Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a technology that enables even an inexperienced customer or a user who is a person in charge of a potential customer to search for an optimum warehouse layout and conditions. [Solution] An information processing device according to an embodiment includes an input information acquisition unit that acquires input information including warehouse information for introducing equipment into a warehouse; a simulation control unit that calculates the throughput of the warehouse by performing a simulation based on the input information; a recommendation model database that stores recommendation models that model the layouts of multiple warehouses and the throughput of each of the multiple warehouses; a recommendation model control unit that extracts from the recommendation model database a recommendation model that corresponds to the warehouse information and that provides a better throughput than the calculated throughput, and modifies the extracted recommendation model to match the dimensions of the warehouse included in the input information; and a display control unit that controls the display of the modified recommendation model.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, logistics systems have been realized that sort transported items using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) as unmanned transport vehicles in logistics centers, warehouses, etc. For example, one logistics system is a system in which an AGV transports a transport shelf that stores items to a station, and at the station, the desired item is picked from the transport shelf that the AGV transported.

[0003] When considering the introduction of new warehouse equipment in a logistics system or the establishment of a new warehouse, simulations are used to estimate the effects of introducing the equipment.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that efficiently uses the hardware resources of a processing mechanism that executes parallel simulation calculations, and that enables various simulation calculations to be performed reliably at high speed at lower cost. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7244128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Users of simulations include not only experts with specialized knowledge and know-how, but also inexperienced customers and potential customers. These customers often cannot develop a method for analyzing the results obtained or a policy for modifying the model for improvement, and therefore are unable to effectively utilize the simulation results or achieve any improvements.

[0007] The present invention has been made in light of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that enables even inexperienced customers or users who are in charge of potential customers to search for optimal warehouse layouts and conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing device according to an embodiment includes an input information acquisition unit that acquires input information including warehouse information for introducing equipment into a warehouse; a simulation control unit that calculates the throughput of the warehouse by performing a simulation based on the input information; a recommendation model database that stores recommendation models that model the layouts of multiple warehouses and the throughput of each of the multiple warehouses; a recommendation model control unit that extracts from the recommendation model database a recommendation model that corresponds to the warehouse information and that provides a better throughput than the calculated throughput, and modifies the extracted recommendation model to match the dimensions of the warehouse included in the input information; and a display control unit that controls the display of the modified recommendation model. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a warehouse equipment introduction estimation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a warehouse equipment introduction estimation device according to the embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a warehouse equipment introduction estimate process according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of step ST108. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen when a simulation result is displayed on the result display unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of step ST110. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same numbers perform the same operations, and redundant description will be omitted. For example, when there are multiple identical or similar elements, a common symbol may be used to describe each element without distinguishing between them, or a subnumber may be used in addition to the common symbol to describe each element with distinction between them.

[0011] (composition) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a warehouse equipment introduction estimation system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the warehouse equipment introduction estimate system includes a warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1, a user 2, and the like.

[0012] The warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 is an information processing device that receives an input of a request for quotation when introducing equipment into a warehouse from a user 2 and returns an estimate result to the user 2 based on the input. The warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 also stores various data required to create an estimate result from the quotation request.

[0013] Here, the equipment introduced into the warehouse is, for example, an automated guided vehicle that can be introduced by the business operator, a transport shelf transported by the automated guided vehicle, a picking station, etc.

[0014] The automated guided vehicle may be any device, such as an AGV or an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot), that can transport a transport shelf, boxes placed on the transport shelf, etc.

[0015] User 2 is a customer of the business operator or a potential customer of the business operator. For example, a potential customer is User 2 who is considering introducing various types of equipment into a warehouse. User 2 uses a terminal (e.g., a mobile terminal, a personal computer, etc.) owned by User 2 to input (send) a request for quotation (input information) including warehouse information related to the warehouse owned by User 2 to warehouse equipment introduction quotation device 1. User 2 receives (receives) the quotation results in response to the transmission of the quotation request via the terminal. Then, User 2 will consider whether to request the business operator to introduce equipment into the warehouse based on the quotation results.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 according to the embodiment and a software configuration associated with the hardware configuration. First, the hardware configuration of the warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1 will be described in detail. The warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 includes a control unit 10, a program storage unit 20, a data storage unit 30, a communication interface 40, and an input / output interface 50. The control unit 10, the program storage unit 20, the data storage unit 30, the communication interface 40, and the input / output interface 50 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0017] The warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1 can realize various operations using a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0018] The control unit 10 controls the warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1. The control unit 10 includes a hardware processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

[0019] The program storage unit 20 is configured, for example, by combining a nonvolatile memory such as a solid-state drive (SSD) (which can be written to and read from at any time) and a nonvolatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) as a storage medium, and stores middleware such as an operating system (OS) as well as application programs necessary to execute various control processes according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the OS and each application program will be collectively referred to as the "program." The program storage unit 20 may also store programs, algorithms, and the like used by the control unit 10.

[0020] The data storage unit 30 may be, for example, a storage medium that combines a nonvolatile memory such as an SSD that can be written to and read from at any time with a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The data storage unit 30 may also store information generated by the control unit 10 and various calculated data.

[0021] The communication interface 40 includes one or more wired or wireless communication modules. For example, the communication interface 40 includes a communication module that connects to a terminal owned by the user 2 via a wired or wireless connection, either directly or via a network. The communication interface 40 may be any general communication interface as long as it can communicate with an external device, including the terminal owned by the user 2, and send and receive various information under the control of the control unit 10.

[0022] The input / output interface 50 is connected to the input unit 51, the output unit 52, etc. The input / output interface 50 is an interface that enables transmission and reception of information between the control unit 10 and the input unit 51 and the output unit 52. The input / output interface 50 may be integrated with the communication interface 40. For example, the input / output interface 50 may be configured such that the control unit 10 and the input unit 51 or the output unit 52 are wirelessly connected using short-range wireless technology or the like, and information may be transmitted and received using the short-range wireless technology.

[0023] The input unit 51 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, etc., which are used by an administrator who manages the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 to input various information to the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1. The input unit 51 may also include a reader for reading data to be stored in the program storage unit 20 or the data storage unit 30 from a memory medium such as a USB memory, or a disk device for reading such data from a disk medium.

[0024] The output unit 52 includes a display that displays output data to be presented to the manager from the warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1, a printer that prints the output data, and the like.

[0025] Next, the software configuration of the warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1 will be described in detail. The control unit 10 includes a user interface control unit 101, a layout creation unit 102, a simulation control unit 103, a recommendation model control unit 104, and the like.

[0026] The user interface control unit 101 includes a display control unit 1011 and an input information acquisition unit 1012. The simulation control unit 103 includes a condition control unit 1031, a simulation calculation unit 1032, and a recommendation unit 1033.

[0027] The display control unit 1011 is a control unit that controls the display of various information on the terminal of the user 2. For example, the display control unit 1011 transmits an input screen to the terminal of the user 2 via the communication interface 40 and controls the terminal to display the input screen. Details of the input screen will be described later.

[0028] In addition, when user 2 selects the type of automated guided vehicle he or she wants to use, the display control unit 1011 may control the display of an image of the automated guided vehicle on user 2's terminal so that user 2 can visually select the type and number of automated guided vehicles, etc.

[0029] The input information acquisition unit 1012 is an acquisition unit that acquires input information entered into the terminal of user 2. For example, user 2 enters input information including warehouse information into an input screen displayed on the terminal. The input information acquisition unit 1012 acquires the input information. Furthermore, user 2 enters into the input screen the layout of the equipment installed in the warehouse. The input information acquisition unit 1012 acquires the layout entered into the input screen.

[0030] Here, the input information includes information necessary for calculating the throughput of the warehouse, such as warehouse dimensions, shelf type, number of shelves, type of AGV, number of AGVs, number of stations, simulation type, hit rate, operation time, target throughput value, etc.

[0031] Warehouse throughput refers to the throughput of various pieces of equipment (e.g., shelves, automated guided vehicles, picking stations) when they are placed in a warehouse. For example, warehouse throughput is the number of items that can be picked per hour. The total for each station or all stations can be changed by setting appropriate simulation conditions.

[0032] The warehouse dimensions include information on the available horizontal and vertical lengths within the warehouse, i.e., the area of ​​the warehouse. In addition to the above, the warehouse dimensions may also include information on the height within the warehouse. The shelf type indicates the type of shelf to be transported within the warehouse, and includes information such as whether it is a transport shelf transported by an AGV or the like, a high-rise shelf, or whether both are used. The type of automated guided vehicle may be automatically determined based on the shelf type. The number of shelves is the number of shelves to be arranged in the warehouse. The number of shelves included in the input information may not be the actual number of shelves, but may be the number and amount of items to be stored on the shelves. The control unit 10 may calculate the number of shelves based on this information.

[0033] The simulation type can be selected from simple or detailed. Simple, for example, calculates the theoretically calculated throughput when shelves, automated guided vehicles, and stations are arranged in a warehouse. On the other hand, detailed, shelves, automated guided vehicles, and stations are arranged in a warehouse, and transportation is simulated in this arrangement, calculating the throughput while taking into account factors such as congestion of automated guided vehicles at intersections. The hit rate is a value that indicates how many items were successfully picked from the shelves that the automated guided vehicles transported to, and the work time refers to the time it takes for a worker to pick an item at a picking station. For example, the work time refers to the time it takes per item or to remove all of the target items from the shelf.

[0034] The target value of throughput is a value that indicates a target value that the throughput calculated from the results of the simulation should exceed.

[0035] The information included in the input information may specify a range so that it can be used as a parameter when performing the simulation described below, or a determined value may be input as the number to be actually used.

[0036] The layout creation unit 102 is a creation unit that creates a layout to be displayed on an input screen based on input information. For example, the layout creation unit 102 determines whether a layout can be created based on input information stored in an input information storage unit 301 (described later). If it is determined that a layout can be created, the layout creation unit 102 creates a layout based on the input information.

[0037] The simulation control unit 103 is a control unit that executes a simulation based on input information and calculates the throughput. For example, the simulation control unit 103 determines whether the simulation is executable based on the input information stored in the input information storage unit 301.

[0038] The condition control unit 1031 is a control unit that determines the type of simulation. The condition control unit 1031 determines whether to execute a simple simulation or a detailed simulation based on input information. The condition control unit 1031 also determines information to be used as parameters from the input information. The condition control unit 1031 determines that information not to be used as a parameter will be used as determination information.

[0039] The simulation calculation unit 1032 is a calculation unit that executes a simulation and calculates the throughput. For example, the simulation calculation unit 1032 executes a simulation based on the simulation type, parameters, and decision information to calculate the throughput in the warehouse.

[0040] The recommendation unit 1033 is a control unit that determines the parameters to be adjusted and the adjustment policy based on a simulation. For example, the recommendation unit 1033 determines the cause of the decrease in throughput based on the calculation results stored in the result storage unit 302. Then, it determines how to change the parameters that are causing the decrease.

[0041] The recommendation model control unit 104 is a control unit that generates a modified recommendation model. For example, the recommendation model control unit 104 extracts a recommendation model that exceeds a target value included in the input information from the recommendation model database 303 (described later). Then, the recommendation model control unit 104 modifies the extracted recommendation model to match the dimensions of the warehouse included in the input information. The recommendation model control unit 104 also updates the recommendation model stored in the recommendation model database 303 based on the input information, simulation results, and throughput.

[0042] The data storage unit 30 includes an input information storage unit 301 , a result storage unit 302 , and a recommendation model database 303 .

[0043] The input information storage unit 301 is a storage unit used to store input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 1012. The result storage unit 302 is a storage unit used to store the results and throughput of a simulation executed by the simulation control unit 103. The recommendation model database 303 is a storage unit used to store recommendation models including the results of simulations executed in the past, the throughput, and input information.

[0044] (operation) Next, a processing procedure from requesting a quote for introducing warehouse equipment to displaying the quote result will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a warehouse equipment introduction estimate process according to the embodiment. For example, the control unit 10 of the warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1 reads out and executes a program stored in the program storage unit 20, thereby realizing the operation of this flowchart.

[0045] This flowchart starts when a user 2, who is a customer or potential customer, accesses the warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1 to conduct a simulation for introducing equipment into a warehouse that the user owns or wishes to use.

[0046] In step ST101, the display control unit 1011 controls to display an input screen. The display control unit 1011 controls to transmit the input screen to the terminal of the user 2 via the communication interface 40 and display the input screen on the terminal.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the input screen displays a layout operation section 31, a condition input section 32, a result display section 33, a display operation section 34, an automatic layout allocation start button 35, a calculation start button 36, a change recommendation button 37, and the like.

[0048] The layout operation unit 31 displays the layout of the warehouse to be introduced. For example, the equipment displayed in the layout includes shelves, AGVs, picking stations, etc. However, the equipment displayed in the layout is not limited to the above, and any equipment that can be introduced into the warehouse may be displayed.

[0049] The condition input unit 32 is a display unit into which the user 2 inputs the input information necessary to carry out a simulation. In the example of FIG. 2, the hit rate, warehouse type, calculation type, etc. are input as input information. When inputting the input information, the user 2 may input information to be used as a fixed value and information to be used as a parameter. For example, if the user 2 wants to use the information as a fixed value, the user 2 may input a predetermined value for that information. On the other hand, if the user wants to use the information as a parameter, the user 2 inputs a range or a lower limit value, etc., to be used as the parameter for that information.

[0050] The result display unit 33 is a display unit that displays the simulation results. The display operation unit 34 is a display unit that causes the result display unit 33 to display the simulation results according to the information used as parameters, which are conditions.

[0051] The automatic layout allocation start button 35 is a button for automatically generating a layout to be displayed on the layout operation unit 31. For example, when the automatic layout allocation start button 35 is pressed, information indicating that the button has been pressed is transmitted to the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1. The control unit 10 of the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 calculates a layout to be displayed on the layout operation unit 31 based on the information.

[0052] The calculation start button 36 is a button for starting a simulation. For example, when the calculation start button 36 is pressed, information indicating that the button has been pressed is transmitted to the warehouse equipment introduction quotation device 1. The control unit 10 of the warehouse equipment introduction quotation device 1 starts a simulation based on the information.

[0053] The change recommendation button 37 is a button for searching whether there is a better recommendation model than the simulated result. For example, when the change recommendation button 37 is pressed, information that the button was pressed is transmitted to the warehouse equipment introduction quotation device 1. The control unit 10 of the warehouse equipment introduction quotation device 1 generates a recommendation model based on the information.

[0054] In step ST102, the input information acquisition unit 1012 acquires input information. The input information acquisition unit 1012 acquires the input information input to the condition input unit 32 and the layout input to the layout operation unit. For example, the input information acquisition unit 1012 periodically acquires the input information input to the condition input unit 32. Furthermore, when any one of the automatic layout allocation start button 35, the calculation start button 36, and the change recommendation button 37 is pressed, the input information acquisition unit 1012 acquires the input information input to the condition input unit 32. The input information acquisition unit 1012 stores the acquired input information in the input information storage unit 301.

[0055] In step ST103, the input information acquiring unit 1012 determines whether the automatic layout allocation start button 35 has been pressed. If it is determined that the automatic layout allocation start button 35 has been pressed, the input information acquiring unit 1012 outputs a signal indicating that the automatic layout allocation start button 35 has been pressed to the layout creating unit 102. Then, the processing proceeds to step ST104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic layout allocation start button 35 has not been pressed, the processing proceeds to step ST106.

[0056] In step ST104, the layout creation unit 102 determines whether a layout can be created. The layout creation unit 102 determines whether a layout can be created based on the input information stored in the input information storage unit 301. The layout creation unit 102 determines whether the input information stored in the input information storage unit 301 includes layout information including at least the dimensions of the warehouse, the number of shelves, and the number of stations. If the input information includes layout information, the layout creation unit 102 determines that a layout can be created. Then, the process proceeds to step ST105.

[0057] On the other hand, if the input information does not include at least one of the layout information, the layout creation unit 102 determines that a layout cannot be created. In this case, the layout creation unit 102 outputs information that is missing from the input information to the display control unit 1011. Then, the process returns to step ST101. At this time, the display control unit 1011 controls the input screen to display the missing information. This allows the user 2 to input the missing layout information into the condition input unit 32.

[0058] In step ST105, the layout creation unit 102 creates a layout. The layout creation unit 102 creates a layout based on the layout information. Here, the layout creation method may be created by a general method, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The layout creation unit 102 outputs the created layout to the display control unit 1011. Then, the processing returns to step ST101. At this time, the display control unit 1011 controls so that the layout created by the layout creation unit 102 is displayed on the layout operation unit 31 of the input screen.

[0059] That is, the layout is automatically displayed when the user inputs the necessary input information into the condition input section 32 and presses the automatic layout allocation start button 35. This eliminates the need for the user 2 to create a layout in the layout operation section 31, or allows the user 2 to simply modify the automatically generated layout, thereby reducing the work required of the user 2.

[0060] In step ST106, the input information acquiring unit 1012 determines whether the calculation start button 36 has been pressed. If it is determined that the calculation start button 36 has been pressed, the input information acquiring unit 1012 outputs a signal indicating that the calculation start button 36 has been pressed to the simulation control unit 103. Then, the processing proceeds to step ST107. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculation start button 36 has not been pressed, the processing returns to step ST101.

[0061] In step ST107, the simulation control unit 103 determines whether or not the simulation can be executed. The simulation control unit 103 determines whether or not the simulation can be executed based on the input information stored in the input information storage unit 301. The simulation control unit 103 determines whether or not the input information stored in the input information storage unit 301 includes at least the information necessary to execute the simulation (e.g., warehouse dimensions, shelf type, number of shelves, number of stations, simulation type, target value, and layout). If the input information includes this information, the simulation control unit 103 determines that the simulation can be executed. Then, the process proceeds to step ST108.

[0062] On the other hand, if the input information does not include information necessary to execute the simulation, the simulation control unit 103 determines that the simulation cannot be executed. In this case, the simulation control unit 103 outputs information that is missing from the input information to the display control unit 1011. Then, the processing returns to step ST101. At this time, the display control unit 1011 controls the input screen to display the missing information. This allows the user 2 to input the missing information into the condition input unit 32.

[0063] In step ST108, the simulation control unit 103 executes the simulation based on the input information.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of step ST108. In step ST201, the condition control unit 1031 determines the type of simulation. The condition control unit 1031 determines whether the type of simulation included in the input information is simple or detailed. Depending on the result of this determination, the condition control unit determines whether to execute the simulation in simple or detailed mode.

[0065] In step ST202, the condition control unit 1031 determines the simulation conditions. The condition control unit determines which information in the input information is to be used as a parameter and which information has been determined. That is, the condition control unit 1031 determines which information in the input information is to be used as a parameter when executing a simulation. For example, if the input information specifies a range of the input information, the condition control unit 1031 determines that the input information is to be used as a parameter. On the other hand, if the input information is specified, that is, if one value has been input, the condition control unit 1031 determines that the input information is to be used as determined information.

[0066] In step ST203, the condition control unit 1031 determines the parameters to be used. The condition control unit 1031 determines the information to be used as parameters from the input information. For example, when there is a plurality of pieces of information that can be used as parameters, the condition control unit 1031 determines which pieces of information to use as parameters. The condition control unit 1031 determines that information that has not yet been simulated is to be used as parameters. The condition control unit 1031 also determines that input information that is not used as parameters is to be used as determined information. Then, the condition control unit 1031 outputs the type of simulation to be performed, the determined parameters, and the determined information from the input information to the simulation calculation unit 1032.

[0067] In step ST204, the condition control unit 1031 determines whether an upper limit for the information used as a parameter has been determined. If it is determined that an upper limit for the information used as a parameter has been determined, the condition control unit 1031 outputs the type of simulation to be performed, the determined parameters, and the determined information among the input information to the simulation calculation unit 1032. Then, the processing proceeds to step ST207. On the other hand, if it is determined that an upper limit has not been determined, the condition control unit 1031 outputs the type of simulation to be performed, the determined parameters, information indicating that an upper limit for the determined parameters has not been determined, and the determined information among the input information to the simulation calculation unit 1032. Then, the processing proceeds to step ST205.

[0068] In step ST205, the simulation calculation unit 1032 calculates the throughput. The simulation calculation unit 1032 calculates the throughput in the warehouse by executing a simulation based on the simulation type, parameters, and determination information. First, the simulation calculation unit 1032 determines the lower limit at which a simulation of the parameters to be used can be executed, and determines that the simulations will be executed in ascending order from the lower limit. Note that if the parameters are continuous values ​​rather than discrete values, the simulation calculation unit 1032 may also determine the number of significant digits, the increment, and so on. For example, if the parameter to be used is the number of automated guided vehicles, the simulation calculation unit 1032 executes a simulation assuming that the number of automated guided vehicles is n (n is any number that can be used as a parameter). Here, if a simulation has already been executed for n-1 automated guided vehicles, the simulation calculation unit 1032 executes a simulation assuming that the number of automated guided vehicles is n. Note that a method for calculating the throughput by simulation may be any commonly used method, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The simulation calculation unit 1032 stores the calculation results in the result storage unit 302 .

[0069] In step ST206, the simulation calculation unit 1032 determines whether the difference between the calculated throughput and the throughput calculated immediately before is less than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the throughput when the number of AGVs is n is calculated in step ST205, the simulation calculation unit determines whether the difference between the throughput when the number of AGVs is n and the throughput calculated immediately before, i.e., the throughput when the number of AGVs is n-1, is less than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be any threshold determined by the administrator of the warehouse equipment introduction estimate device 1. If the difference in throughput is less than the predetermined threshold, the simulation calculation unit 1032 determines to end the execution of the simulation for the parameter. Then, the process proceeds to step ST208. On the other hand, if the difference in throughput is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the process returns to step ST205.

[0070] In step ST207, the simulation calculation unit 1032 calculates the throughput. The simulation calculation unit 1032 calculates the throughput in the warehouse by executing a simulation based on the simulation type, parameters, and determination information. For example, the simulation calculation unit 1032 calculates the throughput for the entire range of information used as parameters. Note that, when there are multiple parameters, the simulation calculation unit 1032 may execute a simulation by setting an appropriate step size for a parameter with a low priority (e.g., a parameter with a set numerical range) so as not to increase the number of simulation trials too much. For example, the simulation calculation unit 1032 executes a simulation using three values: an upper limit, a median value, and a lower limit. The simulation calculation unit 1032 stores the calculation results, including the simulation result and the throughput, in the result storage unit 302.

[0071] In step ST208, the recommendation unit 1033 determines the parameters to be adjusted and the adjustment policy. The recommendation unit 1033 determines the cause of the decrease in throughput based on the calculation results stored in the result storage unit 302. The recommendation unit 1033 then determines an adjustment policy indicating how to change the parameters causing the decrease. Note that the determination method and the adjustment policy may be any commonly used method, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Then, the recommendation unit 1033 stores the determination result in the result storage unit 302.

[0072] In step ST209, the display control unit 1011 controls the result display unit 33 to display the simulation results. The simulation control unit 103 outputs information indicating that the simulation has ended to the user interface control unit 101. Then, upon receiving this signal, the display control unit 1011 acquires the results (calculation results and determination results) stored in the result storage unit 302, and controls the result display unit 33 to display the acquired calculation results and determination results. Then, the processing proceeds to step ST109.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen when the simulation results are displayed on the result display unit 33 according to the embodiment. 6, the result display unit 33 displays the relationship between the information used as a parameter and the throughput. The information used as a parameter is then displayed as a condition by the display operation unit 34. For example, when the user 2 presses a button to change the condition displayed on the display operation unit 34, the display control unit 1011 controls the result display unit 33 to display the simulation result according to the condition. In this way, the user 2 can view the simulation result according to the information used as a parameter.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 3, in step ST109, the simulation control unit 103 determines whether the throughput is equal to or greater than a target value. For example, the simulation control unit 103 determines whether the throughput calculated by simulation is equal to or greater than a target value included in the input information. If it is determined that the throughput is equal to or greater than the target value, the process proceeds to step ST110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the throughput is less than the target value, the process proceeds to step ST111.

[0075] In step ST110, the input information acquiring unit 1012 determines whether the change recommendation button 37 has been pressed. If it is determined that the change recommendation button 37 has been pressed, the input information acquiring unit 1012 outputs a signal indicating that the change recommendation button 37 has been pressed to the recommendation model control unit 104. Then, the processing proceeds to step ST111. On the other hand, if it is determined that the change recommendation button 37 has not been pressed, the display control unit 1011 confirms with the user whether it is OK to end the processing. Then, if confirmation is obtained, the processing ends.

[0076] In step ST111, the recommendation model control unit 104 generates a changed recommendation model.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the process of step ST110. In step ST301, the recommendation model control unit 104 acquires input information stored in the input information storage unit 301.

[0078] In step ST302, the recommendation model control unit 104 extracts a recommendation model from the recommendation model database 303. The recommendation model control unit 104 extracts a recommendation model stored in the recommendation model database 303 based on the target throughput value, warehouse dimensions, and the like included in the input information. For example, if the warehouse dimensions can be changed, the recommendation model control unit 104 searches the recommendation model database 303 for similar warehouse examples, using the number of shelves as a constraint. Alternatively, if the warehouse dimensions are a constraint, the recommendation model control unit 104 extracts the station layout that provides the highest processing capacity from similar examples (long and narrow dimensions) of past layouts. For example, if the warehouse dimensions are 20 m long and 40 m wide and the warehouse dimensions are a constraint, the recommendation model control unit 104 extracts recommendation models stored in the recommendation model database 303 that have a warehouse dimension ratio of approximately 1:2, and extracts the recommendation model with the highest processing capacity from among them.

[0079] In step ST303, the recommendation model control unit 104 modifies the extracted recommendation model. The recommendation model control unit 104 modifies the recommendation model to match the warehouse dimensions included in the input information. For example, the recommendation model control unit 104 calculates the ratio of the warehouse dimensions included in the input information, and generates the warehouse dimensions and layout of the recommendation model based on the ratio. In addition, the recommendation model control unit 104 also modifies the number of automated guided vehicles, the number of stations, the throughput, etc. included in the recommendation model in accordance with the modification.

[0080] In step ST304, the recommendation model control unit 104 determines whether the throughput of the revised recommendation model is equal to or greater than the target value. The recommendation model control unit 104 determines whether the throughput of the revised recommendation model is equal to or greater than the target value of throughput included in the input information. If it is determined that the throughput of the recommendation model is equal to or greater than the target value included in the input information, the recommendation model control unit 104 outputs the revised recommendation model to the display control unit 1011. Then, the process proceeds to step ST305.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined that the throughput of the recommendation model is less than the target value, the process ends. In this case, the recommendation model control unit 104 outputs information indicating that there is no extractable recommendation model to the display control unit 1011. Then, the display control unit 1011 may control the display to display information indicating that there is no recommendation model on the terminal of user 2. This allows user 2 to know that the current information is the best.

[0082] In step ST305, the display control unit 1011 performs control to display the revised recommendation model. For example, the display control unit 1011 performs control to display various information included in the revised recommendation model on the condition input unit 32. For example, the display control unit 1011 may perform control to display a tab for displaying the revised recommendation model, and, upon detecting pressing of the tab, perform control to display various information included in the revised recommendation model. This allows the user to know what conditions the revised recommendation model has.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 3, in step ST112, the recommendation model control unit 104 updates the recommendation model database. The recommendation model control unit 104 corrects the input information and stores it in the recommendation model database. For example, if the dimensions of a warehouse included in the input information are 20 m long and 40 m wide, the recommendation model control unit 104 corrects the warehouse dimensions to 1:2, and also corrects the other input information accordingly. In this way, the recommendation model control unit 104 converts the input information into versatile information and stores the converted information in the recommendation model database 303 as a recommendation model. Alternatively, the recommendation model control unit 104 may store the input information, simulation results, and throughput directly as a recommendation model in the recommendation model database 303.

[0084] Note that step ST112 may be performed in parallel with any of the steps shown in Fig. 3. That is, the process of step ST112 may be performed in the background of other processes.

[0085] Furthermore, the recommendation models stored in the recommendation model database 303 are updated each time they are used by user 2, and the number of recommendation models stored in the recommendation model database 303 increases. Therefore, the more other users 2 use the device, the more recommendation models the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 can present to user 2. Therefore, as the usage record increases, the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 can present user 2 with better estimate results for introducing equipment into a warehouse.

[0086] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the embodiment described above, it is possible to present the optimum warehouse layout and conditions that satisfy the target throughput to the user 2 who is a person in charge of an inexperienced customer or a potential customer.

[0087] Furthermore, when User 2 considers introducing new warehouse equipment or setting up a new warehouse, User 2 can visually confirm how the throughput changes for each parameter to determine the effect of introducing the equipment. This makes User 2's search process more efficient.

[0088] Furthermore, even if the simulation does not achieve the target throughput, a model that achieves the target throughput can be presented by using the recommendation model. This allows appropriate input conditions to be presented even if User 2, who is a person in charge of an inexperienced customer or a potential customer, enters inappropriate input conditions.

[0089] [Other embodiments] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 stores the recommendation model database 303, but the recommendation model database 303 may be stored in an external device connected to the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1. Then, the control unit 10 may acquire a recommendation model from the recommendation model database 303 stored in the external device as necessary.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the warehouse equipment introduction estimation operation is performed by a single device, the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1, but the operation may be performed by multiple devices. For example, the layout creation unit 102, the simulation control unit 103, and the recommendation model control unit 104 may be performed by separate devices connected to the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1.

[0091] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device (computer) serving as the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1, or may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state where it is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a medium that can be read by the computer serving as the warehouse equipment introduction estimation device 1 (a computer-readable medium). The storage medium may be in any form, such as an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM), a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory (e.g., a memory card), as long as it is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer.

[0092] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1...Warehouse equipment introduction quotation device 10...Control unit 101...User interface control unit 1011...Display control unit 1012...Input information acquisition unit 102...Layout Creation Department 103...Simulation control unit 1031...Condition control section 1032...Simulation calculation section 1033…Recommendation Department 104...Recommendation model control unit 20...Program memory section 30...Data storage unit 301...input information storage unit 302…Result storage unit 303...Recommendation model database 40...Communication interface 50...Input / output interface 51...Input section 52...Output section 2...User 31...Layout control section 32...Condition input section 33...Result display section 34…Display operation section 35...Start button 36...Calculation start button 37...Change recommendation button

Claims

1. an input information acquisition unit that acquires input information including warehouse information for introducing equipment into a warehouse; a simulation control unit that calculates a throughput of the warehouse by performing a simulation based on the input information; a recommendation model database that stores recommendation models that model the layouts of a plurality of warehouses and the throughput of each of the plurality of warehouses; a recommendation model control unit that extracts, from the recommendation model database, a recommendation model that corresponds to the warehouse information and has a better throughput than the calculated throughput, and modifies the extracted recommendation model to match the dimensions of the warehouse included in the input information; a display control unit that controls the modified recommendation model to be displayed; An information processing device comprising:

2. The input information acquisition unit determines whether an automatic layout allocation start button has been pressed, a layout creation unit that, when it is determined that the automatic layout allocation start button has been pressed, determines whether the input information includes layout information including dimensions of the warehouse, the number of shelves, and the number of stations, and, when it is determined that the input information includes the layout information, creates a layout of the warehouse based on the layout information; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the simulation control unit determines which information to use as a parameter from the input information, and determines that information not to be used as a parameter is to be used as determination information; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the simulation control unit determines whether an upper limit for the parameter has been determined, and if it is determined that an upper limit has not been determined, decides to execute simulation of the parameter in ascending order from the lowest limit at which the simulation can be executed, determines whether the difference between the throughput calculated by the simulation and the throughput calculated by the simulation executed immediately before is less than a predetermined threshold, and if it is determined that the difference is less than the threshold, terminates the execution of the simulation for the parameter. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the recommendation model control unit controls the recommendation model database to be updated by modeling the simulation results and throughput; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the input information acquisition unit determines whether a change recommendation button has been pressed; When it is determined that the change recommendation button has been pressed, the recommendation model control unit extracts the recommendation model. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the simulation control unit determines whether the calculated throughput exceeds a target value of throughput included in the input information; When it is determined that the throughput target value is not exceeded, the recommendation model control unit extracts the recommendation model. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. An information processing method executed by a processor of an information processing device, acquiring input information including warehouse information for installing equipment in the warehouse; calculating a throughput of the warehouse by performing a simulation based on the input information; storing a recommendation model that models the layout of a plurality of warehouses and the throughput of each of the plurality of warehouses in a recommendation model database; extracting a recommendation model that corresponds to the warehouse information and has a better throughput than the calculated throughput from the recommendation model database; Modifying the extracted recommendation model to match the dimensions of the warehouse included in the input information; Controlling the display of the modified recommendation model; An information processing method comprising:

9. An information processing program comprising instructions to be executed by a processor of an information processing device, the instructions comprising: acquiring input information including warehouse information for installing equipment in the warehouse; calculating a throughput of the warehouse by performing a simulation based on the input information; storing a recommendation model that models the layout of a plurality of warehouses and the throughput of each of the plurality of warehouses in a recommendation model database; extracting a recommendation model that corresponds to the warehouse information and has a better throughput than the calculated throughput from the recommendation model database; Modifying the extracted recommendation model to match the dimensions of the warehouse included in the input information; Controlling the display of the modified recommendation model; An information processing program comprising:

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