Automated warehouse system

Abstract

To improve a packing style after stacking shipping scheduled articles, and to ship the shipping scheduled articles by shipping time.SOLUTION: An automatic warehouse system comprises: a warehouse for storing a plurality of shipping scheduled articles scheduled to be shipped; a stacking calculation part 127A for performing the stacking calculation for generating a stack layout of the plurality of shipping scheduled articles stored in the warehouse; and a stacking device for stacking the plurality of shipping scheduled articles delivered from the warehouse, based on the stack layout generated by the stacking calculation part 127A. The stacking calculation part 127A starts the stacking calculation based on shipping information about the number of shipping and shipping time of the plurality of shipping scheduled articles, and processing capacity information about processing capacity of the stacking device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated warehouse system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an automated warehouse system that conveys articles (articles scheduled for shipment) shipped from an automated warehouse to respective processing apparatuses so that the articles arrive at the target processing apparatus at the target time. In this automated warehouse system, an average conveyance time is calculated based on measurement results of the required time for conveying articles from the automated warehouse to respective processing apparatuses, and the shipping time of the articles is calculated backward based on the average conveyance time and the target time. The articles are shipped at the calculated shipping time and conveyed to the processing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the automated warehouse system as described above, when a stacking apparatus for stacking a plurality of articles scheduled for shipment is provided as a processing apparatus, there is a desire to improve the load configuration after stacking. To achieve this desire, it is preferable to increase the articles scheduled for shipment (options for stacking calculation) subject to the stacking calculation by delaying the start of the stacking calculation as much as possible. On the other hand, if the stacking calculation is delayed, there is a risk that the articles cannot be shipped by the shipping time.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automated warehouse system capable of improving the load configuration of articles scheduled for shipment after stacking and shipping the articles scheduled for shipment by the shipping time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The automated warehouse system according to the present invention comprises a warehouse for storing a plurality of items scheduled for shipment; a stacking calculation unit that performs stacking calculations to generate a stacking layout for the plurality of items scheduled for shipment stored in the warehouse; and a stacking device that stacks the plurality of items scheduled for shipment that have been released from the warehouse based on the stacking layout generated by the stacking calculation unit. The stacking calculation unit starts the stacking calculation based on shipment information relating to the number and time of shipment of the plurality of items scheduled for shipment, and processing capacity information relating to the processing capacity of the stacking device.

[0007] This automated warehouse system can start the stacking calculation for multiple scheduled shipments by considering the number and timing of shipments for each item, as well as the processing capacity of the stacking equipment. Therefore, for example, it is possible to delay the start of the stacking calculation for multiple scheduled shipments as much as possible while still meeting the shipment deadline. As a result, it becomes possible to accumulate many scheduled shipments in the warehouse within the limits of meeting the shipment deadline, thereby increasing the options for stacking calculations. From the above, it is possible to improve the packaging of scheduled shipments after stacking and to ship the scheduled shipments by the deadline.

[0008] In the automated warehouse system according to the present invention, if multiple items scheduled for shipment can be shipped by the shipping time, the stacking calculation unit may start the stacking calculation in such a way that the time the multiple items scheduled for shipment are stored in the warehouse is longer compared to when the stacking calculation is started at the present time. In this case, the above effect can be achieved by accumulating many items scheduled for shipment in the warehouse within the time it is possible to ship them in time, thereby increasing the options for stacking calculation.

[0009] The automated warehouse system according to the present invention may include a shipping information acquisition unit for acquiring shipping information and a processing capacity information acquisition unit for acquiring processing capacity information. In this case, shipping information and processing capacity information can be acquired by the shipping information acquisition unit and the processing capacity information acquisition unit.

[0010] The automated warehouse system according to the present invention includes a capacity calculation unit that periodically calculates the required processing capacity, which is the processing capacity required for the stacking device to ship multiple items scheduled for shipment by the shipping time, based on shipping information. The stacking calculation unit may start stacking calculations if the required processing capacity calculated by the capacity calculation unit exceeds the processing capacity information. In this case, the above-mentioned effect of increasing the options for stacking calculations by accumulating many items scheduled for shipment in the warehouse, within the limits of being able to meet the shipping time, can be specifically realized.

[0011] In the automated warehouse system according to the present invention, the capacity calculation unit may calculate the required processing capacity based on the total number of items scheduled for shipment corresponding to the first shipping time and the total number of items scheduled for shipment that will be shipped before the first shipping time, as well as the first shipping time. In this case, it becomes possible to specifically determine the required processing capacity.

[0012] In the automated warehouse system according to the present invention, the first shipping time may be the latest shipping time among all shipping times corresponding to all scheduled shipping items. In this case, it is possible to prevent the shipping of the item with the latest shipping time from being delayed beyond the scheduled shipping time.

[0013] In the automated warehouse system according to the present invention, when multiple items scheduled for shipment at the same time and to the same destination are grouped together as a shipment group, the stacking calculation unit may start the stacking calculation for the multiple items scheduled for shipment, targeting the items in the shipment group with the earliest shipment time among the multiple items scheduled for shipment. This makes it possible to prevent the shipment of items scheduled for shipment with an earlier shipment time from being delayed beyond the shipment time corresponding to those items.

[0014] In the automated warehouse system according to the present invention, the capacity calculation unit may calculate the required processing capacity based on a set risk value. In this case, it becomes possible to specifically determine the required processing capacity by taking the risk value into consideration.

[0015] The automated warehouse system according to the present invention includes a time calculation unit that calculates the loading time, which is the time required to load multiple items scheduled for shipment, for each shipment group when multiple items scheduled for shipment at the same time and to the same destination are grouped together, based on shipment information and processing capacity information. The loading calculation unit determines the start timing for the loading calculation for each of the multiple shipment groups by working backward from the shipment time and loading time. If the loading times overlap for multiple shipment groups when the loading calculation is started at the determined start timing, the start timing may be advanced to prevent the loading times from overlapping for multiple shipment groups. In this case, the above-mentioned effect of increasing the options for loading calculation by accumulating many items scheduled for shipment in the warehouse within the limits of meeting the shipment time can be concretely realized.

[0016] In the automated warehouse system according to the present invention, the stacking calculation unit may start stacking calculations when the number of empty shelves in the warehouse falls below a predetermined value. In this case, a shortage of empty shelves in the warehouse can be prevented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the packaging of goods scheduled for shipment can be improved after stacking, and the goods scheduled for shipment can be shipped by the scheduled shipping time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the warehouse and management equipment of an automated warehouse system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an automated warehouse system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the terminal section of the conveying device and the stacking device of the automated warehouse system shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the shipping process for goods in the automated warehouse system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a), (b) and (c) are diagrams for explaining an example of the shipping process of articles in the automated warehouse system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the shipping process of articles in the automated warehouse system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the shipping process of articles in the automated warehouse system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the shipping process of articles in the automated warehouse system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a), (b) and (c) are diagrams for explaining an example of the shipping process of articles in the automated warehouse system according to the second embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of each figure, the same or corresponding parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0020] [First Embodiment] The outline of the automated warehouse system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the warehouse and the management device of the automated warehouse system. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the automated warehouse system. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the end portion of the transport device and the stacking device of the automated warehouse system. As shown in FIG. 1, the automated warehouse system 100A is an automation system for managing and automating the warehousing, storage, and shipping of a plurality of packages (articles scheduled for shipment) 200. The automated warehouse system 100A includes a warehouse 110 and a management device 120A.

[0021] Warehouse 110 stores multiple packages 200 scheduled for shipment. Packages 200 are, for example, corrugated cardboard boxes having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, at least some of the multiple packages 200 may differ in size or shape from one another. Warehouse 110 includes racks 130, loading / unloading devices 140, and lifting / transporting devices 150. In addition, as shown in Figure 2, the automated warehouse system 100A includes a multi-stage conveyor 143, a transport device 160, a dimension acquisition device 170, a stacking device 180, and a transport vehicle 190. Hereinafter, a predetermined direction in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the first direction X, a direction perpendicular to the first direction X in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the second direction Y, and a direction perpendicular to both the first direction X and the second direction Y will be referred to as the third direction Z.

[0022] Rack 130 is a facility for storing packages 200 scheduled for shipment. Multiple racks 130 are arranged side by side in the second direction Y. Each rack 130 has multiple tiers that are rectangular when viewed from the third direction Z. In each rack 130, when viewed from the third direction Z, the longer side of each tier extends along the first direction X, and multiple packages 200 are arranged on each tier along the first direction X.

[0023] The loading / unloading device 140 is equipment that can load and unload multiple packages 200 at once. The loading / unloading device 140 comprises a rail 141 and a transport trolley 142. The rail 141 is a rod-shaped member extending in the first direction X. The rail 141 is positioned to the side of the rack 130 at a height corresponding to each tier of the rack 130. The rail 141 extends to a position corresponding to the multi-tier conveyor 143.

[0024] The transport cart 142 is equipment for transporting the cargo 200. The transport cart 142 moves along the rail 141. The transport cart 142 is equipped with members for pushing and pulling the sides of the cargo 200, and forks for lifting the cargo 200. The multi-stage conveyor 143 is a transport device positioned at a height corresponding to each stage of the rack 130. The multi-stage conveyor 143 is positioned between the rack 130 and the lifting transport device 150 in the first direction X. The cargo 200 on the transport cart 142 is transferred to the multi-stage conveyor 143.

[0025] According to the loading / unloading device 140 described above, the cargo 200 removed from the rack 130 by the transport trolley 142 can be temporarily stored on the multi-stage conveyor 143. In addition, the cargo 200 can be sequentially transferred to the lifting / transporting device 150 without having to keep the transport trolley 142 on standby. The multi-stage conveyor 143 temporarily stores the cargo 200 transferred from the lifting / transporting device 150 to the multi-stage conveyor 143, so that the cargo 200 can be stored on the rack 130 without having to keep the lifting / transporting device 150 on standby.

[0026] The lifting and conveying device 150 is a device that moves the load 200 up and down. The lifting and conveying device 150 moves the load 200 received from the conveying trolley 142 up and down to each level of the rack 130 and to desired positions corresponding to the conveying device 160 described later. The type of lifting and conveying device 150 is not particularly limited. In the first embodiment, a so-called vertical conveyor with the ability to lift and lower multiple loads 200 simultaneously is used as the lifting and conveying device 150.

[0027] The lifting and conveying device 150 is equipped with a conveyor, such as a roller conveyor, that can transport the load 200 in a horizontal direction. The lifting and conveying device 150 can dispense the multiple loads 200 it holds to the conveying device 160 and receive the loads 200 from the conveying device 160. The arrangement of the lifting and conveying device 150 is not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, the lifting and conveying device 150 is arranged at the end of the rack 130 on the conveying device 160 side. One of the pair of lifting and conveying devices 150 arranged on either side of the conveying trolley 142 may be a loading device and the other may be a loading device.

[0028] The conveying device 160 is equipment that conveys goods 200 that have been released from the rack 130 via the loading / unloading device 140 and the lifting / transporting device 150. In the first embodiment, the conveying device 160 is equipment that conveys the released goods 200 in a single line in the order they were released to a position where the stacking device 180 can hold them. The path of the goods 200 conveyed by the conveying device 160 is not particularly limited. In the first embodiment, the path is not the shortest distance from the lifting / transporting device 150 to the vicinity of the stacking device 180, but rather a meandering path is used to convey the goods 200. As a result, the conveying device 160 also functions as a buffer that temporarily holds multiple items 200. The type of conveying device 160 is not particularly limited, but could be a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, etc.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the automated warehouse system 100A is equipped with a transport device 160 for unloading, and in addition, it is equipped with a transport device 220 for loading goods 200 into the racks 130. The transport device 220 for loading is connected to the lifting transport device 150 for loading.

[0030] The dimension acquisition device 170 is equipment that acquires the dimensions of each of the multiple packages 200 placed on the loading conveying device 220. The dimension acquisition device 170 acquires the dimensions of the packages 200 on the loading conveying device 220 along a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z. The information regarding each acquired dimension (dimensional information) is transmitted to the management device 120A.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the stacking device 180 is a device that stacks the cargo 200 transported by the conveying device 160 in the order of departure. Stacking (palletizing) the cargo 200 means arranging the cargo 200 in a limited space. The stacking device 180 stacks multiple cargo 200 based on the cargo stacking layout generated by the stacking calculation unit 127A (described later) of the management device 120A.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the stacking device 180 arranges the cargo 200 three-dimensionally on the pallet 210. Specifically, the stacking device 180 places multiple cargo 200 on the pallet 210 and then stacks more cargo 200 on top of the placed cargo 200. The type of stacking device 180 is not particularly limited and may be a 6-axis robot as shown in Figure 3, a parallel link robot, or a crane that can move the chucks that hold the cargo 200 in all directions. The stacking layout is an arrangement layout that shows how to arrange multiple cargo 200 in a limited space and where in that limited space.

[0033] The transport vehicle 190 transports the cargo 200 loaded by the loading device 180 to another location. The type of transport vehicle 190 is not particularly limited. The transport vehicle 190 may be, for example, a manned forklift and a transport vehicle equipped with forks for picking up pallets 210. In the first embodiment, the transport vehicle 190 is an autonomously operating unmanned transport vehicle that transports the cargo 200 loaded on pallets 210 by the loading device 180 to a truck berth 240 (see Figure 2) together with the pallets.

[0034] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the management device 120A. The management device 120A includes an incoming goods management unit 121, an outgoing goods management unit 122, a dimension information acquisition unit 123, a shipping information acquisition unit 124, a processing capacity information acquisition unit 125, a capacity calculation unit 126, and a stacking calculation unit 127A. Each function of the management device 120A is realized by running a program on a computer or the like.

[0035] The Inbound Goods Management Unit 121 manages the location of goods 200 to be stored in the automated warehouse system 100A. The Inbound Goods Management Unit 121 controls the loading / unloading device 140 so that the goods 200 are stored in racks 130 designated according to the information input to the management device 120A. The Inbound Goods Management Unit 121 stores information such as the location of the stored goods 200. The Inbound Goods Management Unit 121 acquires information about the area in rack 130 where goods 200 are placed and / or areas where goods 200 are not placed. The Inbound Goods Management Unit 121 also stores the goods 200 and the corresponding shipping time according to the information input to the management device 120A. The Inbound Goods Management Unit 121 generates shipping information regarding the number of multiple goods 200 and their shipping times, and outputs this shipping information to the Shipping Information Acquisition Unit 124.

[0036] The outbound goods management unit 122 manages multiple packages 200 that are shipped at the same time and to the same destination as the same shipment group, based on the received shipment order. The outbound goods management unit 122 receives shipment orders transmitted from, for example, inside or outside the automated warehouse system 100A. A shipment order may be multiple orders grouped together based on predetermined conditions such as the delivery destination of the packages 200 and the desired arrival date and time of the packages 200. Shipment groups may be classified, for example, by the delivery destination and the shipment time based on the desired arrival date and time. In this embodiment, multiple packages 200 included in each shipment group are stacked on the same pallet 210. The outbound goods management unit 122 also outputs group information, which is information related to the shipment group, to the stacking calculation unit 127A. The group information is information indicating the shipment group and the packages 200 corresponding to that shipment group.

[0037] In addition, the outbound goods management unit 122 stores the outbound queue for warehouse 110. The outbound queue for warehouse 110 is a list of packages 200 that are ready for outbound shipment. Packages 200 that are ready for outbound shipment are, for example, packages 200 for which the loading calculation unit 127A has completed (as described later). The outbound goods management unit 122 controls the loading / unloading device 140 so that packages 200 registered in the outbound queue for warehouse 110 are outbound. The outbound goods management unit 122 stores information such as the location of the packages 200 to be outbound.

[0038] The dimensional information acquisition unit 123 acquires luggage information that indicates the unique properties of the luggage 200. The luggage information is not particularly limited as long as it indicates the properties of the luggage 200, but it is information used, for example, when generating a stacking layout. The properties of the luggage 200 refer to the properties and state of the material, such as the weight and dimensions of the luggage 200. The luggage information includes not only information on physical quantities that can be quantitatively indicated, but also information that is artificially determined. Information on physical quantities includes, for example, weight information indicating the weight of the luggage 200, dimensional information indicating the dimensions of the luggage 200, stability information indicating the height dimension relative to the base area of ​​the luggage 200, pressure information indicating the weight per unit base area of ​​the luggage 200, and load-bearing capacity information indicating the limit of the weight of luggage 200 that can be placed on top of it. Information that is artificially determined includes, for example, the susceptibility of the items contained in the luggage 200 to damage, and the value of the items contained in the luggage 200. The source from which the dimensional information acquisition unit 123 acquires luggage information is not particularly limited. The dimension information acquisition unit 123 acquires cargo information from, for example, the loading / unloading device 140, the dimension acquisition device 170, etc.

[0039] The shipping information acquisition unit 124 acquires shipping information regarding the number and shipping time of multiple packages 200. For example, the shipping information acquisition unit 124 acquires shipping information generated internally by the inbound goods management unit 121. The processing capacity information acquisition unit 125 acquires processing capacity information regarding the processing capacity of the stacking device 180. For example, the processing capacity information acquisition unit 125 acquires processing capacity information from the stacking device 180. The capacity calculation unit 126 periodically calculates the required processing capacity, which is the processing capacity required for the stacking device 180 to ship multiple packages 200 by the shipping time, based on the shipping information. The processing capacity can be any capacity actually exerted by the stacking device 180 when the packages 200 are stacked. For example, it may be the maximum capacity that the stacking device 180 can handle, the capacity specified by the stacking device 180, or a standard capacity determined based on these capacities.

[0040] The stacking calculation unit 127A performs a stacking calculation to generate a stacking layout for multiple packages 200. Specifically, the stacking calculation unit 127A obtains package information from the dimension information acquisition unit 123. Based on the package information, the stacking calculation unit 127A performs a stacking calculation for the packages 200. In the first embodiment, the stacking calculation unit 127A generates a stacking layout based on at least the dimension information of the packages 200. In generating the stacking layout, the stacking order of packages 200 included in the same group is set by a tree search, such as a depth-first search or a width-first search. In this case, the stacking order of the packages 200 may be determined when a stacking order that meets a predetermined criterion is obtained. Also, depending on predetermined conditions (for example, the number of packages 200), there may be data that is not searched. Information regarding the generated stacking layout is transmitted to the stacking device 180. The stacking calculation unit 127A performs stacking calculations for multiple packages 200, and if it can calculate a pallet that meets certain criteria (described later), it registers the multiple packages 200 corresponding to that pallet in the outbound queue of warehouse 110, which is stored by the outbound goods management unit 122. Furthermore, the more packages 200 that are subject to the stacking layout when performing the stacking calculation, the more options there are in the stacking calculation. In this case, the packaging of the packages 200 stacked based on the stacking layout is improved.

[0041] The stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation based on the shipping information and processing capacity information. At this time, if multiple packages 200 are ready for shipment by the shipping time, the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation in such a way that the time the multiple packages 200 are stored in the warehouse 110 is longer than if the stacking calculation were started at the present time. Specifically, the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation only if the required processing capacity calculated by the capacity calculation unit 126 based on the shipping information exceeds the processing capacity information. A detailed explanation of the stacking calculation unit 127A will be given later.

[0042] The following describes an example of the shipping process for goods 200 in the automated warehouse system 100A, with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of the shipping process for goods 200 in the automated warehouse system 100A. This shipping process is performed periodically, for example, every 1 to 10 minutes, or every 90 seconds. The shipping process does not have to be performed periodically; for example, it may be performed when new shipping information is acquired by the shipping information acquisition unit 124 (when new shipping information is registered).

[0043] First, the management device 120A determines whether the stacking device 180 is in a standby state (step S101). Next, if the stacking device 180 is not in a standby state (step S101: NO), the management device 120A determines whether the number of packages 200 registered in the warehouse 110's waiting queue is below a certain number (step S102). Subsequently, if the stacking device 180 is in a standby state (step S101: YES) or if the number of packages 200 is below a certain number (step S102: YES), the shipping information acquisition unit 124 acquires shipping information regarding the number and shipping time of multiple packages 200 (step S103). Subsequently, the processing capacity information acquisition unit 125 acquires processing capacity information regarding the processing capacity of the stacking device 180 (step S104).

[0044] Next, the capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity, which is the processing capacity required for the stacking device 180 to ship multiple packages 200 by the shipping time, based on the shipping information (step S105). Subsequently, the stacking calculation unit 127A determines whether or not to start the stacking calculation based on the shipping information and processing capacity information (step S106).

[0045] In step S105, the capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity for the first shipping time, which is a predetermined shipping time, based on the number of packages 200 corresponding to the first shipping time, the total number of multiple packages 200 to be shipped before the first shipping time, and the first shipping time itself. The capacity calculation unit 126 also calculates the required processing capacity based on a set risk value. Specifically, the capacity calculation unit 126 first calculates the remaining time, which is the time that can be spent on loading before shipment, by subtracting the loading time, which is the time required from the completion of loading to trucks etc. after the completion of stacking, from the time from the current time to the first shipping time. Next, the capacity calculation unit 126 takes the sum of the number of packages 200 corresponding to the first shipping time and the total number of multiple packages 200 to be shipped before the first shipping time as the remaining number of packages to be shipped. Finally, the capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity by multiplying the number obtained by dividing the remaining number of packages to be shipped by the remaining time by a preset risk value.

[0046] Next, if the stacking calculation unit 127A determines that it is not necessary to start the stacking calculation (step S106: NO), the stacking calculation unit 127A determines whether the number of empty shelves in warehouse 110 is below a certain number (step S107). The certain number is set to a value that prevents a shortage of empty shelves for the goods 200 when they are brought into warehouse 110. For example, the certain number may be 15% of the number of empty shelves relative to the total number of shelves.

[0047] In step S106, the loading calculation unit 127A determines whether the cargo 200 can be shipped by the shipping time (whether it will arrive on time). Specifically, the loading calculation unit 127A determines whether the required processing capacity calculated by the capacity calculation unit 126 based on the shipping information exceeds the processing capacity information. If the required processing capacity exceeds the processing capacity, the loading calculation unit 127A determines that the cargo 200 cannot be shipped by the shipping time and starts the loading calculation.

[0048] Next, if the stacking calculation unit 127A determines that it is time to start the stacking calculation (step S106: YES) or determines that the number of empty shelves in the warehouse 110 is below a certain number (step S107: YES), the stacking calculation unit 127A performs a stacking calculation to generate a stacking layout for the cargo 200 (step S108). Subsequently, the stacking calculation unit 127A registers the cargo 200 for which the stacking calculation has been completed in the warehouse 110's waiting queue, on a pallet-by-pallet basis (step S109).

[0049] In step S108, when multiple packages 200 with the same shipping time and destination are grouped together, the loading calculation unit 127A starts the loading calculation for the multiple packages 200, targeting the packages 200 in the shipping group with the earliest shipping time among the multiple packages 200.

[0050] In step S108, when the stacking calculation unit 127A calculates the stacking layout for multiple packages 200 (multiple packages 200 having the same shipping time) included in one shipping group, it prioritizes calculating the stacking layout for multiple packages 200 included in the same delivery number as the package 200 for which the stacking layout was calculated immediately before. This makes it possible for the stacking device 180 to continuously perform the stacking of multiple packages 200 included in the same delivery number.

[0051] Finally, the process ends if the number of packages registered in the shipping queue exceeds a certain number (step S102: NO), if the number of empty shelves in warehouse 110 exceeds a certain number (step S107: NO), or if a package is registered in the shipping queue at warehouse 110 (step S109).

[0052] The processes in steps S105 and S106 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6(a), (b), and (c). Figures 6(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams illustrating an example of the shipping process for packages 200 in the automated warehouse system according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figures 6(a), (b), and (c), multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 001 to 006 are stored in the warehouse 110. Figure 6(a) shows the state of the warehouse 110 at 16:00, with multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 001 to 004 stored in the warehouse 110. Figure 6(b) shows the state of the warehouse 110 10 minutes after Figure 6(a). Figure 6(c) shows the state of the warehouse 110 5 minutes after Figure 6(a), when multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 005 and 006 have been further stored.

[0053] For delivery numbers 001 and 002, the number of packages 200 is 500 each, and the shipping time is 18:00. For delivery number 003, the number of packages 200 is 400, and the shipping time is 18:30. For delivery number 004, the number of packages 200 is 600, and the shipping time is 18:30. For delivery number 005, the number of packages 200 is 300, and the shipping time is 19:00. For delivery number 006, the number of packages 200 is 400, and the shipping time is 19:00. Furthermore, as described above, the outbound goods management unit 122 groups multiple packages 200 with the same shipping time and destination into the same shipping group. Specifically, the outbound goods management department 122 assigns the multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 001 and 002 to the first outbound group, the multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 003 and 004 to the second outbound group, and the multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 005 and 006 to the third outbound group.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 6(a), the following start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is executed for the first shipping group. First, the capacity calculation unit 126 subtracts the loading time of 0.5 hours from the time from the current time of 16:00 to the shipping time of 18:00 to derive 1.5 hours as the remaining time. Next, the capacity calculation unit 126 determines the number of remaining shipments, which is 1000, as the total number of packages to be shipped by the shipping time of 18:00. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity as 733 packages / hour by multiplying the number of remaining shipments (1000) by the remaining time of 1.5 hours by the risk value of 1.1. Finally, the stacking calculation unit 127A waits without starting the stacking calculation because the required processing capacity of 733 packages / hour is less than the processing capacity of the stacking device 180, which is 1200 packages / hour.

[0055] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6(a), the following start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is executed for the second shipping group. First, the capacity calculation unit 126 subtracts the loading time of 0.5 hours from the time from the current time of 16:00 to the shipping time of 18:30 to derive 2.0 hours as the remaining time. Next, the capacity calculation unit 126 determines the remaining number of packages to be shipped as 2000, which is the sum of the 200 packages to be shipped by the shipping time of 18:30 and the 200 packages to be shipped before the shipping time of 18:30. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity as 1100 packages / hour by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the remaining number of packages (2000) by the remaining time of 2.0 hours by the risk value of 1.1. Finally, the stacking calculation unit 127A waits without starting the stacking calculation because the required processing capacity of 1100 packages / hour is less than the processing capacity of 1200 packages / hour. Thus, the first shipping time may be the latest shipping time among all the shipping times corresponding to each of the 200 packages.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 6(b), the start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is performed for the first shipment group in the same manner as described above. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 1.33 hours as the remaining time and 1000 units as the remaining shipment packs. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 827 units / hour as the required processing capacity by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the remaining shipment packs by the remaining time by the risk value of 1.1. The stacking calculation unit 127A waits without starting the stacking calculation because the required processing capacity of 827 units / hour is less than the processing capacity of 1200 units / hour.

[0057] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6(b), the start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is performed for the second shipment group in the same manner as described above. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 1.83 hours as the remaining time and 2000 units as the remaining shipment packs. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity as 1202 units / hour by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the remaining shipment packs by the remaining time by the risk value of 1.1. The stacking calculation unit 127A determines that the required processing capacity of 1202 units / hour exceeds the processing capacity of 1200 units / hour, and therefore starts the stacking calculation for the packages 200 included in the first and second shipment groups. Thus, the first shipment time may be the latest shipment time among all shipment times corresponding to all packages 200. Also, when the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation, it first starts the stacking calculation for multiple packages 200 in the first shipment group. From this point onward, loading calculations are performed for each shipping group in order of their earliest shipping time.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 6(c), the start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is performed for the first shipment group in the same manner as described above. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 1.41 hours as the remaining time and 1000 units as the remaining shipment packs. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 780 units / hour as the required processing capacity by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the remaining shipment packs by the remaining time by the risk value of 1.1. The stacking calculation unit 127A waits without starting the stacking calculation because the required processing capacity of 780 units / hour is less than the processing capacity of 1200 units / hour.

[0059] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6(c), the start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is performed for the second shipping group in the same manner as described above. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 1.91 hours as the remaining time and 2000 units as the remaining number of shipment packs. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 1151 units / hour as the required processing capacity by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the remaining number of shipment packs by the remaining time by the risk value of 1.1. The stacking calculation unit 127A waits without starting the stacking calculation because the required processing capacity of 1151 units / hour is less than the processing capacity of 1200 units / hour.

[0060] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 6(c), the start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is performed for the third shipment group in the same manner as described above. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 2.41 hours as the remaining time and 2700 units as the remaining shipment packs. The capacity calculation unit 126 calculates 1232 units / hour as the required processing capacity by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the remaining shipment packs by the remaining time by a risk value of 1.1. The stacking calculation unit 127A determines that the required processing capacity of 1232 units / hour exceeds the processing capacity of 1200 units / hour, and therefore starts the stacking calculation for the packages 200 included in the first shipment group, the second shipment group, and the third shipment group. Thus, the first shipment time may be the latest shipment time among all the shipment times corresponding to all packages 200. Also, when the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation, it first starts the stacking calculation for multiple packages 200 in the first shipment group. From this point onward, loading calculations are performed for each shipping group in order of their earliest shipping time.

[0061] As described above in Figures 6(a), (b), and (c), the capacity calculation unit 126 and the stacking calculation unit 127A execute each start determination process with the respective shipping time corresponding to the multiple packages 200 stored in the warehouse 110 as the first shipping time. Figure 7 is a table showing the remaining time and loading time for each shipping group in Figure 6(c). As also shown in Figure 7, the start determination process (steps S105 and S106) is executed for all shipping times, so the possibility of all packages 200 being shipped late to their respective shipping times can be reduced.

[0062] As described above, the automated warehouse system 100A can start the stacking calculation for multiple packages 200, taking into account the number of packages 200 to be shipped, the shipping time, and the processing capacity of the stacking device 180. Therefore, for example, it is possible to delay the start of the stacking calculation for multiple packages 200 as much as possible while still meeting the shipping deadline. As a result, it is possible to accumulate many packages 200 in the warehouse 110 within the limits of meeting the shipping deadline, thereby increasing the options for stacking calculation. From the above, the appearance of the packages 200 after stacking can be improved and the packages 200 can be shipped by the shipping deadline.

[0063] In the automated warehouse system 100A, the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation if multiple packages 200 are ready for shipment by the shipping time, in a manner that increases the time the multiple packages 200 are stored in the warehouse 110 compared to if the stacking calculation were started at that time. In this case, the above-mentioned effect can be achieved by accumulating many packages 200 in the warehouse within the limits of being able to ship by the shipping time, thereby increasing the options for stacking calculation.

[0064] Specifically, it becomes possible to delay the start of the loading calculation for multiple packages of 200 as much as possible while still meeting the shipping deadline. As a result, it becomes possible to accumulate many packages of 200 in warehouse 110 within the limits of meeting the shipping deadline, thereby increasing the options for loading calculation. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the appearance of the packages of 200 after loading and to ship all packages of 200 by the shipping deadline.

[0065] The automated warehouse system 100A includes a shipping information acquisition unit 124 that acquires shipping information and a processing capacity information acquisition unit 125 that acquires processing capacity information. In this case, shipping information and processing capacity information can be acquired by the shipping information acquisition unit and the processing capacity information acquisition unit.

[0066] Specifically, it becomes possible to obtain shipping information and processing capacity information from inside or outside the automated warehouse system 100A. This makes it possible to obtain more accurate information on the number of shipments and shipping times for multiple packages 200, as well as the processing capacity of the stacking device 180. As a result, the appearance of the packages 200 after stacking can be further improved, and the packages 200 can be shipped more reliably by the shipping time.

[0067] The automated warehouse system 100A includes a capacity calculation unit 126 that periodically calculates the required processing capacity, which is the processing capacity needed for the stacking device 180 to ship multiple packages 200 by the shipping time, based on shipping information. The stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation when the required processing capacity calculated by the capacity calculation unit 126 exceeds the processing capacity information. In this case, the above-mentioned function can be specifically realized by accumulating many packages 200 in the warehouse within the limits of being able to ship by the shipping time, thereby increasing the options for the stacking calculation.

[0068] Specifically, the loading calculation can be started before the required processing capacity exceeds the processing capacity. This ensures that the 200 packages are shipped by the scheduled shipping time. Furthermore, since the aforementioned shipping process is performed periodically, the calculation of the required processing capacity and the comparison between that required processing capacity and the processing capacity are performed periodically. This makes it possible to start the loading calculation before the capacity exceeds the processing capacity in the event of, for example, equipment malfunction, a change in the 200 packages to be shipped, or a change in the shipping time. As a result, the possibility of the 200 packages being shipped later than the scheduled shipping time can be reduced.

[0069] In the automated warehouse system 100A, the capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity based on the total number of packages 200 corresponding to the first shipping time and the total number of packages 200 shipped before the first shipping time, as well as the first shipping time. In this case, it becomes possible to determine the required processing capacity specifically.

[0070] Specifically, the loading calculation can be started based on the required processing capacity calculated for the first shipping time. As a result, multiple packages of 200 corresponding to the first shipping time can be shipped more reliably by the shipping time.

[0071] In the automated warehouse system 100A, the first shipping time is the latest shipping time among all the shipping times corresponding to each of the 200 packages. In this case, it is possible to prevent the shipping of the package 200 with the latest shipping time from being delayed beyond its scheduled shipping time.

[0072] Specifically, this will reduce the likelihood of the latest shipment (200 packages) being delayed beyond its scheduled shipping time. This will allow for a more reliable shipment of package 200 by its scheduled time.

[0073] In the automated warehouse system 100A, the outbound goods management unit 122 groups multiple packages 200 that are shipped at the same time and to the same destination into the same shipping group. In this case, when the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation for multiple packages 200, it starts the calculation targeting the packages 200 in the shipping group with the earliest shipping time among the multiple packages 200. This makes it possible to prevent the shipment of packages 200 with an earlier shipping time from being delayed beyond the shipping time corresponding to those packages 200. As a result, it becomes possible to ship packages 200 more reliably by the shipping time.

[0074] In the automated warehouse system 100A, the capacity calculation unit 126 calculates the required processing capacity based on the set risk value. In this case, it becomes possible to specifically determine the required processing capacity by taking the risk value into consideration.

[0075] Specifically, the loading calculation is initiated by comparing the required processing capacity, which is higher than the actual required processing capacity, with the processing capacity. This reduces the possibility of delays in the shipment of the 200 packages due to unforeseen circumstances. For example, if an equipment malfunction occurs, the 200 packages to be shipped are changed, or the shipping time is changed, and a capacity higher than the required processing capacity is requested from the loading device 180, the loading calculation can be started before that capacity exceeds the processing capacity. As a result, the possibility of delays in the shipment of the 200 packages is reduced.

[0076] In the automated warehouse system 100A, the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation when the number of empty shelves in warehouse 110 falls below a predetermined value. In this case, a shortage of empty shelves in warehouse 110 can be prevented.

[0077] [Second Embodiment] The automated warehouse system 100B according to the second embodiment differs from the automated warehouse system 100A according to the first embodiment in that it has a management device 120B instead of a management device 120A. Figure 8 is a block diagram of the management device 120B according to the second embodiment. The management device 120B differs from the management device 120A in that it has a stacking calculation unit 127B and a time calculation unit 128B instead of a capacity calculation unit 126 and a stacking calculation unit 127A.

[0078] The stacking calculation unit 127B performs a stacking calculation to generate a stacking layout for the cargo 200, similar to the stacking calculation unit 127A. Based on the shipping information and processing capacity information, the stacking calculation unit 127B starts the stacking calculation for each shipping group. At this time, if multiple cargo 200 can be shipped by the shipping time, the stacking calculation unit 127A starts the stacking calculation so that the time the multiple cargo 200 are stored in the warehouse 110 is longer compared to when the stacking calculation is started at this time. Specifically, the stacking calculation unit 127B obtains group information from the outgoing goods management unit 122 and selects the shipping group for which to perform the stacking calculation. Unlike the stacking calculation unit 127A, the stacking calculation unit 127B determines the start timing of the stacking calculation for each shipping group as the time calculated backward from the time calculated by the time calculation unit 128B from the shipping information and processing capacity information, and the shipping time. The stacking calculation unit 127B determines the start timing for each shipping group and advances the determined start timing for each shipping group.

[0079] The time calculation unit 128B calculates the loading time, which is the time required to load multiple packages 200, for each shipping group, based on the shipping information and processing capacity information. Specifically, the time calculation unit 128B calculates the loading time by dividing the number of packages 200 included in the shipping information by the processing capacity of the loading device 180.

[0080] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the shipping process for goods 200 in the automated warehouse system 100B according to the second embodiment. The shipping process according to the second embodiment differs from the shipping process according to the first embodiment in that it has steps S201 to S204 instead of steps S105 and S106.

[0081] First, the management device 120B determines whether the stacking device 180 is in a standby state (step S101). Next, if the stacking device 180 is not in a standby state (step S101: NO), the management device 120B determines whether the number of packages 200 registered in the waiting queue is below a certain number (step S102). Subsequently, if the stacking device 180 is in a standby state (step S101: YES) or if the number of packages 200 is below a certain number (step S102: YES), the shipping information acquisition unit 124 acquires shipping information regarding the number of packages 200 to be shipped and the shipping time (step S103). Subsequently, the processing capacity information acquisition unit 125 acquires processing capacity information regarding the processing capacity of the stacking device 180 (step S104).

[0082] Next, the time calculation unit 128B calculates the loading time, which is the time required to load multiple packages 200 for each shipping group, based on the shipping information and processing capacity information (step S201). Next, the loading calculation unit 127B determines the start timing of the loading calculation (step S202). Next, the loading calculation unit 127B advances the determined start timing (step S203). Next, the loading calculation unit 127B determines whether the current time has passed the advanced start timing (step S204).

[0083] In step S201, the time calculation unit 128B obtains group information from the outbound goods management unit 122. For each shipping group, the time calculation unit 128B determines the total number of packages 200 as the remaining shipment quantity. For each shipping group, the time calculation unit 128B calculates the loading time, which is the time required to load the multiple packages 200, by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the remaining shipment quantity by the processing capacity by a risk value.

[0084] In step S202, the stacking calculation unit 127B first obtains group information regarding the shipping group from the outgoing goods management unit 122. Next, the stacking calculation unit 127B obtains the stacking time and shipping time calculated by the time calculation unit 128B for each shipping group. Subsequently, the stacking calculation unit 127B determines the start timing of the stacking calculation for each shipping group by calculating backward from the stacking time and shipping time.

[0085] In step S203, the stacking calculation unit 127B, if the stacking calculation is started at the determined start timing and the stacking times would overlap for multiple shipping groups, advances the start timing to prevent the stacking times from overlapping for multiple shipping groups.

[0086] Next, if the stacking calculation unit 127B determines that the current time has not passed the start timing (step S204: NO), the stacking calculation unit 127B determines whether the number of empty shelves in warehouse 110 is below a certain number (step S107). Next, if the stacking calculation unit 127B determines that the current time has passed the start timing (step S204: YES) or determines that the number of empty shelves in warehouse 110 is below a certain number (step S107: YES), the stacking calculation unit 127A performs a stacking calculation to generate a stacking layout for the cargo 200 (step S108). Next, the stacking calculation unit 127B registers the cargo 200 for which the stacking calculation has been completed into the warehouse 110's waiting queue on a pallet basis on which the cargo 200 is stacked (step S109).

[0087] Finally, the process ends if the number of packages registered in the shipping queue exceeds a certain number (step S102: NO), if the number of empty shelves in warehouse 110 exceeds a certain number (step S107: NO), or if a package is registered in the shipping queue at warehouse 110 (step S109).

[0088] The processes in steps S201 to S203 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 10 and Figures 11(a), (b), and (c). Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shipping process for goods 200 in the automated warehouse system according to the second embodiment. Figures 11(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams illustrating an example of the shipping process for goods 200 in the automated warehouse system according to the second embodiment.

[0089] Figure 10 shows the state of warehouse 110 at 16:00, with multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 001 to 006 stored in warehouse 110. For delivery numbers 001 and 002, there are 500 packages 200 each, and the shipping time is 18:00. For delivery number 003, there are 400 packages 200 each, and the shipping time is 18:30. For delivery number 004, there are 600 packages 200 each, and the shipping time is 18:30. For delivery numbers 005 and 006, there are 600 packages 200 each, and the shipping time is 19:30. Furthermore, as described above, the outbound goods management unit 122 groups multiple packages 200 with the same shipping time and the same destination into the same shipping group. Specifically, the outbound goods management department 122 assigns the multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 001 and 002 to the first outbound group, the multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 003 and 004 to the second outbound group, and the multiple packages 200 corresponding to delivery numbers 005 and 006 to the third outbound group.

[0090] First, the processing in step S201 will be explained in detail. In the example shown in Figure 10, the time calculation unit 128B calculates that the number of remaining shipments in the first and second shipment groups is 1000. The time calculation unit 128B calculates a stacking time of 0.92 hours by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the number of remaining shipments of 1000 by the processing capacity of 1200 units / hour by the risk value of 1.1. The time calculation unit 128B also calculates that the number of remaining shipments in the third shipment group is 1200. The time calculation unit 128B calculates a stacking time of 1.10 hours by multiplying the value obtained by dividing the number of remaining shipments of 1200 by the processing capacity of 1200 units / hour by the risk value of 1.1.

[0091] Next, the processing in step S202 will be explained in detail. In the example shown in Figure 11(a), the stacking calculation unit 127B obtains the shipping time of 18:00, loading time of 0.5 hours, and stacking time of 0.92 hours for the first shipping group. The stacking calculation unit 127B calculates the time going back from the shipping time of 18:00 by the amount of the loading time and stacking time, and sets the start timing of the stacking calculation at 16:34:48. The stacking calculation unit 127B also obtains the shipping time of 18:30, loading time of 0.5 hours, and stacking time of 0.92 hours for the second shipping group. The stacking calculation unit 127B calculates the time going back from the shipping time of 18:30 by the amount of the loading time and stacking time, and sets the start timing of the stacking calculation at 17:04:48. In addition, the loading calculation unit 127B acquires the shipping time of 19:30, the loading time of 0.5 hours, and the stacking time of 1.10 hours for the third shipping group. The loading calculation unit 127B calculates the time by the loading time and the stacking time, working backward from the shipping time of 19:30, and sets this time of 17:54 as the start timing for the loading calculation.

[0092] Finally, the processing in step S203 will be explained in detail. In the examples shown in Figures 11(a), (b), and (c), the loading times overlap between the first and second shipping groups. Also, the loading times overlap between the second and third shipping groups. In this case, the loading calculation unit 127B first advances the start timing of the second shipping group so that the loading times do not overlap between the second and third shipping groups. Then, the loading calculation unit 127B advances the start timing of the first shipping group so that the loading times do not overlap between the first and second shipping groups.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11(b), the stacking calculation unit 127B advances the start time of the second shipment group from 17:04:48 to 16:58:48 so that the timing of the end of the stacking time for the second shipment group coincides with the start time of the third shipment group. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 11(c), the stacking calculation unit 127B advances the start time of the first shipment group from 16:34:48 to 16:03:36 so that the timing of the end of the stacking time for the first shipment group coincides with the start time of the second shipment group.

[0094] As described above, in the automated warehouse system 100B according to the second embodiment, the outgoing goods management unit 122 groups multiple packages 200 that are shipped at the same time and to the same destination into the same shipping group. In this case, the system includes a time calculation unit 128B that calculates the loading time, which is the time required to load the multiple packages 200, for each shipping group based on shipping information and processing capacity information. The loading calculation unit 127B determines the start timing of the loading calculation for each of the multiple shipping groups by calculating backward from the shipping time and loading time. If the loading times overlap for multiple shipping groups when the loading calculation is started at the determined start timing, the unit advances the start timing so that the loading times do not overlap for multiple shipping groups. In this case, the above-mentioned function of increasing the options for loading calculation by accumulating many packages 200 in the warehouse within the limits of being able to meet the shipping time can be concretely realized.

[0095] Specifically, the start time for calculating the loading of multiple packages (200) can be delayed as much as possible while still meeting the shipping deadline. As a result, the appearance of the packages after loading can be improved, and the packages can be shipped by the shipping time.

[0096] This automated warehouse system 100B also provides the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment.

[0097] [Differentiation] Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the shipping information acquisition unit 124 acquired shipping information generated by the incoming goods management unit 121, but is not limited to this. For example, the shipping information acquisition unit 124 may acquire shipping information from outside the automated warehouse systems 100A and 100B. In the above embodiment, the processing capacity information acquisition unit 125 acquired shipping information from the stacking device 180, but is not limited to this. For example, the processing capacity information acquisition unit 125 may acquire processing capacity information input to the management device 120A from outside the automated warehouse systems 100A and 100B.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the stacking calculation unit 127B determined the start timing for each shipping group and then advanced the start timing, but it is sufficient that the stacking times of the shipping groups do not overlap. For example, the stacking calculation unit 127B may determine the start timings in order of the latest shipping times and advance the start timing when determining each start timing. More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 11, first, the stacking calculation unit 127B sets the start timing for the third shipping group to 17:54. Next, the stacking calculation unit 127B sets the start timing for the second shipping group to 16:58:48 so that the start timing for the third shipping group coincides with the timing when the stacking of the second shipping group is completed. Finally, the stacking calculation unit 127B sets the start timing for the first shipping group to 16:03:36 so that the start timing for the second shipping group coincides with the timing when the stacking of the first shipping group is completed.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the luggage 200 was a cardboard box, but any container capable of storing items inside is acceptable. For example, luggage 200 may be a folding container. In the above embodiment, stacking calculations are performed to generate the stacking layout using tree search, such as depth-first search or width-first search, but the stacking calculation method is not particularly limited, and various known methods may be used.

[0101] In the above embodiment, after step S108, it is determined whether a stacking layout that satisfies certain criteria has been generated, and if it is determined that one has been generated, in step S109, a plurality of packages 200 corresponding to the stacking layout may be registered in the outbound queue of the warehouse 110. A pallet that satisfies certain criteria is a pallet in which the total volume of the stacked packages 200 exceeds a standard value. The standard value is, for example, 80% of the volume of space on which packages 200 can be loaded (maximum loading volume) on one pallet. Alternatively, a pallet that satisfies certain criteria may be, for example, a pallet in which the number of packages 200 stacked on one pallet is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, 80% of the maximum number of packages 200 that can be loaded on one pallet.

[0102] In the above embodiment, after step S108, the stacking calculation unit 127A may, regardless of whether a stacking layout that satisfies certain criteria has been generated, register the multiple packages 200 corresponding to the stacking layout in step S109 in the warehouse 110's outbound queue if the stacking layout includes the final shipment packing. For example, when the stacking calculation unit 127A calculates a stacking layout for a predetermined pallet, if all packages 200 other than the package 200 corresponding to the pallet among the multiple packages 200 included in a shipment group are registered in the outbound queue, the stacking calculation unit 127A registers the package 200 corresponding to the pallet in the outbound queue.

[0103] In the above embodiment, after step S108, even if a stacking layout that meets certain criteria has not been generated and the final shipping packing is not included in the stacking layout, the stacking calculation unit 127A may register a plurality of packages 200 corresponding to the stacking layout in the warehouse 110's outbound queue in step S109. In this case, the stacking calculation unit 127A calculates the number of pallets so that the maximum number of items are stacked on one pallet, for example, and proceeds to step S109 to register the packages 200 corresponding to the pallets in the outbound queue.

[0104] The components in the above embodiments and modifications are not limited to the materials and shapes described above, and various materials and shapes can be applied. Each component in the above embodiments or modifications can be arbitrarily applied to each component in other embodiments or modifications. Parts of each component in the above embodiments or modifications can be omitted as appropriate without departing from the spirit of one aspect of the present invention.

[0105] The constituent elements of the present invention are described below. <Invention 1> A warehouse that stores multiple items scheduled for shipment, A stacking calculation unit that performs stacking calculations to generate stacking layouts for multiple items scheduled for shipment stored in the warehouse, The system includes a stacking device that stacks a plurality of items scheduled for shipment, which have been taken out of the warehouse, based on the stacking layout generated by the stacking calculation unit, The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: An automated warehouse system that starts the stacking calculation based on shipping information relating to the number and time of shipment of multiple items scheduled for shipment, and processing capacity information relating to the processing capacity of the stacking device. <Invention 2> The automated warehouse system according to Invention 1, wherein the stacking calculation unit starts the stacking calculation if the multiple items scheduled for shipment can be shipped by the shipment time, so as to be compared to when the stacking calculation is started at the present time, the time the multiple items scheduled for shipment are stored in the warehouse is longer. <Invention 3> A shipping information acquisition unit that acquires the aforementioned shipping information, An automated warehouse system according to invention 1 or 2, comprising a processing capacity information acquisition unit for acquiring the aforementioned processing capacity information. <Invention 4> The system includes a capacity calculation unit that periodically calculates the required processing capacity, which is the processing capacity necessary for the stacking device to ensure that multiple items scheduled for shipment are shipped by the shipment time, based on the shipment information. The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: An automated warehouse system according to any one of inventions 1 to 3, wherein if the required processing capacity calculated by the capacity calculation unit exceeds the processing capacity of the processing capacity information, the stacking calculation is started. <Invention 5> The aforementioned capacity calculation unit, An automated warehouse system according to Invention 4, which calculates the required processing capacity based on the total number of items scheduled for shipment corresponding to the first shipment time and the total number of items scheduled for shipment to be shipped before the first shipment time, and the first shipment time. <Invention 6> The automated warehouse system according to Invention 5, wherein the first shipping time is the latest shipping time among all the shipping times corresponding to each of the scheduled shipping items. <Invention 7> When multiple items scheduled for shipment at the same time and to the same destination are grouped together as the same shipment group, The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: An automated warehouse system according to any one of Invention 4 to 6, wherein when starting the stacking calculation for multiple items scheduled for shipment, the stacking calculation is started for the multiple items scheduled for shipment in the shipment group with the earliest shipment time among the multiple items scheduled for shipment. <Invention 8> The automated warehouse system according to any one of Invention 4 to 7, wherein the capacity calculation unit calculates the required processing capacity based on a set risk value. <Invention 9> When multiple items scheduled for shipment at the same time and to the same destination are grouped together as the same shipment group, Based on the aforementioned shipping information and processing capacity information, the system includes a time calculation unit that calculates the loading time, which is the time required to load multiple items scheduled for shipment, for each shipping group. The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: In each of the multiple shipping groups, the start time of the loading calculation is determined by calculating backward from the shipping time and loading time, An automated warehouse system according to any one of Invention 1 to 3, wherein if the loading calculation is started at the determined start timing and the loading times overlap for multiple shipping groups, the start timing is advanced so that the loading times do not overlap for multiple shipping groups. <Invention 10> The automated warehouse system according to any one of Inventions 1 to 9, wherein the stacking calculation unit starts the stacking calculation when the number of empty shelves in the warehouse falls below a predetermined value. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 100A, 100B...Automated warehouse system, 200...Cargo (items scheduled for shipment), 110...Warehouse, 124...Shipment information acquisition unit, 125...Processing capacity information acquisition unit, 126...Capacity calculation unit, 127A, 127B...Stacking calculation unit, 128B...Time calculation unit, 180...Stacking device.

Claims

1. A warehouse that stores multiple items scheduled for shipment, A stacking calculation unit that performs stacking calculations to generate stacking layouts for multiple items scheduled for shipment stored in the warehouse, The system includes a stacking device that stacks a plurality of items scheduled for shipment, which have been taken out of the warehouse, based on the stacking layout generated by the stacking calculation unit, The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: An automated warehouse system that, based on shipment information relating to the number and time of shipment of multiple items scheduled for shipment and processing capacity information relating to the processing capacity of the stacking device, starts the stacking calculation if multiple items scheduled for shipment can be shipped by the time of shipment, so as to increase the time the multiple items are stored in the warehouse compared to if the stacking calculation were started at the present time.

2. A warehouse for storing multiple items scheduled for shipment, A stacking calculation unit that performs stacking calculations to generate stacking layouts for multiple items scheduled for shipment stored in the warehouse, A stacking device that stacks a plurality of items scheduled for shipment that have been taken out of the warehouse, based on the stacking layout generated by the stacking calculation unit, The system includes a capacity calculation unit that periodically calculates the required processing capacity, which is the processing capacity necessary for the stacking device to ensure that multiple items scheduled for shipment are shipped by the shipping time, based on shipping information relating to the number of items to be shipped and the shipping time of each item. The stacking calculation unit starts the stacking calculation when the required processing capacity calculated by the capacity calculation unit exceeds the processing capacity indicated by the processing capacity information relating to the processing capacity of the stacking device in this automated warehouse system.

3. The aforementioned capacity calculation unit, The automated warehouse system according to claim 2, which calculates the required processing capacity based on the total number of items scheduled for shipment corresponding to a first shipping time and the total number of items scheduled for shipment to be shipped before the first shipping time, and the first shipping time.

4. The automated warehouse system according to claim 3, wherein the first shipping time is the latest shipping time among all the shipping times corresponding to each of the scheduled shipping items.

5. When multiple items scheduled for shipment at the same time and to the same destination are grouped together as the same shipment group, The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: The automated warehouse system according to claim 2, wherein when starting the stacking calculation for multiple items scheduled for shipment, the stacking calculation is started for the multiple items scheduled for shipment in the shipment group with the earliest shipment time among the multiple items scheduled for shipment.

6. The automated warehouse system according to claim 2, wherein the capacity calculation unit calculates the required processing capacity based on a set risk value.

7. A warehouse for storing multiple items scheduled for shipment, A stacking calculation unit that performs stacking calculations to generate stacking layouts for multiple items scheduled for shipment stored in the warehouse, A stacking device that stacks a plurality of items scheduled for shipment that have been taken out of the warehouse, based on the stacking layout generated by the stacking calculation unit, It comprises a time calculation unit, When multiple items scheduled for shipment at the same time and to the same destination are grouped together as the same shipment group, The aforementioned time calculation unit, Based on shipping information relating to the number and time of shipment of multiple items scheduled for shipment and processing capacity information relating to the processing capacity of the stacking device, the stacking time, which is the time required to stack the multiple items scheduled for shipment, is calculated for each shipment group. The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: In each of the multiple shipping groups, the start time of the loading calculation is determined by calculating backward from the shipping time and loading time, An automated warehouse system that, if the loading calculation is started at the determined start timing and the loading times overlap for multiple shipping groups, advances the start timing so that the loading times do not overlap for multiple shipping groups.

8. A warehouse for storing a plurality of items scheduled for shipment, A stacking calculation unit that performs stacking calculations to generate stacking layouts for multiple items scheduled for shipment stored in the warehouse, The system includes a stacking device that stacks a plurality of items scheduled for shipment, which have been taken out of the warehouse, based on the stacking layout generated by the stacking calculation unit, The aforementioned stacking calculation unit is: Based on the shipment information relating to the number and time of shipment of multiple items scheduled for shipment, and the processing capacity information relating to the processing capacity of the stacking device, the stacking calculation is initiated. An automated warehouse system that starts the loading calculation when the number of empty shelves in the warehouse falls below a predetermined value.

9. A shipping information acquisition unit that acquires the shipping information, An automated warehouse system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a processing capacity information acquisition unit for acquiring the processing capacity information.

Images