U.S. patent application number 12/554600 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-13 for method and apparatus for visual support of commission acts.
This patent application is currently assigned to KNAPP SYSTEMINTEGRATION GMBH. Invention is credited to Josef DAX, Manfred GRABLECHNER, Peter STELZER.
Application Number | 20100121480 12/554600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40427732 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100121480 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STELZER; Peter ; et
al. |
May 13, 2010 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VISUAL SUPPORT OF COMMISSION ACTS
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for the visual technical
support of manual order-picking processes through a device with at
least one mobile unit (200), having an optical sensing detection
device (202), an optical display device (201), a data processing
device (203) and a data interface for wireless connection (206) to
a stationary electronic data-processing system (100), which, in
addition to product management software, has a connection device
(102) for all active mobile units (200). It is provided according
to the invention that each mobile unit (200) cyclically receives
navigation information, which is transmitted in the form of
directions, in particular arrows (205), via the optical display
device (201), wherein data for the specific navigation based on a
data comparison of the data from the respective optical sensing
detection device (202) with reference data or model data of a
warehouse in the data-processing system (100) or the mobile unit
(200), on the one hand, and the position of a current target object
(500) of an assigned route-optimized list of goods transmitted by
the data processing system (100) to the mobile unit (200), on the
other hand, are cyclically determined and transmitted addressed to
the assigned mobile unit (200) and the new navigation information
for the next object of the list of goods does not occur until after
the optical detection of the current target object (500) or of a
placeholder replacement object by the detection device (202) and
clear identification of the same by the data processing device
(100) and clear detection and logging of the order-picking process
of a goods article from the storage location to the target
location. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for
carrying out this method.
Inventors: |
STELZER; Peter; (Gratkorn,
AT) ; DAX; Josef; (Graz, AT) ; GRABLECHNER;
Manfred; (Trofaiach, AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
KNAPP SYSTEMINTEGRATION
GMBH
Leoben
AT
|
Family ID: |
40427732 |
Appl. No.: |
12/554600 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/215 ;
700/216; 700/229 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 2027/0178 20130101;
B65G 1/1373 20130101; G02B 2027/014 20130101; B65G 2209/04
20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101; B65G 1/137 20130101; G02B 2027/0138
20130101; G02B 27/017 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/215 ;
700/216; 700/229 |
International
Class: |
G06F 7/00 20060101
G06F007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 5, 2008 |
AT |
GM 477/2008 |
Claims
1. Method for the visual technical support of manual order-picking
processes through a device with at least one mobile unit (200),
having an optical sensing detection device (202), an optical
display device (201), a data processing device (203) and a data
interface for wireless connection (206) to a stationary electronic
data-processing system (100), which, in addition to product
management software, has a connection device (102) for all active
mobile units (200), characterized in that each mobile unit (200)
cyclically receives navigation information, which is transmitted in
the form of directions, in particular arrows (205), via the optical
display device (201), wherein data for the specific navigation
based on a data comparison of the data from the respective optical
sensing detection device (202) with reference data or model data of
a warehouse in the data-processing system (100) or the mobile unit
(200), on the one hand, and the position of a current target object
(500) of an assigned route-optimized list of goods transmitted by
the data processing system (100) to the mobile unit (200), on the
other hand, are cyclically determined and transmitted addressed to
the assigned mobile unit (200) and the new navigation information
for the next object of the list of goods does not occur until after
the optical detection of the current target object (500) or of a
placeholder replacement object by the detection device (202) and
clear identification of the same by the data processing device
(100) and clear detection and logging of the order-picking process
of a goods article from the storage location to the target
location.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that before the
start of navigation for a new combination of goods or
supplementation of goods, a navigation to the transport aid to be
currently used, in the first case empty or in the second case
already partially filled, occurs and if a complete combination of
goods is interrupted early, a position of the transport aid is
transmitted to the stationary data-processing system (100) and
stored for the subsequent continuance and completion of the order,
or after successful completion of the order, the navigation of the
transport aid containing the complete combination of goods to the
common target position occurs.
3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a movement
not authorized by the stationary data processing system of an
object from its storage location or from the transport aid or of
the transport aid itself is detected with the optical sensing
detection device (202) and likewise transmitted to the
data-processing system (100), the software of which recognizes the
error and triggers corresponding warning messages to the optical
display device (201) of the mobile unit (200) by transmitting an
error code.
4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that an acoustic
alarm is triggered in the case of optically detected errors.
5. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that inertial
sensors with complete detection of a movement and orientation of an
order picker are used for support or monitoring in the detection of
the position and orientation, wherein the inertial sensors are
optionally calibrated by fixed optically detected markers, and
conversely, movable optically detected objects are checked with
respect to their desired location.
6. Device for carrying out the method according to claim 1, with at
least one mobile unit (200) with optical sensing detection device
(202), optical display device (201), data processing device and
software for image data processing and data transmission and with
wireless data interface to a central electronic data processing
device or data processing system (100), characterized in that
geographic arrangements of warehouse facilities and/or optical
conditions through shape, color and/or pattern, in particular by
poster-like attachments are suitably designed and are clearly
described with complete geographic precision and stored in the
system in order to ensure for as many objects as possible that are
detectable in a warehouse by the optical sensing detection device
(202) during an order picking, a clear determination and assignment
of the position and the orientation with the aid of geometric
similarity algorithms in the central and/or in the mobile data
processing device.
7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical
sensing detection device (202) is a pattern scanner with laser, in
particular a barcode scanner, and the current position and
orientation information in attachments on the floor, on walls,
goods or shelves by pattern, in particular barcodes, can be
determined by the data processing device of the mobile unit (200)
or after transmission of the pattern information by the central
data processing system (100).
8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that passive
transponders (RFID tags) are attached to support position analysis
in the warehouse, and transponder reader devices are provided in
the mobile unit (200), wherein a code of the transponder permits
inferences to be made on the position, orientation and/or
designation of the product.
9. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical
sensing detection device (202) is a camera module, through which
the current position and orientation or product information can be
determined from colors, shapes and patterns with the aid of image
data analysis, supported by attachments on the floor, on walls,
shelves, storage locations or on the product, by the mobile unit
(200), optionally after image transmission by the data processing
system (100).
10. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical
display device (201) is formed by light-emitting diodes, a display,
in particular a liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light
emitting display (OLED), or combinations thereof, wherein the
optical display device (201) is suitable for showing the direction
of travel in coded form or by directions, in particular in the form
of directional arrows, which always indicate the correct route,
regardless of the orientation of the mobile unit (200).
11. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical
display device (201) is formed by a laser projector, which projects
directions on surrounding objects, in particular a floor, and upon
recognition, marks the respective target object (500).
12. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that an inertial
sensor is provided for additional detection of a movement or rotary
movement of the mobile unit (200).
13. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the laser
device of the laser projector is used additionally as a scanner
laser, the reflected light of which an optical sensor captures with
code information of code markings, in particular barcode
markings.
14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that at least
one of the data processing devices links actually detected data, in
particular video data and construed virtual data, to augmented
reality data and processes them via the optical display device
(201) for combined display.
15. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the data of
the optical sensing detection device (202), either by two sensors
spaced apart or through image conversion based on the stored
geographic data of a warehouse structure, through a suitable
optical display device render possible a three-dimensional depth
effect for the viewer, in particular by detecting and/or generating
offset views for each eye.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for the visual
technical support of manual order-picking processes through a
device with at least one mobile unit, having an optical sensing
detection device, an optical display device, a data processing
device and a data interface for wireless connection to a stationary
electronic data-processing system, which, in addition to product
management software, has a connection device for all active mobile
units.
[0002] A plurality of different systems are currently used for
order-picking in warehouses. In addition to static provision
(man-to-goods systems), dynamic provision (goods-to-man systems) by
means of high-bay storage, storage carousel installations, flow
through racks and paternoster installations is being used with
increasing frequency. The latter has the advantage of a smaller
space requirement and the reduction of work for recognition,
picking and confirmation. The disadvantages are the high
expenditure in terms of infrastructure and machinery, the high cost
of the overall system and poor access in the event of breakdown. A
motor breakdown can mean order-picking comes to a standstill.
[0003] Technologies that became known as pick-to-light or
pick-by-voice are often used. In the first case, an order picker at
the storage location is notified via a device by display
instruments which goods and which quantity he should remove; after
removal the user confirms by pressing a button. Errors or
unauthorized removal of goods are not avoidable here. The
expenditure for the display instruments or devices is also
considerable. In addition, stationary screens with position
information, type of goods and quantity linked to with an
administrator file are used at various points in space for
retrieval. Pick-by-voice renders possible hands-free maneuvering
via acoustic commands; a microphone makes it possible to report for
confirmation. In principle, four elements of technologies of this
type have already been disclosed, in particular by research studies
by Munich Technical University, Chair for materials handling
engineering, material flow and logistics. This also includes
pick-by-vision systems in the test phase. These cover data helmets
for the display of information superimposed in the field of view,
such as optical highlighting of a storage compartment, visually
supported route-finding and route information. Further known
devices, such as augmented-reality devices, are used for
head-mounted displays, in particular in various applications such
as in computer games, in simulators for process steps or inspection
or data comparison tasks.
[0004] DE 102 15 885 A1 describes a method for automatic process
control with an augmented-reality system with camera, data goggles
and logging device. This method and the device therefor are used
chiefly for logging and analysis of manipulation operations for
correct implementation.
[0005] Also cited as prior art is the use of augmented reality as a
substitute for an assembly manual, for example in aircraft
assembly.
[0006] The primary object of the invention is now to build on this
prior art to create a method and a device that is suitable for
supporting the basic functions of order pickup through navigation.
These basic functions are, e.g.: take a predetermined container or
a specific transport aid; go to a predetermined article location,
remove there the predetermined number of this article and place it
in the container or transport aid; go the next article location,
etc.; and finally bring the target container to the container
target location. The user should be able, without special
knowledge, to take a support device from a location, e.g., a
loading station. It should be possible to carry out the rest of the
functions through the device clearly and with effective monitoring
quickly and easily in a route-optimized and time-optimized manner.
Interruptions and continuations by other employees as well as the
exchange of container or auxiliary device should be possible
without error for order picking at any time. Route optimization and
collision avoidance are further aspects of the invention. Likewise,
it should be possible to immediately insert sudden priority tasks
easily and without time being lost. It should be possible for the
different functions to be carried out by one or more employees. It
should also be possible for a list to be worked through by several
employees or order pickers at the same time without
duplications.
[0007] According to the invention, to attain the object a method is
proposed for the visual technical support of manual order picking
operations according to claim 1. For this purpose a device is used
with at least one mobile unit and a stationary central
data-processing system. The data-processing system and the mobile
unit can communicate via a wireless connection, wherein necessary
data are exchanged. The mobile unit has an optical sensing
detection device for this purpose, in order to detect its
surroundings. An optical display device in the mobile unit is used
to display information; a data processing device is used to process
information for the display and to prepare for the data
transmission based on the optical sensor detection. The stationary
data-processing system is equipped with goods management software,
which can access the data of all of the active mobile units via the
wireless connection. The important factor thereby is that each
mobile unit cyclically receives navigation information and this is
transmitted in the form of directions, in particular (directional)
arrows, via the optical display device. To this end the method
requires that the data for the specific navigation based on a data
comparison of the data from the respective optical sensing
detection device of each mobile unit are compared to reference data
or model data in the data-processing system or also stored in the
mobile unit in order to clearly define the location of the clearly
identified mobile device. With the aid of these data the software
of the data-processing system or that of the mobile unit, based on
the position of the current target object known to the system, can
determine the route information or the product identification and
display it on the mobile unit addressed.
[0008] As a further basic feature, the new navigation information
for the next object of an assigned list of goods is to occur only
after the optical detection of the current object and clear
identification of the same. The important factor thereby is the
clear detection and logging of the order-picking operation of a
goods article from the storage location to the target location. If
the requested product is not at the target location, a place holder
replacement object, e.g., a printed sheet with clear
identification, must be placed in the transport aid. This can
contain information for the product recipient. The system will
receive feedback on a product shortfall.
[0009] Expediently, before the start of the navigation for a new
combination of goods or addition of goods, a navigation to the
transport aid to be currently used, in the first case empty or in
the second case already partially filled, occurs and if a complete
combination of goods is interrupted early, a position of the
transport aid is transmitted to the stationary data-processing
system and stored for the subsequent continuance and completion of
the order, or after successful completion of the order, the
navigation of the transport aid containing the complete combination
of goods to the common target position occurs. A transport aid,
e.g., a basket or transport cart, is normally used for a
combination of goods. It is advantageous to guide a newly
registered user by navigation to the transport aid to be currently
used. This can be empty or already partially filled. The latter is
advantageous if a task list is interrupted, e.g., in the case of
breaks, the end of a day's work or shift changeover. If a transport
aid with all of the goods according to the task list has been
assembled according to the goods management program of the
data-processing system, it is advantageously navigated to the
target position. A target position can thereby be different for
each order.
[0010] A detection of unauthorized movements of an object from its
storage location or from the transport aid or of the transport aid
itself with the aid of the optical sensing detection device and its
evaluation with the aid of the software of the stationary
data-processing system is advantageous for control and monitoring
of the work processes. Measures to prevent errors, such as warnings
via the optical display device through corresponding error code
transmission are thus possible.
[0011] Ideally and due to its educational effect, an acoustic alarm
is triggered in the event of optically detected errors.
[0012] For support or control in the detection of the position and
orientation, inertial sensors for complete detection of a movement
and orientation of an order picker are advantageous. The inertial
sensors can be calibrated by fixed optically detected markers, the
position of which is known to the system. Conversely, this makes it
possible to check movable optically detected objects with respect
to their desired location. If a calibrated inertial sensor is
applied to the hand of the order picker and if he is guided to the
position of a movable system component or a product, the location
of which is not the desired position, the software recognizes this
and can likewise apply corrective measures. Thus, for example, a
product can have fallen off a shelf; the location of the correct
storage position is transmitted to the mobile unit upon
contact.
[0013] A device for carrying out the method according to the
invention is defined in claim 6. The device has at least one mobile
unit. Several mobile units of this type can be used in a warehouse
simultaneously. They communicate with a central data-processing
system. The mobile unit has an optical sensing detection device, an
optical display device, a data-processing device and software for
image data processing and is equipped with a wireless data
interface for data transmission. The data transmission is always
carried out with the central data processing device, e.g., via a
wireless local area network (WLAN) or a Bluetooth connection. In
addition to these devices known per se, as a third component the
geometry of the warehouse and the complete detection of all
dimensions and product positions in a virtual model is the decisive
feature of the invention. Space, product and devices must form one
unit. In addition to geographic arrangements of warehouse
facilities and/or optically detectable conditions through shape,
color and/or pattern, poster-like attachments can be suitably
designed in order to ensure for as many objects as possible a clear
determination of the position and the orientation in a warehouse
through the optical sensing detection device. Geometric similarity
algorithms, e.g., image analysis methods, are used for this purpose
in the central and/or in the mobile data processing device.
[0014] Advantageously, a pattern-scanner with laser, in particular
a barcode scanner, can be used as an optical sensing detection
device. The current position and orientation information must
thereby be determined in installations on the floor, on walls, the
product or shelves by patterns, in particular barcodes, by the data
processing device of the mobile unit or after transmission of the
pattern information by the central data-processing system. The
laser of the detection device could theoretically also be used for
the optical display device.
[0015] For support, passive transponders (radio frequency
identification tags or RFID tags) can be attached in the warehouse
for position analysis. Then a transponder reader device must be
provided in the mobile units. The code of the transponder permits
inferences to be made on the position, orientation and/or
designation of the product, based on the product management
software.
[0016] For augmented reality it is advantageous if the optical
sensing detection device is a camera module. With the aid of image
data analysis, supported by installations on the floor, on walls,
shelves, storage locations or on the product, current position and
orientation or product information can be determined from colors,
shapes and patterns--either already in the mobile unit or after
image transmission by the central data processing device. The video
image detected equipped with the additional information of the
navigation can be transmitted to at least one video display.
[0017] In principle, the optical display device can have
light-emitting diodes, a display, in particular a display of the
liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light emitting diode (OLED)
type, or combinations thereof. The important factor thereby is that
the display device is suitable for showing the direction of travel
in coded form or by directions, in particular in the form of
directional arrows.
[0018] A laser projector is also suitable as an optical display
device. This is suitable for projecting directions on surrounding
objects, in particular a floor, or in the case of corresponding
identification, directly marking the respective target object by
irradiation.
[0019] The integration of an inertial sensor, in particular a
rotation rate sensor, is advantageous. This makes it possible in
addition to detect movement or rotational movement. The correction
of the direction in the display device can thereby also be carried
out between two optical sensing position and orientation
detections.
[0020] If a laser scanner is used as an optical sensing detection
device, it is particularly advantageous to also use the laser via
its deflection devices to display the information or directions, in
that it is possible to switch backwards and forwards between
display and scan mode. If conversely a laser projector is used,
with suitable deflection the laser beam thereof can also serve as a
component for a laser scanner.
[0021] An augmented reality representation on the display device is
also advantageous. The actually detected data, in particular video
data directly or virtual data constructed from certain
characteristic values, with geometric information on the warehouse
and its structure are thereby linked to augmented reality data. The
user in particular of video goggles or a data helmet is thus given
a virtual view of the surrounding area with or without integration
of the real images. Additional information is embedded in this
virtual display.
[0022] For three-dimensional perception, it is advantageous if the
data of the optical sensing detection device are transmitted either
by two sensors spaced apart or through image conversion based on
the stored geographic data of the warehouse structure into a
three-dimensional image for both eyes of the viewer. A suitable
optical display device is, for example, 3D spectacles; shutter
glasses render possible a three-dimensional depth effect for the
viewer. To this end two calculated or detected viewing angles of
the virtual or real image are used with additional information and
the reproduction thereof for both eyes of the viewer. To support
focusing and representation that is correct in terms of viewing
angle, the movement of the eyes can be detected.
[0023] The present invention is described based on the following
practical embodiments. They show:
[0024] FIG. 1 An example of the device according to the invention
with mobile hand devices;
[0025] FIG. 2 A further exemplary embodiment of the device
according to the invention with video glasses;
[0026] FIG. 3 A data helmet for use as a mobile unit;
[0027] FIG. 4 A head-band type head mount for a further embodiment
of the mobile unit;
[0028] FIG. 5 A helmet with projection device as a display
device;
[0029] FIGS. 6 through 9 Fields of view of an order picker with a
typical order-picking operation.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows the expenditure in terms of equipment for the
pick-by-vision method as a first example. A data-processing system
100 comprises a computer 101 and a communication interface or
connection device 102 for wireless connection to mobile units 200.
A keyboard 104 makes it possible to enter data, in particular to
select functions of a goods management system. Many things are
carried out in an automated manner, for example, customer orders.
The inventory can be retrieved constantly updated. Bottlenecks are
to be avoided. The goods management software can inform a user
about all currently active mobile units via a monitor 103. Further
retrievable information includes current users, number of correct
goods access operations, number of error messages, order picker
start and end times, missing products, order receipts, tracking the
order status, determining a possible delivery date, overstaffing or
understaffing. The mobile units 200 have an optical display device
201, an optical sensing detection device 202 and a device for data
processing and communication via a wireless connection 206.
[0031] A sequence is, for example, shown briefly, as follows: a
recently hired, untrained order picker is asked to take a mobile
unit 200 from a charging station for storage batteries. Usually, it
is fully charged. If the charge condition is unsuitable, a block
can prevent removal until the optimum charge condition has been
reached. The order picker takes a suitable device and switches on
the mobile unit 200. The software powers up and the wireless
interface awaits the logon sequence. The mobile unit 200 is
recognized by the data processing device 100 based on a cyclical
scan of new logons. After detection of the new device by the
control center, the current equipment level is increased. A user
identification is requested on the display device 201 of the mobile
unit 200. To this end, for the new order picker either his face was
linked to his data in the system or an identification card with a
personal barcode, possibly as a sticker, sewn-on badge or imprint
attached to protective clothing or a helmet. The order picker holds
the optical sensing detection device 202, e.g., a camera, against
his face or the code, and the system transmits the release to the
mobile unit 200 for task performance. In the data processing device
100 the device number is linked to the user identity, at the same
time a time stamp occurs for the start of work. The data processing
device 100 assigns the next goods list to the current mobile unit
200 according to a priority plan. First the order picker is
welcomed by name via the display. There is the option here of
ending the work promptly in the event of an identification error.
The code might be incorrect, the wrong work clothing has been put
on or the mobile unit 200 was accidentally pointed at a different
order picker. The logon can be repeated by restarting (switching on
and off). However, the incorrect logon is logged. Once the welcome
has been completed, the order picker needs only to follow the
instructions of the mobile unit 200 for the route. First, the order
picker is guided to a transport aid. Arrows 205 on the display show
the way. Prominent objects or intersections in the route can also
be displayed in the optical display device 201. The transport aid
to be selected is clearly assigned by the control center or data
processing system 100. This also makes it possible to continue a
combination of goods that has been started but not completed, even
by a different order picker. When the transport aid is reached, the
instruction to take the same is transmitted. If the transport aid
is clearly identified by the detection device, which can also be
carried out by a barcode, and moved away from the location, the
target of the next element of the task list of the user is
transmitted to the mobile unit 200. The directions are given again.
Location and target are two geographic points, which are used via
software to the mobile unit 200 or in the control center or data
processing system 100 for an automatic routing process through the
warehouse by the shortest route. As a result, the mobile unit 200
indicates the direction by arrows 205, the movement of the order
picker through the warehouse is detected by optical sensing. The
camera on the mobile unit 200 renders possible a comparison of
image data with stored and geographically assigned warehouse
positions and orientations. A certain barcode sign can thus
precisely define the location. The orientation can additionally be
detected by rotary sensors, e.g., according to the gyroscope
principle, so that a viewing angle defined for the alignment of the
camera to the barcode sign is taken into account accordingly in the
indication of direction in the event of a tilt. At the target
location, the optical sensing detection device 202 recognizes the
target object. The display indicates the object by suitable
emphasis. If the correct object is moved into the transport aid,
the detection device recognizes this, e.g., since two image
components are made congruent. The operation is completed, the next
routing occurs. If the mobile unit 200 is switched off, the current
order-picking status with the time log for the user is stored and
integrated into the population of all orders. If all of the
elements of a task list have been completed, that is, placed in the
transport aid, the guidance of the filled transport aid to the
target location occurs. Guidance to another transport aid occurs.
Then further actions, such as packing and shipping of the goods can
be carried out at the target location for the transport aid. The
deletion of all goods is carried out in a similar manner through
the detection of the removal from the transport aid by staff
authorized to do so. Since the control center or the data
processing system 100 knows the precise number of goods deposited,
a packer can here also verify again the correct order picking with
the aid of the device presented. The transport aid number is again
released in the system for a new list of goods.
[0032] If an order picker takes the wrong object in error, a
warning is given via the display device 201 or acoustically. The
error is logged, any correction likewise.
[0033] If the mobile unit 200, as shown in FIG. 1, is embodied as a
hand unit, work is somewhat limited. This can be remedied by a
detachable attachment of the device to a transport aid. However,
the fixing of the device to the body, e.g., by a belt, is
advantageous, and ideally the display device 201 is integrated into
data goggles 300, as shown in FIG. 2. Future goggles render
possible very light embodiments, so that freedom of movement is
restricted only slightly. The field of view should remain as large
as possible.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a typical data helmet with a video monitor
device or optical display device 201 similar to an electronic
viewfinder for the display of augmented reality, integrating lines
of sight from an optical sensing detection device 202 embodied as a
camera. A transmission device 203 can be attached to a helmet 400
and is connected to a detection and display device via a wiring
204. A closed unit thus results, which can easily be put on or
taken off.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a headband 600 in side view for attachment to
the head. Devices for image detection, image reproduction and data
processing and communication or an optical sensing detection device
202, an optical display device 201 and a transmission device 203
are mounted on the forehead here.
[0036] A special embodiment of the mobile unit 200 is shown in FIG.
5. The headpiece shows here an image detection device 202 in the
form of a video camera and a display device 201 in the form of a
laser projector. The latter projects directional arrows onto the
floor in front of the user. A correctly recognized article of goods
can also be indicated with the aid of a projector, e.g., by a
circle. However, the prerequisite for this is that the projection
beam is located in the field of view of the camera. Preferably the
laser projector permits a change of the projection direction from
obliquely to the ground to straight ahead parallel to the line of
sight of the detection device, in order to achieve a clear
feedback.
[0037] FIGS. 6 through 9 show possible representations during a
product navigation, either through the display or the line of sight
of the order picker. The shelf labels, for example, are used for
orientation here. The letters A through H give the system the
current location. The next list product is a white ball or a target
object 500. This is located in the vicinity of a marker G. A route
planning (central or in the mobile unit 200) determines the route
information and produces the (directional) arrows 205. If the order
picker follows the arrow 205, the view of the optical sensing
detection device 202 then changes from FIG. 7 to that in FIG. 8 and
finally to that in FIG. 9. The product is recognized and marked and
can be removed in a controlled manner.
[0038] The predominant but not restricted field of application
relates to warehouses of wholesalers or mail-order companies as
well as storage facilities or interim storage facilities of
manufacturers or suppliers. With the method or the device according
to the invention, for this the combination of goods inside a
warehouse is thereby possible even by employees with no knowledge
of the configuration of the warehouse and no knowledge of the
location and position of the goods to be combined, wherein in
particular several order pickers can work simultaneously.
* * * * *