A shortest picking path algorithm system and method based on graphic simulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics sorting, and proposes a shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation, including a WMS system. The WMS system includes: a path simulation designer module, a path planning module, and a shelf guidance module; the path simulation designer module includes: a shelf simulation module, a path calculation module, a path maintenance module, and a shelf path storage module. The shelf simulation module is used to sort the virtual simulation shelves, establish the shelf positions, passage positions, and obstacle positions, and transmit the established simulation information to the path calculation module; the path calculation module is used to analyze the sorted simulation shelves in the shelf simulation module, establish neighbor relationships for each shelf, number the shelves. Through the above technical solutions, the problems in the prior art that pickers search by memory without a guiding tool, resulting in low efficiency and inability to meet the modern environment with the increasingly developed delivery service are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics sorting, and specifically, to a shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation. Background Art

[0002] The picking operation is a workflow that, according to the customer's order requirements or the delivery plan of the distribution center, picks the goods from their storage locations or other areas as quickly and accurately as possible, and classifies, centralizes, and waits for loading and delivery in a certain way.

[0003] A dynamic picking path planning system is retrieved from a Chinese patent (application number: CN201911370465.5), which includes a data upload module. The data upload modules are electrically connected to a calculation module and a data statistics module. The data statistics module includes a first-level classification acquisition module, a shelf data statistics module, a refrigerated and freezer cabinet data statistics module, and a cost data statistics module. And the data statistics module is electrically connected to the first-level classification acquisition module, the shelf data statistics module, the refrigerated and freezer cabinet data statistics module, and the cost data statistics module.

[0004] The existing method relies on pickers to search by memory, without a guiding tool, resulting in low efficiency and unable to meet the modern environment where the delivery service is becoming increasingly developed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention proposes a shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation, which solves the problems in the related art, such as relying only on pickers to search by memory, without a guiding tool, low efficiency, and unable to meet the modern environment where the delivery service is becoming increasingly developed.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation, including a WMS system, and the WMS system includes: a path simulation designer module, a path planning module, and a shelf guidance module;

[0007] The path simulation designer module includes: a shelf simulation module, a path calculation module, a path maintenance module, and a shelf path storage module,

[0008] The shelf simulation module is used to sort the virtual simulation shelves, establish the shelf positions, passage positions, and obstacle positions, and transmit the established simulation information to the path calculation module;

[0009] The path calculation module is used to analyze the sorted simulation shelves in the shelf simulation module, establish neighbor relationships for each shelf, number the shelves, record the shelf numbers and path lengths, and transmit the information to the path maintenance module;

[0010] A path maintenance module, which is used to generate a shelf path table from the recorded shelves and paths, record the feasible walking paths, and transmit the shelf path table to the shelf path storage module;

[0011] A shelf path storage module, which is used to store the generated shelf path table;

[0012] The path planning module includes: a node allocation module, a path algorithm module, and a picking path storage module;

[0013] The node allocation module is used to synchronize the inventory information to the independent shelves, generate the shelves into path nodes, and synchronize the node information into the path algorithm module;

[0014] The path algorithm module is used to calculate the shortest picking path when receiving the picking information through SPF calculation, send the picking information to the picking guidance module, and store it in the picking path storage module;

[0015] The picking path storage module is used to store the picking information calculated by the path algorithm module;

[0016] The shelf guidance module includes a picking task establishment module, a guidance activation module, and a picking guidance module;

[0017] The picking task establishment module is used to establish a picking task and send the picking task to the guidance activation module;

[0018] The guidance activation module is used to transmit the picking information to the path algorithm module for picking path calculation;

[0019] The picking guidance module is used to receive the calculated path from the path algorithm module and give prompts on the shelves in sequence.

[0020] The network switch is used to connect all the shelves in series.

[0021] A shortest picking path algorithm system and method based on graphic simulation, including the following steps:

[0022] S1: In the shelf simulation module, combine the passage area, obstacles, and shelf modules into specific shelf positions in the warehouse through the drag function, where the passage area is the area where passage is allowed, that is, the area where shelf simulation links can be carried out; obstacles (such as walls, buildings, etc.) are non-simulation link areas;

[0023] S2: The path calculation module discovers neighbors of the shelves and calculates the paths. Each shelf records all the shelves with which neighbor relationships are established, including neighbor shelf codes or names and path lengths.

[0024] S3: After the path calculation module performs path simulation calculations on all the shelves, the path maintenance module generates a shelf path table for all the shelves and their neighbor relationships, and then stores it in the shelf path storage module.

[0025] S4: The inventory information is matched to the shelves through the node allocation module and planned as path nodes;

[0026] S5: The path algorithm module calculates the shortest picking path through SPF and stores it in the picking path storage module.

[0027] S6: When picking goods, a picking task is established through the picking task establishment module, and the picking task is transmitted to the guidance activation module. The guidance activation module transmits the information to the path algorithm module, repeating step S5;

[0028] S7: The picking guidance module generates the shortest picking path and sequentially prompts the location of the next shelf to be picked. The display screen of the next shelf to be picked lights up to prompt the picker to pick goods from the correct storage location of the shelf, guiding the picking process to proceed in an orderly manner and improving the picking efficiency.

[0029] The working principle and beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0030] In the present invention, through the cooperation among the path simulation designer module, the path planning module, and the shelf guidance module, the physical space situation of the shelves is accurately reflected in the system by simple dragging, and through a set of graphic simulation algorithms, the neighbor relationships and path lengths of each shelf are calculated and maintained. Another key point is the shelf indication system. By interconnecting the shelves with the system, the picking task and the shelf guidance are coordinated and collaborated, greatly improving the picking efficiency and meeting the requirements of the current retail industry for external delivery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the operation module of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the shelf path simulation designer module of the present invention.

[0034] In the figure: 100, path simulation designer module; 101, shelf simulation module; 102, path calculation module; 103, path maintenance module; 104, shelf path storage module; 200, path planning module; 201, node allocation module; 202, path algorithm module; 203, picking path storage module; 300, shelf guidance module; 301, picking task establishment module; 302, guidance activation module; 303, picking guidance module. Detailed implementation mode

[0035] Next, in combination with the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Embodiment 1

[0037] As Figures 1 to 2 shown, this embodiment proposes a shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation, including a WMS system, and the WMS system includes: a path simulation designer module 100, a path planning module 200, and a shelf guidance module 300;

[0038] The path simulation designer module 100 includes: a shelf simulation module 101, a path calculation module 102, a path maintenance module 103, and a shelf path storage module 104,

[0039] The shelf simulation module 101 is used to sort the virtual simulation shelves, establish the shelf positions, passage positions, and obstacle positions, and transmit the established simulation information to the path calculation module 102;

[0040] The path calculation module 102 is used to analyze the sorted simulation shelves in the shelf simulation module 101, establish neighbor relationships for each shelf, number the shelves, record the shelf numbers and path lengths, and transmit the information to the path maintenance module 103;

[0041] The path maintenance module 103 is used to generate a shelf path table from the recorded shelves and paths, record the feasible walking paths, and transmit the shelf path table to the shelf path storage module 104;

[0042] The shelf path storage module 104 is used to store the generated shelf path table;

[0043] The path planning module 200 includes: a node allocation module 201, a path algorithm module 202, and a picking path storage module 203;

[0044] The node allocation module 201 is used to synchronize the inventory information to the independent shelves, generate the shelves into path nodes, and synchronize the node information into the path algorithm module 202;

[0045] The path algorithm module 202 is used to calculate the shortest picking path when receiving the picking information through SPF calculation, send the picking information to the picking guidance module 303, and store it in the picking path storage module 203;

[0046] The picking path storage module 203 is used to store the picking information calculated by the path algorithm module 202;

[0047] The shelf guidance module 300 includes a picking task establishment module 301, a guidance activation module 302, and a picking guidance module 303;

[0048] The picking task establishment module 301 is used to establish a picking task and send the picking task into the guidance activation module 302;

[0049] The guidance activation module 302 is used to transmit the picking information into the path algorithm module 202 for picking path calculation;

[0050] The picking guidance module 303 is used to receive the calculated path from the path algorithm module 202 and give prompts on the shelf in sequence, including the WMS system, and the WMS system includes: a path simulation designer module 100, a path planning module 200, and a shelf guidance module 300;

[0051] The path simulation designer module 100 includes: a shelf simulation module 101, a path calculation module 102, a path maintenance module 103, and a shelf path storage module 104,

[0052] The shelf simulation module 101 is used to sort the virtual simulation shelves during construction, establish the shelf positions, passage positions, and obstacle positions, and transmit the established simulation information to the path calculation module 102;

[0053] The path calculation module 102 is used to analyze the sorted simulation shelves established in the shelf simulation module 101, establish neighbor relationships for each shelf, number the shelves, record the shelf numbers and path lengths, and transmit the information to the path maintenance module 103;

[0054] The path maintenance module 103 is used to generate a shelf path table from the recorded shelves and paths, record the feasible walking paths, and transmit the shelf path table to the shelf path storage module 104;

[0055] The shelf path storage module 104 is used to store the generated shelf path table;

[0056] The path planning module 200 includes: a node allocation module 201, a path algorithm module 202, and a picking path storage module 203;

[0057] The node allocation module 201 is used to synchronize the inventory information to the independent shelves, generate the shelves into path nodes, and synchronize the node information into the path algorithm module 202;

[0058] The path algorithm module 202 calculates the shortest picking path when receiving picking information through SPF calculation, sends the picking information to the picking guidance module 303, and stores it in the picking path storage module 203;

[0059] The picking path storage module 203 is used to store the picking information calculated by the path algorithm module 202;

[0060] The shelf guidance module 300 includes a picking task establishment module 301, a guidance activation module 302, and a picking guidance module 303;

[0061] The picking task establishment module 301 is used to establish a picking task and send the picking task to the guidance activation module 302;

[0062] The guidance activation module 302 is used to transmit the picking information to the path algorithm module 202 for picking path calculation;

[0063] The picking guidance module 303 is used to receive the calculated path from the path algorithm module 202 and give prompts on the shelves in sequence.

[0064] The network switch is used to connect all the shelves in series.

[0065] A shortest picking path algorithm system and method based on graphic simulation includes the following steps:

[0066] S1: In the shelf simulation module 101, the passage area, obstacles, and shelf modules are combined into specific shelf positions in the warehouse through the drag function, where the passage area is the area where passage is allowed, that is, the area where shelf simulation links can be made; obstacles (such as walls, buildings, etc.) are non-simulation link areas;

[0067] S2: The path calculation module 102 discovers neighbors of the shelves and calculates the path. Each shelf records all the shelves with which neighbor relationships are established, including neighbor shelf codes or names and path lengths.

[0068] S3: After the path calculation module 102 performs path simulation calculations on all the shelves, the path maintenance module 103 generates a shelf path table for all the shelves and their neighbor relationships, and then stores it in the shelf path storage module 104.

[0069] S4: The inventory information is matched to the shelves through the node allocation module 201 and planned as path nodes;

[0070] S5: The path algorithm module 202 calculates the shortest picking path through SPF and stores it in the picking path storage module 203.

[0071] S6: When picking goods, a task is established through the picking task establishment module 301, and the task is transmitted to the guidance activation module 302. The guidance activation module 302 transmits the information to the path algorithm module 202, and step S5 is repeated;

[0072] S7: The picking guidance module 303 generates the shortest picking path and sequentially prompts the location of the next shelf to be picked. The display screen of the next shelf to be picked lights up to prompt the picker to pick goods from the correct storage location of the shelf, guiding the picking process to proceed in an orderly manner and improving the picking efficiency.

[0073] Among them, in step S2, the path length is calculated by the number of hops. Hop: that is, the shelf node. One shelf is one hop. To connect two shelves, multiple shelves (including the destination shelf) need to be passed through. Each passed shelf is called a hop. The number of hops is an accumulator of how many hops have been passed through. There may be multiple values for this number of hops, and only the minimum value is taken and recorded as the path length. The number of hops can reflect the number of hops, the speed of the path, and the reliability of the path. When the physical environment of the warehouse shelves changes, the simulator must be maintained and the latest path must be recalculated.

[0074] In this embodiment, through the cooperation of the path simulation designer module 100, the path planning module 200, and the shelf guidance module 300, the physical space situation of the shelves is accurately reflected in the system through simple dragging, and through a set of graphic simulation algorithms, the neighbor relationship and path length of each shelf are calculated and maintained. Another key point is the shelf indication system. By interconnecting the shelves with the system, the picking task and the shelf guidance are coordinated and cooperated, greatly improving the picking efficiency.

[0075] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation, characterized in that, it includes a WMS system, and the WMS system includes: a path simulation designer module (100), a path planning module (200), and a shelf guidance module (300); The path simulation designer module (100) includes: a shelf simulation module (101), a path calculation module (102), a path maintenance module (103), and a shelf path storage module (104), The shelf simulation module (101) is used for sorting virtual simulation shelves, establishing shelf positions, passage positions, and obstacle positions, and transmitting the established simulation information to the path calculation module (102); The path calculation module (102) is used for analyzing the sorted simulation shelves established in the shelf simulation module (101), establishing neighbor relationships for each shelf, numbering the shelves, recording the shelf numbers and path lengths, and transmitting the information to the path maintenance module (103); The path maintenance module (103) is used for generating a shelf path table from the recorded shelves and paths, recording the feasible walking paths, and transmitting the shelf path table to the shelf path storage module (104); The shelf path storage module (104) is used for storing the generated shelf path table; The path planning module (200) includes: a node allocation module (201), a path algorithm module (202), and a picking path storage module (203); The node allocation module (201) is used for synchronizing inventory information to independent shelves, generating the shelves into path nodes, and synchronizing the node information into the path algorithm module (202); The path algorithm module (202), through SPF calculation, is used for calculating the shortest picking path when receiving picking information, sending the picking information to the picking guidance module (303), and storing it in the picking path storage module (203); The picking path storage module (203) is used for storing the picking information calculated by the path algorithm module (202); The shelf guidance module (300) includes a picking task establishment module (301), a guidance activation module (302), and a picking guidance module (303); The picking task establishment module (301) is used for establishing a picking task and sending the picking task to the guidance activation module (302); The guidance activation module (302) is used for transmitting the picking information into the path algorithm module (202) for picking path calculation; The picking guidance module (303) is used for receiving the calculated path from the path algorithm module (202) and giving prompts on the shelves in sequence.

2. A shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, it further includes a shelf, and the shelf includes a network switch, a display, and a single-chip microcomputer. The single-chip microcomputer is signal-connected to both the network switch and the display. The single-chip microcomputer has a built-in WMS system, and the network switch is used for connecting all the shelves in series.

3. A usage method of a shortest picking path algorithm system based on graphic simulation according to claim 2, characterized in that, it includes the following steps: S1: In the shelf simulation module (101), the passage area, obstacles, and shelf modules are combined into specific shelf positions in the warehouse through the drag-and-drop function. The passage area is the area where passage is allowed, that is, the area where shelf simulation links can be established; Obstacles are non-simulation link areas; S2: The path calculation module (102) discovers neighbors of the shelves and calculates paths. Each shelf records all the shelves with which neighbor relationships are established, including neighbor shelf codes or names and path lengths; S3: After the path calculation module (102) performs path simulation calculations on all the shelves, the path maintenance module (103) generates a shelf path table for all the shelves and their neighbor relationships, and then stores it in the shelf path storage module (104); S4: The inventory information is matched to the shelves through the node allocation module (201) and planned as path nodes; S5: The path algorithm module (202) calculates the shortest picking path through SPF and stores it in the picking path storage module (203); S6: When picking, a picking task is established through the picking task establishment module (301), and the picking task is transmitted to the guidance activation module (302). The guidance activation module (302) transmits the information to the path algorithm module (202), and step S5 is repeated; S7: The picking guidance module (303) generates the shortest picking path and sequentially prompts the shelf position of the next shelf to be picked. The display screen of the next shelf to be picked lights up to prompt the picker to pick the correct storage location on the shelf.

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