Information processing apparatus, information processing method, computer program, and information processing system

Abstract

Provided is an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a computer program, and an information processing system that determine goods arranged on shelves so that the goods can be efficiently picked. The information processing apparatus of the present embodiment includes a processing unit that determines goods arranged on a plurality of first shelves based on distances between the plurality of first shelves and a picking station and order information of the goods, the plurality of first shelves being movable to the picking station.

Description

[0001] This application takes priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-149675 (Filing Date: September 14, 2021). This application incorporates by reference the entire contents of the application. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a computer program, and an information processing system. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a warehouse of a rack-moving type in which a plurality of racks capable of moving are arranged, a rack is moved to a picking station by a vehicle, and an operator picks up a product from the rack in the picking station. In terms of operation time for picking or a load on the operator, it is desirable to arrange products on racks in a manner that enables efficient picking. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a computer program, and an information processing system that enable efficient picking of products.

[0005] Technical means for solving the problem

[0006] The information processing apparatus of the present embodiment includes a processing unit that determines products arranged on a plurality of first racks movable to a picking station, based on distances between the plurality of first racks and the picking station and order information of the products. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a product allocation apparatus as an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing a warehouse of a rack-moving type.

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining that each rack is moved in order of a waiting area.

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a rack and a moving apparatus.

[0011] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a situation in which an operator performs a picking operation of a product at a picking station.

[0012] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of order information in an order information storage unit.

[0013] Figure 7is a diagram showing an example of commodity distribution information.

[0014] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the commodity distribution device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 is a plan view schematically showing a warehouse of the shelf moving type in the third embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a hardware structure of the information processing device according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals

[0018] 10 commodity distribution device

[0019] 11 commodity information storage section

[0020] 12 order information storage section

[0021] 13 shelf information storage section

[0022] 14 warehouse layout information storage section

[0023] 15 commodity / order number calculation section

[0024] 16 cost calculation section

[0025] 17 model generation section

[0026] 18 optimization calculation section

[0027] 19 coverage rate calculation section

[0028] 20 commodity distribution information storage section

[0029] 21 processing section

[0030] 101 mobile device

[0031] 200 information processing device

[0032] 200 computer device

[0033] 201 picking station

[0034] 202 input interface

[0035] 203 display device

[0036] 204 communication device

[0037] 205 main storage device

[0038] 206 external storage device

[0039] 207 bus

[0040] 301 partition

[0041] 410 box

[0042] 420 rack

[0043] 430 operation monitor

[0044] 440 operator (human or robot) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] (1st Embodiment)

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a commodity distribution device 10 as an information processing device related to the 1st embodiment. The device 10 is used for a warehouse of a rack moving type. In the warehouse of the rack moving type, a plurality of movable racks (1st racks) are arranged, and the racks are moved to a picking station by a moving device (for example, AGV). An operator at the picking station picks commodities from the racks and packs them into boxes for distribution. The device 10 determines commodities arranged in each rack in such a manner that commodities can be efficiently picked in the warehouse of the rack moving type. There is a demand that commodities with high frequency of shipment are desirably distributed to racks as close as possible to the picking station. In addition, there is a demand that, for a set of orders (orders) of commodities, picking can be performed simultaneously (without additional replacement of racks in the picking station) in the picking station. The present embodiment can achieve at least one of these demands or both of them.

[0048] Figure 2is a plan view schematically showing a warehouse of a shelf moving type. In the warehouse, a plurality of shelves j1 to j6 are arranged. An arbitrary shelf is denoted as a shelf j. A picking station 201 is provided in the warehouse, and is a place where an operator picks up goods from the shelves. The shelves j1 to j6 are movable (transportable) by respective mobile devices 101 that are movable on a movement path in the warehouse. The mobile device 101 is, for example, a vehicle such as an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle). The mobile device 101 can be a vehicle of an autonomous moving type or a vehicle that moves along a path instructed from the outside. The mobile device 101 receives an instruction signal from a control device (not shown) outside, and transports a designated shelf to a designated place (for example, the picking station 201). Adjacent to the picking station 201, standby places 1, 2, 3, and 4 are provided. One shelf can be arranged in each of the standby places 1 to 4. The operator can pick up goods from both of the shelves arranged in the standby places 1 and 2. That is, the operator can pick up goods from a plurality of shelves at the same time.

[0049] The standby places 3 and 4 are places where the shelves wait before being moved to the standby places 1 and 2. The operator does not pick up goods from the shelves arranged in the standby places 3 and 4. By providing the standby places 3 and 4, the shelves from which goods are to be picked up next can be moved to the standby places 1 or 2 at high speed. However, a configuration in which the standby places 3 and 4 are not provided can also be adopted.

[0050] The shelves are moved in the order of the standby places 4, 3, 2, and 1.

[0051] Figure 3 is a view for explaining that the shelves are moved in the order of the places 4, 3, 2, and 1. In a case where the picking from the shelves in the standby place 1 is completed, the shelves are carried out of the standby place 1 by the mobile devices 101. Then, the shelves in the standby places 2, 3, and 4 are moved to the standby places 1, 2, and 3, respectively, by the mobile devices 101, and new shelves are carried into the standby place 4 by the mobile devices 101. In a case where the picking from the shelves in the standby places 1 and 2 is completed, the shelves are carried out of the standby place 1, and the shelves in the standby place 2 are carried out of the standby place 1. The shelves in the standby places 3 and 4 are moved to the standby places 1 and 2, respectively, and new shelves are carried into the standby places 3 and 4, respectively.

[0052] Figure 4FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a shelf and a mobile device. A view obtained by viewing the shelf j from the front is shown. The shelf j is provided with a plurality of partitions 301. One or more goods can be put in each partition 301. The mobile device 101 can enter between the legs of the shelf j and has a mechanism to lift the shelf between the legs. The mobile device 101 can move in the warehouse in a state where the shelf is lifted. However, the method of carrying the shelf by the mobile device 101 can be other methods. For example, the method can also be one in which the mobile device 101 docks with the shelf from the side and pulls it. In the present embodiment, the mobile device and the shelf exist independently, but the mobile device can also be integrally assembled with the shelf itself.

[0053] Figure 5 A situation in which an operator performs a picking operation of goods at a picking station is schematically shown. In the picking station, a plurality of boxes 410 in which goods are loaded are arranged on a rack 420. A situation in which the operator 440 takes out goods from two shelves j1, j2 placed in the waiting area 1, 2 based on a plurality of order data displayed on the operation monitor 430 and loads the boxes 410 corresponding to the order data is shown. The operator 440 can be either a human operator or a robot operator. In the present example, it is assumed that the operator is a human operator. In one order data, one or more orders of one kind of goods are recorded. In addition, one box (delivery destination) corresponds to one or more order data. In the present embodiment, in a case where one order data contains only one kind of goods and a plurality of kinds of goods are ordered from one customer (the same delivery destination), the order data exists by the kind of goods. However, a case where a plurality of kinds of goods are contained in one order data is also possible.

[0054] The order data contains information on the shelf from which the goods should be taken out, the partition, the number, and the box into which the goods should be loaded. The operator can recognize from which partition of which shelf several goods should be taken out and into which box the goods should be loaded according to the instruction of the order data displayed on the operation monitor 430.

[0055] In a case where the goods recorded in the order data are not present in both of the shelves at the picking stations, in order to complete the processing of the order data, it is necessary to move the shelves out and move the other shelves to the picking stations (waiting stations 1 or 2). In addition, in the present embodiment, a movement plan is made based on the actually generated order data, in which the shelves are moved in what order at the time of actual picking. However, it is also possible to not base the movement plan, but for the operator or the manager to refer to information such as how many of which goods are placed in which shelf, and to instruct the shelves that should be moved to the control device (not shown) that controls the movement device by manual operation. In the present embodiment, mainly focusing on deciding which goods are placed in each shelf, the movement plan of how the shelves are moved in a case where the actual order data is generated is not described in detail.

[0056] In Figure 5 In the example, the operator (person) performs the picking work at the picking station, but it is also possible for a picking robot to perform the picking work and the boxing. In this case, the picking robot receives instruction data that instructs the shelves from which the goods should be taken out, the zones, the numbers, and the boxes into which the goods should be placed, from a robot control device (not shown), and performs the picking work and the boxing based on the instruction data.

[0057] Frequent movement of the shelves is a major cause of reduction in efficiency in terms of time, operation, or power consumption of the shelves. If it is possible to pick many goods of the order data from the shelves at the waiting stations 1 and 2 at once, it is efficient. In addition, in a case where movement of the shelves occurs, it is also efficient to move the shelves that are close to the picking station. In the present embodiment, by considering the possibility of simultaneous picking and the distance of conveyance to decide the goods that are placed in each shelf, it is possible to satisfy these requirements at the same time.

[0058] Figure 1 The goods allocation device 10 of the example has a goods information storage section 11, an order information storage section 12, a shelf information storage section 13, a warehouse layout information storage section 14, a number of goods and number of orders calculation section 15, a cost calculation section 16, a processing section 21 (a model generation section 17, an optimization calculation section 18), a coverage rate calculation section 19, and a goods allocation information storage section 20.

[0059] The goods information storage section 11 stores at least the goods ID, the number of goods that can be placed in each zone of each shelf j, and the total amount or the maximum value of the goods that can be placed in the shelf j. In a case where the number of goods that can be placed in the zone is not limited, the total amount can be infinite. The number of goods that can be placed in the zone can also be calculated based on the dimensions of the length, width, and height of the goods and the dimensions of the length, width, and height of the zone. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that no goods are initially placed in each zone of each shelf.

[0060] The order information storage section 12 stores information (order information) including at least an order ID (order number), a product ID (product type), a product number, a delivery destination ID, a box ID, and a batch ID.

[0061] Figure 6 An example of the order information in the order information storage section 12 is shown. Since there is a case where the same product is packed in different boxes even if the delivery destination is the same, the box ID is distinguished from the delivery destination ID. The batch ID will be described later.

[0062] The order information in the order information storage section 12 is order information that is hypothetically created in order to determine the product allocation of each shelf. The order information can also be a history record of past actual order information. In addition, the order information of the future order from a customer or a consumer, or the like can be predicted, and the information of the predicted order can be used. In a case where there is a time margin from when the order is accepted from the customer until the shipment, the order information can also be an order (order placement) actually accepted from the customer or the consumer, or the like. The method of creating the order information can also be another method.

[0063] The plurality of order information in the order information storage section 12 is divided (batched) into a plurality of units in order to be able to pick up simultaneously in the picking station. By the batching, one or more order sets (batches) that become objects of simultaneous picking are generated. Each order set is referred to as a batch. The batch is assigned a batch ID (refer to FIG. 2). Figure 6 ).

[0064] As one example, the number of order information included in one batch (order set) can be the same as or less than the number of boxes 410 placed on the shelf 420 of the picking station. In a case where a plurality of order information is associated with the same box ID, order information more than the number of boxes 410 placed on the shelf 420 of the picking station can also be an object of simultaneous picking. However, the number of order information included in one batch is determined also considering a case where all the delivery destinations of the order information in the batch are not the same. In addition, the method of batching is not limited to a particular method. For example, the order information can be divided in a certain number in order of the order number, or order information that has a high possibility of being processed simultaneously (for example, the same box ID or the same delivery destination ID, or the like) can be included in one batch. Another method can also be used. In the present embodiment, the number of elements (the number of order information) of each batch is the same, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The shelf information storage section 13 includes at least a shelf ID, and a set of partition (opening) IDs included in the shelf. Further, a part of the information stored in the product information storage section 11 can also be stored in the shelf information storage section 13. For example, information of the total or maximum of the number of products that can be put in the partition of the partition ID can also be stored in the shelf information storage section 13 for each product ID.

[0066] The warehouse layout information storage section 14 includes information of the positions of the picking stations within the warehouse, and information of the positions of each shelf j. The position of each shelf j refers to the place where each shelf j is currently placed. After the shelf j is moved by the moving device, the information of the position of the shelf can be updated.

[0067] The warehouse layout information storage section 14 can also store information of the time or distance (transport distance) required for each shelf j to move from the position of the shelf j to the picking station. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that initially, the shelves j1 to j6 are placed at the positions of the picking stations. Further, the shelf on which the picking is completed can be returned to the original position or to another position. The method of deciding the position to which the shelf is returned is not described in detail in the present embodiment. Figure 2

[0068] The method of grasping the position of the shelf can be any method. For example, the position of the shelf can be determined by tracing the history of the control device instructing the moving device 101 through the present device 10 or the control device instructing the transport of the shelf to the moving device 101. Alternatively, in the case where the shelf can autonomously move, the moving device provided to the shelf calculates the position of the device itself by SLAM or the like, and transmits the calculated information of the position to the present device 10. Alternatively, by providing a communication device to each of the shelf and the present device 10, the shelf and the present device 10 communicate to receive the ID of the shelf, and the position of the shelf is grasped by analyzing the image (on which the shelf ID is given by sticking or printing, etc.) captured by the camera within the warehouse. Other methods can also be used.

[0069] The product number order number calculation section 15 obtains information from the product information storage section 11, the order information storage section 12, and the shelf information storage section 13, and calculates (a) the number of each product included in the order set, (b) the number of order information (hereinafter also referred to as order number) in which each product is included in the order set, and (c) the number of each product that can be put in each shelf (or the number of each opening) in the order set. For each order set, the information of (a) to (c) is calculated.

[0070] The cost calculation section 16 obtains information from the shelf information storage section 13 and the warehouse layout information storage section 14, and calculates the cost (shelf cost or moving cost) required for each shelf j to move to the picking station.​

[0071] As for the cost, the larger the distance between the shelf and the order-picking station (the conveyance distance) is, the smaller the value is. For example, a value obtained by multiplying the inverse of the distance by a constant is used as the cost. A value obtained by discretizing the inverse of the distance can also be used as the cost. The distance between the shelf and the order-picking station is, for example, a straight-line distance, a shortest-path distance, or an average of past data of movement times. As for the distance between the shelf and the order-picking station, in the case where the shelf initially needs to reach the waiting station 4 as described above, the distance between the shelf and the waiting station 4 can also be used as the distance between the shelf and the order-picking station. The above-described Figure 2 Examples of the cost of the shelves j1 to j6 are shown. The closer to the order-picking station, the larger the cost is.

[0072] The coverage rate calculating section 19 calculates the coverage rate for each shelf j for a plurality of batches (order sets). The coverage rate is a ratio of the order information included in a batch (order set) or the goods included in an order set that are covered (can be simultaneously picked) by the goods arranged on a shelf. Hereinafter, calculation examples of the coverage rate are shown.

[0073] (Calculation Example 1 of Coverage Rate)

[0074] The coverage rate calculating section 19 counts the number of order information including the goods in the case where the total number of the goods in a batch is equal to or larger than the total number of the goods arranged on a shelf. The coverage rate calculating section 19 calculates a ratio of the sum of the count values of the order information of each good to the total number of the order information in a batch as the coverage rate of the shelf with respect to the batch.

[0075] (Calculation Example 2 of Coverage Rate)

[0076] The coverage rate calculating section 19 calculates the number of order information in which the number of goods in a batch is equal to or larger than the number of the goods arranged on a shelf. The coverage rate calculating section 19 calculates a ratio of the calculated number of order information to the total number of the order information in a batch as the coverage rate of the shelf with respect to the batch.

[0077] (Calculation Example 3 of Coverage Rate)

[0078] The coverage rate calculating section 19 totals the number of goods in the case where the number of goods in a batch is equal to or larger than the number of the goods arranged on a shelf. The coverage rate calculating section 19 calculates a ratio of the sum of the total values of each good to the number of all the goods arranged on the shelf as the coverage rate.

[0079] The above-described calculation examples of the coverage rate are one example, and calculation examples 1 to 3 can be combined, or various modifications can be made to calculation examples 1 to 3. In addition, other calculation examples of the coverage rate are also possible.

[0080] The processing section 21 determines the goods to be arranged on the plurality of shelves based on the cost of each shelf and the plurality of batches. The processing section 21 includes the model generating section 17 and the optimization calculation section 18.

[0081] The model generating section 17 formulates the model shown in Equation (1) based on the information of (a) to (c) calculated by the number of goods order calculation section 15, the cost of each shelf calculated by the cost calculation section 16, and the information stored in the goods information storage section 11, the order information storage section 12, and the shelf information storage section 13.

[0082] The model of Equation (1) is a model that represents the sum of the multiplication values of the minimum coverage rate yj and the cost aj. The coverage rate for the shelf j is calculated for each batch, and the minimum value among the coverage rates of each batch is taken as the coverage rate yj (see Equation (8)). In the optimization calculation section 18 described later, the values of the unknown variables (xi, j, yj, wj, k, i) are determined by maximizing (max) the index of the value of the objective function by taking the model of Equation (1) as the objective function. Furthermore, the following model can be applied regardless of the number of waiting places (in the example described above, two of the waiting places 1 and 2) that can be simultaneously picked up in the picking station.

[0083] max.∑ j∈J (a j y j ), (1)

[0084] y j = f(j), (j ∈ J) (2),

[0085] ∑ i∈I x i，j ≤ L, (j ∈ J) (3),

[0086] ∑ j∈I q i x i，j ≤ r i , (i ∈ I) (4),

[0087] 0 ≤ w j，k，i ≤ 1, (j ∈ J, k ∈ K, i ∈ I) (5),

[0088] x i，j ∈ {0, 1,...}, (i ∈ I, j ∈ J) (6),

[0089]

[0090] I: Set of types of goods

[0091] J: Shelf set

[0092] O: number of orders in a batch

[0093] K: set of batches

[0094] o k，i : number of items i included in all orders of batch k

[0095] a j : cost corresponding to distance of shelf j from picking station

[0096] p k，i : number of orders of item i in batch k

[0097] q i : number of items i that can be put in one opening of shelf

[0098] r i : maximum number of items i that can be put in

[0099] L: number of openings of shelf

[0100] x i，j ∈ {0, 1,...}: number of openings of shelf j into which item i is put i，j corresponding to x i，j is an integer.

[0101] y j : minimum coverage rate of shelf j (minimum value of coverage rates of batches)

[0102] W j，k，i : intermediate variable

[0103] y i =f(j) shown in (2) is the minimum coverage rate calculated by the coverage rate calculation section. (3) to (5) are constraint conditions. (6) and (7) are definitions of x and w. In this example, ri (maximum number of items i that can be put in) is a common value for all shelves, but different values can be defined for each shelf.

[0104] The coverage rate calculation section 19 calculates the minimum value of the coverage rates of the batches (minimum coverage rate) for each shelf j. The minimum coverage rate of the shelf j is calculated by a function represented by the following equation (8). The coverage rates of the batches for the shelf j are based on the above-described calculation example 1 of the coverage rate. (9) and (10) are constraint conditions for wj, k, i.

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] 0 ≤ wj，k，i ≤ 1, (j e J, k e K, i e I) (10),

[0108] wj,k,i is in a range of 0 or more and 1 or less, and is a value of the left side of the formula (9) or less. As one example, wj,k,i can also be set to a maximum value (a value identical to the value of the left side) satisfying the formula (9) in a range of 0 or more and 1 or less.

[0109] The first term (a term including ∑) of the left side of the formula (9) is a sum of w (set to wd,e,f in order to be distinguished from wj,k,i) calculated in the shelves (j = 1,..., j - 1) processed before the shelf j as an object. Therefore, in the case of the shelf initially as an object of processing, the first term of the left side of the formula (9) is 0.

[0110] As for the second term of the left side of the formula (9), in the case where the number of the goods qi-xi,j is put in the shelf j as an object, if the number is equal to or more than the number of the goods i included in the entire order of the batch k, the value of the second term becomes 1 or more. In this case, when it is assumed that the shelf j as an object is the shelf initially as an object of processing, wj,k,i is 1, and the order of the goods i is covered by 100% in the shelf j. In the case where the orders of the other goods i with respect to the batch k are also covered by 100%, the right side of the formula (8) becomes 1 (the coverage of the shelf j with respect to the batch k is 100%).

[0111]

[0112] 1 (the coverage of the shelf j with respect to the batch k is 100%). As for the shelves processed after the second, wj,k,i is determined also considering the sum of wd,e,f calculated with respect to the shelves processed before. That is, even if the goods i are not covered by 100% in the shelf j as an object at present, the value of wi,j,k is made larger than the sum of wd,e,f calculated in the shelves j (j = 1,..., j) processed before. That is, the value of wi,j,k becomes larger in accordance with the amount covered by the previous shelves. As a modification example of the formula (9), the first term (a term including ∑) of the left side of the formula (9) can also be removed.

[0113] As a modification example of the coverage, a plurality of coverages can also be added with weights a, β and subjected to addition operation as in the formula (11) below.

[0114]

[0115]

[0116] 0 ≤ wj，k，i ≤ 1, (j e J, k e K, i e I) (13),

[0117]

[0118] h j，k，i ∈ {0, 1}, (j e J, k e K, i e I) (15).

[0119] Wj,k,i is a value in a range of 0 or more and 1 or less, and hj,k,i is a 2-value variable of 0 or 1. In a case where the number of goods of qi-xi,j is put in the shelf j as an object, if the number is equal to or more than the number of goods i included in all orders of the batch k, hj,k,i is 1. That is, regarding the order of the goods i, it is covered (100%) in the shelf j. In a case where the number of goods of qi-xi,j is put in the shelf j as an object, if the number is less than the number of goods i included in all orders of the batch k, hj,k,i is 0. That is, regarding the order of the goods i, it is not covered 100% in the shelf j. The more the coverage rate in the shelf j as an object is valued, the more the weight β can be increased compared to the shelf that has been processed before.

[0120] A constraint can also be set to the relationship of a and β. For example, a constraint can be set that the addition value of a and β is 1.

[0121] The optimization calculation section 18 searches for a solution by maximizing or quasi-maximizing (optimizing or quasi-optimizing) the objective function of the model generated by the model generation section 17 using the coverage rate calculation section 19. As a method of optimization, various methods are known. For example, there are a rule-based solution construction method (greedy algorithm, neighborhood search method), a genetic algorithm (GA: Genetic Algorithm), a simulated annealing algorithm (SA: Simulated Annealing), a search based on enumeration. In addition, there are a method of formulating a model as a mixed integer linear programming method to be solved by a general-purpose solver, an optimization method based on quantum annealing, or an optimization method based on an Ising machine, and the like.

[0122] The goods allocation information storage section 20 stores information of the allocation of each goods to each shelf calculated by the optimization calculation section 18 (goods allocation information).

[0123] Figure 7 An example of the goods allocation information is shown. The goods allocation information includes a shelf ID, a goods ID, and information of the number of goods. In the optimization calculation section 18, the number of partitions in which the goods are put is calculated as a solution of the objective function, but in the present embodiment, the number of goods is also calculated as a solution of the objective function. Figure 7In this case, the number of partitions is converted into the number of goods based on the maximum value of the number of goods that can be put into the partitions. Instead of Figure 7 the number of goods or in addition to the number of goods, the number of partitions can be added. To the goods allocation information, the minimum coverage rate yj of the shelf calculated by the optimization calculation section 18 (refer to Equation (2)) can be added.

[0124] The device 10 can also transmit the goods allocation information to a configuration control device that controls the configuration of goods to each shelf. The configuration control device causes a robot that configures goods to transport the goods from a storage place to each shelf and configures the goods to the shelf. The robot can be the mobile device 101 or another configuration-specific device. Alternatively, an operator can refer to the goods allocation information and configure goods to each shelf. Figure 7 Figure 2

[0125] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing one example of the operation of the goods allocation device 10 according to the first embodiment. The number of goods order number calculation section 15 obtains information from the goods information storage section 11, the order information storage section 12, and the shelf information storage section 13 and calculates the information of (a) to (c) described above with respect to each order set (step S101).

[0126] The cost calculation section 16 obtains information from the shelf information storage section 13 and the warehouse layout information storage section 14 and calculates the cost (shelf cost or movement cost) required for each shelf j to move to the picking station (step S102).

[0127] The model generation section 17 generates a model that shows the sum of the product of the minimum coverage rate yj and the cost aj based on the information of (a) to (c), the shelf cost of each shelf, and the information stored in the goods information storage section 11, the order information storage section 12, and the shelf information storage section 13 (step S103).

[0128] The optimization calculation section 18 determines the variable of the model by optimizing or quasi-optimizing the objective function based on the model (step S104). In the process of the optimization processing, the optimization calculation section 18 uses the coverage rate calculation section 19 to calculate the coverage rate of each shelf (step S105).

[0129] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the allocation of goods to each shelf is determined based on the coverage rate of each shelf and the cost of each shelf, and thus the possibility of simultaneous picking for multiple orders when picking is performed based on the orders for actually generated goods is improved, and the efficiency of picking is improved. In addition, when the shelves are moved, the transport distance or the transport time of the shelves as picking targets can be shortened, and thus it is also efficient in terms of time and the load (energy consumption, etc.) of the mobile device. ​​

[0130] (2nd Embodiment)

[0131] In the case of having a large number of shelves, the shelves can also be classified (grouped) to generate a plurality of classes (shelf groups). The cost of each class is calculated, and in addition, the coverage rate of each class is calculated. The cost of each class can be represented by a representative value of the costs of the plurality of shelves belonging to the class. The representative value is, for example, the average, the maximum value, the minimum value, the median value, or the like. In the model shown in the 1st embodiment, the classes are represented by a symbol j instead of the shelves, and the same processing as the 1st embodiment can be performed. By classifying the shelves in this way, the number of objects to be processed is reduced, and thus the calculation time can be suppressed.

[0132] When the number of shelves included in each class increases, the hit rate at the time of actual picking decreases. Therefore, the number of shelves included in each class can also be limited based on an allowable hit rate.

[0133] (3rd Embodiment)

[0134] In the 1st embodiment, the picking station is one, but the case where the picking station is a plurality can also be considered. In this case, the allocation of orders to the picking stations and the allocation of shelves to the picking stations are uniquely decided in advance. Thereby, as a problem of each picking station, the method of the 1st embodiment can be applied to decide the allocation of goods to each shelf.

[0135] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing a warehouse of a shelf moving type in the 3rd embodiment. The illustration of the conveyance moving device is omitted. Picking stations are provided at 7 places in the warehouse. A waiting area 1, 2 is provided at each picking station. An operator can pick from the shelves arranged at the waiting area 1, and cannot pick from the shelves arranged at the waiting area 2. When the shelves of the waiting area 1 are carried out by the moving device, the shelves of the waiting area 2 are moved to the waiting area 1 by the moving device. New shelves are carried into the waiting area 2. At least one shelf (fixed shelf) F fixed in position is provided at each picking station. The fixed shelf F is a shelf (2nd shelf) arranged at a position where picking can be performed in the picking station, and an operator can also pick from the fixed shelf F.

[0136] Each picking station is associated with a set of batches. In addition, a shelf (including the fixed shelf F) is allocated to each picking station, and the shelves are not duplicated between the picking stations. The allocation of goods to each shelf can be decided in the same manner as the 1st embodiment. In the formulation of the model, the cost of the fixed shelf F can be set to a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, set to a value higher than the maximum value of the costs of the movable shelves.

[0137] (4th Embodiment)

[0138] In the first embodiment, the state in which all shelves are empty is assumed as a premise, but the case in which some or all of the shelves have already been provided with goods can also be assumed. In this case, as the problem of deciding goods to be put in the empty positions in the shelves, the model is formulated as in the first embodiment, and the model is optimized.

[0139] In the goods information storage section 11, the number of goods that can be put in each section can be set as the number of goods that can be additionally put in. The total amount (maximum value) of goods that can be put in the shelf j can be set as the total amount (maximum value) of goods that can be additionally put in. Information on the number of goods that have been put in each section can also be stored by the goods ID. The total amount of the number of goods that have been put in the shelf j can also be stored by the goods ID.

[0140] In the formulation of the model, the value obtained by subtracting the number of goods that have already been provided from the maximum number of goods i that can be put in the shelf can also be used as r. r can also be defined by the shelf as r,. In addition, the value obtained by subtracting the number of sections in which goods have already been provided from the number of sections of the shelf can also be used as the number of openings L of the shelf.

[0141] (5th Embodiment)

[0142] In the first embodiment, goods are provided in units of sections, but in the case in which goods are provided in units of one regardless of the size of the section, the number of sections in the shelf can be regarded as the maximum number of goods that can be provided in the shelf. In the case in which goods are provided in units of two, in units of three, or the like, the same processing can also be performed.

[0143] (Hardware Structure)

[0144] Figure 9 The hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 200 to which the embodiment of the present application relates is shown. Figure 1 The goods distribution apparatus 10 is constituted by a computer apparatus 200. The computer apparatus 200 is provided with a CPU 201, an input interface 202, a display apparatus 203, a communication apparatus 204, a main storage apparatus 205, and an external storage apparatus 206, which are connected to each other through a bus 207.

[0145] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 executes an information processing program, which is a computer program, on the main storage apparatus 205. The information processing program is a program that realizes each functional configuration of the present apparatus described above. The information processing program can also not be one program, but can be realized by a combination of a plurality of programs, scripts. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 201 executing the information processing program.

[0146] The input interface 202 is a circuit for inputting an operation signal from an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel to the present device. The input interface 202 corresponds to an operation device of a user.

[0147] The display device 203 displays data output from the present device. The display device 203 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic electroluminescence display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), but is not limited thereto. Data output from the computer device 200 can be displayed on the display device 203.

[0148] The communication device 204 is a circuit for the present device to communicate with an external device through wireless or wired. Data can be input from the external device via the communication device 204. Data input from the external device can be saved in the main storage device 205, the external storage device 206.

[0149] The main storage device 205 stores an information processing program, data necessary for executing the information processing program, and data generated by executing the information processing program, and the like. The information processing program is expanded on the main storage device 205 and is executed. The main storage device 205 is, for example, a RAM, a DRAM, an SRAM, but is not limited thereto. Figure 1 Each storage section or database of the above can also be constructed on the main storage device 205.

[0150] The external storage device 206 stores an information processing program, data necessary for executing the information processing program, and data generated by executing the information processing program, and the like. These information processing program and data are read out to the main storage device 205 at the time of executing the information processing program. The external storage device 206 is, for example, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, and a magnetic tape, but is not limited thereto. Figure 1 Each storage section or database of the above can also be constructed on the external storage device 206.

[0151] Further, the information processing program can be installed in the computer device 200 in advance, or can be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, the information processing program can be uploaded to the Internet.

[0152] In addition, the present device can be constituted by a single computer device 200, or can be constituted as a system including a plurality of computer devices 200 connected to each other.

[0153] Moreover, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied by modifying the components within a scope that does not depart from the gist thereof in the implementation phase. In addition, various applications can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. In addition, for example, a configuration obtained by deleting several components from all the components shown in the embodiments is also contemplated. Further, the components described in different embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0154] [Technical Solution 1]

[0155] An information processing apparatus including:

[0156] a processing section that determines, based on distances between a plurality of first shelves and a picking station and order information of a product, the product to be arranged on the plurality of first shelves that are movable to the picking station.

[0157] [Technical Solution 2]

[0158] The information processing apparatus according to Technical Solution 1,

[0159] includes a cost calculation section that calculates a cost of moving the plurality of first shelves to the picking station,

[0160] and the processing section determines, based on the cost and the order information of the product, the product to be arranged on the plurality of first shelves.

[0161] [Technical Solution 3]

[0162] The information processing apparatus according to Technical Solution 1 or 2,

[0163] includes a coverage rate calculation section that calculates, for a plurality of sets of the order information, a coverage rate that is a ratio of the order information included in the set or the product included in the set to be arranged on the first shelf to the product covered by the product arranged on the first shelf,

[0164] and the processing section determines, based on the coverage rate, the product to be arranged on the plurality of first shelves.

[0165] [Technical Solution 4]

[0166] The information processing apparatus according to Technical Solution 3,

[0167] The coverage rate calculating section calculates a ratio of the total number of the order information in the set to the number of the order information in which the number of the goods included in the order information is equal to or more than the number of the goods arranged in the first shelf.

[0168] [Technical solution 5]

[0169] The information processing device according to any one of technical solutions 3 to 6,

[0170] The coverage rate calculating section calculates a ratio of the number of the order information in which the number of the goods included in the order information is equal to or more than the number of the goods arranged in the first shelf to the total number of the order information in the set.

[0171] [Technical solution 6]

[0172] The information processing device according to any one of technical solutions 3 to 6,

[0173] The coverage rate calculating section calculates a ratio of the total number of the order information in the set to the number of the order information in which the number of the goods included in the order information is equal to or more than the number of the goods arranged in the first shelf.

[0174] [Technical solution 7]

[0175] The information processing device according to any one of technical solutions 3 to 6,

[0176] The cost calculating section calculates a cost of moving the plurality of first shelves to the picking station,

[0177] The processing section calculates a minimum value of a plurality of the coverage rates for a plurality of the sets for each of the first shelves, and determines the goods arranged in the plurality of first shelves based on the minimum value of the coverage rate for each of the first shelves and the cost.

[0178] [Technical solution 8]

[0179] The information processing device according to technical solution 7,

[0180] The processing section multiplies the minimum value of the coverage rate and the cost, and determines the goods arranged in the plurality of first shelves using a total sum of the multiplication values as an index.

[0181] [Technical solution 9]

[0182] The information processing apparatus according to any one of

[0183] The processing section determines the goods arranged in the plurality of first shelves by maximizing the index.

[0184] [Technical Solution 10]

[0185] The information processing apparatus according to any one of

[0186] The cost has a value corresponding to a distance between the first shelf and the order-picking station.

[0187] [Technical Solution 11]

[0188] The information processing apparatus according to any one of

[0189] The cost has a value corresponding to a time required for movement between the first shelf and the order-picking station.

[0190] [Technical Solution 12]

[0191] The information processing apparatus according to any one of

[0192] The order information is based on a history record of order information of the goods generated in the past.

[0193] [Technical Solution 13]

[0194] The information processing apparatus according to any one of

[0195] The order information is based on prediction information of orders of the goods generated in the future.

[0196] [Technical Solution 14]

[0197] The information processing apparatus according to any one of

[0198] The coverage rate calculation section classifies the plurality of first shelves into a plurality of categories and calculates the coverage rate for each category.

[0199] [Technical Solution 15]

[0200] The information processing apparatus according to any one of

[0201] The plurality of order information is assigned to any of the plurality of order-picking stations, and the plurality of first shelves is assigned to any of the plurality of order-picking stations,

[0202] The cost calculation section calculates the cost based on the assigned first shelves and the assigned order information for each order-picking station.

[0203] The processing section decides the goods to be arranged in the first shelves allocated to the picking stations.

[0204] [Technical Solution 16]

[0205] The information processing device according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 15,

[0206] The processing section decides the goods to be arranged in the first shelves allocated to the picking stations.

[0207] [Technical Solution 17]

[0208] An information processing method, comprising:

[0209] The processing section decides the goods to be arranged in the first shelves allocated to the picking stations.

[0210] [Technical Solution 18]

[0211] A computer program for causing a computer to execute the following steps:

[0212] The processing section decides the goods to be arranged in the first shelves allocated to the picking stations.

[0213] [Technical Solution 19]

[0214] An information processing system, comprising:

[0215] at least one mobile device for moving a plurality of first shelves to a picking station; and

[0216] An information processing device, comprising a processing section for deciding goods to be arranged in a plurality of first shelves based on a distance between the plurality of first shelves and the picking station and order information of the goods.

[0217] [Technical Solution 20]

[0218] The information processing system according to Technical Solution 19,

[0219] further comprising a robot for picking the goods from the first shelves in the picking station.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: The processing unit, based on the distance between the plurality of first shelves that can be moved to the picking station and the picking station, and the order information of the goods, determines the goods to be placed on the plurality of first shelves; and The coverage calculation unit calculates a coverage rate based on multiple sets of the order information, whereby the coverage rate is the ratio of the order information or the products contained in the set to the products arranged on the first shelf. The processing unit determines the items to be placed on the plurality of first shelves based on the coverage rate.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, The system includes a cost calculation unit that calculates the cost of moving the plurality of first shelves to the picking station. The processing unit determines which products to place on the plurality of first shelves based on the cost and the order information of the products.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, When the total number of the products in the set is greater than or equal to the total number of the products arranged on the first shelf, the coverage calculation unit counts the number of order information items containing the products and uses the ratio of the sum of the counts of each product to the total number of order information items in the set as the coverage rate.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, The coverage calculation unit calculates the number of products in the order information in the set as the number of order information items that is more than the number of products configured on the first shelf, and uses the ratio of the number of order information items to the total number of order information items in the set as the coverage rate.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, When the number of items in the set is greater than or equal to the number of items arranged on the first shelf, the coverage calculation unit sums up the number of items and uses the ratio of the sum of the number of each item to the total number of items arranged on the first shelf as the coverage rate.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, The system includes a cost calculation unit that calculates the cost of moving the plurality of first shelves to the picking station. The processing unit calculates the minimum of the multiple coverage rates for the multiple sets according to the first shelf, and determines the goods to be placed on the multiple first shelves based on the minimum coverage rate of each first shelf and the cost.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, The processing unit performs a multiplication operation on the minimum coverage rate and the cost, and uses the sum of the multiplication values ​​as an indicator to determine the products to be placed on the plurality of first shelves.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, The processing unit determines the merchandise to be placed on the plurality of first shelves by maximizing the indicators.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The cost has a value corresponding to the distance between the first shelf and the picking station.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, The cost has a value corresponding to the time required for movement between the first shelf and the picking station.

11. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The order information is based on the historical records of orders for the product generated in the past.

12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The order information is based on forecasts of future orders for the goods.

13. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 8, The coverage calculation unit divides the plurality of first shelves into multiple categories and calculates the coverage rate according to the categories.

14. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 6 to 8, The multiple order information items are assigned to any one of the multiple picking stations, and the multiple first shelves are assigned to any one of the multiple picking stations. The cost calculation unit calculates the cost based on the assigned first shelf and the assigned order information at the picking station. The processing unit determines the goods to be placed on the assigned first shelf according to the picking station.

15. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The processing unit determines the goods configured on at least one second shelf and the goods configured on the plurality of first shelves, wherein the at least one second shelf is located in a position where picking can be performed at the picking station.

16. An information processing method, Based on the distances between the multiple first shelves that can move to the picking station and the picking station, and the order information of the goods, the goods to be placed on the multiple first shelves are determined. Coverage is calculated based on multiple sets of the order information, whereby the coverage ratio is the percentage of the order information or the products contained in the set that are positioned on the first shelf. Based on the coverage rate, the products are determined to be placed on the plurality of first shelves.

17. A computer program product comprising a computer program for causing a computer to perform the following steps: Based on the distances between the multiple first shelves that can move to the picking station and the picking station, and the order information of the goods, the goods to be placed on the multiple first shelves are determined. Coverage is calculated based on multiple sets of the order information, whereby the coverage ratio is the percentage of the order information or the products contained in the set that are positioned on the first shelf. Based on the coverage rate, the products are determined to be placed on the plurality of first shelves.

18. An information processing system, comprising: At least one mobile device that moves multiple first shelves toward the picking station; and Information processing apparatus, comprising: The processing unit determines the items to be placed on the plurality of first shelves based on the distance between the plurality of first shelves and the picking station and the order information of the items; and The coverage calculation unit calculates a coverage rate based on multiple sets of the order information, whereby the coverage rate is the ratio of the order information or the products contained in the set to the products arranged on the first shelf. The processing unit determines the items to be placed on the plurality of first shelves based on the coverage rate.

19. The information processing system according to claim 18, It also includes a robot that picks the goods from the first shelf at the picking station.

Images