A method and system for selecting a storage location for a stacker

Abstract

This invention discloses a storage location selection method for a stacker crane, comprising: receiving information; calculating the number of storage locations required for the current inbound shipment; reading all information of each storage location based on aisle storage location information and registering and configuring strategy objects for each storage location based on the information of goods to be inbound, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information; initially screening valid storage locations; polling valid storage locations, executing all strategy objects registered for each storage location, and calculating the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each storage location; batch listing storage locations according to the score order of each storage location; and controlling the stacker crane to perform inbound operations sequentially according to the storage location list and the starting point information of the pallets to be inbound. In the process of warehouse management, in addition to meeting the needs of different factors, the weights of various factors can be customized based on different requirements: inbound speed, storage location utilization rate, and the operating conditions of the warehouse system itself, achieving efficient inbound and outbound operations while improving storage location utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of warehouse management, and in particular to a method and system for selecting warehouse locations for stacker cranes. Background Technology

[0002] Stacker cranes operate on a planar, longitudinal, linear track, and have an integrated lift for raising and lowering pallets. Each stacker crane can transport only one pallet at a time. The stacker crane can only move longitudinally and linearly along one level. It has a built-in lifting system that can move pallets to different levels and then push them down. Warehouse inbound and outbound operations require a customizable, efficient, and flexible location management system. Many factors influence inbound and outbound operations; therefore, selecting suitable locations from multiple storage options and achieving fast and efficient inbound and outbound processes is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a storage location selection method and system for stacker cranes, comprising:

[0004] Step S1: Receive information on goods to be received, pallet origin information, aisle location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0005] The information on goods to be received includes bill of lading number, container number, goods category, goods name, owner, batch number, and batch attributes; the batch attributes include: country of origin and manufacturer number.

[0006] The system has pre-set storage location and aisle information, which includes: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle;

[0007] Lane information includes: lane opening type, lane opening direction, lane opening point coordinates, total number of storage units in the lane, belonging storage area, belonging storage area, and belonging logical group; all lanes managed by each stacker crane constitute a belonging logical group;

[0008] The storage location information includes: basic storage location information, storage location locking information, and storage location status information;

[0009] Basic information about the storage location includes: storage location number, storage location coordinates, and location within the aisle (inner or outer layer); storage location locking information includes: whether the storage location is locked and the source of the lock; storage location status information includes: whether there are goods in the storage location, and if there are goods in the storage location, the storage location status information also includes the goods information.

[0010] Step S2: Based on the predicted number of pallets of goods to be received, calculate the number of storage locations required for this receiving operation.

[0011] Step S3: Read all information for each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be stored, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0012] Step S4: Preliminary screening of valid storage locations;

[0013] Step S5: Poll the valid storage locations, execute all policy objects registered for each storage location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all policy objects registered for each storage location;

[0014] Step S6: Based on the score order of each storage location, output a list of storage locations required for this inbound shipment in batches;

[0015] Step S7: Control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform the storage operation in sequence according to the storage location list and the starting point information of the pallet to be stored.

[0016] Furthermore, prior to step S1, the following steps are also included: stacker crane hangar data construction;

[0017] The data construction of the stacker crane warehouse is as follows: each stacker crane manages a preset number of warehouse locations, and a mapping relationship is established between each stacker crane and the warehouse locations it manages, as well as the aisle information corresponding to each warehouse location.

[0018] More specifically, configuring policy objects involves adjusting the state of each policy object, namely: 1. Ignoring a policy object as needed; 2. Enabling a policy object and ensuring strong consistency of this policy object; 3. Enabling a policy object and ensuring weak consistency of this policy; 4. Setting the priority of policy objects.

[0019] More detailed storage location information includes: basic storage location information, storage location locking information, and storage location status information;

[0020] Step S4 specifically includes:

[0021] Based on the pre-stored list of disabled stacker cranes, filter to the storage location corresponding to the disabled stacker crane;

[0022] Based on the storage location locking information in the storage location information, if a storage location is locked, the corresponding storage location will be filtered out.

[0023] Based on the inventory amount in the storage location information as status information, filter out storage locations that already contain goods.

[0024] More detailed policy configuration information includes one or more of the following:

[0025] Specifically: Priority grouping; Recommended or mandatory target point storage area: storage area number and priority; Recommended or mandatory target point grouping: storage area number and priority; Recommended or mandatory target point grouping: grouping type, grouping number and priority; Disable stacker crane grouping.

[0026] Furthermore, warehouse management methods also include:

[0027] Step R1: Receive information on goods to be shipped, storage location design parameters, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information;

[0028] The warehouse design parameters include the number of warehouse layers, the number of longitudinal warehouse locations, the number of transverse warehouse locations, and the stacker crane track position parameters:

[0029] The stacker crane task list includes: real-time location information of the stacker crane, operation type, including: outbound, inbound, idle, busy, normal, abnormal; when the stacker crane is working, it also includes the pallet number being loaded.

[0030] The information on goods to be shipped out includes: the total number and weight of goods that can be loaded into the container, the owner, the name of the goods, and the category of the goods.

[0031] Step R2: Based on the information of goods to be shipped, predict the number of pallets that can be shipped, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this shipment.

[0032] Step R3: Read all information for each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be shipped, storage location information, aisle storage location information, and strategy matching information.

[0033] Step R4: Preliminarily screen available warehouse locations based on the information of goods to be shipped;

[0034] Step R5: Poll the available warehouse locations, execute all policy objects registered for each warehouse location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all policy objects registered for each warehouse location;

[0035] Step R6: Based on the score order of each storage location, output a list of storage locations required for this outbound shipment in batches;

[0036] Step R7: Control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform outbound operations according to the storage location list.

[0037] The present invention also provides a storage location selection system for a stacker crane, comprising:

[0038] The first receiving module is used to receive information on goods to be put into storage, information on the starting point of pallets to be put into storage, information on storage locations in aisles, a stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0039] The first prediction module is used to predict the number of pallets of goods based on the information of goods to be received received by the first receiving module, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this warehousing.

[0040] The inbound registration configuration module is used to read all information of each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and to register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be inbound, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0041] The first scoring module is used to initially screen valid storage locations; it polls valid storage locations, executes all strategy objects registered for each storage location, and calculates the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each storage location.

[0042] The first output module is used to output a list of storage locations in batches according to the score order of each storage location, which is the number of storage locations required for this inbound operation.

[0043] The first control module is used to control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform the storage operation in sequence according to the storage location list and the starting point information of the pallet to be stored.

[0044] Furthermore, warehouse management systems also include:

[0045] The second receiving module is used to receive information on goods to be shipped out, storage location design parameters, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0046] The second prediction module is used to predict the number of pallets of goods that can be shipped based on the information of the goods to be shipped, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this shipment.

[0047] The outbound registration configuration module is used to read all information of each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and to register and configure strategy objects for each storage location based on the information of goods to be outbound, storage location information, aisle storage location information, and strategy matching information.

[0048] The second scoring module is used to initially screen available warehouse locations based on the information of goods to be shipped; poll available warehouse locations, execute all strategy objects registered for each warehouse location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each warehouse location;

[0049] The second output module is used to output a list of storage locations in batches according to the score order of each storage location, and to output a list of storage locations required for this outbound shipment.

[0050] The second control module is used to control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform outbound operations according to the storage location list.

[0051] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: In the process of warehouse management, this method can not only meet the needs of different factors, but also customize the weights according to different needs (inbound speed, storage location utilization, warehouse system operating conditions, etc.), thereby achieving efficient inbound and outbound operations and improving storage location utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a storage location selection method for a stacker crane provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a storage location selection system for a stacker crane provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a normal distribution curve diagram of a storage location selection method for a stacker crane provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a binary normal distribution surface diagram of a storage location selection method for a stacker crane provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0058] This embodiment provides a storage location selection method and system for stacker cranes, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0059] Step S1: Receive information on goods to be received / outbound, pallet origin information, aisle location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0060] Information on goods to be received includes bill of lading number, container number, goods category, product name, owner, batch number, and batch attributes. Batch attributes include: country of origin and manufacturer number. It should be noted that custom attributes are reserved in the information on goods to be received, which can be added according to the actual situation.

[0061] The information on storage locations in the alleyways includes: alleyway information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the alleyways;

[0062] The aisle information includes: aisle opening type, aisle opening direction, aisle opening point coordinates, total number of storage units in the aisle, belonging storage area, belonging storage area, and belonging logical group; all aisles managed by each stacker crane constitute a belonging logical group;

[0063] Storage location information includes: basic storage location information, storage location locking information, and storage location status information;

[0064] Basic information about the storage location includes: storage location number, storage location coordinates, and location within the aisle (inner or outer layer); storage location locking information includes: whether the storage location is locked and the source of the lock; storage location status information includes: whether there are goods in the storage location, and if there are goods in the storage location, the storage location status information also includes the goods information.

[0065] The stacker crane task list includes: the current status of all stacker crane tasks, and the number of tasks that have been assigned;

[0066] The system also has a pre-stored list of groups for disabling stacker cranes;

[0067] It should be noted that the following step is included before step S1: stacker crane library data construction;

[0068] The initialization process of a warehouse management system requires the initialization of the basic warehouse data structure, which is essentially the construction of the stacker crane warehouse data. It should be noted that this initialization process only needs to be completed once and does not require repeated generation.

[0069] The data construction of the stacker crane warehouse specifically includes: each stacker crane manages 4 columns of storage locations, and a mapping relationship is established between each stacker crane and the storage locations it manages, as well as the aisle information corresponding to each storage location.

[0070] The policy configuration information includes one or more of the following: 1. Priority grouping; 2. Target point recommended or forced storage area: storage area number and priority; 3. Target point recommended or forced grouping: storage area number and priority; 4. Target point recommended or forced grouping: grouping type, grouping number and priority; 5. Disable stacker crane grouping.

[0071] The starting point information for pallets awaiting warehousing includes: location number and coordinates;

[0072] Preferably, before step S1, the method further includes: defining strategy objects according to the overall strategy principles of the warehouse management system, and generating a stacker crane strategy object library;

[0073] The general principles of the stacker crane-based warehouse management strategy are as follows:

[0074] 1. Storage locations are allocated from bottom to top, and from near to far;

[0075] 2. The goods in a single container are basically evenly distributed across N stacker cranes. When scheduling multiple containers, the current inbound task status and busyness of the stacker cranes should be taken into account.

[0076] 3. When allocating multiple stacker cranes, consider the odd and even numbers to reduce the problem of residual aisles;

[0077] 4. The number of tasks assigned to multiple containers on multiple stacker cranes is roughly evenly distributed, avoiding significant discrepancies in the number of goods on individual stacker cranes. This ultimately achieves an even distribution of goods across the entire warehouse.

[0078] 5. Prioritize filling the remaining alleyways;

[0079] 6. Consider the scenario of a full warehouse and find a way to fill the container to its capacity, but try to concentrate the load on N+ stacker cranes.

[0080] More specifically, the strategy object includes three parts: strategy factors, the value range of the strategy factors, and strategy execution;

[0081] The strategy factor is the core physical quantity of the strategy object, and it is the decisive factor for the final selection result of this strategy object.

[0082] It should be noted that the selection of strategy factors should be based on the criteria of being directly expressible mathematically or in programming and having a direct impact on specific needs; in this embodiment, the criteria are based on factors that have a direct impact on the selection of storage locations, such as the type of goods, the floor, etc., which have the above characteristics and can be defined as strategy factors.

[0083] Secondly, each policy object should ideally have only a minimum number of policy factors (preferably only one, and no more than two). Having more than one policy factor is likely to disrupt the mathematical assumptions about the policy's distribution, increasing computational errors in later stages.

[0084] The value range of a strategy factor is the range of values ​​a strategy factor can take under specific requirements; in this embodiment, the value range of the strategy factor of the strategy object for the current storage location.

[0085] In this embodiment, the value range of the strategy factor is the value allowed under the current warehouse environment, such as the load-bearing capacity of the shelving. It should be noted that the value range of the same strategy factor may not be the same for each storage location; for example, the shelving located in a storage location may have different load-bearing capacities.

[0086] Strategy execution is the algorithmic implementation of the aforementioned strategy factors and their value ranges under specific requirements.

[0087] Strategy execution is the general algorithm implementation for this strategy object, which includes the extraction of strategy factors, the determination of the value range of strategy factors, and the calculation of the strategy score for the current storage location.

[0088] Step S2: Based on the predicted number of pallets of goods to be received, calculate the number of storage locations required for this receiving operation.

[0089] Step S3: Read all information for each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be stored, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0090] The strategy objects provided in this embodiment include the following four categories: 1. Mixed placement strategy; 2. Task balancing strategy; 3. Efficiency-first strategy; 4. Storage space utilization-first strategy;

[0091] The strategy objects provided by this invention include:

[0092] 1. Shelf weighing strategy

[0093] Type: Inbound

[0094] Main function: The stacker crane is set with a load limit to ensure that the rack after entering the warehouse does not exceed the load limit. Specifically, in this embodiment, the load limit is set to 100 tons.

[0095] 2. Floor order placement strategy

[0096] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0097] Main function: Goods are prioritized for output by floor. To maintain a low center of gravity in the warehouse, lower floors are given priority when goods are received, and higher floors are given priority when goods are shipped.

[0098] 3. Regional disabling policy

[0099] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0100] Main function: Disable storage locations according to preset areas;

[0101] 4. Clustering and placement strategy

[0102] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0103] Main function: To implement a strategy for grouping similar types of goods together.

[0104] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the container number, customer, and product name in the information of goods to be received are used as the criteria for grouping and placing. When the above three factors are the same, the goods are grouped and placed.

[0105] 5. Inward and outward placement strategy

[0106] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0107] Main function: When goods are stored, they are placed from the inside out; when goods are taken out, they are taken from the outside in.

[0108] 6. Prioritize placement of storage space on the inner side of the alleyway.

[0109] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0110] Main function: Within a single lane, the inner storage location should have priority for receiving goods, and the outer storage location should have priority for removing goods.

[0111] It should be noted that: there are two storage positions on each side of each stacker crane, one on the inner layer and one on the outer layer. To ensure efficient placement, when receiving goods, the inner layer should be placed first, followed by the outer layer. When taking goods out of the warehouse, the outer layer should be taken first, followed by the inner layer.

[0112] 7. Prioritize Remaining Lanes

[0113] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0114] Main function: When entering the warehouse, prioritize filling the remaining lanes; when leaving the warehouse, prioritize emptying the remaining lanes. In this embodiment, if the warehouse space in the Tibetan waterway is already in the process of entering the warehouse, the priority of entering the remaining lanes will be reduced accordingly.

[0115] It should be noted that the "remaining alleyway" refers to an alleyway that is not full of goods.

[0116] 8. Cargo Mixing Strategy

[0117] Type: Inbound

[0118] Main function: To determine whether mixed cargo is allowed in the roadway based on preset values, and the quantity limit for mixed cargo;

[0119] When configuring strategy objects, the warehouse management system sets parameters for mixed-cargo placement policies, specifying whether mixed cargo is allowed in aisles and the quantity limits for mixed cargo. Upon receiving information about goods to be received, the system outputs a score indicating whether mixed placement is permitted based on the mixed-cargo placement policy.

[0120] In this embodiment, the cargo mixing strategy parameters are: container information, cargo, and product name. These parameters are expandable, for example, to include country of origin, manufacturer number, and batch number. In other words, the cargo mixing strategy parameters are the criteria for determining whether cargo can be placed in the same aisle.

[0121] In another implementation, the parameters of the mixed cargo placement strategy can be consistent with the reserved custom attributes in the information of the goods to be put into storage.

[0122] In this embodiment: mixed cargo is allowed in the tunnel, and a maximum of two types of cargo are allowed to be mixed in.

[0123] It should be noted that if a container contains goods of multiple product names placed in multiple stacker crane aisles, it is inevitable that each product name in a single container may result in multiple damaged aisles. In extreme cases, such as a container with 3 product names placed in 3 aisles, such a container may have 9 damaged aisles. When such a warehouse is full, there may be 6,000-8,000 damaged aisles, which is unacceptable to customers.

[0124] Therefore, the warehouse needs to allow for mixed cargo, with only two deep aisles. However, if goods are mixed too much in the aisles, it will severely impact outbound efficiency. Retrieving goods from the deeper aisles requires first removing the outer goods, resulting in low efficiency. Therefore, it's necessary to control the number of mixed pallets for a single container and a single product name on a single stacker crane. Theoretically, it's possible to control only one pallet of mixed cargo per container per stacker crane. With approximately 2800 storage positions on such a stacker crane, handling 70 containers might only require a few empty positions to unload the goods, achieving a warehouse capacity utilization rate of 99.99%.

[0125] 9. Strategy of retaining vacant storage space

[0126] Type: Inbound

[0127] Main function: Each stacker crane group needs to reserve a preset number of empty storage spaces for warehouse relocation;

[0128] 10. Strategy for Selecting the Number of Cargo Pallets

[0129] Type: Outbound

[0130] Main function: Prioritize the outbound shipments from storage locations with fewer items;

[0131] 11. Stacker crane grouping strategy

[0132] Type: Inbound

[0133] Main function: To perform inbound operations to the storage location corresponding to the pre-specified stacker crane;

[0134] 12: Storage Area Grouping Strategy

[0135] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0136] Main function: To perform inbound and outbound operations to pre-specified storage areas or groups;

[0137] It should be noted that in strategy objects 11 and 12, the grouping and storage area can support the selection of storage locations within multiple groups or multiple storage areas. It can support forced or priority selection. For example, goods can be specified to select storage locations in three areas A, B, and C, with priority A>B>C. Only when a valid storage location cannot be selected from the specified area can it be selected from the remaining storage locations.

[0138] 13: Stacker crane selection strategy

[0139] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0140] Main function: To perform inbound and outbound operations using pre-designated stacker cranes;

[0141] It should be noted that, in order to ensure a balanced load on the stacker cranes, the tasks of the stacker cranes are distributed evenly.

[0142] 14. Stacker crane task load balancing

[0143] Type: Inbound, Outbound

[0144] Main function: To formulate stacker crane working strategies based on stacker crane tasks, and to prioritize the allocation of tasks to stacker cranes with fewer tasks.

[0145] 15. Stacker crane quantity restriction strategy

[0146] Type: Inbound

[0147] Main function: To limit the number of stacker cranes used when the same batch of goods enters the warehouse;

[0148] 16. Stacker crane designated floor warehousing strategy

[0149] Type: Inbound

[0150] Main function: To perform inbound operations to pre-specified floors;

[0151] 17. Warehouse location size selection strategy

[0152] Type: Inbound

[0153] Main function: To select a storage location of suitable size based on the dimensions of the goods;

[0154] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the storage space size is divided into two types: normal size and extra-large size. This strategy can be used to select the appropriate storage space for goods of different sizes.

[0155] 18. Adjacent Goods Consistency Strategy

[0156] Type: Inbound

[0157] Main function: When adjacent goods in the alley are the same, the storage location is selected according to the preset priority.

[0158] It should be noted that the preset priority is either high or low, and can be preset according to the actual situation.

[0159] It should be noted that:

[0160] 1. Mixed placement strategy, including strategy objects: 8, 18;

[0161] 2. Task balancing strategy, including strategy objects: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16;

[0162] 3. Efficiency-first strategy, including strategy objects: 2, 5, 6, 7, 10;

[0163] 4. Prioritize storage space utilization strategy, including strategy objects 1, 3, 4, 9, and 17;

[0164] This embodiment uses four methods for configuring policy objects, as follows:

[0165] 1. Configuring policy objects specifically involves adjusting the state of each policy object, i.e., ignoring a policy object as needed; 2. Enabling a policy object and ensuring strong consistency for that policy object; 3. Enabling a policy object and ensuring weak consistency for that policy; 4. Setting the priority of policy objects.

[0166] Step S4: Preliminary screening of valid storage locations;

[0167] Specifically, filter out all non-empty or locked storage locations;

[0168] More specifically, step S4 includes:

[0169] Based on the pre-stored list of disabled stacker cranes, filter to the storage location corresponding to the disabled stacker crane;

[0170] Based on the storage location locking information in the storage location information, if a storage location is locked, the corresponding storage location will be filtered out.

[0171] Based on the storage amount in the storage location information as status information, filter out storage locations that already contain goods;

[0172] Step S5: Poll the remaining valid storage locations, execute all policy objects registered for each storage location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all policy objects registered for each storage location;

[0173] Calculate the score for each storage location across all registered policy objects, specifically including:

[0174] Step A1: Perform individual strategy object analysis on the data to be analyzed and output the score of each strategy object;

[0175] The data to be analyzed in this embodiment includes information on inbound and outbound goods, and information on storage locations in alleyways.

[0176] The type of strategy is defined based on the relationship between the final strategy score and the strategy factors. All strategies can be defined as either a 0-1 distribution or a continuous distribution.

[0177] The type of strategy is defined based on the relationship between the final strategy score and the strategy factors. All strategies can be defined as either a 0-1 distribution or a continuous distribution.

[0178] The first type is the 0-1 distribution type, which refers to a strategy with only two possible scores (0 and 1), such as a forced grouping strategy (locations that do not meet the requirements for entry / exit are given 0 points, and those that do are given 1 point). This strategy only gives two judgments: whether the current location meets the requirements or not, so it can accurately determine whether to accept or reject a location. Due to the accuracy of this type of strategy, we should define new strategies as this type whenever possible. (It should be noted that, due to the requirement to incorporate a normal distribution algorithm, the final score of the 0-1 distribution is given according to the scoring standard of the normal distribution, with the highest score being 0 points indicating compliance and the lowest score being 2 points indicating non-compliance.)

[0179] For example, strategy object 13 stacker crane selection strategy: inbound and outbound operations are performed through pre-specified stacker cranes; each stacker crane corresponds to multiple operable storage locations, the storage location corresponding to the pre-specified stacker crane is assigned 0 points and can be stored, the other storage locations are not allowed to be stored, and storage location selection can be accurately determined.

[0180] The second strategy is: the final score of the continuous distribution type strategy follows a normal distribution curve with the values ​​of the strategy factors (see...). Figure 3 The distribution is continuous. Therefore, the final score range of this distribution is 0 to 2, where 0 is the highest score for "highly recommended" and 2 is the lowest score for "not recommended".

[0181] For example: Strategy object 12: The floor order placement strategy is a continuous distribution type.

[0182] Step A2: Based on the scores of individual strategy objects, a comprehensive score is obtained through comprehensive analysis of multiple strategy objects;

[0183] The final selection of a storage location is generally not influenced by only one strategy. In reality, under normal circumstances, each storage location selection is affected by more than 10 strategies simultaneously.

[0184] Based on the mathematical definition of a single strategy above, the problem of multi-strategy object collaboration is solved using a multivariate normal distribution. Figure 4The following example illustrates the binary normal distribution function, where μ is the expected value, σ is the covariance, ρ is the correlation coefficient, x is the score of a certain strategy, and f(x1,x2) is the final score of the current storage location under the influence of the two strategies.

[0185]

[0186] Due to the aforementioned value range definition, the value of each strategy object is only 0 to 2 (20), so the actual binary distribution value is in Figure 3 Only one-quarter of the quadrants (i.e., x, y ≥ 0) will be selected. Based on the binary distribution, this is extended to a multivariate (more than 10-variate) normal distribution to obtain the core algorithm of the warehousing system. To simplify the model and improve computation speed, three simplification assumptions are provided: First, the orthogonality between any two strategies is assumed (i.e., the correlation coefficient ρ is set to 0); second, each strategy has a basic consistent value, i.e., the covariance σ is equal to 1; third, each strategy has a default standard mathematical expectation, i.e., the mathematical expectation μ is equal to 0.

[0187] It's important to note that the advantages of the multivariate normal distribution are as follows: First, it provides a veto power for any strategy. That is, under the joint action function, regardless of the function's dimension (number of strategies), if any strategy determines that the current storage location does not meet the requirements, then even if other strategies give higher scores, the current storage location will be eliminated. This feature effectively prevents mutual interference among multiple strategies in the decision-making process for eliminating storage locations. It plays a decisive role in the stable selection of qualified storage locations. Second, the final score range of the joint distribution function is controllable (0.0 to 1.0), therefore, it will not cause potential computational overflow as the number of strategy objects changes. Third, when no strategy object issues a veto, the influence of each strategy object on the final score under the joint distribution function is equal under the same priority. Any strategy has the same influence, which does not change with the number of strategies. It should be noted that this influence can be changed by adjusting the strategy priority.

[0188] Preferably, before step 3, the method further includes: setting the priority of the continuous distribution strategy object;

[0189] More specifically, the priority setting for continuous distribution strategy objects is as follows: based on the function of multivariate normal distribution, a priority adjustment coefficient (10-level priority adjustment mechanism) is added to adjust the σ covariance data in the above multivariate normal distribution formula.

[0190] When more than one continuous distribution strategy is applied, the equal impact of each strategy on the current storage location does not meet the needs of many practical situations. In many cases, there is a requirement to set different priorities for each strategy object. This necessitates strategy priority settings. Therefore, based on the function of the multivariate normal distribution, a priority adjustment coefficient (a 10-level priority adjustment mechanism) is added to adjust the σ covariance data in the above multivariate normal distribution formula, achieving the goal of higher-priority strategies outputting higher final scores.

[0191] The core of this algorithm is to mathematically solve the problem of coordinating various strategy objects (such as floor selection strategy, group selection strategy, etc.) with each other. This includes resolving conflicts and cooperation between different strategies. Solving this problem requires first analyzing the impact on individual strategy objects, and secondly addressing how multiple strategies can collaborate.

[0192] Step S6: Based on the score order of each storage location, output a list of storage locations required for this inbound shipment in batches;

[0193] The warehouse location list includes one or more warehouse location information, and the warehouse location information is sorted according to the score order; the warehouse location information includes: lane number, warehouse location number, belonging warehouse area, belonging storage area, belonging logical group, and goods information;

[0194] Step S7: Control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform the storage operation in sequence according to the storage location list and the starting point information of the pallet to be stored;

[0195] The method provided in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 The diagram also includes:

[0196] Step R1: Receive information on goods to be shipped, storage location design parameters, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information;

[0197] The design parameters for the storage location include the number of storage layers, the number of longitudinal storage locations, the number of transverse storage locations, and the stacker crane track position parameters:

[0198] Stacker crane task list: Real-time location information of the stacker crane, operation type, including: outbound, inbound, idle, busy, normal, abnormal; when the stacker crane is working, it also includes the pallet number being loaded;

[0199] Information on goods awaiting shipment includes: the total number and weight of goods that can be loaded into the container, the owner, the name of the goods, and the category of the goods;

[0200] Step R2: Based on the information of goods to be shipped, predict the number of pallets that can be shipped, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this shipment.

[0201] Step R3: Read all information for each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be shipped, storage location information, aisle storage location information, and strategy matching information.

[0202] In this embodiment, the strategy object types include outbound and inbound types. When outbound information is received, an outbound type strategy object is registered; when inbound information is received, an inbound type strategy object is registered.

[0203] Step R4: Preliminarily screen available warehouse locations based on the information of goods to be shipped;

[0204] Step R5: Poll the available warehouse locations, execute all policy objects registered for each warehouse location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all policy objects registered for each warehouse location;

[0205] Step R6: Based on the score order of each storage location, output a list of storage locations required for this outbound shipment in batches;

[0206] The warehouse location list includes one or more warehouse location information, and the warehouse location information is sorted according to the score order; the warehouse location information includes: lane number, warehouse location number, belonging warehouse area, belonging storage area, belonging logical group, and goods information;

[0207] Step R7: Control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform outbound operations according to the storage location list;

[0208] This embodiment also provides a storage location selection system for a stacker crane, including:

[0209] The first receiving module is used to receive information on goods to be put into storage, information on the starting point of pallets to be put into storage, information on storage locations in aisles, a stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0210] The first prediction module is used to predict the number of pallets of goods based on the information of goods to be received received by the first receiving module, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this warehousing.

[0211] The inbound registration configuration module is used to read all information of each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and to register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be inbound, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0212] The first scoring module is used to initially screen valid storage locations; it polls valid storage locations, executes all strategy objects registered for each storage location, and calculates the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each storage location.

[0213] The first output module is used to output a list of storage locations in batches according to the score order of each storage location, which is the number of storage locations required for this inbound operation.

[0214] The first control module is used to control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform the storage operation in sequence according to the storage location list and the starting point information of the pallet to be stored.

[0215] Furthermore, the warehouse management system provided in this embodiment also includes:

[0216] The second receiving module is used to receive information on goods to be shipped out, storage location design parameters, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information.

[0217] The second prediction module is used to predict the number of pallets of goods that can be shipped based on the information of the goods to be shipped, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this shipment.

[0218] The outbound registration configuration module is used to read all information of each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and to register and configure strategy objects for each storage location based on the information of goods to be outbound, storage location information, aisle storage location information, and strategy matching information.

[0219] The second scoring module is used to initially screen available warehouse locations based on the information of goods to be shipped; poll available warehouse locations, execute all strategy objects registered for each warehouse location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each warehouse location;

[0220] The second output module is used to output a list of storage locations in batches according to the score order of each storage location, and to output a list of storage locations required for this outbound shipment.

[0221] The second control module is used to control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform outbound operations according to the storage location list.

[0222] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solution of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A storage location selection method for a stacker crane, characterized in that, include: Step S1: Receive information on goods to be received, pallet origin information, aisle location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information; Step S2: Based on the predicted number of pallets of goods to be received, calculate the number of storage locations required for this receiving operation. Step S3: Read all information for each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be received, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information; the configuration of the strategy object specifically involves: adjusting the state of each strategy object, i.e., ignoring a certain strategy object as needed; enabling a certain strategy object and ensuring strong consistency of this strategy object; enabling a certain strategy object and ensuring weak consistency of this strategy; and setting the priority of the strategy object. Step S4: Preliminary screening of valid storage locations; Step S5: Poll the valid storage locations, execute all policy objects registered for each storage location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all policy objects registered for each storage location; Calculate the overall score of all policy objects registered for each storage location, which includes the following sub-steps: Step R1: Receive information on goods to be shipped, storage location design parameters, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information; Step R2: Based on the information of goods to be shipped, predict the number of pallets that can be shipped, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this shipment. Step R3: Read all information for each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be shipped, storage location information, aisle storage location information, and strategy matching information. Step R4: Preliminarily screen available warehouse locations based on the information of goods to be shipped; Step R5: Poll the available storage locations, execute all policy objects registered for each storage location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all policy objects registered for each storage location; Step S6: Based on the score order of each storage location, output a list of storage locations for the number of storage locations required for this inbound transaction in batches; Step S7: Control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform the storage operation in sequence according to the storage location list and the starting point information of the pallet to be stored.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step S1 is preceded by: stacker crane hangar data construction; The data construction of the stacker crane warehouse is as follows: each stacker crane manages a preset number of warehouse locations, and a mapping relationship is established between each stacker crane and the warehouse locations it manages, as well as the aisle information corresponding to each warehouse location.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The storage location information includes: basic storage location information, storage location locking information, and storage location status information; Step S4 specifically includes: Based on the pre-stored list of disabled stacker cranes, filter to the storage location corresponding to the disabled stacker crane; Based on the storage location locking information in the storage location information, if a storage location is locked, the corresponding storage location will be filtered out. Based on the storage amount in the storage location information as status information, filter out storage locations that already contain goods.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The information on goods to be received includes bill of lading number, container number, goods category, goods name, owner, batch number, and batch attributes; the batch attributes include: country of origin and manufacturer number. The system has pre-set storage location and aisle information, which includes: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; Lane information includes: lane opening type, lane opening direction, lane opening point coordinates, total number of storage units in the lane, belonging storage area, belonging storage area, and belonging logical group; all lanes managed by each stacker crane constitute a belonging logical group; The storage location information includes: basic storage location information, storage location locking information, and storage location status information; Basic information about the storage location includes: storage location number, storage location coordinates, and location within the aisle (inner or outer layer); storage location locking information includes: whether the storage location is locked and the source of the lock; storage location status information includes: whether there are goods in the storage location, and if there are goods in the storage location, the storage location status information also includes the goods information.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The policy configuration information includes one or more of the following: Specifically: Priority grouping; Recommended or mandatory target point storage area: storage area number and priority; Recommended or mandatory target point grouping: storage area number and priority; Recommended or mandatory target point grouping: grouping type, grouping number and priority; Disable stacker crane grouping.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The warehouse design parameters include the number of warehouse layers, the number of longitudinal warehouse locations, the number of transverse warehouse locations, and the stacker crane track position parameters: The stacker crane task list includes: real-time location information of the stacker crane, operation type, including: outbound, inbound, idle, busy, normal, abnormal; when the stacker crane is working, it also includes the pallet number being loaded. The information on goods to be shipped out includes: the total number and weight of goods that can be loaded into the container, the owner, the name of the goods, and the category of the goods.

7. A storage location selection system for a stacker crane, characterized in that, include: The first receiving module is used to receive information on goods to be put into storage, information on the starting point of pallets to be put into storage, information on storage locations in aisles, a stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information. The first prediction module is used to predict the number of pallets of goods based on the information of goods to be received received by the first receiving module, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this warehousing. The inbound registration configuration module is used to read all information of each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and to register and configure a strategy object for each storage location based on the information of goods to be inbound, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information; the configuration of the strategy object specifically involves adjusting the state of each strategy object, i.e., ignoring a certain strategy object as needed; enabling a certain strategy object and ensuring strong consistency of this strategy object; enabling a certain strategy object and ensuring weak consistency of this strategy; and setting the priority of the strategy object; The first scoring module is used for initial screening of valid storage locations; polling valid storage locations, executing all strategy objects registered for each storage location, and calculating the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each storage location; specifically, the first scoring module is used for: receiving information on goods to be shipped, storage location design parameters, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information; predicting the number of pallets of goods that can be shipped based on the information on goods to be shipped, and then calculating the number of storage locations required for this shipment; reading all information of each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; registering and configuring strategy objects for each storage location based on the information on goods to be shipped, storage location information, aisle storage location information, and strategy matching information; initially screening available storage locations based on the information on goods to be shipped; polling available storage locations, executing all strategy objects registered for each storage location, and calculating the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each storage location; The first output module is used to output a list of storage locations in batches according to the score order of each storage location, which is the number of storage locations required for this inbound operation. The first control module is used to control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform the storage operation in sequence according to the storage location list and the starting point information of the pallet to be stored.

8. The storage location selection system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, include: The second receiving module is used to receive information on goods to be shipped out, storage location design parameters, aisle storage location information, stacker crane task list, and strategy configuration information. The second prediction module is used to predict the number of pallets of goods that can be shipped based on the information of the goods to be shipped, and then calculate the number of storage locations required for this shipment. The outbound registration configuration module is used to read all information of each storage location based on the aisle storage location information, including: aisle information, storage location information, and a list of storage locations within the aisle; and to register and configure strategy objects for each storage location based on the information of goods to be outbound, storage location information, aisle storage location information, and strategy matching information. The second scoring module is used to initially screen available warehouse locations based on the information of goods to be shipped; poll available warehouse locations, execute all strategy objects registered for each warehouse location, and calculate the comprehensive score of all strategy objects registered for each warehouse location; The second output module is used to output a list of storage locations in batches according to the score order of each storage location; The second control module is used to control the stacker crane corresponding to the storage location information to perform outbound operations according to the storage location list.

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