Wireless communication method and system for an automated logistics sorting system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a wireless communication method and system for an automated logistics sorting system. The communication control center calculates the time required for a package to reach the sorting bin and issues a sorting instruction at a predetermined time. The transceiver relay shares the sorting instruction through a wired bus, and each transceiver relay transmits the sorting instruction through a 2.4G wireless communication signal. The receiving controller shares the sorting instruction received for a sorting bin that does not belong to the receiving controller itself through a wired bus. For the sorting instruction belonging to the sorting bin of the receiving controller itself, after a delay based on its own timestamp, the receiving controller issues an operation instruction to the motor driver. The technical solution of the present invention uses a wired bus in combination with a private 2.4G wireless communication technology to meet the requirements of high reliability, wide coverage, and precise control time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automated logistics sorting, and particularly relates to a wireless communication method and system for an automated logistics sorting system. Background Art

[0002] With the booming development of the logistics industry, sorting, as a key link, directly affects the distribution efficiency, cost control, and service quality. From the initial pure manual sorting to the current automatic sorting line, the sorting efficiency and quality have been significantly improved. The overall scheme of the automatic sorting line is as Figure 1 shown, mainly composed of a conveying system, a control center, an identification system, a sorting line, sorting motors, etc. The sorting process is as follows: the identification system identifies the parcel information and transmits it to the control center. The sorting line transports the parcel through the sorting grid. After the control center detects that the parcel reaches the corresponding sorting grid, it controls the sorting equipment to act through wireless communication to complete one parcel sorting.

[0003] With the application of emerging technologies such as linear motors and wireless power supply in this system, the speed of the sorting line is getting faster and faster. The traditional wifi wireless communication method usually has a delay of about 100ms, and the time delay is unstable, which easily leads to a large deviation in the position when the sorting action is executed, resulting in sorting errors or failures. At the same time, since the range that needs to be covered by the automated logistics sorting system is relatively large, the method of covering through multiple APs is required, which will also increase the communication delay of the system. Using leaky coaxial cables, 5G technology, etc. has a higher cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a wireless communication method and system for an automated logistics sorting system that can accurately control time, has a wide coverage range, and high reliability.

[0005] A wireless communication method for an automated logistics sorting system is used to realize wireless communication between a communication control center, a transceiver relay, a receiving controller, and a motor driver in the automated logistics sorting system. The specific steps include:

[0006] Step 1, initialize the logistics sorting system; perform timestamp synchronization correction on the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver;

[0007] Step 2, determine the sorting grid and the required time according to the address information on the parcel;

[0008] Step 3, the communication control center issues an action time and an action instruction to the transceiver relay at a predetermined time;

[0009] Step 4, the transceiver relay sends a sorting instruction to the receiving controller through a 2.4G wireless communication signal;

[0010] Step 5: The receiving controller, based on the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp, issues an operation instruction to the motor driver at the moment when the sorting instruction needs to be executed to complete the sorting.

[0011] Step 6: The receiving controller collects the status of the motor driver and uploads the status information of each motor driver to the communication control center through the transceiver relay.

[0012] Preferably, the specific steps of initializing the logistics sorting system in Step 1 include:

[0013] Step 1.1: Power on the system.

[0014] Step 1.2: Synchronize and correct the timestamps of the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver.

[0015] Step 1.3: Pre-start the system. After the linear velocity of the system reaches the set speed and operates stably, start sorting.

[0016] Preferably, the specific steps of determining the sorting slot and the required time based on the address information on the package in Step 2 include:

[0017] Step 2.1: Detect the address information of the package on the sorting trolley and record the current position of the sorting trolley.

[0018] Step 2.2: Determine the sorting slot that needs to be sorted based on the address information on the package.

[0019] Step 2.3: Calculate the time required for the sorting trolley to reach the sorting slot based on the relative position between the sorting line speed and the sorting trolley.

[0020] Preferably, the specific steps of the communication control center issuing the action time and action instruction to the transceiver relay at a predetermined time in Step 3 include:

[0021] Step 3.1: The communication control center detects the running speed of the sorting trolley.

[0022] Step 3.2: Before a predetermined duration from the calculated moment when the sorting trolley reaches the sorting slot, the communication control center issues a sorting instruction to the transceiver relay.

[0023] Preferably, the specific steps of the transceiver relay sending the sorting instruction to the receiving controller through the 2.4G wireless communication signal in Step 4 include:

[0024] Step 4.1: After a transceiver relay receives the sorting instruction, it shares the sorting instruction with all transceiver relays through the CAN bus.

[0025] Step 4.2: Each transceiver relay transmits sorting instructions via 2.4G wireless communication signals.

[0026] Step 4.3: After a receiving controller receives a sorting instruction, it determines whether the sorting bin corresponding to the sorting instruction is under its own control. If not, it sends the sorting instruction to all receiving controllers via the CAN bus.

[0027] Preferably, the specific steps for the receiving controller in step five to issue an operation instruction to the motor driver at the moment when the sorting instruction needs to be executed according to the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp are as follows:

[0028] Step 5.1: The receiving controller calculates the specific time for executing the sorting instruction according to the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp.

[0029] Step 5.2: The receiving controller executes a delay task according to the time difference between the current time and the time for executing the sorting instruction.

[0030] Step 5.3: After the delay task is completed, the receiving controller issues an operation instruction to the corresponding motor driver via the RS485 bus.

[0031] Step 5.4: The corresponding motor driver executes the operation instruction, and the package enters the corresponding sorting bin.

[0032] Preferably, the specific steps for the receiving controller in step six to collect the status of the motor driver and upload the status information of each motor driver to the communication control center via the transceiver relay are as follows:

[0033] Step 6.1: The receiving controller collects the status of each motor driver under its control via the RS485 bus.

[0034] Step 6.2: The receiving controller transmits the status information of each motor driver to the transceiver relay via 2.4G wireless communication signals.

[0035] Step 6.3: The transceiver relay transmits the status of the motor driver to the communication control center via the CAN bus.

[0036] And, a wireless communication system for an automated logistics sorting system, used to implement the wireless communication method of the above-mentioned automated logistics sorting system, including a communication control center, transceiver relays, receiving controllers, and motor drivers; wherein,

[0037] The communication control center: is used to correct the timestamps of each device, calculate the time required for the sorting trolley to reach the sorting bin and issue sorting instructions; at the same time, receive the working status of the motor driver.

[0038] The transceiver relay is connected to the communication control center, and is configured to receive the sorting instruction issued by the communication control center and transmit it via a 2.4G wireless communication signal.

[0039] The receiving controller is connected to a plurality of the motor drivers, and is configured to receive the sorting instruction sent by the transceiver relay, control the operation of the motor drivers, and report the status of the motor drivers at the same time.

[0040] The motor driver is connected to the receiving controller, and receives and executes the sorting instruction issued by the receiving controller.

[0041] Preferably, it further includes a distributed timestamp module. The distributed timestamp module is used to correct the ms-level timestamp between the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver through a communication protocol. After receiving the sorting instruction, the motor driver controls the operation of the motor driver at the corresponding moment according to the attached timestamp data value to ensure the time accuracy of the execution of the action instruction.

[0042] Preferably, a wired bus mode is adopted between the transceiver relays, which is used to synchronize the distributed timestamps between the wireless transceiver relays and share the data that needs to be wirelessly transmitted to multiple transceiver relays, so as to achieve redundant wireless 2.4G transmission and increase the reliability of wireless data transmission.

[0043] A wired bus mode is adopted between the receiving controllers, which is used to share the transmission data between the receiving controllers and expand the coverage of the wireless communication signal on the sorting line.

[0044] In the wireless communication method and system of the above-mentioned automated logistics sorting system, the communication control center calculates the time required for the package to reach the sorting grid and issues the sorting instruction at a predetermined time. The transceiver relay shares the sorting instruction through a wired bus, and each transceiver relay transmits the sorting instruction via a 2.4G wireless communication signal. The receiving controller shares the sorting instruction of the sorting grid that does not belong to the receiving controller itself through a wired bus. For the sorting instruction of the sorting grid that belongs to the receiving controller itself, after delaying according to its own timestamp, the receiving controller issues an operation instruction to the motor driver. The technical solution of the present invention uses a wired bus in cooperation with a private 2.4G wireless communication technology to meet the requirements of high reliability, wide coverage, and precise control time. The algorithm of the present invention is simple, easy to implement, low in cost, and convenient for popularization. Description of the Drawings

[0045] Figure 1 is an automated logistics sorting system of the prior art.

[0046] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a wireless communication system of an automated logistics sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific Embodiments

[0047] In this embodiment, taking the wireless communication method and system of an automated logistics sorting system as an example, the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and drawings.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 2 , which shows a wireless communication system of an automated logistics sorting system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, including a communication control center, a transceiver relay, a receiving controller, and a motor driver; wherein,

[0049] The communication control center: is used to realize the timestamp correction of each device, calculate the time required for the sorting cart to reach the sorting grid, and issue sorting instructions; at the same time, receive the working status of the motor driver;

[0050] The transceiver relay, connected to the communication control center, is used to receive the sorting instructions issued by the communication control center and transmit them through a 2.4G wireless communication signal;

[0051] The receiving controller, connected to a plurality of the motor drivers, is used to receive the sorting instructions sent by the transceiver relay, control the motor drivers to act; and report the status of the motor drivers at the same time;

[0052] The motor driver, connected to the receiving controller, receives and executes the sorting instructions issued by the receiving controller.

[0053] Specifically, the sorting instructions are issued by the communication control center, sent to the receiving controller through the transceiver relay, and then control the motor driver to complete the corresponding actions. The above is the downlink channel of the wireless communication signal, and vice versa for the uplink channel of the wireless communication signal.

[0054] Preferably, it further includes a distributed timestamp module, which is used to correct the ms-level timestamps among the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver through a communication protocol. After receiving the sorting instructions, the motor driver controls the motor driver to act at the corresponding moment according to the attached timestamp data value to ensure the timing accuracy of the action instructions.

[0055] Preferably, a wired bus mode is adopted among the transceiver relays, which is used to synchronize the distributed timestamps among the wireless transceiver relays, share the data that needs to be wirelessly transmitted to multiple transceiver relays, so as to achieve redundant wireless 2.4G transmission and increase the reliability of wireless data transmission;

[0056] A wired bus mode is adopted between the receiving controllers to share the transmission data between the receiving controllers and expand the coverage of the wireless communication signal on the sorting line.

[0057] In addition, a wireless communication method for an automated logistics sorting system is used to achieve wireless communication between a communication control center, a transceiver relay, a receiving controller, and a motor driver in the automated logistics sorting system. The specific steps include:

[0058] Step S10, initialize the logistics sorting system; perform timestamp synchronization correction on the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver.

[0059] The specific steps include:

[0060] Step S11, power on the system.

[0061] Step S12, synchronize and correct the timestamps of the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver.

[0062] Specifically, the specific steps for distributed timestamp correction of each module of the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver are as follows:

[0063] First, determine the master and slave nodes and the clock reference source, and set the synchronization threshold;

[0064] In this embodiment, with the communication control center as the central node, the clock signal of the communication control center as the trusted time source, and each module of the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver as the slave nodes, initialize the local clock; when the maximum clock deviation between the slave node and the central node is greater than the synchronization threshold, trigger synchronization correction.

[0065] Second, generate timestamps and calculate the clock deviation through cross-node communication;

[0066] Each node generates a local timestamp, carries the timestamp information in the message sent during cross-node communication, and in addition to carrying the local timestamp information when replying to the confirmation message, also carries the received time information, and calculates the clock deviation of each node through the round-trip time information.

[0067] Then, correct the clocks of each node according to the clock deviation;

[0068] For the nodes with clock deviation, perform clock synchronization correction in an incremental adjustment mode or a step adjustment mode.

[0069] Finally, continuously monitor and dynamically adjust the clocks of each node.

[0070] In step S13, the system pre-starts. After the linear speed of the system reaches the set speed of the system and operates stably, sorting begins.

[0071] In step S20, the sorting bays to be sorted and the required time are determined based on the address information on the parcel.

[0072] The specific steps include:

[0073] In step S21, the address information of the parcel on the sorting trolley is detected, and the current position of the sorting trolley is recorded.

[0074] In step S22, the sorting bays to be sorted are determined based on the address information on the parcel.

[0075] In step S23, based on the relative position between the sorting line speed and the sorting trolley, the time required for the sorting trolley to reach the sorting bay is calculated.

[0076] In step S30, the communication control center issues an action time and an action instruction to the transceiver repeater at a predetermined time.

[0077] The specific steps include:

[0078] In step S31, the communication control center detects the running speed of the sorting trolley.

[0079] In step S32, before a predetermined duration before the calculated moment when the sorting trolley reaches the sorting bay, the communication control center issues a sorting instruction to the transceiver repeater.

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment, the predetermined duration is 2000 ms. Taking the distance between the sorting trolley and the sorting bay as 4 m and the linear speed of the sorting line as 2 m / s as an example, at this time, the duration until the action moment of the sorting trolley is 4 m / 2 m / s = 2000 ms.

[0081] The predetermined duration should be controlled between 100 ms and 2000 ms according to the actual sorting speed, ensuring sufficient communication time and allowing multiple retransmissions in case of poor network conditions, while ensuring that the displacement deviation caused by speed deviation does not affect the sorting accuracy.

[0082] In step S40, the transceiver repeater sends the sorting instruction to the receiving controller through a 2.4G wireless communication signal.

[0083] The specific steps include:

[0084] In step S41, after a transceiver repeater receives the sorting instruction, it shares the sorting instruction with all transceiver repeaters through the CAN bus.

[0085] In step S42, each transceiver repeater transmits the sorting instruction through a 2.4G wireless communication signal.

[0086] Specifically, the transceiver relay first performs protocol conversion and encapsulation on the sorting instruction and sends it out as a 2.4G RF wireless signal. After receiving the sorting instruction, the receiving controller needs to reply with a confirmation message to ensure the successful sending of the operation instruction.

[0087] Step S43: After a receiving controller receives a sorting instruction, it determines whether the sorting slot corresponding to the sorting instruction is under its own control. If not, it sends the sorting instruction to all receiving controllers via the CAN bus.

[0088] Specifically, since a receiving controller is connected to multiple motor drivers in a wired manner, after the receiving controller receives an operation instruction, it needs to determine whether the sorting slot corresponding to the operation instruction is under its own control; if it is not under its own control, it needs to share the operation instruction with other receiving controllers; if it is under its own control, it needs to send the sorting instruction to the corresponding motor driver at a specified time.

[0089] Step S50: The receiving controller issues an operation instruction to the motor driver at the moment when the sorting instruction needs to be executed based on the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp to complete the sorting.

[0090] The specific steps include:

[0091] Step S51: The receiving controller calculates the specific time for executing the sorting instruction based on the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp.

[0092] Step S52: The receiving controller executes a delay task based on the time difference between the current time and the time for executing the sorting instruction.

[0093] Specifically, after the receiving controller determines that the sorting slot corresponding to the operation instruction is under its own control, it checks the action time in the operation instruction, calculates the time difference between the specific action time and its own clock, sets a delay task for the operation instruction, and executes the delay task.

[0094] Step S53: After the delay task is completed, the receiving controller issues an operation instruction to the corresponding motor driver via the RS485 bus.

[0095] Step S54: The corresponding motor driver executes the operation instruction, and the package enters the corresponding sorting slot.

[0096] Step S60: The receiving controller collects the status of the motor driver and uploads the status information of each motor driver to the communication control center via the transceiver relay.

[0097] The specific steps include:

[0098] Step S61: Receive the statuses of each motor driver collected by the controller via the RS485 bus.

[0099] Step S62: The receiving controller transmits the status information of each motor driver to the transceiver relay via a 2.4G wireless communication signal.

[0100] Step S63: The transceiver relay transmits the status of the motor driver to the communication control center via the CAN bus.

[0101] Specifically, multiple motor drivers are connected to a receiving controller via the RS485 bus. This receiving controller serves as the master device, and the multiple motor drivers it subordinates are slave devices. The receiving controller periodically sends query instructions to each of the motor drivers it subordinates. Each motor driver responds to this query instruction and reports its working status. The receiving controller transmits the status information of each motor driver to the transceiver relay via a wireless signal, and the transceiver relay then uploads the status information of each motor driver to the communication control center, enabling the communication control center to monitor the working status of each motor driver in real time and ensuring the normal operation of the automated logistics sorting system.

[0102] In the above wireless communication method and system of the automated logistics sorting system, the communication control center calculates the time required for a package to reach the sorting grid and issues a sorting instruction at a predetermined time. The transceiver relay shares the sorting instruction via a wired bus, and each transceiver relay transmits this sorting instruction via a 2.4G wireless communication signal. The receiving controller shares the sorting instructions for sorting grids that do not belong to this receiving controller via a wired bus. For the sorting instructions for sorting grids that belong to this receiving controller, after delaying according to its own timestamp, the receiving controller issues an operation instruction to the motor driver. The technical solution of the present invention uses a wired bus in combination with a private 2.4G wireless communication technology to meet the requirements of high reliability, wide coverage, and precise control time. The algorithm of the present invention is simple, easy to implement, low in cost, and convenient for promotion.

[0103] It should be noted that the above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various modifications and changes. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method for an automated logistics sorting system, which is used to achieve wireless communication between a communication control center, a transceiver relay, a receiving controller, and a motor driver in the automated logistics sorting system, characterized in that, The specific steps include: Step 1, initialize the logistics sorting system; perform timestamp synchronization correction on the communication control center, transceiver relay, receiving controller, and motor driver; Step 2, determine the sorting bin and the required time based on the address information on the package; Step 3, the communication control center sends the action time and action instructions to the transceiver relay at a predetermined time; Step 4, the transceiver relay sends the sorting instructions to the receiving controller through a 2.4G wireless communication signal; Step 5, the receiving controller issues an operation instruction to the motor driver at the moment when the sorting instruction needs to be executed based on the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp to complete the sorting; Step 6, the receiving controller collects the status of the motor driver and uploads the status information of each motor driver to the communication control center through the transceiver relay.

2. The wireless communication method of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps for initializing the logistics sorting system in Step 1 include: Step 1.1, power on the system; Step 1.2, perform synchronization correction on the timestamps of the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver; Step 1.3, pre-start the system. After the linear speed of the system reaches the set speed and runs stably, start sorting.

3. The wireless communication method of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that The specific steps for determining the sorting bin and the required time based on the address information on the package in Step 2 include: Step 2.1, detect the address information of the package on the sorting trolley and record the current position of the sorting trolley; Step 2.2, determine the sorting bin that needs to be sorted based on the address information on the package; Step 2.3, calculate the time required for the sorting trolley to reach the sorting bin based on the relative position between the sorting line speed and the sorting trolley.

4. The wireless communication method of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that The specific steps for the communication control center to send the action time and action instructions to the transceiver relay at a predetermined time in Step 3 include: Step 3.1, the communication control center detects the running speed of the sorting trolley; Step 3.2, before a predetermined duration before the calculated moment when the sorting trolley reaches the sorting bin, the communication control center sends the sorting instruction to the transceiver relay.

5. The wireless communication method of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that The specific steps for the transceiver relay to send the sorting instructions to the receiving controller through a 2.4G wireless communication signal in Step 4 include: Step 4.1, after a transceiver relay receives the sorting instruction, share the sorting instruction with all transceiver relays through the CAN bus; Step 4.2, each transceiver relay transmits the sorting instruction through a 2.4G wireless communication signal; Step 4.3, after a receiving controller receives the sorting instruction, determine whether the sorting bin corresponding to the sorting instruction belongs to its own control. If not, send the sorting instruction to all receiving controllers through the CAN bus.

6. The wireless communication method of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps for the receiving controller to issue an operation instruction to the motor driver at the moment when the sorting instruction needs to be executed based on the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp to complete the sorting in Step 5 include: Step 5.1, the receiving controller calculates the specific time for executing the sorting instruction based on the action time in the sorting instruction and its own distributed timestamp; Step 5.2, the receiving controller performs a delay task based on the time difference between the current time and the time for executing the sorting instruction; Step 5.3, after the delayed task execution ends, the receiving controller sends an operation instruction to the corresponding motor driver via the RS485 bus; Step 5.4, the corresponding motor driver executes the operation instruction, and the package enters the corresponding sorting bin.

7. The wireless communication method of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps for the receiving controller in Step 6 to collect the status of the motor driver and upload the status information of each motor driver to the communication control center via the transceiver relay include: Step 6.1, the receiving controller collects the status of each motor driver under its jurisdiction via the RS485 bus; Step 6.2, the receiving controller transmits the status information of each motor driver to the transceiver relay via 2.4G wireless communication signals; Step 6.3, the transceiver relay transmits the status of the motor driver to the communication control center via the CAN bus.

8. A wireless communication system for an automated logistics sorting system, which is used to implement the wireless communication method of the automated logistics sorting system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It includes a communication control center, a transceiver relay, a receiving controller, and a motor driver; among them, The communication control center: is used to correct the timestamps of each device, calculate the time required for the sorting cart to reach the sorting bin and issue sorting instructions; at the same time, receive the working status of the motor driver; The transceiver relay, connected to the communication control center, is used to receive the sorting instructions issued by the communication control center and transmit them via 2.4G wireless communication signals; The receiving controller, connected to multiple motor drivers, is used to receive the sorting instructions sent by the transceiver relay, control the actions of the motor drivers; and report the status of the motor drivers at the same time; The motor driver, connected to the receiving controller, receives and executes the sorting instructions issued by the receiving controller.

9. The wireless communication system of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a distributed timestamp module, which is used to correct the ms-level timestamps among the communication control center, the transceiver relay, the receiving controller, and the motor driver via a communication protocol. After receiving the sorting instruction, the motor driver controls the action of the motor driver at the corresponding moment according to the attached timestamp data value to ensure the timing accuracy of the execution of the action instruction.

10. The wireless communication system of the automated logistics sorting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, A wired bus mode is adopted among the transceiver relays to synchronize the distributed timestamps among the wireless transceiver relays and share the data that needs to be wirelessly transmitted to multiple transceiver relays to achieve redundant wireless 2.4G transmission and increase the reliability of wireless data transmission; A wired bus mode is adopted among the receiving controllers to share the transmission data among the receiving controllers and expand the coverage of the wireless communication signals on the sorting line.

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