Picking system

Abstract

In a picking system, a control system executes a batch generation process in which order information of a set number is collected, and a picking job corresponding to the collected order information is set as one batch job. In the batch generation process, when the control system can set the number (Nc) of the overlapping risk batch jobs to be less than or equal to the total number (Nb) of the object carriers which can be delivered from the automatic warehouse, the control system gathers order information in a manner that the number (Nc) of the overlapping risk batch jobs is less than or equal to the total number (Nb) of the object carriers which can be delivered from the automatic warehouse, so that the number (Nc) of the overlapping risk batch jobs is less than or equal to the total number (Nb) of the object carriers. When the number of overlapping risk batch jobs (Nc) cannot be set to be less than or equal to the total number (Nb) that can be delivered, the order information is aggregated so that the number of overlapping risk batch jobs (Nc) is minimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a picking system comprising: an automated warehouse storing multiple containers each containing multiple items; multiple work areas for picking operations, wherein the picking operations are based on order information specifying the type and quantity of the aforementioned items required for each shipping destination, and the items of the aforementioned type and quantity specified by the order information are retrieved from the containers that have been shipped from the automated warehouse; a conveying system for transporting the aforementioned containers between the automated warehouse and the multiple work areas; and a control system for controlling the automated warehouse and the conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] In picking systems used in logistics centers, containers carrying items of the type specified in the order information are transported from an automated warehouse to a work area. Then, in the work area, picking operations are performed to retrieve the items of the type and quantity specified in the order information. Multiple picking operations generated as tasks in the picking system are assigned to different work areas. An example of such a picking system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-199562.

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-199562. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve Incidentally, the types of items stored in the automated warehouse of the picking system are diverse, and the demand (e.g., shipping frequency, shipping quantity) varies depending on the type of item. Inventory management in the automated warehouse is usually based on demand, but the demand for items may change in response to changes in the market environment. For example, if demand exceeds the originally anticipated quantity, the supply of items from the automated warehouse to the work area will be delayed, and there may be situations where picking operations cannot be carried out smoothly in the work area.

[0005] In view of the above situation, we hope to implement a picking system that can improve the efficiency of picking operations.

[0006] Methods for solving problems The picking system disclosed herein comprises: an automated warehouse storing multiple containers each containing multiple items; multiple work areas for picking operations, wherein the picking operations are based on order information specifying the type and quantity of the aforementioned items required for each shipping destination, and the items of the aforementioned type and quantity specified by the order information are retrieved from the containers that have been shipped from the automated warehouse; a conveying system for transporting the aforementioned containers between the automated warehouse and the multiple work areas; and a control system for controlling the automated warehouse and the conveying system; the control system is configured to execute: a batch generation process, which aggregates a set number of the aforementioned order information and sets the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information as one batch operation; a job allocation process, which allocates each of the multiple batch operations generated by the batch generation process to one of the multiple work areas; a conveying process, which conveys the containers required by the batch operations allocated by the job allocation process to each of the multiple work areas; and an exponential calculation process, which sets each of the multiple types as an object type. For all of the aforementioned categories, an overlap risk index is calculated. The overlap risk index represents the probability that the number of the aforementioned carriers (i.e., object carriers) containing the aforementioned items of the aforementioned object type is insufficient relative to the number of the aforementioned work areas where the aforementioned picking operation of the aforementioned items of the aforementioned object type is performed. The aforementioned categories with an overlap risk index less than a predetermined judgment threshold are defined as overlap risk categories. The number of the aforementioned batch operations (i.e., overlap risk batch operations) including the aforementioned picking operation corresponding to the aforementioned order information with the aforementioned overlap risk category is defined as the overlap risk batch operation number. In the aforementioned batch generation process, if the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number can be set to be less than or equal to the total number of the aforementioned object carriers that can be dispatched from the aforementioned automated warehouse (i.e., the total number that can be dispatched), the aforementioned order information is aggregated in a manner that makes the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number less than or equal to the total number that can be dispatched. If the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number cannot be set to be less than or equal to the total number that can be dispatched, the aforementioned order information is aggregated in a manner that makes the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number the minimum.

[0007] According to this structure, by aggregating order information specifying overlapping risk categories where the total number of items that can be shipped is insufficient relative to the number of orders, it is easy to reduce the number of work areas that perform picking operations for items of that overlapping risk category. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of work wait times in each work area due to insufficient number of containers relative to the number of work areas, resulting in waiting for the objects needed for picking operations. Consequently, it is easy to reduce work wait times in each work area, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the technology disclosed herein will become clearer from the following illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a top view of the picking system.

[0010] Figure 2 This is the control block diagram of the picking system.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram of the picking operation.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram for batch assignments.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a graph showing an example of the number of orders for each type of item.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the calculation of the single-overlap risk index and the double-overlap risk index.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a time map showing the work time in the work area.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a time map showing the work time in the work area.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a time map showing the work time in the work area.

[0018] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the ability to increase the total number of goods shipped out.

[0019] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram of operations similar to exponentiation.

[0020] Figure 12 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating the rearrangement of order information based on a similar index.

[0021] Figure 13 This is an illustration of the aggregation of multiple order information generated through batch processing.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a time map showing the operation time in the work area for other implementation methods. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The implementation of the picking system will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] like Figures 1-3As shown, the picking system 100 includes: an automated warehouse 1 that stores multiple containers 5 each containing multiple items W; multiple work areas 2 that perform picking operations based on order information In that specifies the type and quantity of items W required for each shipping destination, and retrieves items W of the type and quantity specified by the order information In from containers 5 that have been shipped from the automated warehouse 1; a conveying system 7 that transports containers 5 between the automated warehouse 1 and the multiple work areas 2; and a control system 3 that controls the automated warehouse 1 and the conveying system 7.

[0025] The items W include industrial products, daily necessities, food, etc. Furthermore, items W may also include finished products and semi-finished products. Items W are stored in the automated warehouse 1, mounted on the carrier 5, and are further transported to various locations by the conveyor system 7.

[0026] The carrier 5 includes containers and pallets. Furthermore, the containers include folding containers and corrugated cardboard boxes. In this embodiment, the carrier 5 is constructed using storage containers for pre-storage in the automated warehouse 1 (see reference). Figure 3 In this example, a single type of item W is placed in a single container 5. However, multiple types of items W can also be placed in a single container 5.

[0027] Detailed illustrations are omitted, but the automated warehouse 1 includes storage shelves for storing the containers 5, and a shelf conveying device for transporting the containers 5 within the automated warehouse 1. Examples of shelf conveying devices include stacker cranes, elevators, conveyor trolleys arranged on each layer of the storage shelves, and conveyors. The shelf conveying device forms part of the conveying system 7. In this embodiment, the picking system 100 includes multiple such automated warehouses 1. Alternatively, if the automated warehouse 1 includes a conveyor as a shelf conveying device, it can also have a structure where the containers 5 are stored on the conveyor. In this case, the automated warehouse 1 can also be configured without stacker cranes or conveyor trolleys.

[0028] In this embodiment, the conveying system 7 includes a conveyor 70. The conveying path of the carrier 5 carried by the conveyor 70 is formed in such a way that multiple automated warehouses 1 are connected to multiple work areas 2. The carrier 5, which has been taken out from one of the multiple automated warehouses 1, is conveyed to one of the multiple work areas 2 via the conveyor path of the conveyor 70. After the required item W is retrieved by the picking operation in the work area 2, the carrier 5 is conveyed to one of the multiple automated warehouses 1 via the conveyor path of the conveyor 70 and stored there. The conveying system 7 may also replace the conveyor 70 or include other types of conveying devices such as unmanned transport vehicles in addition to the conveyor 70. In addition, as described above, the conveying system 7 includes a shelf conveying device for conveying the carrier 5 within the automated warehouse 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the conveying system 7 has a first conveying path 71 for conveying the carrier 5 between the automated warehouse 1 and multiple work areas 2, and in addition to the first conveying path 71, it also has a second conveying path 72 for conveying the carrier 5 between the multiple work areas 2.

[0030] The second conveying path 72 is a path that does not connect to any of the automated warehouses 1. In this example, the second conveying path 72 is a path that only connects the multiple work areas 2 to each other. As will be described later, the second conveying path 72 is a path used in direct conveying processes that do not pass through the automated warehouses 1.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the control system 3 is configured to control the automated warehouse 1, the work area 2, and the conveyor system 7 based on order information In. Furthermore, the control system 3 also controls work instruction output devices (monitors, etc.) and picking robots configured in the work area 2.

[0032] Order information In specifies the type and quantity of items W required for each shipping destination. Order information In is generated based on customer demand and is stored on server 4. Control system 3 retrieves order information In from server 4.

[0033] The control system 3 is configured to perform inventory management of items W in the automated warehouse 1. The control system 3 is configured to manage at least the types and quantities of items W placed in each container 5 stored in the automated warehouse 1.

[0034] Based on the order information In, the control system 3 selects multiple or single containers 5 required for picking operations in each work area 2, and uses the conveyor system 7 to transport the selected containers 5 to each work area 2. The transport of containers 5 from the automated warehouse 1 to the work area 2 is carried out using the first conveyor path 71 described above.

[0035] The control system 3 can be constructed using multiple hardware components and multiple software components. The control system 3 may include, for example, a processor such as a microcomputer, peripheral circuits such as memory, etc. Furthermore, various functions are achieved through the cooperation of these hardware components and the programs executing on the processor such as the computer.

[0036] Next, the picking operation carried out in work area 2 will be explained.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, picking operations are based on order information In. In a picking operation, multiple or single items W specified by order information In are gathered. For example, order information In is generated for each shipping destination. Thus, a picking operation can be described as an operation that gathers the items W required for each shipping destination.

[0038] Multiple or single containers 5 carrying items W of the type and quantity specified by order information In are transported to a specific work area 2. During the picking operation, these items W related to order information In are retrieved and collected into a shipping container 6.

[0039] When all items W placed in container 5 are removed through the picking operation, container 5 becomes empty. In this embodiment, an empty container holding part 20 is provided in the work area 2 to hold the empty containers 5 generated by the picking operation. As a result, empty containers 5 can be pre-stored in the work area 2. When the containers 5 are constructed using foldable containers, space efficiency can be achieved by pre-stacking multiple containers 5 in a folded state. As will be described later, in this example, the empty containers 5 stored in the work area 2 are used in the container splitting operation.

[0040] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, using order information In, three items W of type A (hereinafter referred to as "item A"), two items W of type B (hereinafter referred to as "item B"), and one item W of type C (hereinafter referred to as "item C") are specified. In this example, each carrier 5 is configured such that a carrier 5 carrying a single type of item W, a carrier 5 carrying three or more items A, a carrier 5 carrying two or more items B, and a carrier 5 carrying one or more items C are transported to work area 2. Then, in the picking operation in work area 2, the three items A, two items B, and one item C are gathered into the shipping container 6. Furthermore, the picking operation can be performed by an operator or unmanned by a picking robot, or it can be performed by both an operator and a picking robot.

[0041] exist Figure 3 In the illustration, the carrier 5, which carries the item C, holds the same number of items C as specified in the order information In (1 item C in the example shown). Therefore, when a picking operation is performed on the carrier 5, the carrier 5 becomes empty and is held by the empty carrier holding unit 20.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, control system 3 (refer to...) Figure 2 The system is configured to perform: batch generation processing, which gathers a set number of order information In and sets the picking operation corresponding to the gathered order information In as a batch operation; job allocation processing, which allocates the multiple batch operations generated by the batch generation processing to one of the multiple work areas 2; and conveying processing, which conveys the carrier 5 required by the batch operations allocated by the job allocation processing to each of the multiple work areas 2.

[0043] A batch operation includes picking operations related to a set number of order information In. That is, a batch operation includes a set number of picking operations. In this embodiment, the "set number" is the maximum number of picking operations that can be included in one batch operation. In this example, the set number is set to 4. That is, in this case, the number of picking operations that can be included in one batch operation is set to 1 to 4. However, the set number can also be other than "4", for example, it can be set to "1". Thus, in this embodiment, the set number is set to a fixed value, but it can also be a value that varies depending on the situation.

[0044] exist Figure 4 The example shown illustrates four batch jobs. Each of the four batch jobs includes four picking jobs. Using job assignment processing, each of the four batch jobs is assigned to one of the four job areas 2. However, as mentioned above, the number of picking jobs in a single batch job can exceed a set number, which in this example could be 1 to 3.

[0045] Here, the items W stored in the automated warehouse 1 of the picking system 100 are of various kinds, and the demand varies depending on the type of items W.

[0046] For example, Figure 5 As shown, suppose the types of item W are A to Z. The right column of the table represents the number of order messages In that should be processed within a unit period for each type of item W (hereinafter referred to as "order number Na"). That is, the order number Na represents the number of specific types of item W involved in the order messages In that should be processed within a unit period. In the example shown, type A is included in each of the 200 order messages In. In other words, in the picking operation related to each of the 200 order messages In, item W of type A is required. For types X, Y, and Z, the order number Na is relatively small, being "6", "5", and "16" respectively.

[0047] In the picking system 100, inventory management is performed in the automated warehouse 1. This inventory management increases the inventory of high-demand items W (i.e., the quantity of items W pre-stored in the automated warehouse 1) that tend to have a higher order quantity Na, while decreasing the inventory of low-demand items W that tend to have a lower order quantity Na. This easily improves the storage efficiency of items W in the automated warehouse 1.

[0048] Here, each of the multiple categories is designated as an object category, the container 5 containing the item W of the object category is designated as the object container 5, and the total number of object containers 5 that can be retrieved from the automated warehouse 1 is designated as the total number of retrievable containers Nb. The total number of retrievable containers Nb is, for example, the total number of object containers 5 currently stored in the automated warehouse 1. In addition, "object category" refers to a portion or all of the objects that are processed by the picking system 100 and are included in the batch generation process, as well as the process of increasing the total number of retrievable containers (described later).

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the control system 3 is configured to perform an index calculation process for all types, calculating an overlap risk index N1 (equivalent to an "overlap risk index"). The overlap risk index N1 represents the probability that the number of carriers 5 containing items of object type W, i.e., object carriers 5, is insufficient relative to the number of work areas 2 where the picking operation of items of object type W is performed. In this embodiment, the smaller the value of the overlap risk index N1, the higher the probability of this.

[0050] In this embodiment, the number of order information In that specifies the object type of item W among the multiple order information In that should be processed within a unit period is set as the object order number Na, and the overlap risk index N1 is set as the value obtained by dividing the total number of items that can be shipped out Nb by the object order number Na.

[0051] The control system 3 defines overlapping risk types as those whose single-order overlap risk index N1 is less than a predetermined single-order judgment threshold (equivalent to a "judgment threshold"). In this embodiment, the single-order judgment threshold is set to "1.00". However, the single-order judgment threshold can be set arbitrarily. The control system 3 calculates the single-order overlap risk index N1 for all types and identifies those whose single-order overlap risk index N1 is less than "1.00" as overlapping risk types.

[0052] Figure 6 This represents an example where categories X, Y, and Z are each set as overlapping risk categories.

[0053] Regarding category X, the total number of items that can be shipped out, Nb, is "2". If this is divided by the number of object orders, Na, which is "6", then the overlap risk index N1 becomes "0.33", which is less than the threshold of "1.00" for judgment. Therefore, the control system 3 extracts category X as the overlap risk category from all categories.

[0054] Regarding category Y, the total number of items that can be shipped out, Nb, is "1". If this is divided by the number of object orders, Na, which is "5", then the overlap risk index N1 becomes "0.20", which is less than the threshold of "1.00" for judgment. Therefore, the control system 3 extracts category Y as the overlap risk category from all categories.

[0055] Regarding category Z, the total number of items that can be shipped out, Nb, is "1". If this is divided by the number of object orders, Na, which is "16", then the overlap risk index N1 becomes "0.06", which is less than the threshold of "1.00" for judgment. Therefore, the control system 3 extracts category Z as the overlap risk category from all categories.

[0056] Next, the number of batch operations, i.e., overlapping risk batch operations, including picking operations corresponding to order information In that specifies overlapping risk types, is set as the overlapping risk batch operation number Nc. The control system 3 calculates the overlapping risk batch operation number Nc for each extracted overlapping risk type. Here, the overlapping risk batch operation number Nc is the number of batch operations required to properly process all orders for items W that specify overlapping risk types. The overlapping risk batch operation number Nc is the value obtained by dividing the number of object orders Na by a set number ("4" in this example). If the value obtained by division contains a decimal point, in order to ensure the number of batch operations required to properly process all orders for items W that specify overlapping risk types, the value obtained by division is rounded down to the nearest whole number.

[0057] If an example is given Figure 6 To explain, for type X, the number of object orders Na is "6". If we divide it by the set number "4" and round up the decimal point, the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc becomes "2". That is, the number of batch operations required to properly process all orders for items W of type X becomes "2".

[0058] Regarding type Y, the number of object orders Na is "5". If this is divided by the set number "4" and the decimal point is rounded up, the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc becomes "2". That is, the number of batch operations required to properly process all orders for items W of type Y becomes "2".

[0059] Regarding type Z, the number of object orders Na is "16". If this is divided by the set number "4", the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc becomes "4". That is, the number of batch operations required to properly process all orders for items W of type Z becomes "4".

[0060] Here, the control system 3 is configured to increase or decrease the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc by varying the number of aggregated order information In (hereinafter referred to as "order aggregation number") within a range not exceeding a set number. As shown in equation (1) below, the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is calculated by dividing the number of object orders Na by the order aggregation number.

[0061] Overlapping risk batch number Nc = number of object orders Na / number of order aggregates ･･･(1) *The number of orders collected is a value below the set number.

[0062] Therefore, the larger the order aggregation number becomes, the smaller the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc becomes; conversely, the smaller the order aggregation number becomes, the larger the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc becomes. The control system 3, by controlling the increase or decrease of the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc, can set an appropriate number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc for the total number of outbound shipments Nb.

[0063] In batch generation processing, the control system 3 aggregates order information In such a way that the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is set to be less than or equal to the total number of object carriers 5 that can be dispatched from the automated warehouse 1 (i.e., the total number of dispatchable items Nb). In other words, the control system 3 sets the order aggregation number so that the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is less than or equal to the total number of dispatchable items Nb. This reduces the possibility of job waiting (hereinafter referred to as "job waiting") in each work area 2 due to insufficient quantity of object carriers 5 relative to the quantity of work areas 2. Furthermore, the case where the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is less than or equal to the total number of dispatchable items Nb means that by increasing the order aggregation number within the set limit, the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is reduced, and the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is made less than or equal to the total number of dispatchable items Nb.

[0064] In batch generation processing, the control system 3 aggregates order information In in a manner that minimizes the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc, provided that the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc cannot be lower than the total number of orders Nb that can be shipped. That is, the control system 3 minimizes the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc by setting the number of orders aggregated to a set number that is the maximum number of order information In that can be aggregated.

[0065] In this embodiment, the control system 3 further calculates a second overlap risk index N2 for the extracted overlap risk types. The second overlap risk index N2 represents the likelihood that the number of object carriers 5 containing items W of the overlap risk type is insufficient relative to the number of work areas 2 where the picking operation of items W of the overlap risk type is performed. In this embodiment, the smaller the value of the second overlap risk index N2, the higher the likelihood of this situation.

[0066] The double overlap risk index N2 is set to the value obtained by dividing the total number of outbound shipments Nb by the number of overlapping risk batches Nc. Control system 3 identifies overlapping risk types where the double overlap risk index N2 is less than the double judgment threshold as the types that need to be addressed. In this example, the double judgment threshold is set to "1.00". However, the double judgment threshold can be set arbitrarily.

[0067] If an example is given Figure 6 To explain, for type X, the total number of items that can be shipped out, Nb, is "2". If we divide this by the number of overlapping risk batch operations, Nc, which is also "2", then the double overlap risk index N2 becomes "1.00". Therefore, the double overlap risk index N2 for type X is not less than "1.00", which is the double judgment threshold, so the control system 3 does not identify type X as the type to be matched.

[0068] Regarding type Y, the total number of items that can be shipped out, Nb, is "1". If this is divided by the number of overlapping risk batch operations, Nc, which is "2", then the double overlap risk index N2 becomes "0.50". Therefore, the double overlap risk index N2 of type Y is less than "1.00", which is the double judgment threshold, so the control system 3 identifies type Y as the type to be matched.

[0069] Regarding type Z, the total number of items that can be shipped out, Nb, is "1". If this is divided by the number of overlapping risk batch operations, Nc, which is "4", then the double overlap risk index N2 becomes "0.25". Therefore, the double overlap risk index N2 of type Z is less than "1.00", which is the double judgment threshold, so the control system 3 identifies type Z as the type to be matched.

[0070] If the 2-overlap risk index N2 is less than "1.00" which is the threshold for 2-overlap judgment, it can be said that the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc exceeds the total number of outbound operations Nb.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc exceeds the total number of outbound operations Nb, the control system 3 sets the number of work areas 2 allocated to overlapping risk batch operations to be below the total number of outbound operations Nb during the operation allocation process. That is, when the double overlap risk index N2 is less than "1.00" which is the double judgment threshold, the control system 3 sets the number of work areas 2 allocated to overlapping risk batch operations to be below the total number of outbound operations Nb.

[0072] For example, if in Figure 6 Focusing on type Y, the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is "2", exceeding the total number of outbound items Nb by "1". Furthermore, the double overlap risk index N2 is "0.50", less than the double judgment threshold of "1.00". That is, type Y is identified as the type to be picked. Therefore, in this situation, to ensure that the number of work areas 2 allocating overlapping risk batch operations is below the total number of outbound items Nb, the control system 3 allocates the two overlapping risk batch operations, including the picking operation for type Y, to one work area 2.

[0073] like Figure 7As shown, in the present embodiment, the control system 3 performs job assignment processing such that the expected time from the start to the end of multiple overlapping risk batch jobs performed in each work area 2 does not exceed a predetermined limit time T. In addition, the "limit time T" is, for example, based on the time when the item W is shipped from the picking system 100, and the picking operation related to each order information In needs to be completed within the limit time T.

[0074] Figure 7 An example is shown where the control system 3 assigns two overlapping risk batch jobs including the picking operation for the type Y to the first work area 2 which is one of the multiple work areas 2. The strip-shaped display in the figure represents one overlapping risk batch job. Each of the two strip-shaped displays is divided into four. This means that one overlapping risk batch job includes four picking operations (in other words, picking operations related to four order information In). Moreover, the job represented by black indicates the picking operation for the type Y as the overlapping risk type. Figure 7 It is assumed that the length of the period during which the picking operation for the overlapping risk type (here, the type Y) is performed becomes one-fourth of the length of the period of one overlapping risk batch job. Therefore, one of the four sections included in the strip-shaped display is indicated as the period during which the picking operation for the overlapping risk type is performed. And the same applies to Figure 8 and Figure 9 and Figure 14 as well.

[0075] As Figure 7 shown, the total time of the expected time T1 required for one job of the two overlapping risk batch jobs and the expected time T2 required for the other job does not exceed the limit time T (T1 + T2 < T). Thus, the control system 3 can assign two overlapping risk batch jobs including the picking operation for the type Y to the first work area 2.

[0076] As long as the expected time from the start to the end of multiple overlapping risk batch jobs does not exceed the limit time T, the control system 3 can also assign multiple overlapping risk batch jobs to multiple work areas 2.

[0077] As Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, when the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc exceeds the total number of items that can be shipped out Nb, and the overlapping risk batch operations are assigned to multiple work areas 2 during the job allocation process, the control system 3 allocates the overlapping risk batch operations to each work area 2 in such a way that the picking operations for at least the items W of overlapping risk types are performed at different times. Therefore, even when overlapping risk batch operations for a specific type of item W are performed in multiple work areas 2, the picking times for that type of item W do not overlap. Thus, job waiting situations can be avoided.

[0078] Figure 8 This illustrates an example where control system 3 assigns two overlapping risk batches of picking operations for type Y to work area 1 and work area 2. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in this example, the control system 3 allocates overlapping risk batch operations to each work area 2 in such a way that overlapping risk batch operations performed in work area 1 and work area 2 are performed at different times. Since the total number of items that can be shipped out for type Y, Nb, is "1" (refer to...), Figure 6 Therefore, for work area 1 and work area 2, the same object carrier 5 containing items of type Y will be provided at different times.

[0079] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the object carrier 5 containing item W of type Y is first provided to work area 2, and then to work area 2. When assigning overlapping risk batch operations to multiple work areas 2, the control system 3 is configured to ensure that the overlapping risk batch operation in work area 2 where the object carrier 5 is last provided is completed within a time limit T. In the illustrated example, the anticipated time T2 required for the overlapping risk batch operation in work area 2 converges within the time limit T. Therefore, the control system 3 is able to assign two overlapping risk batch operations, each containing picking operations for type Y, to work areas 2 and 2.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the control system 3 assigns multiple overlapping risk batch operations to multiple work areas 2, the mutual staggering of the periods during which picking operations for overlapping risk types are performed in each overlapping risk batch operation is maximized.

[0081] exist Figure 8In the example shown, the control system 3 ensures that, in the overlapping risk batch operation performed in the first work area 2, the picking operation for type Y, which is an overlapping risk category, is performed first among the multiple picking operations constituting the overlapping risk batch operation (four picking operations if there are picking operations for four types of items W). Then, the control system 3 ensures that, in the overlapping risk batch operation performed in the second work area 2, the picking operation for type Y, which is an overlapping risk category, is performed last among the multiple picking operations constituting the overlapping risk batch operation (four picking operations if there are picking operations for four types of items W). With this structure, it is easy to ensure the time required to transport items W of the overlapping risk category (type Y) shared by the overlapping risk batch operations in the first and second work areas 2 from the first work area 2 to the second work area 2.

[0082] Here, in Figure 6 In the example shown, for type Z, the number of overlapping risk batch operations Nc is "4", and the total number of outbound shipments Nb is "1". Furthermore, in Figure 9 The diagram shows the timeline for four overlapping risk batch operations, including picking operations for type Z. The diagram uses cross-sections to represent a portion of the strip after dividing it into four sections, but this portion represents the picking operation for type Z, which is an overlapping risk category.

[0083] like Figure 9 As shown, when all four overlapping risk batch jobs are executed sequentially along the time axis, the anticipated time from the start to the end of the four overlapping risk batch jobs exceeds the time limit T. In the illustrated example, "3" is the limit regarding the number of overlapping risk batch jobs that can be completed within the time limit T. In this case, for example, by assigning the remaining one overlapping risk batch job that does not converge within the time limit T to another job area 2, it is also possible to complete this remaining overlapping risk batch job within the time limit T. However, since the total number of items that can be shipped out of type Z, Nb, is "1" (refer to...),... Figure 6 Therefore, overlapping risk batch operations involving picking operations of type Z can only be physically carried out in one work area 2.

[0084] Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, if the anticipated time from the start to the end of multiple overlapping risk batch operations in each work area 2 exceeds a predetermined time limit T, the control system 3 performs a process to increase the total number of items that can be shipped out, Nb. This increases the number of object carriers 5 required for overlapping risk batch operations in work area 2.

[0085] exist Figure 9In the example shown, the control system 3 assigns three of the four overlapping risk batch operations for type Z to the first work area 2 and the remaining one to the second work area 2. However, the number of overlapping risk batch operations assigned to each work area 2 can be arbitrarily set. Furthermore, the control system 3 provides object carriers 5 containing items W of type Z to the first work area 2, and provides additional object carriers 5, which are increased through the process of increasing the total number of outbound items, to the second work area 2. Thus, different overlapping risk batch operations can be performed simultaneously in different work areas 2. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, it is possible to distribute four overlapping risk batches of work that would exceed the time limit T if carried out only in the first work area 2 to the second work area 2. As a result, it is possible to complete four overlapping risk batches of work of type Z within the time limit T.

[0086] The above process for increasing the total number of items that can be shipped out will be explained. Here, we will continue to use category Z as an example for explanation.

[0087] like Figure 10 As shown, in this embodiment, the process of increasing the total number of items that can be shipped out includes the operation of separating multiple items W of the same object type that are placed in one object carrier 5 into multiple carriers 5, namely, the carrier splitting operation.

[0088] In this embodiment, the carrier splitting operation is performed in one of multiple work areas 2. The control system 3 designates one of the multiple work areas 2 and issues instructions to the operator or picking robot performing the operation in that designated work area 2. For example, the control system 3 issues instructions to the operator using a work instruction output device (monitor, etc.) installed in the work area 2. For the picking robot, it sends an instruction signal to the control device that controls the picking robot. Hereinafter, the work area 2 where the carrier splitting operation is performed will be referred to as the object work area 2.

[0089] As described above, in the object handling area 2, empty carriers 5 generated by the picking operation are held by the empty carrier holding unit 20 (see reference). Figure 3 In the carrier segmentation operation, multiple items W of the object type placed in the object carrier 5 are dispersed into the empty carrier 5 held by the empty carrier holding part 20.

[0090] exist Figure 10In the example shown, besides the first work area 2 where picking operations for items W of type Z are performed, there is also a second work area 2 where picking operations for items W of type Z are performed. In the first work area 2, where object carriers 5 containing items W of type Z are provided, a carrier splitting operation is performed, and a portion of the multiple items W placed in the object carrier 5 are transferred to an empty carrier 5 held in the first work area 2. As a result, the number of carriers 5 containing the total number of items W of type Z that can be shipped out, Nb, is increased to two.

[0091] In this embodiment, after the carrier segmentation operation is completed in the first work area 2, the control system 3 controls the conveying system 7 to use the second conveying path 72 to convey at least one carrier 5 containing object type items W to a second work area 2 outside the first work area 2, where batch operations involving object type items W are performed among the objects being picked. The control system 3 conveys the carrier 5 generated by the carrier segmentation operation along the second conveying path 72 by performing a direct conveying process that transports the carrier 5 between different work areas 2 without passing through the automated warehouse 1. In addition, since the items W placed in the carrier 5 (object carrier 5) generated by the carrier segmentation operation are the same items W that were previously placed in object carrier 5 that were taken out of the automated warehouse 1, the object carrier 5 generated by the carrier segmentation operation can also be used in the work area 2 in the same way as the object carrier 5 that were taken out of the automated warehouse 1. Therefore, increasing the total number of object carriers 5 that can be used in work area 2 through carrier segmentation is equivalent to increasing the total number of object carriers 5 that can be retrieved from automated warehouse 1, i.e., the total number of retrieved items Nb. That is, the total number of object carriers 5 that can be used in work area 2 can be regarded as the total number of retrieved items Nb.

[0092] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, one of the two carriers 5 of an item W of type Z is transported from the first work area 2 to the second work area 2 via the second transport path 72.

[0093] In this embodiment, during the carrier segmentation operation, the required number of items W of the object type in another work area 2 (second work area 2) other than the object work area 2 (first work area 2) are transferred to the carrier 5 that is being transported to that other work area 2 (second work area 2).

[0094] exist Figure 10In the example shown, in work area 2, two items W of type Z are specified by order information In. That is, the required quantity of items W of type Z in work area 2 is "2". Therefore, in the carrier splitting operation performed in work area 1, two items W are transferred from the object carrier 5 containing 10 items W of type Y to the empty carrier 5. The carrier 5 containing the two items W of type Z is transported from work area 1 to work area 2 via the second transport path 72. With this structure, the picking operation for items W of type Z can be performed simultaneously in both work area 1 and work area 2 (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0095] As described above, in batch generation processing, control system 3 executes a process that aggregates order information In that specifies overlapping risk types (in this example, types X, Y, and Z). In this specification, such aggregation of order information In related to overlapping risk types is designated as the first aggregation process. In this embodiment, control system 3 is configured to execute a second aggregation process that aggregates order information In that specifies types other than those targeted by the first aggregation process (in this example, types other than X, Y, and Z). That is, in batch generation processing, after the first aggregation process that aggregates order information In that specifies overlapping risk types for the picking operation, control system 3 executes a second aggregation process that aggregates order information In that is not targeted by the first aggregation process from among multiple order information In that should be processed within a unit period, in order from nearest to farthest according to a similar index Ex (described later).

[0096] Reference Figures 11-13 The second collection process will be explained.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, the control system 3 is configured such that, in the exponential operation processing, a similarity index Ex, which represents the degree of similarity between multiple order information In, is calculated.

[0098] In this embodiment, in the index calculation process, in addition to the above-mentioned calculation of the overlap risk index, the control system 3 also assigns a category value Va to the type of the object to be disposed of (here, a type other than the overlap risk type) and assigns a ranking to the type. Moreover, in the index calculation process, the control system 3 sets the category value Va of all types of the object to be disposed of in such a way that the category value Va of the object type is greater than the sum of the category values ​​Va of all types below that object type.

[0099] For example, Figure 11As shown, consider the case where item W has categories A through F, each ranked from 1 to 6. Focusing on category A, the category value Va for category A is "32," and the sum of the category values ​​Va for its subordinate categories B through F is "31" (=16+8+4+2+1), which is less than "32." Similarly, for example, focusing on category D, the category value Va for category D is "4," and the sum of the category values ​​Va for its subordinate categories E and F is "3" (=2+1), which is less than "4." That is, the control system 3 sets each category as an object category (the category being considered), and sets the category value Va of the object category to be greater than the sum of the category values ​​Va of all categories subordinate to that object category.

[0100] In this embodiment, the category value Va is set to the power of M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2) and N is set to the value corresponding to the assigned ranking. This allows for easy setting of the category value Va for multiple categories to be a value greater than the sum of the category values ​​Va of all categories below that category. In this example, M is set to "2". N is set to a value that becomes larger as the category ranking increases, and in this example, it is set to "0 to 5". Specifically, N is set to the value obtained by subtracting the number representing the ranking of each category of item W (for example, "1" in the case of the highest ranking) from the number of categories of the item W to be disposed of ("6" in this example). Thus, the category value Va for each category is represented by 2 to the power of 0 to 2 to the power of 5.

[0101] In this implementation, the order of priority is determined by the frequency of shipment specified in the order information In. Categories with higher shipment frequency are ranked higher, and those with lower shipment frequency are ranked lower. In other words, priority is assigned according to demand from highest to lowest, with higher-demand categories ranking higher and lower-demand categories ranking lower.

[0102] In the exponential operation processing, control system 3 calculates the sum of the category values ​​Va of all categories contained in each order information In, and uses this sum as the exponent Ex ...

[0103] In this embodiment, the control system 3 sets the similar exponent Ex to a binary value during the exponent calculation process. That is, in this embodiment, the control system 3 performs a process that converts the sum of the category values ​​Va, represented by decimal numbers, into a binary number. This simplifies the calculation of the similar exponent Ex and easily reduces the computational load on the control system 3.

[0104] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, the order information In specifies that there are 4 items W of type A, 2 items W of type C, and 1 item W of type D. In this case, the type of items W included in the order information In becomes "A", "C", and "D". If based on Figure 11 In the table above, the species value Va for species A is "32", the species value Va for species C is "8", and the species value Va for species D is "4", so the total of these species values ​​Va is "44". Control system 3 converts this total value into a binary number, obtaining a 6-bit exponent Ex that becomes "101100". Thus, in this example, since N is set to 0-5, the value after conversion to binary becomes a 6-bit value.

[0105] like Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the control system 3 performs a stable sorting process in the batch generation process, which arranges the binary exponents Ex of the multiple order information In that should be processed within a unit period in descending order of value, starting from the smallest number of digits.

[0106] exist Figure 12 The example shown is of 7 order information entries In that should be processed within a unit period. Control system 3, using exponentiation processing, calculates the similar exponent Ex of the binary number for each of the 7 order information entries In. Then, it compares the similar exponent Ex of each order information entry In with the similar exponent Ex of the 6-bit binary number in this example, starting from the first bit, shifting the larger value up to the sixth bit, and continuing this process until the final sixth bit.

[0107] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, when comparing the first position of each similarity index Ex related to the 7 order information In, the similarity index Ex related to the second order information In (order information In represented by ② in the figure) becomes the largest value and is moved to the top position.

[0108] Next, in the case of comparing the second position, the similarity index Ex related to the fourth order information In (order information In represented by ④ in the figure) and the similarity index Ex related to the fifth order information In (order information In represented by ⑤ in the figure) become the largest values. The order of these similarity indices Ex remains unchanged, and these similarity indices Ex are moved to the top position.

[0109] In the example shown, if this processing is carried out up to the 6th position, the similarity index Ex related to the 5th order information In becomes the highest position, and the similarity index Ex related to the 3rd order information In (order information In represented by ③ in the figure) becomes the lowest position.

[0110] like Figure 13 As shown, in batch generation processing, control system 3 aggregates multiple order information In (order information In 1 to 7 in this example) that should be processed within a unit period in ascending order of a similar exponent Ex. For example, multiple order information In are aggregated in descending (or ascending) order of a similar exponent Ex according to a set number of aggregations (in... Figure 13 In the example shown, each pair of orders is aggregated. In this embodiment, the control system 3 aggregates multiple order information In that are close in order, obtained by stable sorting. Using batch generation processing, the picking operations related to each of the aggregated order information In are set as one batch operation.

[0111] In this embodiment, during batch generation processing, the control system 3 aggregates adjacent order information In, similar to an index Ex, and sets the picking operations related to each order information In as a single batch operation. Then, the control system 3 assigns the batch operation to one of the multiple work areas 2 by performing a job allocation process.

[0112] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, multiple order information In are grouped into batches of two according to a similarity index Ex in descending order. Specifically, order information In No. 5 and order information In No. 6 (represented by ⑥ in the figure) are adjacent to each other in the similarity index Ex, and the picking operations related to each of these order information In are set up as a batch operation and assigned to work area 2 No. 3.

[0113] In addition, the 7th order information In (order information In represented by ⑦ in the figure) and the 2nd order information In are adjacent to each other in a similar index Ex. The picking operations related to these order information In are set as 1 batch operation and assigned to the 4th work area 2.

[0114] In this way, with the help of job assignment processing, multiple batch jobs generated by batch generation processing are assigned to one of multiple job areas 2.

[0115] [Other Implementation Methods] Next, other implementation methods will be described.

[0116] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the control system 3 allocates overlapping risk batches of work to each work area 2 in such a way that each overlapping risk batch of work is performed at different times when multiple overlapping risk batches of work are allocated to multiple work areas 2 (see reference). Figure 8 However, this disclosure is not limited to such examples, for example, Figure 14As shown, the control system 3 can also cause a portion of each overlapping risk batch operation to be performed during the same period. In this case, the control system 3 causes the picking operations of items W of the common overlapping risk type in multiple overlapping risk batch operations to be performed at different times. This ensures the time available for transporting items W of the overlapping risk type between multiple work areas 2. In the illustrated example, the period for performing overlapping risk batch operations in work area 1 overlaps with the period for performing overlapping risk batch operations in work area 2. However, in work area 1, the picking operation for type Y, which is an overlapping risk type, is performed first among the multiple picking operations constituting the overlapping risk batch operation (four picking operations if there are picking operations for four types of items W), and in work area 2, the picking operation for type Y, which is an overlapping risk type, is performed last among the multiple picking operations constituting the overlapping risk batch operation (four picking operations if there are picking operations for four types of items W). Thus, the picking operations in both areas are performed at different times.

[0117] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the control system 3 performs a process to increase the total number of outbound items Nb when the expected time from the start to the end of multiple overlapping risk batch operations in each work area 2 exceeds a predetermined limit time T. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example. Instead of performing the process to increase the total number of outbound items, the control system 3 may extend the limit time T so that multiple overlapping risk batch operations are completed within the limit time T.

[0118] (3) In the above embodiments, an example was described in which the control system 3 performs a calculation of the overlap risk index N1 twice in the index calculation process. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example. In the index calculation process, the control system 3 may perform at least one of the calculation of the overlap risk index N1 twice or the calculation of the overlap risk index N2 twice. For example, when the control system 3 calculates the overlap risk index N2 twice, the overlap risk index N2 twice is equivalent to the "overlap risk index".

[0119] (4) In the above embodiment, an example of using an empty container 5 held by the empty container holding part 20 of the object work area 2 where the operation is performed in the container splitting operation has been described. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example, and it is also possible to transport the empty container 5 used in the container splitting operation from a place other than the object work area 2 (e.g., the free space of the automated warehouse 1) to the object work area 2.

[0120] (5) In the above embodiments, an example of increasing the total number of items Nb that can be dispatched by means of the carrier segmentation operation has been described. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example, and the total number of items Nb that can be dispatched can also be increased by supplementing the automated warehouse 1 with the object carrier 5 that carries the object type W from another place (e.g., an auxiliary warehouse) other than the automated warehouse 1.

[0121] (6) In the above embodiments, an example was described in which the order of the types of items W is assigned according to the frequency specified by the order information In, i.e., the shipping frequency. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example, and the order assignment may also be based on the special characteristics (shape, packaging method) of items W.

[0122] (7) In the above embodiments, an example was described in which the more frequently shipped items are ranked higher and the less frequently shipped items are ranked lower. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example. In the ranking, it is also possible to reverse the above, so that the more frequently shipped items are ranked lower and the less frequently shipped items are ranked higher.

[0123] (8) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no contradictions arise. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made appropriately without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0124] [Summary of this implementation method] The following is a summary of this implementation method.

[0125] A picking system includes: an automated warehouse storing multiple containers, each containing multiple items; multiple work areas for picking operations, wherein the picking operations are based on order information specifying the type and quantity of the aforementioned items required for each shipping destination, and the items of the aforementioned type and quantity specified by the order information are retrieved from the containers that have been shipped from the automated warehouse; a conveying system for transporting the aforementioned containers between the automated warehouse and the multiple work areas; and a control system for controlling the automated warehouse and the conveying system; the control system is configured to execute: a batch generation process that aggregates a set number of the aforementioned order information and sets the picking operations corresponding to the aggregated order information as one batch operation; a job allocation process that allocates each of the multiple batch operations generated by the batch generation process to one of the multiple work areas; a conveying process that conveys the containers required by the batch operations allocated by the job allocation process to each of the multiple work areas; and an exponential calculation process that sets each of the multiple aforementioned types as an object type. For all of the aforementioned categories, an overlap risk index is calculated, which represents the likelihood that the number of the aforementioned carriers, i.e., object carriers, containing the aforementioned items of the aforementioned object type is insufficient relative to the number of the aforementioned work areas where the aforementioned picking operation of the aforementioned items of the aforementioned object type is performed. The aforementioned categories with an overlap risk index less than a predetermined judgment threshold are defined as overlap risk categories, and the number of the aforementioned batch operations, i.e., overlap risk batch operations, including the aforementioned picking operation corresponding to the aforementioned order information with the aforementioned overlap risk category, is defined as the overlap risk batch operation number. In the aforementioned batch generation process, if the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number can be set to be less than or equal to the total number of the aforementioned object carriers that can be dispatched from the aforementioned automated warehouse, the aforementioned order information is aggregated in a manner that makes the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number less than or equal to the aforementioned total number that can be dispatched. If the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number cannot be set to be less than or equal to the aforementioned total number that can be dispatched, the aforementioned order information is aggregated in a manner that makes the aforementioned overlap risk batch operation number the minimum.

[0126] According to this structure, by aggregating order information specifying overlapping risk categories where the total number of items that can be shipped is insufficient relative to the number of orders, it is easy to reduce the number of work areas that perform picking operations for items of that overlapping risk category. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of work wait times in each work area due to insufficient number of containers relative to the number of work areas, resulting in waiting for the objects needed for picking operations. Consequently, it is easy to reduce work wait times in each work area, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0127] Preferably, the number of the aforementioned order information that specifies the aforementioned object type among the multiple aforementioned order information that should be processed within a unit period is set as the object order number, and the aforementioned overlap risk index is set as the value obtained by dividing the aforementioned total number of items that can be shipped out by the aforementioned object order number.

[0128] Based on this structure, an overlap risk index can be calculated using simple calculations, indicating the likelihood that the number of object carriers containing items of a certain type is insufficient relative to the number of work areas where the picking operation of that type of item is being performed.

[0129] Preferably, when the number of overlapping risk batch operations exceeds the total number of goods that can be shipped, the control system sets the number of work areas to which the overlapping risk batch operations are allocated to be below the total number of goods that can be shipped during the job allocation process.

[0130] According to this structure, multiple overlapping risk batch jobs (multiple overlapping risk batch jobs of less than one) for items of a specific overlapping risk type can be assigned to one work area, and these multiple overlapping risk batch jobs can be processed in series within one work area. Therefore, the aforementioned job waiting situation can be avoided. Consequently, job waiting in each work area can be easily reduced to a minimum, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0131] Preferably, when the number of overlapping risk batch operations exceeds the total number of items that can be shipped out, and when the overlapping risk batch operations are assigned to multiple work areas in the aforementioned job allocation process, the aforementioned overlapping risk batch operations are allocated to each of the aforementioned work areas in such a way that the aforementioned picking operations of the aforementioned items of at least the aforementioned overlapping risk types are performed at different times.

[0132] According to this structure, even when overlapping risk batch operations for items of a specific overlapping risk type are performed in multiple work areas, the picking times for those items of overlapping risk type can be kept separate. Therefore, the aforementioned work waiting situation can be avoided. Consequently, work waiting in each work area can be easily reduced to a minimum, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0133] Preferably, if the anticipated time from the start to the end of multiple overlapping risk batch operations in each of the aforementioned work areas exceeds a predetermined time limit, the aforementioned control system performs a process to increase the total number of goods that can be shipped out.

[0134] According to this structure, when the time from the start to the end of multiple overlapping risk batch operations exceeds a predetermined time limit, the number of containers for overlapping risk items that can be dispatched from the automated warehouse is increased, so that the system as a whole can prevent significant delays in each of the multiple overlapping risk batch operations.

[0135] Preferably, in the aforementioned index calculation process, the aforementioned control system calculates a similarity index representing the degree of similarity between the various aforementioned order information. In addition to calculating the aforementioned overlap risk index, it also assigns a category value to the aforementioned type of the disposal object and assigns a ranking to the aforementioned type. The aforementioned category value of the aforementioned object type is set such that it is greater than the sum of the aforementioned category values ​​of all the aforementioned types of the object type. The sum of the aforementioned category values ​​of all the aforementioned types contained in each of the aforementioned order information is calculated as the aforementioned similarity index of each of the aforementioned order information. In the aforementioned batch generation process, after the first aggregation process of the aforementioned order information that has been assigned the aforementioned overlap risk type to the objects of the aforementioned picking operation, the aforementioned order information other than the objects of the aforementioned first aggregation process among the multiple aforementioned order information that should be processed within a unit period is aggregated in order from near to far according to the aforementioned similarity index.

[0136] According to this structure, the likelihood of the aforementioned job waiting can be reduced by aggregating order information that specifies overlapping risk types, while the likelihood of aggregating multiple picking operations for the same type of items into the same batch operation can be increased by aggregating order information that does not specify overlapping risk types but has a similarity index. Furthermore, as long as multiple picking operations for the same type of items can be aggregated into the same batch operation, these multiple picking operations can be performed centrally in one work area. Therefore, the efficiency of carrier transport in the conveying process can be improved, and the efficiency of operations in the work area can also be improved.

[0137] Industrial availability The technology disclosed herein can be used in picking systems.

[0138] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100: Picking System 1: Automated Warehouse 2: Work Area 3: Control System 5: Carrier 7: Conveying System W: Item In: Order Information Na: Number of orders Nb: Total number of items that can be shipped out Nc: Number of batch jobs with overlapping risk T: Time Limit Va: Category value Ex: Similarity index.

Claims

1. A picking system, comprising: An automated warehouse stores multiple containers, each containing multiple items. Multiple work areas are used for picking operations, which are based on order information that specifies the type and quantity of the aforementioned items required for each shipping destination, and the aforementioned items of the aforementioned type and quantity specified by the order information are taken from the aforementioned carriers that have been shipped from the aforementioned automated warehouse. A conveying system transports the aforementioned carriers between the aforementioned automated warehouse and the aforementioned work areas; and The control system controls the aforementioned automated warehouse and the aforementioned conveying system; Its features are, The aforementioned control system is configured to execute: Batch generation process: gather the aforementioned order information of a set number, and set the aforementioned picking operation corresponding to the gathered aforementioned order information as 1 batch operation; The job assignment process assigns each of the batch jobs generated by the batch generation process to one of the multiple job areas. The conveying process includes conveying the aforementioned carriers required for the aforementioned batch operations allocated by the aforementioned operation allocation process to each of the aforementioned work areas; and The index calculation process sets each of the aforementioned categories as an object category. For all the aforementioned categories, the overlap risk index is calculated. The overlap risk index represents the probability that the number of the aforementioned carriers, i.e., the object carriers, that carries the aforementioned items of the aforementioned object category is insufficient relative to the number of the aforementioned work areas where the aforementioned picking operation of the aforementioned items of the aforementioned object category is performed. The aforementioned categories whose overlap risk index is less than a predetermined threshold are defined as overlap risk categories. The number of the aforementioned batch operations, i.e., overlap risk batch operations, which include the aforementioned picking operations corresponding to the aforementioned order information that has been designated as the aforementioned overlap risk categories, is defined as the number of overlap risk batch operations. In the aforementioned batch generation process, the aforementioned control system If the number of overlapping risk batch operations can be set to be less than or equal to the total number of the aforementioned object carriers that can be dispatched from the aforementioned automated warehouse, then the aforementioned order information is aggregated in a manner that makes the number of overlapping risk batch operations less than or equal to the aforementioned total number that can be dispatched. If the number of batch operations with overlapping risks cannot be set below the total number of outbound shipments, the aforementioned order information shall be aggregated in a manner that minimizes the number of batch operations with overlapping risks.

2. The picking system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the aforementioned order information containing the aforementioned items that specify the aforementioned object type among the multiple aforementioned order information that should be processed within a unit period is set as the object order number. The aforementioned overlap risk index is set as the value obtained by dividing the aforementioned total number of orders that can be shipped out by the aforementioned number of object orders.

3. The picking system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the number of overlapping risk batch operations exceeds the total number of goods that can be shipped, the aforementioned control system sets the number of the aforementioned work areas to be allocated to the overlapping risk batch operations to be below the total number of goods that can be shipped during the aforementioned work allocation process.

4. The picking system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the number of overlapping risk batch operations exceeds the total number of items that can be shipped out, and when the overlapping risk batch operations are assigned to multiple work areas in the aforementioned work allocation process, the aforementioned overlapping risk batch operations are allocated to each of the aforementioned work areas in such a way that the aforementioned picking operations of the aforementioned items of at least the aforementioned overlapping risk types are performed at different times.

5. The picking system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, If the anticipated time from the start to the end of multiple overlapping risk batch operations in each of the aforementioned work areas exceeds a predetermined time limit, the aforementioned control system performs a process to increase the total number of goods that can be shipped out.

6. The picking system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the aforementioned exponential calculation and processing, the aforementioned control system The similarity index is calculated to represent the degree of similarity between the aforementioned order information. In addition to the calculation of the aforementioned overlapping risk index, the aforementioned categories of the objects to be disposed of are assigned category values ​​and their rankings are also assigned. The aforementioned type value of the aforementioned object type is set to be a value that is greater than the sum of the aforementioned type values ​​of all the aforementioned types of the object type. The sum of the values ​​of the aforementioned categories included in each of the aforementioned order information is calculated as the aforementioned similarity index for each of the aforementioned order information; In the aforementioned batch generation process, after the first aggregation process of the aforementioned order information that has specified the aforementioned overlapping risk type for the aforementioned picking operation, the aforementioned control system aggregates the aforementioned order information that is not the object of the aforementioned first aggregation process from the nearest to the farthest among the multiple aforementioned order information that should be processed within a unit period, according to the aforementioned similar index.

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