Rearrangement method, rearrangement system, and program
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-09
Abstract
Description
Relocation method, relocation system, and program
[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for rearranging packages in a logistics center.
[0002] Conventionally, logistics centers receive various packages from shippers and ship them according to orders (shipment orders) from delivery destinations. A so-called automated warehouse is known as a facility that automates this warehousing and shipping process. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a control method for an automated warehouse equipped with a stacker crane that moves horizontally along storage shelves.
[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-345838
[0004] The purpose of storing packages at a logistics center is to prepare them for shipment, and it is desirable to improve work efficiency so that packages can be shipped promptly once a shipping order is received. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not disclose how to improve shipping efficiency.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a rearrangement method, a rearrangement system, and a program that can rearrange packages in advance in order to ship them promptly once a shipping order is received.
[0006] The present invention provides a rearrangement method executed by a computer that instructs a stacker crane that moves cargo in and out of a storage shelf, wherein the storage shelf is made up of multiple horizontal rows of shelf groups, each row of which is made up of individual shelves that store the cargo and are stacked vertically, and the stacker crane moves along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf to move the cargo in and out of the storage shelf, and the computer processor executes the following rearrangement method: a shipping instruction information acquisition step that acquires shipping instruction information for the cargo stored on the storage shelf; an identification reception step that accepts, based on the shipping instruction information, the identification of cargo to be shipped among the cargo stored on the storage shelf; a rearrangement instruction generation step that generates a rearrangement instruction to move the cargo to be shipped to a shelf located on the outgoing end side that is closest to the outgoing side of the storage shelf; and a rearrangement instruction output step that outputs the rearrangement instruction to the stacker crane.
[0007] According to the present invention, when shipping instruction information for luggage stored on a storage shelf is acquired, a rearrangement instruction is output to move the luggage to be shipped to the outgoing side of the storage area, and a stacker crane can be caused to move the luggage based on this rearrangement instruction, so that when a shipping order is received, the luggage can be rearranged in advance for prompt shipping.
[0008] Although the present invention is in the category of a method, the same functions and effects specific to the category can be achieved even when it is applied to a system or a program.
[0009] According to the present invention, when a shipping order is received, packages can be rearranged in advance for prompt shipping.
[0010] Fig. 3(a) is a diagram explaining an overview of the rearrangement system 1, where Fig. 3(a) is a schematic diagram of the entire system, and Fig. 3(b) is a diagram showing the computer. Fig. 3(b) is a diagram showing the instruction configuration of the rearrangement system 1. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing the storage shelf 2 and stacker crane 3 with a single deep structure, and Fig. 3(b) is a diagram showing the storage surface 20 of the storage shelf 2. 4(a) is a diagram schematically showing a storage shelf 2 and a stacker crane 3 having a double-deep structure, FIG. 4(a) is a diagram schematically showing the storage shelf 2 and the stacker crane 3, FIG. 4(b) is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a first storage shelf 2a and a second storage shelf 2b constituting the storage shelf 2 are virtually separated, FIG. 4(c) is a diagram schematically showing the storage surface 20a of the first storage shelf 2a, and FIG. 4(d) is a diagram schematically showing the storage surface 20b of the second storage shelf 2b. FIG. 4(b) is a diagram explaining an overview of an automated warehouse. FIG. 4(c) is a diagram showing a flowchart of a rearrangement process executed by a computer 10. FIG. 4(d) is a diagram showing a flowchart of a rearrangement instruction generation process executed by a computer 10. FIG. 4(c) is a diagram schematically showing an example of shipping instruction information. FIG. 4(d) is a diagram schematically showing an example of shipping instruction information. 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing the storage shelf 2 of a single deep structure before and after rearrangement, FIG. 11(b) is a diagram schematically showing the storage surface 20 when the storage shelf 2 before rearrangement is viewed from direction A, FIG. 11(c) is a diagram schematically showing the storage shelf 2 and stacker crane 3 after rearrangement, and FIG. 11(d) is a diagram schematically showing the storage surface 20 when the storage shelf 2 after rearrangement is viewed from direction A. 12(a) is a diagram showing the state of the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b before and after rearrangement of the double deep structure, FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the state of the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b before rearrangement, with a virtual separation between them, FIG. 12(c) is a diagram showing the storage surfaces 20a, 20b of the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b before rearrangement when viewed from direction A, FIGS. 12(d) to 12(i) are diagrams showing the rearrangement process, and FIGS. 12(j) and 12(k) are diagrams showing the state of the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b after rearrangement.
[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same elements are designated by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.
[0012] [Overview of Rearrangement System 1] FIG. 1( a) is a block diagram illustrating an overview of the rearrangement system 1, and FIG. 1( b) is a diagram illustrating a computer 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the rearrangement system 1. Components of the rearrangement system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The rearrangement system 1 is a system that issues instructions to a stacker crane 3 that moves luggage stored on and out of storage shelves 2, and includes a computer 10. The computer 10 includes, for example, a processor, a shipping instruction information acquisition unit that acquires shipping instruction information for luggage stored on the storage shelves 2, an identification reception unit that accepts identification of luggage to be shipped among the luggage stored on the storage shelves 2 based on the shipping instruction information, a rearrangement instruction generation unit that generates a rearrangement instruction to move the luggage to be shipped to a shelf located on the outgoing end side that is closest to the outgoing side of the storage shelves 2, a rearrangement instruction output unit that outputs a rearrangement instruction to the stacker crane 3, and an outgoing work information acquisition unit that acquires information about the outgoing work.
[0013] The relocation system 1 may be realized by a single computer, or may be realized by multiple computers, such as a cloud computer. Note that the cloud computer in this specification may refer to either a computer that uses any computer in a scalable manner to perform a specific function, or a computer that includes multiple functional modules to realize a system and uses the functions in any combination.
[0014] This computer 10 executes each process executed by the relocation system 1. The computer 10 includes a data storage unit such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, or memory card as a recording unit. The computer 10 includes various devices as a processor that executes various processes. The computer 10 is connected to the stacker crane 3 and a WMS (Warehouse Management System) 4 via a network such as a public line network or an intranet.
[0015] The storage shelf 2 has individual shelves for storing luggage. The individual shelves are arranged so as to be stacked vertically. Furthermore, a row of shelves arranged vertically is arranged in multiple rows horizontally. In this specification, the entire front face of the multiple shelves arranged in two dimensions for storing luggage will be referred to as the storage surface. Similarly, the end of the storage surface closest to the outgoing side will be referred to as the outgoing side end.
[0016] The stacker crane 3 is a transport device that carries in and out cargo stored on the storage shelf 2. The stacker crane 3 moves along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf 2 (see FIG. 3 described later) to carry in and out cargo to and from each shelf of the storage shelf. The stacker crane 3 carries in and out cargo as described above based on instructions from the computer 10. There may be multiple stacker cranes 3, and there is no limit to the number.
[0017] The single-deep storage shelf 2 and stacker crane 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram schematically showing the single-deep storage shelf 2 and stacker crane 3, and Fig. 3(b) is a diagram schematically showing the storage surface 20 of the storage shelf 2.
[0018] The storage shelf 2 shown in Figure 3 has one shelf arranged in the depth direction for storing items. This type of storage shelf 2 structure is referred to as a single-deep structure in this specification. Note that two sets of single-deep storage shelves 2 may be installed facing each other with one stacker crane 3 in between. In this case, the stacker crane 3 can access two rows of single-deep storage shelves 2. Note that Figure 3 shows one row of single-deep storage shelves 2 for ease of understanding.
[0019] In the storage shelf 2, individual shelves for storing luggage are arranged so as to be stacked vertically. Furthermore, a group of shelves arranged in a single row in the vertical direction are arranged in multiple rows in the horizontal direction. In the storage surface 20, which is the entire front surface of the multiple shelves for storing luggage arranged in a two-dimensional direction, one end on the delivery side will be referred to as the delivery-side end 21 in this specification.
[0020] The stacker crane 3 moves along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf 2 to reach the opening of a predetermined shelf that forms this storage surface 20, and carries cargo into or out of the shelf that it has reached. For example, the stacker crane 3 can carry cargo out of one shelf (which may be any shelf) of the storage shelf 2, move along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf 2, and carry the carried-out cargo into another shelf of the storage shelf 2. In other words, the stacker crane 3 can move cargo from one shelf of the storage shelf 2 to another shelf. In FIG. 3, shelves that do not store cargo are shown as "empty."
[0021] Next, the double-deep storage shelf 2 and stacker crane 3 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4(a) is a diagram schematically showing the double-deep storage shelf 2 and stacker crane 3. Figure 4(b) is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b that make up the double-deep storage shelf 2 are virtually separated from each other. Figure 4(c) is a diagram schematically showing the storage surface 20a of the first storage shelf 2a, and Figure 4(d) is a diagram schematically showing the storage surface 20b of the second storage shelf 2b.
[0022] The storage shelf 2 shown in Figure 4 has two shelves arranged adjacent to each other in the depth direction for storing items. This type of storage shelf 2 structure is referred to as a double-deep structure in this specification. Note that two sets of double-deep storage shelves 2 may be installed facing each other with one stacker crane 3 in between. In this case, the stacker crane 3 can access both sets of double-deep storage shelves 2 (i.e., two sets of first storage shelves 2a and second storage shelves 2b, a total of four rows of storage shelves 2).
[0023] A double-deep storage shelf 2 is provided adjacent to a single-deep storage shelf 2 in the depth direction, with another storage shelf 2 having the same structure as the storage shelf 2. Here, the storage shelf 2 located on the front side based on the position of the stacker crane 3 is referred to as the first storage shelf 2a, and the storage shelf 2 located on the back side is referred to as the second storage shelf 2b.
[0024] As with the single-deep storage shelf 2, the entire front surface of the multiple shelves of the first storage shelf 2a is referred to as the storage surface 20a, and one end of the storage surface 20a on the delivery side is referred to as the delivery-side end 21a. Similarly, the entire front surface of the multiple shelves of the first storage shelf 2b is referred to as the storage surface 20b, and one end of the storage surface 20b closest to the delivery side is referred to as the delivery-side end 21b.
[0025] The stacker crane 3 moves along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelves 2, reaches a predetermined shelf opening that forms the storage surface 20a of the first storage shelf 2a on the near side based on the position of the stacker crane 3, and carries goods into or out of the shelf of the first storage shelf 2a that it has reached. It also travels via the shelf of the first storage shelf 2a to reach a shelf opening that forms the storage surface 20b of the first storage shelf 2b on the far side, and carries goods into or out of the shelf of the second storage shelf 2b that it has reached.
[0026] For example, the stacker crane 3 can remove a load from one shelf of the first storage shelf 2a, move along the horizontal and vertical directions of the first storage shelf 2a, and carry the removed load into another shelf of the first storage shelf 2a, just as in the case of a storage shelf 2 with a single deep structure. That is, the stacker crane 3 can move a load from one shelf of the first storage shelf 2a to another shelf. For example, the stacker crane 3 can remove a load from a shelf of the second storage shelf 2b located at the rear of the first storage shelf 2a where no load is stored, move along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf 2, and carry the removed load into another shelf of the second storage shelf 2b located at the rear of the first storage shelf 2a where no load is stored. That is, the stacker crane 3 can move a load from one shelf of the second storage shelf 2b located at the rear of the first storage shelf 2a where no load is stored to another shelf. In FIG. 4 , shelves where no load is stored are indicated as "empty."
[0027] The WMS 4 is a system having functions such as general warehouse entry / exit management and inventory management.
[0028] An overview of an automated warehouse in a logistics center will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overview of an automated warehouse. The automated warehouse is configured with a plurality of horizontally extending storage shelves 2 having a single-deep or double-deep structure, arranged in parallel in a perpendicular depth direction. When shipment-targeted packages (1, 2, 3, 4) 23 arranged at the outgoing end 21 (21a, 21b) are to be shipped, the stacker crane 3 arranges the shipment-targeted packages (1, 2, 3, 4) 23 in the order from the outgoing end 21 toward the outgoing end 21 (21a, 21b), with the shipment-targeted package (1) at the front, followed by the shipment-targeted package (2), then the shipment-targeted package (3), and finally the shipment-targeted package (4), thereby moving the shipment-targeted packages (1, 2, 3, 4) 24. The moved shipment target cargo (1, 2, 3, 4) 24 is loaded as is into the container, and becomes shipment target cargo (1, 2, 3, 4) 25. In the automated warehouse, cargo is rearranged as shown by arrow R, to a storage shelf 2 of an adjacent stacker crane 3, or to a position beyond two or more storage shelves 2, or to any other location as needed.
[0029] 1, the rearrangement system 1 is a system that issues instructions to a stacker crane 3 that takes in and out luggage stored on a storage shelf 2, and is connected to at least the stacker crane 3 and the WMS 4 so that data communication is possible via a network such as a public line network or an intranet. Note that the components of the rearrangement system 1 are merely examples, and the number, types, and functions of terminals, devices, and other equipment not shown can be changed as appropriate.
[0030] The computer 10 includes, as processors, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and, as a communication unit, a device for enabling communication with other terminals and devices, a shipping instruction information acquisition unit for acquiring shipping instruction information for packages stored on the storage shelves 2, an identification reception unit for accepting identification of packages to be shipped among the packages stored on the storage shelves 2 based on the shipping instruction information, a relocation instruction output unit for outputting relocation instructions to the stacker crane 3, an outgoing work information acquisition unit for acquiring information about the outgoing work, etc. The computer 10 also includes, as processing units, devices for executing various processes, and a relocation instruction generation unit for generating a relocation instruction to move the package to be shipped to a shelf located on the outgoing end side closest to the outgoing side of the storage shelves, etc.
[0031] An outline of the processing steps when the rearrangement system 1 issues instructions to the stacker crane 3 that takes in and out packages stored on the storage shelf 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0032] The computer 10 acquires shipping instruction information for the package stored on the storage shelf 2 (step S1). The computer 10 acquires this shipping instruction information from the WMS 4.
[0033] Based on the shipping instruction information, the computer 10 receives identification of packages to be shipped from among the packages stored on the storage shelf 2 (step S2). The computer 10 receives input from a worker or the like regarding packages to be shipped that need to be rearranged.
[0034] The computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment target cargo to a shelf located on the outgoing end side (step S3). When the storage shelf 2 has a double-deep structure (first storage shelf 2a, second storage shelf 2b), the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction based on the acquired shipping instruction information to move the cargo stored on the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b with an earlier shipping date to the shelf located on the outgoing end side 21a of the first storage shelf 2a and the shelf located on the outgoing end side 21b of the first storage shelf 2b.
[0035] The generated rearrangement instructions may include an instruction to move the cargo stored on the second storage shelf 2b to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21a side of the first storage shelf 2a. The generated rearrangement instructions may also include an instruction to move multiple cargoes loaded in the same container to the outgoing end 21a of the first storage shelf 2a and the outgoing end 21b of the second storage shelf 2b on the same level. The generated rearrangement instructions may also include an instruction to move cargoes to be shipped earlier to the lower side of the outgoing end 21a of the first storage shelf 2a and the lower side of the outgoing end 21b of the second storage shelf 2b.
[0036] When the computer 10 is compatible with a storage shelf 2 having a single deep structure, the computer 10 generates, based on the acquired shipping instruction information, a rearrangement instruction to move an item to be shipped that has an early shipping timing to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side of the storage shelf 2. The generated rearrangement instruction may include a rearrangement instruction to move an item to be shipped that has an early shipping timing to a lower side of the shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side of the storage shelf 2.
[0037] The computer 10 outputs a rearrangement instruction to the stacker crane 3 (step S4). The computer 10 acquires information related to the retrieval work, and outputs a rearrangement instruction based on the information related to the retrieval work when the retrieval work is completed.
[0038] An overview of the processing steps when the rearrangement system 1 instructs the stacker crane 3 to take in and out packages stored on the storage shelf 2 in steps S1 to S4 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the rearrangement process executed by the computer 10, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the rearrangement instruction generation process.
[0039] The computer 10 acquires shipping instruction information for the packages stored on the storage shelf 2 (step S10). The shipping instruction information is information that instructs the shipment of the packages and includes a shipping instruction number, product code, shipping date, shipping time, pallet number, etc. This shipping instruction information includes information for shipments on the next day and onward.
[0040] The shipper's core system (not shown) transmits shipping instructions (shipping instruction number, product code, shipping date, shipping time, etc.) to the WMS 4. The WMS 4 receives and accepts this shipping instruction. The WMS 4 associates the pallet number with this shipping instruction to generate shipping instruction information (see FIG. 8 ). When the shipping work for the day is completed and the WMS 4 receives input from a worker or the like regarding the completion of the work, it transmits the generated shipping instruction information to the computer 10. The computer 10 receives this shipping instruction information and acquires the shipping instruction information for the packages stored on the storage shelf 2.
[0041] The shipping instruction information will be described with reference to FIG. 8. This figure is a schematic diagram showing the shipping instruction information acquired by the computer 10. In this embodiment, the shipping instruction information 30 is information consisting of a shipping instruction number, a product code, a shipping date, and a pallet number. The shipping instruction number is a predetermined string of alphanumeric characters or the like that instructs the shipping of the package to be shipped. The product code is an identifier of the package to be shipped and is a predetermined string of alphanumeric characters or the like. The shipping date is the date on which the package to be shipped is to be shipped. The pallet number is the identifier of the pallet that the WMS 4 has linked to the package to be shipped. Note that the content included in the shipping instruction information 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and other content such as the shipping time may also be included. The shipping instruction information links each of these pieces of information for each package to be shipped.
[0042] The computer 10 links the shipping instruction information to the location information (step S11). The location information is information indicating the location of the storage shelf 2 where the package is placed (such as the management number of the storage shelf 2). The computer 10 identifies the location information of the package to be shipped in the acquired shipping instruction information, and links this location information to the shipping instruction information (see FIG. 9).
[0043] The location information linked to shipping instruction information will be described with reference to Figure 9. This figure is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the computer 10 links location information to acquired shipping instruction information. Shipping instruction information 30A is the result of the computer 10 linking location information to the acquired shipping instruction information. The computer 10 links the shipping instruction information for each package to be shipped with the location information of the storage shelf 2 on which each package to be shipped is located.
[0044] Based on the shipping instruction information, the computer 10 receives identification of packages to be shipped from among the packages stored on the storage shelf 2 (step S12). The computer 10 receives input from a worker or the like regarding packages to be shipped that need to be rearranged. For example, the computer 10 receives this input via an input device, a terminal device, or the like connected to the computer 10 so as to be able to communicate data.
[0045] The computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction (step S13). The computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted cargo to a shelf located closer to the outgoing end 21. Here, in the case of a storage shelf 2 with a double-deep structure, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted cargo stored on the second storage shelf 2b to the first storage shelf 2a based on the acquired shipping instruction information, as the shipping instruction information is received. That is, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted cargo stored at the back with the earlier shipping instruction to the front, based on the position of the stacker crane 3. The computer 10 also generates a rearrangement instruction to move multiple shipment-targeted cargoes loaded in the same container to the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b on the same level, based on the acquired shipping instruction information. That is, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to position the pallets loaded with the shipment-targeted cargoes to be loaded in the same container adjacent to each other at the front and back, based on the position of the stacker crane 3.
[0046] Furthermore, in either the case of a single-deep storage shelf 2 or a double-deep storage shelf 2, the computer 10 may generate a rearrangement instruction to move an item to be shipped early to a lower position on a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side. In this case, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move an item to be shipped early to a lower position on a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side. Note that just because an item to be shipped early does not necessarily mean that it needs to be moved to a lower position on a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side; the important point is to generate a rearrangement instruction to move an item to be shipped early to a position where it can be shipped earlier.
[0047] A rearrangement instruction generating step, which is a process executed by the computer 10 to generate a rearrangement instruction, will be described with reference to FIG.
[0048] The computer 10 classifies the shipping instruction information into shipping instruction information for next-day shipment and shipping instruction information for shipment on or after the next day (step S20). The computer 10 references the shipping date in the acquired shipping instruction information and classifies the shipping instruction information into shipping on or after the next day. Furthermore, based on input from a worker or the like, the computer 10 sorts the next-day shipment into those that will be shipped first during the next day's shipping work and those that will not. For example, the computer 10 may receive an instruction from a worker or the like to move only 10 packages first out of the 20 packages that can be placed on the shelf located on the shipping end 21 side of the storage shelf 2.
[0049] The computer 10 classifies, by container number, the shipping instruction information for next-day shipment that is to be loaded into the same container (step S21). The computer 10 determines, from the classified shipping instruction information for next-day shipment that is linked to the same container number (same shipping destination), that it is shipping instruction information for the same container, and classifies the shipping instruction information by this container number.
[0050] The computer 10 associates the pallet number with the classified shipping instruction information (step S22). The computer 10 identifies the pallet number on which the cargo to be shipped of the shipping instruction information is loaded for the shipping instruction information classified by container number, and associates the identified pallet number with the shipping instruction information (see FIG. 10).
[0051] Pallet numbers linked to shipping instruction information will be described with reference to Figure 10. This figure is a diagram that schematically shows a state in which the computer 10 links pallet numbers to shipping instruction information classified by container numbers. Shipping instruction information 30B is the result of the computer 10 linking pallet numbers to shipping instruction information 30A classified by container numbers. The computer 10 links the shipping instruction information for each shipment classified by container number with the pallet number on which each shipment is loaded.
[0052] The computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment target cargo to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side (step S23). The computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to rearrange the sorted shipment target cargo among the shipment target cargo to be shipped the next day and located on the outgoing entrance side, taking into consideration the order of shipment, to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side. When the computer 10 is compatible with a storage shelf 2 with a double deep structure, the computer 10 further rearranges the shipment target cargo to be loaded into the same container to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21a side of the first storage shelf 2a and a shelf located on the outgoing end 21b side of the second storage shelf 2b.
[0053] The rearrangement instructions generated by the computer 10 when the computer 10 is used with a storage shelf 2 having a single deep structure and when the computer 10 is used with a storage shelf 2 having a double deep structure will be described below.
[0054] The rearrangement instructions generated by the computer 10 when the computer 10 is handling a storage shelf 2 with a single deep structure will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . FIGS. 11( a) and 11(b) are diagrams schematically showing the state of the storage shelf 2 before rearrangement, with FIG. 11(a) showing the storage shelf 2 with a single deep structure and the stacker crane 3. FIG. 11(b) shows the storage surface 20 when the storage shelf 2 is viewed from direction A. FIGS. 11(c) and 11(d) are diagrams schematically showing the state of the storage shelf 2 after rearrangement, with FIG. 11(c) showing the storage shelf 2 with a single deep structure and the stacker crane 3. FIG. 11(d) shows the storage surface 20 when the storage shelf 2 is viewed from direction A.
[0055] In step S23, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment target luggage 40 (indicated by diagonal lines in the figure) to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side. In the example shown in FIG. 11, there are five shipment target luggage 40. The computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the five shipment target luggage 40 to five shelves located on the outgoing end 21 side of the storage shelf 2 and on which no luggage is stored (shown as "empty" in FIG. 11). In other words, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to rearrange the shipment target luggage 40 to the shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side, resulting in the shipment target luggage 41 being rearranged.
[0056] At this time, the computer 10 may not only move the shipment-targeted luggage 40 to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side of the storage shelf 2, but may also generate a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted luggage 40 with the earliest shipping timing (early shipping period) to a lower position on the shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side of the storage shelf 2. That is, in FIGS. 11(c) and 11(d), the rearranged shipment-targeted luggage 41 are illustrated with lower numbers, the earlier the shipping timing. That is, the shipment-targeted luggage 41 designated by "1" has the earliest shipping timing, the shipment-targeted luggage 41 designated by "2" has the next earliest shipping timing, and so on, with "3," "4," "5," and so on. When generating a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted luggage 40, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move luggage with a lower number to a lower position on the storage shelf 2. Note that just because the shipping timing is earlier, it is not necessarily necessary to generate a rearrangement instruction to move luggage to a lower position; a rearrangement instruction to move luggage to an appropriate position may be generated each time.
[0057] The computer 10 outputs the rearrangement instruction generated in steps S13 and S23 to the stacker crane 3 (step S14). The computer 10 acquires information related to the shipping work from the WMS 4, and based on this information related to the shipping work (such as information related to the completion of the shipping work), outputs the generated rearrangement instruction to the stacker crane 3 at the end of the shipping work. The stacker crane 3 receives this rearrangement instruction and rearranges the packages to be shipped based on this rearrangement instruction.
[0058] In the example shown in Figure 11, the stacker crane 3 accesses and removes the five items of luggage 40 to be shipped shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b) from the storage surface 20 of the storage shelf 2, moves the five items of luggage 40 to be shipped by transporting them into a shelf located on the outgoing end 21 side of the storage shelf 2, and rearranges them as the five items of luggage 41 to be shipped shown in Figures 11(c) and 11(d).
[0059] When the stacker crane 3 receives a rearrangement instruction to arrange the packages 40 to be moved from the bottom to the top of the storage shelf 2 in order of earliest shipping timing (earliest shipping period), the stacker crane 3 rearranges the packages 40 to be shipped in this manner. The five packages 41 to be shipped shown in Figures 11(c) and 11(d) are indicated by "1," "2," "3," "4," and "5," respectively, and the packages 41 to be shipped with smaller numbers are rearranged lower.
[0060] The rearrangement instructions generated by the computer 10 when the computer 10 is using a double-deep storage shelf 2 are described with reference to FIG. 12 . FIG. 12( a ) is a diagram schematically illustrating the state of the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b before rearrangement. FIGS. 12( b ) and 12( c ) are diagrams schematically illustrating the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b before rearrangement shown in FIG. 12( a ), with the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b virtually separated from each other. FIG. 12( b ) shows the double-deep storage shelf 2 and the stacker crane 3. FIG. 12( c ) shows the storage surfaces 20a and 20b of the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b when viewed from direction A. FIGS. 12( d ) to 12( i ) are diagrams illustrating the rearrangement process. FIGS. 12( j ) and 12( k ) are diagrams schematically illustrating the state of the first storage shelf 2a and the second storage shelf 2b after rearrangement.
[0061] In step S23, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted packages 50 (shipment-targeted packages 50a indicated by diagonal lines on the first storage shelf 2a and shipment-targeted packages 50b indicated by diagonal lines on the second storage shelf 2b) to shelves located on the outgoing end 21a, 21b side. In the example shown in FIG. 12, there are two shipment-targeted packages 50a and eight shipment-targeted packages 50b. The computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the total of 10 shipment-targeted packages 50a, 50b to five shelves located on the outgoing end 21a side of the first storage shelf 2a where no shipment is stored (shown as "empty" in FIG. 12) and five shelves located on the outgoing end 21b side of the second storage shelf 2b where no shipment is stored (shown as "empty" in FIG. 12). Note that in FIG. 12, it is assumed (in principle) that the shipment date of the shipment-targeted packages 50a is earlier than that of the shipment-targeted packages 50b.
[0062] In the example shown in Figure 12, the computer 10 generates multiple rearrangement instructions to move the shipment-targeted packages 50 to shelves located on the outgoing end 21a, 21b side. As a first rearrangement instruction, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the packages stored on the shelf of the first storage shelf 2a located in front of the shipment-targeted packages 50b stored on the second storage shelf 2b, based on the position of the stacker crane 3, and to make the shelf of the first storage shelf 2a empty (a state in which no packages are stored). This is because the stacker crane 3 cannot access the shipment-targeted packages 50b stored on the second storage shelf 2b unless the shelf of the first storage shelf 2a located in front of the shipment-targeted packages 50b is empty (Figures 12(d) and 12(e)).
[0063] As the second rearrangement instruction, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment target package 50b to a shelf located closer to the outgoing end 21b. Based on the acquired shipping instruction information, the computer 10 also generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment target package 50b stored on the second storage shelf 2b to the first storage shelf 2a, the earlier the shipping date. For example, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move shipment target package 50b with the same or earlier shipping date as the shipment target package 50a to a shelf located closer to the outgoing end 21a of the first storage shelf 2a. In the example shown in FIG. 12, three of the eight shipment target package 50b have shipping dates that are earlier or the same as those of the shipment target package 50a, and these three shipment target package 50b are moved to a shelf located closer to the outgoing end 21a of the first storage shelf 2a (FIGS. 12(f), 12(g), 12(h), and 12(i)).
[0064] As a third rearrangement instruction, the computer 10 generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment target package 50a to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21a side. In the example shown in Figure 12, two shipment target packages 50a are moved to shelves located on the outgoing end 21a side (Figures 12(j) and 12(k)).
[0065] That is, the computer 10 moves the shipment target luggage 50 to the shelf located on the outgoing end 21a side of the first storage shelf 2a and the shelf located on the outgoing end 21b side of the second storage shelf 2b, and then generates rearrangement instructions (first rearrangement instruction, second rearrangement instruction, third rearrangement instruction) to rearrange the shipment target luggage 51a, 51b as shown in Figures 12(j) and 12(k).
[0066] Furthermore, the computer 10 may generate a fourth rearrangement instruction to move multiple shipment target cargo items 50a, 50b (shipment target cargo items linked to the same container number) loaded in the same container to a shelf located on the outgoing end 21a side of the first storage shelf 2a and a shelf located on the outgoing end 21b side of the second storage shelf 2b on the same level.
[0067] In addition, the computer 10 may not only move the shipment target luggage 50 (50a and 50b) according to the first, second, and third rearrangement instructions to the shelves located on the outgoing end 21a, 21b side, but may also generate a fifth rearrangement instruction to move the shipment target luggage 50a, 50b with an earlier shipping timing to the lower side of the outgoing end 21a of the first storage shelf 2a and the outgoing end 21b of the second storage shelf 2b.
[0068] 12(j) and 12(k), the earlier the shipping timing of the rearranged shipment-targeted packages 51a, 51b, the lower the number. Specifically, for the shipment-targeted packages 51b rearranged on the shelf located on the shipping end 21b side of the second storage shelf 2b, the shipment-targeted package 51b designated by "1" has the earliest shipping timing, the shipment-targeted package 51b designated by "2" has the next earliest shipping timing, and so on in the order of "3," "4," and "5."
[0069] As for the parcels 51a and 51b rearranged to the shelf located on the shipping end 21a side of the first storage shelf 2a, as mentioned above, the parcel 51a has an earlier shipping timing than the parcels 51b, so the parcel 51a designated as "1" has the earliest shipping timing, and the parcel 51a designated as "2" has the next earliest shipping timing. The parcels 51b designated as "3," "4," and "5" have the earliest shipping timing in this order. Furthermore, in accordance with the fourth rearrangement instruction, the parcels 51a and 51b designated as the same number are rearranged to the shipping end 21a of the first storage shelf 2a and the shipping end 21b of the second storage shelf 2b on the same level as multiple parcels to be loaded into the same container on the same level.
[0070] In the example shown in Figure 12, the stacker crane 3 accesses and removes two pieces of shipment-targeted luggage 51a shown in Figures 12(a), 12(b), and 12(c) from the storage surface 20a of the first storage shelf 2a, and accesses and removes eight pieces of shipment-targeted luggage 51b from the storage surface 20b of the second storage shelf 2b via the storage surface 20a of the first storage shelf 2a, and removes them to the shelf located on the outgoing end 21a side of the first storage shelf 2a and the shelf located on the outgoing end 21b side of the second storage shelf 2b, thereby moving a total of ten pieces of shipment-targeted luggage 50a, 50b and rearranging them as shown in Figures 12(j) and (k).
[0071] The warehouse timetable of the present invention will be described. When receiving operations are performed 24 hours a day and shipping operations are performed only during the daytime, the computer 10 accepts shipping orders until the shipping operations are completed. When the shipping order acceptance is completed and nighttime arrives, the computer 10 generates and outputs a rearrangement instruction for the items to be shipped the next day. The computer 10 generates the rearrangement instruction regardless of the status of the receiving operations. The stacker crane 3 rearranges the items to be shipped based on this rearrangement instruction. When receiving operations and shipping operations are performed only during the daytime, the shipping operations must be completed at a predetermined time before the shipping order acceptance is completed. When the receiving operations are completed and nighttime arrives, the computer 10 generates and outputs a rearrangement instruction for the rearrangement of the items to be shipped the next day. The stacker crane 3 rearranges the items to be shipped based on this rearrangement instruction.
[0072] The above is an overview of the rearrangement system 1. With this rearrangement system 1, it is possible to rearrange packages in advance in order to ship them promptly once a shipping order is received. Furthermore, as a result of the rearrangement of packages, packages at the back that have an earlier shipping instruction will be placed at the front or bottom of the storage shelf 2, making it possible to ship them promptly once a shipping order is received.
[0073] The above-described means and functions are realized by a computer (including a CPU, an information processing device, and various terminals) reading and executing a predetermined program. The program may be provided, for example, from the computer via a network (Software as a Service (SaaS)) or as a cloud service. The program may also be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to an internal or external recording device, records it, and executes it. The program may also be pre-recorded on a recording device (recording medium) and provided from the recording device to the computer via a communication line.
[0074] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
[0075] According to the present invention, it is possible to rearrange packages in advance to ship them promptly once a shipping order is received. Furthermore, as a result of the rearrangement of packages, packages at the back that have an earlier shipping instruction are placed at the front or bottom of the storage shelf 2, so that they can be shipped promptly once a shipping order is received.
[0076] A first aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a rearrangement method executed by a computer that instructs a stacker crane that moves luggage stored on and off a storage shelf, wherein the storage shelf is made up of multiple horizontal rows of shelf groups, each row of which is made up of individual shelves that store the luggage stacked vertically, and the stacker crane moves along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf to move the luggage into and out of the storage shelf, and the computer processor executes the rearrangement method by executing: a shipping instruction information acquisition step that acquires shipping instruction information for luggage stored on the storage shelf; an identification reception step that accepts, based on the shipping instruction information, the identification of luggage to be shipped among the luggage stored on the storage shelf; a rearrangement instruction generation step that generates a rearrangement instruction to move the luggage to be shipped to a shelf located on the outgoing end side that is closest to the outgoing side of the storage shelf; and a rearrangement instruction output step that outputs the rearrangement instruction to the stacker crane.
[0077] A second aspect disclosed in this embodiment provides the rearrangement method according to the first aspect, wherein the storage shelf is configured such that the arrangement of the luggage is further formed in the depth direction of the storage shelf, thereby forming a first storage shelf located at the front side and a second storage shelf located at the back side based on the position of the stacker crane, and the processor generates, in the rearrangement instruction generation step, a rearrangement instruction based on the acquired shipping instruction information, for moving luggage stored on the second storage shelf to the first storage shelf the earlier the shipping date.
[0078] A third aspect disclosed in this embodiment provides the rearrangement method according to the second aspect, in which the processor generates, in the rearrangement instruction generation step, rearrangement instructions for moving multiple packages loaded in the same container to the first storage shelf and the second storage shelf on the same level, based on the acquired shipping instruction information.
[0079] A fourth aspect disclosed in this embodiment provides the rearrangement method according to the first aspect, in which the processor generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted cargo that has an early shipping timing to a lower side of the storage shelf based on the acquired shipping instruction information in the rearrangement instruction generation step.
[0080] A fifth aspect disclosed in this embodiment provides the relocation method according to the first aspect, wherein the processor further executes an outbound work information acquisition step of acquiring information related to the outbound work, and in the relocation instruction output step, outputs the relocation instruction when the outbound work is completed based on the acquired information related to the outbound work.
[0081] 1 Rearrangement system 2 Storage shelf 3 Stacker crane 4 WMS 10 Computer 20 Storage surface 21 Outgoing end 23 to 25 Baggage to be shipped 30 Shipping instruction information 40, 41 Baggage to be shipped 50, 51 Baggage to be shipped R Arrow
Claims
1. A rearrangement method executed by a computer that instructs a stacker crane that moves cargo in and out of a storage shelf, wherein the storage shelf is made up of multiple horizontal rows of shelf groups, each row of which is made up of individual shelves that store the cargo, stacked vertically, and the stacker crane moves along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf to move the cargo in and out of the storage shelf, and the computer processor executes the following rearrangement method: a shipping instruction information acquisition step that acquires shipping instruction information for cargo stored on the storage shelf; an identification reception step that accepts, based on the shipping instruction information, the identification of cargo to be shipped among the cargo stored on the storage shelf; a rearrangement instruction generation step that generates a rearrangement instruction to move the cargo to be shipped to a shelf located on the end of the storage shelf that is closest to the outgoing side of the storage shelf; and a rearrangement instruction output step that outputs the rearrangement instruction to the stacker crane.
2. The storage shelf is configured such that the arrangement of the cargo is further formed in the depth direction of the storage shelf, thereby forming a first storage shelf located at the front side and a second storage shelf located at the back side based on the position of the stacker crane, and the processor, in the rearrangement instruction generation step, generates a rearrangement instruction based on the acquired shipping instruction information to move cargo stored on the second storage shelf to the first storage shelf the earlier the shipping date.
3. The rearrangement method according to claim 2, wherein the processor, in the rearrangement instruction generation step, generates a rearrangement instruction to move multiple packages loaded in the same container to the first storage shelf and the second storage shelf on the same level based on the acquired shipping instruction information.
4. The rearrangement method according to claim 1, wherein the processor, in the rearrangement instruction generation step, generates a rearrangement instruction to move the shipment-targeted cargo that has an early shipping timing to a lower position on the storage shelf based on the acquired shipping instruction information.
5. The relocation method according to claim 1, wherein the processor further executes a shipping work information acquisition step of acquiring information related to shipping work, and in the relocation instruction output step, outputs the relocation instruction when the shipping work is completed based on the acquired information related to the shipping work.
6. A rearrangement system for moving luggage stored on a storage shelf consisting of multiple horizontal rows of shelves, each row of which is made up of individual shelves for storing luggage stacked vertically, along the horizontal and vertical directions of the storage shelf to carry the luggage in and out of the storage shelf and to give instructions to a stacker crane that moves the luggage, the rearrangement system comprising: a shipping instruction information acquisition unit that acquires shipping instruction information for luggage stored on the storage shelf; an identification reception unit that accepts the identification of luggage to be shipped from among the luggage stored on the storage shelf based on the shipping instruction information; a rearrangement instruction generation unit that generates a rearrangement instruction to move the luggage to a shelf located on the end of the storage shelf closest to the outgoing side, and a rearrangement instruction output unit that outputs the rearrangement instruction to the stacker crane.
7. A computer-readable program for causing a computer that instructs a stacker crane that moves along the horizontal and vertical directions of a storage shelf to carry in and out luggage stored in a storage shelf consisting of multiple horizontal rows of shelves, each row of which is made up of individual shelves for storing luggage stacked vertically, to execute the following steps on the computer: a shipping instruction information acquisition step for acquiring shipping instruction information for luggage stored on the storage shelf; an identification reception step for accepting the identification of luggage to be shipped from among the luggage stored on the storage shelf based on the shipping instruction information; a relocation instruction generation step for generating a relocation instruction to move the luggage to a shelf located on the end of the storage shelf closest to the relocation side of the storage shelf; and a relocation instruction output step for outputting the relocation instruction to the stacker crane.