JP2023104189A - Information processing device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of improving the bulk ratio of a shelf, an information processing method, and a program.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a storage part, a first interface, a second interface, and a processor. The storage part stores height information showing an identifier of a region including two or more shelf boards for placing containers, an identifier of each container and the height from a floor face at the placing position of each container. The first interface acquires a list related to a prescribed container. The second interface sends and receives data to/from an automatic carrier acquiring the container. The processor acquires the identifier of a region where the prescribed container exists from the storage part, moves the automatic carrier to the region capable of acquiring the prescribed container through the second interface, and allows the automatic carrier to acquire the prescribed container through the second interface, on the basis of the height information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

A system is provided in which a container for storing an article is obtained from a predetermined shelf board of a shelf and transported. Such systems attach to each shelf a code that identifies the shelf or container. Therefore, the shelf board has a predetermined height (thickness) for attaching the cord.

As a result, conventionally, the floor area ratio of the shelf may decrease due to the height of the shelf board.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-502940

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can improve the floor area ratio of a shelf are provided.

According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a storage unit, a first interface, a second interface, and a processor. The storage unit stores an identifier of an area including two or more shelves on which containers are to be stacked, an identifier of each container, and height information indicating the height from the floor surface of the loading position of each container. A first interface obtains a list for a given container. A second interface sends and receives data to and from an automated transport device that acquires the container. The processor acquires an identifier of an area where the predetermined container exists from the storage unit, moves the automatic transport device to the area where the predetermined container can be acquired, and performs the second process. interface to cause the automatic transport device to acquire the predetermined container based on the height information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a shelf or the like according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the control system according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the CTU control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view of the CTU according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a CTU according to the embodiment; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an order list according to the embodiment; FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the CTU control device according to the embodiment.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
A control system according to an embodiment picks an article from a tote (container) stored on a shelf in a physical distribution system or the like. The control system uses a Case Transfer Unit (CTU) to transfer the totes from the shelf to the picking station. A control system picks items from a tote at a picking station. A control system causes an operator or robot to pick an item from the tote.
For example, control systems are used in distribution centers, warehouses, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control system 100 according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the control system 100 includes a picking station P (P1 to P4), a CTU 7, a shelf 8, a picking robot 111, a display device 112, and the like.

A picking robot 111 and a display device 112 are installed in the picking stations P1 to P4, respectively. The control system can operate the picking robot 111 to pick items at each of the picking stations P1 to P4. The control system can also deactivate the picking robot 111 and deploy the attendant 113 to pick the item. The clerk 113 can visually confirm the item processing schedule displayed on the display device 112 and process the item. Note that the display device 112 may be a wireless communication terminal assigned to the attendant 113 .

Alternatively, the display devices 112 may be installed in the picking stations P1 to P4, and the picking robots 111 may be installed in some of the picking stations. In this case, a picking station in which the picking robot 111 is not installed is used as a picking station for the attendant 113 . The picking station in which the picking robot 111 is installed can be used as either the picking station for the picking robot 111 or for the attendant 113 .

It should be noted that the control system may comprise multiple cameras. Also, one or some of the cameras may be fixed cameras and the rest may be mobile cameras. The fixed camera is a camera that is fixed, for example, on the ceiling, walls, and top and side surfaces of the picking stations P1 to P4. . The shooting data includes shooting date/time data (including shooting time) and shot image data. The photographed image data is still image data and moving image data. Further, the fixed camera may be rotated vertically and horizontally based on a photographing control signal from the host device 2 or the like, which will be described later. The fixed camera rotates up, down, left, and right to monitor the inside of the warehouse over a wide range.

The CTU 7 is an automatic transport device that loads and transports a tote 9, which will be described later. The CTU 7 acquires the tote 9 loaded with articles from the shelf 8 . When the CTU 7 acquires the tote 9, it moves to the picking station P. After moving to the picking station P, the CTU 7 places the tote 9 at the picking station P at a predetermined position.
The CTU7 will be detailed later.

The shelf 8 accommodates a plurality of totes 9. The shelf 8 will be detailed later.

Picking stations P1-P4 receive totes 9 transported by CTU7. Items are stored in totes 9 received at picking stations P1-P4. When the item processing by the picking robot 111 is specified, the picking robot 111 grips (grips) and picks the items stored in the tote 9 . When article processing by the staff 113 is specified, the assigned staff 113 manually grips and picks the articles stored in the tote 9 . In addition, the display device 112 provided corresponding to the picking stations P1 to P4 displays information for supporting the picking work of the staff 113, such as an image of an article to be processed and article identification information, in addition to the article processing schedule. . The attendant 113 visually confirms the display contents of the display device 112 and picks the article.

Also, the picking stations P1 to P4 may store articles in the tote 9 using the picking robot 111 or the attendant 113 .

Next, the shelf 8 will be explained.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the shelf 8. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the shelf 8 includes a bottom plate 81, a plurality of shelf plates 82 and a cord 83 (first cord).

The bottom plate 81 constitutes the lowermost shelf. The bottom plate 81 has a depth that allows the tote 9 to be loaded. Also, the bottom plate 81 has a predetermined width. The bottom plate 81 stacks a plurality of totes 9 in the width direction. Here, the bottom plate 81 loads two totes 9 .

A cord 83 is formed on the front surface of the bottom plate 81 . Code 83 will be described later.

A shelf plate 82 is formed above the bottom plate 81 . The shelf plate 82 has a depth that allows the tote 9 to be loaded. Moreover, the shelf board 82 has a predetermined width. The shelf board 82 stacks a plurality of totes 9 in the width direction. Here, the shelf 82 is capable of loading two totes 9 .

Code 83 is a code obtained by encoding an identifier for identifying area 84 in which tote 9 is loaded. For example, identifiers consist of numbers, strings, symbols, or combinations thereof.

A region 84 is formed above the cord 83 . Area 84 is where there is a row of totes 9 extending upwardly from cord 83 . That is, the area 84 is an area containing one tote 9 that each shelf 82 loads.

The tote 9 is a container for storing articles. Here, the tote 9 is formed in a box shape with an open top.

A cord 91 (second cord) is formed on the tote 9 .
A code 91 is a code obtained by encoding an identifier that identifies the tote 9 . For example, identifiers consist of numbers, strings, symbols, or combinations thereof.

Next, the control system of the control system 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 shows a control system of the control system 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the control system 100 includes a host device 2, a CTU 7, a CTU control device 30, and the like. The host device 2 connects to the CTU control device 30 . CTU controller 30 connects to CTU 7 .

Note that the control system 100 may have a configuration other than the configuration shown in FIG. 3 as necessary, or may exclude a specific configuration from the control system 100 .

The high-level device 2 transmits to the CTU control device 30 an order list indicating orders composed of items to be picked and destinations of the items. The order list relates to totes 9 acquired by CTU 7 . The order list will be detailed later.
For example, the host device 2 is a WMS (Warehouse Management System). For example, the host device 2 is composed of a PC or the like.

The CTU control device 30 (information processing device) controls the CTU 7 according to the order list. CTU controller 30 functions as a controller for CTU 7 . That is, the CTU control device 30 controls movement of the CTU 7, acquisition of the tote 9, opening of the tote 9, and the like. For example, CTU controller 30 is a WCS.

Next, the CTU control device 30 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the CTU control device 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the CTU control device 30 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an NVM 34, a communication section 35, a CTU interface 36, an operation section 37, a display section 38, and the like.

The processor 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, NVM 34, CTU interface 36, communication section 35, operation section 37 and display section 38 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like.
The CTU control device 30 may have a configuration other than the configuration shown in FIG.

Processor 31 has the function of controlling the operation of CTU controller 30 as a whole. Processor 31 may include an internal cache, various interfaces, and the like. The processor 31 implements various processes by executing programs pre-stored in the internal memory, ROM 32 or NVM 34 .

Note that some of the various functions realized by the processor 31 executing the program may be realized by hardware circuits. In this case, processor 31 controls the functions performed by the hardware circuits.

The ROM 32 is a nonvolatile memory in which control programs, control data, and the like are stored in advance. The control programs and control data stored in the ROM 32 are installed in advance according to the specifications of the CTU control device 30 .

RAM 33 is a volatile memory. The RAM 33 temporarily stores data being processed by the processor 31 . RAM 33 stores various application programs based on instructions from processor 31 . In addition, the RAM 33 may store data necessary for executing the application program, execution results of the application program, and the like.

The NVM 34 (storage unit) is a non-volatile memory in which data can be written and rewritten. The NVM 34 is composed of, for example, an HDD, SSD, flash memory, or the like. The NVM 34 stores control programs, applications, various data, etc. according to the operational use of the CTU control device 30 .

The NVM 34 stores the item, the identifier of the tote 9 storing the item, the identifier of the area 84 where the tote 9 is present, and the number of stages on which the tote 9 is loaded (height from the floor at the loading position of the tote 9). stock information (height information) associated with is stored in advance. The inventory information may also indicate the position of the shelf 8 storing each tote 9 .

The processor 31 may appropriately update the inventory information in accordance with an operator's operation or the like.

The communication unit 35 (first interface) is an interface for communicating with the host device 2 and the like. For example, the communication unit 35 is an interface for transmitting/receiving data to/from the host device 2 through the network. For example, the communication unit 35 is an interface that supports wired or wireless LAN connection.

A CTU interface 36 (second interface) is an interface for communicating with the CTU 7 . The CTU interface 36 connects to the CTU 7 by wire or wirelessly. For example, CTU interface 36 may support wireless LAN connectivity.

The operation unit 37 receives input of various operations from the operator. The operation unit 37 transmits a signal indicating the input operation to the processor 31 . The operation unit 37 may be composed of a touch panel.

The display unit 38 displays image data from the processor 31 . For example, the display unit 38 is composed of a liquid crystal monitor. When the operating section 37 is configured by a touch panel, the display section 38 may be formed integrally with the operating section 37 .

Note that the communication unit 35 and the CTU interface 36 may be integrally formed.

Next, the CTU7 will be explained.
FIG. 5 is a side view of CTU7.

As FIG. 5 shows, CTU 7 comprises a base 701 . Base 701 functions as a moving mechanism for moving the entire CTU 7 . The base 701 includes a tire 70 and the like, which will be described later. Note that the base 701 may be equipped with a camera or the like for reading a code attached to the floor surface.

A member 702 extending upward is formed on the base 701 . For example, the member 702 is composed of two rod-shaped members extending upward and a rod-shaped member extending between the members. That is, the member 702 is formed like a ladder.

A plurality of rear trays 703 are formed on the member 702 . The rear tray 703 is a plate-shaped member extending horizontally from the member 702 . The rear tray 703 is loaded with the totes 9 . The back tray 703 loads one tote 9 .

A shuttle portion 704 (grasping mechanism) is formed in the member 702 . The shuttle portion 704 is formed in the opposite direction to the rear tray 703 with respect to the member 702 . The shuttle portion 704 can be moved up and down along the member 702 by a driving portion 76 or the like, which will be described later.

The shuttle portion 704 grips the tote 9 in front (on the left side in FIG. 5). The shuttle portion 704 loads the gripped tote 9 onto one of the rear trays 703 .
The shuttle portion 704 also grips a tote 9 loaded on one of the rear trays 703 . The shuttle portion 704 releases the gripped tote 9 forward.

The shuttle portion 704 retrieves the tote 9 from the bottom plate 81 of the shelf 8 and each shelf plate 82 . Also, the shuttle section 704 sets the tote 9 on the bottom plate 81 of the shelf 8 and each shelf plate 82 .

Shuttle unit 704 includes camera 705 . Camera 705 is installed so as to photograph the front. A camera 705 photographs code 83, code 91, and the like. The camera 705 may be equipped with lighting and the like.

Next, the control system of CTU7 is demonstrated.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the CTU 7. As shown in FIG. The CTU 7 includes a processor 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, an NVM 74, a communication section 75, a driving section 76, a battery 78, a charging mechanism 79, tires 70, a shuttle section 704, a camera 705, and the like.

The processor 71 has a function of controlling the operation of the entire CTU7. Processor 71 may include internal caches, various interfaces, and the like. The processor 71 implements various processes by executing programs pre-stored in the internal memory, ROM 72 or NVM 74 .

For example, the processor 71 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 71 may be realized by hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

The ROM 72 is a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium and stores the above program. The ROM 72 also stores data or various setting values used by the processor 71 in performing various processes. The RAM 73 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 73 is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the processor 71 performs various processes.

NVM 74 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and may store the above program. In addition, the NVM 74 stores data used by the processor 71 to perform various processes, data generated by the processes performed by the processor 71, various setting values, and the like.

The communication unit 75 is an interface for transmitting/receiving data to/from the CTU control device 30 or the like through a wireless LAN access point or the like. For example, communication unit 75 supports wireless LAN connection.

The driving section 76 (driving mechanism) drives the tire 70 . The drive unit 76 is a motor or the like that rotates the tire 70 , and rotates or stops the motor based on a drive signal output from the processor 71 . The power of the motor is transmitted to tires 70 . The CTU 7 moves to the target position by the power from such a motor.

Further, the driving section 76 drives the shuttle section 704 . For example, drive unit 76 moves shuttle unit 704 vertically. Further, the driving section 76 causes the shuttle section 704 to perform a gripping operation. The drive unit 76 is a motor or the like that drives the shuttle unit 704 .

The driving section 76 may be configured by a mechanism for driving the tires 70 and a mechanism for driving the shuttle section 704 .

A battery 78 supplies necessary power to the drive unit 76 and the like. The charging mechanism 79 is a mechanism that connects the charging station and the battery 78 , and the battery 78 is charged with power supplied from the charging station or the like via the charging mechanism 79 .

The tire 70 is rotated by the power from the driving section 76 . The CTU 7 advances, retreats, or changes direction by rotating the tires 70 .

Note that the CTU 7 may have a configuration other than the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 as necessary, or a specific configuration may be excluded from the CTU 7 .

The processor 71 performs processing such as acceleration, deceleration, stopping, turning, and calculations and controls necessary for the operation of the shuttle section 704 . The processor 71 executes a program stored in the ROM 72, the NVM 74, or the like based on control signals from the CTU control device 30 or the like, thereby generating drive signals and outputting them to each unit.

A processor 71 of the CTU 7 outputs a drive signal according to the control signal transmitted from the CTU control device 30 . As a result, the CTU 7 moves from its current position to a predetermined position, and performs operations such as gripping, opening, and loading the tote 9 .

Next, functions realized by the CTU control device 30 will be described. The functions realized by the CTU control device 30 are realized by the processor 31 executing a program stored in the internal memory, the ROM 32, the NVM 34, or the like.

First, the processor 31 has a function of acquiring the order list from the host device 2 .
For example, the processor 31 transmits an order list request to the host device 2 through the communication unit 35 . The processor 31 receives a response including the order list from the host device 2 through the communication unit 35 .

Also, the processor 31 may receive the order list from the host device 2 by push notification through the communication unit 35 .

FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of an order list. As shown in FIG. 7, the order list stores "destination code", "quantity", "item name", "size" and "item code" in association with each other. One "destination code", "quantity", "item name", "size" and "item code" constitute one order.

The “destination code” is an identifier that identifies the destination of the article (or the container or the like put in at the picking station P).

"Quantity" is the number of articles to be picked.
"Item name" is the name of the item.
"Dimension" indicates the outer dimensions of the article. Here, "dimension" indicates the length of three sides.
"Item code" is an identifier for identifying an item.

For example, an order is an order slip or the like.
Note that the configuration of the order list is not limited to a specific configuration.

The processor 31 also has a function of specifying the area 84 and the number of stages in which the totes 9 storing the articles to be picked are present.

Processor 31 retrieves the pending orders from the order list. Upon obtaining the order, processor 31 obtains the item code from the order. After obtaining the product code, the processor 31 refers to the inventory information and obtains the identifier and the number of rows of the area 84 corresponding to the product code (article identifier). Here, the processor 31 also obtains the identifier of the tote 9, corresponding to the item code.

The processor 31 also has the function of causing the CTU 7 to acquire a tote 9 storing items to be picked.

Having identified the area 84 and the number of stages, the processor 31 moves one of the CTUs 7 to a position where the tote 9 can be obtained from the area 84 . Here, processor 31 moves CTU 7 to a position where code 83 corresponding to area 84 can be read.

Here, processor 71 of CTU 7 moves shuttle unit 704 to a position where camera 705 can read code 83 . For example, processor 71 moves shuttle portion 704 to the bottom.

Upon moving the shuttle portion 704, the processor 71 initiates movement of the region 84 in front. During this time, processor 71 captures an image (captured image) using camera 705 and transmits the captured image to CTU control device 30 through communication unit 75 .

The processor 31 of the CTU controller 30 acquires the captured image through the CTU interface 36 . When the captured image is acquired, the processor 31 recognizes the code 83 appearing in the captured image. If code 83 is present in the captured image, processor 31 decodes code 83 .

Upon decoding code 83 , processor 31 determines whether the identifier obtained by decoding is the identifier of identified region 84 . After determining whether the identifier obtained by decoding is the identifier of the specified area 84, the processor 31 stops the CTU 7. FIG. Here, the processor 31 may continue to move the CTU 7 until the code 83 appears at a predetermined position in the captured image.

If the code 83 does not exist in the captured image, or if it is determined that the identifier obtained by decoding is not the identifier of the identified area 84, the processor 31 continues the movement of the CTU 7.

When the CTU 7 is stopped, the processor 31 calculates the height of the tote 9 containing the items to be picked (the height at which the tote 9 is loaded).

For example, processor 31 calculates the product of the number of stages and the interval between shelves 82 . After calculating the product of the number of stages and the interval between the shelves 82 , the processor 31 adds the calculated product to the height to which the code 83 is attached to calculate the height of the tote 9 .

That is, the processor 31 calculates the height of the tote 9 according to the following formula.

H = A + B x n
Here, H is the height of the tote 9 and A is the height at which the cord 83 is attached. Also, B is the interval between the shelf plates 82, and n is the number of stages.

After calculating the height of the tote 9, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to move the shuttle portion 704 upward based on the calculated height. That is, the processor 31 moves the shuttle section 704 to a height where the shuttle section 704 can acquire the tote 9 .

The processor 71 of the CTU 7 raises the shuttle section 704 under the control of the CTU controller 30 and stops at a predetermined height.

Here, the processor 71 of the CTU 7 recognizes the code 91 appearing in the captured image of the camera 705 . The processor 71 may adjust the stop position of the shuttle unit 704 based on the position of the cord 91 in the captured image.
Alternatively, processor 71 of CTU 7 may transmit captured images to CTU controller 30 through communication section 75 while shuttle section 704 is moving.

The processor 31 of the CTU controller 30 acquires the captured image through the CTU interface 36 . When the captured image is acquired, the processor 31 recognizes the code 91 appearing in the captured image. Processor 31 may adjust the stop position of shuttle unit 704 based on the position of cord 91 in the captured image.

When the shuttle unit 704 moves the shuttle unit 704 to a height where the tote 9 can be obtained, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to obtain the tote 9 . Upon causing the CTU 7 to acquire the tote 9 , the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to load the tote 9 onto one of the rear trays 703 .

The processor 31 also has a function of causing the CTU 7 to transport the tote 9 to the picking station P. FIG.

Having caused the CTU 7 to acquire the tote 9 , the processor 31 moves the CTU 7 to one of the picking stations P . Upon moving the CTU 7 to the picking station P, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to retrieve the tote 9 from the rear tray 703 . After acquiring the tote 9, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to load the tote 9 on the loading table of the picking station P or the like.

Next, an operation example of the CTU control device 30 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the CTU control device 30. As shown in FIG.

First, the processor 31 of the CTU control device 30 acquires the order list from the host device 2 through the communication section 35 (S11). After acquiring the order list, the processor 31 identifies the area 84 and the number of stages of the tote 9 in which the items indicated by the orders in the order list are stored (S12).

After identifying the area 84 and the number of stages of the tote 9, the processor 31 moves the CTU 7 to the area 84 in front of the cord 83 (S13). When the CTU 7 is moved to the area 84 in front of the cord 83, the processor 31 calculates the height of the tote 9 (S14).

After calculating the height of the tote 9, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to move the shuttle unit 704 based on the calculated height (S15). After moving the shuttle unit 704 to the CTU 7, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to acquire the tote 9 (S16).

After causing the CTU 7 to acquire the tote 9, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to load the tote 9 onto the rear tray 703 (S17). When the CTU 7 is loaded with the tote 9 on the rear tray 703, the processor 31 moves the CTU 7 to the picking station P (S18).

After moving the CTU 7 to the picking station P, the processor 31 causes the CTU 7 to open the tote 9 (S19). After causing the CTU 7 to open the tote 9, the processor 31 determines whether the orders on the order list have been completed (S20).

If it is determined that the orders in the order list have not ended (S20, NO), the processor 31 returns to S12.

If the processor 31 determines that the orders in the order list are finished (S20, YES), the processor 31 finishes the operation.

Note that the processor 31 may cause the CTU 7 to acquire a plurality of totes 9 before moving them to the picking station P. In this case, processor 31 may cause CTU 7 to release a plurality of totes 9 to picking station P in sequence.

Processor 31 may also cause CTU 7 to obtain tote 9 from picking station P. Processor 31 may cause CTU 7 to load tote 9 back onto shelf 8 .

Region 84 may also include multiple rows of totes 9 . In this case, processor 31 may laterally move CTU 7 to acquire tote 9 based on the distance between totes 9 .
The processor 31 may also calculate the height of the tote 9 when the area 84 and the number of stages of the tote 9 are specified.

The control system configured as described above attaches one code to an area in which a plurality of totes exist. The control system controls the shuttle portion of the CTU according to the relative positional relationship between the cord and the tote to cause the CTU to acquire the tote. As a result, the control system allows the CTU to acquire totes without having to attach a code to the shelf for each tote. Thus, the control system can make the shelf thinner and improve the volume ratio of the shelf.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

2 Host device 7 CTU 8 Shelf 9 Tote 30 CTU control device 31 Processor 32 ROM 33 RAM 34 NVM 35 Communication unit 36 CTU interface 37 Operation unit 38 Display unit 70 Tire 71 Processor 72 ROM 73 RAM 74 NVM 75 Communication unit 76 Drive unit 78 Battery 79 Charging mechanism 81 Bottom plate 82 Shelf board 83 Code 84 Area 91 Code 100 Control system 111 Picking robot 112 Display device 113 Attendant 701 Base 702 Member 703 Rear tray , 704... Shuttle unit, 705... Camera, P... Picking station.

Claims (9)

a storage unit for storing height information indicating an identifier of an area including two or more shelves on which containers are to be loaded, an identifier of each container, and a height from the floor surface at a loading position of each container;
a first interface for obtaining a list for a given container;
a second interface that transmits and receives data to and from an automatic transport device that acquires the container;
Acquiring an identifier of an area in which the predetermined container exists from the storage unit;
moving the automated transport device through the second interface to the area where the given container can be obtained;
causing the automated transport device to acquire the given container through the second interface based on the height information;
a processor;
Information processing device. affixed to one of said shelves is a first code obtained by encoding an identifier of the region;
said region is a region in which there is a row of said containers extending upwardly from said first chord;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The height information is information indicating the number of stages of each container,
The processor calculates the height of the predetermined container by multiplying the number of stages of the predetermined container by the distance between the shelf boards.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The automatic transport device includes a gripping mechanism for gripping the container and a drive mechanism for moving the gripping mechanism up and down,
The processor causes the automatic transport device to move the gripping mechanism to a height at which the predetermined container can be obtained using the drive mechanism, based on the height information of the predetermined container.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. The automatic transport device includes a camera that captures the first code,
The processor moves the automatic transport device from the area to a position where the predetermined container can be acquired, based on the first code appearing in the image captured by the camera.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. said container comprises a second code obtained by encoding an identifier of said container;
The camera is mounted on the gripping mechanism,
The processor causes the automatic transport device to move the gripping mechanism to a height at which the predetermined container can be obtained using the driving mechanism, further based on the second code appearing in the captured image.
The information processing device according to claim 5 . The processor, through the second interface, moves the automatic transport device that has acquired the given container to a picking station for picking an article from the given container, and causes the picking station to open the given container.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An information processing method performed by a processor, comprising:
get the list for a given container,
The predetermined container exists from a storage unit storing height information indicating an identifier of an area including two or more shelves on which containers are to be loaded, an identifier of each container, and a height from the floor surface at the loading position of each container. Get the identifier of the region to
moving an automatic transport device that acquires the container to the area where the predetermined container can be acquired;
causing the automatic transport device to acquire the predetermined container based on the height information;
Information processing methods. A program executed by a processor,
to the processor;
the ability to obtain a list for a given container;
The predetermined container exists from a storage unit storing height information indicating an identifier of an area including two or more shelves on which containers are to be loaded, an identifier of each container, and a height from the floor surface at the loading position of each container. a function to obtain the identifier of the region to be
A function of moving an automatic transport device that acquires the container to the area where the predetermined container can be acquired;
a function of causing the automatic transport device to acquire the predetermined container based on the height information;
program to realize