Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and information processing program, which allow for allocating orders according to order volume.SOLUTION: An information processing device disclosed herein comprises an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires information on multiple products included in multiple orders. The determination unit estimates the number for baskets needed to store the multiple products based on information on the multiple products and allocates the multiple orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets.The output unit outputs allocation information indicating a result of the allocation made by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, shopping proxy services such as online supermarkets, where customers order products via the Internet and pick them up at their home or other location at the time of their choice, are becoming more and more popular. In such shopping proxy services, a picker picks up the products ordered by the customer from a store or warehouse, and a delivery person delivers the picked up products to the customer's home or other location.

[0003] However, with conventional services, when picking multiple orders simultaneously using one cart, there is a risk that the capacity of the cart may not be sufficient to accommodate the items contained in multiple orders, making it impossible to continue picking.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a picking operation support system that can appropriately allocate multiple orders to multiple shipments. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6530851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an information processing program capable of allocating orders according to the order volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires information about a plurality of products included in a plurality of orders. The determination unit estimates the number of baskets required to store the products based on the information about the plurality of products, and allocates the plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets. The output unit outputs allocation information indicating the allocation result by the determination unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a picking operation support system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a picking operation according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of map information according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a grid map according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of product information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of travel time information according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of picking task information according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of order information according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of a basic setting table according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the cart setting information according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of information processing by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing related to a picking task by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an allocation pattern according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing regarding a picking order by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing regarding a picking order by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing regarding a picking order by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the procedure of information processing related to a picking task by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basket setting image displayed on a display device of the picking terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a picking order image displayed on a display device of the picking terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a picking order image displayed on a display device of the picking terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of information processing by the picking terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a picking operation support system 100 according to an embodiment. The picking operation support system 100 includes a server 1, a picking terminal 2, and an ordering terminal 3. The server 1, the picking terminal 2, and the ordering terminal 3 are connected to each other via a network so as to be able to communicate with each other freely. For example, the network is configured with one or more of various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network. The picking operation support system 100 may also refer to a system including at least two of the devices of the server 1, the picking terminal 2, and the ordering terminal 3.

[0011] The server 1 is a device that collects data and processes the collected data. The server 1 is connected to the picking terminal 2 and the ordering terminal 3 via a network so as to be able to communicate freely. The server 1 receives various data from the picking terminal 2 and the ordering terminal 3, and outputs various data to the picking terminal 2 and the ordering terminal 3. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described later.

[0012] The server 1 provides a shopping agent service. For example, the shopping agent service accepts product orders from customers via the order terminal 3, and assigns pickers to pick up the products according to the orders. Picking up is also called picking. The picker picks the products included in the multiple orders within a delivery time frame. The picker picks at least one order. The multiple orders indicate multiple orders that require the picking work to be completed within a predetermined delivery time frame. Each of the multiple orders includes at least one product. The delivery time frame is, for example, a time frame that divides the delivery time by a predetermined time interval. The delivery time frame is, for example, a time frame in increments of one hour or two hours. The delivery time frame is, for example, "11:00 to 13:00", "13:00 to 15:00", "15:00 to 17:00", etc. In one delivery time frame, multiple pickers pick the products included in the multiple orders. For example, when one order includes multiple items, the same picker picks the multiple items. Note that different pickers may pick some of the multiple items included in one order. The shopping agent service assigns multiple orders included in one delivery time frame to multiple pickers. The pickers use shopping carts to pick items in the store and place the picked items in baskets loaded into the shopping cart. The shopping cart is also simply called a cart. The specified delivery time frame is an example of a specified time. The picker may be interpreted as an operator, a person in charge, or a worker.

[0013] The number of baskets required to pick an order varies depending on the number of items and their volume. A picker may pick two or more orders simultaneously in one picking operation (one trip), sorting them by order. The total number of baskets for orders picked by the same picker at the same time (in one trip) must not exceed the number of baskets that can be loaded into a cart. A picker cannot split an order into multiple trips for picking. One order refers to a single order placed by a customer.

[0014] One order includes at least one product. One order includes one product list. One trip indicates that a picker uses one cart to go around the store. One cart is loaded with a predetermined number of baskets. The predetermined number is, for example, three. For example, one picker performs one picking trip in a store during a certain delivery time frame by using one cart to put products into three baskets. Picking in one trip includes picking products included in at least one order. One picker may perform two or more picking trips in a store during a certain delivery time frame. In the following example, a description will be given of one picker picking products for multiple orders during one delivery time frame. The picker may simultaneously pick two or more orders during one picking trip while sorting them by order. The picker stores the products in different zones for each order. The zones indicate different areas. The different areas indicate different areas in the cart. The zones are, for example, baskets. When one basket is divided into multiple regions, the area may indicate each region. For example, when three baskets are used to pick up items included in three orders, the baskets and the orders correspond to each other in a one-to-one relationship. When basket A, basket B, and basket C have orders 1, 2, and 3, the picker stores, for example, the items of order 1 in basket A, the items of order 2 in basket B, and the items of order 3 in basket C. The picker picks items that can be stored in baskets that can be loaded into one cart in one picking trip. One picker may pick items of multiple orders assigned to him / her in one delivery time slot in multiple trips.

[0015] The picking operation will be described. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a picking operation according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 includes, for example, a list in which a plurality of orders received from a plurality of customers are arranged by delivery time frame. The list includes a delivery time frame, an order ID, a delivery address, a product list, and the like. The delivery time frame indicates a time frame in which a customer of each order desires delivery. The order ID is unique identification information assigned to each order in order to identify each order individually. The order ID is identification information attached to each order. The delivery address is information indicating a location where a customer desires delivery. The delivery address is, for example, the address of the customer based on the user information of the customer. The delivery address may be an address registered when the customer places an order. In the following description, "registration" may be read as "input". The product list indicates a list of products included in one order. One order can be read as one order by a customer. One order includes a series of processes from when a customer uses a shopping agent service to order a product, to when the customer pays for the product, or when the order is completed. One order includes processes from when the order is started to when the order registration is completed. The completion of the order registration indicates that the customer has performed a payment operation for the product or a completion operation for the order. For example, in response to the customer performing an order registration completion operation via the ordering terminal 3, the server 1 acquires an order registration completion instruction from the ordering terminal 3.

[0016] In the example of FIG. 2, there are nine orders with order IDs "O0001" to "O0009" during the delivery time frame "11:00 to 13:00". For example, the server 1 assigns the nine orders with order IDs "O0001" to "O0009" during the delivery time frame "11:00 to 13:00" to three pickers 01 to 03. In the example of FIG. 2, the picking work of the products with order IDs "O0001", "O0003", and "O0004" is assigned to picker 01. The picking work of the products with order IDs "O0002", "O0006", and "O0007" is assigned to picker 02. The picking work of the products with order IDs "O0005", "O0008", and "O0009" is assigned to picker 03. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the picking work is performed in one store.

[0017] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. The picking terminal 2 is a device capable of communicating with other devices. The picking terminal 2 is, for example, a device used by a picker who performs picking work to pick up products in a store or the like in response to a customer's order. For example, the picker performs picking work based on an allocation image displayed on a display device of the picking terminal 2. For example, the picking terminal 2 is a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The picker may be interpreted as an operator, a worker, a store clerk, a staff member, a user, or a person. The picker is an example of a user of the picking terminal 2. The picking operation support system 100 includes at least one picking terminal 2. The picking terminal 2 is an example of an information processing terminal. An example of the configuration of the picking terminal 2 will be described later.

[0018] The ordering terminal 3 is a device capable of communicating with other devices. The ordering terminal 3 is, for example, a device used by a customer who uses a shopping agent service. The customer operates the ordering terminal 3 to place an order for a product, for example. For example, the customer logs into the shopping agent service provided by the server 1 and places an order for a product according to an order image displayed on the display device of the ordering terminal 3. The customer places an order for a product by inputting information such as the product, the delivery location, and the delivery date and time. The ordering terminal 3 is a PC, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The customer may be read as a user or a person. The ordering terminal 3 is an example of an information processing terminal. A configuration example of the ordering terminal 3 will be described later. The customer is an example of a user of the ordering terminal 3. The picking operation support system 100 includes at least one ordering terminal 3.

[0019] An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described. The server 1 is a device including a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a communication interface 14. Each component of the server 1 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In FIG. 1, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0020] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the server 1. The processor 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 11 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 11 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that causes the processor 11 of the server 1 to realize each part described below. The processor 11 executes various operations by executing the program loaded into the main memory 12. The processor 11 is an example of a processing circuit.

[0021] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the server 1. The main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores a program.

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs.

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a program storage area 130 and a data storage area 131. The program storage area 130 stores a travel time calculation program 1300, a route determination program 1301, and an optimization program 1302. The travel time calculation program 1300 is a program for calculating a travel time when moving between picking positions of two products. The travel time calculation program 1300 may calculate a distance between the picking positions of two products. The route determination program 1301 is a program for determining a route for picking products based on a travel time between the picking positions of two products. The optimization program 1302 indicates, for example, a mathematical optimization program. The optimization program 1302 includes a mathematical programming solver. The mathematical programming solver indicates software equipped with an algorithm for solving a mathematical programming problem. The optimization program 1302 may be realized by a known mathematical optimization technique. The program storage area 130 may include an allocation program. The allocation program is a program for determining an allocation pattern to be applied from among all patterns for allocating orders to pickers.

[0024] The data storage area 131 stores map information 1310, product information 1311, travel time information 1312, picking task information 1313, order information 1314, a basic setting table 1315, and basket setting information 1316. The map information 1310 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of map information 1310 according to the embodiment. The map information 1310 is information in which map information in a store is registered in the form of a grid map (occupancy grid map). The grid map is a known method of expressing a metric map on a two-dimensional plane. The map information 1310 divides a plane into grids of equal width, and stores the state of the real environment corresponding to each grid by linking it to coordinates. The map information 1310 includes an X coordinate, a Y coordinate, a state, and a location ID for each grid. The state is information indicating the state of the real environment. The state includes "Wall", "passage", and "Shelf". The location ID is information indicating the position of the grid of the "passage". The location ID is unique identification information assigned to each grid of the "passage" in order to individually identify the position of the grid of the "passage". The location ID indicates the picking position of the product. The map information 1310 may be set in advance by an administrator or the like. The map information 1310 may be updated as appropriate by an administrator or the like.

[0026] In the example of Figure 3, the state of the lattice with the X coordinate of "1" and the Y coordinate of "2" is "passage" and the location ID is "L001." For lattices whose state is not "passage," no location ID is registered.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a grid map according to the embodiment. The grid map in Figure 4 is map information in which the plan view of the store is divided into grids of equal width, and each grid is associated with the corresponding X and Y coordinates and the real-world states "Wall," "Passage," and "Shelf." A grid with a "Shelf" state is where product display shelves are located. A grid with a "Passage" state indicates the aisles that can be moved through within the store. A grid with a "Wall" state indicates the walls within the store. A picker moves along a grid with a "passage" state to pick up a product. A picker can recognize the location of a product based on the position information of a grid with a "passage" state.

[0028] The product information 1311 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the product information 1311 according to the embodiment. The product information 1311 includes information such as product identification information, product name, picking position, and volume. The product identification information is unique identification information assigned to each product to identify the product individually. The product identification information includes a product ID. The product name indicates the product name set for each product. The picking position indicates the picking position of the product. The picking position may indicate the location of the product. The picking position is an example of information related to the location of the product. The picking position is information related to the display position of the product in a store or the like where the product is picked. The picking position is registered corresponding to the location ID of the map information. The picking position indicates, for example, a position in an aisle facing the shelf on which the product is displayed, where the picker can easily find and pick up the product. The picking position may be information indicating the shelf on which the product is displayed. The picking position may be information indicating the area of ​​the shelf on which the product is displayed. The volume is calculated, for example, for each product as (the reciprocal of the number that can fit in a shopping cart)×100. For example, if the volume of a shopping basket is 100, 10 items with a volume of 10 can fit in the basket. Note that a shopping basket is a container that is loaded onto a cart used by a picker, and is not limited to a basket. Product information may be set in advance by an administrator, etc. Product information may be updated as appropriate by an administrator, etc.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 5, "XX Milk" with product ID "P0001" is picked at a location "L0011" and has a volume of "6". In the example of FIG. 5, the picking location corresponds to the location ID. FIG. 5 shows that "XX Rice" with product ID "P0003" has a larger volume than "XX Milk".

[0031] The product information may include information indicating the product category, weight, picking load, etc. The categories include, for example, fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, etc. The categories may also be categories related to the display position or sales floor of the product in the store.

[0032] The picking load is information indicating the load of a worker for picking one item. The picking load is, for example, information indicating the workload based on item information. The item information is, for example, the display position of the item, the weight of the item, the volume of the item, and the like. For example, the picking load of a reference item is set to "1". The reference item includes, for example, an item located near the middle of a display shelf. The reference item includes an item that is equal to or less than a predetermined weight. The reference item includes an item that is equal to or less than a predetermined volume. A value greater than 1 may be set for an item whose picking load is higher than the reference, such as an item that is displayed in a distant location, an item that is difficult to find, or an item that is heavy and burdensome. The picking load may be set based on the distance from the position of the reference item to the display position of the item, the difference from a predetermined weight, the difference from a predetermined volume, and the like. The picking load may be registered in advance by an administrator, etc. The picking load may be updated as appropriate by an administrator, etc. The picking load may be variable depending on the attributes of the picker, etc. For example, the picking load may be weighted based on the picker's gender, age, build, years of experience, etc. The picking load may be variable based on the picker's work ability, etc.

[0033] The travel time information 1312 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the travel time information 1312 according to the embodiment. The travel time information 1312 indicates travel time information for travel between picking positions of two products, which is calculated based on the travel time calculation program 1300. The travel time information 1312 includes information about the two products and information about the travel time required to travel between the picking positions of the two products. The information about the two products is, for example, identification information of the two products. The information about the two products may be position information of the two products. The unit of travel time is, for example, seconds. The travel time information may be saved or updated each time the travel time is calculated. The travel time information 1312 includes travel time information for all combinations of picking up two products from all products displayed in the store.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 6, the travel time information indicates information on the travel time required to travel between the picking positions of product A and product B. For example, if product A is a product with product ID "P0001" and product B is a product with product ID "P0002", the travel time required to travel between the picking positions of the two products is "4" seconds. The travel time may be calculated based on, for example, a normal human walking speed. In this example, the travel time indicates the travel time required for a picker to walk from the position where the product with product ID "P0001" is picked to the position where the product with product ID "P0002" is picked. The travel time may take into account the walking speed while pushing the cart.

[0036] The picking task information 1313 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the picking task information 1313 according to the embodiment. The picking task information 1313 includes information such as an order ID, a product ID, a quantity, and a picking order. The picking task information 1313 may be registered or updated every time an order registration completion instruction is obtained from the order terminal 3. The picking task information 1313 may include information indicating the registration status of the product to be picked. The registration status of the product includes, for example, registration completed, not registered, next picking target, etc. The picking task information 1313 may be registered or updated every time a product registration completion notification is obtained from the picking terminal 2.

[0038] The order ID is unique identification information assigned to each order to identify each order. The order ID is identification information assigned to each order. The product ID is a product ID for individually identifying the products included in each order. The server 1 acquires order information every time it acquires an order registration completion instruction from the order terminal 3. The order information may include the order ID and the product IDs of the products included in the order. The order information is information in which the order ID and the product ID are linked. Details of the order information will be described later. The picking order is information indicating the picking order of the products determined by the processing of the determination unit 112 described later. The picking order may be saved or updated every time the picking order is determined by the processing of the determination unit 112.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows that the product with product ID "P0005" included in the order with order ID "O0001" has a quantity of "1" and is "2nd" in the picking order.

[0040] The order information 1314 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the order information 1314 according to the embodiment. The order information 1314 includes information such as an order ID, a person in charge ID, a total volume, the number of baskets, a picking flight, and a basket number. The order ID is unique identification information assigned to each order to identify the order individually. The person in charge ID is unique identification information assigned to each picker to identify the picker individually. The person in charge ID is information indicating the person in charge of picking the items included in each order. The total volume indicates the volume of all items included in the order. The total volume indicates the total volume of items calculated based on the volume of at least one item included in each order. The number of baskets indicates the number of baskets required to store at least one item included in each order. The number of baskets indicates the number of baskets required to store all items included in an order. The picking flight is information that can identify the flight on which each order will be picked. The picking flight is information that indicates, for example, flight 1, flight 2, flight 3, etc. Flight 1 indicates, for example, the flight on which one picker will perform picking first. Flight 2 indicates the flight on which one picker will perform picking second. Flight 3 indicates the third flight in which one picker will pick items. The basket number is unique identification information assigned to each basket in order to individually identify the basket loaded onto the cart used by the picker. The basket number is not limited to a number, and may be identification information such as a basket ID. The basket number may be saved or updated each time a basket number to be assigned to each order is determined.

[0042] The order information may be saved or updated each time the server 1 obtains an order registration completion instruction from the ordering terminal 3. The order information may be saved or updated each time a picking staff member is determined. The order information may be saved or updated based on a calculation of the total volume. The order information may be saved or updated based on a calculation of the number of baskets. The order information may be saved or updated each time a picking flight is determined. The order information may be saved or updated each time a basket number is determined. The order information may also include information indicating a delivery time frame.

[0043] The example in Figure 8 shows that for an order with order ID "O0001", the picker is "W0001", the total volume is "80", the number of baskets is "1", the picking flight is "1", and the basket number is "1". Products included in the order with order ID "O0001" are assigned to the same picker "W0001" and stored in the basket with the same basket number "1" on picking flight "1".

[0044] The basic setting table 1315 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the basic setting table 1315 according to the embodiment. The basic setting table 1315 includes information on the setting value for each item. For example, the basic setting table 1315 includes the capacity of a basket used for picking and the maximum number of baskets that can be loaded onto a cart. The capacity of a basket used for picking and the maximum number of baskets that can be loaded onto a cart can be set in advance by an administrator or the like.

[0046] 9 shows that the setting value for the basket capacity is "100" and the setting value for the maximum number of baskets that can be loaded into the cart is "3." The setting values ​​of each item set in the basic setting table 1315 can be updated as appropriate.

[0047] The car setting information 1316 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the cart setting information 1316 according to the embodiment. The basket setting information 1316 includes information such as a basket number and basket identification information. The basket number is identification information that is set in advance for a basket loaded on the cart. The basket identification information is information that is set to make each basket identifiable. The basket identification information is information that identifies one basket from a plurality of baskets. The basket identification information indicates information regarding a display method to be displayed on the picking terminal 2 to identify a basket. The basket identification information is an example of information that identifies an area. The basket identification information includes information such as a color and a symbol. For example, when the baskets are identified by color, different colors are set for baskets 1, 2, and 3. The different colors are, for example, green, orange, and blue. The color may be the color of the basket, or may be a color displayed on a medium such as visible paper or a display attached to the basket. When the baskets are identified by symbols, different symbols are set for baskets 1, 2, and 3. The different symbols are, for example, A, B, and C. The symbol may be a symbol displayed on a medium such as visible paper attached to the basket or a display. The basket identification information may be an icon or the like. When the baskets are identified by icons, different icons are set for basket 1, basket 2, and basket 3. The different icons may be, for example, different animals such as rabbits, bears, and pigs, or different fruits such as apples, oranges, and melons. The icon may be an icon displayed on a medium such as visible paper attached to the basket or a display. The basket setting information 1316 may be set in advance by an administrator or the like, or may be updated as appropriate by the administrator.

[0049] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that communicatively connect the server 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0050] The hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The server 1 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0051] Each unit realized by the above-mentioned processor 11 will be described. The processor 11 realizes an acquisition unit 110, an allocation processing unit 111, a determination unit 112, an output unit 113, a registration processing unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, and a delivery processing unit 116. Each unit realized by the processor 11 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processor 11 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0052] The acquisition unit 110 acquires an order registration completion instruction from the ordering terminal 3 via the communication interface 14. The order registration completion instruction may include information related to the order. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire the order registration completion instruction and the information related to the order separately. The information related to the order includes product information of the products included in the order. The product information includes information related to the location of the products.

[0053] The acquisition unit 110 may acquire a payment completion notification from the ordering terminal 3. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire information related to the order in response to acquiring the payment completion notification. The acquisition unit 110 may update the picking task information and the order information based on the information related to the order. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire a product receipt report from the ordering terminal 3 after the delivery process. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire information such as service evaluation from the ordering terminal 3. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire a registration completion notification of the product to be picked from the picking terminal 2. In the following description, "acquire" may be read as "receive".

[0054] The allocation processing unit 111 allocates multiple orders to multiple pickers. For example, the allocation processing unit 111 allocates multiple orders, which require picking work to be completed within a specified delivery time frame, to multiple pickers. The allocation processing unit 111 allocates multiple orders to one picker. The allocation processing unit 111 allocates multiple orders to multiple delivery people.

[0055] The determination unit 112 estimates the number of baskets required to store the products based on information on the multiple products. The determination unit 112 allocates the multiple orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets. The determination unit 112 allocates the multiple orders to one or more flights so that the estimated number of baskets for one cart is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, the number of baskets available in one flight. The predetermined number may be the number of baskets that can be loaded in one cart. The predetermined number is, for example, 2 or 3. The determination unit 112 may estimate the number of baskets required to store the products depending on the type of cart. The types of cart include, for example, large, medium, and small. A "large" cart may indicate a cart that can load up to three baskets. A "medium" cart may indicate a cart that can load up to two baskets. A "small" cart may indicate a cart that can load up to one basket. The allocation processing unit 111 may estimate the number of baskets required to store the products depending on the type of basket. Basket types include, for example, large, medium, and small. A "large" basket may indicate a basket with the largest volume. The capacity of a "large" basket is larger than the capacity of a normal shopping basket. A "medium" basket may indicate a basket with a normal volume. The capacity of a "medium" basket is, for example, the capacity of a normal shopping basket. A "small" basket may indicate a basket with the smallest volume. The capacity of a "medium" basket is, for example, smaller than the capacity of a normal shopping basket.

[0056] The determination unit 112 determines that picking is not executable when the estimated number of baskets for one cart exceeds a predetermined number. The determination unit 112 determines that picking is executable when the estimated number of baskets for one cart is equal to or less than a predetermined number. Being executable indicates, for example, that the picker is capable of picking all the products included in the assigned order in one trip. Being executable corresponds to being capable of picking in one trip. Being not executable indicates, for example, that the picker is unable to pick all the products included in the assigned order in one trip. Being not executable corresponds to being unable to pick in one trip. Being not executable indicates that the picker needs to pick in two or more trips in order to pick all the products included in the assigned order. When picking is not possible in one trip, the determination unit 112 may estimate how many trips are required to pick all the products included in the assigned order.

[0057] When it is not possible to pick all of the products included in one order in one shipment, the determination unit 112 may exclude that order and determine the allocation of other orders.

[0058] The determination unit 112 determines an area in which to store products included in multiple orders. The determination unit 112 determines the association between the products and the area in which to store the products. The determination unit 112 determines the area in which to store the products for each order. Information indicating the association between the products and the area in which to store the products is also referred to as association information.

[0059] The determination unit 112 determines a picking order for picking multiple products included in an order. The products included in an order are also referred to as picking target products. The determination unit 112 determines the picking order based on information about the product positions. The information about the product positions may be information indicating the positions at which the products are displayed in the store. The information about the product positions may be information indicating the positions of shelves on which the products are displayed in the store. The information about the product positions may be information indicating the positions of aisles facing the shelves on which the products are displayed in the store. The determination unit 112 may determine a picking order in which a route for picking multiple products is the shortest route. The picking route indicates a route for moving between multiple products calculated based on the order for picking the products. The shortest route may be a route with the shortest distance for moving between multiple products. The shortest route may be a route with the shortest time for moving between multiple products. The determination unit 112 determines the picking order based on, for example, a moving time calculation program 1300, a route determination program 1301, and an optimization program 1302.

[0060] When all items included in one order cannot be picked in one trip, the determination unit 112 may exclude the order and determine the picking order for the items included in the other orders. The determination unit 112 may also determine the picking order individually for the items included in the excluded orders.

[0061] The output unit 113 outputs, via the communication interface 14, allocation information indicating an allocation result of allocating a plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets. The output unit 113 outputs information regarding the picking work via the communication interface 14. The information regarding the picking work includes information regarding the order in which the products are to be picked. The information regarding the picking work includes information regarding the area in which the products are stored. The information regarding the picking work includes information regarding the flight in which the products are to be picked. The information regarding the picking work may include an image indicating the information regarding the picking work. The output unit 113 outputs picking task information to the picking terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The output unit 113 outputs order information to the picking terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The output unit 113 outputs map information to the picking terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The output unit 113 outputs basket setting information to the picking terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The output unit 113 may output corresponding information to the picking terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. In the following description, "output" may be read as "transmit".

[0062] The registration processing unit 114 acquires a work completion notification of the picking work from the picking terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. The work completion notification is a notification indicating that picking of the product has been completed. The registration processing unit 114 updates the work status of the picking work based on the work completion notification. The registration processing unit 114 may store the work status of the picking work in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0063] The payment processing unit 115 performs a payment process for the product price to the store that received the order. The payment process can be realized by a known payment processing technology. The payment processing unit 115 may also perform a payment process for the fees paid to the picking staff and the delivery staff.

[0064] The delivery processing unit 116 outputs delivery task information to a delivery terminal (not shown) via the communication interface 14. The delivery terminal is a terminal used by a delivery clerk who is in charge of delivering the products included in the order. The delivery task information includes, for example, information about the order to be assigned to the delivery clerk.

[0065] An example of the configuration of the picking terminal 2 will be described. The picking terminal 2 is a device including a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication interface 24, an input device 25, a camera 26, a display device 27, and a speaker 28. Each component constituting the picking terminal 2 is connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals.

[0066] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the picking terminal 2. The processor 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The processor 21 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned processor 11. The processor 21 performs various operations by executing programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The processor 21 is an example of a processing circuit.

[0067] The main memory 22 corresponds to a main storage portion of the picking terminal 2. The main memory 22 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned main memory 12. The main memory 22 stores programs.

[0068] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the picking terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 23 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 23 may store a picking task presentation program. The auxiliary storage device 23 may store user information.

[0069] The auxiliary storage device 23 stores picking task information, map information, and product information.

[0070] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the picking terminal 2 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0071] The input device 25 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the picking terminal 2. For example, the input device 25 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The input device 25 includes a microphone capable of inputting voice.

[0072] Camera 26 is a device capable of acquiring photographic data of a photographing range under the control of processor 21. Camera 26 is an example of an imaging unit.

[0073] The display device 27 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processor 21. For example, the display device 27 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display.

[0074] The speaker 28 is a device capable of outputting sound under the control of the picking terminal 2.

[0075] The hardware configuration of the picking terminal 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The picking terminal 2 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0076] Each unit realized by the above-mentioned processor 21 will be described. The processor 21 realizes an acquisition unit 210, an image processing unit 211, a display processing unit 212, a registration processing unit 213, and an output unit 214. Each unit realized by the processor 21 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processor 21 can also be referred to as being realized by a control unit including the processor 21 and the main memory 22.

[0077] The acquiring unit 210 acquires picking task information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The acquiring unit 210 acquires order information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The acquiring unit 210 acquires map information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The acquiring unit 210 acquires basket setting information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The acquiring unit 210 may acquire product information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0078] The image processing unit 211 generates a basket setting image based on the basket setting information. The basket setting image is an example of an image related to correspondence information that associates products included in an order with an area in which to store the products. The correspondence information may be correspondence information that associates an order with an area in which to store the products included in the order. The correspondence information is information that associates each of the products to be picked with the basket in which to store them. The correspondence information is information indicating in which basket each product should be stored. The correspondence information may be information that associates each of a plurality of orders with the basket in which to store the products included in the orders. The correspondence information is information indicating in which basket the products included in each order should be stored. The basket setting image includes an image indicating information related to the picking service.

[0079] The image processing unit 211 generates an image showing a picking order based on a picking task presentation program. The image showing the picking order includes an image based on the corresponding information. The image showing the picking order may include an image showing a picking path. The image showing the picking order may include a list image that displays information of a plurality of products based on the picking order. The image showing the picking order may include product information. The image processing unit 211 may generate an image showing a picking path based on the position information of the picking terminal 2. The image processing unit 211 may generate an image showing a picking path based on a product registration operation by a user of the picking terminal 2. The image processing unit 211 may generate an image showing a picking order every time the image processing unit 2 acquires position information of the picking terminal 2. The image processing unit 211 may generate an image showing a picking order every time the image processing unit 2 acquires a product registration operation by a user of the picking terminal 2. The image showing the picking order may include an image showing information about a picking service.

[0080] The display processing unit 212 displays on the display device 27 an image related to allocation information for allocating a plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets. The display processing unit 212 displays a basket setting image on the display device 27. The display processing unit 212 displays an image indicating the picking order on the display device 27. The display processing unit 212 may display an image indicating the picking order on the display device 27 every time an image indicating the picking order is generated by the image processing unit 211. The display processing unit 212 may display an image indicating the picking order on the display device 27 based on a user operation.

[0081] The registration processing unit 213 obtains a registration completion notification based on a product registration operation of the product. The product registration operation is an operation for instructing the completion of product registration of the product to be picked. Completion of product registration indicates that picking of the product is completed. The registration processing unit 213 updates the registration status of the product based on the registration completion operation. The registration processing unit 213 obtains a work completion notification indicating the completion of the picking work by the user. Completion of the picking work indicates that picking of all orders included in the order is completed. Note that the completion of the picking work may indicate that picking of all picking target products included in multiple orders handled by the picker is completed. The registration processing unit 213 updates the work status of the picking work based on the work completion operation. The registration processing unit 2134 may save the work status of the picking work in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0082] The output unit 214 outputs a work completion notification to the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The output unit 214 may output a registration completion notification indicating completion of the product registration of the product to be picked to the server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0083] (Example of operation) The process performed by the picking operation support system 100 will now be described. In the following description, which mainly focuses on the server 1, the server 1 may be read as the processor 11. In the following description, the various units realized by the processor 11 are described as the main components, but the various units may be read as the processor 11. In the following description, which mainly focuses on the picking terminal 2, the picking terminal 2 may be read as the processor 21. In the following description, the various units realized by the processor 21 are described as the main components, but the various units may be read as the processor 21. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate for the process steps described below depending on the embodiment.

[0084] In the following process, it is assumed that the user of the ordering terminal 3 registers an order in the shopping agent service provided by the server 1. The server 1 accepts order registrations from the user of the ordering terminal 3 at any time. In response to the completion of order registration by the user of the ordering terminal 3, the ordering terminal 3 outputs an order registration completion instruction to the server 1. In response to obtaining the order registration completion instruction, the server 1 stores information related to the order in the auxiliary storage device 13. Note that the server 1 may store information related to the order in the auxiliary storage device 13 in response to the completion of a payment operation by the user of the ordering terminal 3. In this case, the server 1 may obtain a payment completion notification and information related to the order from the ordering terminal 3.

[0085] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of information processing by the server 1 according to the embodiment.

[0086] The following example will be explained assuming that picking work is performed in one store. In the following example, it is assumed that one picker in one store picks items included in multiple orders.

[0087] The acquisition unit 110 acquires information related to the order from the ordering terminal 3 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the acquisition unit 110 acquires an order registration completion instruction from the ordering terminal 3. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the order registration completion instruction and information related to the order. The information related to the order includes order information. The information related to the order may include product information of products included in the order. The acquisition unit 110 acquires information related to the locations of multiple products included in the order. The acquisition unit 110 updates the picking task information 1313 based on the information related to the order.

[0088] The processor 11 determines whether or not a predetermined work timing has been reached (ACT2). The predetermined work timing may be set by an administrator, etc. The predetermined work timing may be, for example, a predetermined time interval. The predetermined work timing may be, for example, a timing based on the start time of a predetermined delivery time slot. If the processor 11 determines that the predetermined work timing has been reached (ACT2: YES), the process transitions from ACT2 to ACT3. If the processor 11 determines that the predetermined work timing has not been reached (ACT2: NO), the process transitions from ACT2 to ACT1.

[0089] The allocation processing unit 111 allocates a plurality of orders to a plurality of pickers and delivery personnel (ACT3).

[0090] The determination unit 112 determines a picking order for picking multiple items included in an order (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the determination unit 112 determines the number of pickings required to pick all items included in an assigned order based on information about the order. The determination unit 112 determines a combination of orders to be picked simultaneously from among the assigned orders based on information about the order. Orders to be picked simultaneously indicate orders to be picked on the same flight. The determination unit 112 estimates the number of baskets required to pick all items included in each order based on information about the order. The determination unit 112 determines the picking order based on information about the order. The determination unit 112 may determine the picking order based on information about the positions of multiple items included in the order.

[0091] The output unit 113 outputs information about the picking work according to the picking order of the multiple products included in the order to the picking terminal 2 (ACT5). The information about the picking work may include picking task information. The information about the picking work may include order information. The information about the picking work may include map information. The information about the picking work may include basket setting information. The information about the picking work may include correspondence information. The information about the picking work may include route information according to the picking order. The information about the picking work may include information that associates the picking order with product information of the multiple products included in the order. In ACT5, for example, the output unit 113 outputs the picking task information to the picking terminal 2. The output unit 113 outputs the map information to the picking terminal 2. The output unit 113 outputs the basket setting information to the picking terminal 2. The output unit 113 may output the picking task information, the map information, and the basket setting information to the picking terminals 2 of multiple pickers who are in charge of orders in a specified delivery time frame. The output unit 113 may output picking task information, map information, and basket setting information related to the assigned orders to each picker. The picking terminal 2 acquires information related to the picking work according to the picking order. The picking terminal 2 acquires the picking task information, map information, and basket setting information. The picking terminal 2 generates a picking order image based on the acquired picking task information, map information, and basket setting information. The picking terminal 2 displays the generated picking order image on the display device 27. The output unit 113 may output the picking order image generated based on the picking task information, map information, and corresponding information to the picking terminal 2. In this case, the picking terminal 2 may display the picking order image acquired from the server 1 on the display device 27. The output unit 113 may output information related to the picking work to the picking terminal 2 every time the picking task information is updated.

[0092] The registration processing unit 114 acquires a work completion notification of the picking work from the picking terminal 2 (ACT6). In response to acquiring the work completion notification, the registration processing unit 114 may update the work status of the picking work.

[0093] The payment processing unit 115 performs a payment process for the product price to the store that received the order (ACT 7). The payment processing unit 115 may perform the payment process using a known technique.

[0094] The delivery processing unit 116 outputs delivery task information to the delivery terminal (ACT8). In ACT8, for example, information related to the delivery task assigned by the assignment processing unit 111 is output to the delivery terminal. The user of the delivery terminal performs delivery work according to the delivery task information. The assignment processing unit 111 may assign multiple orders to multiple delivery staff in the same way as assignment to pickers. The assignment processing unit 111 may assign multiple orders to multiple delivery staff using known technology.

[0095] After the delivery process, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire a product receipt report from the order terminal 3. The acquisition unit 110 may acquire information such as a service evaluation from the order terminal 3. After the delivery process, the payment processing unit 115 may perform a payment process for fees paid to the picking staff and the delivery staff.

[0096] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for information processing related to a picking task by the server 1 according to the embodiment. The following process is an example of a specific information process for determining the picking order in ACT4 shown in FIG. The following process is performed for multiple orders assigned to each picker. In this example, the picking order is determined for at least one item included in the order that each picker is to pick.

[0097] The determination unit 112 calculates the sum of the volumes of all products (total volume) for all assigned orders (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the determination unit 112 refers to the product information 1311 to obtain the volume for at least one product included in each order. The determination unit 112 calculates the total volume of at least one product included in each order. The determination unit 112 stores information on the total volume in the order information 1314.

[0098] The determination unit 112 calculates the number of baskets for each order (ACT12). In ACT12, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates the number of baskets required to accommodate all the products included in each order by dividing the total volume of the products by the capacity of the basket and rounding up the calculation. The determination unit 112 stores information on the number of baskets in the order information 1314. In this example, it is assumed that the number of baskets required for order "O0001" is "1", the number of baskets required for order "O0002" is "2", and the number of baskets required for order "O0003" is "2".

[0099] The determination unit 112 extracts all patterns for dividing all the allocated orders into multiple flights (ACT13). The patterns are also called allocation patterns. In ACT13, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates combinations for dividing all the allocated orders into multiple flights. A case will be described in which three orders, "O0001", "O0002", and "O0003", are allocated to a person in charge "W0001". The determination unit 112 extracts a total of five patterns as follows. Pattern 1 is a combination in which the order "O0001" is allocated to flight 1, the order "O0002" to flight 2, and the order "O0003" to flight 3, and the number of flights is three in total. Pattern 2 is a combination in which the orders "O0001" and "O0002" are allocated to flight 1, and the order "O0003" to flight 2, and the number of flights is two in total. Pattern 3 is a combination in which order "O0001" is assigned to flight 1, and orders "O0002" and "O0003" are assigned to flight 2, for a total of 2 flights. Pattern 4 is a combination in which orders "O0001" and "O0003" are assigned to flight 1, and order "O0002" is assigned to flight 2, for a total of 2 flights. Pattern 5 is a combination in which orders "O0001", "O0002", and order "O0003" are assigned to flight 1, for a total of 1 flight.

[0100] The determination unit 112 performs the following process for all the extracted patterns. The determination unit 112 calculates the total number of baskets for each flight (ACT14). In ACT14, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates the total number of baskets required for each flight included in each extracted pattern based on the order information 1314. Pattern 1 will be described. As the total number of baskets for flight 1, the total number of baskets required for orders "O0001" and "O0002" is calculated. In this example, the total number of baskets for flight 1 is "2". As the total number of baskets for flight 1, the total number of baskets required for orders "O0001" and "O0002" is calculated. In this example, the total number of baskets for flight 1 is "2". As the total number of baskets for flight 2, the number of baskets required for order "O0003" is obtained. In this example, the total number of baskets for flight 2 is "2". Similarly, the determination unit 112 calculates the total number of baskets for each flight for patterns 2 to 5. For pattern 2, the total number of baskets on flight 1 is "3" and the total number of baskets on flight 2 is "2." For pattern 3, the total number of baskets on flight 1 is "1" and the total number of baskets on flight 2 is "4." For pattern 4, the total number of baskets on flight 1 is "3" and the total number of baskets on flight 2 is "2." For pattern 5, the total number of baskets on flight 1 is "5."

[0101] The determination unit 112 determines whether the total number of baskets in all flights for each pattern is equal to or less than a predetermined number (ACT15). The predetermined number is, for example, the number of baskets that can be loaded in a cart. The predetermined number can be set by an administrator or the like. In this example, the number of baskets that can be loaded in a cart is "3". If the determination unit 112 determines that the total number of baskets in all flights is equal to or less than the predetermined number (ACT15: YES), the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT17. The fact that the total number of baskets in all flights is equal to or less than the predetermined number indicates that the pattern does not include flights in which the total number of baskets exceeds the predetermined number. In this case, the determination unit 112 determines that the pattern is executable. If the determination unit 112 determines that the total number of baskets in all flights is not equal to or less than the predetermined number (ACT15: NO), the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT16. The fact that the total number of baskets on all flights is not less than a predetermined number indicates that the pattern includes at least one flight whose total number of baskets exceeds the predetermined number.

[0102] For a pattern that includes at least one flight in which the total number of cages exceeds a predetermined number, the determination unit 112 determines that the pattern is not executable (ACT 16). For a pattern that is determined to be not executable, the determination unit 112 may store information indicating that the pattern is not executable in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0103] The determination unit 112 calculates the shortest route and the route length of the shortest route for all flights for the patterns determined to be feasible (ACT 17). The determination unit 112 stores the calculated route length of the shortest route in the auxiliary storage device 13. The shortest route is also called the shortest path.

[0104] The determination unit 112 accumulates the route lengths of the shortest routes of all flights included in each pattern, and calculates the route length of the pattern (ACT 18).

[0105] The determination unit 112 saves the picking task information (ACT19). In ACT19, for example, the determination unit 112 selects a pattern with the shortest route length from among feasible patterns. The determination unit 112 saves the selected pattern in the picking task information. The determination unit 112 saves the picking order for the selected pattern in the picking task information.

[0106] The allocation pattern will now be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an allocation pattern according to the embodiment. The above-mentioned patterns 1 to 5 will be used as examples for explanation. In ACT15, the determination unit 112 determines that Pattern 3 and Pattern 5 are not executable because there are flights whose total number of cages exceeds "3". The determination unit 112 determines that Pattern 1, Pattern 2, and Pattern 4 are executable because the total number of cages of all flights is "3" or less.

[0107] In ACT19, the determination unit 112 selects the pattern with the shortest route length based on the sum of the route lengths of the shortest routes of the feasible patterns 1, 2, and 4. In this example, the sum of the route lengths of the shortest routes of pattern 1 is "210", the sum of the route lengths of the shortest routes of pattern 2 is "170", and the sum of the route lengths of the shortest routes of pattern 4 is "180". The determination unit 112 selects pattern 2 as the pattern with the shortest route length.

[0108] According to this example, the server 1 can estimate the number of baskets required to pick multiple items included in multiple orders assigned to each picker, and can assign the multiple orders to at least one flight based on the number of baskets required. Therefore, the server 1 can assign multiple orders to at least one flight so that the picker can prevent the cart from running out of basket capacity when performing picking work for one flight. The server 1 can assign to one flight the picking of an amount of items that does not exceed the basket capacity that can be loaded into one cart. The picker can pick all items of the orders assigned to one flight with one cart during picking work for one flight by performing picking work according to the flight assigned by the server 1. This can prevent a situation in which the basket capacity runs out during picking work for one flight and the picking work cannot be continued. In addition, the picker can know the number of baskets required for each order in advance.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for information processing regarding picking orders by the server 1 according to the embodiment.

[0110] The following process is an example of specific information processing for determining the shortest route for all flights of each executable pattern in ACT17 shown in Fig. 12. In this example, the picking order is determined for at least one product included in an order that is the subject of picking work by each picker, and the shortest route is calculated.

[0111] The following process is performed for all orders assigned to each picker. The following process is performed for each possible pattern.

[0112] The determination unit 112 determines the allocation of areas to each assigned order (ACT21). In ACT21, for example, the determination unit 112 determines a basket number to be assigned to each order based on the picking task information and the basket setting information. The determination unit 112 assigns basket numbers based on, for example, the order ID. The determination unit 112 may assign basket numbers in ascending order of the order ID numbers. For example, the determination unit 112 assigns basket numbers "1", "2", and "3" to order IDs "O0001", "O0002", and "O0003", respectively. The determination unit 112 saves the assigned basket numbers in the picking task information. The determination unit 112 saves the basket numbers assigned to each order in association with each order ID. The determination unit 112 may save the basket numbers assigned to each order in association with information on the products included in each order. The determination unit 112 may randomly assign basket numbers to order IDs.

[0113] The determination unit 112 creates a list indicating the products included in all the assigned orders (ACT 22). In ACT 22, for example, the determination unit 112 creates one list including the picking target products included in all the orders.

[0114] The determination unit 112 calculates the distance between the positions of two products among the multiple products included in all the assigned orders (ACT23). In ACT23, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates the distance between the positions of the two products for all combinations in which two products are taken out of the multiple products included in all the orders. The determination unit 112 may calculate the distance between the positions of the two products based on the travel time calculation program 1300. The distance between the positions of the two products is also referred to as the distance between two points. The determination unit 112 stores the calculated distance between the two points in the auxiliary storage device 13. The determination unit 112 calculates the travel time between the two points based on the distance between the two points. The determination unit 112 stores the calculated travel time between the two points in the travel time information 1312.

[0115] The determination unit 112 determines the route to be applied from among candidate routes for picking all of the items to be picked (ACT24). In ACT24, for example, the determination unit 112 may determine the route to be applied that has the shortest travel distance from among the candidate routes (shortest route). The determination unit 112 may determine the route to be applied that has the shortest travel time from among the candidate routes (shortest route). The determination unit 112 stores the determined route in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0116] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for information processing regarding picking orders by the server 1 according to the embodiment. The following process is an example of a specific information process for calculating the distance between two points in ACT23 shown in FIG. The determination unit 112 acquires map information of the inside of the store from the map information 1310 (ACT31). In ACT31, for example, the determination unit 112 acquires map information of the store where the picking work is performed. In this example, the determination unit 112 acquires map information in a grid map format. Note that the map information is not limited to information in the grid map format. The map information may be information that indicates the position information of the product in the store.

[0117] The determining unit 112 converts the map information into graph structure data (ACT32).

[0118] The determination unit 112 performs the following process for all combinations of two products selected from a plurality of products included in all assigned orders. In the following description, the process performed for the two selected products will be described.

[0119] The determination unit 112 acquires information on the picking positions of the two products from the product information 1311 (ACT33).

[0120] The determination unit 112 calculates the travel distance based on the information on the picking positions of the two products (ACT34). In ACT34, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates the shortest route for picking up the two products based on the information on the picking positions of the two products. The determination unit 112 calculates the travel distance between the picking positions of the two products based on the shortest route. The determination unit 112 may calculate the travel distance between the picking positions of the two products based on the position information of the two products. The travel distance between the picking positions of the two products is also referred to as the travel distance between the two products. The determination unit 112 may calculate the shortest route using a known technique such as a breadth-first search algorithm. In this case, the determination unit 112 sets the nodes corresponding to the picking positions of the two products as the start point and the end point, respectively, for the graph structure data of the map information, and calculates the travel distance of the shortest route using a breadth-first search algorithm.

[0121] The determination unit 112 calculates the travel time between the two products (ACT 35). In ACT 35, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates the travel time between the two products based on the calculated travel distance of the shortest route between the two products. The determination unit 112 may calculate the travel time by multiplying the calculated travel distance of the shortest route between the two products by a travel time coefficient ((travel time) = (travel distance) x (travel time coefficient)). The travel time coefficient is a coefficient for converting the travel distance into travel time. The travel distance is, for example, the number of grids in the map information. The travel time is, for example, the number of seconds. The travel time coefficient can be set in consideration of, for example, the scale of the map, the travel speed, etc. The determination unit 112 calculates the travel time of the shortest route between the two products.

[0122] The determination unit 112 stores the calculated travel time of the shortest route between the two products in the travel time information 1312 (ACT36). The determination unit 112 can update the travel time information 1312 every time the travel time is calculated.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for information processing regarding picking orders by the server 1 according to the embodiment. The following process is an example of a specific information process for determining a route in ACT24 shown in FIG. In the following, an example will be described in which the processor 11 formulates an optimization problem, registers the formulated problem in the optimization program 1302, and obtains a solution to the formulated problem through processing based on the optimization program 1302.

[0124] The determination unit 112 acquires travel time information for all combinations of two products taken out from a plurality of products included in all assigned orders (ACT41). In ACT41, for example, the determination unit 112 refers to the travel time information 1312 to acquire travel time information between two products for a plurality of products included in all orders. A case will be described in which travel time information is acquired for product P0005, product P0011, and product P0054. The determination unit 112 acquires travel time information between product AB when product A is "product P0005" and product B and "product P0011". The determination unit 112 acquires travel time information between product AB when product A is "product P0005" and product B and "product P0054". Similarly, the determination unit 112 acquires travel time information between product A and other products when product A is "product P0011" and travel time information between product A and other products when product A is "product P0054".

[0125] The determination unit 112 registers the decision variable in the optimization program 1302 (ACT42). In ACT42, for example, the determination unit 112 adjusts the decision variable "x ij ", "u j Define the decision variable x ij" is a binary variable that is 1 if the product i (i = 1, 2, ..., m) and product j (j = 1, 2, ..., n) are moved from the picking position of product i to the picking position of product j, and 0 if they are not moved. The decision variable "u j " is a variable that indicates the order in which product i is picked.

[0126] The determination unit 112 registers a constant in the optimization program 1302 (ACT43). In ACT43, for example, the determination unit 112 registers a constant "c ij Set the travel time information to "c". ij " is a constant that represents the cost of moving between two products. The cost of moving indicates the distance or time required to move.

[0127] The determination unit 112 registers the objective function and the constraint conditions in the optimization program 1302 (ACT44). The objective function is expressed by, for example, Equation 1.

[0128]

number

[0129]

number

[0130]

number

[0131]

number

[0132] The determination unit 112 determines the picking order of the multiple products included in the order (ACT45). In ACT45, for example, the determination unit 112 solves an optimization problem formulated as a mixed integer programming problem such as Equation 1, Equation 2, Equation 3, and Equation 4 by the optimization program 1302. The determination unit 112 determines the order in which the products included in the order will be picked, "u j The determination unit 112 determines a picking sequence in which a route for picking up a plurality of products included in an order is the shortest route.

[0133] The determination unit 112 stores the picking order of the multiple products included in the order in the picking task information 1313 (ACT46).

[0134] According to this example, the server 1 can determine the picking order of the products to be picked based on the position information between two products. The server 1 can determine the picking order that provides the shortest picking route. This allows the server 1 to provide the picking terminal 2 with the picking order for picking multiple products via the shortest route. The picker can perform the picking work based on the picking order, thereby making the picking work more efficient.

[0135] The above-mentioned picking order determination process has been described as a method of formulating the problem as a mixed integer programming problem and finding a solution using a mathematical optimization program, but the formulation method and the solution finding method are not limited to this. For example, a method of conducting a brute force investigation of all candidates for allocation of picking workers, a method of formulating the problem as an Ising problem and finding a solution using an Ising machine, or a method using a heuristic algorithm may be used.

[0136] This section explains the process when the number of baskets required for picking all the products included in one order exceeds a specified number. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of information processing related to a picking task by the server 1 according to the embodiment.

[0137] The following process is an example of a specific information process for determining the picking order in ACT4 shown in FIG. The following process is performed for multiple orders assigned to each picker. In this example, orders that require more than a certain number of baskets to pick all the items in the order are excluded, and for the other orders, the picking order is determined for at least one item in the order.

[0138] The determination unit 112 calculates the sum of the volumes of all products (total volume) for all assigned orders (ACT51). In ACT51, similar to ACT11, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates the total volume of at least one product included in each order. The determination unit 112 stores information on the total volume in the order information 1314.

[0139] The determination unit 112 calculates the number of baskets for each order (ACT52). In ACT52, similar to, for example, ACT12, the determination unit 112 calculates the number of baskets required to hold all the products included in each order. The determination unit 112 stores information on the number of baskets in the order information 1314. In this example, it is assumed that the number of baskets required for order "O0001" is "1", the number of baskets required for order "O0002" is "2", the number of baskets required for order "O0003" is "2", and the number of baskets required for order "O0003" is "4".

[0140] The determination unit 112 extracts all patterns for dividing all allocated orders into multiple flights (ACT53). In ACT53, for example, similar to ACT13, the determination unit 112 calculates combinations for dividing all allocated orders into multiple flights. The determination unit 112 excludes orders for which the number of baskets required to pick all items included in the order exceeds a predetermined number. In this example, the determination unit 112 excludes order "O0003".

[0141] The determination unit 112 performs the following process for all the extracted patterns. The determination unit 112 judges whether each pattern is executable or not (ACT54). In ACT54, for example, the determination unit 112 performs the same process as in ACT14 and ACT15 to judge whether each pattern is executable or not.

[0142] The determination unit 112 calculates the shortest route and the route length of the shortest route for all flights for the patterns determined to be feasible (ACT 55). In ACT 55, for example, the determination unit 112 performs the same process as ACT 17 and ACT 18 to calculate the route length for each pattern. The determination unit 112 stores the route length in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0143] The determination unit 112 saves the picking task information (ACT56). In ACT56, for example, the determination unit 112 selects a pattern with the shortest route length from among feasible patterns, similar to ACT19. The determination unit 112 saves the selected pattern in the picking task information. The determination unit 112 saves the picking order for the selected pattern in the picking task information.

[0144] The determination unit 112 saves picking task information for the excluded orders (ACT57). In ACT57, for example, the determination unit 112 calculates the shortest route for picking all items included in the excluded orders. The determination unit 112 saves the picking order for picking all items included in the excluded orders in the picking task information. In this example, the determination unit 112 sets a picking task for picking the excluded orders as an additional shipment.

[0145] The output unit 113 may output information regarding the required number of baskets and the required number of carts for the excluded orders to the picking terminal 2. The picking terminal 2 may display text information such as "4 baskets required. Two carts may be required" on the display device 27 based on the information regarding the required number of baskets and the required number of carts.

[0146] A display example of an image displayed on the picking terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a basket setting image displayed on the display device 27 of the picking terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

[0147] FIG. 18 shows a basket setting image Ima for each picking trip. The basket setting image Ima includes information for identifying multiple baskets to be loaded on the cart. The information for identifying the baskets may include at least one of text information and images. In the example of FIG. 18, the information for identifying the baskets is the symbols "A", "B", and "C". The basket setting image Ima may be displayed on the display device 27 of the picking terminal 2 based on the picker declaring that he or she will start picking work. The declaration to start picking work is, for example, an operation such as touch input of a start button to start picking work. The basket setting image Ima may include a "Next" button or the like for transitioning to an image for proceeding with the picking work. The basket setting image Ima may include information regarding the number of trips and the trip number. The basket setting image Ima may include text information regarding how many trips the picking will be divided into, such as "Please pick in two trips". The basket setting image Ima may include text information indicating which trip it is, such as "first picking trip". The information for identifying a car may be different for each flight, or may be common to all flights.

[0148] The user of the picking terminal 2 sets the baskets in the cart according to the basket setting image Ima. In this example, the user sets "basket A" in the upper part of the cart, "basket B" in the middle part of the cart, and "basket C" in the lower part of the cart. The user stores the products in the baskets that correspond to the baskets assigned to each product.

[0149] According to this example, the server 1 can output information on the number of trips and the number of baskets required for picking multiple orders to the picking terminal 2. When performing picking work, the user of the picking terminal 2 can obtain information on the number of trips and the number of baskets for the assigned order.

[0150] FIG. 19 shows a picking order image Imb. The picking order image Imb includes a map display area Ara and a product information display area Arb. The map display area Ara is an area that displays a map of the store. The map display area Ara includes information indicating the position of a product included in an order on a map of the store. The information indicating the position of the product may be information indicating a position where the product is to be picked up. The information indicating the position of the product includes, for example, an object indicating the position of the product. The object indicating the position of the product is also called a product position object. The map display area Ara includes product position objects Oba, Obd, and Obf. The map display area Ara includes information indicating a route for picking up the product. The information indicating the route is information indicating which aisle on the map of the store to move through. The information indicating the route includes, for example, a route object. The route object may include a completed route object indicating a route from the start of picking to a product that has already been picked up, and an incomplete route object indicating a route for picking up a product that has not been picked up. The map display area Ara includes a completed path object Obe, and incomplete path objects Obb and Obg. The completed path object and the incomplete path object may be displayed in a manner that allows each to be distinguished. For example, the completed path object and the incomplete path object may be displayed in a manner that allows visual distinction. The manner that allows visual distinction includes different colors, sizes, brightness or luminance, patterns, or blinking displays. The incomplete path object Obb indicates the picking position of the previously picked product and the movement path to the picking position of the next product to be picked.

[0151] The map display area Ara may include information indicating the next product to be picked. The information indicating the next product to be picked is, for example, a product position object Obc. The product position object Obc may be displayed in a manner that allows visual distinction from other product position objects. In the example of FIG. 19, the product position object Obc is an arrow object. The arrow object indicates which direction of the display shelf the product is located in in the aisle. This allows the user of the picking terminal 2 to know which shelf the product is displayed on as seen from the aisle. The product position object may include detailed information on the display position of the product, such as the direction of the display position of the product from the starting point of the aisle, and the number of the display shelf. The detailed information on the display position of the product includes information that makes it easier for the picker to find the product. The detailed information on the display position of the product may be text information.

[0152] The map display area Ara displays a route according to the picking order of the products on the map. This allows the user of the picking terminal 2 to visually grasp which aisle to take when picking up the products based on the map of the store.

[0153] The server 1 may acquire the location information of the picking terminal 2. The location information of the picking terminal 2 may include location information acquired by a sensor or the like, and information indicating the orientation. In this case, the map display area Ara may include information indicating the current location of the picking terminal 2 and information indicating the orientation. The map display area Ara may display an image in which the orientation of the map is rotated based on the location information of the picking terminal 2. The server 1 may recalculate the picking order based on the location information of the picking terminal 2 when the user of the picking terminal 2 deviates from the route according to the picking order, or picks products in an order different from the picking order. The server 1 may newly display a route according to the calculated picking order. According to this example, the server 1 can dynamically present a picking route according to the operation of the user of the picking terminal 2. In addition, the user can easily visually confirm in which basket the next product to be picked is to be stored. In this way, the server 1 can support the picking of products for each order along the route according to the operation of the user of the picking terminal 2.

[0154] The product information display area Arb includes product information of the product to be picked next. The product information display area Arb includes an area Ta indicating the picking order, an area Tb indicating product information, an area Tc displaying product images, a basket information area Taa, and a registration button Ba. The area Ta includes text information indicating the picking order. The area Tb may include product names, product IDs, and prices. The area Tc may include product images, photos, etc. The basket information area Taa includes information for identifying a basket in which to store the product. In this example, the basket information area Taa includes information indicating that the product to be picked second, "XX milk," is to be stored in "basket B." The basket information area Taa may include an order ID. The basket information area Taa may include correspondence information between each order and a basket in which the product included in each order is stored. The registration button Ba is a button operated by a user of the picking terminal 2. The registration button Ba is a software key. The registration button Ba is an operator for instructing completion of product registration. When picking of the target product to be picked is completed, the user of the picking terminal 2 selects the registration button Ba by touch input or the like. Based on the operation of the registration button Ba, the picking terminal 2 outputs information indicating the completion of product registration to the server 1. Based on the touch input of the registration button Ba by the user, the picking terminal 2 may display product information of the target product to be picked next in the product information display area Arb.

[0155] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a picking order image displayed on the display device 27 of the picking terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

[0156] FIG. 20 shows a picking order image Imc. The picking order image Imc shows a list of products to be picked. The list of products to be picked is a list in which product information of products is arranged according to the picking order. In the example of FIG. 20, a list is shown in which product information of products to be picked is arranged in ascending order from picking order 1. The picking order image Imc includes an area Td showing the picking order, an area Tf showing product information, an area Te displaying an image of a product, an area Tg and an area Th showing the registration status of the product, a basket information area Ti, and a registration button Bb. The area Td includes text information showing the picking order, similar to the area Ta of FIG. 19. The area Te may include an image or a photo of a product, similar to the area Tc of FIG. 19. The area Tf may include a product name, a product ID, and a price, similar to the area Tb of FIG. 19. The area Tg and the area Th showing the registration status of a product may include text information showing the registration status of a product. The registration status of the product includes, for example, registration complete, not registered, next picking target, etc. Registration complete indicates a state in which the product has been picked and registered. Registration complete indicates a state in which the user has picked the product and stored it in a cart or the like. Registration complete indicates that the user has operated the registration button. Product registration may indicate that picking of the product has been completed. Not registered indicates that the product has not been picked. The next picking target indicates that the product is assigned the next picking order of the product most recently registered based on the picking order. Text information indicating the registration status includes, for example, "Completed", "NEXT", etc. The basket information area Ti includes information for identifying the basket in which the product is stored, similar to the basket information area Taa in FIG. 19. The picking terminal 2 may display the basket information area Ti in a different display mode based on the basket identification information. The display mode includes character decoration such as character color, size, font, enclosed character, brightness or luminance, background color, background brightness or luminance, background pattern, frame color, or blinking display. For example, when the basket identification information indicates "basket A," the picking terminal 2 may display the basket information area Ti in green.When the basket identification information indicates "basket B", the picking terminal 2 may display the basket information area Ti in orange. When the basket identification information indicates "basket C", the picking terminal 2 may display the basket information area Ti in blue. The registration button Bb is the same button as the registration button Ba.

[0157] The picking order image Imc includes an area including information about each product. The picking terminal 2 may display the area including information about each product in different display modes based on the basket identification information. For example, the picking terminal 2 may display the area including product information about products to be stored in "Basket A" in green. The picking terminal 2 may display the area including product information about products to be stored in "Basket B" in orange. The picking terminal 2 may display the area including product information about products to be stored in "Basket C" in blue.

[0158] The picking order image Imc may display information on registered products, unregistered products, and the next product to be picked in an identifiable manner. Therefore, the user of the picking terminal 2 can easily visually check the registration status of the products from the list of products to be picked. This allows the user to easily visually check the next product to be picked. In addition, the user can easily visually check in which basket the next product to be picked should be stored. In this way, the server 1 can assist in sorting products for each order.

[0159] The picking order image Imc may be updated based on the user's operation to register a product. The picking order image Imc may be displayed as a pop-up display when the picking order image Imb is displayed based on the user's operation. The picking order image Imc may be displayed in place of the picking order image Imb based on the user's operation.

[0160] The information processing related to the display of the picking order in the picking terminal 2 will be described. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of information processing by the picking terminal 2 according to the embodiment. In this example, a procedure of information processing executed by the picking terminal 2 based on acquiring picking task information from the server 1 will be described.

[0161] In the following process, a picking order image is generated based on a picking operation of the picking target products by a user of the picking terminal 2. In this example, the picking terminal 2 updates the registration status of the picking target products based on a registration operation of the picking target products by the user.

[0162] The acquisition unit 210 acquires information on picking work according to a picking order of multiple products included in multiple orders from the server 1 (ACT61). In ACT61, for example, the acquisition unit 210 acquires picking task information, order information, map information, and basket setting information from the server 1. The acquisition unit 210 may acquire product information of multiple products included in the order from the server 1.

[0163] The following process is performed for each picking shipment. The picking terminal 2 performs the following process for each picking shipment.

[0164] The display processing unit 212 displays an image indicating the type of basket on the display device 27 (ACT62). The image indicating the type of basket is an image including information capable of identifying multiple baskets to be loaded in the cart. For example, it is a basket setting image. For example, the image processing unit 211 generates the basket setting image based on the basket setting information. The display processing unit 212 displays the basket setting image generated by the image processing unit 211 on the display device 27.

[0165] The image processing unit 211 acquires information on product x with the smallest picking order based on the picking task information (ACT63). Product x indicates the picking target product to be picked next. In ACT63, for example, the image processing unit 211 extracts information on product x, which is the one product with the smallest picking order among products whose picking has not been completed based on the picking task information. The information on product x includes information indicating the position of the product. The information on product x includes product information on product x.

[0166] The image processing unit 211 generates a picking order image (ACT64). In ACT64, for example, the image processing unit 211 generates a picking order image including route information from the position of the product y to the position of the product x. The product y indicates the product that has been previously picked. The product that has been previously picked indicates the product that has been most recently picked. The product that has been most recently picked indicates the product whose picking order is one less than the next picking order. The picking order image includes a map image of the store. The route information may include a product position object indicating the positions of the product x and the product y, and a route object indicating the route from the position of the product y to the position of the product x. The image processing unit 211 may generate the product position object so that the product is displayed in a different display mode for each order that includes the product. The image processing unit 211 may generate the product position object so that the product is displayed in a different display mode for each basket that stores the product. For example, when the product x is included in order 1 and the product y is included in order 2, the product position object indicating the product x and the product position object indicating the product y may be generated so that they are displayed in different colors. For example, when product x is stored in "basket A" and product y is stored in "basket B", objects may be generated so that a product position object indicating product x and a product position object indicating product y are displayed in different colors. When the picking order of product x is "1", the route information indicates a route from the entrance of the store to the position of product x. The image processing unit 211 may generate a product information image indicating product information of product x based on the picking task information and product information of product x. The product information image may include, for example, an image indicating the picking order of the product, a product image, a product name, a product ID, a price, and a product registration status. The product information image includes information specifying the basket in which product x is stored. The image processing unit 211 may change the display mode of the product information image based on the information specifying the basket.

[0167] The display processing unit 212 displays an image related to the picking work according to the picking order on the display device 27 (ACT65). The image related to the picking work includes an image showing information about the product x and an image showing information about the picking order. The image related to the picking work includes information for identifying the basket in which the product x is stored. In ACT65, for example, the display processing unit 212 displays the picking order image generated by the image processing unit 211 on the display device 27. The display processing unit 212 may display the product information image generated by the image processing unit 211 on the display device 27.

[0168] The registration processing unit 213 acquires a registration completion notification of the product to be picked by the user (ACT66). In ACT66, for example, the registration processing unit 213 acquires the registration completion notification based on the product registration operation by the user. The registration processing unit 213 updates the registration status of the product whose registration has been completed.

[0169] The registration processing unit 213 determines whether or not registration has been completed for all of the products to be picked (ACT67). In ACT67, for example, the registration processing unit 213 may refer to the product registration status based on the picking task information and determine whether or not registration has been completed for all of the products. If the registration processing unit 213 determines that registration has been completed for all of the products, the process transitions from ACT67 to ACT68. If the registration processing unit 213 determines that registration has been completed for all of the products, the processor 21 repeats the processes from ACT63 to ACT67.

[0170] The output unit 214 outputs a work completion notification to the server 1 (ACT68).

[0171] The image processing unit 211 may generate a picking order image including position information of all picking target products and information on a route for picking all picking target products, based on information on the picking work according to the picking order acquired from the server 1. The display processing unit 212 may display the product information image generated by the image processing unit 211 on the display device 27. The image processing unit 211 may update the picking order image based on a product registration completion operation by the user.

[0172] The picking terminal 2 may select a cart type based on the number of baskets required for each shipment determined by the server 1, and display information on the type of cart to be used on the display device 27. For example, when the number of baskets required is "2", text information or an image indicating that a "medium" cart will be used may be displayed on the display device 27. When the number of baskets required is "3", text information or an image indicating that a "large" cart will be used may be displayed on the display device 27.

[0173] According to this example, the picking terminal 2 can display an image that enables the picker to easily identify the basket in which to store the items to be picked. Therefore, the picker can easily store the picked items in the appropriate basket while looking at the image. This allows the picker to properly sort multiple items included in multiple orders. In this way, the picking terminal 2 can support the sorting of items for each order.

[0174] (Modification) The multiple orders may be orders for multiple stores. In this case, the allocation processing unit 111 may allocate the multiple orders within a predetermined delivery time frame for each store to multiple pickers.

[0175] Although the above embodiment has been described as an example in which each picker picks multiple orders during a given delivery time slot, the above embodiment may also be applied to a case in which each picker picks a single order during a given delivery time slot.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the method of calculating the number of baskets by dividing the total volume of the products by the basket capacity and rounding up using the product volume information has been described as an example, but this is not limited to this. For example, the server 1 may calculate the number of baskets by dividing the number of products by the maximum number of products using only the product quantity information and rounding up.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the process of selecting a pattern for dividing the orders assigned to each picker into multiple shipments has been described as selecting one pattern with the shortest route length by a method of investigating all patterns in a brute force manner, but this is not limited to this. The process of selecting a pattern for dividing the assigned orders into multiple shipments may be performed by formulating the problem as a mixed integer programming problem and finding a solution using a mathematical optimization program, formulating the problem as an Ising problem and finding a solution using an Ising machine, or using a heuristic algorithm.

[0178] In the above embodiment, the number of baskets required is determined based on the basket volume set in the basic setting table, but this is not limited to the above. The above embodiment can also be applied to a case where multiple basket types are used. For example, multiple basket volumes corresponding to the basket types may be set in the basic setting table, and the number of baskets required may be determined based on the basket type to be used.

[0179] In the above-described embodiment, the user of the picking terminal 2 completes the registration of the product to be picked by pressing a registration button, but the registration may also be completed by scanning the product code of the product using a camera or scanner of the picking terminal 2.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the method of registering map information within a store is occupancy grid map data, but other types of data such as graph structure data may also be used.

[0181] In the above embodiment, the server 1 outputs correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the products and the areas in which the products are stored to the picking terminal 2 based on the picking order for multiple products included in multiple orders, and the picking terminal 2 displays an image based on the correspondence information between the products and the areas in which the products are stored based on the picking order, but this is not limited to the above. The server 1 may output correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the products and the areas in which the products are stored to the picking terminal 2 based on a product list including multiple products included in multiple orders. In this case, the server 1 does not need to perform a process of determining the picking order. The server 1 may create a product list based on product information, etc. The picking terminal 2 may display an image based on the correspondence information between the products and the areas in which the products are stored based on the product list. According to this example, the server 1 can output correspondence information to the picking terminal 2 based on the product list. When performing picking work based on the product list, the user of the picking terminal 2 can appropriately sort multiple products included in multiple orders based on an image based on the correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the products and the areas in which the products are stored.

[0182] In the above embodiment, the output unit 113 of the server 1 has been described as outputting information related to the picking work to the picking terminal 2, but this is not limited thereto. The output unit 113 of the server 1 may output information for printing an image based on the information related to the picking work to a printer or the like. The printer or the like may print an image based on the information related to the picking work based on the acquired information.

[0183] (effect) The server 1 according to the embodiment can acquire information on a plurality of products included in a plurality of orders, estimate the number of baskets required to store the products based on the information on the plurality of products, allocate the plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets, and output allocation information indicating the allocation result. For example, the server 1 can estimate the number of baskets required to pick the plurality of products included in the plurality of orders assigned to each picker, and allocate the plurality of orders to at least one flight based on the number of baskets required. The server 1 can allocate the plurality of orders to at least one flight according to the amount of products included in the order. The server 1 can output flight allocation information based on the number of baskets required to the picking terminal 2. The picking terminal 2 can display an image based on the allocation information. This allows the user of the picking terminal 2 to pick all the products of the orders assigned to the first flight in the picking work of the first flight by performing the picking work based on the allocation information. The user of the picking terminal 2 can perform the picking work without interrupting the picking work midway due to a lack of capacity of the baskets available for the first flight. In this way, the server 1 can allocate the orders according to the order amount.

[0184] The server 1 according to the embodiment can allocate multiple orders to one or more flights so that the estimated number of baskets for one cart is equal to or less than a predetermined number. For example, the server 1 can allocate multiple orders to one or more flights based on the number of baskets that can be loaded in a cart. This allows a user of the picking terminal 2 to pick all items of the orders allocated to one flight with one cart during picking work for one flight. The user of the picking terminal 2 can perform picking work without interrupting the picking work midway due to insufficient capacity of the cart. In this way, the server 1 can allocate orders according to the order volume.

[0185] The server 1 according to the embodiment can determine that a single cart cannot be executed if the estimated number of baskets exceeds a predetermined number. For example, the server 1 can prevent allocation of a flight in which the estimated number of baskets exceeds the number of baskets that can be loaded in the cart. This allows the user of the picking terminal 2 to pick all items of the orders allocated to one flight with one cart in the picking work of one flight. The user of the picking terminal 2 can perform the picking work without interrupting the picking work midway due to insufficient capacity of the cart. In this way, the server 1 can allocate orders according to the order volume.

[0186] The server 1 according to the embodiment can acquire information on the location of a product, determine a picking order for picking a plurality of products based on the information on the location, and output information indicating the picking order. For example, the server 1 outputs the picking order determined based on the locations of the plurality of products to the picking terminal 2. The picking terminal 2 can display an image of a route for picking a plurality of products based on the picking order. Therefore, the user of the picking terminal 2 can easily perform the picking work based on the picking order. This allows the server 1 to support the picking work.

[0187] The picking terminal 2 according to the embodiment can display an image related to allocation information for allocating multiple orders to one or more trips based on the estimated number of baskets. For example, a user of the picking terminal 2 can perform picking work based on the allocation information. Also, a picker can know the number of baskets required for each order in advance. This allows the picking terminal 2 to perform picking work based on the allocation of orders according to the order volume.

[0188] (Other embodiments) The information processing device may be realized by one device such as the server 1, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions. In the latter case, the information processing device includes the meaning of an information processing system composed of multiple devices.

[0189] The above-described embodiments may be applied not only to an apparatus but also to a method executed by the apparatus. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a program capable of causing a computer of the apparatus to execute each function. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a recording medium storing a program. The above-described embodiments may be applied not only to a system but also to a method executed by multiple elements included in the system.

[0190] The processing circuitry includes one or more circuits that realize multiple processes by multiple functions, for example, but not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0191] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit executes one or more processes among the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit executes all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits executes a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0192] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an apparatus, or in a state where it is not stored in an apparatus. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by a computer.

[0193] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, in implementing the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0194] In short, this invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment as it is, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0195] (Additional Note) The above embodiment may be expressed as follows: (1) an acquisition unit for acquiring information regarding a plurality of products included in a plurality of orders; A determination unit that estimates a number of baskets required to store the products based on information about the plurality of products, and allocates the plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets; an output unit that outputs allocation information indicating an allocation result by the determination unit; An information processing device comprising: (2) the determination unit allocates the plurality of orders to the one or more flights such that the estimated number of baskets per one cart is equal to or less than a predetermined number; An information processing device as described in (1). (3) The determination unit determines that the process is not executable when the estimated number of baskets for one cart exceeds a predetermined number. An information processing device according to (1) or (2). (4) The information about the product includes information about the location of the product; The determination unit determines a picking order for picking the plurality of products based on the information related to the location, The output unit outputs information indicating a picking order. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) To the computer: The ability to retrieve information about multiple items in multiple orders; and a function of estimating a number of baskets required to store the products based on information about the plurality of products, and allocating the plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets; A function to output the allocation results; A program that can execute the following. (6) An information processing terminal having a display processing unit that displays an image related to allocation information for allocating a plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1...server, 2...picking terminal, 3...order terminal, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication interface, 21...processor, 22...main memory, 23...auxiliary storage device, 24...communication interface, 25...input device, 26...camera, 27...display device, 28...speaker, 100...picking operation support system, 110...acquisition unit, 111...allocation processing unit, 112...determination unit, 113...output unit, 114...registration processing unit, 115...payment processing unit, 116...delivery processing unit, 130...program storage area, 131...data storage area, 210...acquisition unit, 211...image processing unit, 212...display processing unit, 213...registration Processing unit, 214...output unit, 1300...travel time calculation program, 1301...route determination program, 1302...optimization program, 1310...map information, 1311...product information, 1312...travel time information, 1313...picking task information, 1314...order information, 1315...basic setting table, 1316...basket setting information, Ara...map display area, Arb...product information display area, Ba, Bb...registration button, Ima...basket setting image, Imb, Imc...picking order image, Oba, Obc, Obd...product position object, Obb...incomplete route object, Obe...completed route object, Ta~Th...area, Taa, Ti...basket information area.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a plurality of products included in a plurality of orders; a determination unit that estimates a number of baskets required to store the products based on information about the plurality of products, and allocates the plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets; an output unit that outputs allocation information indicating an allocation result by the determination unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. the determination unit allocates the plurality of orders to the one or more flights such that the estimated number of baskets for one cart is equal to or less than a predetermined number. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The determination unit determines that the process is not executable when the estimated number of baskets for one cart exceeds a predetermined number. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The information about the product includes information about a location of the product; The determination unit determines a picking order for picking the plurality of products based on the information related to the location, The output unit outputs information indicating a picking order. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. On the computer, The ability to retrieve information about multiple items in multiple orders; and a function of estimating a number of baskets required to store the products based on information about the plurality of products, and allocating the plurality of orders to one or more flights based on the estimated number of baskets; A function to output the allocation results; A program that can execute the following.

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