Method, device and equipment for replenishing a vending cabinet and storage medium

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of vending machine technology and discloses a method, apparatus, equipment, and storage medium for facilitating vending machine restocking. The vending machine includes multiple storage shelves, with the priority of each shelf increasing sequentially from the door towards the inside of the machine. The method includes: in response to a goods transfer command, transferring goods from a low-priority storage shelf to an empty compartment on a higher-priority storage shelf; wherein the goods transfer command is triggered by a restocking staff, triggered when a preset condition is met, and / or triggered after the lowest-priority storage shelf is fully restocked. This invention allows goods in the vending machine to be transferred to higher-priority storage shelves. Thus, when restocking, the staff only needs to restock the lowest-priority storage shelf a few times to complete the restocking of the vending machine. Compared with the prior art, this invention eliminates the need for restocking staff to remove storage shelves, offering great convenience and significantly improving restocking efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vending machine technology, specifically relating to methods, devices, equipment, and storage media for facilitating vending machine restocking. Background Technology

[0002] With people's ever-growing material and cultural needs, shopping demands exist at different times of the day, but very few businesses offer retail services in the early morning hours. To address this, vending machines have emerged, operating 24 hours a day without the need for sales staff. Furthermore, vending machines can sell a variety of goods, such as beverages, prepared foods, and daily necessities. Therefore, vending machines are becoming increasingly popular in today's society.

[0003] However, with the widespread adoption of vending machines, their drawbacks have become apparent. For example, to save costs, current vending machines need to have a larger capacity. The first improvement that comes to mind is increasing the volume of the vending machine, which can be achieved by increasing its width and depth. However, increasing the width is not feasible in places with insufficient width (such as corridors or shop entrances). Therefore, increasing the depth is a more suitable solution. Currently, some vending machines have multiple storage shelves inside, evenly spaced along the depth direction. However, with this structure, restocking staff can only restock the outermost shelf (the shelf closest to the cabinet door). If other shelves need restocking, all shelves in front of the shelf to be restocked must be removed before restocking can begin. This is clearly very inconvenient, consuming significant manpower and time, resulting in low restocking efficiency.

[0004] In summary, there is an urgent need in the existing technology for a technical solution that can effectively improve the restocking efficiency of vending machines with large capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a method, apparatus, equipment, and storage medium for facilitating the replenishment of vending machines, thereby solving the problem of low replenishment convenience for large-capacity vending machines in the prior art.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for facilitating restocking of a vending machine, wherein the vending machine includes multiple storage shelves, and the priority of each storage shelf increases sequentially from the door to the inside of the machine. The method includes:

[0007] In response to a cargo transfer instruction, goods on a low-priority storage shelf are transferred to an empty compartment on a higher-priority storage shelf.

[0008] The goods transfer instruction is triggered by replenishment personnel, when preset conditions are met, and / or after the lowest priority storage shelf is replenished with goods.

[0009] Optionally, the step of transferring goods from a low-priority storage shelf to an empty compartment in a higher-priority storage shelf includes:

[0010] The following content will be executed repeatedly:

[0011] Identify the target storage rack that currently needs replenishment and has the highest priority; the target storage rack does not include the storage rack with the lowest priority.

[0012] Determine whether there are goods on a storage shelf with a lower priority than the target storage shelf;

[0013] If so, the goods on the storage rack with a lower priority than the target storage rack are moved to the slots on the target storage rack that are not currently occupied, until the target storage rack is filled with goods or the storage rack with a lower priority than the target storage rack is empty; otherwise, the loop is exited.

[0014] Optionally, the step of transferring goods from storage shelves with lower priority than the target storage shelf to empty compartments on the target storage shelf, until the target storage shelf is replenished or storage shelves with lower priority than the target storage shelf are empty, includes:

[0015] Determine the required replenishment quantity for the target storage shelf, and determine the quantity of goods on the first storage shelf; the first storage shelf has a lower priority than the target storage shelf but is closest in priority to the target storage shelf.

[0016] If the amount of goods on the first storage shelf is greater than or equal to the amount of goods required to replenish the target storage shelf, the goods on the first storage shelf are transferred to the empty compartments of the target storage shelf until the target storage shelf is replenished.

[0017] Optionally, after determining the required replenishment quantity for the target storage shelf and the quantity of goods on the first storage shelf, the method further includes:

[0018] If the amount of goods on the first storage shelf is less than the replenishment amount required by the target storage shelf, then the goods in several second storage shelves are transferred to the empty compartments of the first storage shelf until the amount of goods on the first storage shelf reaches the replenishment amount required by the target storage shelf or all second storage shelves are empty; the priority of the second storage shelves is lower than that of the first storage shelf.

[0019] The goods on the first storage shelf are transferred to the empty compartments of the target storage shelf until the target storage shelf is filled with goods or the first storage shelf is empty.

[0020] Optionally, the preset conditions are that the current time is a preset time point and / or the number of goods in the vending machine is lower than a preset threshold.

[0021] Optionally, after responding to a goods transfer instruction and transferring goods from a low-priority storage shelf to an empty compartment in a higher-priority storage shelf, the method further includes:

[0022] In response to a sales order, obtain the goods information in the sales order;

[0023] The storage shelves are traversed in descending order of priority until the first item corresponding to the goods information is identified, and the item is then shipped.

[0024] Optionally, the vending machine also includes a rotating storage rack, which is located between the cabinet door and the lowest priority storage rack, and the rotating storage rack can rotate relative to the lowest priority storage rack.

[0025] Before the step of transferring goods from a low-priority storage shelf to an empty compartment in a higher-priority storage shelf in response to a goods transfer instruction, the method further includes:

[0026] Goods in the rotating storage rack are transferred to the lowest priority storage rack until the lowest priority storage rack is filled with goods or the rotating storage rack is empty.

[0027] Secondly, the present invention provides a device for facilitating the restocking of vending machines, comprising:

[0028] The transfer module is used to respond to a goods transfer command to transfer goods from a low-priority storage shelf to a high-priority storage shelf where no goods are placed.

[0029] The goods transfer instruction is triggered when the vending machine has just completed its restocking task and / or after the lowest priority storage shelf is fully replenished.

[0030] Thirdly, the present invention provides a vending machine, including a memory and a processor, wherein:

[0031] The memory is used to store computer programs;

[0032] The processor is used to read the program in the memory and execute the steps of the method for facilitating the restocking of vending machines as provided in the first aspect above.

[0033] Fourthly, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a readable computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method for facilitating vending machine restocking as described in the first aspect above.

[0034] Compared with existing technologies, the present invention provides a method for facilitating the restocking of vending machines, which has the following beneficial effects: The present invention transfers goods from low-priority storage shelves to empty compartments on higher-priority storage shelves. Since the storage shelves closest to the cabinet door are the lowest priority, goods on these shelves are transferred to shelves closer to the inside of the cabinet. In other words, goods in the vending machine are transferred to higher-priority storage shelves. Thus, restocking personnel only need to restock the lowest-priority storage shelves (i.e., the shelves closest to the cabinet door) a few times to complete the restocking process. Compared with existing technologies, the embodiments of the present invention do not require restocking personnel to remove storage shelves, which is extremely convenient and greatly improves restocking efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0035] 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 of the present invention, and not all embodiments. For those skilled in the art, other drawings obtained from these drawings without creative effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 1 This is an exemplary top view of a vending machine in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exemplary front view of a storage rack in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for facilitating the replenishment of vending machines provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of step S120 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of step S123 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 This is another flowchart of step S123 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 This is another flowchart of a method for facilitating the replenishment of vending machines provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of a device for facilitating restocking of vending machines, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vending machine provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0047] To make the description of this disclosure more detailed and complete, illustrative descriptions of embodiments and specific examples of the present invention are provided below; however, this is not the only form of implementing or utilizing the specific examples of the present invention. The embodiments cover features of multiple specific examples and the methods, steps, and sequences for constructing and operating these specific examples. However, other specific examples can also be used to achieve the same or equivalent functions and sequence of steps. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0049] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "a plurality of" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similarly understood. The preferred embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Moreover, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0050] The method provided in this embodiment of the invention can be executed by a vending machine. For example, as shown... Figure 1 As shown, the vending machine may include multiple storage shelves, which can be arranged along... Figure 1 The storage shelves are evenly spaced along the depth direction. To facilitate the implementation of the method provided in this application embodiment, multiple storage shelves can be prioritized, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the priority of each storage shelf increases sequentially from the cabinet door towards the inside of the cabinet. That is, the storage shelf closest to the cabinet door has the lowest priority, and the shelf closest to the inside of the cabinet (i.e., furthest from the cabinet door) has the highest priority. For example, Figure 1 The vending machine shown includes four storage shelves, designated P0-P3, with P0 being the closest to the inside of the machine and having the highest priority, and P3 being the closest to the door and having the lowest priority. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the storage rack can be a multi-level structure, along... Figure 1 In the width direction of the vending machine shown, each layer can have a certain number of compartments. Therefore, the total number of compartments is equal to the product of the number of layers and the number of compartments per layer. Each compartment can hold 30 units of goods. It should be noted that the number of shelves and the number of compartments in the vending machine can be set according to the actual application scenario; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate the transfer of goods across shelves, a track shuttle 10 can be installed between adjacent storage shelves. In this embodiment, the track shuttle 10 can move up, down, left, and right between adjacent storage shelves. Simultaneously, the track shuttle 10 can be equipped with a goods transfer mechanism, such as a telescopic arm gripper. Thus, between adjacent storage shelves, the track shuttle 10 can transfer goods placed in a specific compartment of one storage shelf to a designated compartment of another storage shelf via the goods transfer mechanism. Furthermore, combined with... Figure 1 It is understandable that goods can be transferred across shelves by setting up a track shuttle 10 between adjacent storage shelves. For example, in order to allow goods to be delivered outside the sales counter during sales, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the vending machine is equipped with a dispensing port 20, and the number and location of the dispensing ports 20 can be implemented according to the actual situation. For example, each pair of adjacent storage shelves can be equipped with a dispensing port 20.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for facilitating the replenishment of vending machines, which may include steps S110 to S120.

[0053] Step S110: Obtain a goods transfer instruction. The goods transfer instruction is triggered by the replenishment personnel, when a preset condition is met, and / or after the lowest priority storage shelf is replenished with goods.

[0054] Replenishment personnel can trigger goods transfer instructions in any way, at any time, or at any location. It is understood that the method provided in this application allows replenishment personnel to decide whether to execute the instruction based on actual needs, enhancing convenience. For example, replenishment personnel can trigger the instruction before arriving at the vending machine, such as by issuing a goods transfer instruction to the vending machine via the cloud. For example, replenishment personnel can trigger the instruction upon arriving at the vending machine, such as by issuing the instruction through human-computer interaction, such as by operating the instruction on the vending machine's display screen, or by issuing the instruction via voice. For example, replenishment personnel can trigger the instruction during the replenishment process, such as by issuing a goods transfer instruction after the lowest priority storage shelf is filled with goods.

[0055] The preset conditions can be set according to the actual operating conditions of the vending machine, making the embodiments of this application more convenient. In some embodiments, the preset conditions are that the current time is a preset time point and / or the quantity of goods in the vending machine is lower than a preset threshold. For example, under normal circumstances, the peak sales period of the vending machine is during the day and the low sales period is in the early morning. The preset time point can be set to 2:00 AM. At 2:00 AM, the vending machine automatically executes the method provided in the embodiments of this application, so that the replenishment personnel can trigger one less goods transfer instruction when replenishing in the morning. For example, there are vending machines with good sales performance. Such vending machines may need to be replenished multiple times a day. The preset threshold can be set to 30% of the total number of compartments, or other values. In this way, when the quantity of goods in the vending machine is lower than 30%, the vending machine automatically executes the method provided in the embodiments of this application, so that the replenishment personnel can trigger one less goods transfer instruction when replenishing. Of course, the preset conditions can also be a combination of these two examples, that is, at 2:00 AM and when the quantity of goods is lower than 30%, the vending machine automatically executes the method provided in the embodiments of this application. In summary, it can be understood that setting preset conditions can make the compartments on the lowest priority storage shelves as empty as possible before the replenishment personnel arrive at the sales counter, so that the replenishment personnel can replenish the goods immediately after arriving.

[0056] It should be noted that the preset time point can be set according to the specific application. For example, the replenishment time period of the replenishment personnel can be counted, and the minimum time point of the replenishment time period can be set as the preset time point, or the time point half an hour before the minimum time point can be set as the preset time point.

[0057] Triggered after the lowest priority shelf is replenished, this mechanism can be applied during restocking. Specifically, when restocking staff replenish the lowest priority shelf, the vending machine automatically triggers a goods transfer command, eliminating the need for manual intervention and enhancing convenience.

[0058] In step S120, in response to the goods transfer instruction, goods on a low-priority storage shelf are transferred to a compartment on a higher-priority storage shelf that is not currently holding any goods.

[0059] A low-priority storage shelf can be any one of the multiple storage shelves except for the highest-priority one; conversely, a higher-priority storage shelf can be any one of the multiple storage shelves except for the lowest-priority one.

[0060] In this embodiment, the goods transfer process can involve transferring goods from a low-priority shelf to a higher-priority shelf; transferring goods from multiple low-priority shelves to a shelf with a priority higher than the aforementioned low-priority shelves; transferring goods from a low-priority shelf to multiple higher-priority shelves; transferring goods from multiple low-priority shelves to multiple shelves with a priority higher than the aforementioned low-priority shelves; and of course, other reasonable methods may also be used. In short, after the goods transfer is completed, the goods in the vending machine are placed on higher-priority shelves; in other words, the goods are placed relatively close to the inside of the vending machine.

[0061] It should be noted that any feasible method can be used to confirm whether there are goods in any compartment of the storage shelf. For example, a weighing sensor can be installed below the compartment, and the mass electrical signal output by the weighing sensor can be used to determine whether there are goods in the compartment.

[0062] For example, the vending machine may include four storage shelves, arranged sequentially from the door to the inside of the machine as storage shelf A1, storage shelf A2, storage shelf A3, and storage shelf A4. Assume that each of these four storage shelves has half of its compartments occupied by goods, while the other half is empty.

[0063] Based on scenario one of this example, firstly, before the replenishment personnel replenish the stock, the vending machine can execute the method provided in this application embodiment once. For example, it can be triggered by the replenishment personnel or when a preset condition is met. The goods transfer process can be, for example, transferring all the goods in storage shelf A3 to the empty compartments in storage shelf A4. At this time, all the compartments in storage shelf A4 are filled with goods, while all the compartments in storage shelf A3 are empty. Then, all the goods in storage shelf A1 and all the goods in storage shelf A2 can be transferred to the empty compartments in storage shelf A3. At this time, all the compartments in storage shelf A3 are filled with goods, while all the compartments in storage shelf A1 and storage shelf A2 are empty. Next, the restocking staff replenishes storage shelf A1 with goods. At this point, the vending machine can execute the method provided in this embodiment of the application again. For example, this can be triggered by the restocking staff or after the lowest priority storage shelf is replenished. The goods transfer process could be, for example, that all goods in storage shelf A1 are transferred to the empty compartments in storage shelf A2. At this point, all compartments in storage shelf A2 are filled with goods, while all compartments in storage shelf A1 are empty. Finally, the restocking staff continues to replenish the stock, replenishing storage shelf A1 again, thus completing the restocking of the vending machine.

[0064] Based on scenario two of this example, firstly, the restocking staff fills storage shelf A1 with goods. At this time, the vending machine can execute the method provided in this application embodiment once. For example, it can be triggered by the restocking staff or after the lowest priority storage shelf is filled with goods. Then, the goods transfer process can be, for example, transferring all goods in storage shelf A3 to the empty compartments in storage shelf A4. At this time, all compartments in storage shelf A4 are filled with goods, and all compartments in storage shelf A3 are empty. Then, all goods in storage shelf A2 can be transferred to the empty compartments in storage shelf A4. Half of the goods in storage shelf A1 are transferred to the empty compartments of storage shelf A3. At this point, all compartments in storage shelf A3 are filled with goods, all compartments in storage shelf A2 are empty, and half of the compartments in storage shelf A1 are filled with goods while the other half are empty. Then, all the goods in storage shelf A1 can be transferred to the empty compartments of storage shelf A2. At this point, half of the compartments in storage shelf A2 are filled with goods while the other half are empty, and all compartments in storage shelf A1 are empty. Next, the restocking staff continues to replenish shelf A1 with goods. At this point, the vending machine can execute the method provided in this application embodiment again. For example, this can be triggered by the restocking staff or after the lowest priority shelf is replenished. The goods transfer process could be, for example, transferring half of the goods in shelf A1 to the empty compartments in shelf A2. At this point, all compartments in shelf A2 are filled with goods, and half of the compartments in shelf A1 are filled with goods, while the other half are empty. Finally, the restocking staff continues to replenish the shelves, replenishing shelf A1 again, thus completing the restocking of the vending machine.

[0065] In summary, the method provided by this invention allows goods to be placed on higher-priority storage shelves after transfer, meaning they are positioned close to the inside of the vending machine. This means restocking personnel only need to restock the lowest-priority shelves (those closest to the door) a few times to complete the restocking process. Compared to existing technologies, this invention eliminates the need for restocking personnel to remove shelves, offering significant convenience and greatly improving restocking efficiency.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, step S120 may include:

[0067] The following content will be executed repeatedly:

[0068] Step S121: Determine the target storage rack that currently needs replenishment and has the highest priority.

[0069] Step S122: Determine whether there are goods on a storage shelf with a lower priority than the target storage shelf.

[0070] In step S123, if any, the goods on the storage rack with a lower priority than the target storage rack are transferred to the slots on the target storage rack where no goods are placed, until the target storage rack is filled with goods or there are no goods on the storage rack with a lower priority than the target storage rack.

[0071] If step S124 is not available, exit the loop.

[0072] The storage rack currently requiring replenishment refers to a rack with empty compartments, while the target storage rack is the highest priority rack of this type. Since the transfer of goods is to be realized, a storage rack with a lower priority than the target rack must contain goods; therefore, the target storage rack does not include the lowest priority rack.

[0073] Therefore, if no goods are found, it indicates that the entire goods transfer has been completed and the cycle ends. However, if goods are found, the goods on the lower-priority shelves need to be transferred to the target shelf until the target shelf is replenished or the lower-priority shelves are empty, thus entering the next cycle. Understandably, when exiting the cycle, the goods in the vending machine are placed relatively close to the inside of the machine.

[0074] It should be noted that there can be one or more storage shelves with a lower priority than the target storage shelf. That is, you can transfer goods from only one such storage shelf to an empty compartment on the target storage shelf, or you can transfer goods from multiple such storage shelves to an empty compartment on the target storage shelf.

[0075] For example, the vending machine may include four storage shelves, each with 40 compartments, arranged sequentially from the door into the cabinet as storage shelf B1, storage shelf B2, storage shelf B3, and storage shelf B4. Assume that storage shelf B1 has 20 compartments with goods and 20 compartments without goods; storage shelf B2 has 30 compartments with goods and 10 compartments without goods; storage shelf B3 has 20 compartments with goods and 20 compartments without goods; and storage shelf B4 has 20 compartments with goods and 20 compartments without goods.

[0076] In one scenario based on this example, assuming the vending machine executes the method provided in this embodiment once before the restocking personnel replenish the stock, the vending machine will begin execution after responding to the goods transfer instruction. Specifically, the target storage shelf is determined to be storage shelf B4. At this time, there are goods in storage shelves B1, B2, and B3. Assuming that 20 items in storage shelf B3 are transferred to 20 empty compartments in storage shelf B4, it can be understood that at this time, 40 compartments in storage shelf B4 have goods, while only 10 compartments in storage shelf B3 have goods. The loop continues, and the target storage shelf is determined to be storage shelf B3. At this point, storage shelves B1 and B2 contain goods. Let's assume that 20 items from storage shelf B2 and 10 items from storage shelf B1 are transferred to the 30 empty compartments of storage shelf B3. This means that at this point, 40 compartments in storage shelf B3 contain goods, 40 compartments in storage shelf B2 are empty, and only 10 compartments in storage shelf B1 contain goods. The loop continues, and the target storage shelf is determined to be storage shelf B2. At this point, storage shelf B1 contains goods, so the 10 items from storage shelf B1 are transferred to the 10 empty compartments of storage shelf B2. This means that at this point, only 10 compartments in storage shelf B2 contain goods, and 40 compartments in storage shelf B1 are empty. The loop continues, and the target storage shelf is determined to be storage shelf B2. At this point, storage shelf B1 is empty, and the loop exits.

[0077] After replenishing the stock and filling all 40 compartments of storage shelf B1 with goods, the vending machine responds to the goods transfer instruction and executes the method provided in this application embodiment again. Specifically, if the target storage shelf is determined to be storage shelf B2, and there are goods in storage shelf B1, then 30 items in storage shelf B1 are transferred to the 30 empty compartments in storage shelf B2. It can be understood that at this point, 40 compartments in storage shelf B2 have goods, while only 10 compartments in storage shelf B1 have goods. The cycle continues, but at this point, the vending machine can no longer determine the target storage shelf, so the cycle can exit.

[0078] The restocking staff replenished the stock again, and after filling all 30 compartments in storage shelf B1 with goods, the restocking of the vending machine was completed.

[0079] In summary, when restocking storage shelves, you can first fill the compartments of the highest priority shelf that is out of stock. After filling the compartments of the highest priority shelf that is out of stock, you can then find the highest priority shelf that is out of stock among the remaining shelves that need restocking and restock it. By repeating this process of finding the highest priority shelf among the remaining shelves that need restocking, you can eventually fill all the compartments of all the shelves that need restocking.

[0080] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, step S123 may include steps S1231 to S1232.

[0081] Step S1231: Determine the required replenishment quantity for the target storage shelf and the quantity of goods on the first storage shelf.

[0082] The first storage shelf has a lower priority than the target storage shelf but is closest to the target storage shelf's priority. This means that the first storage shelf is the storage shelf adjacent to the target storage shelf, and the first storage shelf has a lower priority than the target storage shelf.

[0083] For example, the vending machine may include six storage shelves, and the six storage shelves from the door to the inside of the machine are arranged in the order of A1-A6. If A6 is the target storage shelf, then A5 is the first storage shelf. If A5 is the target storage shelf, then A4 is the first storage shelf. If A4 is the target storage shelf, then A3 is the first storage shelf.

[0084] Step S1232: If the amount of goods on the first storage shelf is greater than or equal to the amount of goods required to replenish the target storage shelf, then the goods on the first storage shelf are transferred to the empty compartments of the target storage shelf until the target storage shelf is replenished.

[0085] When replenishing a target storage shelf, if the nearest first storage shelf has sufficient stock, the stock can be prioritized for transfer to the target shelf. For example, if the first shelf has 20 compartments with stock and the target shelf has 15 empty compartments, the 15 stock items from the first shelf can be transferred to the 15 empty compartments of the target shelf. This clearly shortens the transfer path, reduces transfer time, and improves efficiency compared to transferring stock from other shelves with lower priority to the target shelf.

[0086] In some implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, after step S1232, steps S1233 to S1234 may also be included.

[0087] Step S1233: If the amount of goods on the first storage shelf is less than the replenishment amount required for the target storage shelf, then transfer the goods in several second storage shelves to the empty compartments on the first storage shelf until the amount of goods on the first storage shelf reaches the replenishment amount required for the target storage shelf or all second storage shelves are empty.

[0088] The second storage shelf has a lower priority than the first storage shelf.

[0089] Step S1234: Transfer the goods on the first storage shelf to the empty compartment of the target storage shelf until the target storage shelf is filled with goods or the first storage shelf is empty.

[0090] As mentioned earlier, when replenishing the target storage shelf, if the quantity of goods on the first storage shelf is sufficient, the goods in the first storage shelf can be transferred to the target storage shelf first. However, if the goods on the first storage shelf are insufficient to fill the empty compartments in the target storage shelf, goods from the second storage shelf (which has a lower priority than the first storage shelf) can be added to the first storage shelf first, and then the goods from the first storage shelf can be added to the target storage shelf to fill the empty compartments. It should be noted that there can be one or more second storage shelves, for example, one is preferred.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, after step S120, the method for facilitating the replenishment of the vending machine may further include steps S130 to S140.

[0092] Step S130: In response to the goods sales instruction, obtain the goods information in the goods sales instruction.

[0093] Step S140: Traverse multiple storage shelves in descending order of priority until the first item corresponding to the goods information is identified, and then perform a shipment operation on the item to be sold.

[0094] The sales order can be triggered by the customer, either manually or manually. For example, a manual trigger could involve the customer clicking the touchscreen of the vending machine and selecting the desired item, causing the vending machine to generate a sales order containing the item information. Alternatively, the customer could scan the sales QR code on the vending machine using a mobile device, displaying a sales page on the mobile device where the customer can select the desired item, allowing the vending machine to receive the sales order containing the item information from the mobile device. A non-manual trigger could be voice-activated, where the customer inputs voice information about the desired item into the vending machine, allowing the vending machine to generate a sales order based on that voice input.

[0095] Generally, goods replenished to the shelf have a longer shelf life than the goods originally in the shelf. After step S120, the goods originally in the shelf are placed closer to the inside. Therefore, when selling goods, goods with shorter shelf lives can be sold first, thus improving the dealer's user experience. Specifically, the search for the desired goods can start from the highest priority shelf, and the first item found can be sold to the user. It should be noted that the specific implementation of the traversal is existing technology, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0096] In some embodiments, the vending machine may further include a rotating storage rack, positioned between the cabinet door and the lowest priority storage rack. The rotating storage rack can rotate relative to the lowest priority storage rack, for example, similar to the rotation of the cabinet door relative to the lowest priority storage rack. Furthermore, a track shuttle 10 and a dispensing port 20 may be provided between the rotating storage rack and the lowest priority storage rack. It is understood that because the rotating storage rack can rotate, when restocking, the restocking personnel can first rotate the rotating storage rack before restocking the rotating storage rack and the lowest priority storage rack.

[0097] Based on this, before step S110, the method may further include: transferring the goods in the rotating storage rack to the storage rack with the lowest priority, until the storage rack with the lowest priority is filled with goods or there are no goods in the rotating storage rack.

[0098] In other words, ensuring that the lowest priority storage shelves have enough stock before transferring goods can reduce the number of times replenishment staff need to restock and improve convenience.

[0099] For example, the vending machine may include a rotating storage rack and three storage racks with priorities from high to low. Assume that each storage rack has half its compartments filled with goods and the other half empty. Also assume the preset time is 2:00 AM. Before 2:00 AM, all goods in the rotating storage rack can be transferred to the lowest priority storage rack. Understandably, at this time, all compartments on the lowest priority storage rack are filled with goods. Then, when a goods transfer command is triggered at 2:00 AM, the vending machine responds and executes step S120. The result is that all compartments on the highest priority storage rack and the second highest priority storage rack are filled with goods, while all compartments on the lowest priority storage rack are empty. Finally, assuming that at 9:00 AM, a restocking staff member opens the cabinet door to restock, the rotating storage rack is rotated, and both the rotating storage rack and the lowest priority storage rack are filled with goods, completing the restocking process and restoring the rotating storage rack and cabinet door to their original state.

[0100] Based on the above-described method for facilitating vending machine restocking, embodiments of the present invention provide a device for facilitating vending machine restocking, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the device for facilitating restocking of the vending machine includes:

[0101] The transfer module 810 is used to transfer goods from a low-priority storage shelf to a non-empty compartment in a higher-priority storage shelf in response to a goods transfer instruction.

[0102] The goods transfer instruction is triggered when the vending machine has just completed its restocking task and / or after the lowest priority storage shelf is fully replenished.

[0103] For further details regarding the implementation of the above technical solutions by each module in the device for facilitating vending machine restocking, please refer to the description in the method for facilitating vending machine restocking provided in the above-described embodiments of the invention, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] Based on the above methods for facilitating restocking of vending machines, such as Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, this embodiment of the invention also provides a structural schematic of a vending machine, which includes a processor 91 and a memory 92 coupled to the processor 91. The memory 92 stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor 91, causes the processor 91 to perform the steps of the method for facilitating vending machine restocking described in the above embodiment.

[0105] For other details regarding the implementation of the above technical solution by the processor 91 in the vending machine, please refer to the description in the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention of the method for facilitating the replenishment of the vending machine, which will not be repeated here.

[0106] The processor 91 can also be called a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 91 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. The processor 91 can also be a general-purpose processor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or the processor 91 can be any conventional processor.

[0107] like Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, this embodiment of the invention also provides a schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium, on which a readable computer program 101 is stored. The computer program 101 can be stored in the storage medium in the form of a software product, including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks or optical disks, ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or terminal devices such as computers, servers, mobile phones, and tablets.

[0108] In the embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, apparatuses, or modules, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0109] The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0110] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this invention can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0111] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product.

[0112] The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present invention are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium, or a semiconductor medium (e.g., an SSD (solid-state disk)).

[0113] The technical solution provided by the present invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core idea of ​​the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope based on the idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0115] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0116] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0117] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0118] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating restocking of vending machines, characterized in that, The vending machine includes multiple storage shelves and a rotating storage shelf. A track shuttle is installed between adjacent storage shelves. Each pair of adjacent storage shelves has a dispensing opening. The priority of each storage shelf increases sequentially from the cabinet door towards the inside of the cabinet. The rotating storage shelf is located between the cabinet door and the lowest priority storage shelf, and the rotating storage shelf can rotate relative to the lowest priority storage shelf. The method includes: The goods in the rotating storage rack are transferred to the lowest priority storage rack until the lowest priority storage rack is filled with goods or the rotating storage rack is empty. In response to a cargo transfer instruction, cargo on a low-priority storage shelf is transferred via the rail shuttle to a higher-priority storage shelf with no cargo in the compartment. The goods transfer instruction is triggered by the replenishment personnel, when a preset condition is met, and / or after the lowest priority storage shelf is replenished with goods; The step of transferring goods from a low-priority storage shelf to an empty compartment in a higher-priority storage shelf includes: The following content will be executed repeatedly: Identify the target storage rack that currently needs replenishment and has the highest priority; the target storage rack does not include the storage rack with the lowest priority. Determine whether there are goods on a storage shelf with a lower priority than the target storage shelf; If so, the goods on the storage rack with a lower priority than the target storage rack are moved to the slots on the target storage rack that are not occupied, until the target storage rack is filled with goods or the storage rack with a lower priority than the target storage rack is empty; otherwise, the loop is exited. The step of transferring goods from storage shelves with lower priority than the target storage shelf to empty compartments on the target storage shelf, until the target storage shelf is replenished or storage shelves with lower priority than the target storage shelf are empty, includes: Determine the required replenishment quantity for the target storage shelf, and determine the quantity of goods on the first storage shelf; the first storage shelf has a lower priority than the target storage shelf but is closest in priority to the target storage shelf. If the amount of goods on the first storage shelf is greater than or equal to the amount of goods required to replenish the target storage shelf, the goods on the first storage shelf are transferred to the empty compartments of the target storage shelf until the target storage shelf is replenished. The process of determining the required replenishment quantity for the target storage shelf and the quantity of goods on the first storage shelf further includes: If the amount of goods on the first storage shelf is less than the replenishment amount required by the target storage shelf, then the goods in several second storage shelves are transferred to the empty compartments of the first storage shelf until the amount of goods on the first storage shelf reaches the replenishment amount required by the target storage shelf or all second storage shelves are empty; the priority of the second storage shelves is lower than that of the first storage shelf. The goods on the first storage shelf are transferred to the empty compartments of the target storage shelf until the target storage shelf is filled with goods or the first storage shelf is empty. After responding to a goods transfer instruction and transferring goods from a low-priority storage shelf to an empty compartment in a higher-priority storage shelf, the method further includes: In response to a sales order, obtain the goods information in the sales order; The storage shelves are traversed in descending order of priority until the first item corresponding to the goods information is identified, and the item is then shipped.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The preset conditions are that the current time is a preset time point and / or the number of goods in the vending machine is lower than a preset threshold.

3. A device for facilitating restocking of a merchandising cabinet, the device being for use in implementing the method of facilitating restocking of a merchandising cabinet as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, include: A rotating storage rack is positioned between the cabinet door and the lowest priority storage rack. It is used to transfer goods from the rotating storage rack to the lowest priority storage rack until the lowest priority storage rack is filled with goods or the rotating storage rack is empty. The transfer module is used to respond to cargo transfer instructions and transfer cargo from low-priority storage racks to empty compartments in higher-priority storage racks via a rail shuttle. The goods transfer instruction is triggered when the vending machine has just completed its restocking task and / or after the lowest priority storage shelf is fully replenished.

4. A vending machine, characterized in that, Includes memory and processor, wherein: The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and execute the steps of any of the methods for facilitating vending machine restocking as described in claim 1 or 2.

5. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a readable computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the methods for facilitating the restocking of vending machines as described in claim 1 or 2.

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