Replenishment method and device for article distribution cabinet, article distribution cabinet and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a replenishment method and device for an article distribution cabinet, the article distribution cabinet and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps: controlling an article taking platform to move to an article outlet of the replenishment cabinet when it is monitored that replenishment is needed in a first goods channel; the replenishment cabinet is controlled to carry articles stored in the replenishment cabinet to the article taking platform through the article outlet; and the object taking platform is controlled to move to a first goods channel opening of the first goods channel, and the objects are pushed into the first goods channel from the first goods channel opening. According to the technical scheme, automatic replenishment of the article distribution cabinet is achieved, the labor cost is remarkably reduced through the automatic replenishment mode, the problem that replenishment is not timely can be avoided, sufficient supply of articles in the article distribution cabinet can be ensured, and therefore the use experience of a user is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of automatic control technology, and in particular to a replenishment method and device for an item distribution cabinet, an item distribution cabinet, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The item delivery cabinet is an automatic device that supplies items in an unmanned way. It is usually placed in office buildings, factories, schools, shopping centers, etc. to provide people with items. Some delivery cabinets have multi-layer aisles inside to meet people's demand for the richness of items, and there are pick-up platforms to take out items from the aisles.

[0003] In the related art, when replenishing goods in a delivery cabinet, relevant personnel need to manually select goods for replenishment, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. In addition, it is easy for the delivery cabinet to be empty but the personnel fail to replenish the goods in time, thus affecting normal use. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a method and device for replenishing a goods distribution cabinet, a goods distribution cabinet and a storage medium, so as to solve the technical problems in the related technology that personnel need to manually replenish goods to the goods distribution cabinet, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, and it is easy for the goods distribution cabinet to be empty but personnel fail to replenish goods in time, thus affecting normal use.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for replenishing a goods delivery cabinet, wherein the goods delivery cabinet comprises a pickup platform, a replenishment cabinet, and at least one cargo channel, wherein the replenishment cabinet is used to store goods, and the method comprises:

[0006] When it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, the picking platform is controlled to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet;

[0007] Controlling the replenishment cabinet to carry the items stored therein to the item-retrieving platform through the item outlet;

[0008] The object-picking platform is controlled to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and the object is pushed into the first aisle from the first aisle entrance.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the monitoring that the first channel needs to be replenished includes:

[0010] Acquire real-time status data on the first cargo lane;

[0011] Determine the actual quantity of items in the first cargo lane according to the real-time status data;

[0012] When it is determined that the actual quantity is lower than the set quantity threshold, it is determined that the first channel needs to be replenished.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the acquiring real-time status data on the first cargo lane includes:

[0014] Acquire pressure data collected by a pressure sensor on the first cargo lane, and determine the pressure data as real-time status data on the first cargo lane;

[0015] Alternatively, real-time image data of the first cargo lane is acquired, and the real-time image data is determined as real-time status data on the first cargo lane.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the monitoring that the first channel needs to be replenished includes:

[0017] In the case where it is detected that a replenishment function is enabled for the first cargo aisle, determining that replenishment is required in the first cargo aisle;

[0018] Among them, when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle is lower than the set quantity threshold, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned on; when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle reaches the upper limit of the item capacity of the first aisle, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned off.

[0019] In a possible implementation, it further includes:

[0020] In the case where it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is not currently in a pickup state, the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps are executed;

[0021] When it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is currently in a pickup state, wait until the current pickup operation is completed, and then execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, controlling the picking platform to move to the first cargo channel entrance of the first cargo channel includes:

[0023] Obtaining item identification information of items currently being carried on the pickup platform;

[0024] When it is determined according to the item identification information that the item currently carried on the picking platform matches the first cargo lane, the picking platform is controlled to move to the first cargo lane entrance of the first cargo lane.

[0025] In a possible implementation, it further includes:

[0026] In the event that the item identification information of the item currently being carried on the picking platform cannot be obtained, or in the event that it is determined based on the item identification information that the item currently being carried on the picking platform does not match the first cargo lane, the picking platform is controlled to move to the second cargo lane entrance of the second cargo lane, and the item is pushed into the second cargo lane from the second cargo lane entrance.

[0027] In a second aspect, the present application provides a replenishment device for an item delivery cabinet, the item delivery cabinet comprising a pickup platform, a replenishment cabinet, and at least one cargo channel, the replenishment cabinet being used to store items, the device comprising:

[0028] A first control module is used to control the picking platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet when it is detected that the first cargo channel needs to be replenished;

[0029] A second control module is used to control the replenishment cabinet to carry the items stored therein to the item retrieval platform through the item outlet;

[0030] The third control module is used to control the object-taking platform to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and push the object into the first aisle from the first aisle entrance.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the first control module includes:

[0032] A first monitoring unit, used to obtain real-time status data on the first cargo lane;

[0033] an item quantity identification unit, configured to determine the actual quantity of items in the first cargo channel according to the real-time status data;

[0034] A determination unit is used to determine that the first channel needs to be replenished when it is determined that the actual quantity is lower than a set quantity threshold.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the first monitoring unit is specifically configured to:

[0036] Acquire pressure data collected by a pressure sensor on the first cargo lane, and determine the pressure data as real-time status data on the first cargo lane;

[0037] Alternatively, real-time image data of the first cargo lane is acquired, and the real-time image data is determined as real-time status data on the first cargo lane.

[0038] In a possible implementation manner, the first control module includes:

[0039] The second monitoring unit is configured to determine that replenishment is required in the first aisle when a replenishment function is detected to be enabled for the first aisle;

[0040] Among them, when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle is lower than the set quantity threshold, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned on; when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle reaches the upper limit of the item capacity of the first aisle, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned off.

[0041] In a possible implementation, it further includes:

[0042] A state recognition module, configured to, when it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and the subsequent steps if the item delivery cabinet is not currently in the pickup state;

[0043] When it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is currently in a pickup state, wait until the current pickup operation is completed, and then execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the third control module includes:

[0045] An item identification unit, used to obtain item identification information of the item currently carried on the pickup platform;

[0046] The first control unit is used to control the picking platform to move to the first cargo lane entrance of the first cargo lane when it is determined according to the item identification information that the item currently carried on the picking platform matches the first cargo lane.

[0047] In a possible implementation, it further includes:

[0048] A second control unit is used to control the picking platform to move to the second cargo lane entrance of the second cargo lane and push the item into the second cargo lane from the second cargo lane entrance when the item identification information of the item currently carried on the picking platform cannot be obtained, or when it is determined based on the item identification information that the item currently carried on the picking platform does not match the first cargo lane.

[0049] In a third aspect, the present application provides an item delivery cabinet, the item delivery cabinet comprising a processing unit, a pickup platform, a replenishment cabinet, and at least one cargo aisle;

[0050] The cargo channel is used to store items to be taken out;

[0051] The replenishment cabinet is provided with an article outlet and a conveying device, which is used to transport the articles stored therein to the outside through the article outlet by means of the conveying device;

[0052] The picking platform is used to pick up items from the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and push the items into the cargo channel;

[0053] The processing unit is connected to the picking platform and the replenishment cabinet respectively, and is used to implement the replenishment method of the item delivery cabinet described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0054] In a possible implementation manner, a pressure sensor is provided on the cargo channel;

[0055] The processing unit is also used to: obtain pressure data collected by the pressure sensor on the aisle; determine the actual number of items in the aisle based on the pressure data; and determine that the aisle needs to be replenished when it is determined that the actual number is lower than a set quantity threshold.

[0056] In a possible implementation, an identification probe is provided at the item exit of the replenishment cabinet, and the identification probe is used to identify whether an item passes through the item exit;

[0057] The processing unit is further configured to: when it is determined that the identification probe identifies that an object has passed through the object outlet, control the replenishment cabinet to stop driving the conveying device and close the gate of the object outlet.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the identification probe is also used to identify the object identification information of the object passing through the object outlet;

[0059] The processing unit is also used to control the object-picking platform to move to the entrance of the corresponding cargo aisle according to the item identification information.

[0060] In a possible implementation manner, a pressure sensor is provided on the conveying device;

[0061] The processing unit is also used to: obtain pressure data collected by the pressure sensor on the conveying device; determine the actual number of items in the replenishment container based on the pressure data, and output the actual number of items in the replenishment container.

[0062] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for replenishing the item distribution cabinet of any one of the first aspects above is implemented.

[0063] The above-mentioned technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application has the following advantages over the prior art: the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application, by controlling the picking platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet when it is detected that replenishment is needed in the cargo aisle, the replenishment cabinet transports the items stored therein through the item exit to the picking platform, controls the picking platform to move to the cargo aisle entrance, and pushes the items from the first cargo aisle entrance into the first cargo aisle, thereby realizing automatic replenishment of the item delivery cabinet. This automatic replenishment method significantly reduces labor costs, and can avoid the problem of untimely replenishment, and can ensure sufficient supply of items in the item delivery cabinet, thereby satisfying the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0065] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0066] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0067] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an item delivery cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a replenishment cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0069] Figure 3 A flow chart of an embodiment of a method for replenishing a goods distribution cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0070] Figure 4 A flow chart of another embodiment of a method for replenishing items in a delivery cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Figure 5 A flow chart of an embodiment of yet another method for replenishing items in a delivery cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic replenishment system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0073] Figure 7This is the schematic diagram of the automatic replenishment control of the meal distribution cabinet.

[0074] Figure 8 A block diagram of an embodiment of a replenishment device for an item delivery cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0075] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the electronic structure of an item distribution cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0077] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples to realize the different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present application. In addition, the present application can repeat reference numbers and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed.

[0078] In order to solve the technical problems in the prior art that personnel are required to manually replenish goods in item delivery cabinets, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, and it is easy for the item delivery cabinet to be empty but personnel fail to replenish goods in time, thus affecting normal use, the present application provides a method and device for replenishing item delivery cabinets, an item delivery cabinet and a storage medium, which can automatically and timely replenish the item delivery cabinet, significantly reduce labor costs, ensure sufficient supply of items in the item delivery cabinet, and meet user experience.

[0079] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the article distribution cabinet provided in the embodiment of the present application is first explained below.

[0080] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an item delivery cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the item delivery cabinet 100 at least includes: a pickup platform 101, a replenishment cabinet 102, at least one cargo channel 103, and a processing unit ( Figure 1 not shown).

[0081] The cargo channel 103 is used to store items to be taken out. The cargo channel 103 is usually provided with a cargo channel opening ( Figure 1(not shown in the figure), the cargo channel opening can be used for the passage of items, including pushing items into the cargo channel, or pushing items out of the cargo channel. For example, two cargo channel openings can be provided on the cargo channel, one is used as an entrance, that is, items are pushed into the cargo channel through the cargo channel opening, and the other is used as an exit, that is, items are pushed out of the cargo channel through the cargo channel opening, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0082] For example, different aisles are used to store different items. For example, aisle 1 is used to store item a, and aisle 2 is used to store item b. Of course, different aisles can also store the same items, and this embodiment of the application is not limited to this.

[0083] The replenishment container 102 is used to store items, and the items are exactly the items stored in the cargo aisle 103, so that the items can be taken from the replenishment container 102 and replenished in the cargo aisle 103. Figure 2 , is a schematic diagram of a replenishment cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the replenishment container 102 is provided with an article outlet 1021 and a conveying device 1022, and the articles 1023 stored in the replenishment container 102 can be transported to the outside through the article outlet 1021 by the conveying device 1022. Here, "outside" refers to the replenishment container 102.

[0084] For example, Figure 2 As shown, a gate 1024 is provided at the article outlet 1021 . When the gate 1024 is opened, articles are allowed to pass through the article outlet 1021 . When the gate 1024 is closed, articles are prohibited from passing through the article outlet 1021 .

[0085] For example, multiple warehouses can be set in the replenishment cabinet 102. Different warehouses can be used to store different items. Each warehouse can correspond to an item outlet and a conveying device, which is used to transport the items in the corresponding aisle through the corresponding item outlet to the outside. It can be seen that the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can realize automatic replenishment in the scenario of multiple categories of items, which can better meet the actual application scenarios.

[0086] Continue to see Figure 1 The replenishment cabinet 102 is located in an area with a large free space in the item delivery cabinet 100 and is isolated from the space where the cargo channel 103 is located, so that the replenishment cabinet 102 can accommodate enough items.

[0087] The object-taking platform 101 is used to take objects from the object exit 1021 of the replenishment cabinet 102 and push the objects into the cargo channel 103. When replenishing, the object-taking platform 101 moves from an initial position to the object exit 1021.

[0088] For example, the replenishment container 102 carries only one item at a time through the conveyor 1022, and accordingly, the picking platform 101 pushes the item into one of the aisles. As for how the picking platform 101 determines which aisle to push the item into, it will be described in detail below and will not be described in detail here.

[0089] The processing unit is connected to the picking platform 101 and the replenishment cabinet 102 respectively, and is used to execute the replenishment method of the item distribution cabinet provided in the embodiment of the present application to realize automatic replenishment in the cargo aisle of the item distribution cabinet.

[0090] In one embodiment, a pressure sensor is provided on the cargo channel 103. Figure 1 ), the processing unit may be used to: obtain pressure data collected by a pressure sensor on aisle 103; determine the actual number of items in aisle 103 based on the pressure data; and determine that aisle 103 needs to be replenished when it is determined that the actual number is lower than a set quantity threshold.

[0091] In the case where there are items in aisle 103, the items in aisle 103 generate pressure on the pressure sensor, so that the total weight of the items on the aisle can be calculated based on the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor, and then the actual number of items on aisle 103 can be calculated by dividing the total weight by the weight of a single item.

[0092] In practical applications, the actual number of items in the aisle 103 may also be determined in other ways, such as by collecting an image of the aisle 103 and then recognizing the image using an image recognition algorithm to obtain the actual number of items in the aisle 103. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0093] It can be seen from the above description that the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can intelligently monitor whether aisle 103 needs to be replenished, and can monitor which aisle specifically needs to be replenished.

[0094] In one embodiment, when replenishment is required in the cargo aisle 103, the processing unit controls the picking platform 101 to move to the item exit 1021 of the replenishment cabinet 102, and then controls the replenishment cabinet 102 to open the gate 1024 provided at the item exit 1021, and drives the conveyor 1022 to carry the items through the item exit 1021 to the picking platform 101. Exemplarily, a cylindrical rotatable roller is provided on the picking platform 101, and when the picking platform 101 moves to the item exit 1021, the conveyor 1022 cooperates with the roller to move the items onto the picking platform 101.

[0095] In one embodiment, an identification probe 1025 is provided at the item exit 1021 of the replenishment cabinet 102, and the identification probe 1025 is used to identify whether an item passes through the item exit 1021. The processing unit is further used to: when it is determined that the identification probe 1025 identifies that an item passes through the item exit 1021, control the replenishment cabinet 102 to stop driving the conveyor 1022 and close the gate 1024 of the item exit 1021. At this point, the replenishment cabinet 102 is controlled to complete one item discharge.

[0096] In one embodiment, the identification probe 1025 is also used to identify the item identification information of the item passing through the item outlet 1021, and the item identification information includes but is not limited to: item type, weight, production date, shelf life, etc. The processing unit is also used to control the object picking platform 101 to move to the cargo channel entrance of the corresponding cargo channel according to the item identification information.

[0097] Exemplarily, the identification probe 1025 may be a laser barcode identification probe. In practical applications, a suitable identification probe may be set according to different functional or performance requirements and the identification method of item information, and the present application embodiment does not limit this.

[0098] For example, the conveyor in the corresponding aisle is reversed to move the items on the outside of the aisle to the inside of the aisle, leaving space for new items. In addition, the conveyor in the aisle pushes the items in the aisle to the outside when rotating forward, so that users can take items from the aisle.

[0099] In one embodiment, if the identification probe 1025 fails to identify the item identification information, the processing unit controls the picking platform 101 to move to the entrance of a designated aisle, where the designated aisle is used to store abnormal items.

[0100] After the object-taking platform 101 pushes the object into the corresponding cargo channel, it returns to the initial position, for example Figure 1 At this point, an automatic replenishment is completed.

[0101] In one embodiment, a pressure sensor may also be provided on the conveying device 1022. Accordingly, the processing unit is further used to: obtain pressure data collected by the pressure sensor on the conveying device 1022; determine the actual number of items in the replenishment container 102 according to the pressure data, and output the actual number of items in the replenishment container 102. Exemplarily, the actual number of items in the replenishment container 102 is displayed on a display screen 1026 provided on the replenishment container 102, so that relevant personnel can understand the status of the items in the replenishment container 102 and replenish the replenishment container 102 in a timely manner.

[0102] Combination of the above Figure 1 and Figure 2The main components of the item delivery cabinet provided in the embodiment of the present application and the functions and coordination of each component are explained and illustrated by way of example. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an explanation is given to the replenishment method of the item distribution cabinet provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0103] See also Figure 3 , is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for replenishing goods in a delivery cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment, Figure 3 The process shown applies to Figure 1 The example item delivery cabinet, such as Figure 1 As shown, the item delivery cabinet includes at least a pickup platform, a replenishment cabinet, and at least one cargo channel, wherein the replenishment cabinet is used to store items. Figure 3 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0104] Step 301: When it is detected that the first cargo channel needs to be replenished, the picking platform is controlled to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet.

[0105] The first aisle refers to any aisle in the item distribution cabinet.

[0106] In one embodiment, the number of items on the aisle in the item delivery cabinet can be monitored in real time to determine whether the aisle needs to be replenished based on the number of items on the aisle. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned "real-time monitoring" is usually implemented in actual applications as monitoring the number of items on the aisle in the item delivery cabinet once every certain period of time, and the shorter the certain period of time is set, the more timely the aisle can be replenished, thereby ensuring the normal use of the item delivery cabinet. Of course, it is not advisable to set it too short to avoid wasting computing resources. Those skilled in the art can flexibly set it according to actual conditions and needs, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0107] For example, when the actual number of items in the aisle is detected to be lower than the set quantity threshold, it is determined that the aisle needs to be replenished. Here, the set quantity threshold is usually a natural number greater than 0 to ensure that there are always items in the aisle for users to take.

[0108] Furthermore, when it is detected that the first aisle needs to be replenished, the picking platform is controlled to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet, so that the subsequent picking platform receives the items in the replenishment cabinet and replenishes them in the aisle of the item delivery cabinet.

[0109] Exemplarily, a cylindrical rotatable roller is installed on the picking platform, and two left and right transmission belt motors are installed under the cargo aisle. The picking platform moves in the plane of the cargo aisle by relying on the two left and right transmission belt motors under the cargo aisle.

[0110] Exemplarily, when a replenishment container includes multiple warehouses and different warehouses are used to store different items, the picking platform will be controlled to move to the corresponding item exit of the replenishment container according to the types of items stored in the first aisle, so as to replenish the correct items into the first aisle.

[0111] Step 302: Control the replenishment cabinet to transport the items stored therein to the item retrieval platform through the item outlet.

[0112] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, in step 302, the processing unit of the item distribution cabinet can control the replenishment cabinet to open the gate at the item outlet and start the conveying device to transport the items stored in the replenishment cabinet through the item outlet to the retrieval platform.

[0113] Exemplarily, a cylindrical rotatable roller is provided on the picking platform. When the picking platform moves to the item exit, the conveying device cooperates with the roller to move the item onto the picking platform.

[0114] Step 303: Control the object-taking platform to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and push the object into the first aisle from the first aisle entrance.

[0115] After the picking platform retrieves the item from the item exit of the replenishment cabinet, the processing unit controls the picking platform to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and controls the picking platform to push the item from the first aisle entrance into the first aisle. For example, when there are two aisle entrances on the first aisle, the first aisle entrance specifically refers to the item entrance.

[0116] For example, the conveyor belt motor of the first aisle is reversed to move the items on the outside to the inside of the aisle, leaving space for new items, and then the cylindrical rotatable rollers on the pickup platform are used to store the items taken from the replenishment cabinet into the first aisle. The outside refers to the side of the current aisle that is close to the pickup platform, and the inside refers to the side of the current aisle that is far from the pickup platform.

[0117] The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes automatic replenishment of the item distribution cabinet by controlling the picking platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet when it is detected that replenishment is needed in the aisle. The replenishment cabinet transports the items stored therein to the picking platform through the item exit, controls the picking platform to move to the aisle entrance, and pushes the items from the first aisle entrance into the first aisle, thereby realizing automatic replenishment of the item distribution cabinet. This automatic replenishment method significantly reduces labor costs, avoids the problem of untimely replenishment, and ensures sufficient supply of items in the item distribution cabinet, thereby satisfying the user experience.

[0118] See also Figure 4, which is a flow chart of an embodiment of another method for replenishing an item distribution cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The process shown in Figure 3 Based on the process shown, this article mainly describes how to monitor whether replenishment is needed in the first aisle, including the following steps:

[0119] Step 401: Acquire real-time status data on a first aisle, and determine the actual number of items in the first aisle based on the real-time status data.

[0120] Step 402: When it is determined that the actual quantity of items in the first aisle is lower than the set quantity threshold, it is determined that the first aisle needs to be replenished, and a replenishment function is enabled for the first aisle.

[0121] In one embodiment, whether the first aisle needs to be replenished can be determined based on the actual number of items in the first aisle. Specifically, when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle is lower than the set quantity threshold, it means that the number of items in the first aisle is insufficient. In order to avoid the out-of-stock situation affecting the normal use of users, it is determined that the first aisle needs to be replenished, and the replenishment function is enabled for the first aisle.

[0122] Based on this, real-time status data on the first aisle is obtained, and the actual number of items in the first aisle is determined based on the real-time status data.

[0123] Among them, as an optional implementation method, the specific implementation of obtaining the real-time status data on the first cargo lane includes: obtaining pressure data collected by a pressure sensor on the first cargo lane, and determining the pressure data as the real-time status data on the first cargo lane.

[0124] As mentioned above Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the relevant description in , a pressure sensor is set on the aisle. Then, when there are items in the aisle, the items in the aisle will generate pressure on the pressure sensor, so that the total weight of the items in the aisle can be calculated based on the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor, and then the actual number of items in the aisle can be calculated by dividing the total weight by the weight of a single item.

[0125] As another optional implementation, the specific implementation of obtaining the real-time status data on the first aisle includes: obtaining real-time image data of the first aisle, and determining the real-time image data as the real-time status data on the first aisle.

[0126] In the application, a camera can be set for the aisle to collect images of the aisle, and then the image is recognized by an image recognition algorithm to obtain the actual number of items in the aisle.

[0127] Step 403: When the replenishment function is enabled for the first aisle, replenishment is performed for the first aisle until it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle reaches the upper limit of the number of items that can be accommodated in the first aisle, and then the replenishment function is disabled for the first aisle.

[0128] In one embodiment, when the replenishment function is enabled for the first channel, Figure 3 The process shown is to replenish the first aisle. During the replenishment process, the picking platform will repeatedly move between the first aisle entrance of the first aisle and the item exit of the replenishment cabinet, and each time it moves, an item will be replenished into the first aisle. And during the replenishment process, the actual number of items in the first aisle is continuously monitored. When it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle reaches the upper limit of the item capacity of the first aisle, it is determined that the first aisle is full. At this time, the replenishment function for the first aisle is closed, and the replenishment of the first aisle is stopped. In addition, in actual applications, there may be other triggering conditions for closing the replenishment function for the first aisle, such as the condition that there are no items in the replenishment cabinet, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0129] As an optional implementation method, real-time status data on the first aisle can be obtained, and the actual number of items in the first aisle can be determined based on the real-time status data to monitor whether the actual number of items in the first aisle has reached the upper limit of the item capacity of the first aisle.

[0130] As another optional implementation, the actual number of items in the first aisle may be determined by counting to monitor whether the actual number of items in the first aisle has reached the upper limit of the number of items that the first aisle can accommodate. For example, each time an item is pushed into the first aisle, a count is performed, and when the accumulated count value reaches the difference between the upper limit of the number of items that can be accommodated and the above-mentioned number threshold, it is determined that the actual number of items in the first aisle has reached the upper limit of the number of items that the first aisle can accommodate.

[0131] Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, when it is monitored that the actual quantity of items in the first aisle is lower than a set quantity threshold, a replenishment function is activated for the first aisle, and then the first aisle is replenished. This enables timely monitoring of insufficient items in the first aisle, and timely replenishment of the first aisle to ensure normal use by users. During the replenishment process, it is monitored whether the actual quantity of items in the first aisle has reached the upper limit of the number of items that the first aisle can accommodate, and when the upper limit is reached, the replenishment function is turned off to stop replenishing the first aisle, thereby achieving an automated replenishment function for the entire process and greatly reducing labor costs.

[0132] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5A flowchart of another method for replenishing goods in a delivery cabinet provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. Figure 5 The process shown in Figure 3 Based on the process shown, this article mainly describes how to determine into which aisle the items retrieved from the replenishment cabinet by the pickup platform are pushed, including the following steps:

[0133] Step 501: When it is detected that the first cargo channel needs to be replenished, the picking platform is controlled to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet.

[0134] Step 502: Control the replenishment cabinet to transport the items stored therein to the item retrieval platform through the item outlet.

[0135] For detailed description of steps 501 to 502, see Figure 3 The relevant descriptions in the process shown will not be repeated here.

[0136] Step 503, obtaining the item identification information of the items currently being carried on the pick-up platform; if it is determined based on the item identification information that the items currently being carried on the pick-up platform match the first cargo channel, executing step 504; if the item identification information of the items currently being carried on the pick-up platform cannot be obtained, or if it is determined based on the item identification information that the items currently being carried on the pick-up platform do not match the first cargo channel, executing step 505.

[0137] Step 504: Control the object-taking platform to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and push the object into the first aisle from the first aisle entrance.

[0138] Step 505: Control the picking platform to move to the second aisle entrance of the second aisle, and push the item into the second aisle from the second aisle entrance.

[0139] The above steps 503 to 505 are described below in a unified manner:

[0140] Item identification information may include item name, item type, weight, production date, origin, ingredient list, and contact information, etc.

[0141] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the relevant description in , an identification probe can be set at the item exit of the replenishment cabinet, and the identification probe is used to identify whether there is an item passing through the item exit, and to identify the item identification information of the item passing through the item exit.

[0142] As an optional implementation, the identification information of the items currently stored in the first aisle can be found in the database or data storage medium of the processing unit. Then the item identification information obtained in the above step 503 is compared with the found item identification information. When the two are found to be consistent, it is determined that the items on the picking platform match the first aisle, that is, it is determined that the items on the picking platform are exactly the items stored in the first aisle, so the picking platform is controlled to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle.

[0143] When the comparison shows that the two are inconsistent, or when the identification information of the items currently carried on the picking platform cannot be obtained, it is determined that the items on the picking platform do not match the first aisle, that is, it is determined that the items on the picking platform are not the items stored in the first aisle. At this time, the processing unit controls the picking platform to move to the second aisle entrance of the second aisle, and pushes the items into the second aisle from the second aisle entrance.

[0144] Exemplarily, the second aisle is specifically used to store items that are taken by mistake during the replenishment process, or abnormal items.

[0145] For example, after pushing the items into the second aisle, the relevant personnel can be notified through the set information transmission method to check the specific situation so that the items in the second aisle can be further processed manually. The set information transmission method is, for example, a display screen display method, a sound reminder method, a text message notification method, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0146] Figure 5 The process shown, by identifying the item identification information of the item obtained by the retrieval platform from the replenishment cabinet, determines the aisle into which the item will be pushed, so that the item can be pushed into the correct aisle, errors can be avoided, and the replenishment process is optimized; in addition, for abnormal situations, such as failure to obtain the item identification information of the item, or the wrong item is taken from the replenishment cabinet, a fault-tolerant mechanism is provided by pushing the items in these abnormal situations into a dedicated second aisle to wait for the replenishment personnel to process, thereby further optimizing the user experience.

[0147] Based on any of the above embodiments, the present application also provides the following embodiments:

[0148] In the case where it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is not currently in a pickup state, the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps are executed.

[0149] When it is detected that the first aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is currently in a pickup state, wait until the current pickup operation is completed, and then execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps.

[0150] When the item delivery cabinet is in the pickup state, the user is occupying the pickup platform to pick up the item. In order not to affect the user's normal pickup, when it is detected that the first aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is in the pickup state, it will wait for the user to complete the pickup operation, and then automatically replenish the goods, and execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and the subsequent steps. If the delivery cabinet is not currently in the pickup state, the automatic replenishment function is directly turned on to perform the replenishment operation.

[0151] Through the above embodiments, the automatic replenishment process of the item distribution cabinet is further optimized. While not affecting the normal retrieval of items, the normal operation of the automatic replenishment function can be ensured, which improves the service quality and efficiency of the item distribution cabinet, avoids the need to manually check the replenishment one by one, and reduces labor costs.

[0152] In order to better understand the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present application, a specific example is shown below:

[0153] See also Figure 6 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic replenishment system provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the automatic replenishment system of the item delivery cabinet mainly consists of three parts: the replenishment cabinet, the meal pickup platform and the cargo aisle. The main components of the replenishment cabinet include conveyor belts, gates, identification probes and pressure sensors, and the main components of the cargo aisle include conveyor belts and pressure sensors. The total weight of the items on the cargo aisle is calculated through the data fed back by the pressure sensor, and the number of remaining items on the cargo aisle is calculated by dividing the total weight of the items by the average weight of a single item.

[0154] In an exemplary application scenario, the item delivery cabinet is a meal delivery cabinet. Figure 7 , is the schematic diagram of the automatic replenishment control of the meal distribution cabinet. Figure 7 As shown, the automatic replenishment control principle of the meal distribution cabinet is as follows:

[0155] When the replenishment function is turned on, the pressure sensor in the cargo aisle starts to monitor the number of meals in the cargo aisle. When it is detected that the number of meals is lower than the set threshold and needs to be replenished, it is first determined whether the user is picking up meals at this time. If so, wait until the meal is picked up and start the replenishment function. If not, start the replenishment function directly. In the replenishment process, move the pickup platform to the lower item exit behind the display screen on the side of the display screen, and then open the gate and conveyor belt of the replenishment cabinet. When the identification probe on the gate recognizes that a meal box has passed, stop the conveyor belt, and then start to identify the barcode on the top of the meal box. If it cannot be identified, the meal box is assigned to the unrecognizable cargo aisle group and a fault record is made to prompt the replenishment personnel to handle it. If it is identified, the corresponding cargo aisle is assigned to the meal box, and then the conveyor belt of the replenishment cabinet is used to push the meal box into the pickup platform, and then the replenishment gate and conveyor belt are closed. The conveyor belt of the assigned aisle is reversed, the items in the aisle are moved to the inside, the empty space for new items is moved to the outside, the pickup platform moves to the corresponding aisle, the items are pushed into the aisle, and then the pickup platform returns to the initial position, and the above steps are repeated until the replenishment is completed. The automatic replenishment function will be turned on when the number of remaining dishes in the aisle is lower than the set threshold next time.

[0156] Figure 8 The embodiment of the present application provides a block diagram of an embodiment of a replenishment device for an item delivery cabinet. In one embodiment, the device is applied to Figure 1 The example of item delivery cabinet. Figure 1 As shown, the item delivery cabinet includes at least a pickup platform, a replenishment cabinet, and at least one cargo channel, and the replenishment cabinet is used to store items. Figure 8 As shown, the device comprises:

[0157] The first control module 81 is used to control the picking platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet when it is detected that the first cargo channel needs to be replenished;

[0158] A second control module 82 is used to control the replenishment cabinet to carry the items stored therein to the item retrieval platform through the item outlet;

[0159] The third control module 83 is used to control the object-taking platform to move to the first cargo channel entrance of the first cargo channel, and push the object into the first cargo channel from the first cargo channel entrance.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the first control module 81 includes:

[0161] A first monitoring unit, used to obtain real-time status data on the first cargo lane;

[0162] an item quantity identification unit, configured to determine the actual quantity of items in the first cargo channel according to the real-time status data;

[0163] A determination unit is used to determine that the first channel needs to be replenished when it is determined that the actual quantity is lower than a set quantity threshold.

[0164] In a possible implementation manner, the first monitoring unit is specifically configured to:

[0165] Acquire pressure data collected by a pressure sensor on the first cargo lane, and determine the pressure data as real-time status data on the first cargo lane;

[0166] Alternatively, real-time image data of the first cargo lane is acquired, and the real-time image data is determined as real-time status data on the first cargo lane.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the first control module 81 includes:

[0168] The second monitoring unit is configured to determine that replenishment is required in the first aisle when a replenishment function is detected to be enabled for the first aisle;

[0169] Among them, when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle is lower than the set quantity threshold, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned on; when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle reaches the upper limit of the item capacity of the first aisle, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned off.

[0170] In a possible implementation, it further includes:

[0171] A state recognition module, configured to, when it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and the subsequent steps if the item delivery cabinet is not currently in the pickup state;

[0172] When it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is currently in a pickup state, wait until the current pickup operation is completed, and then execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps.

[0173] In a possible implementation, the third control module 83 includes:

[0174] An item identification unit, used to obtain item identification information of the item currently carried on the pickup platform;

[0175] The first control unit is used to control the picking platform to move to the first cargo lane entrance of the first cargo lane when it is determined according to the item identification information that the item currently carried on the picking platform matches the first cargo lane.

[0176] In a possible implementation, it further includes:

[0177] A second control unit is used to control the picking platform to move to the second cargo lane entrance of the second cargo lane and push the item into the second cargo lane from the second cargo lane entrance when the item identification information of the item currently carried on the picking platform cannot be obtained, or when it is determined based on the item identification information that the item currently carried on the picking platform does not match the first cargo lane.

[0178] like Fig. 9 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an item distribution cabinet, including a processor 111, a communication interface 112, a memory 113 and a communication bus 114, wherein the processor 111, the communication interface 112, and the memory 113 communicate with each other through the communication bus 114.

[0179] Memory 113, used for storing computer programs;

[0180] In one embodiment of the present application, the processor 111 is used to execute the program stored in the memory 113 to implement the replenishment method of the item distribution cabinet provided by any of the above method embodiments, including:

[0181] When it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, the picking platform is controlled to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet;

[0182] Controlling the replenishment cabinet to carry the items stored therein to the item-retrieving platform through the item outlet;

[0183] The object-picking platform is controlled to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and the object is pushed into the first aisle from the first aisle entrance.

[0184] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method for replenishing a goods distribution cabinet provided in any one of the aforementioned method embodiments are implemented.

[0185] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0186] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each implementation method can be implemented by means of software plus a general hardware platform, and of course, by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solution is essentially or the part that contributes to the relevant technology can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, a disk, an optical disk, etc., including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment or some parts of the embodiments.

[0187] It should be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" as used herein may also be meant to include plural forms. The terms "include", "comprise", "contain", and "have" are inclusive, and therefore specify the existence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order described or illustrated, unless the execution order is clearly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0188] The above description is only a specific implementation of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can understand or implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest range consistent with the principles and novel features applied for herein.

Claims

1. A method for replenishing goods in a goods distribution cabinet, characterized in that: The item delivery cabinet comprises an item retrieval platform, a replenishment cabinet, and at least one cargo aisle, wherein the replenishment cabinet is used to store items, and the method comprises: When it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, the picking platform is controlled to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet; Controlling the replenishment cabinet to carry the items stored therein to the item-retrieving platform through the item outlet; The object-picking platform is controlled to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and the object is pushed into the first aisle from the first aisle entrance.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The monitoring that the first channel needs to be replenished includes: Acquire real-time status data on the first cargo lane; Determine the actual quantity of items in the first cargo lane according to the real-time status data; When it is determined that the actual quantity is lower than the set quantity threshold, it is determined that the first channel needs to be replenished.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The acquiring of real-time status data on the first cargo lane includes: Acquire pressure data collected by a pressure sensor on the first cargo lane, and determine the pressure data as real-time status data on the first cargo lane; Alternatively, real-time image data of the first cargo lane is acquired, and the real-time image data is determined as real-time status data on the first cargo lane.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The monitoring that the first channel needs to be replenished includes: In the case where it is detected that a replenishment function is enabled for the first cargo aisle, determining that replenishment is required in the first cargo aisle; Among them, when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle is lower than the set quantity threshold, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned on; when it is monitored that the actual number of items in the first aisle reaches the upper limit of the item capacity of the first aisle, the replenishment function for the first aisle is turned off.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Also includes: In the case where it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is not currently in a pickup state, the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps are executed; When it is detected that the first cargo aisle needs to be replenished, if the item delivery cabinet is currently in a pickup state, wait until the current pickup operation is completed, and then execute the steps of controlling the pickup platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and subsequent steps.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The controlling the picking platform to move to the first cargo channel entrance of the first cargo channel comprises: Obtaining item identification information of items currently being carried on the pickup platform; When it is determined according to the item identification information that the item currently carried on the picking platform matches the first cargo lane, the picking platform is controlled to move to the first cargo lane entrance of the first cargo lane.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: In the event that the item identification information of the item currently being carried on the picking platform cannot be obtained, or in the event that it is determined based on the item identification information that the item currently being carried on the picking platform does not match the first cargo lane, the picking platform is controlled to move to the second cargo lane entrance of the second cargo lane, and the item is pushed into the second cargo lane from the second cargo lane entrance.

8. A replenishment device for an item distribution cabinet, characterized in that: The article distribution cabinet comprises an article retrieval platform, a replenishment cabinet and at least one cargo channel, wherein the replenishment cabinet is used to store articles, and the device comprises: A first control module is used to control the picking platform to move to the item exit of the replenishment cabinet when it is detected that the first cargo channel needs to be replenished; A second control module is used to control the replenishment cabinet to carry the items stored therein to the item retrieval platform through the item outlet; The third control module is used to control the object-taking platform to move to the first aisle entrance of the first aisle, and push the object into the first aisle from the first aisle entrance.

9. An article distribution cabinet, characterized in that: The item delivery cabinet includes a processing unit, an item retrieval platform, a replenishment cabinet, and at least one cargo aisle; The cargo channel is used to store items to be taken out; The replenishment cabinet is provided with an article outlet and a conveying device, which is used to transport the articles stored therein to the outside through the article outlet by means of the conveying device; The picking platform is used to pick up items from the item exit of the replenishment cabinet and push the items into the cargo channel; The processing unit is connected to the picking platform and the replenishment cabinet respectively, and is used to implement the replenishment method of the item distribution cabinet described in any one of claims 1 to 7 above.

10. The article distribution cabinet according to claim 9, characterized in that: A pressure sensor is provided on the cargo channel; The processing unit is also used to: obtain pressure data collected by the pressure sensor on the aisle; determine the actual number of items in the aisle based on the pressure data; and determine that the aisle needs to be replenished when it is determined that the actual number is lower than a set quantity threshold.

11. The article distribution cabinet according to claim 9, characterized in that: An identification probe is provided at the item exit of the replenishment cabinet, and the identification probe is used to identify whether an item passes through the item exit; The processing unit is further configured to: when it is determined that the identification probe identifies that an object has passed through the object outlet, control the replenishment cabinet to stop driving the conveying device and close the gate of the object outlet.

12. The article distribution cabinet according to claim 11, characterized in that: The identification probe is also used to identify the object identification information of the object passing through the object outlet; The processing unit is also used to control the object-picking platform to move to the entrance of the corresponding cargo aisle according to the item identification information.

13. The article distribution cabinet according to claim 9, characterized in that: The conveying device is provided with a pressure sensor; The processing unit is also used to: obtain pressure data collected by the pressure sensor on the conveying device; determine the actual number of items in the replenishment container based on the pressure data, and output the actual number of items in the replenishment container.

14. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the replenishment method of the item distribution cabinet according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

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