Method, apparatus, warehouse system and storage medium for scheduling shelves

Abstract

The present application provides a method, an apparatus, a warehouse system and a storage medium for scheduling shelves. One of the methods for scheduling shelves includes: determining whether the number of empty shelves in any one of a plurality of areas is lower than a first threshold of the any one area, where the first threshold of the any one area is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in the any one area; when it is determined that the number of empty shelves in the any one area is lower than the first threshold of the any one area, performing an operation of replenishing the empty shelves in the any one area, including: selecting a target area from other areas outside the any one area among the plurality of areas, and using the empty shelves in the target area to replenish the any one area, where the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than a second threshold of the target area, and the second threshold is used to represent the minimum number of empty shelves that need to be reserved in the target area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of logistics technology, and particularly to a method, device, warehouse system, and storage medium for scheduling shelves. Background Art

[0002] With the development of automated warehousing technology, automated handling tools such as automated guided vehicles can carry shelves inside and outside the warehouse. The shelves can carry items to be transported. Here, multiple areas for storing shelves can be arranged inside and outside the warehouse. In each area, full shelves loaded with goods and empty shelves not loaded with goods can be stored. Currently, the warehousing management system lacks a distribution adjustment strategy for empty shelves in multiple areas, and it is easy to have an unreasonable distribution of empty shelves in each area. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method, device, warehouse system, and storage medium for scheduling shelves, which can adjust the distribution of empty shelves in multiple areas, thereby improving the inbound and outbound efficiency of the warehouse.

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a method for scheduling shelves is provided, including:

[0005] Determine whether the number of empty shelves in any one of multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of the any one area, where the first threshold of the any one area is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in the any one area;

[0006] When it is determined that the number of empty shelves in the any one area is lower than the first threshold of the any one area, perform an empty shelf replenishment operation on the any one area, including:

[0007] Select a target area from other areas outside the any one area among the multiple areas, and use the empty shelves in the target area to replenish the any one area, where the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than the second threshold of the target area, and the second threshold is used to represent the lowest number of empty shelves that the target area needs to retain.

[0008] In some embodiments, the priorities of at least two areas among the multiple areas are different; the empty shelf replenishment operation includes:

[0009] Execute an area selection step, where the area selection step includes selecting an unselected area from the areas with a lower priority than the any one area in descending order of priority as the target area;

[0010] Judge whether the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than the second threshold of the target area;

[0011] If the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than the second threshold of the target area, take out the empty shelves from the target area and supplement them to any one of the areas. After completing the replenishment of the empty shelves, determine whether the number of shelves in any one of the areas meets the standard. If it meets the standard, end the operation of replenishing the empty shelves. If it does not meet the standard, go to the area selection step;

[0012] If the number of empty shelves in the target area is lower than the second threshold of the target area, go to the area selection step.

[0013] In some embodiments, the determining whether the number of shelves in any one of the areas meets the standard after completing the replenishment of the empty shelves includes:

[0014] After completing the replenishment of the empty shelves, determine whether any one of the areas meets a predetermined condition; if so, determine that the number of shelves in any one of the areas meets the standard; if not, determine that the number of shelves in any one of the areas does not meet the standard;

[0015] Among them, meeting the predetermined condition means that any one of the following situations holds:

[0016] The number of empty shelves in any one of the areas reaches the first threshold of any one of the areas;

[0017] The number of empty shelves in any one of the areas does not reach the first threshold of any one of the areas and the total number of shelves in any one of the areas reaches the upper limit of the number of shelves in any one of the areas.

[0018] In some embodiments, the taking out the empty shelves from the target area and supplementing them to any one of the areas includes:

[0019] Determine whether the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished. Among them, the number of empty shelves that can be provided means the difference between the total number of empty shelves in the target area and the second threshold of the target area, and the number of empty shelves that need to be replenished means the smaller value between the remaining available shelf capacity of any one of the areas and the number of empty shelves required to reach the first threshold of any one of the areas;

[0020] When it is determined that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, take out the empty shelves from the target area and supplement them to any one of the areas according to the number of empty shelves that need to be replenished;

[0021] When it is determined that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is less than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, take out the empty shelves from the target area and supplement them to any one of the areas according to the number of empty shelves that can be provided.

[0022] In some embodiments, taking out an empty shelf from the target area and replenishing it to any one of the areas includes: generating a task of taking out an empty shelf from the target area and replenishing it to any one of the areas, and controlling an automated guided vehicle to execute the task.

[0023] In some embodiments, determining whether the number of empty shelves in any one of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas includes:

[0024] At every predetermined triggering duration, determining whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of that area; or

[0025] Monitoring whether a shelf is removed from the multiple areas, and when it is monitored that a shelf is removed from any one of the multiple areas, determining whether the number of empty shelves in the any one of the areas where the shelf is removed is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas; or

[0026] In a predetermined time interval, at every predetermined triggering duration, determining whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of that area.

[0027] In some embodiments, the above method further includes: when an empty shelf to be moved appears on the workbench each time, determining whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of that area, and determining the range of areas to be replenished, where the number of empty shelves in each area in the range of areas to be replenished is lower than the first threshold of that area;

[0028] Replenishing the empty shelf to be moved to the range of areas to be replenished.

[0029] In some embodiments, replenishing the empty shelf to be moved to the determined range of areas to be replenished includes: replenishing the empty shelf to be moved to the area with the highest priority in the range of areas to be replenished.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a device for scheduling shelves, including:

[0031] A monitoring unit, determining whether the number of empty shelves in any one of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas, where the first threshold of any one of the areas is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in any one of the areas;

[0032] A shelf management unit, when the monitoring unit determines that the number of empty shelves in any one of the areas is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas, performing an operation of replenishing the empty shelves in any one of the areas, including:

[0033] From other areas outside any one of the multiple areas, a target area is selected, and the empty shelves in the target area are used to replenish any one area, where the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than a second threshold of the target area, and the second threshold is used to represent the minimum number of empty shelves that need to be reserved in the target area.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present application, a warehouse system is provided, including:

[0035] Multiple areas, each area is used to store shelves;

[0036] An automated guided vehicle, used to carry shelves;

[0037] A warehouse management system, used to execute the method of scheduling shelves according to the present application, and schedule the automated guided vehicle to perform the task of carrying shelves.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present application, a storage medium is provided, storing a program, when the program is executed by a processor, enabling the processor to execute the method of scheduling shelves according to the present application.

[0039] In summary, according to the solution of scheduling shelves of the present application, by performing the operation of replenishing empty shelves in multiple areas, the empty shelves in the area with a large number of empty shelves are replenished into the area with a small number of empty shelves, so that the empty shelves in each area are distributed as evenly as possible, thereby balancing the number of empty shelves in each area according to the set target quantity, and thus improving the inbound and outbound efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an application scenario according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 A flowchart showing a method 200 of scheduling shelves according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0042] Figure 3 A flowchart showing a method 300 of replenishing empty shelves according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a method 400 of determining whether the number of shelves meets the standard according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0044] Figure 5 A flowchart showing a method 500 of replenishing empty shelves to an area according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 A flowchart showing a method 600 of scheduling shelves according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a device 700 for scheduling shelves according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear and understandable, the following examples are given with reference to the accompanying drawings to further elaborate on the present application in detail.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an application scenario according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the application scenario includes a warehouse 10 for storing items. Additionally, the application scenario may further include multiple areas for storing shelves. Here, the multiple areas may all be outside the warehouse 10, or all be inside the warehouse 10, or some be inside the warehouse 10. For example Figure 1 areas 21, 22, and 23 are outside the warehouse 10. Areas 24, 25, and 26 are inside the warehouse 10. Additionally, workbenches are provided outside the warehouse 10, such as Figure 1 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 shown.

[0049] Additionally, the application scenario further includes a warehouse management system 40. The warehouse management system 40 can generate tasks for moving shelves between the workbenches and the areas, and can also generate tasks for moving shelves between different areas. The warehouse management system 40 can, according to the tasks of moving shelves, schedule multiple handling tools such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to execute the tasks of moving shelves. The automated guided vehicles include, for example Figure 1Shown as 51 and 52. Here, the shelves can be empty shelves or full shelves loaded with items. The warehouse management system 40 can include, for example, one computing device or multiple computing devices. Here, the computing device can be, for example, a personal computer or a server and other devices. The areas 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 can store empty shelves and full shelves. Among them, the workbenches 31, 32, and 33 can, for example, register the inbound and outbound of items, sort items, and other operations. The workbenches 34 and 35 can perform operations such as processing and manufacturing using the items. In order to improve the efficiency of items entering and leaving the warehouse 10, the embodiments of the present application can adjust the number of empty shelves in each area through the warehouse management system 40. For example, the warehouse management system 40 can set the target number of empty shelves in each area according to actual needs, and adjust the number of empty shelves in each area according to the target number of empty shelves in each area, so that the number of empty shelves in each area is as consistent as possible with the target number. Here, the number of empty shelves in each area can also be referred to as the water level regarding empty shelves. The target number can also be referred to as the reference water level. If the number of empty shelves in an area exceeds the reference water level, it can be considered that the number of empty shelves in the area is at a high water level. Conversely, if the number of empty shelves in an area is lower than the reference water level, it can be considered that the number of empty shelves in the area is at a low water level. Taking area 21 as an example, if area 21 can accommodate 100 shelves, the target number of empty shelves in area 21 is, for example, 60.

[0050] In some embodiments, the importance levels of the areas in the application scenario are different. Each area can be divided according to factors such as location and the attributes of the stored items. For example, the area outside the warehouse is close to the workbench, and the area outside the warehouse has a higher priority than the area inside the warehouse. Also, for example, the importance levels of different items are different. Different areas can store different items. The higher the importance level of the stored items, the higher the priority of the area. For example, Figure 1 the priorities of areas 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Among them, priority 1 is higher than priority 2, priority 2 is higher than priority 3, and so on. The embodiments of the present application can also adjust the number of empty shelves in each area according to the priority of the area, so that the number of empty shelves in each area approaches the target number, thereby improving the inbound and outbound efficiency.

[0051] The following combines Figure 2 to elaborate in detail on the scheduling scheme for empty shelves. Figure 2 FIG. shows a flowchart of a method 200 for scheduling shelves according to some embodiments of the present application. The method 200 can be executed by the warehouse management system 40, for example.

[0052] As Figure 2As shown, in step S201, it is determined whether the number of empty shelves in any one of the multiple regions is lower than the first threshold of the any one region. Here, the first threshold of the any one region is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in the any one region. Here, the target number of empty shelves in a region is the most ideal number of empty shelves set for that region.

[0053] In some embodiments, step S201 can monitor the number of empty shelves in each region in real time or periodically, so as to determine whether the number of empty shelves in each region is lower than the first threshold of that region. For example, every predetermined trigger duration, step S201 can perform an operation to determine whether the number of empty shelves in each region is lower than the first threshold of that region. The predetermined trigger duration is, for example, a duration of 10 minutes or 20 minutes, etc. In some embodiments, step S201 can obtain the execution result of the automatic guided vehicle moving the empty shelf. According to the execution result, step S201 can determine the number of empty shelves in each region.

[0054] In some embodiments, step S201 can monitor whether shelves are removed from multiple regions. When it is monitored that a shelf is removed from any one of the multiple regions, it is determined whether the number of empty shelves in the any one region is lower than the first threshold of the any one region. For example, when it is determined that an empty shelf or a full shelf is removed from area 21 (for example, moved to a workbench), step S201 can determine whether the number of empty shelves in area 21 is lower than the first threshold of area 21. The upper limit of the shelf capacity in area 21 is, for example, 100. The first threshold is, for example, 80.

[0055] In some embodiments, step S201 can perform an operation to determine whether the number of empty shelves in each region is lower than the first threshold of that region every predetermined trigger duration within a predetermined time interval. Here, the predetermined time interval is, for example, a predetermined time period every day, or a predetermined time period within each hour. The present application does not limit this.

[0056] When step S201 determines that the number of empty shelves in the any one region is lower than the first threshold of the any one region, method 200 can execute step S202 to perform an operation of replenishing the empty shelves in the any one region.

[0057] In some embodiments, step S202 can select a target region from other regions other than the any one region among the multiple regions, and use the empty shelves in the target region to replenish the any one region. Here, the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region. The second threshold is used to represent the minimum number of empty shelves that need to be reserved in the target region. When it is necessary to move the empty shelf, the warehouse management system 40 can, for example, control the automatic guided vehicle to perform the task of moving the empty shelf.

[0058] In summary, according to the method 200 of scheduling shelves in the present application, by performing the operation of replenishing empty shelves in multiple regions, the empty shelves in the region with a large number of empty shelves are replenished into the region with a small number of empty shelves, so that the empty shelves in each region are distributed as evenly as possible, thereby balancing the number of empty shelves in each region according to the set target quantity, and thus improving the inbound and outbound efficiency.

[0059] In some embodiments, the priorities of at least two regions among the multiple regions are different. The empty shelf replenishment operation in step S202 can be implemented as method 300.

[0060] As Figure 3 shown, in step S301, an area selection step is performed. The area selection step includes: selecting an unselected area from the areas with a lower priority than any of the areas in descending order of priority as the target area.

[0061] In step S302, it is judged whether the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than the second threshold of the target area.

[0062] If step S302 determines that the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than the second threshold of the target area, then method 300 executes step S303, takes out the empty shelves from the target area and replenishes them into any of the areas, and judges whether the number of shelves in any of the areas reaches the standard after the empty shelf replenishment is completed.

[0063] If step S303 determines that it reaches the standard, then method 300 ends the empty shelf replenishment operation, that is, ends the execution process of method 300.

[0064] If step S303 determines that it does not reach the standard, then it goes to step S301 to continue executing the area selection step.

[0065] If step S302 determines that the number of empty shelves in the target area is lower than the second threshold of the target area, then it goes to step S301 to continue executing the area selection step.

[0066] In summary, according to the method 300 of scheduling shelves in the present application, the empty shelves in the region with a higher level can be replenished preferentially, so as to ensure that the important regions can be replenished with empty shelves preferentially. In addition, method 300 can determine whether to continue executing the area selection step according to whether the number of shelves in the region reaches the standard after each replenishment of empty shelves, so as to be able to flexibly use one or more target areas for replenishing empty shelves.

[0067] To more vividly illustrate the empty shelf replenishment process in Method 300, an example is given below. For example, when the area where the empty shelves need to be replenished is 21, in step S301, area 22 is first selected as the target area. In step S302, it is determined whether the number of empty shelves in area 22 is lower than the second threshold of target area 22. If the number of empty shelves in area 22 is higher than the second threshold of area 22, in step S303, empty shelves can be taken out from area 22 and replenished into area 21. After replenishing area 21 through area 22, if the status of the shelves in area 21 does not meet the standard, Method 300 can execute steps S301 and S302 again, area 23 can be selected as the target area, and it is determined whether the number of empty shelves in area 23 is lower than the second threshold of target area 23. And so on until the number of shelves in area 21 meets the standard. Additionally, when the number of empty shelves in the selected area 22 is lower than the second threshold of area 22, in step S203, area 23, which has a priority level one lower than the selected area 22, can be updated as the target area. In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application can set the first threshold and the second threshold for each area as needed. Taking areas 21 and 22 as an example, examples of the first threshold and the second threshold are as shown in the following table.

[0068]

[0069] In some embodiments, the operation of determining whether the number of shelves in any of the areas meets the standard in step S303 can be implemented as Method 400.

[0070] As Figure 4 shown, in step S401, after completing the replenishment of empty shelves, it is determined whether any of the areas meets a predetermined condition. If step S401 determines that any of the areas meets the predetermined condition, Method 400 executes step S402 to determine that the number of empty shelves in any of the areas meets the standard. If step S401 determines that any of the areas does not meet the predetermined condition, then Method 400 executes step S403 to determine that the number of shelves in any of the areas does not meet the standard. Among them, meeting the predetermined condition means that any one of the following situations holds: the number of shelves in any of the areas reaches the first threshold of any of the areas; the number of empty shelves in any of the areas does not reach the first threshold of any of the areas and the total number of shelves in any of the areas reaches the upper limit of the number of shelves in any of the areas.

[0071] In summary, by determining whether the number of empty shelves meets the predetermined condition, Method 400 can determine whether the number of shelves in the replenished area meets the standard, and further determine whether to continue executing the area selection step.

[0072] In some embodiments, the operation of taking out empty shelves from the target area and replenishing them into any of the areas in step S303 can be implemented as Method 500.

[0073] As Figure 5 shown, in step S501, it is determined whether the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished. Among them, the number of empty shelves that can be provided represents the difference between the total number of empty shelves in the target area and the second threshold of the target area. The number of empty shelves that need to be replenished represents the smaller value between the remaining available shelf capacity of any one of the areas and the number of empty shelves required to reach the first threshold of any one of the areas.

[0074] For example, any one of the areas is 21, the target area is 22, the second threshold of area 22 is 60, the capacity of area 22 is, for example, 100 shelves, and the total number of empty shelves in area 22 is 79. The number of empty shelves that area 22 can provide is the difference between 79 and 60, which is 19. The number of empty shelves that need to be replenished represents the smaller value between the remaining capacity of any one of the areas and the number of empty shelves required to reach the first threshold. Taking area 21 as an example, the capacity of area 21 is 100 shelves, the number of empty shelves in area 21 is 70, the number of full shelves is 25, and the first threshold of area 21 is 80. Here, the remaining capacity of area 21 is 5 shelves, and the number of empty shelves required for area 21 to reach the first threshold is 10; the number of empty shelves that area 21 needs to be replenished is the smaller value between 10 and 5, which is 5.

[0075] When it is determined in step S501 that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, method 500 may execute step S502, and take out empty shelves from the target area according to the number of empty shelves that need to be replenished and replenish them to any one of the areas. In some embodiments, the warehouse management system 140 may generate a task of taking out empty shelves from the target area and replenishing them to any one of the areas. On this basis, the warehouse management system 140 may control the automated guided vehicle to execute the task.

[0076] When it is determined in step S501 that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is less than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, method 500 may execute step S503, and take out empty shelves from the target area according to the number of empty shelves that can be provided and replenish them to any one of the areas.

[0077] In summary, by determining whether the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, method 500 can select an appropriate number of empty shelves for replenishment, so as to be able to more precisely control the balance of empty shelves in each area.

[0078] Figure 6 FIG. shows a flowchart of a method 600 for scheduling shelves according to some embodiments of the present application. Method 600 may be executed by, for example, the warehouse management system 40.

[0079] As shown Figure 6 In step S601, it is determined whether the number of empty shelves in any one of a plurality of regions is lower than the first threshold of the any one region. Wherein, the first threshold of the any one region is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in the any one region. Here, the target number of empty shelves in a region can be the most ideal number of empty shelves set for the region.

[0080] In some embodiments, step S601 can monitor the number of empty shelves in each region in real time or periodically, so as to determine whether the number of empty shelves in each region is lower than the first threshold of the region. For example, every predetermined triggering duration, step S601 can perform an operation of determining whether the number of empty shelves in each region is lower than the first threshold of the region.

[0081] In some embodiments, step S601 can monitor whether shelves are removed from a plurality of regions. When it is monitored that a shelf is removed from any one of the plurality of regions, it is determined whether the number of empty shelves in any one of the plurality of regions is lower than the first threshold of the any one region.

[0082] In some embodiments, step S601 can perform an operation of determining whether the number of empty shelves in each region is lower than the first threshold of the region every predetermined triggering duration within a predetermined time interval. Here, the predetermined time interval is, for example, a predetermined time period of each day, or a predetermined time period within each hour. The present application does not limit this.

[0083] When step S601 determines that the number of empty shelves in the any one region is lower than the first threshold of the any one region, method 600 can execute step S602 to perform an operation of replenishing the empty shelves in the any one region. In some embodiments, step S602 can select a target region from other regions outside the any one region among the plurality of regions, and use the empty shelves in the target region to replenish the any one region. Wherein, the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region. The second threshold is used to represent the minimum number of empty shelves that need to be reserved in the target region. When it is necessary to move the empty shelves, the warehouse management system 40 can, for example, control the automated guided vehicle to perform the task of moving the empty shelves.

[0084] In some embodiments, method 600 can also execute step S603. When an empty shelf to be moved appears on the workbench each time, it is determined whether the number of empty shelves in each region among the plurality of regions is lower than the first threshold of the region, and the range of regions to be replenished is determined. The empty shelf to be moved refers to the empty shelf to be moved to the plurality of regions. Wherein, the number of empty shelves in each region within the range of regions to be replenished is lower than the first threshold of the region.

[0085] In step S604, the empty shelves to be moved are replenished into the area range to be replenished. In some embodiments, step S606 may replenish the empty shelves to be moved into the area with the highest priority within the area range to be replenished. In some embodiments, step S604 may, according to the distances between the empty shelves to be moved and the respective areas within the area range, replenish the empty shelves to be moved into the area with the shortest distance.

[0086] Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a device 700 for scheduling shelves according to some embodiments of the present application. The device 700 for scheduling shelves may be deployed, for example, in a warehouse management system 40.

[0087] As Figure 7 shown, the device 700 for scheduling shelves may include: a monitoring unit 701 and a shelf management unit 702.

[0088] The monitoring unit 701 may determine whether the number of empty shelves in any one of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of the any one area. Wherein, the first threshold of the any one area is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in the any one area.

[0089] In some embodiments, at every predetermined trigger duration, the monitoring unit 701 may determine whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of the area.

[0090] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit 701 monitors whether shelves are moved out from the multiple areas, and when it monitors that shelves are moved out from any one of the multiple areas, determines whether the number of empty shelves in the any one area where the shelves are moved out is lower than the first threshold of the any one area.

[0091] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit 701 may, within a predetermined time interval, at every predetermined trigger duration determine whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of the area.

[0092] When the monitoring unit 701 determines that the number of empty shelves in the any one area is lower than the first threshold of the any one area, the shelf management unit 702 may perform an operation of replenishing empty shelves in the any one area. In some embodiments, the shelf management unit 702 may select a target area from other areas outside the any one area among the multiple areas, and use the empty shelves in the target area to replenish the any one area. Wherein, the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than the second threshold of the target area. The second threshold is used to represent the minimum number of empty shelves that the target area needs to retain.

[0093] In summary, for the device 700 of the scheduling shelf according to the present application, by performing the operation of replenishing empty shelves in multiple regions, the number of empty shelves in each region can be made to approach the target number of each region as much as possible, so that the number of empty shelves in each region can be balanced according to the set target number, thereby improving the inbound and outbound efficiency. In some examples, the priorities of at least two of the multiple regions are different. The shelf management unit 702 may perform a region selection step. The region selection step includes: selecting an unselected region as the target region in descending order of priority from regions with a lower priority than any of the regions. The shelf management unit 702 may determine whether the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region. If the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region, the shelf management unit 702 takes out the empty shelves from the target region and replenishes them to any of the regions, and determines whether the number of shelves in any of the regions meets the standard after completing the replenishment of the empty shelves. If it meets the standard, the shelf management unit 702 ends the operation of replenishing empty shelves. If it does not meet the standard, the shelf management unit 702 jumps to execute the region selection step. If the number of empty shelves in the target region is lower than the second threshold of the target region, the shelf management unit 702 turns to the region selection step.

[0094] In some embodiments, in order to determine whether the number of shelves meets the standard, after completing one replenishment of empty shelves, the shelf management unit 702 may determine whether any of the regions meets a predetermined condition. If so, the shelf management unit 702 determines that the number of shelves in any of the regions meets the standard. If not, the shelf management unit 702 determines that the number of shelves in any of the regions does not meet the standard. Among them, meeting the predetermined condition means that any one of the following situations holds: the number of empty shelves in any of the regions reaches the first threshold of any of the regions; the number of empty shelves in any of the regions does not reach the first threshold of any of the regions and the total number of shelves in any of the regions reaches the upper limit of the number of shelves in any of the regions.

[0095] In some embodiments, in order to take out empty shelves from the target area and supplement them to any of the areas, the shelf management unit 702 may determine whether the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any of the areas need to be supplemented. Among them, the number of empty shelves that can be provided represents the difference between the total number of empty shelves in the target area and the second threshold of the target area. The number of empty shelves that need to be supplemented represents the smaller value between the remaining available shelf capacity of any of the areas and the number of empty shelves required to reach the first threshold of any of the areas. When it is determined that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any of the areas need to be supplemented, the shelf management unit 702 takes out empty shelves from the target area and supplements them to any of the areas according to the number of empty shelves that need to be supplemented. When it is determined that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is less than the number of empty shelves that any of the areas need to be supplemented, the shelf management unit 702 takes out empty shelves from the target area and supplements them to any of the areas according to the number of empty shelves that can be provided. For example, the shelf management unit 702 may generate a task of taking out empty shelves from the target area and supplementing them to any of the areas, and control the automated guided vehicle to execute the task.

[0096] In some embodiments, each time an empty shelf to be moved appears on the workbench, the monitoring unit 701 determines whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of that area, and determines the range of areas to be supplemented. Among them, the number of empty shelves in each area within the range of areas to be supplemented is lower than the first threshold of that area. The shelf management unit 702 may supplement the empty shelf to be moved to the range of areas to be supplemented. For example, the shelf management unit 702 supplements the empty shelf to be moved to the area with the highest priority within the range of areas to be supplemented. The more specific implementation manners of the device 700 are similar to those of the method 600, and will not be elaborated here.

[0097] The foregoing are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for scheduling a shelf, characterized in that, Including: Determine whether the number of empty shelves in any one of multiple regions is lower than the first threshold of the any one region, where all of the multiple regions are outside the warehouse, or all of the multiple regions are inside the warehouse, or some of the multiple regions are inside the warehouse and some are outside the warehouse, and at least two regions among the multiple regions have different priorities, and the first threshold of the any one region is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in the any one region; When it is determined that the number of empty shelves in the any one region is lower than the first threshold of the any one region, perform an operation to replenish the empty shelves in the any one region, including: Select a target region from other regions outside the any one region among the multiple regions, and use the empty shelves in the target region to replenish the any one region, where the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region, and the second threshold is used to represent the minimum number of empty shelves that need to be reserved in the target region; When there is an empty shelf to be moved on the workbench each time, determine whether the number of empty shelves in each region among the multiple regions is lower than the first threshold of that region, and determine the range of regions to be replenished, where the number of empty shelves in each region in the range of regions to be replenished is lower than the first threshold of that region; Supplement the empty shelf to be moved into the region with the highest priority among the regions to be replenished; Wherein, the operation to replenish the empty shelves includes: Execute a region selection step, and the region selection step includes selecting an unselected region from the regions with a lower priority than the any one region in descending order of priority as the target region; Judge whether the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region; If the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region, take out the empty shelves from the target region and supplement them to the any one region, and after completing the replenishment of the empty shelves, judge whether the number of shelves in the any one region meets the standard. If it meets the standard, end the operation to replenish the empty shelves. If it does not meet the standard, go to the region selection step; If the number of empty shelves in the target region is lower than the second threshold of the target region, go to the region selection step.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The judgment of whether the number of shelves in the any one region meets the standard after completing the replenishment of the empty shelves includes: After completing the replenishment of the empty shelves, judge whether the any one region meets a predetermined condition; if so, determine that the number of shelves in the any one region meets the standard; if not, determine that the number of shelves in the any one region does not meet the standard; Wherein, meeting the predetermined condition means that any one of the following situations holds: The number of empty shelves in the any one region reaches the first threshold of the any one region; The number of empty shelves in the any one region does not reach the first threshold of the any one region and the total number of shelves in the any one region reaches the upper limit of the number of shelves in the any one region.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The taking out of the empty shelves from the target region and supplementing them to the any one region includes: Determine whether the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, where the number of empty shelves that can be provided represents the difference between the total number of empty shelves in the target area and the second threshold of the target area, and the number of empty shelves that need to be replenished represents the smaller value between the remaining available shelf capacity of any one of the areas and the number of empty shelves required to reach the first threshold of any one of the areas; When it is determined that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is greater than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, take out empty shelves from the target area and replenish them to any one of the areas according to the number of empty shelves that need to be replenished; When it is determined that the number of empty shelves that the target area can provide is less than the number of empty shelves that any one of the areas needs to be replenished, take out empty shelves from the target area and replenish them to any one of the areas according to the number of empty shelves that can be provided.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Taking out empty shelves from the target area and replenishing them to any one of the areas includes: Generate a task of taking out empty shelves from the target area and replenishing them to any one of the areas, and control the automated guided vehicle to execute the task.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein Determining whether the number of empty shelves in any one of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas includes: At every predetermined trigger duration, determine whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of that area; or Monitor whether shelves are removed from the multiple areas, and when it is monitored that shelves are removed from any one of the multiple areas, determine whether the number of empty shelves in the any one of the areas where the shelves are removed is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas; or In a predetermined time interval, at every predetermined trigger duration, determine whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of that area.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein Replenishing the empty shelves to be moved into the determined area range to be replenished includes: Replenish the empty shelves to be moved into the area with the highest priority in the area range to be replenished.

7. A device for scheduling shelves, characterized in that, Includes: A monitoring unit determines whether the number of empty shelves in any one of the multiple areas is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas, where all of the multiple areas are outside the warehouse, or all of the multiple areas are inside the warehouse, or some of the multiple areas are inside the warehouse and some are outside the warehouse, at least two of the multiple areas have different priorities, and the first threshold of any one of the areas is used to represent the target number of empty shelves in any one of the areas; A shelf management unit, when the monitoring unit determines that the number of empty shelves in any one of the areas is lower than the first threshold of any one of the areas, performs an operation of replenishing empty shelves for any one of the areas, including: Select a target area from other areas other than any one of the multiple areas, and use the empty shelves in the target area to replenish any one of the areas, where the number of empty shelves in the target area is higher than the second threshold of the target area, and the second threshold is used to represent the minimum number of empty shelves that the target area needs to retain; Wherein, each time an empty shelf to be moved appears on the workbench, the monitoring unit determines whether the number of empty shelves in each of the multiple regions is lower than the first threshold of that region, and determines the range of regions to be replenished; wherein, the number of empty shelves in each region within the range of regions to be replenished is lower than the first threshold of that region; Wherein, the shelf management unit replenishes the empty shelf to be moved into the region with the highest priority within the range of regions to be replenished; Wherein, the empty shelf replenishment operation includes: Performing a region selection step, the region selection step includes selecting an unselected one as the target region in the order of highest to lowest priority from the regions with a lower priority than any of the regions; Judging whether the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region; If the number of empty shelves in the target region is higher than the second threshold of the target region, take out the empty shelf from the target region and replenish it to any of the regions, and after the empty shelf replenishment is completed, judge whether the number of shelves in any of the regions meets the standard. If it meets the standard, end the empty shelf replenishment operation. If it does not meet the standard, go to the region selection step; If the number of empty shelves in the target region is lower than the second threshold of the target region, go to the region selection step.

8. A warehouse system, comprising: Multiple regions, each region for storing shelves; An automated guided vehicle for transporting shelves; A warehouse management system for executing the method of scheduling shelves according to any one of claims 1-6, and scheduling the automated guided vehicle to perform the task of transporting shelves.

9. A storage medium storing a program, when the program is executed by a processor, causing the processor to execute the method of scheduling shelves according to any one of claims 1-6.

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