JPWO2018220748A1 - Sorting control device, sorting control method, and sorting control program - Google Patents

Abstract

The sorting control device that controls the sorting equipment that sorts the product by the sorting unit that delivers the product to the sorting box for which the delivery destination has been specified determines the dispensing box for each item that is staying in the sorting unit. The product information in the sorting unit indicating whether or not the product has been stored, and the packing details information indicating whether or not each item to be paid out from the sorting unit to the sorting box has been stored, The first item for which the dispensing box is undecided is identified from the product information in the sorting unit, and the second item of the same product as the identified first item among the individual items to be paid out is the product information or packaging in the sorting unit When the second item is specified by specifying from the detail information, the distribution box of the first item is determined as the distribution box of the second item, and the first item is determined. First payout instruction information that is an instruction to sort into boxes It generates and transmits to the sorting unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sorting control apparatus, a sorting control method, and a sorting control program for sorting sorting objects.

  Product sorting is one of the tasks in the warehouse. Sorting work is work for sorting products by delivery destination in accordance with orders from delivery destinations. As one form of sorting work, there is a method of automatically sorting using equipment such as a sorter. For example, in automatic sorting with a sorter, an operator inputs products from a product entry port (induction), products are automatically conveyed by a conveyor, and products are automatically dropped into a sorting box installed on multiple chutes connected to the conveyor. As a result, automation of sorting work is realized.

  In addition, when the order quantity from one delivery destination does not fit in one sorting box, it is necessary to divide it into a plurality of sorting boxes. A process for determining how many items to be sorted in which sorting box is referred to as “packaging calculation” in this specification. Here, from the viewpoint of the efficiency of the receiving operation at the delivery destination, it is desirable that each sorting box is packed or affixed with packing details having information on the products contained in the sorting box and the number of items.

  In particular, when the delivery destination is a store, from the viewpoint of improving the efficiency of product display work at the delivery destination, “sorting so that one type of product is not divided into multiple sorting boxes”, “sorting by product category” Generally, rules for packing calculation such as “divide boxes” are set. As described above, it is important to comply with packing details and packing calculation rules even in automatic sorting.

  For example, there is a sorting method disclosed in Patent Document 1 below as an existing technique related to automatic sorting that realizes packaging of packing details. Patent Document 1 discloses a sorting method that performs packing calculation prior to sorting work, creates information on the number of products / numbers sorted into each sorting box, and displays / outputs the information. Specifically, for example, the sorting method of Patent Document 1 is a method in which products / numbers to be sorted into each sorting box are determined in advance, and sorting is performed in accordance with the automatic sorting equipment.

JP 2014-148405 A

  However, in the sorting method of Patent Document 1 described above, when the number of sorting boxes is larger than the number of chutes held by the automatic sorting equipment, it is not possible to install all the sorting boxes on the chute at the same time. Therefore, when sorting into the sorting box installed on a certain chute is completed, it is necessary to take a method of installing the next sorting box on that chute.

  On the other hand, there is an upper limit on the number of products (hereinafter referred to as capacity) stored in the physical area (hereinafter referred to as sorting unit) where the product stays after being put in until it is sorted. . Therefore, in the method of calculating the packing in advance as in Patent Document 1, if the sorting part is filled with the product for the sorting box that is not installed in the chute, a deadlock state that cannot be input or sorted occurs. There's a problem.

  As one method for avoiding this problem, there is a method in which a product input order that does not cause a deadlock is prepared in advance and the products are input in that order. However, this method requires equipment for controlling the order of product introduction and a so-called water rinsing operation.

  An object of this invention is to implement | achieve the automatic sorting which does not require control of a goods input order.

  A sorting control device, a sorting control method, and a sorting control program according to one aspect of the invention disclosed in the present application control a sorting facility that sorts the products by a sorting unit that delivers the products to a sorting box designated by a delivery destination. A sorting control device, a sorting control method, and a sorting control program. The sorting control device includes a processor that executes a program, a storage device that stores the program, and a communication interface that can communicate with the sorting equipment. The storage device includes product information in the sorting unit indicating whether or not a sorting box as a payout destination has been determined for each item staying in the sorting unit, and individual items to be paid out from the sorting unit to the sorting box. And packing details information indicating whether or not the item has been paid out. The processor includes: a first specifying process for specifying, from the product information in the sorting unit, a first item for which the payout destination sorting box is undetermined among the staying individual items, and among the individual items to be paid out, The second article is identified by the second identification process that identifies the second article of the same product as the first article identified by the first identification process from the product information in the sorting unit or the packing specification information, and the second identification process. When specified, a determination process for determining a distribution box as a delivery destination of the first article as a distribution box as a delivery destination of the second article, and a distribution of the delivery destination determined by the determination process for the first article A first generation process for generating first payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting into boxes, and a first transmission process for transmitting the first payout instruction information generated by the first generation process to the sorting unit; To perform And it features.

  According to the representative embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize automatic sorting that does not require the control of the order of merchandise. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the description of the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of sorting equipment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the sorting system. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the product master table. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the sorting port information table. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the sorting box information table. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the physical quantity information table. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of the stored contents of the product information table in the sorting section. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the packing details information table. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a product sorting sequence. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure example of the instruction generation processing (step S903) shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure example of the first payout instruction generation processing (step S1001). FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure example of the second payout instruction generation processing (step S1002). FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure example of the box switching instruction generation processing (step S1003). FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of packing details.

<Example of sorting equipment>
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of sorting equipment. (A) shows the peace sorter 100A, and (B) shows the bucket automatic warehouse system 100B. The piece sorter 100 </ b> A includes a loading unit 101, a first sorting unit 102 </ b> A, and a packing unit 103. The input unit 101 inputs the product 110 picked from the shelf in the warehouse to the tray 122 of the first sorting unit 102A. In the input unit 101, the input operator W1 may input the product 110 into the first sorting unit 102A, or a conveyor or a robot arm may automatically input the product 110 into the first sorting unit 102A.

  102 A of 1st sorting parts convey the goods 110 thrown in from the injection | throwing-in part 101, and sort them into the packaging part 103 for every classification destination. The first sorting unit 102A has an annular conveyor 121A and a tray 122 on the conveyor 121A, and pays out the products 110 put into the tray 122 from the sorter 130 for each sorting destination. The packing unit 103 includes a sorter 130 and a sorting box 131 into which the product 110 supplied from the sorter 130 is placed. The packing operator W2 replaces the sorting box 131 in which the product 110 is full with an empty sorting box 131. The sorting box 131 in which the product 110 is full is delivered to the sorting destination.

  The bucket automatic warehouse system 100 </ b> B includes an input unit 101, a second sorting unit 102 </ b> B, and a packing unit 103. The second sorting unit 102B transports the products 110 put into the tray 122 from the feeding unit 101 and sorts them into the packing unit 103 for each sorting destination. The second sorting unit 102B includes a conveyor 121B and a bucket automatic warehouse 123. The bucket automatic warehouse 123 stores the product 110 from the input unit 101 and pays out to the packing unit 103 via the sorter 130 when one package of the product 110 is prepared for each destination.

  The peace sorter 100A and the bucket automatic warehouse system 100B described above are examples of the sorting equipment 100, and may have other configurations as long as the sorting equipment 100 realizes the input, sorting, and packing of the products 110.

<System configuration example of sorting system>
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the sorting system. The sorting system 200 includes a sorting facility 100 and a sorting control device 250. The sorting equipment 100 and the sorting control device 250 are communicably connected via a network 260 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet.

  The sorting equipment 100 includes an output unit 104 in addition to the input unit 101, the sorting unit 102 (a general term for the first sorting unit 102A and the second sorting unit 102B), and the packing unit 103 shown in FIG. The output unit 104 outputs the packing details 140 for the product group of the suppliers to be packed by the packing unit 103. The packing operator W2 gives the packing details 140 to the sorting box 131 in which the product group is packed. The packing details 140 are paper (may be a sticker) on which a supplier ID 1401, a sorting box ID 1402, and a packing list 1403 (a product name and the number of products) of the packed product group are described (see FIG. 14). In addition, the input unit 101, the sorting unit 102, the packing unit 103, and the output unit 104 each include a first controller 201 to a fourth controller 204.

  The first controller 201 generates the input record information 210 and transmits it to the sorting control device 250 via the network 260. The input record information 210 is information indicating the input record of the product 110 to the tray 122, and includes the product ID and number of the product 110 input to the tray 122 and the tray ID of the input destination tray 122. The input operator W1 may input the input result information 210 to the first controller 201 manually. Further, when the input unit 101 has a transport conveyor to the sorting unit 102, a barcode reader is provided on the transport conveyor, a barcode indicating a product ID assigned to the product 110, and a tray ID assigned to the tray 122. By reading the bar code indicating “”, the input record information 210 can be generated.

  The second controller 202 receives the dispensing instruction information 221 from the sorting control device 250, and controls the commodity 110 in the sorting unit 102 to be dispensed to the packing unit 103 according to the dispensing instruction information 221. Further, the second controller 202 transmits the payout result information 222 to the sorting control device 250 when the payout is completed according to the payout instruction information 221. The payout instruction information 221 is information for designating a product 110 to be paid out from the sorting unit 102 and a sorting box 131 as a payout destination. The payout result information 222 is information indicating the product 110 paid out to the packing unit 103 in accordance with the payout instruction information 221 and the sorting box 131 as the payout destination.

  The third controller 203 receives the box switching instruction information 231 from the sorting control device 250, and prompts the packing operator W2 to switch the sorting box 131. In addition, the third controller 203 generates box switching record information 232 in response to an operation input from the packing operator W <b> 2, and transmits it to the sorting control device 250. The box switching instruction information 231 is information that designates the sorting box 131 to be switched and prompts the packing operator W2 to replace it with an empty sorting box 131. The box switching record information 232 is information indicating that the switching of the sorting box 131 has been completed.

  The fourth controller 204 outputs the packing details 140 by receiving the packing details information 240 from the sorting control device 250. The packing details information 240 is information including a sorting destination ID 1401, a sorting box ID 1402, and a packing list 1403 (a product name and the number thereof) of the packed product group.

  In addition, the sorting control apparatus 250 includes a processor 251, a storage device 252, an input device 253, an output device 254, and a communication interface (communication IF 255). The processor 251, the storage device 252, the input device 253, the output device 254, and the communication IF 255 are connected by a bus 256. The processor 251 controls the sorting control device 250. The storage device 252 serves as a work area for the processor 251. The storage device 252 is a non-temporary or temporary recording medium that stores various programs and data. Examples of the storage device 252 include a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a flash memory. The input device 253 inputs data. Examples of the input device 253 include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a numeric keypad, and a scanner. The output device 254 outputs data. Examples of the output device 254 include a display and a printer. The communication IF 255 is connected to the network 260 and transmits / receives data. Note that the first controller 201 to the fourth controller 204 also have the same hardware configuration as the sorting control device 250.

<Examples of stored contents of various tables>
Next, examples of stored contents of various tables accessible by the sorting control apparatus 250 will be described. Specifically, the subsequent tables are stored in, for example, an external device (not shown) that can be accessed via the network 260 by the storage device 252 or the sorting control device 250 shown in FIG. In the following description of the table, the value of the AA field bbb (AA is a field name and bbb is a sign) may be expressed as AAbbb. For example, the value of the product name field 301 is expressed as a product name 301.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the product master table. The product master table 300 is a master table that stores information (product information) for specifying the product 110. The product master table 300 has a product name field 301, a volume field 302, and a category field 303, and a combination of values of each field on the same row is an entry that defines product information. The product name field 301 is a storage area for storing a product name. The product name 301 is the name (or identification information) of the product 110. The volume field 302 is a storage area for storing the volume per product 110 of the product name 301. The category field 303 is a storage area for storing the category of the product 110 with the product name 301.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the sorting port information table. The sorting port information table 400 is a table that stores information (sorting port information) for identifying the sorting port, that is, the chute of the sorting unit 102. The sorting unit information table 400 includes a sorting unit name field 401 and a delivery destination name field 402, and a combination of the values of each field on the same row is an entry that defines the sorting unit information. The classification name field 401 is a storage area for storing a classification name (for example, identification information). The delivery destination name field 402 is a storage area for storing the delivery destination name. The delivery destination name 402 is a name (or identification information) of a delivery destination (also called a destination).

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the sorting box information table. The sorting box information table 500 is a master table that stores information (sorting box information) for specifying the sorting box 131. The sorting box information table 500 has a sorting box name field 501, a sorting mouth name field 401, and a sorting box volume field 502, and the combination of the values of each field on the same line defines the sorting box information. It becomes. The sorting box name field 501 is a storage area for storing a sorting box name. The sorting box name 501 is the name (or identification information) of the sorting box 131. The sorting box volume field 502 is a storage area for storing the sorting box volume. The sorting box volume 502 is the volume of the sorting box 131.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the physical quantity information table. The quantity information table 600 is a table for specifying quantity information that is the quantity of a delivery destination, that is, the number of products 110 sorted to the delivery destination. The sorting control device 250 sorts the products 110 according to the quantity information table 600. The quantity information table 600 includes a delivery destination name field 402, a product name field 301, a quantity field 601, and a remaining quantity field 602, and a combination of values of each field in the same row defines quantity information. It becomes an entry. The number field 601 is a storage area for storing the number of products 110 with the product name 301 to be sorted with respect to the delivery destination with the delivery destination name 402. The remaining number field 602 is a storage area for storing the remaining number. The remaining number 602 is the remaining number in which the product 110 with the product name 301 is not sorted with respect to the delivery destination with the delivery destination name 402.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of the stored contents of the product information table in the sorting section. The product information table 700 in the sorting unit is a table that stores information (product information in the sorting unit) indicating whether or not the payout destination sorting box 131 has been determined for each item that is staying in the sorting unit 102. The product information in the sorting unit specifies the product 110 existing in the sorting unit 102 and the sorting box 131 of the payout destination. The product information table 700 in the sorting section includes a product name field 301, a tray ID field 701, an input product ID field 702, and a payout destination sorting box name field 703, and combinations of the values of the fields in the same row. , This is an entry that defines the product information in the sorting section. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, one entry represents one product 110. In other words, when there are, for example, five products 110 in the sorting unit 102, there are five entries for the product 110 in the product information table 700 in the sorting unit.

  A tray ID field 701 is a storage area for storing a tray ID. The tray ID 701 is identification information that uniquely identifies the tray 122 in which the product 110 is inserted. The input product ID field 702 is a storage area for storing the input product ID. The input product ID 702 is identification information for uniquely specifying the input product. The input product is a product 110 input to the sorting unit 102. The input product ID 702 is identification information given to distinguish input products one by one. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish between “product 110” and “one product specified by input ID 702”, the latter will be referred to as “article”. For example, if the product names 301 of a plurality of articles are the same, the plurality of articles are the same product.

  The payout destination sorting box name field 703 is a storage area for storing the payout destination sorting box name. The payout destination sorting box name 703 is the name (or identification information) of the payout destination sorting box 131. The payout destination sorting box name 703 identifies the payout destination sorting box 131 of the article with the input ID 702. An entry whose delivery destination sorting box name field 703 is blank means that the delivery destination of the article has not yet been determined.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the packing details information table. The packing details information table 800 is a table that stores packing details information 240 indicating whether or not each item to be paid out from the sorting unit 102 to the sorting box 131 has been paid out. The packing details information 240 is information necessary for outputting the packing details 140. The packing details information table 800 includes a sorting box name field 501, a product name field 301, a category field 303, an input product ID field 702, and a paid out flag field 801, and values of each field on the same line. Is an entry that defines the packing details information 240.

  The product name 301 specifies the product 110 to be paid out to the sorting box 131. The input item ID 702 specifies an article to be paid out to the sorting box 131. In an entry whose input item ID field 702 is blank, it is determined that one product 110 with the product name 301 is paid out to the sorting box 131 with the sorting box name 501, but which product is the product 110. Indicates an undecided state. The paid out flag field 801 is a storage area for storing a paid out flag. The paid-out flag 801 is a flag that specifies whether or not the article with the input ID 702 has already been paid out to the sorting box 131.

<Example of product sorting sequence>
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a product sorting sequence. First, when the input unit 101 inputs the product 110 into the sorting unit 102, the first controller 201 generates the input result information 210 and transmits it to the sorting control device 250 (step S901). The sorting control device 250 executes update processing of the quantity information table 600 and registration processing of entries in the sorting unit product information table (step S902).

  Specifically, for example, the sorting control device 250 identifies the product name 301, the tray ID 701, and the number of products 110 from the input record information 210. The sorting control device 250 refers to the quantity information table 600 and updates the remaining number 602 by subtracting the number of products 110 included in the input record information 210 from the number 601 corresponding to the specified product name 301. . The sorting control device 250 deletes the entry whose remaining number 602 is “0” from the physical quantity information table 600. In this case, the input unit 101 is notified by a method (not shown) so that the product is not input thereafter.

  In addition, the sorting control device 250 registers the product name 301 and the tray ID 701 from the input record information 210 in the product information table 700 in the sorting unit, and also inputs the unique input to the input product ID field 702 of the specified registered entry. The product ID 702 is assigned and registered. Note that when there are a plurality of items 110 included in the input record information 210, the sorting unit 102 creates a plurality of the entries (that is, for each item), and generates the input item ID 702 for each entry differently. The payout destination sorting box name 703 is stored in the instruction generation process (step S903).

  Next, the sorting control device 250 executes instruction generation processing (step S903). The instruction generation process (step S903) is a process of generating the payout instruction information 221 or the box switching instruction information 231. Details of the instruction generation process (step S903) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, when the payout instruction information 221 is generated by the instruction generation process (step S903), the sorting control device 250 transmits the payout instruction information 221 to the second controller 202 of the sorting unit 102 (step S904). When the second controller 202 receives the payout instruction information 221, the second controller 202 controls the sorting unit 102 to pay out the product 110 to the packing part 103 in accordance with the payout instruction information 221. The payout instruction information 221 is an entry having a tray ID 701 and a payout destination sorting box name 703 among the entries in the sorting unit product information table 700. In addition, the dispensing instruction information 221 includes a sorting port name 401 corresponding to the dispensing destination sorting box name 703.

  The second controller 202 detects, for example, a sensor (not shown) provided in the sorting unit 102 that the tray 122 with the tray ID 701 included in the payout instruction information 221 reaches the sorting port with the sorting port name 401. By tilting the tray 122 toward the sorting port, the product 110 on the tray 122 is paid out to the sorting port. As a result, the product 110 is put into the dispensing box 131 from the sorting port. Then, the second controller 202 generates payout result information 222 and transmits it to the sorting control device 250.

  The payout result information 222 is information indicating the result of payout according to the payout instruction information 221 and includes at least an input product ID 702. The sorting control device 250 deletes the entry having the input product ID 702 included in the payout record information 222 from the sorting unit product information table 700 (step S907).

  Next, the sorting control device 250 updates the paid-out flag 801 corresponding to the input item ID 702 included in the payout record information 222 from “FALSE” to “TRUE” in the packing list information table 800 (step S908). The entry of the packing details information table 800 is generated by instruction generation processing (step S903).

  Next, the sorting control apparatus 250 acquires the sorting box name 501, the product name 301, and the category 303 among the entries in which the payout flag 801 is updated to “TRUE” in the packing specification information table 800. Further, the sorting control apparatus 250 acquires the number of entries having the same product name 301 as the number of the products 110. The sorting control device 250 acquires the number of the sorting box name 501, the product name 301, the category 303, and the product 110 as the packing details information 240 (step S909).

  Next, the sorting control device 250 transmits the packing details information 240 to the fourth controller 204 of the output unit 104 (step S910). The fourth controller 204 controls the output unit 104 to output the packing details 140 (step S911).

  Further, when the box switching instruction information 231 is generated by the instruction generation process (step S903), the sorting control device 250 transmits the box switching instruction information 231 to the third controller 203 of the packing unit 103 (step S912). When the third controller 203 receives the box switching instruction information 231, the third controller 203 outputs information prompting the packing operator W2 to replace the sorting box 131 with an empty sorting box 131 according to the box switching instruction information 231. The box switching instruction information 231 is information including a sorting box name 501, a sorting mouth name 401, and a sorting box volume 502.

  When the packing operator W2 completes the replacement of the sorting box 131, the third controller 203 transmits box switching result information 232 to the sorting control device 250 by the operation of the packing worker W2 (step S913). The box switching record information 232 includes a sorting box name 501 of the replaced empty sorting box 131, a sorting slot name 401 corresponding to the sorting box 131, and a sorting box volume 502 of the sorting box 131.

  When receiving the box switching record information 232, the sorting control device 250 updates the sorting box information (step S914). Specifically, for example, the sorting control device 250 deletes the entry corresponding to the box switching instruction information 231 from the sorting box information table 500 and stores the box switching record information 232 as a new entry in the sorting box information table 500. .

<Instruction Generation Processing (Step S903)>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure example of the instruction generation processing (step S903) shown in FIG. The instruction generation process (step S903) is a process of sequentially determining the payout destination of the staying items in the sorting unit 102, and is constant from the start of the product input operation until the completion of packing all the products 110. Repeatedly at time intervals or at specific times. Here, in the example of FIG. 9, the specific timing is after the sorting control device 250 has received the input record information 210, but the sorting control device 250 has received the payout record information 222 and the box switching record information 232. It may be later. Further, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the packing calculation rule “sorting so that one product is not divided into a plurality of sorting boxes at one delivery destination” is adopted, but the packing calculation rule is not limited to this rule. .

  The sorting control device 250 determines whether there is an article for which the payout destination has not been determined in the sorting unit 102 (step S1000). Specifically, for example, the sorting control apparatus 250 determines whether or not there is a row (entry) in which the payout destination sorting box name 703 is blank in the sorting section product information table 700.

  If there is no article whose payout destination is not determined in the sorting unit 102 (step S1000: No), the sorting control device 250 ends the instruction generation process (step S903). In this case, since neither the dispensing instruction information 221 nor the box switching instruction information 231 is generated, the sorting control device 250 waits for the loading record information 210 from the loading unit 101.

  On the other hand, if there is an article for which the payout destination is not determined in the sorting unit 102 (step S1000: Yes), the sorting control device 250 performs the first payout instruction generation process (step S1001) and the second payout instruction generation process (step S1002). ), Box switching instruction generation processing (step S1003) is executed. The first payout instruction generation process (step S1001) will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, the second payout instruction generation process (step S1002) will be described with reference to FIG. 12, and the box switching instruction generation process (step S1003) will be described later with reference to FIG.

<First Dispensing Instruction Generation Process (Step S1001)>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure example of the first payout instruction generation processing (step S1001). In the first payout instruction generation process (step S1001), when the goods 110 to be paid out to each sorting box 131 are determined but the goods are not decided, the goods to be paid out are selected from the sorting unit 102 and the payout instruction is issued. This is processing for generating information 221.

  Hereinafter, the i-th row on the packing details information table 800 is referred to as a packing details row i, the sorting box 131 of the packing details row i is referred to as a sorting box X, and the product 110 of the packing details line i is referred to as a product A. Further, N is the number of rows in the packing details information table 800 when the first payout instruction generation process (step S1001) is executed. N is a non-negative integer. The initial value of i is i = 1 if N ≠ 0, and i = 0 if N = 0 (packing statement information table 800 is empty). i is a variable that is incremented every time Steps S1111 to S1114 are executed.

  The sorting control device 250 loops steps S <b> 1111 to S <b> 1114 for each packing specification row i for the number N of rows in the packing specification information table 800. The sorting control device 250 executes steps S1111 to S1114 for each packing detail line i, then increments i, and if i ≦ N, executes the loop processing for the incremented packing detail line i, and i> If N, the process proceeds to the second payout instruction generation process (step S1002) (step S1101).

  The sorting control apparatus 250 determines whether or not the input item ID field 702 of the packing specification line i is blank (step S1111). A state in which the input item ID field 702 of the packing detail line i is blank means that the product A is decided to be paid out to the sorting box X, but which item is paid out is not decided.

  If the input item ID field 702 of the packing specification line i is not blank (step S1111: No), the process proceeds to step S1101. On the other hand, if the input item ID field 702 of the packing line i is blank (step S1111: Yes), the sorting control device 250 has not decided the payout destination of the item of the packing line i in the sorting unit 102, In addition, it is determined whether there is another item in the sorting unit 102 that is the same product A as the item in the packing line i (step S1112).

  Specifically, for example, when there is no payout destination sorting box name 703 in the product information table 700 in the sorting box for the article (input ID 702) of the packing details i, the payout destination is not determined. For example, in the sorting section product information table 700, when the article in the second line entry is an article in the packing details line i, the payout destination sorting box name 703 is blank, and therefore the payout destination for the goods in the packing details line i. Will not be decided.

  When another entry having the same product name 301 exists in the sorting unit product information table 700 (or the packing specification information table 800), there is another product of the same product 110 as the product of the packing specification line i. become. For example, in the product information table 700 in the sorting section, when the article in the second line entry is an article in the packing specification line i, the product name 301 is “P001”. Since the product name 301 of the entry in the first row is also “P001”, the other product (input product ID 702 is “P001”) which is the same product A = “P001” as the product (input product ID 702 is “2”) in the packing list line i. 1 ") exists. Note that the packaging specification information table 800 may be used to specify the presence of other articles.

  Next, the sorting control apparatus 250 does not determine the payout destination of the item on the packing line i in the sorting unit 102, and the other item of the same product A as the item on the packing line i in the sorting unit 102. Is present (step S1112: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1113. Otherwise (step S1112: No), the process proceeds to step S1101.

  Next, the sorting control apparatus 250 does not determine the payout destination of the item on the packing line i in the sorting unit 102, and the other item of the same product A as the item on the packing line i in the sorting unit 102. Is present, the sorting box as the payout destination for paying out the items in the packing line i is determined as the payout destination sorting box for the other items (step S1113). In this case, the sorting control device 250 registers the sorting box name 501 of the sorting box X to which the item is paid out in the dispensing destination sorting box name field 703 of the packing specification line i.

  Next, the sorting control device 250 generates the dispensing instruction information 221 (step S1114), and the dispensing instruction information 221 is information for dispensing the article of the packing specification line i to the sorting box X determined in step S1113. is there. The generated payout instruction information 221 is transmitted to the sorting unit 102 in step S904.

<Second Dispensing Instruction Generation Processing (Step S1002)>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure example of the second payout instruction generation processing (step S1002). The second payout instruction generation process (step S1002) is a process of determining a new payout product 110 in each sorting box 131 and generating payout instruction information 221. Steps S1200 to S1201 are processing for generating payout instruction information 221 for each sorting box j being installed only when necessary.

  Hereinafter, the row (entry) indicating the target sorting box information in the sorting box information table 500 is set as the sorting box j, and the number of rows of the sorting box information table 500 at the time of execution of the second payout instruction generation process (step S1002), that is, Let M be the number of sorting boxes 131 being installed. M is a non-negative integer. The initial value of j is j = 1 if M ≠ 0, and j = 0 if M = 0 (there is no sorting box 131 being installed). j is a variable incremented every time steps S1210 to S1221 are executed.

  In addition, the line (entry) indicating the product information in the sorting unit that is the target of the product information table 700 in the sorting unit is set as the product line k in the sorting unit, and the product information table 700 in the sorting unit when the second payout instruction generation process (step S1002) is executed. Let L be the number of rows. L is a non-negative integer. The initial value of k is k = 1 if L ≠ 0, and k = 0 if L = 0. k is a variable that is incremented every time steps S1220 to S1236 are executed.

  The sorting control device 250 loops steps S1210 to S1221 for each sorting box j for the number M of rows in the sorting box information table 500. After executing steps S1210 to S1221 for each sorting box j, the sorting control device 250 increments j, and if j ≦ M, executes the loop process for the incremented sorting box j, and j> M If there is, the process proceeds to box switching instruction generation processing (step S1003) (step S1201).

  The sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the box switching instruction information 231 has been output to the sorting box j (step S1210). If output has been completed (step S1210: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1201 to process the next sorting box 131. On the other hand, if it has not been output (step S1210: No), the sorting control device 250 loops steps S1231 to S1236 for each in-sorting product line k for the number L of rows in the in-sorting product information table 700. The sorting control device 250 executes steps S1231 to S1236 for each in-sorting product line k, and then increments k. If k ≦ L, the sorting control device 250 executes the loop process for the in-sorting product line k after the increment, If k> L, the process proceeds to step S1201 (step S1221).

  The sorting control apparatus 250 determines whether or not the payout destination of the item in the sorting section product line k is determined (step S1231). Specifically, for example, the sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the payout destination sorting box name 703 exists in the sorting department product line k of the sorting section product information table 700. When the payout destination is determined, that is, when the payout destination sorting box name 703 exists in the product line k in the sorting part (step S1231: Yes), since the payout instruction information 221 has already been issued, the process proceeds to step S1232. On the other hand, when the payout destination is not determined, that is, when there is no payout destination sorting box name 703 in the product line k in the sorting part (step S1231: No), the process proceeds to step S1221.

  Next, the sorting control device 250 determines whether or not there is at least one unsorted number Xjk of the products 110 in the product line k in the sorting section for the delivery destination of the sorting box j (step S1232). The unsorted number Xjk is the number that has not yet been determined by the sorting destination among the numbers of the sorting target products 110. Specifically, for example, the unsorted number Xjk is the number of the product names 301 of the products 110 in the product line k in the sorting section corresponding to the delivery destination name 402 of the sorting box j corresponding to the sorting box name 501 in the quantity information table 600. , The number of lines that is the product name 301 of the product 110 of the product line k in the sorting section corresponding to the delivery destination name 402 of the sorting box j corresponding to the sorting box name 501 in the packing list information table 800 is subtracted.

  When there is one or more unsorted items Xjk of the product 110 in the packing line i for the delivery destination in the sorting box j (step S1232: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1233, and the product line k in the sorting department for the delivery destination in the sorting box j. If there is not one or more unsorted items Xjk of the commodity 110 (step S1232: No), the process proceeds to step S1221.

  Next, the sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the packing calculation rule can be observed when sorting the products 110 in the sorting section product line k into the sorting box j (step S1233). When the compliance is possible (step S1233: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1234, and when the compliance is impossible (step S1233: No), the process proceeds to step S1221.

  Specifically, whether or not the packing calculation rule can be observed is determined based on, for example, “whether Xjk items of product A can be contained in the sorting box j”. Specifically, the sorting control device 250 first identifies the number of lines of the product name 301 that has been paid out or determined to be paid out from the packing list information table 800 to the sorting box j, and the product of the product name 301 The volume of A is obtained from the merchandise master table 300, and the total volume of the merchandise A sorted into the sorting box j (= specified number of rows × acquired volume of the merchandise A) is calculated. The calculated total volume is defined as “occupied volume”.

  Further, the sorting control device 250 calculates the volume of the unsorted number Xjk of the products A as the “additional volume” using the acquired volume of the products A. Then, the sorting control device 250 acquires the sorting box volume 502 of the sorting box j from the sorting box information table 500, and determines whether the sum of the occupied volume and the additional volume exceeds the sorting box volume 502 of the sorting box j. to decide. If the total does not exceed the sorting box volume 502 of the sorting box j, the sorting control device 250 determines that the packing calculation rule can be observed.

  This makes it possible to comply with the packing calculation rule that “one product is not divided into a plurality of sorting boxes”. However, as described above, in this embodiment, the packing calculation rule is not limited to the above rule, and the determination method in this step may be changed according to the packing calculation rule. For example, when the packing calculation rule is “separate sorting boxes for each category of products”, the sorting control device 250 determines based on “whether Xjk pieces of the products 110 in the category 303C can be contained in the sorting boxes j”. become.

  Next, the sorting control device 250 determines that Xjk products A are to be paid out to the sorting box j. In the packing list information table 800, the sorting box name 501 is “sorting box j” and the product name 301 is “ A line (entry) that is “product A” is added by Xjk lines (step S1234). Then, the sorting control device 250 refers to the sorting section product information table 700, and issues the ordering information to the sorting box j up to Xjk for the goods of the product A in the sorting section 102 for which the delivery destination has not been determined. 221 is generated (step S1235). The payout instruction information 221 is information for designating a product A to be paid out from the sorting unit 102 and a sorting box j as a payout destination.

  Further, the sorting control apparatus 250 updates the payout destination sorting box name field 703 of the sorting section product information table 700 and the input product ID field 702 of the packing list information table 800 based on the generated payout instruction information 221 to perform step S1221. (Step S1236). Specifically, for example, the sorting control device 250 adds the sorting box j to the payout destination sorting box name field 703 in the line where the product name 301 of the sorting section product information table 700 is “product A”, and the packing details information A new input ID 702 is added to the input ID field 702 of the row in which the sorting box name 501 of the table 800 is “sorting box j” and the product name 301 is “product A”.

<Box switching instruction generation processing (step S1003)>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure example of the box switching instruction generation processing (step S1003). The box switching instruction generation process (step S1003) is a process of generating box switching instruction information 231 for each sorting box 131. Steps S1300 to S1301 are processing for generating box switching instruction information 231 for each sorting box j that is installed only when necessary.

  Similar to the second payout instruction generation process (step S1002), the line (entry) indicating the target sorting box information in the sorting box information table 500 is set as the sorting box j, and the box switching instruction generation process (step S1003) is executed. Let M be the number of lines in the sorting box information table 500, that is, the number of sorting boxes 131 being installed. M is a non-negative integer. The initial value of j is j = 1 if M ≠ 0, and j = 0 if M = 0 (there is no sorting box 131 being installed). j is a variable incremented every time steps S1310 to S1321 are executed.

  In addition, the line (entry) indicating the product information in the sorting unit that is the target of the product information table 700 in the sorting unit is set as the product line k in the sorting unit, and the product information table 700 in the sorting unit at the time of executing the box switching instruction generation process (step S1003). Let L be the number of rows. L is a non-negative integer. The initial value of k is k = 1 if L ≠ 0, and k = 0 if L = 0. k is a variable that is incremented every time steps S1320 to S1335 are executed.

  The sorting control device 250 loops steps S1310 to S1321 for each sorting box j for the number M of rows in the sorting box information table 500. After executing steps S1310 to S1321 for each sorting box j, the sorting control device 250 increments j, and if j ≦ M, executes the loop processing for the incremented sorting box j, and j> M If there is, the instruction generation process (step S903) is terminated (step S1301).

  The sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the box switching instruction information 231 has been output to the sorting box j (step S1310). If output has been completed (step S1310: YES), the process proceeds to step S1301 in order to process the next sorting box 131. On the other hand, if it has not been output (step S1310: No), the sorting control device 250 loops steps S1320 to S1335 for each in-sorting product line k for the number N of rows in the in-sorting product information table 700. The sorting control device 250 increments k after executing steps S1331 to S1335 for each product line k in the sorting section, and if k ≦ L, executes the loop processing for the incremented packing statement line i, and k If> L, the process proceeds to step S1301 (step S1321).

  The sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the payout destination of the article in the sorting department product line k is determined (step S1331). Specifically, for example, the sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the payout destination sorting box name 703 exists in the sorting department product line k of the sorting section product information table 700. If the payout destination has been determined, that is, if there is a payout destination sorting box name 703 in the product line k in the sorting part (step S1331: Yes), the payout instruction information 221 has already been issued, and the process proceeds to step S1332. On the other hand, when the payout destination is not determined, that is, when there is no payout destination sorting box name 703 in the product line k in the sorting part (step S1331: No), the process proceeds to step S1321.

  Next, the sorting control device 250 determines whether or not there is at least one unsorted number Xjk of the products 110 in the product line k in the sorting department for the delivery destination of the sorting box j (step S1332). If there is one or more unsorted quantity Xjk of the product 110 in the product line k in the sorting department for the delivery destination in the sorting box j (step S1332: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1333 and the product line in the sorting department for the delivery destination in the sorting box j. If there is no unsorted number Xjk of k items 110 (step S1332: No), the process proceeds to step S1321.

  Next, the sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the packing calculation rule can be observed when sorting the products 110 in the sorting section product line k into the sorting box j (step S1333). When the compliance is possible (step S1333: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1321, and when the compliance is impossible (step S1333: No), the process proceeds to step S1334.

  Next, the sorting control device 250 determines whether or not the paid-out flag 801 of all rows of the sorting box j is “TRUE” (step S1334). When the paid-out flag 801 of all lines in the sorting box j is “TRUE” (step S1334: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1335, and the paid-out flag 801 of all lines in the sorting box j is not “TRUE”. (Step S1334: No), the process proceeds to step S1321.

  Next, the sorting control apparatus 250 generates box switching instruction information 231 for switching the sorting box j to the empty sorting box 131 with reference to the sorting section product information table 700, and proceeds to step S1301 (step S1335). . The box switching instruction information 231 is information for designating the sorting box 131 to be switched and urging the packing operator W2 to replace it with an empty sorting box 131.

  As described above, the sorting control apparatus 250 according to the present embodiment controls the sorting equipment 100 that sorts the products by the sorting unit 102 that delivers the products to the sorting box in which the delivery destination is specified. The sorting control device 250 stores in the storage device 252 a product information table 700 in the sorting unit that indicates whether or not a delivery destination sorting box has been determined for each item that is staying in the sorting unit 102, and the sorting unit 102 sends the sorting box to the sorting box. And a packing list information table 800 indicating whether or not each item to be paid out has been paid out.

  The processor 251 executes a first specifying process for specifying, from the in-sorting item product information table 700, the first item for which the payout destination sorting box is undecided among the individual items that are staying (step S1112). The processor 251 specifies, from the product information table 700 in the sorting unit or the packing specification information table 800, the second product (other product) of the same product as the first product specified by the first specifying process among the individual items to be paid out. The second specifying process is executed (step S1112). When the second item is specified by the second specifying process, the processor 251 executes a determination process for determining the sorting box as the delivery destination of the first article as the sorting box as the delivery destination of the second article (step S1113). . The processor 251 executes a first generation process for generating first payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting the first article into the payout destination sorting box determined by the determination process (step S1114). The processor 251 executes a first transmission process for transmitting the first payout instruction information generated by the first generation process to the sorting unit 102 (step S904).

  As a result, automatic sorting can be realized even if the product input order is not formulated in advance.

  In addition, in the above-described sorting control apparatus 250, when there is a product whose delivery destination sorting box is undetermined for a delivery destination that specifies a delivery destination candidate sorting box, the processor 251 sorts an undecided product as a delivery destination candidate. First determination processing is performed to determine whether or not the packing calculation rule for paying out the box can be observed (step S1233). When it is determined that the first determination process can be followed, the processor 251 registers a combination of a dispensing candidate sorting box (sorting box name 501) and an undetermined product (product name 301) in the packing list information table 800. The registration process is executed (step S1234). The processor 251 executes a second generation process for generating second payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting the articles for the number of undetermined commodities among the individual articles that are staying into the payout destination sorting box ( Step S1235). The processor 251 executes a second transmission process for transmitting the second payout instruction information generated by the second generation process to the sorting unit 102 (step S904).

  Accordingly, automatic sorting can be realized while complying with the packing calculation rules, even if the product input order is not previously established.

  Further, in the above-described sorting control apparatus 250, the processor 251 registers sorting-out candidate sorting boxes for the number of articles for the number of undecided products in the sorting unit product information table 700, and in the packing specification information table 800, the payout destination. For the combination of the candidate sorting box and the undetermined product, update processing for registering the identification information of the articles for the number of undetermined products is executed (S1236).

  As a result, the product information table 700 in the sorting unit and the packing details information table 800 can be brought to the latest sorting state, and automatic sorting can be realized in real time.

  Further, in the above-described sorting control device 250, the packing calculation rule is that the undecided product is stored in the dispensing destination candidate sorting box based on the volume of the dispensing destination candidate sorting box and the volume of the number of undecided products. This is a rule for the processor 251 to calculate whether or not the number of undecided products (unsorted quantity Xjk) can be packed.

  This makes it possible to realize automatic sorting even if the order of placing the products is not established in advance, while complying with the packing calculation rule that “one product is not divided into a plurality of sorting boxes”. Therefore, different products are not packed in the packing boxes packed when the packing calculation rules are observed.

  Further, in the above-described sorting control device 250, when the processor 251 determines that the first determination process (step S1233) is not compliant, the processor 251 pays out the dispensing destination candidate to the sorting box in the packing list information table 800. A second determination process is performed to determine whether or not all the target articles have been paid out (step S1334). The processor 251 executes a third generation process for generating box switching instruction information 231 that is an instruction for switching a dispensing candidate sorting box to an empty sorting box when it is determined that the dispensing has been completed by the second determination process. (Step S1335). The processor 251 executes a third transmission process for transmitting the box switching instruction information 231 generated by the third generation process to the packing unit 103 of the sorting equipment 100 (step S912).

  Thereby, switching from a full sorting box to an empty sorting box can be performed smoothly in real time.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications and equivalent configurations within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. A part of the configuration of one embodiment may be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Moreover, you may add the structure of another Example to the structure of a certain Example. Moreover, you may add, delete, or replace another structure about a part of structure of each Example.

  In addition, each of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware by designing a part or all of them, for example, with an integrated circuit, and the processor realizes each function. It may be realized by software by interpreting and executing the program to be executed.

  Information such as programs, tables, and files for realizing each function is recorded on a memory, a hard disk, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an SD card, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). It can be stored on a medium.

  Further, the control lines and the information lines are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all the control lines and the information lines that are necessary for the mounting are shown. In practice, it can be considered that almost all the components are connected to each other.

In addition, in the above-described sorting control apparatus 250, when there is a product whose delivery destination sorting box is undetermined for a delivery destination that specifies a delivery destination candidate sorting box, the processor 251 sorts an undecided product as a delivery destination candidate. First determination processing is performed to determine whether or not the packing calculation rule for paying out the box can be observed (step S1233). If the processor 251 determines that the first determination process can be followed , the processor 251 indicates a combination of a delivery destination candidate sorting box (sorting box name 501) and an undetermined product (product name 301) in the packing list information table 800. A registration process for registration is executed (step S1234). The processor 251 executes a second generation process for generating second payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting the articles for the number of undetermined commodities among the individual articles that are staying into the payout destination sorting box ( Step S1235). The processor 251 executes a second transmission process for transmitting the second payout instruction information generated by the second generation process to the sorting unit 102 (step S904).

Further, in the above-described sorting control device 250, when the processor 251 determines that the first determination process (step S1233) is not compliant, the processor 251 pays out the dispensing destination candidate to the sorting box in the packing list information table 800. A second determination process is performed to determine whether or not all the target articles have been paid out (step S1334). The processor 251 performs a third generation process for generating box switching instruction information 231 that is an instruction for switching the payout destination candidate sorting box to an empty sorting box when it is determined that the payout has been completed by the second determination process. It executes (step S1335). The processor 251 executes a third transmission process for transmitting the box switching instruction information 231 generated by the third generation process to the packing unit 103 of the sorting equipment 100 (step S912).

Claims (7)

A sorting control device that controls a sorting facility that sorts the products by a sorting unit that delivers the products to a sorting box in which a delivery destination is specified,
A processor for executing the program, a storage device for storing the program, and a communication interface capable of communicating with the sorting equipment,
The storage device includes product information in the sorting unit indicating whether or not a sorting box as a payout destination has been determined for each item staying in the sorting unit, and individual items to be paid out from the sorting unit to the sorting box. And packing details information indicating whether or not it has been paid out,
The processor is
A first specifying process for specifying, from the product information in the sorting unit, a first item for which the dispensing box is undecided among the individual articles that are staying;
A second specifying process for specifying a second article of the same product as the first article specified by the first specifying process among the individual articles to be paid out from the product information in the sorting unit or the packing specification information;
When the second article is specified by the second specifying process, a determination process for determining a sorting box as a delivery destination of the first article as a sorting box as a delivery destination of the second article;
A first generation process for generating first payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting the first article into a payout destination sorting box determined by the determination process;
A first transmission process for transmitting the first payout instruction information generated by the first generation process to the sorting unit;
A sorting control device characterized by executing The sorting control device according to claim 1,
The processor is
If there is a product that corresponds to a delivery destination that specifies a destination bin and that has an undecided destination bin, there is a packing calculation rule for dispensing the undetermined item to the destination bin. A first determination process for determining whether or not compliance is possible;
A registration process for registering a combination of the dispensing destination candidate sorting box and the undetermined product in the packing description information when it is determined that the first determination process can comply;
A second generation process for generating second payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting the articles as many as the number of undecided goods among the individual articles that are staying into the payout destination sorting box;
A second transmission process for transmitting the second payout instruction information generated by the second generation process to the sorting unit;
A sorting control device characterized by executing The sorting control device according to claim 2,
The processor is
In the product information in the sorting section, register the delivery destination candidate sorting boxes for the number of articles of the undecided product, and in the packing list information, about the combination of the delivery destination candidate sorting box and the undecided product The sorting control apparatus is configured to execute update processing for registering identification information of articles corresponding to the number of undetermined products. The sorting control device according to claim 2,
The packing calculation rule is that the undecided product is added to the undecided item in the withdrawal destination candidate sorting box based on the volume of the dispensing destination candidate sorting box and the volume of the undecided number of items. The sorting control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor calculates whether the number of packages can be packed. The sorting control device according to claim 2,
The processor is
When it is determined by the first determination process that compliance is impossible, it is determined whether or not all the items to be paid out to the dispensing destination candidate sorting boxes in the packing specification information have been paid out. Judgment processing,
A third generation process for generating box switching instruction information that is an instruction for switching the dispensing candidate sorting box to an empty sorting box when it is determined that the second judgment process has been paid out;
A third transmission process for transmitting the box switching instruction information generated by the third generation process to the sorting equipment;
A sorting control device characterized by executing A sorting control method by a sorting control device that controls a sorting facility that sorts the products by a sorting unit that delivers the products to a sorting box in which a delivery destination is specified,
The sorting control device includes a processor that executes a program, a storage device that stores the program, and a communication interface that can communicate with the sorting equipment.
The storage device includes product information in the sorting unit indicating whether or not a sorting box as a payout destination has been determined for each item staying in the sorting unit, and individual items to be paid out from the sorting unit to the sorting box. And packing details information indicating whether or not it has been paid out,
The sorting control method is:
The processor is
A first specifying process for specifying, from the product information in the sorting unit, a first item for which the dispensing box is undecided among the individual articles that are staying;
A second specifying process for specifying a second article of the same product as the first article specified by the first specifying process among the individual articles to be paid out from the product information in the sorting unit or the packing specification information;
When the second article is specified by the second specifying process, a determination process for determining a sorting box as a delivery destination of the first article as a sorting box as a delivery destination of the second article;
A first generation process for generating first payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting the first article into a payout destination sorting box determined by the determination process;
A first transmission process for transmitting the first payout instruction information generated by the first generation process to the sorting unit;
A sorting control method characterized by executing A sorting control program for causing a processor to execute control of a sorting facility that sorts the products by a sorting unit that delivers the products to a sorting box in which a delivery destination is specified,
The processor is accessible to a storage device;
The storage device includes product information in the sorting unit indicating whether or not a sorting box as a payout destination has been determined for each item staying in the sorting unit, and individual items to be paid out from the sorting unit to the sorting box. And packing details information indicating whether or not it has been paid out,
In the processor,
A first specifying process for specifying, from the product information in the sorting unit, a first item for which the dispensing box is undecided among the individual articles that are staying;
A second specifying process for specifying a second article of the same product as the first article specified by the first specifying process among the individual articles to be paid out from the product information in the sorting unit or the packing specification information;
When the second article is specified by the second specifying process, a determination process for determining a sorting box as a delivery destination of the first article as a sorting box as a delivery destination of the second article;
A first generation process for generating first payout instruction information, which is an instruction for sorting the first article into a payout destination sorting box determined by the determination process;
A first transmission process for transmitting the first payout instruction information generated by the first generation process to the sorting unit;
A sorting control program characterized by causing

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