Article processing assistance device, article processing assistance method, article processing assistance program, computer-readable storage medium, and article processing assistance system

Abstract

Provided is an article processing assistance device that prevents reductions in work efficiency under conditions that allow for storage of a plurality of types of articles in a single section. According to the embodiments, an article processing assistance device comprises an interface and a processor. The interface receives article information that includes article identification information and an article size for respective articles, section information that includes section identification information, a section size, and a section position for respective sections of equipment that stores articles, inventory information that includes article identification information for predetermined articles, section identification information for the sections at which the predetermined articles are stored, and storage positions within the sections at which the predetermined article are stored, and warehousing information that includes article identification information for articles to be warehoused. The processor estimates open areas within the sections on the basis of the section information and the inventory information, detects storage candidate areas at which the articles to be warehoused can be stored from the empty areas within the sections on the basis of the article information and the warehousing information, and outputs warehousing assistance information about the storage candidate areas.

Description

Article processing support device, article processing support method, article processing support program, computer-readable storage medium, and article processing support system

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an article processing support device, an article processing support method, an article processing support program, a computer-readable storage medium, and an article processing support system.

[0002] The logistics industry demands automation and efficiency in logistics, and in recent years, research and development has been progressing on transport systems equipped with shelf guided vehicles that automatically transport shelves that store inventory. For example, an operator stationed at a station sends a desired operation command, such as storing or retrieving, to the transport system. The shelf guided vehicle transports the shelf to the station based on the operation command. The operator can perform the storing operation of placing items on the transported shelf or the retrieving operation of removing items from the shelf without moving from the station.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art A technique for assisting an operator in removing an article from a container is known that indicates where an article is stored in a container divided into multiple compartments.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-17002

[0005] Storing the same type of item in one compartment makes item management easier. However, since items of the same type are the same size, the space utilization efficiency of one compartment may decrease. Therefore, it is possible to increase the space utilization efficiency of one compartment by allowing multiple types of items to be stored in one compartment.

[0006] However, storing multiple types of items in one section may reduce the efficiency of operators' work in loading and unloading, and there is a demand for technology that can prevent such a decrease in work efficiency.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an item processing support device, an item processing support method, an item processing support program, a computer-readable storage medium, and an item processing support system that prevent a decline in work efficiency under conditions where multiple types of items can be stored in a single compartment.

[0008] An item processing support device according to an embodiment includes an interface and a processor. The interface receives item information including item identification information and item size for each item, compartment information including compartment identification information, compartment size, and compartment location for each compartment of equipment that stores the items, inventory information including item identification information for a specific item, the compartment identification information for the compartment in which the specific item is stored, and the storage location within the compartment in which the specific item is stored, and warehousing information including item identification information for an item to be stored. The processor estimates free space within the compartment based on the compartment information and the inventory information, detects a candidate storage area capable of storing the item to be stored from the free space within the compartment based on the item information and the warehousing information, and outputs warehousing support information regarding the candidate storage area.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a warehouse system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout of a warehouse system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a WCS according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of item information according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of equipment information (movable shelf information) according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of inventory information according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of warehousing information according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of shipping information according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an overview of a warehousing process performed by a processor of a WCS according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of a system to which the warehousing process according to an embodiment is applied. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing details of a part of the process of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing details of a part of the process of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing details of a part of the process of FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of divided areas within a section. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image showing items within a section. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of warehousing support information according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an overview of a warehousing process performed by a processor of a WCS according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of a system to which the warehousing process according to an embodiment is applied. Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram showing details of a portion of the processing in Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a sequence diagram showing details of a portion of the processing in Fig. 18. Fig. 21 is a sequence diagram showing details of a portion of the processing in Fig. 18. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a first example of a section image included in the shipping support information according to the embodiment. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of a section image included in the shipping support information according to the embodiment. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the shipping support information according to the embodiment. Embodiment

[0010] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a warehouse system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the warehouse system S includes a warehouse management system (WMS) 1, a warehouse execution system (WES) 2, a warehouse control system (WCS) 3, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) 4, a digital assortment system (DAS) 5, and a camera 6.

[0011] WMS1, WES2, and WCS3 can be configured with one or more computers, i.e., one or more processors, memories, interfaces, etc. The one or more processors may be a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (micro processing unit), DSP (digital signal processor), etc. WMS1 receives an order list, such as inventory information or shipping information, from a higher-level server and transmits it to WES2. The inventory information includes item identification information (hereinafter referred to as item ID) of one or more items to be stored. The shipping information includes item IDs of one or more items to be shipped. WES2 outputs execution instructions based on the order list. WCS3 controls the travel of AGV4 based on the execution instructions.

[0012] The AGV 4 travels from the starting point to the destination on the floor of the warehouse under the control of the WCS 3. For example, the AGV 4 is equipped with a camera, analyzes images captured by the camera, and travels from the starting point to the destination while avoiding obstacles. Alternatively, the AGV 4 travels from the starting point to the destination using the results of reading floor position identification information (hereinafter referred to as floor position ID) attached to the floor of the warehouse. The AGV 4 may also be equipped with an LRF (laser range finder). The AGV 4 may travel from the starting point to the destination while avoiding obstacles based on the distance to the obstacle obtained by the LRF.

[0013] The AGV 4 also travels under the control of the WCS 3, transporting a movable shelf 41, which is equipment for storing items. For example, the AGV 4 is equipped with a lift that moves up and down vertically. The AGV 4 slips between the warehouse floor and the bottom plate of the movable shelf 41, and raises the lift to lift up the movable shelf 41. The AGV 4 travels from the departure point to the destination with the movable shelf 41 lifted by the lift. When the AGV 4 arrives at the destination, it lowers the lift to place the feet of the movable shelf 41 on the warehouse floor, completing the transport of the movable shelf 41.

[0014] The DAS 5 is composed of one or more computers, i.e., a processor, memory, a communication interface, a user interface, etc. The DAS 5 also has fixed shelves 51, which store items to be stored or items to be shipped. The DAS 5 also has a display, which is one of the user interfaces. The display displays storage support information or shipping support information that supports the operator in the storage or shipping work of items at the station according to the order list. The display of the DAS 5 also has a touch panel, and accepts various inputs from the operator via the touch panel.

[0015] The camera 6 outputs an image (e.g., a video) of each section S of the movable shelf 41. One camera 6 may capture an image of each section S of one movable shelf 41, or multiple cameras 6 may capture an image of each section S of one movable shelf 41. The camera 6 may be installed in any position that allows it to capture an image of the section S.

[0016] The WCS 3 receives images from the camera 6 and analyzes the received images. Based on the results of the image analysis, the WCS 3 detects items brought into or taken out of the section S. In other words, the WCS 3 detects the entry or exit of items based on the results of the image analysis.

[0017] It should be noted that a sensor may be used instead of the camera 6, or may be used in combination with the camera 6. The sensor senses the area S, and the WCS 3 receives a signal from the sensor and detects an item brought into or taken out of the area S from the received signal.

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a warehouse system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of AGVs 4 travel within the warehouse. The AGV 4 transports a designated mobile shelf 41 from a plurality of mobile shelves 41 arranged within the warehouse to a station. The station is equipped with mobile shelves 41 and fixed shelves 51, and an operator performs a warehousing operation of moving an item to be stored that is prepared on the fixed shelf 51 from the fixed shelf 51 to the mobile shelf 41, or a retrieval operation of moving an item to be unloaded that is prepared on the mobile shelf 41 from the mobile shelf 41 to the fixed shelf 51.

[0019] The display 35 also outputs various information. For example, the display 35 displays warehousing support information or retrieval support information to support the warehousing or retrieval work of the operator.

[0020] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a WCS according to an embodiment. The WCS 3 shown in FIG. 3 functions as an article processing support system. As shown in FIG. 3, the WCS 3 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a communication interface 33, an input unit 34, and a display 35.

[0021] The processor 31 is the entity that executes the item processing support. The memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory of the memory 32 stores the operating program of the processor 31. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory of the memory 32 stores item information, section information, inventory information, warehousing information, and shipping information, etc. The communication interface 33 communicates with the WMS 1 or the WES 2 and receives item information, section information, inventory information, warehousing information, and shipping information, etc., transmitted from the WMS 1. The communication interface 33 also communicates with the DAS 5 and transmits warehousing support information and shipping support information. The information output device of the DAS 5 displays this warehousing support information and shipping support information. The processor 31, the memory 32, the communication interface 33, etc. constitute an item processing support device.

[0022] The input unit 34 accepts input from an operator. For example, the input unit 34 includes terminals for inputting signals from a mouse, a keyboard, and a barcode reader, and accepts signals from the mouse, the keyboard, and the barcode reader in response to operations by the operator. The input unit 34 also includes a display unit for displaying various information. For example, the input unit 34 is implemented by a touch panel display. The display 35 outputs various information to the operator. For example, the display 35 displays warehousing support information and warehousing support information. The input unit 34 and the display 35 may be implemented as separate devices or as a common device.

[0023] The processor 31 includes an acquisition unit 311, an estimation unit 312, a detection unit 313, and an output unit 314. For example, the processor 31 executes an operation program stored in the memory 32 to realize the functions of each unit.

[0024] The operation of each part of the processor 31 during warehousing assistance is outlined below. The acquisition unit 311 acquires item information, section information, inventory information, and warehousing information via the communication interface 33. The estimation unit 312 estimates the available space within section S based on the section information and inventory information. The detection unit 313 detects a candidate storage area capable of storing the item to be stored from the available space within section S based on the item information and warehousing information. The output unit outputs warehousing assistance information regarding the candidate storage area. For example, the display 35 displays the warehousing assistance information. The operation of each part during warehousing assistance will be explained in detail later.

[0025] The operation of each part of the processor 31 in the outgoing support is outlined below. The acquisition unit 311 acquires section information, inventory information, and outgoing information via the communication interface 33. The detection unit 313 detects the storage location of the item to be outgoing based on the section information, inventory information, and outgoing information. The output unit outputs outgoing support information related to the storage location of the item to be outgoing. For example, the display 35 displays the outgoing support information. The operation of each part in the outgoing support will be explained in detail later.

[0026] Next, item information, section information, inventory information, receiving information, and shipping information will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of item information according to an embodiment. Item information is information about all items to be received or shipped. Item information includes multiple item records, and each item record includes an item ID unique to each item, item size, item name, item image, etc. For example, item size indicates the lengths of the three sides (length x width x height) of the item. An item image may be a single image of the item photographed from one direction, or multiple images of the item photographed from multiple directions. The multiple directions are the top, front, side, back, and bottom of the item.

[0027] 5 is a diagram showing an example of equipment information (movable shelf information) according to an embodiment. The equipment information is movable shelf information related to a movable shelf 41, which is equipment that stores items, and includes section information, etc. The section information is information related to each section S of the movable shelf 41. The movable shelf 41 has multiple sections S, and each section S stores one or more items. Furthermore, each section S of the movable shelf 41 can store multiple types of items of different sizes. Furthermore, each section S of the movable shelf 41 may be the same size or different sizes.

[0028] The equipment information includes equipment records, each of which includes equipment identification information (hereinafter referred to as equipment ID) unique to each piece of equipment, an equipment image, and compartment information. For example, the equipment image is an image of the equipment photographed from one direction, and includes images of all compartments contained in the equipment. The compartment information includes multiple compartment records, each of which includes compartment identification information (hereinafter referred to as compartment ID) unique to each compartment S, a prioritized storage item, a compartment size, a compartment position, and a divided area position.

[0029] The priority storage item includes the item ID of the item to be stored with priority. The section size indicates the lengths of the three sides (length x width x height) of the section S. The section position indicates the position in the equipment to which the section S belongs. The section position is one or more coordinates with an origin at any position on the equipment, or one or more coordinates and a distance (length). The section position coordinates are two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The two-dimensional coordinates are the X-axis (left-right direction within the section) and the Y-axis (up-down direction within the section). The three-dimensional coordinates are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis (front-back direction within the section). One section S is managed by multiple divided areas D, and the divided area position indicates the position in the section S to which the divided area D belongs. The divided area position is one or more coordinates with an origin at any position on the section S, or one or more coordinates and a distance (length). The divided area position coordinates are two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of inventory information according to an embodiment. The inventory information is information related to inventory items. The inventory information includes multiple inventory records, and a specific inventory record includes inventory identification information (hereinafter referred to as inventory ID), the item ID and quantity of a specific item, the equipment ID of the equipment in which the specific item is stored, the section identification information of the section S in which the specific item is stored (hereinafter referred to as section ID), and the storage location within the section S in which the specific item is stored. The storage location is represented by one or more coordinates with an arbitrary position within the section S as the origin, or one or more coordinates and a distance (length). The coordinates are two-dimensional or three-dimensional. In other words, the inventory information indicates the location of N inventory items (N is a natural number) within which section S of which equipment.

[0031] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of inventory information according to an embodiment. The inventory information is information related to inventory items. The inventory information includes multiple inventory records, and each inventory record includes an item ID (item identification information) and the number of items to be inventoryed.

[0032] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of shipping information according to an embodiment. The shipping information is information related to shipped items. The shipping information includes multiple shipping records, and each shipping record includes an item ID (item identification information) and the number of items to be shipped.

[0033] 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the warehousing process by the processor of the WCS according to the embodiment. The detailed sequence of the warehousing process in the warehouse system S will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.

[0034] The processor 31 acquires information necessary for the warehousing process using the acquisition unit 311. For example, the processor 31 acquires product information, equipment information (including section information), inventory information, and warehousing information via the communication interface 33 (ST11). The processor 31 may acquire the information all at once at a predetermined timing, or may acquire the information individually at separate timings.

[0035] The processor 31 estimates the available space in the section S of the movable shelf 41 based on the section information and inventory information using the estimation unit 312 (ST12). The processor 31 detects a candidate storage area capable of storing the item to be stored from the available space in the section S based on the item information and inventory information using the detection unit 313 (ST13).

[0036] The processor 31 outputs warehousing support information related to the storage candidate area to the display 35 via the output unit 314 (ST14). The display 35 displays the warehousing support information. By outputting or displaying the warehousing support information, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency.

[0037] 10 to 13 are sequence diagrams showing the operation of a system to which the warehousing process according to the embodiment is applied, and FIGS. 11 to 13 are sequence diagrams showing details of some of the processes shown in FIG.

[0038] The processor 31 acquires information necessary for the warehousing process using the acquisition unit 311. For example, the processor 31 acquires product information, equipment information (including section information), inventory information, and warehousing information using the acquisition unit 311 (ST101). Note that the timing of acquiring the various types of information is not limited to this timing.

[0039] The display 35 of the WCS 3 receives a storage instruction from the operator and outputs the storage instruction to the processor 31 (ST102).

[0040] The processor 31 generates first warehousing support information based on the warehousing information and inventory information in response to the warehousing instruction. The processor 31 outputs the first warehousing support information to the display 35 via the output unit 314 (ST103). The display 35 displays the first warehousing support information. The first warehousing support information includes information about the item to be warehousing. For example, the first warehousing support information includes the item ID, item name, and item image of the item to be warehousing.

[0041] The processor 31 also outputs the storage mode selection to the display 35 (ST104). The input unit 34 displays a storage mode selection screen.

[0042] The display 35 receives a designation of the first or second storage mode from the operator and outputs the designation of the first or second storage mode to the processor 31 (ST105). The first storage mode is a storage mode that prioritizes the storage location. The second storage mode is a storage mode that prioritizes storage efficiency.

[0043] 11 , the processing when the first storage mode is specified will be described. The processor 31 selects one target mobile shelf 41 based on the item information, equipment information, inventory information, and storage information, generates a call instruction for the selected mobile shelf 41, and transmits the call instruction (ST111). For example, the processor 31 generates a call instruction for the mobile shelf 41 that currently stores the item with the item ID included in the storage information, or the mobile shelf 41 that previously stored the item with the item ID included in the storage information. Alternatively, the processor 31 generates a call instruction for the mobile shelf 41 that includes a section S that is designated to preferentially store the item with the item ID included in the storage information, based on the priority storage item included in the section information. The AGV 4 transports the mobile shelf 41 to the station based on the call instruction.

[0044] The processor 31 reads inventory information including the equipment ID of the called-up movable shelf 41 (ST112). The processor 31 also estimates the available space within the multiple sections S of the called-up movable shelf 41 based on the section information and inventory information using the estimation unit 312 (ST113). The processor 31 also detects, using the detection unit 313, one or more candidate storage areas capable of accommodating one or more items to be stored from the available space within the multiple sections S of the called-up movable shelf 41 based on the item information and inventory information (ST114). In other words, the processor 31 detects, using the detection unit 313, where in which section S of the called-up movable shelf 41 the candidate storage area is located based on the size and number of the items to be stored.

[0045] The processor 31 generates second warehousing support information related to one or more candidate storage areas capable of storing one or more items to be stored. The processor 31 outputs the second warehousing support information to the display 35 via the output unit 314 (ST115). That is, the processor 31 updates the first warehousing support information to the second warehousing support information via the output unit 314. The display 35 displays the updated second warehousing support information. The second warehousing support information includes information indicating the section position of the section S that includes the candidate storage area. The second warehousing support information will be described in detail later.

[0046] The processor 31 also requests the item ID of the item to be stored (ST116). The processor 31 receives part of the storage information via the input unit 34. For example, the processor 31 receives the item ID and the number of items to be stored input by the operator via the input unit 34 (ST117).

[0047] Next, referring to Figure 12, the processing when the second storage mode is specified will be described. The processor 31 requests the item IDs and quantity of the items to be stored (ST121). The processor 31 receives part of the storage information via the input unit 34. For example, the processor 31 receives the item IDs and quantity of the items to be stored input by the operator via the input unit 34 (ST122).

[0048] The processor 31 detects the size required to store the received items from the item IDs and quantity of the received items based on the item information, equipment information, inventory information, and part of the warehousing information (ST123), selects one target mobile shelf 41, generates a call instruction for the selected mobile shelf 41, and transmits the call instruction (ST124). The AGV 4 transports the mobile shelf 41 to the station based on the call instruction.

[0049] The processor 31 reads inventory information including the equipment ID of the called-up movable shelf 41 (ST125). The processor 31 also estimates the available space within the multiple sections S of the called-up movable shelf 41 based on the section information and inventory information using the estimation unit 312 (ST126). The processor 31 also detects, using the detection unit 313, one or more candidate storage areas capable of storing one or more items to be stored from the available space within the multiple sections S of the called-up movable shelf 41 based on the item information and inventory information (ST127). For example, the processor 31 detects, using the detection unit 313, a candidate storage area that will minimize the available space after the items to be stored are stored from the available space within the multiple sections S of the called-up movable shelf 41. In other words, the detection unit 313 detects a candidate storage area that will maximize storage efficiency.

[0050] The processor 31 generates second warehousing support information related to one or more candidate storage areas capable of storing one or more items to be stored. The processor 31 outputs the second warehousing support information to the display 35 via the output unit 314 (ST128). That is, the processor 31 updates the first warehousing support information to the second warehousing support information via the output unit 314. The display 35 displays the updated second warehousing support information. The second warehousing support information includes information indicating the section position of the section S that includes the candidate storage area. The second warehousing support information will be described in detail later.

[0051] The operator checks the second warehousing support information displayed on the display 35 and places the items to be stored in the candidate storage areas included in the second warehousing support information. For example, if the second warehousing support information includes one candidate storage area, the operator sets the candidate storage area as a storage location and places the items to be stored in this candidate storage area. If the second warehousing support information includes multiple candidate storage areas, the operator sets one candidate storage area selected from the multiple candidate storage areas as a storage location and places the items to be stored in this candidate storage area.

[0052] As shown in Figure 13, after processing according to the first or second storage mode, the processor 31 instructs the camera 6 to take an image (ST131). The camera 6 starts taking an image and outputs the image. The display 35 displays the image output from the camera 6. The processor 31 also transmits a storage waiting status (ST132). The input unit 34 displays the storage waiting status.

[0053] The processor 31 receives a warehousing specification from the operator via the input unit 34 (ST133). For example, the warehousing specification includes the item ID of the item to be warehousing and the warehousing location. For example, the operator reads the item ID of the item to be warehousing using a barcode reader and specifies the warehousing location using a mouse or the like. The input unit 34 receives the warehousing specification including the read item ID and the specified warehousing location.

[0054] Based on the image output from camera 6 and the received warehousing specification, processor 31 generates an estimated image of the warehousing section by combining the image output from camera 6 and the warehousing location included in the warehousing specification (ST134), and outputs the generated image of the warehousing section (ST135). Display 35 displays the generated image of the warehousing section. For example, display 35 highlights the warehousing section. Processor 31 then requests confirmation of the warehousing location (ST136). Alternatively, processor 31 may determine whether the item to be warehousing has been stored in the candidate storage area based on the section information and inventory information. If the item to be warehousing has not been stored in the candidate storage area, processor 31 may obtain section identification information of the section where the item to be warehousing has been stored and information about the storage location within the section in response to the request for confirmation of the warehousing location, and output the obtained information to assist with warehousing.

[0055] The operator checks the image of the receiving location displayed on the display 35, and if the item corresponding to the item ID included in the receiving specification is not placed at the receiving location, inputs a correction to the receiving location. The input unit 34 accepts the correction to the receiving location from the operator via a mouse or the like, and outputs the correction to the receiving location to the processor 31 (ST137). The processor 31 updates the receiving information based on the correction to the receiving location.

[0056] The operator checks the image of the storage location displayed on the display 35, and if an item corresponding to the item ID included in the storage designation is placed at the storage location, inputs a confirmation of the storage location. The confirmation of the storage location may include the number of items being stored. The display 35 accepts the confirmation of the storage location from the operator and outputs the confirmation of the storage location to the processor 31 (ST138). The processor 31 updates the storage information based on the confirmation of the storage location (ST139).

[0057] The processor 31 outputs the update of the second warehousing support information (ST141), and the display 35 ends displaying the second warehousing support information. The processor 31 also generates and transmits a return instruction for the mobile shelf 41 (ST142). The AGV 4 transports the mobile shelf 41 from the station to the storage location based on the return instruction.

[0058] The processor 31 also outputs the storage completion information (ST143) (ST144), and the input unit 34 and the display 35 display the storage completion information.

[0059] As described above, the WCS 3 detects a candidate storage area capable of storing the items to be stored from the free space in the section S, and outputs second warehousing support information regarding the candidate storage area. The operator can improve the efficiency of the warehousing process by storing the items to be stored while looking at the second warehousing support information.

[0060] 14 is a diagram showing an example of divided areas within a section. According to the section information, one section S is managed as multiple divided areas D. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, one section S is managed as 3×2×1 divided areas D.

[0061] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an image showing items in a section. The processor 31 updates the inventory information based on confirmation of the inventory location. Alternatively, the processor 31 updates the inventory information based on correction of the inventory location. Item A1 shown in FIG. 15 indicates an item that has already been stored, and item A2 indicates an item whose inventory location has been confirmed or corrected using the mouse cursor MC on the display 35. For example, item A1 that has already been stored is displayed in a first display format, and item A2 whose inventory location has been confirmed or corrected is displayed in a second display format. The first display format is a first color, a highlighted display, or a flashing display. The second display format is a second color different from the first color, a non-highlighted display (normal display), or a non-flashing display (normal display).

[0062] 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of warehousing support information according to the embodiment. The second warehousing support information displayed in the first and second warehousing modes has common parts and different parts. First, the common parts will be described.

[0063] The second warehousing support information includes information indicating the compartment positions of compartments that include candidate storage areas. For example, the second warehousing support information includes an image of the movable shelf 41, images of multiple compartments S included in the movable shelf 41, and an image of a compartment S selected by the operator. For example, among the images of the multiple compartments S, a compartment S that includes a candidate storage area is displayed as a candidate compartment image in a first display format, and a compartment S that does not include a candidate storage area is displayed as a non-candidate compartment image in a second display format. For example, the first display format is a first color, a highlighted display, or a flashing display. The second display format is a second color different from the first color, a non-highlighted display (normal display), or a non-flashing display (normal display).

[0064] In the first warehousing mode, when the operator selects a section S including a candidate storage area via the input unit 34, which is realized by a touch panel or a mouse, the processor 31 updates the second warehousing support information. For example, the updated second warehousing support information includes an enlarged display of the selected section S and the item IDs and number of items that can be stored in the enlarged display of the section S. The updated second warehousing support information may also include a message asking the operator to confirm that the selection of the section S is correct. When the operator selects another section S including a candidate storage area via the touch panel or a mouse, the processor 31 updates the second warehousing support information. The updated second warehousing support information includes an enlarged display of the selected other section S, etc.

[0065] In the second warehousing mode, even if the operator does not select a section S, the display 35 displays the second warehousing support information including an enlarged view of the optimal section S. For example, the displayed second warehousing support information includes an enlarged view of the optimal section S and the item IDs and number of items that can be stored in the enlarged section S.

[0066] 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of the shipping process by the processor of the WCS according to the embodiment. The detailed sequence of the shipping process in the warehouse system S will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0067] The processor 31 acquires information necessary for the warehousing process using the acquisition unit 311. For example, the processor 31 acquires equipment information (including section information), inventory information, and shipping information via the communication interface 33 using the acquisition unit 311 (ST21). Note that the processor 31 may acquire information collectively at a predetermined timing using the acquisition unit 311, or may acquire information individually at separate timings.

[0068] The processor 31 detects the storage location of the item to be shipped based on the equipment information, inventory information, and shipping information using the detection unit 313 (ST22).

[0069] The processor 31 outputs, via the output unit 314, to the display 35, the shipping support information relating to the storage location of the item to be shipped (ST24). The display 35 displays the shipping support information. By outputting or displaying the shipping support information, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency.

[0070] 18 to 21 are sequence diagrams showing the operation of a system to which the shipping process according to the embodiment is applied. Note that Fig. 19 to Fig. 21 are sequence diagrams showing details of some of the processes in Fig. 18.

[0071] The processor 31 acquires information necessary for the shipping process using the acquisition unit 311. For example, the processor 31 acquires equipment information (including section information), inventory information, and shipping information using the acquisition unit 311 (ST201). Note that the timing of acquiring the various pieces of information is not limited to this timing.

[0072] The processor 31 receives a delivery instruction from the operator via the input unit 34 (ST202).

[0073] The processor 31 generates first shipping support information based on the equipment information, inventory information, and shipping information, triggered by the shipping instruction. The processor 31 outputs the first shipping support information to the display 35 via the output unit 314 (ST203). The display 35 displays the first shipping support information. The first shipping support information includes information about the item to be shipped. For example, the first shipping support information includes the item ID, item name, and item image of the item to be shipped.

[0074] The processor 31 requests the item IDs and the number of items to be shipped (ST204). The processor 31 receives part of the shipping information via the input unit 34. For example, the processor 31 receives the item IDs and the number of items to be shipped input by the operator via the input unit 34 (ST205).

[0075] The processor 31 outputs the DAS allocation instruction through the output unit 314 (ST206). The display of the DAS 5 displays information such as the location where the item to be removed should be placed based on the DAS allocation instruction.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 19, the processor 31 selects one target mobile shelf 41 based on the equipment information, inventory information, and shipping information, generates a call instruction for the selected mobile shelf 41, and transmits the call instruction (ST211).

[0077] The processor 31 detects the storage location of one or more items to be shipped from the selected mobile shelf 41 using the detection unit 313 based on the equipment information, inventory information, and shipping information (ST212).

[0078] When a single section S contains multiple items to be handed over, processor 31 sets a pick-up priority for each item to be handed over (ST213). The pick-up priority indicates the priority of handed over. Processor 31 sets a pick-up priority for each item to be handed over based on the storage location of the item to be handed over included in the inventory information. When the storage location of the item to be handed over is indicated by three-dimensional coordinates, processor 31 sets a pick-up priority for each item to be handed over based on the three-dimensional coordinate values.

[0079] For example, processor 31 sets the highest removal priority to the item to be removed that is located at the front, the leftmost (or the rightmost), and the top, and conversely sets the lowest removal priority to the item to be removed that is located at the backmost, the rightmost (or the leftmost), and the bottom. In other words, processor 31 sets the highest removal priority to the item to be removed that is located in the easiest to remove position, and conversely sets the lowest removal priority to the item to be removed that is located in the most difficult to remove position.

[0080] The processor 31 generates second outgoing support information based on the detection result of the storage location of the item to be outgoing and the priority setting. The processor 31 outputs the second outgoing support information to the display 35 via the output unit 314 (ST214). The display 35 displays the second outgoing support information.

[0081] The processor 31 also transmits the release waiting status (ST215). The input unit 34 displays the release waiting status.

[0082] The processor 31 receives a shipping instruction from the operator via the input unit 34 (ST216). For example, the shipping instruction includes the item ID and the number of items to be shipped.

[0083] The operator selects an item to be shipped while visually checking the second shipping support information displayed on the display 35, and retrieves the selected item to be shipped. For example, the operator selects the item to be shipped with the highest priority for retrieval indicated by the second shipping support information, and retrieves the selected item to be shipped. The processor 31 analyzes the image output from the camera 6, detects that the item to be shipped with the highest priority for retrieval has been retrieved, and updates the inventory information. In other words, the processor 31 updates the inventory information so that the item to be shipped with the highest priority for retrieval has been retrieved.

[0084] 20, if processor 31 does not detect that the item to be removed with the highest removal priority has been removed, but detects that another item has been removed, processor 31 requests the location of the selected item (ST221). Based on the request, input unit 34 prompts input of the location of the selected item. Input unit 34 accepts the location information of the selected item and inputs the accepted location information of the selected item (ST222). Processor 31 updates the inventory information based on the input location information. That is, processor 31 updates the inventory information so that the item with the input location information has been removed.

[0085] Furthermore, when the processor 31 detects that an item has been removed and is out of stock, it updates the inventory information so that the item is out of stock (ST231). For example, the processor 31 analyzes the image output from the camera 6 and detects whether or not the item is in stock at a predetermined position based on the presence or absence of a mass of items (such as a rectangular parallelepiped) at the predetermined position.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 19, the processor 31 updates the second shipping support information in accordance with the shipping status (ST241), and the display 35 displays the updated second shipping support information.

[0087] 21 , upon detecting completion of the selection of items assigned to DAS 5 based on the shipping information and inventory information, processor 31 transmits an intra-DAS replacement request (ST251). Input unit 34 notifies the operator of the intra-DAS replacement request, and the operator empties items from DAS 5 in accordance with the intra-DAS replacement request. Input unit 34 accepts item emptiness information for DAS 5 and transmits the item emptiness information for DAS 5 to processor 31 (ST252). Processor 31 outputs a replacement notification indicating completion of intra-DAS replacement based on the item emptiness information for DAS 5 (ST253), and display 35 displays the replacement notification.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 18, the processor 31 outputs the delivery completion information (ST261) (ST262), and the input unit 34 and the display 35 display the delivery completion information.

[0089] As described above, the WCS 3 outputs the second outgoing support information regarding the storage location of the item to be shipped based on the inventory information updated through the warehousing process. The operator can improve the efficiency of the outgoing process by shipping the item to be shipped while viewing the second outgoing support information. For example, the time required for the operator to ship the item to be shipped can be reduced.

[0090] 22 is a diagram showing a first example of a section image included in the outgoing support information according to the embodiment. The display 35 displays second outgoing support information. As shown in FIG. 22, the second outgoing support information includes a section image corresponding to a section S included in the movable shelf 41. The section image includes a first item image B1 corresponding to an item to be outgoing, and a second item image B0 corresponding to an item not to be outgoing. In addition, the first item image B1 corresponding to the item to be outgoing includes information P1 regarding the priority of the item to be outgoing.

[0091] The first product image B1 is in a first display format, and the second product image B0 is in a second display format different from the first display format. For example, the first display format is a first color, a highlighted display, or a flashing display. The second display format is a second color different from the first color, a non-highlighted display (normal display), or a non-flashing display (normal display).

[0092] The operator can recognize the first item image B1 as the item to be shipped by looking at the section image included in the second shipping support information shown in Figure 22, and select the actual item corresponding to the first item image B1 to ship it out. By displaying the second shipping support information on the display 35, even items that have been stored through the warehousing process can be shipped out efficiently without placing a burden on the operator.

[0093] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second example of a section image included in the outgoing support information according to the embodiment. The display 35 displays the second outgoing support information. As shown in FIG. 23, the second outgoing support information includes a section image corresponding to a section S included in the movable shelf 41. The section images include first item images C1 and C2 corresponding to items to be outgoing, and a second item image C0 corresponding to items not to be outgoing. Furthermore, the first item image C1 corresponding to the items to be outgoing includes information P1 regarding the priority of the items to be outgoing, and the first item image C2 corresponding to the items to be outgoing includes information P2 regarding the priority of the items to be outgoing. The information P1 regarding the priority indicates the highest priority, and the information P2 regarding the priority indicates the second highest priority.

[0094] Furthermore, the first item images C1 and C2 are in a first display format, and the second item image C0 is in a second display format different from the first display format. For example, the first display format is a first color, a highlighted display, or a flashing display. The second display format is a second color different from the first color, a non-highlighted display (normal display), or a non-flashing display (normal display). Note that the display formats of the first item images C1 and C2 may be distinguished as different display formats.

[0095] 23, the operator can recognize the first item images C1 and C2 as items to be removed from the warehouse, and can further recognize that the first item image C1 has the highest removal priority and the second item image C2 has the second highest removal priority, and selects the actual item corresponding to the first item image B1, then selects the actual item corresponding to the first item image B2, and removes them from the warehouse. By displaying the second removal support information on the display 35, even items that have been stored through the warehousing process can be removed efficiently without placing a burden on the operator.

[0096] 24 is a diagram showing an example of shipping support information according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the display 35 displays the second shipping support information. The second shipping support information includes the section image described in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 24 , the second outbound delivery support information includes an equipment image including multiple compartments. The equipment image includes multiple compartment images. Furthermore, the second outbound delivery support information includes an enlarged compartment image including the items to be delivered from the multiple compartment images. This enlarged compartment image is the compartment image described in FIG. 22 or 23 . Furthermore, the second outbound delivery support information includes an input field for the number of items to be delivered and the result of reading the item ID read from the delivered items. Furthermore, the second outbound delivery support information includes an image of the DAS 5 that will receive the items to be delivered. The image of the DAS 5 includes multiple compartment images, with the compartment image that will receive the items to be delivered being in a first display format and the other compartment images being in a second display format.

[0098] By displaying the second outgoing support information on the display 35, even items that have been stored through a warehousing process can be efficiently shipped without placing a burden on the operator. The program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in each electronic device constituting the warehouse system, or may be transferred without being stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be any medium, such as an optical disk or a memory card, that can store a program and is readable by a computer, and its form is not important. The electronic device downloads the program transferred (provided) via a network and installs it in its memory, or reads the program from the storage medium and installs it in its memory.

[0099] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An item processing support device comprising: an interface that receives item information including item identification information and item size of each item, compartment information including compartment identification information, compartment size and compartment location of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored and the storage location within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and warehousing information including item identification information of an item to be stored; and a processor that estimates free space within the compartment based on the compartment information and the inventory information, detects from the free space within the compartment based on the item information and the warehousing information a candidate storage area that can store the item to be stored, and outputs warehousing support information regarding the candidate storage area.

2. The article processing support device of claim 1, wherein the processor detects the candidate storage area from the vacant area of ​​each section of the selected equipment in response to the designation of the first storage mode.

3. The item processing support device of claim 1, wherein the processor, in response to the specification of the second storage mode, detects the candidate storage area from the free space in each section of the selected equipment that will have the smallest free space after the item to be stored is stored.

4. The article processing support device of claim 1, wherein the storage support information includes information indicating the compartment location of the compartment that includes the storage candidate area.

5. The item processing support device of claim 1, wherein the warehousing support information includes an equipment image including a plurality of sections, and the equipment image includes a candidate section image including the candidate storage area and a non-candidate section image of a section that does not include the candidate storage area.

6. The item processing support device of claim 1, wherein the processor determines whether the item to be stored has been stored in the storage candidate area based on the section information and the inventory information, and if the item to be stored has not been stored in the storage candidate area, obtains section identification information of the section in which the item to be stored has been stored and information regarding the storage position within the section.

7. An item processing support device comprising: an interface that receives compartment information including compartment identification information and compartment location of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and storage location within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and shipping information including item identification information of an item to be shipped; and a processor that detects the storage location of the item to be shipped based on the compartment information, inventory information, and shipping information, and outputs shipping support information regarding the storage location of the item to be shipped.

8. The item processing support device according to claim 7, wherein the shipping support information includes an equipment image including a plurality of compartments, and the equipment image includes a first item image corresponding to the item to be shipped.

9. The item processing support device of claim 8, wherein the equipment image includes a second item image corresponding to an item not to be shipped.

10. The article processing support device of claim 9, wherein the first article image is in a first display format, and the second article image is in a second display format.

11. The article processing support device according to claim 7, wherein the outgoing support information includes information regarding the priority of the article to be outgoing.

12. An item processing support method comprising: receiving item information including item identification information and item size of each item; compartment information including compartment identification information, compartment size, and compartment position of each compartment of equipment that stores the items; inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and storage position within the compartment in which the specified item is stored; estimating free space within the compartment based on the compartment information and the inventory information; detecting candidate storage areas capable of storing the items to be stored from the free space within the compartment based on the item information and the storage information; and outputting storage support information regarding the candidate storage areas.

13. An item processing support method comprising receiving compartment information including compartment identification information and compartment location for each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information for a specified item, compartment identification information for the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and a storage location within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and shipping information including item identification information for an item to be shipped, detecting the storage location of the item to be shipped based on the compartment information, inventory information, and shipping information, and outputting shipping support information regarding the storage location of the item to be shipped.

14. An item processing support program for causing a computer to execute the following steps: receiving item information including item identification information and item size of each item, compartment information including compartment identification information, compartment size, and compartment position of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and storage position within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and warehousing information including item identification information of items to be stored; estimating vacant space within the compartment based on the compartment information and the inventory information; detecting candidate storage areas capable of storing the items to be stored from the vacant space within the compartment based on the item information and the warehousing information; and outputting warehousing support information regarding the candidate storage areas.

15. An item processing support program for causing a computer to execute the following: receiving compartment information including compartment identification information and compartment location of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and storage location within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and shipping information including item identification information of an item to be shipped; detecting the storage location of the item to be shipped based on the compartment information, inventory information, and shipping information; and outputting shipping support information regarding the storage location of the item to be shipped.

16. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon an item processing support program for causing a computer to execute the following operations: receiving item information including item identification information and item size of each item, compartment information including compartment identification information, compartment size, and compartment location of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and storage location within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and warehousing information including item identification information of items to be stored; estimating free space within the compartment based on the compartment information and the inventory information; detecting candidate storage areas capable of storing the items to be stored from the free space within the compartment based on the item information and the warehousing information; and outputting warehousing support information regarding the candidate storage areas.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon an item processing support program for causing a computer to execute the following operations: receiving compartment information including compartment identification information and compartment location of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and storage location within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and shipping information including item identification information of an item to be shipped; detecting the storage location of the item to be shipped based on the compartment information, inventory information, and shipping information; and outputting shipping support information regarding the storage location of the item to be shipped.

18. An item processing support system comprising an item processing support device and a display, wherein the item processing support device comprises: an interface that receives item information including item identification information and item size of each item, compartment information including compartment identification information, compartment size and compartment position of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored and the storage position within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and warehousing information including item identification information of items to be stored; and a processor that estimates available space within the compartment based on the compartment information and the inventory information, detects candidate storage areas from available space within the compartment that can store the items to be stored based on the item information and the warehousing information, and outputs warehousing support information regarding the candidate storage areas, and the display displays the warehousing support information.

19. An item processing support system comprising an item processing support device and a display, wherein the item processing support device comprises: an interface that receives compartment information including compartment identification information and compartment location of each compartment of equipment that stores items, inventory information including item identification information of a specified item, compartment identification information of the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and storage location within the compartment in which the specified item is stored, and shipping information including item identification information of an item to be shipped; and a processor that detects the storage location of the item to be shipped based on the compartment information, inventory information, and shipping information, and outputs shipping support information related to the storage location of the item to be shipped; and the display displays the shipping support information.

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