JP2023064552A - Information processing apparatus, operation planning method, and operation planning program - Google Patents

Abstract

To create a plan for efficient collection and return operation.SOLUTION: A plurality of first articles and a plurality of second articles are specified so that both first and second operations are completed with one outward travel and one inward travel under a condition that a mobile body having a placement space for placing articles moves in one of a plurality of operation paths, as an outward path, and moves in one of the operation paths, as an inward path to perform the first operation and the second operation, the first operation for placing the plurality of first articles placed on the mobile body onto an article shelf specified by an identifier specified for the article, the second operation for moving the plurality of second articles identified by an identifier from the article shelf to the mobile body, the identifiers specifying associations between each of the articles and each of the article shelves, regarding the plurality of articles, a plurality of rows including the plurality of article shelves, and the plurality of operation paths prepared between the rows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a work planning method, and a work planning program.

Techniques for automatically performing picking work have been disclosed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP-A-11-282534 JP-A-06-271019

2. Description of the Related Art In a warehouse or the like where each article shelf is lined up, there is a case where a picking operation is performed using a moving body such as a traveling machine such as an automatic machine AGV. However, since the maximum number of articles that can be loaded is specified for the traveling machine, the number of articles that can be conveyed at one time is limited. In addition, there are a large number of product shelves in a vast warehouse. Therefore, it is complicated to formulate a work plan for carrying out collection work and return work at the same time. This problem is not limited to the case where the traveling machine automatically performs the picking work, but may also occur when the worker manually performs the picking work using a moving body such as a cart.

In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a work planning method, and a work planning program capable of planning efficient collection/return work.

In one aspect, the work planning program relates to a plurality of articles, a plurality of rows including a plurality of article shelves, and a plurality of work paths provided between each of the plurality of rows. and each of the plurality of article shelves, and a moving body having a placement space for placing the article moves along one of the plurality of work paths as an outward path. and moves along one of the plurality of work paths as a return path, and moves a plurality of first articles placed on the moving body to an article shelf specified by the identifier defined for the articles. and a second work of placing a plurality of second articles specified by the identifiers from the article shelf onto the moving body, the computer instructs the computer to perform one outbound trip. The process of specifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles is executed so that the first work and the second work can be performed in one move and one return trip.

Efficient collection and return work can be planned.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an overview of automatic picking work; It is a figure which illustrates the picking work which can perform collection work and return work efficiently. It is a perspective view in a warehouse. It is a figure explaining the layout in a warehouse. (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating weeks or work. 1A is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an information processing device, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing device; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a layout of warehouse shelves stored in a layout storage unit; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an order; (a) and (b) are diagrams exemplifying work set patterns in which return/pickup work can be completed during one round trip. FIG. 4 illustrates a combined working set; The upper part shows only the collection set extracted from the work sets in FIG. 10, and the lower part shows a case where the work sets are grouped into two types of work units. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the information processing device; The order in FIG. 8 is rearranged in ascending order of column numbers. (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining fractional products in each column. It is a figure which shows the layout in a warehouse used for simulation. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a work set for which work is planned; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of rearranging and leveling the created work sets for each work unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case of shortening the traveling distance of a traveling machine; It is a figure which illustrates the case where a return goods case and a pickup goods case coexist in each pattern.

Before describing the embodiments, an outline of the automatic picking operation will be described.

In distribution warehouses, inventories of various products are stored in vast spaces. In such distribution warehouses, a plurality of types of products are stored. Each product case containing a plurality of the same products is stored on a determined product shelf.

In the picking work of these products, there are cases where workers collect products from product cases on each product shelf, and there are cases where traveling machines (automatic machines: AGV) automatically collect products. Here, a case in which the traveling machine automatically collects cargo will be described as an example. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 1, the traveling machine 201 travels to the product shelf 202 housing the product case containing the product designated to be collected (hereinafter referred to as the product case for collection), and From 202, the relevant collection product case is picked. This work is hereinafter referred to as collection work. The traveling machine 201, which has loaded the collected product cases in its own loading space, conveys the collected product cases to the picking work area 203 and aggregates them. In the picking work area 203, workers perform the final picking work from the collected product cases. The traveling machine 201 conveys the product case after the final picking operation (hereinafter referred to as the returned product case) and returns it to the original product shelf 202 .

However, since the maximum number of product cases that can be loaded is specified for the traveling machine 201, the number of product cases that can be transported at one time is limited. In addition, there are a large number of product shelves in a vast warehouse. Therefore, it is complicated to formulate a work plan for carrying out collection work and return work at the same time. If the combination of product cases to be returned and picked up in one operation and the order of operations are not taken into account, the efficiency of the operation will rather decrease. Note that the specified maximum loadable number may be different from the maximum allowable loadable number of the traveling machine 201 . For example, even if a maximum of seven product cases can be loaded in the loading space of the traveling machine 201, the specified maximum number of product cases to be loaded may be six.

FIG. 2 is a diagram exemplifying picking work that enables efficient collection work and return work. In the example of FIG. 2, the traveling machine 201 returns the return product cases in the middle of the travel route indicated by the arrow, collects the collection product cases in the vacant loading space, and thereafter collects the returned product cases so as not to exceed the maximum number of loaded products. Collected product cases can be collected while returning the cases. In such a case, the traveling machine 201 can efficiently perform the picking work.

However, if the product shelf of the collection product case is in front of the product shelf of the return product case on the travel route, it may bypass the aisle after completing the return work and come to the previous product shelf to collect the product again. required, resulting in extra travel.

Here, the details of the arrangement of the product shelves 202 in the warehouse will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior of the warehouse. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of rows (1, 2, 3, . . . ) of product shelves 202 are arranged in a plurality of columns (1, 2, 3, . . . ). That is, the position of each product shelf is defined by a matrix number having a column number and a row number=(row number, column number). Each product shelf 202 accommodates a plurality of product cases. However, the number of the product case housed in each product shelf 202 (hereinafter referred to as the product number) is specified. For example, the product shelf 202 with queue numbers (1, 1) contains product cases with product numbers 1 to 6, and the product shelf 202 with queue numbers (2, 1) contains product cases with product numbers 7 to 12. The product number is specified, such as that the product is stored. Product cases with the same product number contain products of the same type. Product cases with different product numbers contain different types of products.

The traveling machine 201 can travel by providing an interval between the rows. A path with spacing between rows is hereinafter referred to as a working path. If there is no space between the rows, the traveling machine 201 cannot travel. The travel machine 201 does not turn back in the middle of the work path. For example, the traveling machine 201 does not travel halfway through the work route between row 1 and row 2 and then turn back. In the example described here, the travel machine 201 does not reciprocate on the same work path in one reciprocation. For example, after the travel machine 201 has traveled the work route between row 1 and row 2, it does not return to the work route, but returns to another work route. However, if the return route is the work route between row 1 and row 2, it is possible to travel on the same work route as the next round-trip outward trip.

Traveling machine 201 can perform return work and collection work on the same product shelf. For example, the traveling machine 201 can return product cases with product numbers 1 to 3 and collect product cases with product numbers 4 to 6 while stopped at the product shelf with queue number=(1, 1). can. In the example described here, the traveling machine 201 does not perform the work of the queue number (1, 2) when the work is being performed on the product shelf of the queue number (1, 1). .

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the layout in the warehouse used in the following description. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a working path is configured between rows 1 and 2, no working path is configured between rows 2 and 3, and a working path is configured between rows 3 and 4. A working path is configured in Describing in a general formula, a working path is formed between the row (2m−1) and the row (2m), and no working path is formed between the row (2m) and the row (2m+1). In each row, the side of the work picking area (the side where the forward trip starts) is the front side, and the side opposite to the work picking area (the side where the return trip starts) is the back side. A case where the traveling machine 201 travels from the near side to the far side is defined as an outward trip, and a case where the traveling machine 201 travels from the far side to the near side is defined as a return trip.

In the example of FIG. 5( a ), the specified first collection product case is ahead of the specified first return product case on the travel route, and even after that, the maximum load number of the traveling machine 201 is not exceeded. Can carry out collection work. However, in the example of FIG. 5(b), the designated first return product case is ahead of the designated first collection product case on the travel route, so the first collection product case cannot be collected. I couldn't do it, so I had to go back and forth twice. In the example of FIG. 5(c), the specified five return product cases are ahead of the specified collection product case on the travel route, so the five collection product cases can be collected, but the specified Since the last return product case is ahead of the specified last collection product case, it is also necessary to make two round trips.

Unnecessary back-and-forth trips occur unless efficient collection work and return work are determined in this way. In the following embodiments, an information processing device, a work planning method, and a work planning program capable of planning efficient collection/return work will be described.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a layout storage section 10, an order storage section 20, an order creation section 30, a work set creation section 40, a work unit creation section 50, an output section 60, and the like. .

FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a storage device 103, an input device 104, a display device 105, and the like.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 is a central processing unit. CPU 101 includes one or more cores. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and data processed by the CPU 101 . The storage device 103 is a non-volatile storage device. As the storage device 103, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a solid state drive (SSD) such as a flash memory, a hard disk driven by a hard disk drive, or the like can be used. The storage device 103 stores a work plan drafting program. The input device 104 is an input device such as a keyboard and mouse. The display device 105 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). A layout storage unit 10, an order storage unit 20, an order creation unit 30, a work set creation unit 40, a work unit creation unit 50, and an output unit 60 are implemented by the CPU 101 executing the work plan planning program. Hardware such as a dedicated circuit may be used as the layout storage section 10, the order storage section 20, the order creation section 30, the work set creation section 40, the work unit creation section 50, and the output section 60. FIG.

The layout storage unit 10 stores layouts of warehouse shelves. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the layout storage unit 10 associates and stores the product number of each product case with the queue number of the product shelf on which the product case is accommodated.

The order storage unit 20 stores orders input from the outside. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating orders. As exemplified in FIG. 8, in the order, the product number to be picked is associated with the row number of the product shelf on which the product case of each product number is arranged. Since each product number is associated with the queue number of each product shelf in the layout storage unit 10, only the product number may be specified in the order.

The work set creation unit 40 creates a work set using the layouts stored in the layout storage unit 10 and the orders stored in the order storage unit 20. FIG. The work unit creation section 50 creates work units from the work set created by the work set creation section 40 . The output unit 60 outputs the work units created by the work units. Details will be described below.

First, an algorithm for creating a working set by the working set creation unit 40 will be described. In this embodiment, during one reciprocation in which the traveling machine 201 travels on one working route as an outward route and travels on another working route as a returning route, the work of returning the transportable number of product cases and A combination of return product cases and collection product cases (hereinafter referred to as a work set) is determined so as to complete the collection work. By determining the work set as in the present embodiment, it is possible to plan efficient collection/return work. In the present embodiment, when working on a particular row, the traveling machine 201 does not work on rows facing each other on the same working route. For example, when the return/collection work is performed in row 1 on the outbound trip, the return/collection work is not performed in row 2 on the outbound trip.

FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are diagrams illustrating patterns of work sets (return set and collection set) in which return/collection work can be completed during one round trip. Let M (M: integer, M>0) be the maximum number of items to be loaded on the traveling machine 201 . It is assumed that there are M or more product cases to be returned and collected in one row, or a total of M or more when two rows are combined, and M returned product cases are returned during each round trip. Then, M collection product cases are collected at the loading positions of the traveling machine 201 that have been vacated by the return.

Here, in order to execute the return/pickup work in one round trip, the return/pickup places need to be located on one row of product shelves or two rows of product shelves, respectively. Specifically, pattern 1 in FIG. 9(a), pattern 2 in FIG. 9(a), pattern 3 in FIG. 9(b), and pattern 4 in FIG. 9(b) are conceivable.

In pattern 1, the locations of M returned product cases are in a single row A (or B), and the locations of M pickup product cases are distributed in two rows (A+B). In the forward trip, the M returned product cases are located on the front side, and some of the collection product cases are located on the back side. In pattern 1, M return product cases are returned only on the outward trip. The M collection product cases are collected over the outward and return trips. The collection product cases on the outbound route are collected on the back side of the M return product cases.

In pattern 2, the locations of M returned product cases are distributed in two rows (A+B), and the locations of M pickup product cases are in single row B (or A). Some return merchandise case locations are on the outbound trip, and the remaining return merchandise case locations are on the return trip. On the return trip, the locations of the M collection product cases are on the front side of the locations of the remaining return product cases. In pattern 2, M returned product cases are collected on the outward and return trips, and M collected product cases are collected only on the return trip. Collected product cases on the return trip are collected before the remaining returned product cases.

In pattern 3, the location of M returned product cases is in single row A, and the location of M collection product cases is in single row B. In pattern 3, M return product cases are returned only on the outward trip, and M collection product cases are collected only on the return trip.

In pattern 4, the location of M returned product cases is in single row A, and the location of M collection product cases is also in single row A. On the outward route, the locations of the M collection product cases are on the back side of the locations of the M return product cases.

The work set creation unit 40 combines all picking work orders according to pattern 1 to pattern 4 based on the row number of the product shelf where each product case is stored. An example of a combined working set is illustrated in FIG. Each working set includes a return set and a pickup set. For example, working set #2 includes return set #2 and pickup set #2. The numbers in the table indicate the row number of the product shelf where the product cases to be returned and collected in each work set are arranged. In the first work set #1, only the collection work is performed because the traveling machine 201 has not yet loaded the returned product cases. Therefore, the return set #1 does not include a column number.

Working set #2 corresponds to pattern one. Working set #3 corresponds to pattern 2. In return set #2 of work set #2, single row A is shown on the right side because the return operation is performed only in row 1. In pick set #2 of work set #2, two columns (A+B) are shown on the right side because the pick up operations are performed in columns 1 and 3. In return set #3 of work set #3, two columns (A+B) are shown because return operations are performed in columns 1 and 3. In the collection set #3 of the work set #3, the collection operation is performed in a row 3 different from that in the return set #2. Working set #4 corresponds to pattern 3. Since return set #4 of work set #4 is returned in the same row 3 as collection set #3, single row B is described. Since collection work is performed in row 1, which is different from return set #4, in collection set #4 of work set #4, single row A is described to mean that it is different from single row B.

Since the product cases collected in the previous work set are the same as the product cases to be returned in the next work set, the collection set of the previous work set and the return set of the next work set are the same. For example, pickup set #2 of work set #2 and return set #3 of work set #3 are the same. Therefore, only the collection set is extracted from the work sets in FIG. 10 and illustrated in the upper part of FIG. 11 .

In order to perform each of all the work sets in one round trip, it is desirable to consider not only the arrangement of the product cases of one work set, but also the arrangement of the product cases of successive work sets.

For example, if a collection product case of a certain work set is arranged only on the outward trip or only on the return trip, the same product case can be returned only on the outward trip in the next work set. Therefore, a work set in which the collection sets are in a single row can be regarded as one work unit 1 .

Next, if the collection product case of a certain work set is arranged on both the outbound trip and the homeward trip, the same product case must be returned in the next work set on both the outbound trip and the homeward trip. As in pattern 2, the next collection product case must be placed on the return route. So, for example, if one work set picks up in single row A, the next work set picks up in two rows (A+B), and the next work set picks up in single row B, each working set is picked by 1 It can be done round trip. Therefore, one work unit 2 is a combination of sequentially performing a work set with a single row A as a collection set, a work set with two rows (A+B) as a collection set, and a work set with a single row B (or A) as a collection set. be able to.

After the work set creation unit 40 creates four patterns of work sets, the work unit creation unit 50 groups the work sets into the following two patterns (hereinafter referred to as work units). By unitizing in this way and fixing the order of the work set, it becomes possible to perform all the work in one round trip.
Work unit 1: single row A
Working unit 2: single row A + 2 rows (A + B) + single row B (or A)

Note that the work unit 2 does not have to have an upper limit as long as this rule is followed. For example, the number of working sets in the working unit 2 may exceed three, such as single row A+2 rows (A+B)+single row B+2 rows (B+C)+single row B, and so on.

The lower part of FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where the work sets in the upper part are grouped into the two types of work units. In the example of FIG. 11, collection set #1 is single row A, collection set #2 is double row (A+B), and pickup set #3 is single row B, so work sets #1 to #3 are Corresponds to work unit 2 . Since the collection set #4 is a single row A, the work set #4 corresponds to the work unit 1.

Pickup Set #5 is Single Row A, Pickup Set #6 is Double Row (A+B), Pickup Set #7 is Single Row B, Pickup Set #8 is Double Row (B+C), Pickup Set Since #9 is single row B, work sets #5 to #9 correspond to work unit 2. FIG. In order to express that the two columns of the collection set #6 and the two columns of the collection set #8 are different, the two columns of the collection set #8 are written as (B+C).

In the example of FIG. 11, the order of each work set can be represented by work unit 1 and work unit 2. In FIG. Therefore, it is possible to perform all the work in one round trip.

As long as the work set order in the created work unit is not reversed (it can be reversed), all work can be performed in one round trip regardless of the order of the work units. In other words, by parameterizing work units and optimizing the order and assignment to each work body for each work unit, it is possible to formulate a more efficient work plan.

12 to 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the information processing apparatus 100. FIG. The operation of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. FIG.

The order creation unit 30 reads orders stored in the order storage unit 20 (step S1). Next, the order creation unit 30 reads the queue number for each product number included in the order from the layout storage unit 10 (step S2). Next, the order creation unit 30 rearranges the orders in ascending order of the column numbers (step S3). FIG. 15 shows the order in FIG. 8 rearranged in ascending order of column numbers.

Next, the order creation unit 30 divides the orders obtained in step S3 into even-numbered columns and odd-numbered columns (step S4). Next, the working set creating unit 40 creates a working set (step S5). Details of step S5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. Next, the work unit creation section 50 creates work units using the work set obtained in step S5 (step S6). Next, the output section 60 outputs the work unit created in step S6 (step S7). For example, the output work unit is displayed on the display device 105 . Alternatively, the output work unit is input to the travel machine 201 . The travel machine 201 performs the picking work according to the input work unit.

13 and 14 will be described below. The work set creation unit 40 reads orders in odd-numbered columns from the orders created by the order creation unit 30, and sets n=1 (step S11). Next, the order creation unit 30 determines whether or not there are products (product numbers) that have not been allocated to the work set (step S12). When step S12 is executed for the first time, none of the commodities have been allocated to the work set yet, so the determination in step S12 is "Yes".

If it is determined as "Yes" in step S12, the working set creation unit 40 calculates the number of products Pn(t) that have not yet been distributed in column n (step S13). The number of products corresponds to the number of product numbers. Next, the work set creation unit 40 determines whether or not the product number Pn(t) is equal to or greater than the specified maximum stackable number M (step S14).

If it is determined as "Yes" in step S14, the work set creation unit 40 creates a single row A pick-up set A having M products from the products that have not yet been allocated to the work set from the column n. (Step S15).

Next, the working set creation unit 40 generates Pn(t)! is a natural number N times M (step S16). In step S16, it is determined whether or not the remaining number of commodities in row n is a multiple of the maximum number M of stackable commodities. If it is a multiple, D creates a set consisting of only n repeated columns. If it is determined as "No" in step S16, the work set creation unit 40 creates a single-row A collection set A having M products for row n from the products that have not yet been distributed (step S17). ).

Next, the working set creation unit 40 calculates the number of products Pn(t) that have not yet been distributed (step S18). Next, the working set creation unit 40 determines whether Pn(t) calculated in step S18 is zero (step S19). If "No" is determined in step S19, the process is executed again from step S17. If it is determined as "Yes" in step S19, the working set creating unit 40 adds 2 to n (step S20). After that, the process is executed again from step S12.

If it is determined "Yes" in step S16, the work set creation unit 40 determines whether or not the number of products Pn(t) is 2M or more (step S21). If it is determined as "Yes" in step S21, the working set creation unit 40 selects column k different from column n (step S22). Next, the work set creation unit 40 creates a collection set of two columns (A+B) from columns n and k (step S23).

Next, the work set creation unit 40 creates a collection set A of a single row A from row n (step S24). Next, the work set creation unit 40 determines whether or not there are products that have not yet been distributed in columns 1 to n (step S25). If the determination in step S25 is "No", step S20 is executed.

If it is determined as "Yes" in step S25, the working set creation unit 40 identifies the lowest column L of the products (product numbers) that have not yet been allocated (step S26). Next, the working set creation unit 40 determines whether or not n=L (step S27). If the determination in step S27 is "Yes", step S17 is executed.

If the determination in step S14 is "No", the working set creation unit 40 selects column k different from column n (step S28). Next, the work set creation unit 40 creates a collection set B of a single row B from the row k (step S29). Next, the working set creation unit 40 creates a two-column (A+B) pickup set (A+B) from the columns n and k (step S30).

Next, the work set creation unit 40 creates a collection set B of a single row B from the row k (step S31). Next, the work set creation unit 40 identifies the lowest column L of products (product numbers) that have not yet been distributed (step S32). Next, the working set creation unit 40 determines whether or not k=L (step S33). If "No" is determined in step S33, step S34 is executed. Step S34 is also executed when the determination in step S27 is "No".

If it is determined as "Yes" in step S33, the working set creating unit 40 sets n=k (step S35). Next, the work set creation unit 40 calculates the number of products Pn(t) that have not yet been distributed for column n (step S36). Next, the work set creation unit 40 determines whether or not the product number Pn(t) is equal to or greater than M (step S37). If "No" is determined in step S37, step S28 is executed. If the determination in step S37 is "Yes", step S16 is executed.

If it is determined as "No" in step S12, the working set creation unit 40 determines whether or not even-numbered columns have been processed (product numbers have been distributed) (step S39). If it is determined as "No" in step S39, the working set creation unit 40 reads orders in even columns from the orders created by the order creation unit 30, and sets n=2 (step S40). After that, the process is executed again from step S12. If it is determined as "Yes" in step S39, the work set creation unit 40 outputs the creation result of each collection set as the creation result of the work set (S41). Execution of the flowchart then ends.

Here, fractional products in each column will be described. FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c) are diagrams for explaining fractional products in each column. Since the number of product numbers in the same row is not always divisible by M, there are fractions that cannot be included in the same return set or collection set. In this case, in addition to extra travel to return and pick up the fractional number, the fractional number of another row is generated. On the other hand, by executing steps S22, S23, S28, and S30 in FIG. 13, all work sets can be completed in one round trip.

(simulation result)
Using actual data, the number of reciprocations required for the picking operation of all 1103 orders was calculated by simulation. As an example, the flow charts of FIGS. 12 to 14 are used. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the warehouse layout used for the simulation. A working path is formed between the row (2m−1) and the row (2m), and no working path is formed between the row (2m) and the row (2m+1). In FIG. 17, since the columns 1 to 32 and the columns 33 to 64 are drawn in two stages, the columns 32 and 33 are separated from each other. Also, it is arranged up to column 64 . It is assumed that 20 product cases corresponding to 20 product numbers are accommodated on each product shelf specified by each row number.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a part of the work set for which work is planned. Here, the numbers in the table are the row numbers of the shelf where each product is stored. Also, this partial work set is a work set for the portion surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 17 . For 1103 orders, the calculated number of round trips was 188. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing part of the created working set.

On the other hand, a simulation was performed in which the orders 1103 were sorted in ascending order of the numbers of the product shelves on which the products were stored, and the collection and return operations were performed in order. In this case, the calculated number of reciprocations was 243 for all 1103 orders.

From these results, the number of reciprocations could be reduced by 23% with the method according to the present embodiment. Also, when I calculated the minimum number of round trips necessary for this work, it was 184 times (= 1103/6 ≒ 183). Recognize.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the results of rearranging and leveling the created work sets for each work unit. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing part of the created work unit. Here, if the time required for one round trip work is 10 minutes/round trip on average, the required work time before leveling is 260 minutes (10 minutes×26) because the required number of round trips is 26 round trips. On the other hand, the work required time after leveling is 230 minutes (10 minutes×23) because the required number of round trips is 23 round trips. From the above, it can be seen that the work time can be reduced by 30 minutes by leveling.

Note that the traveling distance of the traveling machine 201 may be further shortened after sorting and leveling for each work unit. For example, in the work order on the upper left of FIG. Because it is separated by the book, the movement distance becomes longer. Therefore, in the work order on the upper right of FIG. 20, the work units are rearranged to shorten the movement between work paths while keeping the number of reciprocations unchanged. In this way, it is preferable to shorten the distance between the work paths on the outward and return paths. In addition, there are cases where orders with conditions such as priority orders are placed at the site. Even in such a case, it is possible to make a plan without significantly increasing the work distance by replacing each work unit including the corresponding order.

In the patterns 1 to 4 described with reference to FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the pattern of returning all returned product cases and then collecting the collection product cases was described. It is not limited to that. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 21, patterns 1, 2, and 4 may include return product cases and collection product cases. However, it is a condition that the first returned product case precedes the first collected product case on the travel route.

According to this embodiment, the maximum number of product cases to be loaded is returned and the maximum number of product cases to be collected are collected in each round trip so that the product cases designated for collection are collected. Since a combination of product cases for the purpose is created, there is no need to make extra round trips. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, efficient collection/return work can be planned.

Further, according to the present embodiment, each round trip is classified into patterns 1 to 4, work unit 1 and work unit 2 are created according to the patterns 1 to 4, and work unit 1 and work unit 2 are arranged in order. is created. By creating the arrangement order in this way, the arrangement of the product cases in the successive work sets is taken into consideration, and all the work can be performed in one round trip.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the order of each round trip is changed so that the work path of the outward trip and the work route of the return trip are shortened in one of the round trips. In this case, the traveling distance of the traveling machine 101 is shortened, and the efficiency of work picking is improved.

In the above example, the product case is an example of the article. A product shelf is an example of an article shelf. The product number of each product case is an example of an identifier for specifying the product shelf in which it is stored. The work set creation unit 40 and the work unit creation unit 50 create the plurality of first articles and the plurality of items so that the first work and the second work can be performed in one outbound movement and one inbound movement. It is an example of the identification part which identifies the 2nd goods.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Change is possible.
(Appendix)
(Appendix 1)
With regard to a plurality of rows including a plurality of articles and a plurality of article shelves, and a plurality of work paths provided between each of the plurality of rows, each of the plurality of articles and each of the plurality of article shelves A mobile body having a placement space for placing the article is defined as an identifier indicating the correspondence relationship between the items, moves along one of the plurality of work paths as an outward path, and moves on one of the plurality of work paths a first work of moving along a work path as a return path and placing a plurality of first articles placed on the moving body on an article shelf specified by the identifier defined for the articles; and a second work of placing a plurality of second articles specified by from the article shelf onto the moving body,
to the computer,
A process of specifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles is executed so that the first work and the second work can be performed in one forward movement and one return movement. work planning program.
(Appendix 2)
In the process of identifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles, a first reciprocating motion is performed by performing the first work in a single row of the plurality of rows and performing the second work in two rows. a second pattern in which the first task is performed in two of the plurality of columns and the second task in a single column; and a single column of the plurality of columns in which the first task is performed and in a single column. A third pattern in which the second work is performed and a fourth pattern in which the first work is performed in a single row of the plurality of rows and the second work is performed in the single row, and the second work is performed in a single row. A first work unit that performs the work and a second work unit that performs the second work according to the rule of (single row + two rows + single row) are created, and the arrangement of the first work unit and the second work unit 1. A work planning program according to appendix 1, characterized in that it creates an order.
(Appendix 3)
to the computer;
Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein a process of changing the arrangement of the first work unit and the second work unit is executed so as to shorten the moving distance of the moving body in one of the round trips. Work planning program as described in .
(Appendix 4)
According to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein under the conditions, each article shelf stores a plurality of articles, and both the first work and the second work can be performed on the same article shelf. A work planning program as described.
(Appendix 5)
4. The work plan drafting program according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein in the conditions, the article is a product case containing a plurality of products of the same type.
(Appendix 6)
With regard to a plurality of rows including a plurality of articles and a plurality of article shelves, and a plurality of work paths provided between each of the plurality of rows, each of the plurality of articles and each of the plurality of article shelves A mobile body having a placement space for placing the article is defined as an identifier indicating the correspondence relationship between the items, moves along one of the plurality of work paths as an outward path, and moves on one of the plurality of work paths a first work of moving along a work path as a return path and placing a plurality of first articles placed on the moving body on an article shelf specified by the identifier defined for the articles; and a second work of placing a plurality of second articles specified by from the article shelf onto the moving body,
The computer executes a process of identifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles so that the first work and the second work can be performed in one forward movement and one return movement. A work plan formulation method characterized by:
(Appendix 7)
In the process of identifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles, a first reciprocating motion is performed by performing the first work in a single row of the plurality of rows and performing the second work in two rows. a second pattern in which the first task is performed in two of the plurality of columns and the second task in a single column; and a single column of the plurality of columns in which the first task is performed and in a single column. A third pattern in which the second work is performed and a fourth pattern in which the first work is performed in a single row of the plurality of rows and the second work is performed in the single row, and the second work is performed in a single row. A first work unit that performs the work and a second work unit that performs the second work according to the rule of (single row + two rows + single row) are created, and the arrangement of the first work unit and the second work unit 6. The method of creating a work plan according to appendix 6, wherein the order is created.
(Appendix 8)
to said computer;
Supplementary Note 6 or Supplementary Note 7, wherein a process of changing the arrangement of the first work unit and the second work unit is executed so as to shorten the moving distance of the moving body in one of the round trips. The work planning method described in .
(Appendix 9)
According to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8, wherein under the conditions, each article shelf stores a plurality of articles, and both the first work and the second work can be performed on the same article shelf. Described work planning method.
(Appendix 10)
10. The work plan formulation method according to any one of appendices 6 to 9, wherein in the conditions, the article is a product case containing a plurality of products of the same type.
(Appendix 11)
With regard to a plurality of rows including a plurality of articles and a plurality of article shelves, and a plurality of work paths provided between each of the plurality of rows, each of the plurality of articles and each of the plurality of article shelves A mobile body having a placement space for placing the article is defined as an identifier indicating the correspondence relationship between the items, moves along one of the plurality of work paths as an outward path, and moves on one of the plurality of work paths a first work of moving along a work path as a return path and placing a plurality of first articles placed on the moving body on an article shelf specified by the identifier defined for the articles; a second work of placing a plurality of second articles specified by from the article shelf onto the moving body, the first work is performed by one forward movement and one return movement. and an identifying unit that identifies the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles so that the second work can be performed.
(Appendix 12)
In the process of specifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles, the specifying unit performs the first work in a single row of the plurality of rows and the second work in two rows for each one round trip. a first pattern of performing a task; a second pattern of performing the first task in two of the plurality of columns and performing the second task in a single column; and performing the first task in a single column of the plurality of columns. and a third pattern in which the second task is performed in a single row and a fourth pattern in which the first task is performed in a single row of the plurality of rows and the second task is performed in the single row. A first work unit that performs the second work in a line and a second work unit that performs the second work according to the rule of (single line + two lines + single line) are created, and the first work unit and the second work unit are created. 12. The information processing apparatus according to appendix 11, wherein the arrangement order of the work units is created.
(Appendix 13)
Supplementary note 11 or Supplementary note, wherein the specifying unit changes the arrangement of the first work unit and the second work unit so as to shorten the movement distance of the moving body in one of the round trips. 13. The information processing device according to 12.
(Appendix 14)
According to any one of appendices 11 to 13, characterized in that, in the conditions, each article shelf stores a plurality of articles, and both the first work and the second work can be performed on the same article shelf. The information processing device described.
(Appendix 15)
15. The information processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 11 to 14, wherein in the condition, the article is a product case in which a plurality of products of the same type are accommodated.

10 layout storage unit 20 order storage unit 30 order creation unit 40 work set creation unit 50 work unit creation unit 60 output unit 100 information processing device 101 CPU
102 RAMs
103 storage device 104 input device 105 display device 201 traveling machine 202 product shelf 203 picking work area

Claims (7)

With regard to a plurality of rows including a plurality of articles and a plurality of article shelves, and a plurality of work paths provided between each of the plurality of rows, each of the plurality of articles and each of the plurality of article shelves A mobile body having a placement space for placing the article is defined as an identifier indicating the correspondence relationship between the items, moves along one of the plurality of work paths as an outward path, and moves on one of the plurality of work paths a first work of moving along a work path as a return path and placing a plurality of first articles placed on the moving body on an article shelf specified by the identifier defined for the articles; and a second work of placing a plurality of second articles specified by from the article shelf onto the moving body,
to the computer,
A process of specifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles is executed so that the first work and the second work can be performed in one forward movement and one return movement. work planning program. In the process of identifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles, a first reciprocating motion is performed by performing the first work in a single row of the plurality of rows and performing the second work in two rows. a second pattern in which the first task is performed in two of the plurality of columns and the second task in a single column; and a single column of the plurality of columns in which the first task is performed and in a single column. A third pattern in which the second work is performed and a fourth pattern in which the first work is performed in a single row of the plurality of rows and the second work is performed in the single row, and the second work is performed in a single row. A first work unit that performs the work and a second work unit that performs the second work according to the rule of (single row + two rows + single row) are created, and the arrangement of the first work unit and the second work unit 2. The work plan drafting program according to claim 1, wherein the work plan drafting program creates an order. to the computer;
3. A process of changing the arrangement of said first work unit and said second work unit so as to shorten the movement distance of said moving body in one of said one reciprocation. Item 3. The work plan drafting program according to item 2. 4. The condition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each article shelf accommodates a plurality of articles, and both the first work and the second work can be performed on the same article shelf. A work planning program as described in section. 5. The work plan drafting program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in said condition, the item is a product case containing a plurality of products of the same type. With regard to a plurality of rows including a plurality of articles and a plurality of article shelves, and a plurality of work paths provided between each of the plurality of rows, each of the plurality of articles and each of the plurality of article shelves A mobile body having a placement space for placing the article is defined as an identifier indicating the correspondence relationship between the items, moves along one of the plurality of work paths as an outward path, and moves on one of the plurality of work paths a first work of moving along a work path as a return path and placing a plurality of first articles placed on the moving body on an article shelf specified by the identifier defined for the articles; and a second work of placing a plurality of second articles specified by from the article shelf onto the moving body,
The computer executes a process of identifying the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles so that the first work and the second work can be performed in one forward movement and one return movement. A work plan formulation method characterized by: With regard to a plurality of rows including a plurality of articles and a plurality of article shelves, and a plurality of work paths provided between each of the plurality of rows, each of the plurality of articles and each of the plurality of article shelves A mobile body having a placement space for placing the article is defined as an identifier indicating the correspondence relationship between the items, moves along one of the plurality of work paths as an outward path, and moves on one of the plurality of work paths a first work of moving along a work path as a return path and placing a plurality of first articles placed on the moving body on an article shelf specified by the identifier defined for the articles; a second work of placing a plurality of second articles specified by from the article shelf onto the moving body, the first work is performed by one forward movement and one return movement. and an identifying unit that identifies the plurality of first articles and the plurality of second articles so that the second work can be performed.

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