arbitrary branching mechanism.

Further, in the above embodiment, the sorting section 33 of the sorting processing device 12 may be of a circulation type such as a cross belt type or a tilt tray type, or a branch type such as a pop-up type or a slide shoe type. Note that in the circulation type configuration, the sorting section 33 can leave the article 2 on the cell 41 if it is determined that bagging becomes difficult when the article 2 is newly added to the sorting destination. On the other hand, in the case of the branch type, it is necessary to reject the articles 2 that cannot be sorted to the sorting destination. In this way, since the sorting section 33 functions as a buffer, the circulation type is more advantageous.

Further, in the above embodiment, it has been explained that the third conveyance device 16 is configured to convey the bags discharged from the bagging device 13, but the third conveyance device 16 is omitted from the article sorting system 1. Good too.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 11 was described as having a configuration in which it is determined whether or not bagging is successful each time an article 2 is newly introduced into the sorting section 33 of the sorting processing device 12. It is not limited to this configuration. The information processing device 11 determines whether bagging is successful or not based on an upper threshold value larger than the lower threshold value when the total weight or volume of the articles 2 to be sorted exceeds a preset lower threshold value. The configuration may be such that the determination is made based on the following information.

Further, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 11 determines whether or not the bagging is successful in each of steps S75, S77, and S79 in FIG. 7, depending on the comparison result with the threshold (first threshold). Although the configuration has been described as making a determination, it is not limited to this configuration. If the information processing device 11 is larger than a threshold (second threshold) lower than the first threshold and smaller than the first threshold, the information processing device 11 moves the tray 51 to the second transport at the timing when the article 2 is sorted to the next destination. A configuration may also be adopted in which the sorting processing device 12 is controlled so as to discharge to the device 15.

Further, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 11 determines whether the bagging success rate exceeds the threshold value when the article 2 is newly introduced. For this reason, if there is an article scheduled to be sorted to the same sorting destination (referred to as a preceding article) that exists downstream (on the side closer to the chute section 34) of the newly inputted article 2 in the sorting section 33, the preceding article is also Emissions will be prohibited. For this reason, the information processing device 11 may delay setting the sorting destination to prohibit sorting until it receives the sorting completion notification that is notified when the preceding article is sorted by the sorting destination.

Further, in the above embodiment, the article sorting system 1 has been described as having a configuration including one bagging device 13, but is not limited to this configuration. The article sorting system 1 may include a plurality of bagging devices 13.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example in which the article sorting system 1 includes a plurality of bagging devices 13. In this example, the chute section 34 is provided with a branching mechanism 52.

The branching mechanism 52 is a mechanism that branches and supplies the articles 2 on the plurality of trays 51 of the chute section 34 to the plurality of bagging devices 13. For example, the branching mechanism 52 includes a plurality of intermediate conveyance devices 53 that receive the articles 2 discharged from the plurality of trays 51 and supply them to the bagging device 13. Each intermediate transport device 53 receives an article 2 from its corresponding tray 51 . Moreover, each intermediate conveyance device 53 supplies the received article 2 to the bagging device 13 to which it corresponds.

Note that even if the article sorting system 1 has a configuration in which the second transport device 15 in FIG. good. Further, a plurality of second transport devices 15 may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, it has been explained that the sorting processing device 12 has a configuration in which the articles 2 that have been sorted to the sorting destinations are retained on the tray 51, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In order to retain the articles 2, it is also possible to use a container other than the tray 51. Alternatively, an intermediate transport device may be provided for each sorting destination that supplies the articles to the second transport device 15, and the articles 2 may be retained in the intermediate transport device. Note that the intermediate conveyance device may be a belt conveyor. The intermediate conveyance device may be a roller conveyor whose rotation can be controlled for each sorting destination.

Further, in the above embodiment, the calculation of the bagging success rate performed by the information processing device 11 may require a large amount of calculation and may take time. For this reason, the information processing device 11 may be configured to calculate the bagging success rate in multiple stages. For example, the information processing device 11 performs a first bagging success rate evaluation process that is relatively lightweight and has low accuracy at the timing when the article 2 is put into the cell 41 of the sorting unit 33, and performs a first bagging success rate evaluation process that is relatively lightweight and has low accuracy. A configuration may be adopted in which a second bagging success rate evaluation process, which requires more calculations and is more accurate, is performed at the timing when the tray 51 is discharged to the conveyance device 15. Further, the overflow determination section 63 of the bagging device 13 may be configured to include an arithmetic circuit for performing the second bagging success rate evaluation process.

Moreover, the bagging device 13 may be configured to include a reject mechanism. The reject mechanism may be configured to remove the article 2 on the tray 51 from the tray 51 before the article 2 on the tray 51 is stored in the bag, or may be configured to remove the article 2 from inside the bag. You can. Also. It may have both functions. For example, the reject mechanism of the bagging device 13 can be realized by photographing the tray 51 or inside the bag using an arbitrary detection means (for example, a distance camera) and picking the article 2 based on image recognition.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example in which the bagging device 13 of the article sorting system 1 further includes a robot arm 81.

The robot arm 81 has a gripping mechanism that grips an article and an arm mechanism that moves the gripping mechanism. The robot arm 81 grips and moves the article 2 under the control of the bagging device 13 or the information processing device.

For example, the robot arm 81 functions as a reject mechanism that removes the article 2 on the tray 51 that is being transported by the second transport device 15 from the tray 51 .

Further, for example, the robot arm 81 functions as a reject mechanism for removing the article 2 contained in the bag by the bagging device 13 from inside the bag.

Furthermore, in the article sorting system 1 in the example of FIG. Perform processing. Furthermore, the bagging device 13 performs a second bagging success rate evaluation process that requires more calculations and is more accurate than the first bagging success rate evaluation process, based on the information supplied from the conveyance path detection unit 71 of the second conveyance device 15. Performs bag filling success rate evaluation processing. Furthermore, the bagging device 13 may be configured to perform a second bagging success rate evaluation process based on information supplied from the inside-of-bag detection section 62.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the bagging device 13 in the example of FIG. That is, FIG. 10 describes an example of processing in the bagging device 13 when calculating the bagging success rate is divided into a first bagging success rate evaluation process and a second bagging success rate evaluation process. This is a flowchart for Note that the second bagging success rate evaluation process may not be performed by the bagging device 13, but may be performed by another device connected to the network 19.

The bagging device 13 waits for the tray 51 to be supplied by the second conveyance device 15 (step S91).

When the tray 51 arrives, the bagging device 13 acquires the sort destination article list of the sort destination corresponding to the tray 51 from the information processing device 11 or the sorting device 12 (step S92).

The bagging device 13 controls the conveyance path detection section 71 of the second conveyance device 15 so that the conveyance path detection section 71 images the group of articles on the tray 51 (step S93). Thereby, the bagging device 13 acquires information (for example, an image) necessary for the second bagging success rate evaluation process.

The bagging device 13 performs a second bagging success rate evaluation process and calculates the bagging success rate (step S94). For example, similarly to step S79 in FIG. 7, the bagging device 13 calculates the bagging success rate using a physical simulation or an identification model.

The bagging device 13 determines whether the calculated bagging success rate is greater than or equal to a preset threshold (step S95). When the bagging device 13 determines that the calculated bagging success rate is not equal to or higher than a preset threshold (step S95, NO), the bagging device 13 controls the robot arm 81 to remove one article 2 from the tray 51. (step S96), and the process moves to step S93.

When the bagging device 13 determines that the calculated bagging success rate is equal to or higher than the preset threshold (step S95, YES), it stores all the articles 2 on the tray 51 into bags (step S97).

The bag filling device 13 controls the bag inside detection unit 62 to image the inside of the bag (step S98). That is, the bagging device 13 controls the bagging device 13 so that the inside-the-bag detection section 62 acquires a distance image of the bag and the mouth of the bag.

The bagging device 13 determines whether the opening of the bag can be closed by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 based on the image acquired by the bag interior detection section 62 (step S99). When the bagging device 13 determines that it is impossible to close the bag opening by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S99, NO), the bagging device 13 moves the robot arm 81 to remove one article 2 from the bag. control (step S100), and the process moves to step S98.

When the bagging device 13 determines that the opening of the bag can be closed by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S99, YES), the bagging device 13 performs automatic bagging so that the automatic bagging mechanism 61 closes the opening of the bag. The mechanism 61 is controlled (step S101).

The bagging device 13 attaches a label to the closed bag using the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S102). The label is a form on which information indicating the destination is written. For example, the region and category for sorting are written on the label.

The bagging device 13 discharges the bag with the mouth closed by the automatic bagging mechanism 61 to the third transport device 16 (step S103).

When the bag filling device 13 completes discharging the bag to the third transport device 16, it notifies the information processing device 11 of the completion of bag discharging (step S104).

The bagging device 13 controls the automatic bagging mechanism 61 to attach a new bag to the automatic bagging mechanism 61 (step S105).

The bagging device 13 determines whether or not to end the process (step S106). When the bagging device 13 determines that the process is not to be ended (step S106, NO), the process proceeds to step S91. Furthermore, when the bagging device 13 determines to end the process (step S106, YES), it ends the process in FIG.

Note that the robot arm 81 may be configured to store the gripped article 2 in a replaced bag. However, if it is necessary to track the goods 2 packed in bags during the subsequent transport process, it is necessary to operate the bag so that the bags before and after exchange are transported by the same transport means.

Further, the robot arm 81 may be configured to feed the gripped article 2 into the feeding section 32 of the sorting processing device 12 again. If it is necessary to track the items 2 packed in bags during the subsequent transportation process, identify the rejected items 2 and change the item information on the list between lists to avoid discrepancies on the list of items to be sorted. You need to move it.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to distribute the processing load for calculating the bagging success rate. Thereby, the information processing device 11 can be configured with lower costs.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Below, the invention described in the original claims of this application will be added.
[C1] An information processing device that controls a sorting device that sorts articles into a plurality of sorting destinations based on their destination and supplies the sorted articles to a storage device that stores the sorted articles in containers,
a communication interface that communicates with the sorting processing device;
Determining whether or not the article that has already been sorted to the sorting destination and the article to be newly sorted to the sorting destination can be stored in the container, and determining that it is impossible to accommodate the article in the container, Controlling the sorting processing device via the communication interface so as to supply the articles that have already been sorted to the sorting destination to the storage device before sorting the articles to be newly sorted to the sorting destination. a processor that
An information processing device comprising:
[C2] The container is a bag,
The information processing device according to C1, wherein the processor determines whether the bag can accommodate the articles that have already been sorted to a sorting destination and the articles that are newly sorted to a sorting destination.
[C3] The processor includes:
If a plurality of the articles are stored at a sorting destination and it is determined that the article to be newly sorted to the sorting destination cannot be accommodated in the container, the articles that have already been sorted at the sorting destination and are being kept there. The information processing device according to C1 or 2, wherein the information processing device controls the sorting device via the communication interface so as to supply the sorting device to the storage device.
[C4] The processor includes:
If it is determined that the article can be stored in the container, the information according to any one of C1 to C3 controls the sorting device so that the article to be newly sorted is sorted to a sorting destination and retained therein. Processing equipment.
[C5] The processor includes:
acquiring article information regarding the article through the communication interface;
The information processing device according to any one of C1 to C4, which determines whether or not the article can be accommodated in the container based on information regarding the shape of each article indicated by the article information.
[C6] The processor determines whether the article can be accommodated in the container based on the volume calculated based on the dimensions of each article indicated by the article information and the volume of the container. The information processing device according to C5.
[C7] The processor includes:
The article is placed in the container using an identification model generated based on the shape of each article indicated by the article information, the shape of the container, and the result of whether or not the article can be accommodated in the container. The information processing device according to C5, which determines whether or not it is possible to accommodate the information processing device.
[C8] The processor includes:
acquiring article information regarding the article through the communication interface;
The information processing device according to any one of C1 to C4, which determines whether or not the article can be accommodated in the container based on information regarding the weight of each article indicated by the article information.
[C9] An article sorting system comprising a sorting device that sorts articles based on destinations, and an information processing device that controls the sorting device,
The sorting processing device includes:
a first communication interface that communicates with the information processing device;
a sorting section that sorts the articles into a plurality of sorting destinations;
a chute unit that supplies the sorted articles to a storage device that stores the sorted articles in containers based on a control signal supplied from the information processing device via the first communication interface;
Equipped with
The information processing device includes:
a second communication interface that communicates with the sorting processing device;
In the sorting processing device, it is determined whether articles that have already been sorted to a sorting destination and the articles to be newly sorted to a sorting destination can be accommodated in the container, and it is determined whether the articles cannot be accommodated in the container. If it is determined that the second communication interface a processor that controls the sorting processing device through the
An article sorting system equipped with

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Article sorting system, 2... Article, 11... Information processing device, 12... Sorting processing device, 13... Bagging device, 14... First conveyance device, 15... Second conveyance device, 16... Third conveyance Device, 17... Camera, 18... Weight sensor, 19... Network, 21... Communication interface, 22... Control unit, 23... Touch panel, 24... Processor, 25... Memory, 26... Display, 27... Touch sensor, 31... Communication interface , 32... Inserting section, 33... Sorting section, 34... Chute section, 35... Inserting mechanism, 41... Cell, 42... Moving mechanism, 51... Tray, 52... Branching mechanism, 53... Intermediate transport device, 61... Automatic bagging Mechanism, 62... In-bag detection section, 63... Overflow determination section, 71... Conveyance path detection section, 81... Robot arm.

Claims (7)

An information processing device that controls a sorting device that sorts articles into a plurality of sorting destinations based on their destination and supplies the sorted articles to a storage device that stores the sorted articles in containers, the information processing device comprising:
a communication interface that communicates with the sorting processing device;
Determining whether or not the article that has already been sorted to the sorting destination and the article to be newly sorted to the sorting destination can be stored in the container, and determining that it is impossible to accommodate the article in the container, Controlling the sorting processing device via the communication interface so as to supply the articles that have already been sorted to the sorting destination to the storage device before sorting the articles to be newly sorted to the sorting destination. a processor that
Equipped with
The processor includes:
acquiring article information regarding the article through the communication interface;
The article is placed in the container using an identification model generated based on the shape of each article indicated by the article information, the shape of the container, and the result of whether or not the article can be accommodated in the container. determine whether it is possible to accommodate
Information processing device. the container is a bag;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines whether the bag can accommodate the articles that have already been sorted to a sorting destination and the articles that are to be newly sorted to a sorting destination. The processor includes:
If a plurality of the articles are stored at a sorting destination and it is determined that the article to be newly sorted to the sorting destination cannot be accommodated in the container, the articles that have already been sorted at the sorting destination and are being kept there. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sorting processing device is controlled via the communication interface so as to supply the sorting device to the storage device. The processor includes:
According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the sorting processing device is controlled so that, when it is determined that the article can be stored in the container, the article to be newly sorted is sorted to a sorting destination and retained therein. information processing equipment. 2. The processor determines whether the article can be accommodated in the container based on a volume calculated based on the dimensions of each article indicated by the article information and a volume of the container. The information processing device described in . The processor includes:
acquiring article information regarding the article through the communication interface;
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein it is determined whether or not the article can be accommodated in the container based on information regarding the weight of each article indicated by the article information. An article sorting system comprising a sorting device that sorts articles based on destinations, and an information processing device that controls the sorting device,
The sorting processing device includes:
a first communication interface that communicates with the information processing device;
a sorting section that sorts the articles into a plurality of sorting destinations;
a chute unit that supplies the sorted articles to a storage device that stores the sorted articles in containers based on a control signal supplied from the information processing device via the first communication interface;
Equipped with
The information processing device includes:
a second communication interface that communicates with the sorting processing device;
In the sorting processing device, it is determined whether articles that have already been sorted to a sorting destination and the articles to be newly sorted to a sorting destination can be accommodated in the container, and it is determined whether the articles cannot be accommodated in the container. If it is determined that the second communication interface a processor that controls the sorting processing device through the
Equipped with
The processor includes:
acquiring article information regarding the article through the communication interface;
The article is placed in the container using an identification model generated based on the shape of each article indicated by the article information, the shape of the container, and the result of whether or not the article can be accommodated in the container. determine whether it is possible to accommodate
Goods sorting system.