Full-automatic logistics sorting system and method based on RFID technology
By incorporating intelligent algorithms and specialized antennas into the RFID system, combined with photoelectric detection, the problem of inaccurate package sequence identification in existing RFID sorting systems has been solved, achieving efficient and low-error-rate logistics sorting.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511117646.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
AI Technical Summary
In existing RFID-based logistics sorting systems, the readers have limited functionality, making it difficult to accurately identify the order of packages. They also lack the ability to distinguish between unlabeled, multi-labeled, and single-labeled packages, resulting in low sorting accuracy and efficiency.
The system employs an RFID smart reader with built-in intelligent algorithms, combined with a specially designed signal constraint antenna and photoelectric detection switch. It generates package sequence numbers through a timestamp-location mapping model, distinguishing between untagged, multi-tagged, and single-tagged states. The system then controls the sorting device via a central controller for accurate sorting or return processing.
It achieves fast and accurate logistics sorting, reduces the identification error rate to below 0.01%, improves sorting efficiency, and reduces labor costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN120940237A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of logistics technology, and in particular to a fully automated logistics sorting system and method based on RFID technology. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of e-commerce, the logistics industry has expanded dramatically, and the number of parcels has exploded. In the logistics distribution process, sorting is a crucial step, and its efficiency and accuracy directly impact the overall operational efficiency and service quality of the logistics system. Traditional logistics sorting methods mainly rely on manual sorting or barcode scanning. Manual sorting is labor-intensive, inefficient, and prone to human error, especially when dealing with massive volumes of parcels, making it difficult to meet rapidly growing logistics demands. While barcode scanning improves sorting efficiency to some extent, barcodes are susceptible to damage, folding, and other factors, leading to scanning failures and requiring manual intervention, thus affecting the continuity and accuracy of sorting. Furthermore, barcodes can only be recognized at close range with unobstructed vision, which limits the layout of sorting equipment and the speed of parcel transport.
[0003] RFID technology, as an advanced automatic identification technology, boasts advantages such as non-contact identification, high identification speed, simultaneous identification of multiple tags, and strong anti-interference capabilities. Applying RFID technology to logistics sorting holds promise for solving problems inherent in traditional sorting methods and improving the automation level and efficiency of logistics sorting. However, current RFID-based logistics sorting systems suffer from relatively limited reader functionality, difficulty in accurately identifying the order in which packages pass through, insufficient ability to differentiate between untagged, multi-tagged, and single-tagged packages, and a lack of efficient built-in algorithms, resulting in room for improvement in sorting accuracy and efficiency. Therefore, developing intelligent RFID readers with both intelligent identification and algorithm processing capabilities is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a fully automated logistics sorting system and method based on RFID technology, which can improve the efficiency and accuracy of logistics sorting.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following solution:
[0006] In one aspect, this application provides a fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology, comprising: a puller, a conveyor line, packages to be sorted, RFID tags, and a sorting module; the puller is used for pulling and aligning the packages to be sorted; the packages to be sorted are tagged with RFID tags; the conveyor belt is used to transport the packages to be sorted to the sorting module; the conveyor belt is equipped with a sorting module and a central controller; the sorting module includes a return channel, a sorting channel, a sorting device, and an RFID gantry; the RFID gantry includes a photoelectric detection switch, a special signal constraint antenna, and an RFID smart reader; the RFID smart reader has a built-in intelligent algorithm; the RFID gantry is used to scan the RFID tags of the packages to be sorted by the RFID smart reader, and uploads the analysis results to the central controller based on the special signal constraint antenna according to the order in which the packages pass; the central controller controls the sorting device to push the packages to be sorted into the return channel or the sorting channel according to the received RFID scanning information.
[0007] Optionally, the RFID smart reader is used to complete the calculation and status determination of the RFID tags of the sorted packages within 400-800ms; the determination result of the status includes the package order, timestamp and tag status.
[0008] Optionally, the label status includes no label, multiple labels, and single label.
[0009] Optionally, the specially designed signal constraint antenna includes an RFID top antenna, an RFID left antenna, an RFID right antenna, and an RFID bottom antenna.
[0010] Optionally, the intelligent algorithm built into the RFID smart reader includes: generating the package sequence number of the sorted packages based on the timestamp-location mapping model; determining the rising or falling edge jitter of the photoelectric detection switch signal, and performing sequence number rollback when an abnormality is triggered; filtering interference through signal strength threshold, and deduplicating tag IDs to distinguish between no tag, multiple tags, and single tag states.
[0011] Optionally, the RFID gantry also includes: a red and green dual-color indicator light; when the RFID tag status of the package being sorted is a single tag, the green light is on; when the RFID tag status of the package being sorted is no tag or multiple tags, the red light is on.
[0012] Optionally, the processor of the RFID smart reader is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 with a main frequency of 2.4GHz; the radio frequency module operates at a frequency of 920-925MHz and has a reading distance of 0-2.5m.
[0013] Optionally, the sorting device includes: a track trolley, a guiding mechanism, and indicator lights; the indicator lights are green to indicate that a single label is ready for sorting, and red to indicate that an abnormal package is being returned.
[0014] Secondly, this application provides a fully automated logistics sorting method based on the aforementioned fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology, comprising:
[0015] The differential speed conveyor belt of the stretching machine controls the spacing of the sorted packages to 30-50cm and aligns them to the center line of the conveyor belt.
[0016] When a package being sorted passes through the RFID gantry, a photoelectric detection switch is triggered, generating a trigger signal with a timestamp and a package serial number.
[0017] Based on the RFID smart reader and the ID deduplication counting algorithm, the sorted packages are scanned for labels and their status is determined.
[0018] Based on the label status and preset rules, the central controller controls the sorting device to sort or controls the return channel to return problematic packages for processing.
[0019] Optionally, based on the label status and preset rules, the central controller controls the sorting device to perform sorting or controls the return channel to return problematic packages for processing, specifically including:
[0020] When the label status of the package being sorted is no label or multiple labels, the central controller controls the sorting device to stop operating and controls the return channel to return the sorted package to the manual processing area.
[0021] When the label status of the package being sorted is a single label, the central controller controls the sorting device to push the package to the corresponding sorting channel based on the RFID tag information read by the RFID smart reader.
[0022] According to the specific embodiments provided in this application, the following technical effects are disclosed:
[0023] This application provides a fully automated logistics sorting system and method based on RFID technology, comprising a puller, a conveyor line, packages to be sorted, RFID tags, and a sorting module; the puller is used to pull and organize the packages to be sorted; the packages to be sorted are labeled with RFID tags; the conveyor belt is used to transport the packages to be sorted to the sorting module; the conveyor belt is equipped with the sorting module and a central controller; the sorting module includes a return channel, a sorting channel, a sorting device, and an RFID gantry; the RFID gantry includes a photoelectric detection switch, a specially designed signal constraint antenna, and an RFID smart reader / writer; the RFID smart reader / writer has a built-in intelligent algorithm; the RFID gantry scans the RFID tags on the packages and uploads the information to the central controller, and the central controller controls the sorting device to accurately send the packages into the corresponding sorting channel or return channel according to the scanning results, thereby achieving fast and accurate sorting operations. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an RFID gantry structure provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 3 A flowchart of the built-in algorithm provided in one embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a fully automated logistics sorting method provided in an embodiment of this application. Attached image description:
[0030] 1-Pull distance device, 2-Conveyor line, 3-Package to be sorted, 4-RFID tag, 5-RFID gantry, 6-Sorting device, 7-Return channel, 8-Sorting channel. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0033] Example 1
[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology, including:
[0035] The system comprises a puller 1, a conveyor line 2, packages to be sorted 3, RFID tags 4, and a sorting module. The puller is used to pull and organize the packages to be sorted 3. Each package to be sorted 3 is equipped with an RFID tag 4. The conveyor belt is used to transport the packages to be sorted 3 to the sorting module. The conveyor belt is equipped with the sorting module and a central controller. The sorting module includes a return channel 7, a sorting channel 8, a sorting device 6, and an RFID gantry 5. The RFID gantry 5 includes a photoelectric detection switch, a special signal constraint antenna, and an RFID smart reader / writer. The RFID smart reader / writer has a built-in intelligent algorithm. The RFID gantry 5 is used to scan the RFID tags 4 of the packages to be sorted using the RFID smart reader / writer, and uploads the analysis results to the central controller based on the special signal constraint antenna according to the order in which the packages pass through. The central controller controls the sorting device 6 to push the packages to be sorted 3 into the return channel 7 or the sorting channel 8 based on the received RFID scanning information.
[0036] In this embodiment, the structural schematic diagram of the gantry frame is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, it includes a photoelectric detection switch (grating), RFID top antenna, RFID left antenna, RFID right antenna, RFID bottom antenna, RFID smart reader / writer, and red / green dual-color indicator lights.
[0037] The sorted package 3 triggers a photoelectric detection switch via the RFID gantry 5; the photoelectric detection switch generates a timestamp and location information; the RFID smart reader inside the gantry continuously scans the information of the passing RFID tags 4; through a built-in intelligent algorithm, the scanned RFID tag 4 information, timestamp and location information are analyzed; within 400-800ms, the sorted package 3's sequence and tag status are calculated: no tag, multiple tags, single tag; the analyzed package sequence + timestamp + tag status + tag number (if any) is reported to the central controller; simultaneously, based on the current analysis results, the red light (abnormal) and green light (single tag) are controlled to flash, that is, when the tag status of the RFID tag 4 of the sorted package 3 is a single tag, the green light is on; when the tag status of the RFID tag 4 of the sorted package 3 is no tag or multiple tags, the red light is on.
[0038] The RFID gantry 5 uses a specially designed antenna, which differs from common RFID antennas on the market. This specially designed antenna allows for constraints on signal coverage, ensuring accurate identification and improving sorting efficiency. The RFID gantry 5 employs four antennas, ensuring that the RFID tag 4 can be effectively identified on any side of the package being sorted. The RFID smart reader uses a high-sensitivity identification chip and a 3D antenna, ensuring that the RFID tag 4 can be effectively read on different packaging materials (excluding metal surface packaging).
[0039] In this embodiment, the RFID smart reader is installed on the RFID gantry 5 and is the core component of the system. Its radio frequency module has high sensitivity, enabling rapid reading of tag information, and its built-in algorithm plays a crucial role. By associating a timestamp with the trigger signal of a grating (i.e., a photoelectric detection switch), the reader can accurately identify the passing order of packages. Simultaneously, it completes the calculation of the RFID tag number 4 of the currently passing packages within 400-800ms, distinguishing between untagged, multi-tagged, and single-tagged states, and reports the calculation results to the central controller. The grating is installed at the gantry entrance, generating a timestamped signal upon triggering, providing a reference for the RFID smart reader's sequential identification. The packing spacing machine controls the package spacing at 30-50cm to ensure the identification effect of the RFID smart reader. The central controller receives information reported by the RFID smart reader and controls the sorting device 6 to perform sorting operations according to preset rules, or instructs the return device to return problematic packages.
[0040] The built-in intelligent algorithms in the RFID smart reader include: generating the package sequence number of the sorted package 3 based on the timestamp-location mapping model; determining the rising or falling edge jitter of the photoelectric detection switch signal and performing sequence number rollback when an abnormality is triggered; filtering interference through signal strength threshold and deduplicating tag IDs to distinguish between no tag, multiple tags, and single tag states.
[0041] Specifically, the RFID smart reader employs an optimized signal analysis algorithm to quickly filter and decode the received radio frequency signal, extract the tag number, and, combined with a hardware acceleration unit, ensures that the calculation is completed within 400-800ms. It also uses a sequential recognition algorithm: based on a timestamp-location mapping model and combined with a rollback algorithm, it accurately determines the order in which packages pass through. Furthermore, it employs a tag status judgment algorithm: filtering interference through a signal strength threshold (≥-60dBm), deduplicating tag IDs, and quickly distinguishing between no-tag, multi-tag, and single-tag states, with a judgment time ≤100ms.
[0042] like Figure 3As shown, after the RFID reader is powered on normally, it enters the RFID scanning state. When the photoelectric switch is triggered by the package being sorted (3), a timestamp and serial number are generated. The algorithm logic performs jitter judgment on the generated trigger signal. If it is a jitter signal, it rolls back and releases the tag bound to the jitter signal. If it is determined to be a normal trigger signal, the scanned RFID signal is filtered, deduplicated, and filtered within 400-800ms. The tag status of the package being sorted (3) is analyzed: multiple tags, single tag, no tag. After analysis and calculation, the package sequence + timestamp + tag status + tag number (if any) is output. The output result is reported to the central controller. The central controller controls the sorting device (6) to push the package being sorted (3) to the return channel (7) or sorting channel (8) according to the reported result.
[0043] In this embodiment, the RFID smart reader's parameter configuration includes: a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with a main frequency of 2.4GHz to ensure high-speed algorithm operation; a radio frequency module operating in the 920-925MHz frequency range with a reading distance of 0.0-2.5 meters, suitable for use with 3D tags; built-in algorithm modules such as "sequential tracking," "tag analysis," and "anomaly filtering," and its firmware can be upgraded via Ethernet.
[0044] In this embodiment, the sorting device 6 mainly consists of the following key components: First, a track trolley, which is responsible for sliding the package to the left or right into the sorting channel; second, a guiding mechanism, which ensures that the package can move accurately along the predetermined track during the sorting process to avoid deviations; and finally, an indicator light, which has two different display functions. Specifically, when the green light is on, it indicates that the single-label sorting work is ready and the sorting operation can be carried out smoothly, while when the red light is on, it means that an abnormal package has been detected and needs to be returned to the previous stage for reprocessing to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the sorting process.
[0045] This application also provides the identification results of RFID smart readers on 100,000 packages during a test at an e-commerce sorting center:
[0046] 1. Sequence recognition accuracy: 100% (no misalignment);
[0047] 2. Tag status judgment: 100% recognition rate for unlabeled packages, 99.98% recognition rate for multiple labels, and 99.99% recognition rate for single labels.
[0048] Example 2
[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a fully automated logistics sorting method based on the aforementioned fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology, including:
[0050] The differential speed conveyor belt of the stretching machine controls the spacing of the sorted packages to 30-50cm and aligns them to the center line of the conveyor belt.
[0051] When the sorted package 3 passes through the RFID gantry 5, the photoelectric detection switch is triggered, generating a trigger signal with a timestamp and the package number;
[0052] Based on the RFID smart reader and the ID deduplication counting algorithm, the sorted package 3 is labeled and its status is judged.
[0053] Based on the label status and preset rules, the central controller controls the sorting device 6 to sort or controls the return channel 7 to return problematic packages for processing.
[0054] Specifically, based on the label status and preset rules, the central controller controls the sorting device 6 to sort or controls the return channel 7 to return problematic packages for processing.
[0055] When the label status of the package 3 being sorted is no label or multiple labels, the central controller controls the sorting device 6 to stop operating and controls the return channel 7 to return the sorted package 3 to the manual processing area.
[0056] When the label status of the package 3 to be sorted is a single label, the sorting device 6 is controlled by the central controller to push the package 3 to the corresponding sorting channel 8 based on the RFID tag 4 information read by the RFID smart reader.
[0057] In summary, this application has the following technical effects:
[0058] 1) This application provides a logistics sorting system based on an RFID smart reader. The system's built-in algorithm can accurately identify the order in which packages pass through, distinguishing between untagged, multi-tagged, and single-tagged states. The system can calculate the currently passing RFID tag number within 400-800 milliseconds and report it to the central controller. Based on this information, the central controller performs package sorting or return operations, thereby further improving the efficiency and accuracy of logistics sorting and reducing labor costs.
[0059] 2) The built-in algorithm in the RFID smart reader accurately identifies the order of packages and the status of tags, reducing the error rate to below 0.01% and reducing sorting errors.
[0060] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0061] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this application, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
Claims
1. A fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a puller, a conveyor line, packages to be sorted, RFID tags, and a sorting module. The puller is used to pull and organize the packages to be sorted. Each package is tagged with an RFID tag. The conveyor belt is used to transport the packages to be sorted to the sorting module. The conveyor belt is equipped with the sorting module and a central controller. The sorting module includes a return channel, a sorting channel, a sorting device, and an RFID gantry. The RFID gantry includes a photoelectric detection switch, a special signal constraint antenna, and an RFID smart reader. The RFID smart reader has a built-in intelligent algorithm. The RFID gantry is used to scan the RFID tags of the packages to be sorted by the RFID smart reader and, based on the order in which the packages pass through, uploads the analysis results to the central controller using the special signal constraint antenna. The central controller controls the sorting device to push the packages to be sorted into the return channel or the sorting channel based on the received RFID scanning information.
2. The fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The RFID smart reader is used to complete the calculation and status determination of the RFID tags of the sorted packages within 400-800ms; the determination result of the status includes the package order, timestamp and tag status.
3. The fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology according to claim 2, characterized in that, The label status includes no label, multiple labels, and single label.
4. The fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology according to claim 3, characterized in that, The specially designed signal constraint antenna includes an RFID top antenna, an RFID left antenna, an RFID right antenna, and an RFID bottom antenna.
5. A fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology according to claim 4, characterized in that, The intelligent algorithms built into the RFID smart reader include: generating the package sequence number of the sorted packages based on the timestamp-location mapping model; determining the rising or falling edge jitter of the photoelectric detection switch signal and performing sequence number rollback when an abnormality is triggered; filtering interference through signal strength threshold and deduplicating tag IDs to distinguish between no tag, multiple tags, and single tag states.
6. The fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology according to claim 5, characterized in that, The RFID gantry also includes: a red and green dual-color indicator light; when the RFID tag status of the package being sorted is a single tag, the green light is on; when the RFID tag status of the package being sorted is no tag or multiple tags, the red light is on.
7. A fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology according to claim 6, characterized in that, The RFID smart reader uses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with a main frequency of 2.4GHz; the radio frequency module operates at a frequency of 920-925MHz and has a reading distance of 0-2.5m.
8. A fully automated logistics sorting system based on RFID technology according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sorting device includes: a track trolley, a guiding mechanism, and indicator lights; the indicator lights are green to indicate that a single label is ready for sorting, and red to indicate that an abnormal package is being returned.
9. A fully automated logistics sorting method based on an RFID-based fully automated logistics sorting system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: The differential speed conveyor belt of the stretching machine controls the spacing of the sorted packages to 30-50cm and aligns them to the center line of the conveyor belt. When a package being sorted passes through the RFID gantry, a photoelectric detection switch is triggered, generating a trigger signal with a timestamp and a package serial number. Based on the RFID smart reader and the ID deduplication counting algorithm, the sorted packages are scanned for labels and their status is determined. Based on the label status and preset rules, the central controller controls the sorting device to sort or controls the return channel to return problematic packages for processing.
10. The fully automated logistics sorting method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Based on label status and preset rules, the central controller controls the sorting device to sort packages or controls the return channel to return problematic packages for processing. Specifically, this includes: When the label status of the package being sorted is no label or multiple labels, the central controller controls the sorting device to stop operating and controls the return channel to return the sorted package to the manual processing area. When the label status of the package being sorted is a single label, the central controller controls the sorting device to push the package to the corresponding sorting channel based on the RFID tag information read by the RFID smart reader.