Stacker task scheduling method and device, computer equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to a stacking machine task scheduling method and device, computer equipment, a storage medium and a computer program product. The method comprises the following steps: when there is a target stacking machine satisfying a scheduling condition, the target number of the target stacking machine is obtained, and the target number is at least one; based on the target number, at least one initial task satisfying a screening condition is obtained, and the number of the initial tasks is consistent with the target number; the equipment identifiers of the target stacking machines are added to each initial task respectively, so that each target stacking machine corresponds to a target task; and when there is no position conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to the target stacking machines respectively, the target tasks are respectively sent to the corresponding target stacking machines. The method can improve the material supply efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automated logistics technology, and in particular to a stacker crane task scheduling method, apparatus, computer equipment, storage medium and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of automated logistics, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) have been widely used. This type of logistics system combines stacker cranes with gravity racks and shuttle racks, which can maximize the use of warehouse height, increase storage efficiency, and realize automated material outbound.

[0003] In existing technologies, during the automated material outbound process of stacker cranes, the WMS (Warehouse Management System) typically receives the outbound request first, generates outbound tasks to be executed by the stacker crane, and sends the outbound tasks to the WCS (Warehouse Control System) task buffer pool. The WCS then sends the outbound tasks to the stacker crane for execution.

[0004] However, in the existing technology, due to the large number of outbound tasks in the WCS task buffer pool, a stacker crane failure will cause the outbound tasks to stop, or even disrupt the material outbound sequence, making it impossible to ensure the timely supply of materials. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a stacker crane task scheduling method, apparatus, computer equipment, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product that can improve material supply efficiency in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a stacker crane task scheduling method. The method includes:

[0007] When there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, obtain the target number of the target stacker, where the target number is at least one.

[0008] Based on the target number, obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number;

[0009] Add the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane;

[0010] When there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task will be sent to the corresponding target stacker crane.

[0011] In one embodiment, obtaining at least one initial task that satisfies the screening criteria based on the target number includes:

[0012] Get multiple alternative tasks and their respective creation times;

[0013] Based on the creation time of each of the multiple candidate tasks, the initial task that meets the selection criteria is selected from the multiple candidate tasks.

[0014] In one embodiment, prior to obtaining the multiple candidate tasks and their respective creation times, the process includes:

[0015] In response to a material outbound request, determine the quantity of the target material to be outbound;

[0016] When the inventory of the target material is greater than or equal to the material quantity, create an alternative task corresponding to the material outbound request.

[0017] In one embodiment, each initial task is configured with material information, and the equipment identifiers of each target stacker crane are added to each initial task respectively, resulting in target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, including:

[0018] Obtain the equipment identifiers for each target stacker crane;

[0019] Add the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane;

[0020] Based on the material information in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane, determine the picking location that meets the inventory requirements for each initial task;

[0021] Configure the picking location in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane.

[0022] In one embodiment, after adding the device identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane, the method further includes:

[0023] Obtain the real-time status of each target stacker crane;

[0024] When the real-time status of each target stacker crane meets the scheduling conditions, it is determined whether there is a position conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane.

[0025] In one embodiment, after determining whether there is a location conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, the method further includes:

[0026] When there are multiple target stacker cranes whose corresponding target tasks have conflicting pickup locations, the target tasks with conflicting locations are identified as tasks to be adjusted, and the number of tasks to be adjusted is at least two.

[0027] Obtain the inbound time of the goods in the pickup location corresponding to each task to be adjusted, and issue the tasks to be adjusted to the corresponding target stacker cranes in sequence according to the inbound time of the goods, based on the principle of first-in, last-out.

[0028] Secondly, this application also provides a stacker crane task scheduling device. The device includes:

[0029] The target quantity acquisition module is used to acquire the target quantity of the target stacker when there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions. The target quantity is at least one.

[0030] The initial task filtering module is used to obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria based on the target number, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number.

[0031] The target task acquisition module is used to add the equipment identifier of each target stacker to each initial task, thereby obtaining the target task corresponding to each target stacker.

[0032] The target task distribution module is used to distribute each target task to the corresponding target stacker when there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker.

[0033] Thirdly, this application also provides a computer device. The computer device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0034] When there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, obtain the target number of the target stacker, where the target number is at least one.

[0035] Based on the target number, obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number;

[0036] Add the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane;

[0037] When there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task will be sent to the corresponding target stacker crane.

[0038] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0039] When there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, obtain the target number of the target stacker, where the target number is at least one.

[0040] Based on the target number, obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number;

[0041] Add the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane;

[0042] When there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task will be sent to the corresponding target stacker crane.

[0043] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0044] When there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, obtain the target number of the target stacker, where the target number is at least one.

[0045] Based on the target number, obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number;

[0046] Add the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane;

[0047] When there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task will be sent to the corresponding target stacker crane.

[0048] The aforementioned stacker crane task scheduling method, apparatus, computer equipment, storage medium, and computer program product, when a target stacker crane that meets the scheduling conditions exists, obtains the target quantity of the target stacker crane, wherein the target quantity is at least one. Based on the target quantity, at least one initial task that meets the screening conditions is obtained, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target quantity. Then, the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane is added to each initial task, resulting in a target task corresponding to each target stacker crane. This ensures that each target stacker crane corresponds to one target task, preventing multiple tasks from stalling due to a failure of one target stacker crane. It also reduces the complexity of stacker crane task scheduling, lowers the cost of manual intervention in the event of a failure, and provides a guarantee for quickly restoring the normal operation of the stacker crane scheduling system, thereby ensuring the efficiency of material supply. Furthermore, when there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task is issued to the corresponding target stacker crane. This avoids incorrect picking order of target stacker cranes due to picking position conflicts, which could affect the correct supply of materials. Throughout the process, by ensuring that each target stacker crane corresponds to a specific target task, it avoids the situation where multiple tasks are halted due to the failure of one target stacker crane. Furthermore, by judging whether there are positional conflicts between the picking positions of each target stacker crane, it avoids incorrect picking order and improves the accuracy of material supply, thereby achieving the beneficial effect of improving material supply efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of a stacker crane task scheduling method in one embodiment.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a stacker crane task scheduling method in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a shelf retrieval location in one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of creating a task to be shipped out in one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the process of sending the target task to the WCS task buffer pool in one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the stacker crane task scheduling method in another embodiment;

[0055] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a stacker crane task scheduling device in one embodiment;

[0056] Figure 8This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0058] The stacker crane task scheduling method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example, Figure 1 In the application environment shown, the target stacker crane 102 communicates with the server 104 via a network. A data storage system can store the data that the server 104 needs to process. The data storage system can be integrated onto the server 104 or placed on a cloud or other network server. When there are target stacker cranes 102 that meet the scheduling conditions, the server 104 can obtain the target number of target stacker cranes 102, where the target number is at least one. Then, based on the target number, it obtains at least one initial task that meets the filtering conditions, the number of initial tasks being consistent with the target number. The device identifier of each target stacker crane 102 is then added to each initial task, resulting in the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane 102. When there is no positional conflict between the picking locations of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane 102, each target task is sent to the corresponding target stacker crane 102. The target stacker crane 102 can be, but is not limited to, various lifting and transportation devices in an automated warehouse. Server 104 can be implemented using a standalone server or a server cluster consisting of multiple servers. Specifically, it can include sub-servers belonging to WMS (Warehouse Management System) and sub-servers belonging to WCS (Warehouse Control System).

[0059] WMS is a comprehensive management system that enables batch material management and inventory counting. It can effectively track the entire logistics process of automated warehouses and improve the management of warehousing information. In this embodiment, it can be used to create work tasks and issue work tasks to WCS. WCS is an important component of automated warehouses. In this embodiment, it can be used to obtain the real-time status of the target stacker crane, obtain work tasks issued by WMS, and issue work instructions to transportation equipment (stacker crane).

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a stacker crane task scheduling method is provided, which is applied to... Figure 1 Taking the server in the example, the following steps are included:

[0061] Step 202: When there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, obtain the target number of the target stacker, where the target number is at least one.

[0062] Among them, meeting the scheduling conditions indicates that the stacker crane is fault-free and in an idle state.

[0063] Specifically, the server can obtain the real-time status of each stacker connected to the server, and judge the real-time status of each stacker to determine whether the real-time status of the stacker meets the scheduling conditions. When there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, the target number of the target stacker is obtained.

[0064] In a specific application, the server can obtain the real-time status of each stacker crane through the sub-servers to which WCS belongs.

[0065] Step 204: Based on the target number, obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number.

[0066] In this embodiment, task creation time and task status can be used as filtering conditions for initial tasks. The method of setting these filtering conditions is not limited in this example. Initial tasks are stored in a WMS task buffer pool, which is a type of thread pool. Tasks can be added to a queue during task processing for subsequent task initiation. Each initial task may include information such as WMS task number, material number, material batch number, task status, task creation time, task start time, and task completion time, but does not include information such as the picking location or the equipment identifier corresponding to the target stacker crane executing the initial task.

[0067] Specifically, the server can obtain initial tasks that meet the filtering criteria and whose quantity matches the target quantity based on the target number of target stacker machines, so as to establish a one-to-one correspondence between each target stacker machine and the corresponding initial task.

[0068] In a specific application, when there is a target stacker crane that meets the scheduling conditions, the server can obtain an initial task that meets the filtering conditions from the WMS task buffer pool through the sub-server to which the WMS belongs.

[0069] Step 206: Add the equipment identifier of each target stacker to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker.

[0070] Specifically, the equipment identifier can be the unique equipment number for each stacker.

[0071] Specifically, the server can add the device identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task, establish the correspondence between each initial task and the corresponding target stacker crane, and configure the picking location corresponding to each initial task, thereby updating each initial task in the WMS task buffer pool and obtaining the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane.

[0072] Step 208: When there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task is sent to the corresponding target stacker crane.

[0073] In this embodiment, the automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) is configured with multiple rows of shelves, each row containing multiple columns of picking locations. Each column of picking locations is divided into multiple levels. Picking locations located in the same row, column, and level are divided into picking cells of different depths based on different picking depths. When any two picking locations are located on the same level of the same row and column of shelves, a location conflict is determined between these two picking locations.

[0074] Specifically, the server can first obtain the pickup location of the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane, and compare each pickup location. When there is no position conflict between the pickup locations of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task can be sent to the corresponding target stacker crane.

[0075] In a specific application, such as Figure 3 As shown, a rack with 28 rows of picking locations is provided. Each row of picking locations is divided into two levels, and each level corresponds to a rack with 14 picking compartments of different depths. Each picking compartment stores materials with its own corresponding material number and batch number. Figure 3 Taking the rack shown as an example, the stacker crane can run on the stacker crane track 301 and retrieve goods from the material storage area 302 based on the picking grid corresponding to each picking position. Multiple stacker cranes can be configured on one track, and each stacker crane can perform tasks independently.

[0076] Taking multiple target stacker cranes corresponding to stacker crane track 301 as an example, when any two target stacker cranes have picking positions in the same column and on the same layer, and the two target stacker cranes need to pick up goods from picking cells of different or the same depth corresponding to the picking position, the server can determine that there is a positional conflict between the picking positions of the two target stacker cranes.

[0077] In the aforementioned stacker crane task scheduling method, when a target stacker crane that meets the scheduling conditions exists, the target quantity of the target stacker crane is obtained, wherein there is at least one target quantity. Based on the target quantity, at least one initial task that meets the filtering conditions is obtained, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target quantity. Then, the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane is added to each initial task, resulting in a target task corresponding to each target stacker crane. This ensures that each target stacker crane corresponds to one target task, preventing multiple tasks from stalling due to a fault in one target stacker crane. It also reduces the complexity of stacker crane task scheduling, lowers the cost of manual intervention in the event of a fault, and provides a guarantee for quickly restoring the normal operation of the stacker crane scheduling system, thereby ensuring material supply efficiency. Furthermore, when there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task is issued to the corresponding target stacker crane. This avoids incorrect picking order of the target stacker cranes due to picking position conflicts, which could affect the correct supply of materials. Throughout the process, by ensuring that each target stacker crane corresponds to a specific target task, it avoids the situation where multiple tasks are halted due to the failure of one target stacker crane. Furthermore, by judging whether there are positional conflicts between the picking positions of each target stacker crane, it avoids incorrect picking order and improves the accuracy of material supply, thereby achieving the beneficial effect of improving material supply efficiency.

[0078] In one embodiment, obtaining at least one initial task that meets the screening criteria based on the target quantity includes:

[0079] Get multiple alternative tasks and their respective creation times;

[0080] Based on the creation time of each of the multiple candidate tasks, the initial task that meets the selection criteria is selected from the multiple candidate tasks.

[0081] The candidate tasks can be stored in the WMS task buffer pool, with at least two candidate tasks. Each candidate task can include information such as WMS task number, material number, material batch number, task status, task creation time, task start time, and task completion time, and the task status of each candidate task is "pending execution", that is, it has not yet been executed.

[0082] Specifically, the server can obtain multiple candidate tasks from the WMS task buffer pool through the sub-server to which the WMS belongs, determine the task creation time of each candidate task, and then determine the priority of each candidate task according to its respective task creation time. Finally, the server can filter the multiple candidate tasks and select the initial task that meets the filtering criteria.

[0083] In a specific application, the server can determine the priority of each candidate task in the following way: the earlier the creation time of the candidate task, the higher its priority. The higher the priority of the candidate task, the earlier it will be executed. After obtaining multiple candidate tasks, the server can determine the priority of each candidate task based on its creation time, and based on the target quantity, select the highest priority initial tasks with a "pending execution" status from the multiple candidate tasks.

[0084] In this embodiment, by screening the candidate tasks, multiple initial tasks with earlier creation times are obtained, so that tasks that have not been processed for a long time can be executed first, thus avoiding long-term task stagnation and improving material supply efficiency.

[0085] In one embodiment, prior to obtaining the multiple candidate tasks and their respective creation times, the process includes:

[0086] In response to a material outbound request, determine the quantity of the target material to be outbound;

[0087] When the inventory of the target material is greater than or equal to the material quantity, create an alternative task corresponding to the material outbound request.

[0088] Material outbound requests can be initiated automatically by the sub-servers of WCS or manually. For example, when a sub-server of WCS detects a target stacker crane that meets the scheduling conditions, it will automatically initiate a material outbound request to improve equipment utilization and ensure timely material supply.

[0089] Specifically, the server can respond to a material outbound request and, based on the request, determine the target material to be outbound and its quantity. Furthermore, the server can obtain the inventory of the target material through the sub-server of the WMS, and when the inventory of the target material is greater than or equal to the quantity, it can create a backup task corresponding to the material outbound request through the sub-server of the WMS and store the created backup task in the WMS task buffer pool.

[0090] In practical applications, when the sub-server of WCS detects that the task status of the target task corresponding to any stacker crane is "complete" and is idle without faults, the sub-server of WCS will automatically initiate a task request for that stacker crane to improve equipment utilization. Furthermore, after the sub-server of WMS responds to the task request, it will create only one alternative task for that stacker crane and ensure that only one valid target task is issued to the WCS task buffer pool. This ensures that there is only one pending task for that stacker crane in the WCS task buffer pool, preventing multiple tasks from being stalled due to a stacker crane failure. It also reduces the complexity of task scheduling and lowers the cost of manual intervention when a stacker crane fails, providing crucial support for the rapid recovery of the stacker crane task scheduling system.

[0091] In a specific application, such as Figure 4 As shown, a flowchart of creating a pending outbound task is provided. The main process includes: responding to an outbound request, then determining whether the inventory is sufficient through the sub-server of the WMS. If the inventory is sufficient, a pending outbound task is created through the sub-server of the WMS and stored in the WMS task buffer pool. If the inventory is insufficient, the response to the outbound request ends.

[0092] In this embodiment, by judging the quantity of the target material to be shipped out, a corresponding task is created only when the inventory meets the demand. This avoids the situation where the actual quantity of materials shipped out does not match the requested quantity, thereby ensuring the accuracy of material supply and improving material supply efficiency.

[0093] In one embodiment, each initial task is configured with material information, and the equipment identifiers of each target stacker crane are added to each initial task respectively, resulting in target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, including:

[0094] Obtain the equipment identifiers for each target stacker crane;

[0095] Add the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane;

[0096] Based on the material information in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane, determine the picking location that meets the inventory requirements for each initial task;

[0097] Configure the picking location in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane.

[0098] Specifically, material information can include material number and material batch number. Each target task can include WCS task number, WMS task number, equipment identifier, picking location, task status, task start time, task completion time, material number, and material batch number.

[0099] Specifically, the server can first obtain the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane, and then add the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task, thereby establishing the correspondence between each initial task and the corresponding target stacker crane, obtaining the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane. Then, based on the material information in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane, the server determines the picking location that meets the inventory requirements corresponding to each initial task, so as to configure the picking location in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane, thereby updating each initial task in the WMS task buffer pool and obtaining the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane.

[0100] In a specific application, before configuring the picking location in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane, the server can first determine the material requirement for each initial task based on the material information in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane. Then, it compares the material requirement in each initial task with the material inventory. Only when the material inventory is not less than the material requirement can the picking location corresponding to each initial task be determined and configured.

[0101] In this embodiment, the equipment identifier and picking location corresponding to the initial task are configured only after it is determined that there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions. That is, the target stacker for each initial task is determined only after it is determined that the target stacker can execute the task (meets the scheduling conditions). This avoids assigning the initial task to an unschedulable stacker, which would prevent the task from progressing normally and affect the material supply efficiency.

[0102] In one embodiment, after adding the device identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane, the method further includes:

[0103] Obtain the real-time status of each target stacker crane;

[0104] When the real-time status of each target stacker crane meets the scheduling conditions, it is determined whether there is a position conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane.

[0105] Specifically, after obtaining the target task corresponding to each target stacker, the server can obtain the real-time status of each target stacker through the sub-servers of WCS, and compare the real-time status of each target stacker with the scheduling conditions. When the real-time status of each target stacker meets the scheduling conditions, each target task is sent from the WMS task buffer pool to the WCS task buffer pool. Then, it is determined whether there is a position conflict between the picking position of the target task corresponding to each target stacker. Based on the result of the position conflict judgment, it is determined whether to send each target task from the WCS task buffer pool to the corresponding target stacker.

[0106] In a specific application, the process of distributing target tasks from the WMS task buffer pool to the WCS task buffer pool will be illustrated using the case of a single target stacker crane. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a process for sending a target task to the WCS task buffer pool. The main process includes: the server can use the sub-servers of the WCS to determine the real-time status of each stacker crane in the automated warehouse. When it is determined that a stacker crane is fault-free and idle, the sub-server of the WCS can automatically initiate a material outbound request. The sub-server of the WSM responds to the material outbound request by retrieving an initial task with the highest priority and a task status of "pending execution" from the WSM task buffer pool and updating the initial task as the target task. When the server again determines that the stacker crane is fault-free and idle, it sends the target task from the WMS task buffer pool to the WCS task buffer pool and updates the task information in both the WMS and WCS task buffer pools.

[0107] After the target task is distributed from the WMS task buffer pool to the WCS task buffer pool, the server can, through the sub-server to which the WMS belongs, change the task status of the target task in the WMS task buffer pool from "pending execution" to "distributed," thus completing the update of the task information in the WMS task buffer pool. Simultaneously, in the WCS task buffer pool, the server can, through the sub-server to which the WCS belongs, add a target task with a task status of "pending execution" and determine the corresponding WCS task number, thus completing the update of the task information in the WCS task buffer pool.

[0108] In practical applications, after determining whether there is a location conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, if there is no location conflict, the server can query the corresponding target task from the WCS task buffer pool based on the device identifier in the target task, and then send the corresponding target task to the corresponding target stacker crane. Simultaneously, the server can update the task status of the corresponding target task in both the WMS task buffer pool and the WCS task buffer pool to "Executing," and determine the task start time of the corresponding target task. After the corresponding target stacker crane completes its task, the server can further update the task status of the corresponding target task in both the WMS task buffer pool and the WCS task buffer pool to "Completed," and determine the task completion time of the corresponding target task.

[0109] In this embodiment, the real-time status of each target task is first determined to avoid the target task being assigned to a target stacker that does not meet the scheduling conditions, so as not to affect the material supply efficiency. Furthermore, this embodiment determines the picking position of the target task corresponding to each target stacker to avoid the incorrect picking order of the target stacker. This ensures that each target stacker can accurately reach the corresponding picking position and pick up the correct material when actually executing the target task, thereby improving the material supply efficiency.

[0110] In one embodiment, after determining whether there is a location conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, the method further includes:

[0111] When there are multiple target stacker cranes whose corresponding target tasks have conflicting pickup locations, the target tasks with conflicting locations are identified as tasks to be adjusted, and the number of tasks to be adjusted is at least two.

[0112] Obtain the inbound time of the goods in the pickup location corresponding to each task to be adjusted, and issue the tasks to be adjusted to the corresponding target stacker cranes in sequence according to the inbound time of the goods, based on the principle of first-in, last-out.

[0113] The first-in, last-out (FIFO) principle can be specifically defined as follows: for materials stored in the same row of shelves and located in the same column and at the same level of retrieval location, since the earlier the material is received, the deeper its corresponding retrieval location, the later the material is received, the better its outbound order is than the earlier the material is received.

[0114] Specifically, when there are location conflicts between the picking positions of multiple target stacker cranes corresponding to target tasks, the server can identify the target tasks with location conflicts as tasks to be adjusted, obtain the depth of the picking cell corresponding to each task to be adjusted at that picking position, and based on the inbound time of the goods in their respective picking cells, according to the first-in-last-out principle, the server will sequentially send each task to be adjusted from the WCS task buffer pool to the corresponding target stacker crane through the sub-server of WCS.

[0115] In this embodiment, when a location conflict occurs at the picking location, the picking order is controlled by implementing the first-in, last-out principle, which can prevent errors in the picking order of each target stacker crane, ensure the controllability of the picking order, and thus ensure the efficiency of material supply.

[0116] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, a flowchart of another stacker crane task scheduling method is provided. The main process includes:

[0117] The server first checks with the sub-servers of the WCS to determine whether each stacker crane in the automated warehouse meets the scheduling conditions (whether it is in a fault-free and idle state). Once a target stacker crane that meets the scheduling conditions is identified, a task request is initiated through the sub-server of the WCS. Then, the sub-server of the WMS checks whether the task request meets the inventory conditions, that is, whether the material inventory in the task request is greater than or equal to the material demand. When the inventory conditions are met, the server obtains the initial task corresponding to the task request, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the number of stacker cranes that meet the scheduling conditions. Then, the server checks again whether the initial task meets both the scheduling and inventory conditions. When both are met, the initial task is updated to the target task, and the target task is sent to the WCS task buffer pool. Further, the server checks whether there is a location conflict between the picking locations corresponding to each target task. When there is no location conflict, the server can directly send the target task to the corresponding target stacker crane and update the corresponding task information. When there is a location conflict, the target task is sent to the corresponding target stacker crane in sequence according to the first-in, last-out principle.

[0118] In one embodiment, before sending a target task to the corresponding target stacker, the server first makes multiple judgments on the real-time status of each target stacker and compares the material demand and material inventory in the target task multiple times. That is, only after ensuring that the target stacker is in a schedulable state and that the material inventory in the corresponding target task is sufficient, will each target task be sent to the corresponding target stacker, thereby ensuring the executability of each target task and improving the material supply efficiency.

[0119] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0120] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a stacker crane task scheduling device for implementing the stacker crane task scheduling method described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more stacker crane task scheduling device embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the stacker crane task scheduling method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0121] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, a stacker crane task scheduling device is provided, including: a target quantity acquisition module 702, an initial task filtering module 704, a target task acquisition module 706, and a target task distribution module 708, wherein:

[0122] The target quantity acquisition module is used to acquire the target quantity of the target stacker when there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions. The target quantity is at least one.

[0123] The initial task filtering module is used to obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria based on the target number, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number.

[0124] The target task acquisition module is used to add the equipment identifier of each target stacker to each initial task, thereby obtaining the target task corresponding to each target stacker.

[0125] The target task distribution module is used to distribute each target task to the corresponding target stacker when there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker.

[0126] The aforementioned stacker crane task scheduling device, when a target stacker crane that meets the scheduling conditions exists, obtains the target quantity of the target stacker crane, wherein the target quantity is at least one. Based on the target quantity, it then obtains at least one initial task that meets the screening conditions, and the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target quantity. Then, it adds the equipment identifier of each target stacker crane to each initial task, thereby obtaining the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane. This ensures that each target stacker crane corresponds to one target task, avoiding the suspension of multiple tasks due to the failure of one target stacker crane. It also reduces the complexity of stacker crane task scheduling and can reduce the cost of manual intervention when a failure occurs, providing a guarantee for the rapid restoration of the normal operation of the stacker crane scheduling system, thereby ensuring the efficiency of material supply. Furthermore, when there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, each target task is issued to the corresponding target stacker crane. This can avoid the picking order of the target stacker crane being incorrect due to the picking position conflict, which would affect the correct supply of materials. Throughout the process, by ensuring that each target stacker crane corresponds to a specific target task, we can prevent multiple tasks from stalling when a target stacker crane malfunctions. Furthermore, by assessing whether there are any location conflicts between the picking positions of each target stacker crane, we can avoid incorrect picking order and thus achieve the beneficial effect of improving material supply efficiency.

[0127] In one embodiment, the initial task filtering module is further configured to obtain multiple candidate tasks and their respective creation times, and then filter the multiple candidate tasks according to their respective creation times to select the initial task that meets the filtering criteria from the multiple candidate tasks.

[0128] In one embodiment, the stacker crane task scheduling device further includes a candidate task creation module. The candidate task creation module is used to respond to a material outbound request, determine the quantity of the target material to be outbound, and create a candidate task corresponding to the material outbound request when the inventory of the target material is greater than or equal to the quantity of the material.

[0129] In one embodiment, each initial task is configured with material information. The target task acquisition module is also used to acquire the equipment identifier of each target stacker and add the equipment identifier of each target stacker to each initial task to obtain the initial task corresponding to each target stacker. Then, based on the material information in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker, the picking location that meets the inventory requirements corresponding to each initial task is determined. Finally, the picking location in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker is configured to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker.

[0130] In one embodiment, the stacker crane task scheduling device further includes a first processing module, which is used to obtain the real-time status of each target stacker crane. When the real-time status of each target stacker crane meets the scheduling conditions, it determines whether there is a position conflict between the picking position of the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane.

[0131] In one embodiment, the stacker crane task scheduling device further includes a second processing module. The second processing module is used to determine the target tasks with location conflicts as tasks to be adjusted when there are location conflicts between the picking positions of multiple target stacker cranes and their corresponding target tasks. The number of tasks to be adjusted is at least two. Then, the module obtains the warehousing time of the goods in the picking position corresponding to each task to be adjusted, and sends the tasks to be adjusted to the corresponding target stacker cranes in sequence according to the principle of first-in-last-out.

[0132] Each module in the aforementioned stacker crane task scheduling device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of a computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0133] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output (I / O) interfaces, and a communication interface. The processor, memory, and I / O interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface is also connected to the system bus via the I / O interfaces. The processor provides computational and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides the environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The database stores stacker crane task scheduling data. The I / O interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for communicating with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a stacker crane task scheduling method.

[0134] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0135] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0136] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0137] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0139] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0140] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stacker crane task scheduling method, characterized in that, The method includes: When there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, the target number of the target stacker is obtained, and the target number is at least one. Based on the target number, at least one initial task that meets the filtering criteria is obtained, and the number of the initial tasks is consistent with the target number; Each of the target stacker machines is added to each of the initial tasks to obtain the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker machine. When there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each of the target stacker cranes, each target task is sent to the corresponding target stacker crane. The positional conflict refers to the situation where any two picking positions are located on the same layer of the same row and column of the shelf, and it is determined that there is a positional conflict between the two picking positions.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of obtaining at least one initial task that meets the screening criteria based on the target quantity includes: Obtain multiple alternative tasks and the creation time of each of the multiple alternative tasks; Based on the creation time of each of the multiple candidate tasks, the multiple candidate tasks are filtered to select the initial task that meets the filtering criteria.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before obtaining the multiple alternative tasks and the creation time of each of the multiple alternative tasks, the following is included: In response to a material outbound request, determine the quantity of the target material to be outbound; When the inventory of the target material is greater than or equal to the quantity of the material, create an alternative task corresponding to the material outbound request.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the initial tasks is configured with material information; Each of the target stacker cranes' equipment identifiers is added to each of the initial tasks, resulting in the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane, including: Obtain the equipment identifier of each of the target stacker cranes; Each of the target stacker cranes is added to the initial task to obtain the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane. Based on the material information in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane, determine the picking location that meets the inventory requirements for each initial task; Configure the picking location in the initial task corresponding to each target stacker crane to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After adding the device identifiers of each target stacker crane to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker crane, the process further includes: The real-time status of each of the target stacker cranes is obtained respectively; When the real-time status of each target stacker crane meets the scheduling conditions, it is determined whether there is a position conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker crane.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After determining whether there is a location conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each of the target stacker cranes, the process further includes: When there are multiple target stacker cranes whose corresponding target tasks have conflicting pickup locations, the target tasks with conflicting locations are identified as tasks to be adjusted, and the number of tasks to be adjusted is at least two. Obtain the inbound time of the goods in the pickup location corresponding to each task to be adjusted, and based on the inbound time of the goods, issue the tasks to be adjusted to the corresponding target stacker cranes in sequence according to the principle of first-in, last-out.

7. A stacker crane task scheduling device, characterized in that, The device includes: The target quantity acquisition module is used to acquire the target quantity of the target stacker when there is a target stacker that meets the scheduling conditions, wherein the target quantity is at least one. An initial task filtering module is used to obtain at least one initial task that meets the filtering conditions based on the target number, wherein the number of initial tasks is consistent with the target number; The target task acquisition module is used to add the equipment identifier of each target stacker to each initial task to obtain the target task corresponding to each target stacker. The target task distribution module is used to distribute each target task to the corresponding target stacker when there is no positional conflict between the picking positions of the target tasks corresponding to each target stacker. The positional conflict refers to the situation where any two picking positions are located on the same layer of the same row and column of the shelf, and a positional conflict is determined to exist between the two picking positions.

8. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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