Running management method and device for annular conveying line

Abstract

The invention discloses an operation management method and device for an annular conveying line, and relates to the technical field of warehouse logistics. A specific embodiment of the method comprises the steps of determining the number of first containers and the number of second containers for any first loop line sleeved with a second loop line; according to the number of the first containers, the number of the second containers and the operation cost of the first containers and the operation cost of the second containers on the first loop line, the number of surrounding containers of the first loop line is determined; and managing the containers winding the first loop line according to the number of the winding containers. According to the embodiment, under the scene that the small loop line is sleeved with the large loop line, the wound small loop line containers can be managed according to the number of the winding containers on the small loop line, the operation efficiency of the loop line can be improved, and the loop line is prevented from being blocked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of warehousing logistics, and in particular to an operation management method and device for a ring conveyor line. Background Art

[0002] The warehouse control system is a management control system between the warehouse management system and the underlying control equipment, which is used to coordinate the operation of various logistics equipment such as conveyors and stackers. At present, in the warehouse control system, the number of containers in the conveyor line loop is configured according to the number of containers that can be accommodated at the maximum mechanical efficiency of the loop and the reserved number. However, in the scenario of a large loop line with a small loop line and a turntable, this configuration method is prone to container queues and congestion in the loop line due to the long rotation time of the turntable, thereby reducing the operation efficiency of the small loop line and the large loop line. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, an embodiment of the present invention provides an operation management method and device for a ring conveyor line, which can manage the containers of the bypassing small ring line according to the number of containers bypassing the small ring line in a scenario where a small ring line is arranged inside a large ring line, thereby improving the operation efficiency of the ring line and preventing the ring line from being blocked.

[0004] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a method for managing the operation of a ring conveyor line is provided, comprising:

[0005] For any first loop line set within the second loop line, determine the number of first containers and second containers; wherein the first container is a container that turns on the first loop line when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line; the second container is a container that passes through the first loop line without turning when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line;

[0006] Determine the number of containers that are looped around the first loop line according to the number of the first containers, the number of the second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively;

[0007] The containers circling the first loop line are managed according to the number of the circling containers.

[0008] Optionally, determining the number of the first container includes:

[0009] Determining the number of first lanes accessible to the first container after the first loop turns;

[0010] Determine the number of first workstations corresponding to the first container;

[0011] The number of the first containers is determined according to the number of the first lanes and the number of the first workbenches.

[0012] Optionally, determining the number of the second containers includes:

[0013] determining the number of second lanes that the second container can enter after the first loop passes without turning;

[0014] Determining the number of second workstations corresponding to the second container;

[0015] The number of the second containers is determined according to the number of the second lanes and the number of the second workbenches.

[0016] Optionally, determining the number of containers on the first loop line according to the number of the first containers, the number of the second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively includes:

[0017] determining a first efficiency according to the number of the first containers and the operating cost of the first containers on the first loop line;

[0018] determining a second efficiency according to the number of the second containers and the operating cost of the second containers on the first loop line;

[0019] The number of containers around the loop is determined according to the first efficiency, the second efficiency, and a threshold value of the number of containers on the first loop line.

[0020] Optionally, managing containers that bypass the first loop line according to the number of the bypass containers includes:

[0021] For any third container circling on the first loop line, when the third container circling to a first position on the first loop line, determining whether a workbench corresponding to the first position is idle;

[0022] When the workbench is not idle, determining a target loop line for the third container to go around according to the number of containers going around the first loop line and the number of containers going around the loop, so that the third container goes around the target loop line from the first position and then returns to the first position again;

[0023] When the workbench is idle, causing the workbench to process the third container;

[0024] After the workbench completes processing the third container, a target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse is determined, so that the third container is transported to the target lane for returning to the warehouse.

[0025] Optionally, determining a target loop line for the third container to bypass according to the number of containers bypassing the first loop line and the number of containers bypassing the loop line includes:

[0026] Determining whether the number of containers that detour the first loop exceeds the number of containers that detour the first loop;

[0027] If yes, taking the second loop as the target loop;

[0028] If not, the first loop is used as the target loop.

[0029] Optionally, each first loop line arranged by the second loop line has a corresponding lane, and determining a target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse includes:

[0030] Determine the return data of each lane corresponding to the second loop; the return data indicates the return time of the latest container returned to the warehouse in each lane;

[0031] The lane with the earliest return time is used as the target lane.

[0032] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an operation management device for a ring conveyor line, comprising:

[0033] A first determination module determines the number of first containers and second containers for any first loop line set within the second loop line; wherein the first container is a container that turns on the first loop line when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line; and the second container is a container that passes through the first loop line without turning when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line;

[0034] A second determining module determines the number of containers on the first loop line according to the number of the first containers, the number of the second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively;

[0035] The operation management module manages the containers circling the first loop line according to the number of the containers circling the loop.

[0036] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device, including:

[0037] one or more processors;

[0038] a storage device for storing one or more programs,

[0039] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the operation management method of the ring conveyor line provided by the present invention.

[0040] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, the operation management method of the ring conveyor line provided by the present invention is implemented.

[0041] One embodiment of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the operation management method of the circular conveyor line of the embodiment of the present invention determines the number of first containers and second containers for any first loop line set on the second loop line, and then determines the number of containers that go around the first loop line according to the number of first containers and second containers, and the operation costs of the first containers and second containers on the first loop line respectively, and then manages the containers that go around the first loop line according to the number of containers that go around the first loop line. This method realizes the determination of the number of containers that go around each small loop line in the scenario where a large loop line is set on a small loop line, calculates the number of containers that go around the loop line through operation efficiency and operation cost, manages the containers that go around the small loop line according to the determined number of containers that go around each small loop line, prevents the small loop line and the large loop line from being blocked, and thus improves the operation efficiency of the small loop line and the large loop line.

[0042] The further effects of the above-mentioned non-conventional optional manner will be described below in conjunction with the specific implementation manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings are used to better understand the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the main process of an operation management method for a ring conveyor line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a second loop line enclosing a first loop line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the main process of another method for operating and managing a ring conveyor line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the main process of another method for operating and managing a ring conveyor line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the main process of another method for operating and managing a ring conveyor line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the main process of another method for operating and managing a ring conveyor line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of main modules of an operation management device for a ring conveyor line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8is an exemplary system architecture diagram to which embodiments of the present invention may be applied;

[0052] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system of a terminal device or a server suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The following is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, including various details of the embodiments of the present invention to facilitate understanding, which should be considered as merely exemplary. Therefore, it should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, for clarity and conciseness, the description of well-known functions and structures is omitted in the following description.

[0054] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the main process of a method for managing the operation of a ring conveyor line according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0055] Step S101: for any first loop line set within the second loop line, determine the number of first containers and second containers; wherein the first container is a container that turns on the first loop line when going around the second loop line back to the warehouse; the second container is a container that passes through the first loop line without turning when going around the second loop line back to the warehouse;

[0056] Step S102: determining the number of containers on the first loop line according to the number of first containers, the number of second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively;

[0057] Step S103: managing the containers circling the first loop line according to the number of containers circling the loop.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, the operation management method of the ring conveyor line is applied to the field of warehousing and logistics technology, and can be executed by a warehousing control system. The second ring line and the first ring line are conveyor lines for conveying containers, and the container can be a pallet for holding articles. Each first ring line has a corresponding lane and a workbench. The container enters the ring line through the lane, and the articles in the container can be processed at the workbench, such as sorting. After the processing is completed, the container returns to the lane through the ring line and returns to the warehouse. The container can return to the warehouse by bypassing the first ring line or the second ring line. The second ring line can be set with multiple first ring lines, the second ring line is a large ring line, and the first ring line is a small ring line set in the large ring line. Multiple small ring lines are connected in sequence to form a large ring line, or the large ring line branches into multiple small ring lines. The detour direction of the container on the first ring line and the second ring line is the same, such as both can be counterclockwise.

[0059] like Figure 2The diagram shows a distribution diagram of a second loop line enclosing a first loop line in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the second loop line is provided with four first loop lines, each of which has a corresponding lane on the left side and a corresponding workbench on the right side, and the number of workbenches can be 2. The four first loop lines are loop line 1, loop line 2, loop line 3 and loop line 4, which are connected in sequence to form the second loop line. The arrow indicates the running direction of the container on the loop line, and the container can go around the first loop line or the second loop line in the direction indicated by the arrow. The left side of loop line 1 is lane 1, and the right side is workbench No. 1 and workbench No. 2; the left side of loop line 2 is lane 2, and the right side is workbench No. 3 and workbench No. 4; the left side of loop line 3 is lane 3, and the right side is workbench No. 5 and workbench No. 6; the left side of loop line 4 is lane 4, and the right side is workbench No. 7 and workbench No. 8. Each first loop line includes two turntables (ZT), which are used to rotate the container to change the direction of the container to meet the working requirements, that is, the turntable can realize the turning and non-turning of the container.

[0060] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown, each first loop includes two turntables, which are used to rotate the container to meet the working requirements. The two turntables can be a first turntable located below the workbench and a second turntable located above the workbench. When the container goes around the first loop in a counterclockwise direction, it turns when passing through the first turntable and the second turntable. When the container does not go around the first loop to return to the warehouse, that is, it goes around the second loop to return to the warehouse, it does not turn when passing through the first turntable, and may or may not turn when passing through the second turntable, which is determined specifically according to the lane of the return to the warehouse.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, after the workstation completes processing of the container, the container can also return to the lane according to a preset return strategy and return to the warehouse. The preset return strategy can be that the probability of returning the container processed by any workstation to each lane is equal. The first container and the second container are both containers that return to the warehouse by bypassing the second loop line. The first container is a container that turns on the first loop line when returning to the warehouse by bypassing the second loop line, that is, the first container does not turn when passing the first turntable when returning to the warehouse by bypassing the second loop line, but turns when passing the second turntable. The second container is a container that does not turn when passing the first loop line when returning to the warehouse by bypassing the second loop line, that is, the second container does not turn when passing the first turntable and the second turntable when returning to the warehouse by bypassing the second loop line. By determining the number of first containers and the number of second containers, the influence of the first container and the second container on the first loop line can be further determined.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 As shown, determining the quantity of the first container includes:

[0063] Step S301: Determine the number of first lanes that the first container can enter after turning the first loop line;

[0064] Step S302: Determine the number of first workstations corresponding to the first container;

[0065] Step S303: Determine the number of first containers according to the number of first lanes and the number of first workbenches.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of first lanes where the first container turns in the first loop is determined, that is, the number of first lanes that the first container can enter after turning through the second turntable is determined. Figure 2 As shown, for loop line 2, after the first container turns at the second turntable, the first lanes that can be entered include lane 1 and lane 2, that is, the number of first lanes is 2. The first workbench corresponding to the first container is the workbench that processes the first container, that is, the first container turns at the first loop line when it detours the second loop line after being processed by the first workbench, that is, it does not turn at the first turntable but turns at the second turntable. In other words, the first container comes out of the first workbench, detours the second loop line and enters the first lane. For loop line 2, the first workbench corresponding to the first container includes workbench No. 1 and workbench No. 2, that is, the number of second workbench is 2.

[0067] According to the number of first lanes and the number of first workstations, combined with the preset return strategy, the number of first containers is determined, wherein the preset return strategy indicates that the probability of containers processed by each workstation returning to each lane is equal, such as if there are 4 lanes, the probability is 25%; the preset return strategy also indicates the number of returns per minute for each workstation, represented by M; then the number of first containers = 25%*m 1 *2M+25%*M*n 1 , m 1 is the number of the first lane, n 1 is the number of the first workbench.

[0068] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 As shown, determining the quantity of the second container includes:

[0069] Step S401: determining the number of second lanes that the second container can enter after passing through the first loop without turning;

[0070] Step S402: Determine the number of second workstations corresponding to the second container;

[0071] Step S403: Determine the number of second containers according to the number of second lanes and the number of second workbenches.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of second lanes that the second container can enter after passing through the first loop without turning is determined, that is, the number of first lanes that the second container can enter after passing through both the first turntable and the second turntable without turning. Figure 2 As shown, for loop line 2, after the second container passes through the first turntable and the second turntable without turning, the second lanes that can be entered include lanes 3 and lanes 4, that is, the number of second lanes is 2, and the second workbench corresponding to the second container is the workbench that processes the second container. After the second container is processed by the second workbench, it does not turn at the first loop line when it detours the second loop line, that is, it does not turn at the first turntable and the second turntable. In other words, the second container comes out of the second workbench, detours the second loop line and enters the second lane. For loop line 2, the second workbench corresponding to the second container includes workbench No. 1 and workbench No. 2, that is, the number of second workbench is 2.

[0073] According to the number of second lanes and the number of second workstations, combined with the preset return strategy, the number of second containers is determined. The preset return strategy indicates that the probability of containers processed by each workstation returning to each lane is equal. For example, if there are 4 lanes, the probability is 25%; the preset return strategy also indicates the number of returns per minute for each workstation, represented by M; then the number of second containers = 25%*m 2 *2M+25%*M*n 2 , m 2 is the number of the second lane, n 2 is the number of the second workbench.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 As shown, determining the number of containers on the first loop line according to the number of first containers, the number of second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively includes:

[0075] Step S501: determining a first efficiency according to the number of first containers and the operating cost of the first containers on the first loop line;

[0076] Step S502: determining a second efficiency according to the number of second containers and the operating cost of the second containers in the first loop;

[0077] Step S503: determining the number of containers around the loop according to the first efficiency, the second efficiency and the threshold value of the number of containers on the first loop line.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of containers around the loop is the maximum number of containers that go around the first loop line, that is, the number of temporary storage positions of the first loop line. The threshold value of the number of containers of the first loop line can be set according to the length of the first loop line, that is, the number of containers that can pass when the first loop line is running with the highest mechanical efficiency (ideally), for example, if the length of the first loop line is 15 meters and the length of the container is 1 meter, the threshold value of the number of containers of the first loop line is set to 10.

[0079] Since the turntable has a great influence on the operation efficiency of the loop line when the container is running on the loop line, therefore, it is necessary to consider the time cost of the container passing through the turntable when determining the operation cost of the container on the loop line, so as to more accurately calculate the number of containers circling the first loop line and ensure the high operation efficiency of the first loop line. After determining the number of the first container and the second container, in order to obtain the number of containers circling the first loop line, it is necessary to determine the influence of the first container and the second loop line on the first loop line when they are running on the first loop line, that is, the operation cost of the first container and the second container on the first loop line. Since the first container turns on the first loop line, that is, the first container does not turn on the first turntable but turns on the second turntable, the operation cost of the first container on the first loop line can be determined according to the third influence factor of the third container circling on the first loop line and the first influence coefficient of the first container running on the first loop line, or the operation cost of the first container on the first loop line can be directly determined according to the first influence coefficient. Among them, the third container is a container that detours on the first loop line, that is, a container that turns through both the first turntable and the second turntable. The third influencing factor is the operating cost of the third container detours on the first loop line. The third influencing factor can be determined based on the cost of turning through the first turntable, the cost of turning through the second turntable, and the cost of the conveyor line between the first turntable and the second turntable. The cost may include the handling cost and the time cost. The first influencing coefficient can be determined based on the cost of turning through the second turntable, or it can be set by user. For example, if the cost of turning through the second turntable is 0.5, and the third influencing factor is H, then the operating cost of the first container on the first loop line is 0.5H.

[0080] The second container does not turn when passing through the first loop, that is, the second container does not turn at both the first turntable and the second turntable, then the operating cost of the second container on the first loop can be determined based on the third influencing factor and the second impression coefficient of the second ease of running on the first loop on the first loop, or the operating cost of the second container on the first loop can be directly determined based on the second influencing coefficient. The second influencing coefficient can be determined based on the cost of passing through the second turntable without turning, or it can be set by user. If the cost of passing through the second turntable without turning is 0.2, and the third influencing factor is H, then the operating cost of the second container on the first loop is 0.2H.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first efficiency is the product of the number of first containers and the operating cost of the first containers on the first loop line, and the second efficiency is the product of the number of second containers and the operating cost of the second containers on the first loop line. Then, the number of loop containers is determined according to the threshold value of the number of containers on the first loop line, the third influencing factor, the first efficiency, and the second efficiency. Specifically, the operating efficiency of the first loop line is equal to the sum of the first efficiency, the second efficiency, and the third efficiency. The third efficiency is the product of the number of loop containers and the third influencing factor. Since the operating efficiency of the first loop line is less than or equal to the product of the threshold value of the number of containers on the first loop line and the third influencing factor. Therefore, the number of loop containers can be obtained according to the threshold value of the number of containers, the third influencing factor, the first efficiency, and the second efficiency.

[0082] Since the third influencing factor has no effect in the calculation process, the number of loop containers can be calculated based on the container number threshold, the number of first containers, the first influencing coefficient, the number of second containers, and the second influencing data. For example, the operating efficiency of the first loop line is D=x*H+y*0.5H+z*0.2H, where x is the number of loop containers, y is the number of first containers, z is the number of second containers, H is the third influencing factor, 0.5 is the first influencing coefficient, 0.2 is the second influencing coefficient, D<=N*H, N is the container number threshold, and thus x≤N-0.5y-0.2z can be obtained.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present invention, after the number of loop containers of the first loop line is determined, the containers bypassing the first loop line can be managed according to the number of loop containers, that is, the number of loop containers of each first loop line on the second loop line is configured to manage the containers bypassing it. If the number of containers bypassing the first loop line exceeds the number of loop containers, the first loop line cannot be bypassed to prevent line blockage and affect operation efficiency. In actual applications, the number of loop containers configured for the first loop line can be appropriately adjusted based on the calculated number of loop containers, such as reducing one or two.

[0084] In the embodiment of the present invention, the containers running on the first loop line include, in addition to the first container, the second container and the third container, other containers running on the second loop line, such as containers running on the second loop line waiting to enter the workbench. These containers will also affect the operation of the first loop line. When calculating the number of containers running around the loop, the number of these containers and the third efficiency determined for the operation cost of the first loop line can be taken into account. When the third efficiency has little impact, it can be ignored.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 As shown, the containers bypassing the first loop line are managed according to the number of the bypassed containers, including:

[0086] Step S601: for any third container circling on the first loop, when the third container circling to the first position on the first loop, determine whether the workbench corresponding to the first position is idle; if not, execute step S602; if yes, execute step S603;

[0087] Step S602: determining a target loop for the third container to go around according to the number of containers that go around the first loop and the number of containers that go around the loop, so that the third container goes around the target loop from the first position and returns to the first position again, and then jumps to step S601;

[0088] Step S603: enabling the workbench to process the third container;

[0089] Step S604: After the workbench completes processing the third container, a target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse is determined, so as to transport the third container to the target lane for returning to the warehouse.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present invention, when managing the containers that bypass the first loop according to the number of loop containers, for any third container that bypasses the first loop, the third container is a container that has not been processed by the corresponding workbench, and the third container needs to be transported to the corresponding position of the corresponding workbench, and the corresponding position of the workbench is the first position on the first loop. When the third container runs to the first position, it is judged whether the workbench is idle. If it is idle, it can enter the workbench for processing. If it is not idle, it bypasses the target loop to return to the first loop again, so that it can be processed by the workbench when the workbench is idle. After the workbench is processed, the third container enters the target lane from the workbench.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, a target loop line for the third container to go around is determined based on the number of containers going around the first loop line and the number of containers going around the loop line, including: judging whether the number of containers going around the first loop line exceeds the number of containers going around the first loop line; if so, taking the second loop line as the target loop line; if not, taking the first loop line as the target loop line.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present invention, the target loop of the third loop is the first loop or the second loop. When the number of containers bypassing the first loop exceeds the number of containers bypassing the first loop, if the third container continues to bypass the first loop, it may cause the first loop to be blocked, and then cause the second loop to be blocked, affecting the operation efficiency of the first loop and the second loop. Therefore, in this case, the third container cannot continue to bypass the first loop, and the third container needs to bypass with the second loop as the target loop; if the number of containers bypassing the first loop does not exceed the number of containers bypassing the first loop, the third container can bypass with the first loop as the target loop.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present invention, each first loop line set up by the second loop line has a corresponding lane. When determining the target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse, the lane corresponding to any loop line can be used as the target lane.

[0094] In an embodiment of the present invention, determining the target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse includes: determining the return data of each lane corresponding to the second loop; the return data indicates the return time of the latest container returned to the warehouse in each lane; and taking the lane with the earliest return time as the target lane. Among them, the latest container returned to the warehouse in each lane, that is, the last container returned to the warehouse in each lane, takes the lane with the earliest return time of the last container returned to the warehouse as the target lane, that is, when the container returns to the warehouse, the target lane is determined according to the lane equal distribution strategy, so that the probability of each container returning to the warehouse entering each lane is equal, which can also improve the return efficiency and prevent the occurrence of line blocking.

[0095] Figure 2 In the process, after the container comes out of the lane, it runs to the position of the first loop line corresponding to the corresponding workbench in the running direction indicated by the arrow. If the workbench is idle, the container enters the workbench to be processed on the workbench; if the workbench is not idle, and the number of containers bypassing the first loop line is less than or equal to the number of bypassed containers, the container is made to bypass the first loop line in the direction indicated by the arrow to return to the position of the first loop line corresponding to the workbench again, so as to process the container when the workbench is idle; if the number of containers bypassing the first loop line is greater than the number of bypassed containers, the container is made to bypass the second loop line in the direction indicated by the arrow to return to the position of the first loop line corresponding to the workbench again, so as to process the container when the workbench is idle; after the workbench completes the processing of the container, the target lane where the container can be returned to the warehouse is determined, the target loop line corresponding to the return to the warehouse is determined according to the workbench and the target lane, the container is transported to the target lane according to the target loop line, and the return to the warehouse is completed.

[0096] The operation management method of the circular conveyor line of the embodiment of the present invention determines the number of first containers and second containers for any first loop line set on the second loop line, and then determines the number of containers that go around the first loop line according to the number of first containers and second containers and the operation costs of the first containers and second containers on the first loop line respectively, and then manages the containers that go around the first loop line according to the number of containers that go around the first loop line. The method realizes the determination of the number of containers that go around each small loop line in the scenario where a large loop line is set on a small loop line, calculates the number of containers that go around the loop line through operation efficiency and operation cost, manages the containers that go around the small loop line according to the determined number of containers that go around each small loop line, prevents the small loop line and the large loop line from being blocked, and thus improves the operation efficiency of the small loop line and the large loop line.

[0097] like Figure 7As shown, according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, an operation management device 700 of a ring conveyor line is provided, comprising:

[0098] The first determination module 701 determines the number of first containers and second containers for any first loop line set within the second loop line; wherein the first container is a container that turns on the first loop line when going around the second loop line to return to the warehouse; the second container is a container that passes through the first loop line without turning when going around the second loop line to return to the warehouse;

[0099] A second determination module 702 determines the number of containers on the first loop line according to the number of first containers, the number of second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively;

[0100] The operation management module 703 manages the containers circling the first loop line according to the number of the containers circling the loop.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first determination module 701 is further used to: determine the number of first lanes that the first container can enter after the first loop turns; determine the number of first workbenches corresponding to the first container; and determine the number of first containers based on the number of first lanes and the number of first workbenches.

[0102] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first determination module 701 is further used to: determine the number of second lanes that the second container can enter after passing through the first loop without turning; determine the number of second workbenches corresponding to the second containers; and determine the number of second containers based on the number of second lanes and the number of second workbenches.

[0103] In the embodiment of the present invention, the second determination module 702 is further used to: determine the number of containers circling the first loop line according to the number of first containers, the number of second containers, and the operating costs of the first container and the second container on the first loop line respectively, including: determining the first efficiency according to the number of first containers and the operating cost of the first container on the first loop line; determining the second efficiency according to the number of second containers and the operating cost of the second container on the first loop line; determining the number of containers circling the first loop line according to the first efficiency, the second efficiency, and a threshold value of the number of containers on the first loop line.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation management module 703 is further used to:

[0105] For any third container circling on the first loop line, when the third container circling to a first position on the first loop line, determining whether the workbench corresponding to the first position is idle;

[0106] When the workbench is not idle, determine the target loop line for the third container to go around according to the number of containers going around the first loop line and the number of containers going around the loop line, so that the third container goes around the target loop line from the first position and returns to the first position again;

[0107] When the workbench is idle, causing the workbench to process the third container;

[0108] After the workbench completes processing of the third container, a target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse is determined, so that the third container is transported to the target lane for returning to the warehouse.

[0109] In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation management module 703 is further used to:

[0110] Determining whether the number of containers that detour the first loop exceeds the number of containers that detour the first loop;

[0111] If so, use the second loop as the target loop;

[0112] If not, take the first loop as the target loop.

[0113] In an embodiment of the present invention, each first loop line of the second loop line has a corresponding lane, and the operation management module 703 is further used to: determine the return data of each lane corresponding to the second loop line; the return data indicates the return time of the latest container returned to the warehouse in each lane; and take the lane with the earliest return time as the target lane.

[0114] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; a storage device for storing one or more programs, wherein when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the operation management method of the ring conveyor line provided by the present invention.

[0115] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a computer readable medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by a processor, the operation management method of the ring conveyor line provided by the present invention is implemented.

[0116] Figure 8 An exemplary system architecture 800 is shown to which the method for managing the operation of a circular conveyor line or the device for managing the operation of a circular conveyor line according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

[0117] like Figure 8As shown, system architecture 800 may include terminal devices 801, 802, 803, a network 804, and a server 805. Network 804 is used to provide a medium for communication links between terminal devices 801, 802, 803 and server 805. Network 804 may include various connection types, such as wired, wireless communication links, or optical fiber cables, etc.

[0118] Users can use terminal devices 801, 802, and 803 to interact with server 805 through network 804 to receive or send messages, etc. Various communication client applications can be installed on terminal devices 801, 802, and 803, such as shopping applications, web browser applications, search applications, instant messaging tools, email clients, social platform software, etc. (only examples).

[0119] The terminal devices 801 , 802 , and 803 may be various electronic devices having a display screen and supporting web browsing, including but not limited to smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, and the like.

[0120] The server 805 may be a server that provides various services, such as a backend management server (only an example) that provides support for shopping websites browsed by users using the terminal devices 801, 802, and 803. The backend management server may analyze and process the received data such as product information query requests, and feed back the processing results (such as target push information, product information - only an example) to the terminal device.

[0121] It should be noted that the operation management method of the circular conveyor line provided in the embodiment of the present invention is generally executed by the server 805 , and accordingly, the operation management device of the circular conveyor line is generally arranged in the server 805 .

[0122] It should be understood that Figure 8 The number of terminal devices, networks and servers in the embodiment is only for illustration. Any number of terminal devices, networks and servers may be provided according to implementation requirements.

[0123] Reference below Fig. 9 , which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system 900 of a terminal device suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 The terminal device shown is only an example and should not bring any limitation to the functions and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0124] like Fig. 9As shown, the computer system 900 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 901, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 902 or a program loaded from a storage part 908 into a random access memory (RAM) 903. In the RAM 903, various programs and data required for the operation of the system 900 are also stored. The CPU 901, the ROM 902, and the RAM 903 are connected to each other via a bus 904. An input / output (I / O) interface 905 is also connected to the bus 904.

[0125] The following components are connected to the I / O interface 905: an input section 906 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output section 907 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and a speaker, etc.; a storage section 908 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 909 including a network interface card such as a LAN card, a modem, etc. The communication section 909 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 910 is also connected to the I / O interface 905 as needed. A removable medium 911, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 910 as needed, so that a computer program read therefrom is installed into the storage section 908 as needed.

[0126] In particular, according to the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the process described above with reference to the flowchart can be implemented as a computer software program. For example, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention include a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program includes a program code for executing the method shown in the flowchart. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from the network through the communication part 909, and / or installed from the removable medium 911. When the computer program is executed by the central processing unit (CPU) 901, the above-mentioned functions defined in the system of the present invention are executed.

[0127] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the present invention may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium or any combination of the above two. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device or device, or any combination of the above. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in combination with an instruction execution system, device or device. In the present invention, a computer-readable signal medium may include a data signal propagated in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave, which carries a computer-readable program code. This propagated data signal may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. Computer-readable signal media may also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, which may send, propagate or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wire, optical cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0128] The flow chart and block diagram in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in the flow chart or block diagram can represent a module, a program segment, or a part of a code, and the above-mentioned module, program segment, or a part of a code contains one or more executable instructions for realizing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in a different order from the order marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two boxes represented in succession can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram or flow chart, and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram or flow chart can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or can be implemented with a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0129] The modules involved in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by software or hardware. The modules described may also be set in a processor, for example, it may be described as: a processor includes a first determination module, a second determination module and an operation management module. The names of these modules do not constitute a limitation on the modules themselves in some cases. For example, the first determination module may also be described as "a module for determining the number of first containers and second containers for any first loop set within the second loop".

[0130] As another aspect, the present invention also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device described in the above embodiment; or it may exist independently and not be assembled into the device. The above computer-readable medium carries one or more programs, and when the above one or more programs are executed by a device, the device includes: for any first loop line set in the second loop line, determining the number of first containers and second containers; wherein the first container is a container that does not turn at the first turntable but turns at the second turntable when passing through the first turntable and the second turntable in turn on the second loop line to return to the warehouse; the second container is a container that does not turn at both the first turntable and the second turntable when passing through the first turntable and the second turntable in turn on the second loop line to return to the warehouse; the first turntable and the second turntable are located on the first loop line; according to the number of the first container, the number of the second container and the operating costs of the first container and the second container on the first loop line respectively, determining the number of loop containers of the first loop line; managing the containers that bypass the first loop line according to the number of loop containers.

[0131] According to the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the operation management method of the circular conveyor line determines the number of first containers and second containers for any first loop line set on the second loop line, and then determines the number of loop containers of the first loop line according to the number of first containers and second containers, and the operation costs of the first containers and second containers on the first loop line respectively, and then manages the containers bypassing the first loop line according to the number of loop containers of the first loop line. This method realizes the determination of the number of loop containers of each small loop line in the scenario where a large loop line is set on a small loop line, calculates the number of loop containers through operation efficiency and operation cost, manages the containers bypassing the small loop line according to the determined number of loop containers of each small loop line, prevents the small loop line and the large loop line from being blocked, and thus improves the operation efficiency of the small loop line and the large loop line.

[0132] The above specific implementations do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and substitutions may occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modification, equivalent substitution and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for operating and managing a ring conveyor line. It is characterized in that include: For any first loop line set within the second loop line, determine the number of first containers and second containers; wherein the first container is a container that turns on the first loop line when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line; the second container is a container that passes through the first loop line without turning when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line; Determine the number of containers that are looped around the first loop line according to the number of the first containers, the number of the second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively; The containers circling the first loop line are managed according to the number of the circling containers.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Determining the quantity of the first container includes: Determining the number of first lanes accessible to the first container after the first loop turns; Determine the number of first workstations corresponding to the first container; The number of the first containers is determined according to the number of the first lanes and the number of the first workbenches.

3. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Determine the quantity of the second container, including: determining the number of second lanes that the second container can enter after the first loop passes without turning; Determining the number of second workstations corresponding to the second container; The number of the second containers is determined according to the number of the second lanes and the number of the second workbenches.

4. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that Determining the number of containers on the first loop line according to the number of the first containers, the number of the second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively includes: determining a first efficiency according to the number of the first containers and the operating cost of the first containers on the first loop line; determining a second efficiency according to the number of the second containers and the operating cost of the second containers on the first loop line; The number of containers around the loop is determined according to the first efficiency, the second efficiency, and a threshold value of the number of containers on the first loop line.

5. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The containers bypassing the first loop line are managed according to the number of the bypassed containers, including: For any third container circling on the first loop line, when the third container circling to a first position on the first loop line, determining whether a workbench corresponding to the first position is idle; When the workbench is not idle, determining a target loop line for the third container to go around according to the number of containers going around the first loop line and the number of containers going around the loop, so that the third container goes around the target loop line from the first position and then returns to the first position again; When the workbench is idle, causing the workbench to process the third container; After the workbench completes processing the third container, a target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse is determined, so that the third container is transported to the target lane for returning to the warehouse.

6. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that Determining a target loop line for the third container to bypass according to the number of containers bypassing the first loop line and the number of the bypassed containers includes: Determining whether the number of containers that detour the first loop exceeds the number of containers that detour the first loop; If yes, taking the second loop as the target loop; If not, the first loop is used as the target loop.

7. The method according to claim 5, It is characterized in that Each first loop line of the second loop line has a corresponding lane, and determining the target lane for receiving the third container back to the warehouse includes: Determine the return data of each lane corresponding to the second loop; the return data indicates the return time of the latest container returned to the warehouse in each lane; The lane with the earliest return time is used as the target lane.

8. An operation management device for a ring conveyor line, It is characterized in that include: A first determination module determines the number of first containers and second containers for any first loop line set within the second loop line; wherein the first container is a container that turns on the first loop line when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line; and the second container is a container that passes through the first loop line without turning when going back to the warehouse on the second loop line; A second determining module determines the number of containers on the first loop line according to the number of the first containers, the number of the second containers, and the operating costs of the first containers and the second containers on the first loop line respectively; The operation management module manages the containers circling the first loop line according to the number of the containers circling the loop.

9. An electronic device, It is characterized in that include: one or more processors; a storage device for storing one or more programs, When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, It is characterized in that When the program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

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