Device control method and apparatus for heterogeneous system, server, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a device control method and device of a heterogeneous system, a server and a storage medium. When a task management system and a device control system are heterogeneous systems, the server can obtain a task instruction sent by the task management system to the device control system, convert the received task instruction according to an interface protocol of the task management system and the device control system to obtain a task instruction matched with the device control system, and send the converted task instruction to the device control system. Further, the device control system can control a target device to perform a corresponding task. In this implementation, the device control can be implemented when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, the compatibility of the task management system to the heterogeneous device control system is improved, and the development cost of the task management system is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a device control method, apparatus, server and storage medium for heterogeneous systems. Background Technology

[0002] An Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) is an automated vehicle equipped with automatic guidance devices such as magnetic strips, tracks, or lasers, which allows it to travel along a planned path.

[0003] In logistics and warehousing scenarios, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be used to replace or supplement manual labor. For example, a warehouse management system can send handling instructions to an AGV, which can then retrieve items from a designated location, transport them to their destination, and unload them.

[0004] Currently, there are an increasing number of manufacturers producing automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and the robot control systems of different manufacturers vary. Warehouse management systems often lack compatibility with these different manufacturers' robot control systems, hindering effective communication with AGVs from various manufacturers. Therefore, a solution is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a device control method, apparatus, server, and storage medium for heterogeneous systems to improve the compatibility of a task management system with heterogeneous device control systems.

[0006] This application provides a device control method for a heterogeneous system, comprising: acquiring a first task instruction sent by a task management system to a device control system; wherein the device control system and the task management system are heterogeneous systems; converting the first task instruction into a second task instruction matching the device control system according to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the device control system; and sending the second task instruction to the device control system so that the device control system controls the target device to perform a corresponding task.

[0007] Optionally, according to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the device control system, the first task instruction is converted into a second task instruction that matches the device control system, including: parsing the content of the first task instruction according to the interface protocol of the task management system to obtain the task content of the first task instruction; and generating a task instruction that conforms to the interface protocol of the device control system based on the task content, as the second task instruction.

[0008] Optionally, according to the interface protocol of the task management system, the first task instruction is parsed to obtain the task content of the first task instruction, including: decomposing at least one field and the parameters of each of the at least one field from the first task instruction according to the format definition in the interface protocol of the task management system; and determining the meaning of each of the at least one field and the meaning of each of the at least one field parameters according to the field definition and parameter definition in the interface protocol of the task management system.

[0009] Optionally, based on the task content, a task instruction conforming to the interface protocol of the equipment control system is generated as the second task instruction, including: generating a standardized task corresponding to the task content according to a preset standardized task generation rule; determining a standardized task parsing rule matching the interface protocol of the equipment control system based on the manufacturer identifier of the equipment control system; and parsing the standardized task according to the standardized task parsing rule to obtain the second task instruction.

[0010] Optionally, it further includes: responding to a request to add a new equipment control system, obtaining the interface protocol and manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system; generating a new standardized task parsing rule that matches the interface protocol of the new equipment control system; and saving the correspondence between the new standardized task parsing rule and the manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system for use.

[0011] Optionally, sending the second task instruction to the device control system to cause the device control system to control the target device to perform the corresponding task includes: sending a connection request to the device control system, and after receiving a confirmation message returned by the device control system according to the connection request, sending a status detection message to the device control system; and when it is determined that the device control system is online, sending the second task instruction to the device control system to cause the device control system to control the target device to perform the corresponding task.

[0012] Optionally, the task management system includes a warehouse management system; the target equipment includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV); and the equipment control system includes a robot control system.

[0013] This application also provides a server, including: a memory and a processor; the memory is used to store one or more computer instructions; the processor is used to execute the one or more computer instructions to perform the steps in the method provided in this application.

[0014] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the steps in the method provided in this application.

[0015] In the device control method provided in this application embodiment, when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, the server can obtain the task instructions sent by the task management system to the device control system, convert the received task instructions according to the interface protocol between the task management system and the device control system to obtain task instructions matching the device control system, and then send the converted task instructions to the device control system. Subsequently, the device control system can control the target device to perform the corresponding task. In this implementation, device control can be achieved even when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, improving the compatibility of the task management system with heterogeneous device control systems and reducing the development cost of the task management system. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a device control method for a heterogeneous system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a device control method based on heterogeneous WMS and RCS provided for an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a device control apparatus for a heterogeneous system provided as another exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a server provided for an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the inclusion of at least one.

[0023] Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are automated vehicles equipped with magnetic strips, tracks, or lasers for automatic guidance, enabling them to travel along pre-planned paths. In logistics and warehousing scenarios, AGVs can replace or supplement manual labor. For example, a warehouse management system can send handling instructions to an AGV, which can then retrieve items from a designated location, transport them to their destination, and unload them.

[0024] Nowadays, there are more and more manufacturers producing automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and the robot control systems of different manufacturers have certain differences. For warehouse management systems, incompatibility with robot control systems from different manufacturers is not possible, thus hindering reliable communication and connection with AGVs from different manufacturers.

[0025] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, a solution is provided in some embodiments of this application. The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a device control method for a heterogeneous system provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0027] Step 101: Obtain the first task instruction sent by the task management system to the equipment control system; the equipment control system and the task management system are heterogeneous systems.

[0028] Step 102: Based on the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the equipment control system, convert the first task instruction into a second task instruction that matches the equipment control system.

[0029] Step 103: Send the second task instruction to the equipment control system so that the equipment control system controls the target equipment to perform the corresponding task.

[0030] The execution entity in this embodiment can be a server, which can be implemented as a single server or a server cluster; this embodiment is not limited to either. The server can provide heterogeneous connection services to users on the management side to meet the task management system's control over other heterogeneous systems.

[0031] The task management system is primarily used to define, distribute, and manage tasks from a macro perspective. The equipment control system is used to execute equipment scheduling operations based on the tasks defined by the task management system and to control the equipment to perform the corresponding tasks. The task management system and the equipment control system are heterogeneous systems. Heterogeneous systems refer to systems whose interfaces use different communication protocols (i.e., interface protocols), thus preventing direct communication between the different systems.

[0032] This embodiment can be applied to various IoT scenarios, and examples will be provided below for illustration. For instance, in a product processing scenario, the task management system can be implemented as an order management system, and the equipment control system can be implemented as a system for controlling the equipment on the production line. The order management system can receive external orders and generate production tasks based on the orders. The order management system can send the production tasks to the equipment control system of the production line. The equipment control system can schedule the equipment on the production line according to the production tasks and control the equipment on the production line to perform the corresponding product processing operations.

[0033] For example, in a smart home scenario, the task management system can be implemented as a home management system, and the device control system can be implemented as a home device control system that controls smart home devices. The target device can be a smart home device. The home management system can receive user instructions and send task assignments to the home device control system based on the user's instructions. The home device control system can then control the smart home devices installed in the home to perform corresponding operations based on the task assignments. For example, after receiving a user's instruction to "enter night mode," the home management system can send a task corresponding to night mode to the home device control system. Based on the received task, the home devices can control smart lights to adjust their color temperature, control smart air humidifiers to increase air humidity, and control high-power devices to reduce their operating power to lower noise.

[0034] For example, in a smart warehousing scenario, the task management system can be implemented as a Warehouse Management System (WMS), the equipment control system as a Robot-Control-System (RCS), and the target equipment as an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). The Warehouse Management System is the order operation layer application at the warehouse level. Warehouse managers perform corresponding inbound and outbound operations and warehouse work according to their roles, utilizing the system to achieve efficient order inbound and outbound operations and inventory monitoring, ensuring timely and accurate orders and healthy inventory. The Robot-Control-System is used to schedule and control the AGVs to perform inbound and outbound transportation tasks based on the tasks issued by the Warehouse Management System.

[0035] Of course, the above application scenarios are only for illustrative purposes. The methods provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to other scenarios besides those described above, which will not be elaborated on one by one.

[0036] After receiving the first task instruction from the task management system, the server can convert it into a second task instruction that matches the device control system, based on the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the device control system. The device control system can recognize the second task instruction and control the target device to execute the corresponding task accordingly.

[0037] In some embodiments, the server may pre-obtain the interface protocol adopted by the task management system, and based on the communication method agreed upon by the interface protocol, parse the content of the first task instruction to obtain the task content of the first task instruction.

[0038] After obtaining the task content of the first task instruction, the server can convert the first task instruction according to the task content to obtain a second task instruction that matches the equipment control system. The server can also pre-obtain the interface protocol used by the equipment control system. After determining the task content of the first task instruction, the server can generate a new task instruction (i.e., the second task instruction) based on the interface protocol used by the equipment control system, so that the new task instruction can be recognized by the equipment control system.

[0039] After receiving the second task instruction, the server can send the second task instruction to the device control system. The device control system can then recognize the second task instruction and control the target device to perform the corresponding task.

[0040] In this implementation, when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, the server can obtain task instructions sent from the task management system to the device control system. Based on the interface protocol between the task management system and the device control system, the server converts the received task instructions to obtain task instructions matching the device control system and sends the converted task instructions to the device control system. Subsequently, the device control system can control the target device to perform the corresponding task. This implementation enables device control even when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, improving the compatibility of the task management system with heterogeneous device control systems and reducing the development cost of the task management system.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, after receiving a first task instruction, the server can directly convert it into a second task instruction that can be recognized by the device control system. For ease of description and distinction, the interface protocol used by the task management system is described as the first interface protocol, and the interface protocol used by the device control system is described as the second interface protocol. In this implementation, the server can pre-establish a correspondence between the first and second interface protocols, including correspondences for instruction formats, fields, and / or parameters. Furthermore, after receiving the first task instruction, the server can convert it into a second task instruction according to the correspondence between the first and second interface protocols.

[0042] In other exemplary embodiments, after receiving the first task instruction, the server may parse the first task instruction according to the interface protocol of the task management system to obtain the task content of the first task instruction, and generate a second task instruction that can be recognized by the device control system based on the task content.

[0043] Typically, different vendors developing task management systems use different interface protocols, resulting in variations in how task instructions are parsed across different vendors' systems. In some exemplary embodiments, the server can obtain instruction parsing rules corresponding to various vendor interface protocols and establish a mapping between vendor identifiers and instruction parsing rules. Specifically, each vendor's instruction parsing rule describes the correspondence between the instruction format, fields, and parameters in the interface protocol used by that vendor and their actual meaning.

[0044] When the server parses the content of the received first task instruction, it can obtain the manufacturer identifier of the task management system that sent the first task instruction. This manufacturer identifier can be carried in the first task instruction. Based on the manufacturer identifier of the task management system, the interface protocol of the task management system can be determined, and according to the format definition in the interface protocol of the task management system, at least one field and the parameters of each of the at least one field can be extracted from the first task instruction.

[0045] Next, the server can determine the meaning of each of the at least one field and the meaning of each of the at least one field parameter based on the field and parameter definitions in the interface protocol of the task management system. For example, the first task instruction can be split into fields according to the instruction format specified in the interface protocol of the task management system, and the actual meaning of the split fields can be determined according to the correspondence between the actual meanings of the fields and field parameters in the interface protocol. For example, in the interface protocol of the warehouse management system, the format definition of the task instruction can be: 2-byte task type field + 2-byte task time field + 2-byte task start address field + 2-byte task end address field. Based on this format definition, different fields can be parsed from the corresponding positions of the task instruction, and the parameters of each field can be obtained. For example, based on the definition of the task type field in the interface protocol, the 2-byte task type field can be determined to be a goods handling task; based on the parameter definition of the task type field in the interface protocol, the quantity of goods handling corresponding to the parameter of the task type field can be determined to be 100 pieces.

[0046] After determining the task content of the first task instruction, the server can generate a standardized task corresponding to that task content according to preset standardized task generation rules. These standardized task generation rules refer to the rules used to generate tasks with a unified description method on the server side. This standardized task, relative to the server, uses a unified task description method to describe the task, shielding the differences arising from different task management systems describing tasks based on different interface protocols. This achieves upward compatibility with different task management systems and facilitates subsequent task parsing.

[0047] After generating a standardized task, the server can determine the standardized task parsing rules that match the interface protocol of the equipment control system based on the manufacturer's identifier. These standardized task parsing rules are used to individually parse the standardized task into task instructions that can be recognized by the equipment control system. Different equipment control system manufacturers may have different standardized task parsing rules. The server can then generate a second task instruction corresponding to the standardized task based on these parsing rules. This second task instruction can be recognized by the equipment control system.

[0048] Optionally, the server can employ different functional modules to perform standardized task generation and parsing operations. The server may include a standardized task generation module and a standardized task parsing module. The standardized task generation module parses the task content of received task instructions and generates standardized tasks based on the task content. The generated standardized tasks can be added to a standardized task set. The standardized task parsing module in the server parses the standardized tasks according to the time sequence of the standardized tasks in the standardized task set to obtain task instructions that can be recognized by the equipment control system.

[0049] In this implementation, the server's standardized task generation function and standardized task parsing function are decoupled, enabling batch processing of task instruction parsing and batch processing of task instruction conversion, thereby improving the efficiency of task instruction conversion.

[0050] The following will combine Figure 2 Taking a smart warehousing scenario as an example, the device control method for a heterogeneous system provided in this application embodiment will be further illustrated by example. Figure 2 As shown, the heterogeneous system consists of multiple WMS and RCS systems from different third-party vendors. These multiple WMS and RCS systems each establish communication connections with a cloud server, which runs the heterogeneous connection service provided in this embodiment.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, Manufacturer 1's WMS and Manufacturer 2's WMS each issue initial tasks. The cloud server can synchronize these initial tasks to the cloud server and standardize the tasks, converting the task instruction sets issued by multiple third-party WMSs into a logically standardized task set. For example... Figure 2 As shown, after synchronizing the initial task to the cloud server, the WMS vendor information of the initial task can be parsed, and the task content can be parsed based on the vendor information. This task content includes the task batch and task details. The task details may include at least one of the following: the task's origin address, destination address, start time, type, and number. Based on the parsed task content, a logical standard task set can be generated according to preset standardized task generation rules.

[0052] The standard task set is cached in the standard task set cache module. Within this module, the converted, logically standardized tasks are sorted according to their distribution sequence to obtain an abstract standard set. The standard task parsing module on the cloud server, based on the standardized task parsing rules of each RCS manufacturer, decomposes the standardized task set into a dedicated instruction set executable by each AGV manufacturer, and distributes it to the RCS provided by each AGV manufacturer. The RCS then controls the AGV to execute the corresponding tasks according to the instruction set.

[0053] Based on this implementation method, the cloud server is backward compatible with WMS from different manufacturers and backward compatible with RCS from different manufacturers, realizing communication connections between heterogeneous WMS and RCS. For a single user, when using multiple robot manufacturers to perform tasks, it can overcome the barriers of heterogeneous systems and further reduce system usage costs.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, the interface protocols of different task management system vendors in the server can be dynamically configured to meet the needs of adding new task management system vendors.

[0055] Optionally, the server can obtain an updated upgrade package for the heterogeneous connection service and upgrade the currently installed heterogeneous connection service according to the upgrade package. This upgrade package may include the interface protocol of a new task management system vendor.

[0056] Optionally, to reduce the impact on the heterogeneous connection services currently running on the server, the interface protocol of the task management system vendor can be added by updating the configuration file. The heterogeneous connection service on the server can periodically check if the configuration file has been updated. When an update is detected, it can read the new interface protocol and vendor identifier from the configuration file and determine the correspondence between the new interface protocol and the vendor identifier. When a task instruction from this newly added task management system is subsequently received, the content of the task instruction can be parsed according to the newly added interface protocol of the task management system vendor.

[0057] In this implementation, when a new task management system manufacturer is added, the interface protocol of the new task management system manufacturer can be dynamically added, realizing horizontal expansion in terms of the number and types of task management system manufacturers. It can continuously be compatible with new manufacturers and expand the service capabilities for heterogeneous systems.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the standardized task parsing rules in the server can also be dynamically configured to meet the needs of adding different equipment control system manufacturers.

[0059] Optionally, in response to a request to add a new equipment control system, the server can obtain the interface protocol and manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system. The interface protocol of the second manufacturer's equipment control system can be stored in a software upgrade package or in a configuration file. After obtaining the interface protocol of the second manufacturer's equipment control system, a new standardized task parsing rule matching the interface protocol of the new equipment control system can be generated, and the correspondence between the new standardized task parsing rule and the manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system can be saved.

[0060] In this implementation, when a new equipment control system manufacturer is added, standardized task parsing rules can be dynamically added, enabling horizontal expansion of equipment control system manufacturer types. This allows for continuous compatibility with new equipment control system manufacturers and expands service capabilities for heterogeneous systems.

[0061] In the foregoing embodiments, an implementation method was described in which the server translates task instructions from the task management system into task instructions that the device control system can recognize. In some alternative embodiments, the server may also convert messages from the device control system into messages that can be recognized by the task management system. Exemplary examples will be provided below.

[0062] Optionally, the server may also receive a first message sent by the device control system. This first message may be a task result feedback message, a fault feedback message, or an information synchronization message, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0063] The server can parse the first message according to the interface protocol of the device control system to obtain the message content. During parsing, at least one field and its parameters are extracted from the first message based on the format definition in the device control system's interface protocol. The meaning of each of the extracted fields and their parameters is determined according to the field and parameter definitions in the interface protocol. After determining the message content, the server can convert the first message to obtain a second message matching the task management system and send the second message to the task management system. When converting the first message based on its content, a new message conforming to the task management system's interface protocol is generated. Therefore, even in heterogeneous systems, the task management system can recognize messages sent by the device control system, meeting the communication needs of heterogeneous systems.

[0064] In the above and the following embodiments of this application, optionally, when the server sends a task instruction to the device control system, it may further confirm whether the control system is online to ensure that the second task instruction can be received by the device control system.

[0065] Optionally, the server may send a connection request to the device control system based on a handshake mechanism (such as a three-way handshake or a four-way handshake). After receiving an acknowledgment message from the device control system in response to the connection request, the server may send a status detection message to the device control system. Upon determining that the device control system is online, the server may send a second task instruction to the device control system, causing the device control system to control the target device to perform the corresponding task.

[0066] With this implementation method, the server can ensure that it receives the second task instruction while the device control system is online, thereby improving the task conversion rate.

[0067] In addition to the device control method for heterogeneous systems provided in the foregoing embodiments, this application also provides a device control apparatus for heterogeneous systems, which will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the device control unit for a heterogeneous system may include:

[0069] The instruction acquisition module 301 acquires the first task instruction sent by the task management system to the equipment control system; the equipment control system and the task management system are heterogeneous systems.

[0070] The instruction conversion module 302 is used to convert the first task instruction into a second task instruction that matches the device control system, according to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the device control system.

[0071] The instruction sending module 303 is used to send the second task instruction to the equipment control system so that the equipment control system controls the target equipment to perform the corresponding task.

[0072] Optionally, when the instruction conversion module 302 converts the first task instruction into a second task instruction that matches the device control system according to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the device control system, it is specifically used to: parse the content of the first task instruction according to the interface protocol of the task management system to obtain the task content of the first task instruction; and generate a task instruction that conforms to the interface protocol of the device control system as the second task instruction based on the task content.

[0073] Optionally, when the instruction conversion module 302 parses the content of the first task instruction according to the interface protocol of the task management system to obtain the task content of the first task instruction, it is specifically used to: decompose at least one field and the parameters of the at least one field from the first task instruction according to the format definition in the interface protocol of the task management system; and determine the meaning of the at least one field and the meaning of the parameters of the at least one field according to the field definition and parameter definition in the interface protocol of the task management system.

[0074] Optionally, when the instruction conversion module 302 generates a task instruction that conforms to the interface protocol of the equipment control system based on the task content, as the second task instruction, it is specifically used to: generate a standardized task corresponding to the task content according to a preset standardized task generation rule; determine a standardized task parsing rule that matches the interface protocol of the equipment control system based on the manufacturer identifier of the equipment control system; and parse the standardized task according to the standardized task parsing rule to obtain the second task instruction.

[0075] Further optionally, the device also includes an update module 304, configured to: respond to a request to add a new equipment control system, obtain the interface protocol and manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system; generate a new standardized task parsing rule that matches the interface protocol of the new equipment control system; and save the correspondence between the new standardized task parsing rule and the manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system for use.

[0076] Optionally, when the instruction sending module 303 sends the second task instruction to the device control system so that the device control system controls the target device to perform the corresponding task, it is specifically used to: send a connection request to the device control system, and after receiving the confirmation message returned by the device control system according to the connection request, send a status detection message to the device control system; when it is determined that the device control system is in an online state, send the second task instruction to the device control system so that the device control system controls the target device to perform the corresponding task.

[0077] Optionally, the task management system includes a warehouse management system; the target equipment includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV); and the equipment control system includes a robot control system.

[0078] In this implementation, when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, Figure 3 The illustrated device can acquire task instructions sent from the task management system to the device control system. Based on the interface protocol between the task management system and the device control system, it converts the received task instructions to obtain task instructions matching the device control system, and then sends the converted task instructions to the device control system. Subsequently, the device control system can control the target device to perform the corresponding task. In this implementation, device control can be achieved even when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, improving the compatibility of the task management system with heterogeneous device control systems and reducing the development cost of the task management system.

[0079] In different scenarios, Figure 3 The device control unit of the heterogeneous system shown in the illustration can be deployed on different devices, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions.

[0080] In some scenarios, Figure 3 The illustrated device can be deployed on the user-side equipment where the task management system is located. For example, when the task management system is implemented as a WMS, Figure 3 The illustrated device can be deployed on the terminal equipment or server of the user to whom the warehouse belongs.

[0081] In other scenarios, Figure 3 The illustrated device can be deployed on a cloud server. Different task management system vendors can utilize the heterogeneous connectivity services provided by the cloud server to control devices from different manufacturers. This approach enables resource sharing, improves the utilization rate of heterogeneous connectivity service resources, and reduces the costs required for heterogeneous connectivity.

[0082] In some other scenarios, Figure 3 The illustrated device can be deployed on a single controlled device. For example, when the controlled device is implemented as a robot, the robot can be equipped with... Figure 3 The illustrated device, therefore, based on Figure 3 The illustrated device demonstrates how a single robot can recognize task instructions issued by task management systems from different manufacturers, thereby overcoming communication barriers inherent in heterogeneous systems.

[0083] It should be noted that the execution subject of each step of the method provided in the above embodiments can be the same device, or the method can be executed by different devices. For example, the execution subject of steps 101 to 104 can be device A; or the execution subject of steps 101 and 102 can be device A, and the execution subject of step 103 can be device B; and so on.

[0084] Furthermore, some processes described in the above embodiments and accompanying drawings include multiple operations that appear in a specific order. However, it should be clearly understood that these operations may not be executed in the order they appear herein, or they may be executed concurrently. The operation numbers, such as 101, 102, etc., are merely used to distinguish different operations and do not represent any execution order. In addition, these processes may include more or fewer operations, and these operations may be executed sequentially or concurrently.

[0085] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0086] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in this article are used to distinguish different messages, devices, modules, etc., and do not represent a chronological order, nor do they limit "first" and "second" to different types.

[0087] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a product or system comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a product or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the product or system that includes that element.

[0088] Figure 4 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a server provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. This server is applicable to the device control method for heterogeneous systems provided in the foregoing embodiments. Figure 4 As shown, the server includes: a memory 401 and a processor 402.

[0089] Memory 401 is used to store computer programs and can be configured to store various other data to support operations on the server. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method used to operate on the server.

[0090] The memory 401 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0091] The processor 402, coupled to the memory 401, is used to execute the computer program in the memory 401 for: acquiring a first task instruction sent by the task management system to the device control system; the device control system and the task management system are heterogeneous systems; converting the first task instruction into a second task instruction that matches the device control system according to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the device control system; and sending the second task instruction to the device control system so that the device control system controls the target device to perform the corresponding task.

[0092] Optionally, when the processor 402 converts the first task instruction into a second task instruction that matches the device control system according to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the device control system, it specifically performs the following: according to the interface protocol of the task management system, it parses the content of the first task instruction to obtain the task content of the first task instruction; and according to the task content, it generates a task instruction that conforms to the interface protocol of the device control system as the second task instruction.

[0093] Further optionally, when the processor 402 parses the content of the first task instruction according to the interface protocol of the task management system to obtain the task content of the first task instruction, it specifically performs the following: according to the format definition in the interface protocol of the task management system, decomposes at least one field and the parameters of the at least one field from the first task instruction; and according to the field definition and parameter definition in the interface protocol of the task management system, determines the meaning of the at least one field and the meaning of the parameters of the at least one field.

[0094] Optionally, when the processor 402 generates a task instruction conforming to the interface protocol of the device control system as the second task instruction based on the task content, it specifically performs the following steps: generating a standardized task corresponding to the task content according to a preset standardized task generation rule; determining a standardized task parsing rule matching the interface protocol of the device control system based on the manufacturer identifier of the device control system; and parsing the standardized task according to the standardized task parsing rule to obtain the second task instruction.

[0095] Further optionally, the processor 402 is also configured to: respond to a request to add a new equipment control system, obtain the interface protocol and manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system; generate a new standardized task parsing rule that matches the interface protocol of the new equipment control system according to the interface protocol of the new equipment control system; and save the correspondence between the new standardized task parsing rule and the manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system for use.

[0096] Optionally, when the processor 402 sends the second task instruction to the device control system to cause the device control system to control the target device to perform the corresponding task, it is specifically configured to: send a connection request to the device control system, and after receiving the confirmation message returned by the device control system according to the connection request, send a status detection message to the device control system; and when it is determined that the device control system is online, send the second task instruction to the device control system to cause the device control system to control the target device to perform the corresponding task.

[0097] Further optionally, the task management system includes a warehouse management system; the target equipment includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV); and the equipment control system includes a robot control system.

[0098] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the server also includes other components such as communication component 403 and power supply component 404. Figure 4 The diagram only shows some components and does not mean that the server only includes... Figure 4 The components shown.

[0099] The communication component 403 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device containing the communication component and other devices. The device containing the communication component can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication component receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast task management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication component may be implemented based on Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (BT), and other technologies.

[0100] The power supply component 404 provides power to various components of the device in which it resides. The power supply component may include a power task management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the device in which it resides.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, the server can obtain task instructions sent by the task management system to the device control system. Based on the interface protocol between the task management system and the device control system, the server converts the received task instructions to obtain task instructions matching the device control system, and then sends the converted task instructions to the device control system. Subsequently, the device control system can control the target device to perform the corresponding task. In this implementation, device control can be achieved even when the task management system and the device control system are heterogeneous systems, improving the compatibility of the task management system with heterogeneous device control systems and reducing the development cost of the task management system.

[0102] Accordingly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed, can implement the steps that can be executed by the server in the above method embodiments.

[0103] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0104] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0105] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0106] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0107] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0108] Memory may include non-persistent storage in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0109] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0110] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0111] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A device control method for a heterogeneous system, characterized in that, include: Obtain the first task instruction sent by the task management system to the device control system; The equipment control system and the task management system are heterogeneous systems; According to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the equipment control system, the first task instruction is converted into a second task instruction matching the equipment control system. This includes: parsing the first task instruction according to the interface protocol of the task management system to obtain the task content of the first task instruction, the task content including: task batch and task details; generating a task instruction conforming to the interface protocol of the equipment control system as the second task instruction based on the task content, including: generating a standardized task corresponding to the task content according to a preset standardized task generation rule; the standardized task is used to describe the task using a unified task description method to shield the differences caused by different task management systems describing tasks based on different interface protocols; determining a standardized task parsing rule matching the interface protocol of the equipment control system based on the manufacturer identifier of the equipment control system; and parsing the standardized task according to the standardized task parsing rule to obtain the second task instruction. The second task instruction is sent to the device control system so that the device control system controls the target device to perform the corresponding task.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, According to the interface protocol of the task management system, the first task instruction is parsed to obtain the task content of the first task instruction, including: According to the format definition in the interface protocol of the task management system, at least one field and the parameters of each of the at least one field are extracted from the first task instruction; Based on the field and parameter definitions in the interface protocol of the task management system, determine the meaning of each of the at least one decomposed field and the meaning of each of the at least one field parameter.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to a request to add a new equipment control system, obtain the interface protocol and manufacturer identifier of the new equipment control system; Based on the interface protocol of the new equipment control system, generate new standardized task parsing rules that match the interface protocol of the new equipment control system. Save the correspondence between the new standardized task parsing rules and the manufacturer identifiers of the new equipment control system for future use.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Sending the second task instruction to the device control system, so that the device control system controls the target device to perform the corresponding task, includes: Send a connection request to the device control system, and after receiving a confirmation message returned by the device control system based on the connection request, send a status detection message to the device control system. When it is determined that the equipment control system is online, the second task instruction is sent to the equipment control system so that the equipment control system controls the target equipment to perform the corresponding task.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The task management system includes a warehouse management system; the target equipment includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV); and the equipment control system includes a robot control system.

6. A device control apparatus for a heterogeneous system, characterized in that, include: The instruction acquisition module acquires the first task instruction sent by the task management system to the device control system; The equipment control system and the task management system are heterogeneous systems; The instruction conversion module is used to convert a first task instruction into a second task instruction matching the equipment control system according to the respective interface protocols of the task management system and the equipment control system. This includes: parsing the first task instruction according to the interface protocol of the task management system to obtain the task content of the first task instruction, the task content including: task batch and task details; generating a task instruction conforming to the interface protocol of the equipment control system as the second task instruction based on the task content, including: generating a standardized task corresponding to the task content according to preset standardized task generation rules; the standardized task is used to describe the task using a unified task description method to shield the differences arising from different task management systems describing tasks based on different interface protocols; determining standardized task parsing rules matching the interface protocol of the equipment control system based on the manufacturer identifier of the equipment control system; and parsing the standardized task according to the standardized task parsing rules to obtain the second task instruction. The instruction sending module is used to send the second task instruction to the equipment control system, so that the equipment control system controls the target device to perform the corresponding task.

7. A server, characterized in that, include: Memory and processor; The memory is used to store one or more computer instructions; The processor is configured to execute one or more computer instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When a computer program is executed by a processor, it is able to perform the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1-5.

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