Evaluation device, evaluation method, and evaluation program

Abstract

To provide an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program that can quantitatively output an index related to moving cost in moving to a plurality of spots different from each other.SOLUTION: An evaluation device, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program relate to a controller connected to an input unit and an output unit, acquire, through the input unit, arrangement information indicating the arrangement of at least two spots in relation to a gathering including the spots, calculate an index for every spot on the basis of moving cost between the spots different from each other and associated with the arrangement information, and output the index through the output unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system, a method, and a program for assisting in the layout design of a logistics warehouse by movably attaching and displaying storage equipment icons containing shipped products on a warehouse floor plan defined on a display screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, a high importance level is set for storage locations close to the work location, and articles with a high frequency of shipment are placed in these storage locations. However, there is a problem in that an index regarding the movement cost when moving between a plurality of different spots (locations) cannot be quantitatively output.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object thereof is to provide an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program capable of quantitatively outputting an index regarding the movement cost when moving between a plurality of different spots.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The evaluation device, evaluation method, and evaluation program according to the present disclosure relate to a controller connected to an input unit and an output unit. Through the input unit, arrangement information indicating the arrangement of spots is acquired for a set including at least two spots. An index for each spot is calculated based on the movement cost between different spots associated with the arrangement information, and the index is output through the output unit.

[0007] Based on the arrangement information, the controller may calculate a larger index for one spot as the movement cost between the calculated one spot and another spot is smaller.

[0008] At least one spot may be an arrangement spot related to a space for arranging an item.

[0009] Let the number of arrangement spots be M. Let A be a matrix obtained by normalizing a square matrix in which the component in the j-th row and k-th column (1 ≤ j ≤ M, 1 ≤ k ≤ M) is determined by the reciprocal of a monotonically increasing function regarding the movement cost between the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) arrangement spot and the k-th (1 ≤ k ≤ M) arrangement spot so that the sum of the components in each column is 1. Let g be a column vector normalized so that the sum of the components is 1. The controller may calculate the index of the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) arrangement spot based on the j-th component of the column vector g when the difference between Ag and g is within a predetermined error range.

[0010] At least one spot may be a work spot related to a space for performing work on an item.

[0011] Let the number of placement spots be M, and the number of working spots be N. For the reciprocal of the monotonically increasing function regarding the movement cost between the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) placement spot and the s-th (1 ≤ s ≤ N) working spot, a column vector with either the maximum reciprocal value among those obtained by varying s or the total value of the reciprocals for all s as the j-th component is defined as f after normalization so that the sum of the components is 1. The controller may calculate the index of the j-th placement spot based on the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) component of the column vector f.

[0012] A spot may be a location included in a warehouse or an area.

[0013] The movement cost may be correlated with at least either the movement time between different spots or the movement distance between different spots.

[0014] The placement information may be described by a graph having vertices associated with spots and edges associated with movable paths between spots.

[0015] Part or all of the edges included in the graph may be given directions. The directions may be associated with the directions in which movement between different spots is possible.

[0016] The movement cost may be determined based on the path on the graph.

[0017] The controller may output a numerical value or a color determined based on the index via the output unit.

[0018] Based on the calculated index, the placement of items at the spots may be determined.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and an evaluation program that can quantitatively output an index regarding the movement cost when moving between a plurality of different spots.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, several exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the common parts in each figure, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0022] [Configuration of Evaluation Device] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the evaluation device 20 includes an input unit 21, an output unit 23, and a controller 25. Further, the evaluation device 20 may include an operation unit 27. The controller 25 is connected so as to be communicable with the input unit 21, the output unit 23, and the operation unit 27.

[0023] In addition, the input unit 21, the output unit 23, and the operation unit 27 may be provided in the evaluation device 20 itself, or may be installed outside the evaluation device 20 and connected to the evaluation device 20.

[0024] The input unit 21 acquires placement information indicating the placement of spots with respect to a set including at least two spots. For example, a "spot" is a location included in a warehouse or area, and is a starting point, a transit point, or a destination point when transporting items such as goods. More specifically, the spot may be a spot (placement spot) related to a space (placement space) for placing an item, or a spot (work spot) related to a space (work space) for performing work on an item.

[0025] When the "item" is a tangible object such as an article, for example, the placement space is a storage location such as a shelf, a rack, or a warehouse. The placement spot may be the placement space itself or a location adjacent to the placement space where it is possible to place an item into the placement space. Also, the work space is a work location such as a workbench, a desk, or a room. The work spot may be the work space itself or a location adjacent to the work space where it is possible to perform work on an item in the work space. Examples of work include assembly, disassembly, packing, and unpacking.

[0026] When the "item" is an intangible object such as data, for example, the placement space may be a storage location such as a database, a memory, or other storage media. The placement spot may be the placement space itself or a user interface that can access the placement space and place an item into the placement space. The placement space may be a web page. Also, the work space may be a computing resource such as a controller. The work spot may be the work space itself or a user interface that can access the work space and perform work on an item in the work space. Examples of work include changing the status assigned to an item and executing a command based on the selected item.

[0027] Items may be placed in different placement spaces depending on the type. If necessary, an item is transported or transmitted from a placement space to a work space, or from a work space to a placement space. In that case, an item may pass through a plurality of spots.

[0028] For example, "item" may be a plurality of types of articles stored and managed in an inventory-type logistics center. Also, "item" may be a product sold by a sales store such as a supermarket. Additionally, "item" may be an item displayed on an Internet site such as an e-commerce site, or an article sold, leased, etc. through the selection of an item.

[0029] "Item", "placement space", "placement spot", "workspace", and "work spot" are not limited to the examples listed here.

[0030] Next, "placement information" is information based on the positional relationship between different spots and indicates the connection between different spots. For example, "placement information" may be described by a graph having vertices associated with spots and edges associated with movable paths between spots. Also, "placement information" is not limited to being described by a graph, and for example, it may be something that indicates the relative positional relationship between arranged spots such as a floor layout in a warehouse or a road map within an area.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a picking area and the corresponding placement information. In FIG. 3, a view from above of a plurality of shelves (rectangular plain areas) and workbenches (rectangular hatched areas) arranged in the picking area is shown.

[0032] Work spot P1 is a point adjacent to workbench W1, which is a workspace, and where work can be performed on items at workbench W1. Also, work spot P2 is a point adjacent to workbench W2, which is a workspace, and where work can be performed on items at workbench W2. Also, placement spot N1 is a point adjacent to shelf T1, which is a placement space, and where items can be placed on shelf T1. Placement spot N2 is a point adjacent to shelves T2 and T3, which are placement spaces, and where items can be placed on shelves T2 and T3.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, there are placement spots (circular portions) adjacent to each of the plurality of shelves, and the vertices indicating the placement spots and the work spots are connected by sides. In this way, the placement information is described by the graph constituted by the vertices and the sides, and the movable paths between the spots are shown.

[0034] When the "placement information" is described by a graph, some or all of the sides included in the graph may be given directions. And the given directions may be associated with the directions in which movement between different spots is possible. For example, when the movement from one spot to another is one-way, the direction in which movement is possible by one-way may be expressed by the direction given to the side having the vertex corresponding to one spot and the vertex corresponding to the other spot.

[0035] In addition, the "placement information" may include information regarding the time (travel time) and distance (travel distance) required to move between different spots. The "placement information" is not limited to the examples given here.

[0036] The output unit 23 outputs the index calculated by the controller 25 described later. Also, the output unit 23 may output a numerical value or a color determined based on the index together with the index or instead of the index. The calculated index may be used for the purpose of performing layout design regarding the placement of items.

[0037] For example, the output unit 23 is connected to a computer (not shown) or the like, and outputs the index to the computer. And in the computer, an item placement determination method for determining the placement of items in a plurality of placement spaces based on the index may be executed.

[0038] The operation unit 27 is an input device through which a user of the evaluation device 20 can perform operations. For example, the operation unit 27 is a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch panel, or the like. The operation unit 27 is not limited to the examples listed here. The operation content of the user input through the operation unit 27 is transmitted to the controller 25.

[0039] In addition, the operation unit 27 may acquire arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the above-described spots based on the user's operation. Further, the operation unit 27 may add or delete spots based on the user's operation.

[0040] The controller 25 is a general-purpose computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output unit. A computer program (evaluation program) for functioning as the evaluation device 20 is installed in the controller 25. By executing the computer program, the controller 25 functions as a plurality of information processing circuits (251, 253, 255, 257) provided in the evaluation device 20.

[0041] In the present disclosure, an example of realizing a plurality of information processing circuits (251, 253, 255, 257) by software is shown. However, it is also possible to prepare dedicated hardware for executing each of the following information processes to configure the information processing circuits (251, 253, 255, 257). Further, the plurality of information processing circuits (251, 253, 255, 257) may be configured by individual hardware.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 25 includes an arrangement information acquisition unit 251, a movement cost calculation unit 253, an index calculation unit 255, and an output generation unit 257 as a plurality of information processing circuits (251, 253, 255, 257).

[0043] The configuration information acquisition unit 251 acquires configuration information via the input unit 21. In particular, the configuration information acquisition unit 251 acquires the connection between different spots based on the configuration information. More specifically, the configuration information acquisition unit 251 acquires information indicating whether it is possible to move directly between different spots without passing through other spots. Hereinafter, a state where it is possible to move directly between different spots without passing through other spots is expressed as "adjacent".

[0044] The movement cost calculation unit 253 calculates the movement cost between different spots based on the configuration information. Here, the movement cost calculation unit 253 may calculate the movement cost based on at least either the movement time between different spots or the movement distance between different spots. In particular, when the configuration information is described as a graph, the movement cost may be calculated based on the path on the graph. In particular, the movement cost may be calculated based on the shortest path between different spots on the graph. For example, the movement cost calculation unit 253 may obtain the shortest path by the Dijkstra method.

[0045] The movement cost calculation unit 253 may calculate the movement time when moving along the path by summing the movement times between adjacent spots along the path. Also, the movement cost calculation unit 253 may calculate the movement distance when moving along the path by summing the movement distances between adjacent spots along the path. Then, the movement cost calculation unit 253 may calculate the movement cost based on at least either the calculated movement time or the calculated movement distance.

[0046] Note that the movement cost calculation unit 253 may acquire the movement cost between different spots associated with the configuration information instead of calculating the movement cost. More specifically, the movement cost calculation unit 253 may acquire the movement cost via the input unit 21. Note that the configuration information may include information indicating the movement cost.

[0047] In addition, the movement cost may be correlated (particularly, positively correlated) with at least either the movement time between different spots or the movement distance between different spots. Also, the movement cost may be determined based on the path on the graph. In particular, the movement cost may be pre-determined.

[0048] The index calculation unit 255 calculates an index for each spot based on the movement cost. Here, the index calculation unit 255 calculates a larger index for one spot as the movement cost between the one spot and another spot is smaller.

[0049] For example, assuming that at least one spot is an arrangement spot related to the space for arranging items, and the number of arrangement spots is M. The index calculation unit 255 generates a square matrix (a provisional square matrix) whose components in the j-th row and k-th column (1 ≤ j ≤ M, 1 ≤ k ≤ M) are determined by the reciprocal of a monotonically increasing function related to the movement cost between the j-th arrangement spot and the k-th arrangement spot. Then, the index calculation unit 255 normalizes the generated provisional square matrix so that the sum of the components of each column is 1 to generate a matrix A (the normalized square matrix).

[0050] On the other hand, the index calculation unit 255 calculates a column vector g such that approximately "g = Ag" (that is, "g ≒ Ag") holds, with the column vector g being normalized so that the sum of the components is 1. Here, "approximately" means that the difference between Ag and g is within a predetermined error range. Specifically, the index calculation unit 255 may determine that approximately "g = Ag" holds when the norm of the difference |Ag - g| is within the error range. The index calculation unit 255 may also determine that approximately "g = Ag" holds when |Ag - g| / |g| is within the error range.

[0051] For example, the index calculation unit 255 multiplies the column vector g given as an initial value by the matrix A from the left to generate a column vector Ag. Then, the index calculation unit 255 determines whether approximately "g = Ag" holds.

[0052] When "g = Ag" does not approximately hold, the index calculation unit 255 multiplies the column vector Ag from the left by the matrix A again to generate a column vector Ag, using, as the updated column vector g, the column vector obtained by normalizing the column vector Ag so that the sum of the components is 1. The above processes are sequentially performed and repeated until "g = Ag" approximately holds.

[0053] When "g = Ag" approximately holds, the index calculation unit 255 may calculate the index of the j-th placement spot (1 ≤ j ≤ M) based on the j-th component "g r " of the column vector g.

[0054] Note that the method by which the index calculation unit 255 calculates the column vector g that approximately satisfies "g = Ag" is not limited to the example described above. Since "(A - E)g = 0" (E is the identity matrix and 0 is the zero vector), the kernel of the square matrix "A - E" may be obtained to calculate the column vector g. For example, the kernel can be obtained based on the result of performing singular value decomposition on the square matrix "A - E". A numerical calculation library may be used to perform singular value decomposition. Examples of numerical calculation libraries include the BLAS (Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms) library and LAPACK (Linear Algebra PACKage). The method of obtaining the kernel of the square matrix "A - E" is not limited to the examples given here.

[0055] Also, assuming that at least one spot is a work spot related to the space for performing work on the item, let the number of work spots be N. The index calculation unit 255 calculates the reciprocal of a monotonically increasing function regarding the movement cost between the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) placement spot and the s-th (1 ≤ s ≤ N) work spot. Then, the index calculation unit 255 generates a column vector (temporary column vector) with either the maximum reciprocal value among the changed s values or the sum of the reciprocals for all s values as the j-th component. The index calculation unit 255 normalizes the generated temporary column vector so that the sum of the components becomes 1, and generates a column vector f (normalized column vector).

[0056] The index calculation unit 255 may calculate the index of the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) placement spot based on the j-th component “f r ” of the column vector f.

[0057] The index calculation unit 255 may calculate the index “F r ” of the j-th placement spot by the mathematical formula “F r = α·f r +(1 - α)·g r ”. Here, the consideration ratio α is set in the range of “0 ≤ α ≤ 1” in principle. When “α = 1”, the movement cost from the work spot is most emphasized, and an index that ignores the degree of adjacency between the placement spots is calculated. Also, when “α = 0”, the movement cost from the work spot is ignored, and an index that most emphasizes the degree of adjacency between the placement spots is calculated.

[0058] For example, when the number of items to be transported or transmitted simultaneously is small, the index may be calculated under α close to 1, and items with a high frequency of being transported or transmitted may be placed at the placement spots with a high calculated index. When the number of items to be transported or transmitted simultaneously is large, the index may be calculated under α close to 0, and items with a high frequency of being transported or transmitted simultaneously may be placed at the placement spots with a high calculated index.

[0059] In the above description, the index calculation unit 255 has been described as calculating an index for the placement spot. However, it is also possible to calculate an index in the same manner for spots other than the placement spot (including the work spot).

[0060] The output generation unit 257 generates the display content when outputting the calculated index. The display content generated by the output generation unit 257 is output via the output unit 23.

[0061] For example, the output generation unit 257 may determine a numerical value or a color based on the index. Then, the output generation unit 257 may generate display content indicating the numerical value or color determined based on the index, together with or instead of the index.

[0062] Also, the output generation unit 257 may determine the display content so as to display the index or the numerical value determined based on the index, superimposed on a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the arranged spots, such as the floor layout in the warehouse or the road map in the area. Further, the output generation unit 257 may color-code a part of the diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the spots with the color determined based on the index.

[0063] [Processing Procedure of the Evaluation Device] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] In step S101, the placement information acquisition unit 251 acquires placement information via the input unit 21.

[0065] In step S103, the movement cost calculation unit 253 calculates (or acquires) the movement cost associated with the placement information.

[0066] In step S105, the index calculation unit 255 calculates an index for each spot based on the movement cost.

[0067] In step S107, the output unit 23 outputs the calculated index.

[0068] [Usage Examples of Calculated Indicators] By using the indicators calculated by the method described above, it is possible to consider an appropriate layout design when arranging items in a plurality of placement spaces.

[0069] For example, according to an item placement determination method that determines the placement of items in a plurality of placement spaces based on indicators, by placing items that are likely to be transported simultaneously in the same placement space as much as possible, it is possible to reduce the movement cost between multiple points during transportation. In addition, by placing items that are likely to be selected simultaneously within the same page such as an Internet site, it is possible to reduce the load associated with page transitions.

[0070] Also, by selecting an appropriate indicator according to the pattern of item transportation or transmission, a more accurate layout design can be considered. For example, when the number of items transported or transmitted simultaneously is small, the ratio α is set to a value close to 1 to calculate the indicator. And items with a high frequency of transportation or transmission may be placed at a placement spot where the indicator calculated under α close to 1 is high. Also, when the number of items transported or transmitted simultaneously is large, α is set to a value close to 0 to calculate the indicator. Items with a high frequency of being transported or transmitted simultaneously may be placed at a placement spot where the indicator calculated under α close to 0 is high.

[0071] [Effects of Embodiment] As described in detail above, the evaluation apparatus, evaluation method, and evaluation program according to the present disclosure relate to a controller connected to an input unit and an output unit. Through the input unit, placement information indicating the placement of spots is acquired for a set including at least two spots. An indicator for each spot is calculated based on the movement cost between different spots associated with the placement information, and the indicator is output through the output unit.

[0072] As a result, an index regarding the moving cost when moving a plurality of different spots can be quantitatively output. By outputting an index corresponding to the spot arrangement, when it is necessary to move a plurality of spots when transporting or transmitting an item, an appropriate layout design regarding the item arrangement can be considered.

[0073] Based on the arrangement information, the controller may calculate a larger index for one spot such that the moving cost between the calculated one spot and another spot is smaller. As a result, an appropriate layout design that can reduce the moving cost can be considered.

[0074] At least one spot may be an arrangement spot related to the space for arranging an item. As a result, an index regarding the moving cost when moving a plurality of spots including the arrangement spot can be quantitatively output. Consequently, when transporting an item from the arrangement spot or when transporting an item to the arrangement spot, the moving cost can be reduced.

[0075] Let the number of arrangement spots be M. Let matrix A be a square matrix obtained by normalizing a square matrix in which the component in the j-th row and k-th column (1 ≤ j ≤ M, 1 ≤ k ≤ M) is determined by the reciprocal of a monotonically increasing function regarding the moving cost between the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) arrangement spot and the k-th (1 ≤ k ≤ M) arrangement spot so that the sum of the components in each column is 1. Let column vector g be a column vector normalized so that the sum of the components is 1. The controller may calculate the index of the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) arrangement spot based on the j-th component of the column vector g when the difference between Ag and g is within a predetermined error range.

[0076] As a result, when there are many items to be transported or transmitted simultaneously, the arrangement spots with high indices can be extracted. Items with a high frequency of being transported or transmitted simultaneously can be arranged at the arrangement spots with high indices. Consequently, an appropriate layout design regarding the item arrangement can be considered.

[0077] At least one spot may be a work spot related to a space for performing work on an item. Thereby, an index regarding the moving cost when moving a plurality of spots including the work spot can be quantitatively output. As a result, when transporting / sending an item from the work spot or when transporting / sending an item to the work spot, the moving cost can be reduced.

[0078] Let the number of placement spots be M. Let the number of work spots be N. For the reciprocal of the monotonically increasing function regarding the moving cost between the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) placement spot and the s-th (1 ≤ s ≤ N) work spot, a column vector having, as the j-th component, either the maximum reciprocal value among those obtained by changing s or the value obtained by summing up the reciprocals for all s is normalized so that the sum of the components becomes 1, and the resulting column vector is denoted as f. The controller may calculate an index of the j-th placement spot based on the j-th (1 ≤ j ≤ M) component of the column vector f.

[0079] Thereby, a placement spot that is easy to move from the work spot or easy to move to the work spot can be extracted. As a result, when transporting / sending an item from the work spot or when transporting / sending an item to the work spot, the moving cost can be reduced.

[0080] The spot may be a location included in a warehouse or an area. Thereby, an index regarding the moving cost when moving a plurality of spots included in the warehouse or the area can be quantitatively output. Also, an appropriate layout design regarding the placement of items in the warehouse or the area can be considered.

[0081] The moving cost may be correlated with at least either the moving time between different spots or the moving distance between different spots. Thereby, an index can be calculated in association with the moving time or the moving distance between spots, and an appropriate layout design regarding the placement of items can be accurately considered.

[0082] The configuration information may be described by a graph having vertices associated with spots and edges associated with paths movable between the spots. Thereby, the configuration information can be analyzed using algorithms available in graph theory, and the shortest path on the graph can be extracted. Also, the movement cost related to the movement between spots can be calculated. As a result, an appropriate layout design regarding the arrangement of items can be considered accurately.

[0083] Part or all of the edges included in the graph may be given a direction. The direction may be associated with the direction in which movement between different spots is possible. Thereby, it is possible to reflect the one-way passability in the calculation of the index in the movement between different spots. As a result, the index can be calculated accurately. By outputting an index reflecting the one-way passability, when it is necessary to move through a plurality of spots when transporting or transmitting an item, an appropriate layout design regarding the arrangement of the item can be considered accurately.

[0084] The movement cost may be determined based on the path on the graph. Thereby, the index can be calculated accurately based on the movement cost regarding the path movable between different spots.

[0085] The controller may output, via the output unit, a numerical value or a color determined based on the index. Thereby, the magnitude of the index can be visually presented to the user. As a result, the user can recognize the spots with high importance.

[0086] Based on the calculated index, the arrangement of the item at the spot may be determined. Thereby, when arranging the item at a plurality of arrangement spots, an appropriate layout design can be considered. Furthermore, sufficient efficiency can be realized in the execution of transportation or transmission.

[0087] Each function shown in the above embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. The processing circuits include a programmed processor, an electric circuit, etc., and further include devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or circuit components arranged to execute the described functions.

[0088] According to the present disclosure, in warehouses, centers, etc. for storing and managing items, the efficiency of item loading and unloading is improved. As a result of the improved resource utilization efficiency, it can lead to infrastructure improvement and industrial improvement. Therefore, for example, it can contribute to Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation."

[0089] Although several embodiments have been described, it is possible to modify or deform the embodiments based on the above disclosure. All the components of the above embodiments and all the features described in the claims may be individually extracted and combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0090] 20 Evaluation device 21 Input unit 23 Output unit 25 Controller 27 Operation unit 251 Arrangement information acquisition unit 253 Movement cost calculation unit 255 Index calculation unit 257 Output generation unit

Claims

1. An evaluation device comprising an input unit, an output unit, and a controller connected to the input unit and the output unit, wherein the controller, obtains arrangement information indicating the arrangement of spots with respect to a set including at least two spots via the input unit, calculates an index for each spot based on the movement cost between different spots associated with the arrangement information, and outputs the index via the output unit. Evaluation device.

2. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the controller calculates the index for one spot to be larger as the movement cost between the calculated one spot and another spot is smaller based on the arrangement information.

3. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the spots is an arrangement spot related to a space for arranging an item.

4. The controller, sets the number of the arrangement spots as M, defines a square matrix whose component in the j-th row and k-th column (1 ≤ j ≤ M, 1 ≤ k ≤ M) is determined by the reciprocal of a monotonically increasing function regarding the movement cost between the j-th arrangement spot and the k-th arrangement spot, and normalizes the matrix so that the sum of the components in each column is 1 to obtain a matrix A, sets a column vector g whose components are normalized so that the sum of the components is 1, and calculates the index for the j-th arrangement spot based on the j-th component of the column vector g when the difference between Ag and g is within a predetermined error range (1 ≤ j ≤ M). The evaluation device according to claim 3.

5. The evaluation device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the spots is a work spot related to a space for performing an operation on an item.

6. The controller, sets the number of the arrangement spots as M, sets the number of the work spots as N, for the reciprocal of a monotonically increasing function regarding the movement cost between the j-th arrangement spot (1 ≤ j ≤ M) and the s-th work spot (1 ≤ s ≤ N), defines a column vector whose j-th component is either the maximum value of the reciprocal when s is changed or the sum of the reciprocals for all s, and normalizes the column vector so that the sum of the components is 1 to obtain a column vector f, and calculates the index for the j-th arrangement spot based on the j-th component of the column vector f (1 ≤ j ≤ M). The evaluation device according to claim 5.

7. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the spot is a location included in a warehouse or an area.

8. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the movement cost is correlated with at least one of a movement time between different spots and a movement distance between different spots.

9. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement information is described by a graph having vertices associated with the spots and edges associated with movable paths between the spots.

10. Part or all of the edges included in the graph are given directions, and the directions are associated with directions in which movement is possible between different spots. The evaluation device according to claim 9.

11. The evaluation device according to claim 9, wherein the movement cost is determined based on a path on the graph.

12. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the controller outputs a numerical value or a color determined based on the index via the output unit.

13. An item placement determination method for determining the placement of an item at the spot based on the index calculated by the evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An evaluation method for controlling a controller connected to an input unit and an output unit, wherein the controller acquires, via the input unit, arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the spots with respect to a set including at least two spots, calculates an index for each spot based on a movement cost between different spots associated with the arrangement information, and outputs the index via the output unit. Evaluation method.

15. An evaluation program executed by a controller connected to an input unit and an output unit, wherein the controller acquires, via the input unit, arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the spots with respect to a set including at least two spots; calculates an index for each spot based on a movement cost between different spots associated with the arrangement information; and outputs the index via the output unit. An evaluation program for causing the above to be executed.

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