Multi-module unmanned warehouse and intelligent management system

By designing a multi-module unmanned warehouse intelligent management system, the problems of insufficient personnel configuration, unrecognized material changes and low inventory efficiency in existing warehouse management have been solved, and 24-hour automatic management and accurate material records of unmanned warehouses have been achieved.

CN112085446BActive Publication Date: 2025-02-14NANJING HERUI SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202010936699.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-09-08
Publication Date
2025-02-14
Estimated Expiration
2040-09-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

There are problems in the existing warehouse management with insufficient personnel configuration, unrecognized material changes and low inventory efficiency, resulting in the inability to achieve 24-hour automatic collection and replenishment management.

Method used

A multi-module unmanned warehouse intelligent management system was designed, including the main control system, access control, incoming user identity identification device, warehouse storage area, entrance and exit scanning table, label sticker, warehouse information buffering system and other components. Work together to achieve unmanned automatic collection and replenishment management.

Benefits of technology

It realizes 24-hour automatic management of unmanned warehouses, solves the problem of not being able to receive 24-hours in manual management, and accurately records material changes through real-time identification and induction technology, improves inventory efficiency and ensures that the accounts are consistent.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of intelligent management, and in particular to a multi-module unmanned warehouse and an intelligent management system, including a main control system, access control, an identity recognition device for warehouse entrants, and a warehouse storage area. The warehouse storage area is composed of an ordinary storage area and a weighing storage area. The shelves in the ordinary storage area are ordinary shelves, and the shelves in the weighing storage area are shelves that can sense weight in real time. The shelves that can sense weight in real time are connected to the main control system; an entry and exit scanning table, a scanning table display screen, and labels. Thus, unmanned automatic management of the warehouse can be achieved, which not only solves the problem of 24-hour availability in manual management, but also solves the problem of discrepancies between book inventory and actual inventory caused by manual active input. In the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, different storage identification technologies are used in consideration of the characteristics of different materials to effectively ensure the effectiveness and timeliness of unmanned automatic management.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of intelligent management, in particular to the field of intelligent management of items of many categories and great differences, and more specifically to a multi-module unmanned warehouse and an intelligent management system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, modern information technology represented by cloud computing, big data, the Internet of Things, mobile Internet, and artificial intelligence has developed rapidly, continuously driving the accelerated transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. Emerging industries have emerged and developed rapidly, and the level of informatization in all walks of life in society has been continuously enhanced.

[0003] The concept of "unmanned supermarket" was first proposed by Amazon. After it proposed this concept, the domestic and foreign retail industries have been continuously studying and solving the feasibility of "unmanned supermarket" and problems encountered during trial operation.

[0004] The inventor was inspired by the concept of "unmanned supermarket" and tried to apply it to the management of unmanned warehouses. The management here mainly refers to the two processes of automatic collection and automatic replenishment.

[0005] In this way, the following problems existing in the current manual management of warehouses can be solved:

[0006] 1) Insufficient staffing: There are too few full-time staff to meet the 24-hour material collection needs;

[0007] 2) Unable to identify material changes: The type and quantity of materials need to be manually entered, which can easily lead to discrepancies between accounts and actuals;

[0008] 3) Low inventory efficiency: Inventory work is large and time-consuming, and discrepancies between accounts and actuals cannot be discovered in a timely manner. Summary of the invention

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is how to realize unmanned automatic collection and replenishment management of multiple materials.

[0010] In order to solve this problem, the present invention discloses a multi-module unmanned warehouse, comprising:

[0011] A main control system, wherein the main control system is capable of receiving management information transmitted from a remote end;

[0012] Access control, which consists of an access control controller and a door;

[0013] An identification device for a person entering the warehouse, which is connected to the access controller and the main control system by wired or wireless means, so as to open or close the door by controlling the access controller;

[0014] The warehouse storage area is composed of a common storage area and a weighing storage area. The shelves in the common storage area are common shelves, and the shelves in the weighing storage area are shelves capable of real-time weight sensing. The shelves capable of real-time weight sensing are connected to a main control system.

[0015] An in-and-out scanning platform, which is connected to a main control system;

[0016] A scanning station display screen, which is used to display information of items scanned by the incoming scanning station;

[0017] Also included is a label, which is a scannable label carrying item information and is attached to the goods stored in the warehouse storage area.

[0018] Further preferably, a warehouse information buffer system is also included, wherein the warehouse information buffer is used to store temporary warehouse item information data, and the warehouse information buffer system is connected to the main control system.

[0019] In a preferred technical solution, the access controller is a chip reader, which can read the information in the chip and compare it with the data in the main control system to determine whether to open the door.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution, the warehouse entrant identity recognition device is one of a barcode reader, a chip-carrying document reader, and a QR code reader. The chip-carrying document can be an ID card, a work permit, etc. It should be noted that the warehouse entrant identity recognition device here refers to a device that can recognize the identity information of the warehouse entrant.

[0021] Shelves that can sense weight in real time refer to shelves that can sense the weight of items on the shelves in real time and automatically calculate the number of items based on the sensed weight information. For example, gravity-sensing smart shelves and other shelves that can sense weight in real time can be used here.

[0022] In a preferred technical solution, the label is a QR code label or an RFID label.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution, it also includes an electronic tag, which is set on a shelf that can sense weight in real time and display information about items on the shelf.

[0024] Further preferably, the electronic tag further includes a prompt module. More preferably, the prompt module is a color prompt module or a sound prompt module.

[0025] In a preferred technical solution, an intelligent guidance system is also included, and the intelligent guidance system is used to indicate the location of the cargo space.

[0026] As a preferred technical solution, the present invention also discloses a monitoring device, which is used to monitor the warehouse. Preferably, the monitoring device here is a camera.

[0027] Preferably, the warehouse further includes an alarm device, which is connected to the monitoring device. When an abnormal situation occurs, the alarm device is automatically triggered to ensure the safety of the warehouse 24 hours a day.

[0028] As a preferred technical solution, it also includes an information visualization display screen, which is used to display information such as the collection order information, the collection material location information, and the collection material feature information.

[0029] More preferably, the visual display screen is an interactive display screen, which can be used to query the order information, the location information of the materials to be collected, the characteristic information of the materials to be collected and the like.

[0030] Further preferably, the visualization display screen and the scanning platform display screen are the same display screen.

[0031] As a preferred technical solution, a handheld terminal is also included, and the handheld terminal is a handheld scanning terminal, and the handheld scanning terminal is connected to the main control system.

[0032] A multi-module unmanned warehouse intelligent management system, comprising:

[0033] The in-warehouse information data module stores the material information such as the name, material model, material quantity, and material location of the materials in the unmanned warehouse;

[0034] The in-warehouse material change buffer module receives material change information (including warehouse entry information and warehouse exit information) and stores the name, material model, material location and identity information of the corresponding operator of the in-warehouse or out-warehouse material in the module;

[0035] A counting module, which is used to calculate and count the quantity changes of a certain material, and transmit the quantity change data of the material to the in-warehouse information data module;

[0036] A verification and validation module, the verification and validation module includes an operator verification and validation submodule and a material verification and validation submodule; the operator verification and validation submodule receives the operator identity information transmitted by the identification system, and calls the operator identity information in the in-warehouse material change buffer module for comparison; the material verification and validation submodule receives the information of relevant materials in the in-warehouse information data module, and calls the material change information associated with the relevant operator in the in-warehouse material change buffer module, and compares the two.

[0037] Preferably, a host computer is also included, which communicates with the information data module in the warehouse and remotely transmits material information such as the name, material model, material quantity, material location, etc. of the materials in the unmanned warehouse to the information data module in the warehouse.

[0038] Further preferably, a host computer is included, the host computer communicates with the in-warehouse material change buffer module, and the in-warehouse material change buffer module receives the material change information transmitted by the host computer.

[0039] Remote data communication and management can be achieved through the host computer. Compared with local input and management, it is not only more convenient, but also can realize multi-port control and management through the authority control of the port connected to the host computer.

[0040] As a preferred technical solution, a monitoring module is also included, and the monitoring module is used to store warehouse image information captured by the monitoring system.

[0041] Further preferably, an early warning module is included, which is connected to the monitoring module. When a preset condition is met, the early warning module is triggered to issue an early warning message.

[0042] In a preferred technical solution, a guidance module is also included, which receives the material change information confirmed by the verification module and prompts the location of the materials contained in the material change information through sound and light control.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment, the counting module includes a counting module 1 connected to the gravity sensing shelf and a counting module 2 connected to the scanning device.

[0044] Further preferably, the scanning device includes a fixed scanning device and a handheld terminal scanning device.

[0045] The scanning device can be a scanning device corresponding to the label attached to the material according to specific needs, such as a scanning device that can recognize RFID, or a scanning device that can recognize barcodes, QR codes, etc. with identification codes.

[0046] As a preferred technical solution, an interactive module is also included, and information is exchanged between the interactive module and the information data module in the warehouse. The interactive module can receive interactive information from on-site operators, thereby completing the reading and interactive operation of material information in the warehouse.

[0047] After adopting the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, unmanned automatic management of the warehouse can be realized, which not only solves the problem of not being able to use 24 hours a day in manual management, but also solves the problem of discrepancies between book inventory and actual inventory caused by manual active input. In the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, different storage identification technologies are used in consideration of the characteristics of different materials to effectively ensure the effectiveness and timeliness of unmanned automatic management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-module unmanned warehouse.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of multi-module unmanned warehouses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to better understand the present invention, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0051] like Figure 1 The multi-module unmanned warehouse shown includes:

[0052] A main control system 1, which can receive management information from a remote end;

[0053] Access control 2, the access control consists of an access control controller and a door;

[0054] The entrant identification device 3 is connected to the access controller and the main control system by wired or wireless means, so as to realize the opening or closing of the door by controlling the access controller;

[0055] The warehouse storage area is composed of a general storage area 401 and a weighing storage area 402. The shelves of the general storage area 401 are general shelves, and the shelves of the weighing storage area 402 are shelves capable of sensing weight in real time. The shelves capable of sensing weight in real time are connected to the main control system. In this embodiment, we further divide the general storage area into a multi-layer general shelf area 401A and a flat general shelf area 401B.

[0056] An in-and-out scanning station 5, which is connected to the main control system;

[0057] Scanning station display screen 6, the scanning station display screen is used to display the information of the items scanned by the storage scanning station;

[0058] It also includes a label (not shown in the figure), which is a scannable label carrying item information and is attached to the goods stored in the warehouse storage area. For example, in this embodiment, we attach a QR code label or an RFID label to the materials as needed.

[0059] Further preferably, in this embodiment, a warehouse information buffer system is also included, the warehouse information buffer is used to store temporary warehouse item information data, and the warehouse information buffer system is connected to the main control system. In this embodiment, the warehouse information buffer system and the main control system can be integrated on a computer host.

[0060] In a preferred technical solution, the access control controller in this embodiment is a chip reader, which can read the information in the chip and compare it with the data in the main control system to determine whether to open the door.

[0061] As a preferred technical solution, the warehouse entrant identity recognition device is one of a barcode reader, a chip-equipped document reader, and a QR code reader. The document with a chip can be an ID card, a work permit, etc. It should be noted that the warehouse entrant identity recognition device here refers to a device that can recognize the identity information of the warehouse entrant. For example, in this embodiment, we prefer to use an ID card reader and a face recognition device as the warehouse entrant identity recognition device. First, it is necessary to verify that the operator is a staff member of the unit, and then it is necessary to verify that the person and the ID card are consistent before the identity of the warehouse entrant can be confirmed.

[0062] Shelves that can sense weight in real time refer to shelves that can sense the weight of items on the shelves in real time and automatically calculate the number of items based on the sensed weight information. For example, gravity-sensing smart shelves and other shelves that can sense weight in real time can be used here.

[0063] In this embodiment, it is preferred to further include an electronic tag, which is set on a shelf that can sense weight in real time and displays information about items on the shelf. For example, for a gravity-sensing smart shelf, since the gravity on the gravity table changes every time an item is taken away, the gravity-sensing smart shelf, combined with the individual weight of the items on the table, can instantly reflect the amount of items taken away and reflect it on the electronic tag for the recipient's reference.

[0064] Further preferably, in this embodiment, the electronic tag further includes a prompt module, and more preferably, the prompt module is a color prompt module or a sound prompt module. Through the color change and sound prompt, it can be linked with the use of materials, thereby helping the user to make a judgment.

[0065] In this embodiment, an intelligent guidance system is preferably further included, and the intelligent guidance system is used to indicate the location of the cargo position. The guidance method can be through an indicator light on the ground or an indicator light on the shelf position.

[0066] In this embodiment, we also preferably include a monitoring device, which is used to monitor the warehouse. Preferably, the monitoring device here is a camera 7. The camera can monitor the situation in the warehouse 24 hours a day and find problems in time. Preferably, in this embodiment, an alarm device is also included, and the alarm device is connected to the monitoring device. When an abnormal situation occurs, the alarm device is automatically triggered to ensure the safety of the warehouse 24 hours a day.

[0067] Preferably, in this embodiment, an information visualization display screen is also included, and the information visualization display screen is used to display the order information, the location information of the materials to be collected, the characteristic information of the materials to be collected, etc. The visualization display screen can be a large touch screen, and the collector can interactively query the order information, the location information of the materials to be collected, the characteristic information of the materials to be collected, etc. in the warehouse through the large touch screen.

[0068] Of course, in order to facilitate operation, the visualization display screen and the scanning platform display screen in this embodiment are the same display screen.

[0069] As a preferred technical solution, in this embodiment, a handheld terminal is also included, and the handheld terminal is a handheld scanning terminal, and the handheld scanning terminal is connected to the main control system. This handheld terminal can be a scanning gun or the like.

[0070] At the same time, the present invention also discloses

[0071] A multi-module unmanned warehouse intelligent management system, comprising:

[0072] The in-warehouse information data module stores the material information such as the name, material model, material quantity, and material location of the materials in the unmanned warehouse;

[0073] Preferably, by connecting to a host computer, the material information such as the name, material model, material quantity, material location, etc. of the materials in the unmanned warehouse in the information data module in the warehouse can be transmitted from a remote end to the information data module in the warehouse through the host computer.

[0074] Of course, you can also use offline methods to enter and count relevant information locally in the warehouse.

[0075] The in-warehouse material change buffer module receives material change information (including warehouse entry information and warehouse exit information) and stores the name, material model, material location and identity information of the corresponding operator of the in-warehouse or out-warehouse material in the module;

[0076] Preferably, a host computer is also included, and the in-warehouse material change buffer module receives the material change information transmitted by the host computer, and stores the name, material model, material location and identity information of the corresponding operator of the material entering or leaving the warehouse in the module.

[0077] By adopting the form of a host computer, multi-port management and control can be achieved, but the offline input mode can also be adopted. After entering the warehouse, first establish material change information according to needs, and store the name, material model, material location and identity information of the corresponding operator of the materials to be stored in or out of the warehouse in this module.

[0078] A counting module, which is used to calculate and count the quantity changes of a certain material, and transmit the quantity change data of the material to the in-warehouse information data module;

[0079] A verification and validation module, the verification and validation module includes an operator verification and validation submodule and a material verification and validation submodule; the operator verification and validation submodule receives the operator identity information transmitted by the identification system, and calls the operator identity information in the in-warehouse material change buffer module for comparison; the material verification and validation submodule receives the information of relevant materials in the in-warehouse information data module, and calls the material change information associated with the relevant operator in the in-warehouse material change buffer module, and compares the two.

[0080] As a preferred technical solution, a monitoring module is also included, and the monitoring module is used to store warehouse image information captured by the monitoring system.

[0081] Further preferably, an early warning module is included, which is connected to the monitoring module. When a preset condition is met, the early warning module is triggered to issue an early warning message.

[0082] In a preferred technical solution, a guidance module is also included, which receives the material change information confirmed by the verification module and prompts the location of the materials contained in the material change information through sound and light control.

[0083] As a preferred embodiment, the counting module includes a counting module 1 connected to the gravity sensing shelf and a counting module 2 connected to the scanning device.

[0084] Further preferably, the scanning device includes a fixed scanning device and a handheld terminal scanning device.

[0085] The scanning device can be a scanning device corresponding to the label attached to the material according to specific needs, such as a scanning device that can recognize RFID, or a scanning device that can recognize barcodes, QR codes, etc. with identification codes.

[0086] As a preferred technical solution, an interactive module is also included, and information is exchanged between the interactive module and the information data module in the warehouse. The interactive module can receive interactive information from on-site operators, thereby completing the reading and interactive operation of material information in the warehouse.

[0087] Next, we further describe the workflow of the present invention in combination with the above structure and system:

[0088] 1) Material collection operation:

[0089] a) The user searches for his or her own material order on the touch screen in the waiting area at the entrance of the unmanned warehouse, and can view the location of the materials in the order and basic information related to the materials on the screen;

[0090] b) After selecting the order to be executed, identity verification is performed using employee card verification / face recognition / order QR code scanning, etc. After verification, the smart access control system opens the warehouse door and allows users to enter the unmanned warehouse;

[0091] c) Go to the container to pick up the required materials according to the intelligent guidance lights on the shelf. Each cargo location will be bound to an electronic color label, which will display the cargo location information in real time. If it is a weighing shelf, the cargo location will be monitored in real time, and any operation of the user on the cargo location will be fed back in real time on the electronic color label and the touch screen;

[0092] d) When the quantity of materials is large and errors are easy to occur, pick the materials with a smart tablet and push the picking cart. Take a piece of goods and scan the code with the smart tablet;

[0093] e) After picking the goods, the recipient places the goods on the checkout counter and scans the RFID / QR code one by one for settlement;

[0094] f) The collection can be completed through the smart access control only after verification and order confirmation.

[0095] 2) Restocking operation:

[0096] a) If the replenishment is by weight, the operator will first apply for replenishment, and after approval, go to the unmanned warehouse.

[0097] b) If you are replenishing ordinary shelves, you can directly look up your replenishment order on the large touch screen in the waiting area at the entrance of the unmanned warehouse, and you can view the corresponding location of the replenished materials and basic information related to the materials on the large screen;

[0098] c) After selecting the order to be executed, use employee card verification / face recognition / order QR code scanning and other methods to authenticate the identity. After passing the verification, the smart access control will open the warehouse door and enter the unmanned warehouse, and then go to the checkout counter;

[0099] d) Select the replenishment materials at the operation console and scan the code to enter the system entry. After the system entry is completed, go to the cargo position to place the replenishment materials according to the system prompts and the container intelligent guide lights;

[0100] e) At the same time, the electronic color label corresponding to the cargo location will also give corresponding prompts. After completing the replenishment, you can go to the checkout counter for confirmation. Only after confirmation can you complete the replenishment operation through the smart access control.

[0101] 3) Inventory work:

[0102] a) Inventory personnel use handheld terminals in the warehouse to scan the QR codes of materials and conduct inventory counting one by one. The inventory counting information will be recorded in the background system and can be viewed at any time.

[0103] The above is a specific implementation of the present invention. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-module unmanned warehouse intelligent management system, comprising: The in-warehouse information data module stores the material information such as the name, material model, material quantity, and material location of the materials in the unmanned warehouse; The in-warehouse material change buffer module receives material change information, including in-warehouse information and out-warehouse information, and stores the name, material model, material location and identity information of the corresponding operator of the in-warehouse or out-warehouse material in the module; A counting module, which is used to calculate and count the quantity changes of a certain material, and transmit the quantity change data of the material to the in-warehouse information data module; A verification module, the verification module includes an operator verification submodule and a material verification submodule; the operator verification submodule receives the operator identity information transmitted by the identification system, and calls the operator identity information in the in-warehouse material change buffer module for comparison; the material verification submodule receives the information of the relevant materials in the in-warehouse information data module, and calls the material change information associated with the relevant operator in the in-warehouse material change buffer module, and compares the two; And / or, it also includes a host computer, which communicates with the in-warehouse information data module and remotely transmits material information such as the name, material model, material quantity, and material location of the materials in the unmanned warehouse to the in-warehouse information data module; And / or, it also includes a host computer, the host computer communicates with the in-warehouse material change buffer module, and the in-warehouse material change buffer module receives the material change information transmitted by the host computer; And / or, a monitoring module is further included, wherein the monitoring module is used to store warehouse image information captured by the monitoring system; And / or, it also includes an early warning module, which is connected to the monitoring module, and when a preset condition is met, the early warning module is triggered to issue an early warning message; And / or, it also includes a guidance module, which receives the material change information confirmed by the verification module and prompts the location of the materials contained in the material change information by means of sound and light control; And / or, the counting module includes a counting module 1 connected to the gravity sensing shelf and a counting module 2 connected to the scanning device; And / or, the scanning device includes a fixed scanning device and a handheld terminal scanning device; And / or, it also includes an interactive module, and the interactive module interacts with the information data module in the library.

Citation Information

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