Intelligent container distribution system and distribution method

Abstract

The invention discloses an intelligent container distribution system and method, and the system comprises an intelligent container which is a transportation container with a specific specification; the operation workbench is used for putting a target distribution object into the intelligent container and carrying out sealing operation; the goods shelf system is used for placing at least one intelligent container and carrying out coding operation on the intelligent container to generate a corresponding container code; the automatic carrying robot is provided with a visual identification device, and a standard interface clamping mechanism and specific communication equipment which are matched with the intelligent container; and the central scheduling system is used for receiving a distribution task, determining a target container from the intelligent containers stored in the shelf system according to the distribution task, and controlling the automatic transfer robot to transfer the target container to a target address. According to the intelligent container distribution system, the safety, intelligence and transportation efficiency of article transportation are improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of intelligent distribution, in particular to an intelligent container distribution system and a distribution method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the traditional logistics distribution process, due to the diversity of package forms, low efficiency of manual identification and handling, and security and privacy risks in the transportation process, the overall efficiency and reliability are difficult to guarantee. Especially in the scenarios of high-value goods, sensitive documents, medical supplies, etc., higher confidentiality, security and handling standardization are required. However, most of the existing logistics systems do not have unified container standards, making it difficult for robots to automatically handle and lacking a mechanism to protect the goods. SUMMARY

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide an intelligent container distribution system, comprising: The intelligent container is a transportation container with specific specifications, which has a security lock control system, a positioning label and an identity recognition label inside; The operation workbench is used to put the target distribution object into the intelligent container and perform the closing operation; The shelf system is used to place at least one intelligent container and is used to perform coding operation on the intelligent container to generate a corresponding container code, which is used to position and identify the intelligent container; The automatic handling robot is installed with a visual recognition device, a standard interface clamping mechanism and a specific communication device adapted to the intelligent container; The central dispatching system is used to receive a distribution task, determine a target container from the intelligent containers stored in the shelf system according to the distribution task, and control the automatic handling robot to handle the target container to a target address.

[0004] As an option, the identity recognition label is an RFID unique identity recognition label code, which is used to bind the goods information and the transportation instruction, and is used for wireless communication query and lock control of the intelligent container.

[0005] As an option, the automatic handling robot identifies and positions the target container according to the visual recognition device, clamps the target container away from the shelf system through the standard interface clamping mechanism, and handles the target container to the target address indicated by the distribution task.

[0006] As an option, the shelf system includes multiple storage areas, each of which is provided with a container code of the intelligent container, so that the automatic handling robot positions and takes and places the corresponding intelligent container according to the container code.

[0007] Optionally, the shell of the smart container is covered with a flexible material for anti-impact; and a physical anti-interference device is arranged on the shell of the smart container for preventing external interference to make the smart container enter a locked loop state.

[0008] Optionally, the smart container distribution system is connected to a user application through a scheduling platform, so that the user application performs remote ordering operation and remote lock control opening box operation on the smart container distribution system through the scheduling platform.

[0009] Optionally, the smart container includes a plurality of transport containers with the same volume, or a plurality of transport containers with different volumes.

[0010] Optionally, the central scheduling system is further configured to, upon receiving the distribution task, determine a container code of the smart container in the shelf system through the distribution task, and send the container code to the automatic handling robot, and send a corresponding handling instruction to the automatic handling robot; Correspondingly, the automatic handling robot is further configured to determine the target container according to the container code, and handle the target container to a target address indicated by the distribution task according to the handling instruction.

[0011] Optionally, the visual recognition device of the automatic handling robot is further configured to recognize other objects in a road and a travel scene, and perform obstacle avoidance operation according to the recognition result.

[0012] The embodiment of the present application also provides a smart container distribution method, including the following steps: obtaining a distribution task; According to the distribution task, the target distribution object is placed into the vacant smart container through the operation workbench, the smart container in which the target distribution object is placed is determined as a target container, and the target container is closed, wherein the smart container is a transport container with a specific specification, and is internally provided with a safety lock control system, a positioning tag and an identity recognition tag; In the case where the target container is in a closed state, a transport instruction for transporting the target container is generated according to the distribution task, and the transport instruction is sent to a central scheduling system; The central scheduling system schedules an automatic handling robot according to the transport instruction; After the automatic carrying robot moves to the corresponding position of the shelf system, the target container is positioned and identified according to the transportation instruction and the container code of the target container, and a clamping operation is performed on the target container, wherein the transportation instruction is associated with the container code, the shelf system is used to place at least one intelligent container, and the intelligent container is coded to generate a corresponding container code; Based on the transportation instruction, the target container is carried to a target address by using the automatic carrying robot. The used target container is returned to a designated recycling point for emptying or recycling.

[0013] The embodiment of the present application also provides a distribution system, which comprises the intelligent container distribution system as described above, and further comprises a scheduling platform and a terminal. The terminal is installed with a user application program.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the intelligent container distribution system of the embodiment of the present application at least include: 1) The standardization and modularization of the distribution container are realized, and the carrying efficiency of the robot and the system safety are improved; 2) The unified closed container solves the problem of different forms of articles, and improves the carrying stability and transportation security; 3) The decoupling operation of man-goods-machine is realized, the risk of manual participation is reduced, and the overall automation level is improved; 4) It can be widely applied to unmanned warehousing, terminal distribution, smart park, confidential document circulation and other scenes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a process of carrying a target distribution object to a target address by an automatic carrying robot according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an intelligent container system according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a distribution method according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The various schemes and features of the present application are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the above description should not be regarded as limiting, but only as an example of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will think of other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present application.

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and, together with the general description of the application given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0019] These and other characteristics of the present application will become apparent from the following description of the preferred forms of embodiments of the application given, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] It should also be understood that, although the present application has been described in relation to certain specific examples, numerous other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings, in this detailed description.

[0021] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Specific embodiments of the present application are described hereinafter, by way of non-limiting example; however, it should be understood that the claimed embodiments are merely examples of the present application, which can be implemented in numerous ways. Well-known and / or repetitive functions and structures are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present application in unnecessary or redundant details. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted in defining the scope of the claims and the representative basis for the patenting of the present application.

[0023] The present specification can use the phrases "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," "in yet another embodiment," or "in at least one embodiment," which can refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments of the application.

[0024] An intelligent container distribution system according to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 comprises: An intelligent container, which is a transport container with specific specifications, and is internally provided with a safety lock control system, a positioning tag and an identity recognition tag; An operation workbench, which is used to put target distribution objects into the intelligent container and perform a closing operation; A shelf system, which is used to place at least one intelligent container, and is used to perform an encoding operation on the intelligent container to generate a corresponding container code, which is used to position and identify the intelligent container; An automatic handling robot, which is installed with a visual recognition device, a standard interface clamping mechanism and specific communication equipment that are adapted to the intelligent container; A central dispatching system is configured to receive a delivery task and determine a target container from the smart containers stored in the shelving system according to the delivery task, and control the automated handling robot to handle the target container to a target address.

[0025] For example, the smart containers are transport containers with specific specifications, including the same specifications and a plurality of different specific sub-specifications. For example, each smart container is the same, or the smart containers can be divided into large-capacity containers and small-capacity containers, and the like.

[0026] Since the smart containers have specific specifications, the smart containers can be standardized in management, transportation, and information interaction. The inside of the smart container is provided with a safety lock control system, a positioning tag, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) unique identity identification tag (identity identification tag). The safety lock control system (such as an electric lock) is used to lock the smart container to prevent the target delivery object placed inside from being lost. The positioning tag is used to position the location of the smart container.

[0027] After the smart container delivery system receives a delivery task, the target delivery object can be placed into the smart container and the closing operation is completed through the operation workbench, and the smart container is determined as the target container. Specifically, the target delivery object can be operated on the operation workbench by manual or operating equipment and placed into the smart container, and then the smart container can be closed through the operation workbench, including closing the smart container itself and closing the smart container in the shelving system. The shelving system encodes the smart container to generate a corresponding container code, which is used for positioning and identifying the smart container.

[0028] The automated handling robot is provided with a visual recognition device, a standard interface clamping mechanism matched with the smart container, and specific communication equipment. The automated handling robot can realize a safe communication mechanism with the smart container through the specific communication equipment, so as to communicate with the smart container safely to interact data, such as determining the identity of the smart container through the identity identification tag of the smart container.

[0029] In addition, the automated handling robot can position and identify the target container in the shelving system through the container code, and then clamp the smart container through the standard interface clamping mechanism matched with the smart container on the automated handling robot, and transport at least one smart container through the visual recognition device and deliver it to the destination address.

[0030] The central dispatch system connects to a network of terminals equipped with user applications (user apps) and can receive delivery tasks sent by user apps or other terminals. On one hand, the control console, based on the delivery task, places the target item into a selected smart container and seals it, designating the smart container as the target container. Then, according to the delivery task, it controls an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to retrieve the corresponding target container from the shelving system and transport it to the target address (user-specified location) indicated by the delivery task. On the other hand, the target item has already been pre-placed and sealed in a selected smart container by the control console. Upon receiving a delivery task, the central dispatch system can determine the target container from the smart containers stored in the shelving system, dispatch the AAV, and control the AAV to retrieve the target container from the shelving system and transport it to the target address indicated by the delivery task.

[0031] In one embodiment, the smart container system may also include a weighing device to weigh the target delivery item. The system may also be equipped with disinfection equipment, such as an ultraviolet (UV) device, to disinfect the smart container using ultraviolet light. Furthermore, a QR code may be affixed to the smart container system for labeling.

[0032] This standardized intelligent container delivery system can solve problems such as inconsistent item shapes, unstable robot handling, cumbersome manual intervention, and poor confidentiality during transportation. It improves the safety, intelligence, and efficiency of goods transportation.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, the identification tag is an RFID unique identification tag code, used to bind item information and transportation instructions, and used for wireless communication query and locking of the smart container.

[0034] For example, the shelving system is equipped with containers for storing smart containers. The central dispatch system generates transport instructions for the target containers based on delivery tasks. RFID unique identification tags are coded and linked to the item information and transport instructions for the target delivery. The transport instructions accurately determine the specific contents of the target delivery and the location of the target container within the container on the shelving system, allowing for accurate placement or removal of the target container. The smart containers can also receive wireless communication queries from a user app, including location and usage status queries, and can be locked and unlocked based on received control commands.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the automated handling robot identifies and locates the target container based on the visual recognition device, clamps the target container with the standard interface clamping mechanism to detach it from the shelf system, and transports the target container to the target address indicated by the delivery task.

[0036] For example, the automated handling robot locates the target container's position in the shelving system using a visual recognition system. After recognition, it automatically grips and transports the container to the target address. During the transport process, the visual recognition system can also be used for obstacle avoidance navigation. Specifically, the automated handling robot removes or loads smart containers from the shelving system. In this process, it can locate the target container using a visual recognition system. After recognition, it uses a standard interface gripping mechanism to grip the container from the shelving system and transport it to the target address, such as the user's delivery address indicated in the delivery task. During the transport process, obstacle avoidance navigation can be achieved using the visual recognition system.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the shelving system includes multiple storage areas, each of which is equipped with a container code for the smart container, so that the automated handling robot can locate and retrieve the corresponding smart container according to the container code.

[0038] For example, the shelving system includes multiple storage areas, each capable of storing smart containers. The stored smart containers can be coded and located, including both the code for the smart container within the shelving system and the container code for the smart container itself. An automated handling robot can determine the container code based on transport instructions, thereby identifying the target container's storage area within the shelving system and its specific location within that area, and then retrieve or store the target container from the shelving system.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, the outer shell of the smart container is covered with a flexible material for impact protection; the outer shell of the smart container is provided with a physical anti-interference device to prevent external interference so that the smart container enters a locked closed loop state.

[0040] For example, the outer shell of the smart container is covered with a flexible material, which can be of various types and is not limited here. The flexible material cover can prevent the smart container from being damaged by impact during storage, use, and transportation. The outer shell of the smart container is equipped with a physical anti-interference device to prevent external interference to the smart container itself, including electromagnetic interference, information transmission interference, and physical interference. The function of this physical anti-interference device is to prevent external interference so that the smart container enters a locked closed-loop state. The locked closed-loop state can be a state in which the smart container locks itself and isolates itself from external environmental interference.

[0041] In one embodiment of this application, the smart container delivery system is connected to a user application network via a scheduling platform, enabling the user application to remotely place orders and remotely lock and unlock the smart container delivery system through the scheduling platform.

[0042] For example, a standardized smart container delivery system connects to a user application (user APP) via a network through a scheduling platform. The user APP can interact with the standardized smart container delivery system through the scheduling platform, including making requests, configuring, and controlling it. This includes the user APP remotely placing orders and remotely locking and unlocking containers through the scheduling platform. Remote ordering includes requesting delivery and transportation of smart containers, as well as requesting items to be placed in smart containers and sent to other destinations through a shelf system. Furthermore, the user APP can also send instructions to the smart container delivery system via the network to open the containers in the shelf system, enabling remote locking and unlocking.

[0043] In one embodiment of this application, the smart container includes multiple transport containers with the same volume, or multiple transport containers with different volumes.

[0044] For example, a smart container is a transport container that can be used for transportation. On one hand, each smart container can be identical, having the same volume. The target delivery item can be loaded into any smart container using an operating table. On the other hand, a smart container may comprise multiple transport containers of different volumes, some larger and some smaller. The operating table can place the target delivery item into a suitable smart container based on its size.

[0045] In one embodiment of this application, the central dispatch system is further configured to, upon receiving the delivery task, determine the container code of the target container in the shelf system based on the delivery task, send the container code to the automated handling robot, and simultaneously send a corresponding handling instruction to the automated handling robot; Accordingly, the automated handling robot is further configured to determine the target container based on the container code, and to remove the target container and transport it to the target address indicated by the delivery task according to the handling instruction.

[0046] For example, when the central dispatch system receives a delivery task, it can analyze the task to determine the target delivery item, the target container containing the target delivery item, the location of the target container in the shelving system, and the destination address of the target delivery item. Based on the above information represented by the delivery task, the central dispatch system can determine the container code of the smart container in the shelving system and generate a handling instruction. The container code is sent to the automated handling robot, along with the corresponding handling instruction. Upon receiving the container code and the handling instruction, the automated handling robot determines the specific location of the target container in the shelving system based on the container code, retrieves the target container from the shelving system, and transports the target container to the destination address indicated by the handling instruction.

[0047] Furthermore, the target delivery item can be retrieved from the target container by an automated handling robot, or it can be retrieved by an authenticated user. For smart containers that have already completed the delivery of the target item, the automated handling robot can also retrieve the empty smart container and place it in the corresponding location on the shelf system corresponding to the container code, so that it can be used later.

[0048] In one embodiment of this application, the visual recognition device of the automated transport robot is also used to identify other objects in the road and the travel scene, and to perform obstacle avoidance operations based on the recognition results.

[0049] For example, when an automated transport robot is transporting a target container, it may encounter obstacles, including facilities, people, vehicles, etc. on the transport road. In the travel scenario, the automated transport robot can use its installed visual recognition device to scan, identify, and locate the obstacles, and then perform obstacle avoidance operations based on the recognition results to prevent collisions with the obstacles.

[0050] This application also discloses a smart container delivery method, applied to the aforementioned smart container delivery system, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the delivery method includes the following steps: S100, Obtain delivery task; S200, according to the delivery task, the target delivery item is placed into an empty smart container through the operation workbench, the smart container containing the target delivery item is identified as the target container, and the target container is sealed. The smart container is a transport container with specific specifications and is equipped with a security lock control system, a positioning tag and an identification tag inside. S300, if it is determined that the target container is in a closed state, a transportation instruction for transporting the target container is generated according to the delivery task; S400, the central dispatching system dispatches the automated handling robot according to the transportation instructions; S500, after the automated handling robot moves to the corresponding position of the racking system, the target container is located and identified according to the transport instruction and the container code of the target container, and the target container is gripped. The transport instruction is associated with the container code, the racking system is used to place at least one of the smart containers, and the smart container is encoded to generate a corresponding container code. S600, based on the transport instruction, the target container is transported to the target address using the automated handling robot; S700, the used target container is returned to the designated recycling point for emptying or reuse.

[0051] For example, a smart container is a transport container with specific specifications, which include the same specifications as well as multiple different specific sub-specifications. For instance, each smart container may be identical, or smart containers may be divided into various types such as containers with larger capacities and containers with smaller capacities.

[0052] Because smart containers have specific specifications, they can be managed, transported, and exchange information in a standardized manner. Inside each smart container is a security locking system, a positioning tag, and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) unique identification tag. The security locking system (such as an electric lock) is used to lock the smart container to prevent the loss of the intended delivery item inside. The positioning tag is used to locate the smart container's position.

[0053] Upon receiving a delivery task, the intelligent container delivery system can place the target item into an intelligent container and seal it via an operating workbench, thus identifying the intelligent container as the target container. Specifically, the target item can be placed into the intelligent container manually or using operating equipment on the workbench. The workbench can then be used to seal the intelligent container, including sealing the container itself and enclosing it within the shelving system. The shelving system encodes the intelligent container to generate a corresponding container code, which is used for the location and identification of the intelligent container.

[0054] The automated handling robot is equipped with a vision recognition device, a standard interface gripping mechanism adapted to smart containers, and specific communication equipment. The automated handling robot can achieve a secure communication mechanism with the smart container through this specific communication equipment, thereby enabling secure data exchange, such as identifying the smart container through its identification tag.

[0055] In addition, automated handling robots can locate and identify target containers in the racking system through container coding, and then use a standard interface clamping mechanism on the automated handling robot that is compatible with the smart container to clamp the smart container. Finally, a vision recognition device is used to transport at least one smart container to the destination address.

[0056] The central dispatch system connects to a network of terminals equipped with user applications (user apps) and can receive delivery tasks sent by user apps or other terminals. On one hand, the control console, based on the delivery task, places the target item into a selected smart container and seals it, designating the smart container as the target container. Then, according to the delivery task, it controls an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to retrieve the corresponding target container from the shelving system and transport it to the target address (user-specified location) indicated by the delivery task. On the other hand, the target item has already been pre-placed and sealed in a selected smart container by the control console. Upon receiving a delivery task, the central dispatch system can determine the target container from the smart containers stored in the shelving system, dispatch the AAV, and control the AAV to retrieve the target container from the shelving system and transport it to the target address indicated by the delivery task.

[0057] In one embodiment, the smart container system may also include a weighing device to weigh the target delivery item. The system may also be equipped with disinfection equipment, such as an ultraviolet (UV) device, to disinfect the smart container using ultraviolet light. Furthermore, a QR code may be affixed to the smart container system for labeling.

[0058] This application also provides a delivery system, including the intelligent container delivery system described above, and further including a scheduling platform and a terminal. A user application is installed on the terminal.

[0059] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application within its substance and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An intelligent container delivery system, characterized in that, include: Smart containers are transport containers with specific specifications, equipped with a security locking system, positioning tags, and identification tags inside. An operating table is used to place the target delivery item into the smart container and perform a sealing operation; A shelf system for placing at least one of the smart containers and for encoding the smart containers to generate corresponding container codes, the container codes being used for locating and identifying the smart containers; An automated handling robot is equipped with a visual recognition device, a standard interface clamping mechanism adapted to the smart container, and specific communication equipment. A central dispatch system is used to receive delivery tasks, determine the target container from the smart containers stored in the shelf system according to the delivery tasks, and control the automated handling robot to transport the target container to the target address.

2. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identification tag is an RFID unique identification tag code, used to bind item information and transportation instructions, and used for wireless communication query and locking of the smart container.

3. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated handling robot identifies and locates the target container using the visual recognition device, clamps the target container using the standard interface clamping mechanism to detach it from the shelf system, and transports the target container to the target address indicated by the delivery task.

4. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shelving system includes multiple storage areas, each of which is equipped with a container code for the smart container, so that the automated handling robot can locate and retrieve the corresponding smart container according to the container code.

5. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell of the smart container is covered with a flexible material for impact protection; the outer shell of the smart container is equipped with a physical anti-interference device to prevent external interference so that the smart container can enter a locked closed loop state.

6. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intelligent container delivery system is connected to the user application network through a scheduling platform, enabling the user application to remotely place orders and remotely lock and unlock containers through the scheduling platform.

7. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smart container includes multiple transport containers with the same volume, or multiple transport containers with different volumes.

8. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central dispatch system is further configured to, upon receiving the delivery task, determine the container code of the target container in the shelf system based on the delivery task, send the container code to the automated handling robot, and simultaneously send a corresponding handling instruction to the automated handling robot; Accordingly, the automated handling robot is further configured to determine the target container based on the container code, and to remove the target container and transport it to the target address indicated by the delivery task according to the handling instruction.

9. The intelligent container delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The visual recognition device of the automated transport robot is also used to identify other objects in the road and the travel scene, and to perform obstacle avoidance operations based on the recognition results.

10. A smart container delivery method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain delivery tasks; According to the delivery task, the target delivery item is placed into an empty smart container through the operation workbench. The smart container containing the target delivery item is identified as the target container, and the target container is sealed. The smart container is a transport container with specific specifications and is equipped with a security lock control system, a positioning tag and an identification tag inside. If the target container is determined to be in a closed state, a transportation instruction for transporting the target container is generated according to the delivery task; The central dispatch system dispatches the automated handling robots according to the transport instructions; After the automated handling robot moves to the corresponding position of the racking system, the target container is located and identified according to the transport instruction and the container code of the target container, and the target container is gripped. The transport instruction is associated with the container code, the racking system is used to place at least one of the smart containers, and the smart container is coded to generate a corresponding container code. Based on the transport instructions, the automated handling robot is used to transport the target container to the target address; The used target container will be returned to the designated recycling point for emptying or reuse.

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