Task processing method and device in warehousing operation, server and warehousing system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent warehousing, and discloses a task processing method and device in warehousing operation, a server, a computer readable storage medium and a warehousing system. The method comprises the steps that a source workstation is determined, the source workstation is in a wake state, and if the source workstation is executed according to an original task plan of the source workstation, the source workstation can additionally generate a non-full-load turnover box; a target work station is determined, and the target work station is a work station of which the current turnover box is not fully loaded and can contain goods corresponding to the remaining sorting tasks of the source work station; and the destination workstations of the remaining picking tasks are modified from the source workstations to the target workstations, so that the carrying equipment carries the goods to the target workstations. The utilization rate of workstation resources and container resources is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of intelligent warehousing technology, specifically to a task processing method, apparatus, server, computer-readable storage medium, and warehousing system in warehousing operations. Background Technology

[0002] In collaborative workstation scenarios with no discriminatory workstations in automated warehousing, a passive workstation release mode is typically adopted. This means that a workstation can only be released to receive a new order after it has completed all its assigned tasks step by step. At the same time, the tasks of an order are distributed among multiple workstations, resulting in each workstation needing to occupy an independent turnover box for the collection of goods.

[0003] In the above approach, during the tail wave phase at the end of the operation, a large number of workstations are occupied for a long time due to a small number of remaining tasks, resulting in low utilization of core resources. Furthermore, due to the dispersion of tasks, multiple unloaded turnover boxes are generated, wasting container resources and increasing downstream operation costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, embodiments of this application provide a task processing method, apparatus, server, computer-readable storage medium and warehousing system in warehousing operations to solve the problem of low utilization of workstation resources and container resources in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a task processing method in warehousing operations is provided, the method comprising: Identify the source workstation, wherein the source workstation is in a wake state and, if executed according to its original task plan, will result in the additional generation of unloaded turnover boxes. Identify the target workstation, wherein the target workstation is the workstation whose current tote is not full and can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation; The destination workstation for the remaining picking task is changed from the source workstation to the target workstation, so that the handling equipment can move the goods to the target workstation.

[0006] In one alternative approach, determining the source workstation includes: Periodically monitor the task completion rate and remaining picking task quantity of each workstation; Workstations with a task completion rate higher than the first threshold or a remaining number of picking tasks lower than the second threshold are identified as first candidate workstations. The workstation that would result in additional unfilled turnover boxes if executed according to its original task plan among the first candidate workstations is identified as the source workstation.

[0007] In one alternative approach, identifying the first candidate workstations as the source workstations, if executed according to their original task plan, would result in additional underutilized tote bags. For each first candidate workstation, obtain the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the first candidate workstation, and the container capacity status of the first candidate workstation. Based on the quantity of goods and the capacity of the turnover box, determine whether the first candidate workstation will result in additional unfilled turnover boxes if it executes its original task plan. If the first candidate workstation performs according to its original task plan, it will result in the generation of additional unfilled turnover boxes, then the first candidate workstation will be determined as the source workstation.

[0008] In one alternative approach, determining the target workstation includes: Identify the workstations among all workstations other than the source workstation that are currently not fully loaded with their tote bags; Obtain the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation, and the capacity status of the current tote at the workstation where the current tote is not full; Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, select the workstation from the workstations where the current tote is not full, and choose the workstation corresponding to the remaining picking task of the source workstation that the current tote can accommodate.

[0009] In one optional approach, selecting, based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity status of the tote, a workstation from those workstations where the current tote is not full, that can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation, as the target workstation, includes: Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, determine the workstations from the workstations whose current tote is not full, and identify the workstations whose current tote can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation as the second candidate workstations; If the number of the second candidate workstations is 1, then the second candidate workstation is taken as the target workstation; If the number of second candidate workstations is greater than or equal to 2, then the transport distance for the transport equipment to transport the goods to each of the second candidate workstations is calculated, and the second candidate workstation with the shortest transport distance is determined as the target workstation.

[0010] In one alternative approach, calculating the transport distance by which the transport equipment transports the goods to each of the second candidate workstations includes: If the goods have already been carried by the handling equipment, the distance between the current position of the handling equipment and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance; If the goods have not yet been removed from the shelf location by the handling equipment, the distance between the storage location of the goods and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance.

[0011] In an alternative approach, the method further includes: Clear the to-do list of the source workstation to free up the source workstation.

[0012] In an alternative approach, the method further includes: Generate picking instructions for the target workstation to instruct the operator at the target workstation to place the subsequently arriving goods into the current tote.

[0013] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a task processing apparatus for warehousing operations is provided, comprising: The first determining module is used to determine the source workstation, wherein the source workstation is in the wake state and, if executed according to its original task plan, will result in the additional generation of unloaded turnover boxes. The second determining module is used to determine the target workstation, wherein the target workstation is the goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation that are not currently full and can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation; The modification module is used to change the destination workstation of the remaining picking task from the source workstation to the target workstation, so that the handling equipment can move the goods to the target workstation.

[0014] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a server is provided, including: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores executable instructions, and the processor is capable of executing the executable instructions to implement the task processing method in warehousing operations as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0015] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores executable instructions, which, when executed on a server, cause the server to perform the task processing method in the warehousing operation as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0016] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a warehousing system is provided, comprising: Shelves are used to store goods; Multiple workstations are used to perform order picking tasks; Handling equipment for moving the goods from the shelf to the workstation; and The server as described in the above embodiment.

[0017] In this embodiment, by identifying the source workstation that is in the wake state and is about to generate a turnover box, and dynamically merging its remaining picking tasks into the target workstation where another turnover box with storage space is located, the tasks of the source workstation can be ended in advance, improving the turnover rate of workstation resources. On the other hand, by aggregating scattered demands into existing turnover boxes, the full load rate of turnover boxes is increased, and the number of turnover boxes is reduced, thereby improving the overall efficiency of warehousing operations from two dimensions: space (workstation) and containers (turnover boxes).

[0018] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of this application and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more obvious and understandable, specific implementation methods of this application are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the task processing method in warehousing operations provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a task processing method in warehousing operations according to another embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 This illustration shows a scenario diagram of the wake phase in an implementation of this application; Figure 5 Showing the target Figure 4 The diagram shows the state of a workstation container after the scenario is operated using the traditional method. Figure 6 Showing the target Figure 4 The diagram shown is a workstation container state diagram after operation using the method described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 This illustration shows another scenario diagram of the wake phase in the implementation of this application; Figure 8 Showing the target Figure 7 The diagram shows the state of a workstation container after the scenario is operated using the traditional method. Figure 9 Showing the target Figure 7 The diagram shown is a workstation container state diagram after operation using the method described in the embodiments of this application. Figure 10 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a task processing device in warehousing operations according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the server structure provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0020] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows: Warehousing system 100; racks 10; workstations 20; handling equipment 30; servers 40; processors 42; memory 44; computer programs 46; goods 50. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present application may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0022] Before introducing the embodiments of this application, the relevant technical terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained. It is understood that these explanations are intended to make the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Inventory boxes: These are standardized containers stored on warehouse shelves to hold goods and are the most basic storage units in a warehousing system.

[0024] Turnover box: refers to a container used at a workstation to collect and temporarily store the goods corresponding to a single order.

[0025] Picking: refers to the process of retrieving a specified type and quantity of goods from stored inventory boxes and transferring them to the corresponding tote boxes for orders. Picking operations are typically performed at picking workstations. Taking a picking workstation using a pick wall as an example: the pick wall consists of a large number of slots (also called pick positions), each slot corresponding to an independent order; after an order picking task is triggered, the inventory boxes that are hit are transported from the warehouse shelves to the workstation by handling equipment; at the same time, the tote box at a certain slot on the pick wall will be associated with that order, and the picker will then pick the corresponding goods from the inventory box and put them into the associated tote box.

[0026] Undifferentiated operation mode: refers to a warehouse operation organization strategy. In this mode, the system treats a group of workstations with identical functions and performance as a logical whole, and order tasks can be dynamically and flexibly assigned to any workstation within the group without specifying a particular workstation.

[0027] Indistinguishable workstations: Workstations with completely identical functions that can be interchanged to handle the same type of tasks.

[0028] Batch processing: refers to an order processing strategy. The system aggregates multiple orders accumulated over a period of time into a batch (also known as a wave), performs unified task allocation, sorting and scheduling, and processes them in parallel by a group of workstations to improve overall picking efficiency and resource utilization.

[0029] Wake phase: refers to the later stage of a batch job, where the vast majority of tasks have been completed due to uneven initial task allocation or differences in processing speed among workstations, but a few workstations still have a small number of unfinished tasks remaining. It is also known as the end of the job.

[0030] Wake wave state: refers to the state in the later stage of batch operation, where the task completion rate of a certain workstation is already very high, or the number of remaining tasks is very small.

[0031] Turnover container / Unfulfilled turnover container: refers to a turnover container whose actual number of goods loaded inside does not reach its maximum capacity when the batch operation is completed.

[0032] Remaining picking tasks: These are tasks that have been assigned to a workstation at a certain time but have not yet started or are in progress (e.g., goods are already in transit).

[0033] In modern automated warehousing systems, especially in scenarios employing collaborative operations with indistinguishable workstations, a passive workstation release mode is commonly used. In this mode, the picking task for an order is assigned to multiple workstations with identical functions for parallel processing. Each workstation must complete all its assigned tasks before it can be released by the system to accept a new order.

[0034] However, this model suffers from efficiency bottlenecks in the tail phase. First, due to differences in task allocation or processing speed, some workstations may have only a few tasks remaining, yet they occupy workstation resources for extended periods while waiting for these tasks to complete, resulting in low workstation utilization. Second, because tasks are dispersed, each workstation occupies at least one tote to collect goods. Towards the end of the operation, many workstations have tote boxes that are not fully loaded (i.e., empty tote boxes). The system lacks proactive identification and intelligent intervention measures for these tail-phase inefficiencies, and can only passively wait for the process to end naturally, resulting in a large number of empty tote boxes. This not only wastes container resources but also increases the cost and complexity of subsequent packaging and transportation. How to improve the resource utilization efficiency of workstations and containers is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0035] The inventors discovered that, during the wake phase, if the remaining picking tasks of a workstation (i.e., the source workstation) whose tasks are about to be completed (i.e., in the wake phase) and whose remaining picking tasks will result in the creation of new turnover boxes are dynamically transferred to another workstation (i.e., the target workstation) whose current turnover box is not full and has the capacity to accommodate the goods corresponding to these tasks, this not only clears the task queue of the source workstation, releasing it, but also gathers scattered goods into the turnover box of the target workstation, improving the turnover box's full load rate and reducing the generation of unnecessary turnover boxes. Here, the current turnover box refers to the turnover box that the workstation is currently using, that is, the turnover box currently used to receive goods.

[0036] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a task processing method in warehousing operations. By proactively merging end-of-life containers, the utilization rate of workstation resources and end-of-life containers can be optimized simultaneously. Embodiments of this application can be applied to warehousing systems, such as automated or semi-automated intelligent warehousing and logistics centers, and are particularly suitable for order picking scenarios employing undifferentiated operation modes in batch operations.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an embodiment of this application is shown. (Reference) Figure 1 The warehousing system 100 of this application embodiment may include shelves 10, workstations 20, handling equipment 30, and servers 40. The number of shelves 10, workstations 20, and handling equipment 30 are all multiple.

[0038] Shelf 10 is used to store goods, which can be measured in Stock Keeping Units (SKUs).

[0039] The handling equipment 30 is used, under the control of the system, to retrieve goods (e.g., inventory boxes loaded with goods) from designated locations on the shelf 10 and transport them to designated workstations 40. The handling equipment 30 includes, but is not limited to, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), bin handling robots, conveyor lines, and other automated transportation devices.

[0040] Multiple workstations 20 are non-discriminatory workstations. Each workstation 20 is typically equipped with an operator or automated robotic arm responsible for placing goods into designated tote boxes.

[0041] Server 40, serving as the system's control center, includes a processor and memory. Server 40 runs software systems such as the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Warehouse Control System (WCS), and is responsible for order splitting, task allocation, route scheduling, and executing task processing methods in the warehousing operations described in this embodiment. Server 40 communicates with workstation 20 and handling equipment 30 via a network.

[0042] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the task processing method in warehousing operations provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The following will be combined with... Figure 2 The flowchart shown illustrates in detail the task processing method in warehousing operations according to embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that... Figure 2 The steps shown are merely an exemplary process; the order of the steps may be adjusted in some cases, or some steps may be executed in parallel. Reference Figure 2 The method includes the following steps: S21: Determine the source workstation.

[0043] The source workstation is in a wake state, and if it were to execute its original task plan, it would result in additional workstations with underutilized turnover boxes. By identifying the source workstation, the workstations with inefficient current operating modes are selected from multiple workstations, so that the overall efficiency of the workstations can be optimized in subsequent steps through task transfer.

[0044] In some embodiments, step S21 further includes the following steps: S211: Periodically monitor the task completion rate and remaining picking task quantity of each workstation; S212: Identify workstations with a task completion rate higher than the first threshold or a remaining number of picking tasks lower than the second threshold as first candidate workstations; S213: The workstation in the first candidate workstation that would result in additional unfilled turnover boxes if executed according to its original task plan is identified as the source workstation.

[0045] In step S211, the server periodically monitors the task status of each workstation, for example, by acquiring the task status of each workstation every few seconds or minutes, and obtaining its task completion rate and the number of remaining picking tasks.

[0046] The server pre-sets judgment thresholds for filtering source workstations. These thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold. The first threshold is used to determine the task completion rate, and the second threshold is used to determine the number of remaining picking tasks. In step S212, workstations with a task completion rate higher than the first threshold or a number of remaining picking tasks lower than the second threshold are initially screened as first candidate workstations. If a workstation meets either the condition of a task completion rate higher than the first threshold or a number of remaining picking tasks lower than the second threshold, it indicates that the workstation's task is about to be completed for the current batch of operations, and it is in the tail end state, thus qualifying for inclusion in the candidate list of source workstations. This method allows for simple and efficient initial screening of source workstations.

[0047] In step S213, each first candidate workstation is further evaluated: for each first candidate workstation, the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the first candidate workstation (i.e., the total amount of remaining goods) and the capacity status of the turnover boxes of the first candidate workstation are obtained; based on the quantity of goods and the capacity status of the turnover boxes, it is determined whether the first candidate workstation will generate additional unfilled turnover boxes if it executes its original task plan; if the first candidate workstation will generate additional unfilled turnover boxes if it executes its original task plan, then the first candidate workstation is determined as the source workstation, otherwise the first candidate workstation is not determined as the source workstation (execution according to the original task plan will not generate turnover boxes).

[0048] The container capacity status of the first candidate workstation refers to the remaining capacity of its current container. This remaining capacity can be calculated based on the total capacity and loaded amount of the first candidate workstation's current containers. If the total remaining cargo volume is greater than the remaining capacity of the current container, it means that executing the original plan requires using a new container. Furthermore, due to the current wake state, the new container will not be fully filled, resulting in a leftover container. If the loaded amount of the current container is 0 (equivalent to the current container not being used), and the total remaining cargo volume is less than the total capacity of the current container, it means that executing the original plan requires using the current container, but this container will also not be fully filled, resulting in a leftover container. Workstations that meet the above conditions are in the wake state and will generate leftover containers according to the original plan; such workstations are selected as the task originator.

[0049] Using the above methods, it is possible to efficiently and accurately identify source workstations suitable for task merging from a large number of workstations.

[0050] The specific values ​​of the first and second thresholds can be set based on the actual operating scale of the warehouse, order characteristics, historical efficiency data, and management strategies. For example, the first threshold can range from 85% to 95%, preferably 90%. Setting the first threshold too low may prematurely identify a tail wave, leading to frequent merger operations with little benefit, while setting it too high may miss the optimal timing for merger intervention. The second threshold ranges from 1 to 5. Conversely, setting the second threshold too high may prematurely identify a tail wave, while setting it too low may miss the optimal timing for merger intervention.

[0051] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above threshold can be a static value preset by the system, or an adaptive value that can be dynamically adjusted according to real-time operation data (such as overall batch progress and average processing speed of workstations). The selection and adjustment strategy of the specific value should not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] S22: Identify the target workstation.

[0053] The target workstation is the workstation whose current tote is not full and can accommodate the remaining picking tasks from the source workstation, making the consolidation operation feasible. By identifying the target workstation for receiving tasks transferred from the source workstation, goods are consolidated into the tote of the target workstation, improving the tote's fullness rate and reducing unnecessary tote tails.

[0054] In some embodiments, step S22 may include the following sub-steps: S221: Identify the workstations among all workstations except the source workstation that are not currently full of turnover boxes; S222: Obtain the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation, and the current capacity status of the current tote in the workstation where the tote is not full; S223: Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, select the workstation that can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation from the workstations where the current tote is not full, and use it as the target workstation.

[0055] In step S221, from all workstations except the source workstation, it is determined which workstations are currently using containers that are not fully loaded. These workstations are considered potential recipients (hereinafter referred to as potential recipient workstations). If a workstation is currently fully loaded with containers, transferring the task to that workstation will also require the activation of a new container, which will not achieve the goal of increasing the container load rate and reducing the generation of unnecessary containers.

[0056] In step S222, the total remaining cargo volume of the source workstation is obtained. The current capacity status of the turnover box of the potential receiving workstation refers to the remaining capacity of the current turnover box. The remaining capacity can be calculated based on the total capacity of the current turnover box of the workstation and the loaded amount, thereby knowing the remaining capacity of the current turnover box of the workstation.

[0057] Step S223 selects workstations from potential receiving workstations whose remaining capacity of the current tote boxes is greater than or equal to the total remaining cargo volume of the source workstation. These workstations are then designated as the final target workstations for the receiving task. This ensures that merging the tote boxes will not lead to overloading of the tote boxes in the target workstations, thus avoiding the need to generate additional tote boxes. It also ensures the feasibility of merging and optimizes resource utilization efficiency. Step S221 first identifies workstations whose tote boxes are not currently full. Then, steps S222 and S223 determine which tote boxes among the not-full tote boxes are sufficient to hold the transferred cargo. This eliminates the need to assess all workstations, improving processing efficiency.

[0058] If there is only one potential receiving workstation with a current remaining capacity of the tote bag greater than or equal to the total remaining cargo volume of the source workstation, then that workstation can undoubtedly be directly identified as the target workstation. However, if there are multiple such workstations, it is necessary to select one as the target workstation. In a preferred embodiment, the target workstation can be selected from multiple potential receiving workstations based on the principle of the shortest handling distance. Step S223 may further include the following steps: S2231: Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, determine the workstations from the workstations whose tote is not full and whose tote can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation, and use them as the second candidate workstations. S2232: If the number of second candidate workstations is 1, then the second candidate workstation will be used as the target workstation; S2233: If the number of second candidate workstations is greater than or equal to 2, calculate the transport distance for the transport equipment to transport the goods to each second candidate workstation, and determine the second candidate workstation with the shortest transport distance as the target workstation.

[0059] When calculating the handling distance, the current status of the goods must be considered: if the goods have been carried by the handling equipment, the distance between the current position of the handling equipment and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance; if the goods have not yet been taken out of the shelf location by the handling equipment, the distance between the storage location of the goods and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance.

[0060] "Goods already carried by the handling equipment" means the goods have been retrieved by the equipment and are en route (i.e., in transit). In this case, the distance from the real-time location of the handling equipment to each of the second candidate workstations is calculated. If the goods have not yet been retrieved and are still on the shelf, the distance from the location of the goods to each of the second candidate workstations is calculated. The calculated distances are then compared, and the second candidate workstation with the shortest distance is determined as the final target workstation. The location of the handling equipment can be achieved using various known technologies, which will not be described in detail here. The above method comprehensively considers the real-time status of task execution when calculating the handling distance, which is closer to the actual physical process and improves the accuracy of the calculated distance.

[0061] In the above methods, selecting the target workstation based on the principle of the shortest transport distance can minimize the additional travel costs and time delays of the transport equipment, ensuring the highest execution efficiency of the merging operation.

[0062] S23: Change the destination workstation of the remaining picking task from the source workstation to the target workstation so that the handling equipment can move the goods to the target workstation.

[0063] This step redirects the tasks to consolidate leftover boxes. Specifically, the server updates the "Destination Workstation" field value associated with the remaining picking tasks in the task queue or database from the source workstation's ID to the target workstation's ID. Simultaneously, it sends new navigation instructions to the handling equipment currently moving the corresponding goods, changing its destination to the target workstation. For goods that have not yet been moved, their destination is directly set to the target workstation when their handling tasks are generated.

[0064] This application embodiment identifies source workstations that are in a wake state and about to generate turnover boxes, and dynamically merges their remaining picking tasks into a target workstation where another turnover box with storage space is located. On the one hand, it can end the tasks of the source workstation in advance, improving the turnover rate of workstation resources. On the other hand, by aggregating scattered demands into existing turnover boxes, it increases the full load rate of turnover boxes and reduces the number of turnover boxes, thereby improving the overall efficiency of warehousing operations from two dimensions: space (workstation) and containers (turnover boxes).

[0065] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a task processing method in warehousing operations according to another embodiment of this application is shown. (Reference) Figure 3 The method includes the following steps: S31: Determine the source workstation.

[0066] S32: Identify the target workstation.

[0067] S33: Change the destination workstation of the remaining picking task from the source workstation to the target workstation so that the handling equipment can move the goods to the target workstation.

[0068] The specific implementation process of steps S31 to S33 is the same as that of S21 to S23, and can be referred to the previous description.

[0069] S34: Clear the to-do list of the source workstation to free up the source workstation.

[0070] After steps S31-S33, task redirection is completed. Then, in step S34, the system triggers the source workstation to actively "remove from the wall" to release workstation resources. Once all pending tasks (including those already transferred) on the source workstation are cleared, the server's resource management module immediately detects this status, determines that the workstation's job is complete, and generates a release command to unbind the workstation from the current order tasks (i.e., remove it from the wall), allowing it to immediately accept new order tasks. This method of immediately releasing the source workstation solves the problem of workstation resources being ineffectively locked during the wake phase, improving the turnover rate of workstation resources.

[0071] S35: Generate picking instructions for the target workstation, instructing the operator at the target workstation to place subsequently arriving goods into the current tote.

[0072] Picking workstations are typically equipped with operating terminals to instruct operators. The server sends picking instructions to the terminal at the target workstation, informing the operator that new goods will arrive and need to be placed in the current tote. These picking instructions guide the operator to place goods in the current tote, improving the accuracy of picking operations and increasing the tote's full capacity. Goods that would otherwise need to be stored in two separate totes at the source and target workstations are consolidated into a single tote at the target workstation, increasing the tote's final load capacity, reducing the total number of empty totes, and improving container utilization and downstream operational efficiency.

[0073] Steps S34 and S35 can be executed in parallel, or step S34 can be executed first and then step S35, or step S35 can be executed first and then step S34. This application does not limit this.

[0074] The technical solution of this application will be further illustrated through several specific scenarios below.

[0075] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a scenario of the wake phase in an implementation of this application. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Demonstrated targeting Figure 4 The scenario shown compares the workstation container status after operation using the traditional method and the method described in this application embodiment. Figure 5 The diagram shows the status of the workstation container after operation using the traditional method. Figure 6 A diagram showing the state of a workstation container after operation according to an embodiment of this application is presented. The cargo in the diagram is labeled 50.

[0076] refer to Figure 4 The total capacity of the current turnover box W1 at the first workstation is 4, and the number of goods loaded is 2, so its remaining capacity is 2, and the number of goods in transit at this workstation is 0; the total capacity of the current turnover box W2 at the second workstation is 4, and the number of goods loaded is 0 (that is, empty boxes that have not yet been used), so its remaining capacity is 4, and the number of goods in transit at this workstation is 2.

[0077] refer to Figure 5 Using the traditional method, the goods en route to the second workstation are moved to the second workstation according to the plan. The current status of the turnover box W2 at the second workstation changes to 2 loaded goods and 2 remaining capacity, which is equivalent to creating a turnover tail box. The final state is: the first workstation and the second workstation each have a turnover tail box (half full).

[0078] refer to Figure 6 Using the method described in this application embodiment, the tasks corresponding to the in-transit goods at the second workstation are transferred to the first workstation. Correspondingly, the in-transit goods are moved to the first workstation, causing the current tote W1 of the first workstation to load 4 items, changing its status to full. Meanwhile, the current tote W2 of the second workstation is not activated. The final state is that neither the first nor the second workstation has any empty tote boxes. By merging the remaining picking tasks of the second workstation to the first workstation, the second workstation is released and no empty tote boxes are generated, while the tote boxes of the first workstation are filled, thus optimizing resource utilization.

[0079] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates another scenario of the wake phase in an implementation of this application. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Demonstrated targeting Figure 7 The scenario shown compares the states after operation using the traditional method and the method described in this application's embodiment, where... Figure 8 The diagram shows the status of the workstation container after operation using the traditional method. Figure 9 The diagram shows the state of a workstation container after operation using the embodiments of this application.

[0080] refer to Figure 7 The total capacity of the current turnover box W1 at the first workstation is 9, and the number of goods loaded is 8, so its remaining capacity is 1. The number of goods in transit at this workstation is 8. The total capacity of the current turnover box W2 at the second workstation is 9, and the number of goods loaded is 1, so its remaining capacity is 8.

[0081] refer to Figure 8 Using the traditional method, the goods in transit at the first workstation are moved there according to plan. The current tow box W1 at the first workstation cannot hold all the goods in transit, so a new tow box W3 is needed to hold the extra item. The remaining capacity of the new tow box W3 is 8, which is equivalent to creating a leftover tow box. The second workstation also has a leftover tow box. The final state is: the first and second workstations each have one leftover tow box.

[0082] refer to Figure 9 Using the method described in this application embodiment, the tasks corresponding to the in-transit goods at the first workstation are transferred to the second workstation. Correspondingly, the in-transit goods are moved to the second workstation, causing the current tote W2 at the second workstation to be loaded with 9 items, changing its status to full. The final state is: the first workstation has one empty tote, but the second workstation has no empty tote. By merging the remaining picking tasks of the first workstation to the second workstation, the first workstation is freed up and the number of empty tote boxes is reduced, thus optimizing resource utilization.

[0083] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a task processing device in warehousing operations provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 10 As shown, the task processing device 300 in this warehousing operation includes: The first determining module 310 is used to determine the source workstation, wherein the source workstation is in the wake state and, if executed according to its original task plan, will result in the additional generation of unloaded turnover boxes. The second determining module 320 is used to determine the target workstation, wherein the target workstation is the goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation that are not currently full and can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation. Modify module 330 to change the destination workstation of the remaining picking tasks from the source workstation to the target workstation, so that the handling equipment can move the goods to the target workstation.

[0084] In some embodiments, determining the source workstation includes: Periodically monitor the task completion rate and remaining picking task quantity of each workstation; Workstations with a task completion rate higher than the first threshold or a remaining number of picking tasks lower than the second threshold are identified as first candidate workstations. The workstation that would result in additional unfilled turnover boxes if executed according to its original task plan among the first candidate workstations is identified as the source workstation.

[0085] In some embodiments, identifying the first candidate workstations as the source workstations, if executed according to their original task plan, would result in additional unfilled tote bags. For each first candidate workstation, obtain the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the first candidate workstation, and the container capacity status of the first candidate workstation. Based on the quantity of goods and the capacity of the turnover box, determine whether the first candidate workstation will result in additional unfilled turnover boxes if it executes its original task plan. If the first candidate workstation performs according to its original task plan, it will result in the generation of additional unfilled turnover boxes, then the first candidate workstation will be determined as the source workstation.

[0086] In some embodiments, determining the target workstation includes: Identify the workstations among all workstations other than the source workstation that are currently not fully loaded with their tote bags; Obtain the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation, and the capacity status of the current tote at the workstation where the current tote is not full; Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, select the workstation from the workstations where the current tote is not full, and choose the workstation corresponding to the remaining picking task of the source workstation that the current tote can accommodate.

[0087] In some embodiments, selecting a workstation from among workstations where the current tote is not full, based on the quantity of goods and the current tote's capacity status, that can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation, as the target workstation, includes: Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, determine the workstations from the workstations whose current tote is not full, and identify the workstations whose current tote can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation as the second candidate workstations; If the number of the second candidate workstations is 1, then the second candidate workstation is taken as the target workstation; If the number of second candidate workstations is greater than or equal to 2, then the transport distance for the transport equipment to transport the goods to each of the second candidate workstations is calculated, and the second candidate workstation with the shortest transport distance is determined as the target workstation.

[0088] In some embodiments, calculating the transport distance by which the transport equipment transports the goods to each of the second candidate workstations includes: If the goods have already been carried by the handling equipment, the distance between the current position of the handling equipment and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance; If the goods have not yet been removed from the shelf location by the handling equipment, the distance between the storage location of the goods and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance.

[0089] In some embodiments, the device 300 further includes: The clear module is used to clear the to-do list of the source workstation in order to release the source workstation.

[0090] In some embodiments, the device 300 further includes: A generation module is used to generate picking instructions for the target workstation, instructing the operator at the target workstation to place subsequently arriving goods into the current tote.

[0091] The task processing device 300 in the warehousing operation of this application embodiment also includes other modules for performing the steps of the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0092] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the server structure provided in an embodiment of this application is shown, as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the server 40 may include a processor 42 and a memory 44.

[0093] The memory 44 is used to store the computer program 46. The memory 44 may include high-speed RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk drive. The computer program 46 may include computer-executable instructions.

[0094] The processor 42 is used to execute the computer program 46 to implement the above-described embodiment of the task processing method in warehousing operations.

[0095] Processor 42 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this application. Server 40 may include one or more processors of the same type, such as one or more CPUs; or it may include processors of different types, such as one or more CPUs and one or more ASICs.

[0096] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the task processing method embodiment described above in warehousing operations.

[0097] This application provides a computer program that can be executed by a processor to implement the task processing method embodiment in the above-described warehousing operation.

[0098] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the task processing method embodiment in the above-described warehousing operation.

[0099] In the several embodiments provided in this application, any function, if implemented as a software functional module / unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the technical solution of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or other electronic device) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing computer program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0100] The algorithms or displays provided herein are not inherently related to any particular computer, virtual system, or other device. Various general-purpose systems can also be used in conjunction with the teachings herein. The required structure for constructing such systems is apparent from the above description. Furthermore, the embodiments of this application are not directed to any particular programming language. It should be understood that the content of this application described herein can be implemented using various programming languages, and the above description of specific languages ​​is for the purpose of disclosing the best mode of implementation of this application.

[0101] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of this application and not restrictive, and those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. This application can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In claims enumerating several means, several units or modules of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names. The steps in the above embodiments, unless otherwise specified, should not be construed as limiting the order of execution.

[0102] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A task processing method in warehousing operations, characterized in that, The method includes: Identify the source workstation, wherein the source workstation is in a wake state and, if executed according to its original task plan, will result in the additional generation of unloaded turnover boxes. Identify the target workstation, wherein the target workstation is the workstation whose current tote is not full and can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation; The destination workstation for the remaining picking task is changed from the source workstation to the target workstation, so that the handling equipment can move the goods to the target workstation.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The identified source workstation includes: Periodically monitor the task completion rate and remaining picking task quantity of each workstation; Workstations with a task completion rate higher than the first threshold or a remaining number of picking tasks lower than the second threshold are identified as first candidate workstations. The workstation that would result in additional unfilled turnover boxes if executed according to its original task plan among the first candidate workstations is identified as the source workstation.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of identifying the first candidate workstations as the source workstations, if executed according to their original task plan, would result in additional underutilized turnover boxes. For each first candidate workstation, obtain the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the first candidate workstation, and the capacity status of the tote bag of the first candidate workstation. Based on the quantity of goods and the capacity of the turnover box, determine whether the first candidate workstation will result in additional unfilled turnover boxes if it executes its original task plan. If the first candidate workstation performs according to its original task plan, it will result in the generation of additional unfilled turnover boxes, then the first candidate workstation will be determined as the source workstation.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the target workstation includes: Identify the workstations among all workstations other than the source workstation that are currently not fully loaded with their tote bags; Obtain the quantity of goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation, and the capacity status of the current tote at the workstation where the current tote is not full; Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, select the workstation from the workstations where the current tote is not full, and choose the workstation corresponding to the remaining picking task of the source workstation that the current tote can accommodate.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of selecting, based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity status of the tote, a workstation from among the workstations where the current tote is not full, the workstation corresponding to the remaining picking task of the source workstation, as the target workstation, includes: Based on the quantity of goods and the current capacity of the tote, determine the workstations from the workstations whose current tote is not full, and identify the workstations whose current tote can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation as the second candidate workstations; If the number of the second candidate workstations is 1, then the second candidate workstation is taken as the target workstation; If the number of second candidate workstations is greater than or equal to 2, then the transport distance for the transport equipment to transport the goods to each of the second candidate workstations is calculated, and the second candidate workstation with the shortest transport distance is determined as the target workstation.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The calculation of the transport distance by which the transport equipment transports the goods to each of the second candidate workstations includes: If the goods have already been carried by the handling equipment, the distance between the current position of the handling equipment and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance; If the goods have not yet been removed from the shelf location by the handling equipment, the distance between the storage location of the goods and each of the second candidate workstations is calculated to obtain the handling distance.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Clear the to-do list of the source workstation to free up the source workstation.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Generate picking instructions for the target workstation to instruct the operator at the target workstation to place the subsequently arriving goods into the current tote.

9. A task processing device for warehousing operations, characterized in that, include: The first determining module is used to determine the source workstation, wherein the source workstation is in the wake state and, if executed according to its original task plan, will result in the additional generation of unloaded turnover boxes. The second determining module is used to determine the target workstation, wherein the target workstation is the goods corresponding to the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation that are not currently full and can accommodate the remaining picking tasks of the source workstation; The modification module is used to change the destination workstation of the remaining picking task from the source workstation to the target workstation, so that the handling equipment can move the goods to the target workstation.

10. A server, characterized in that, include: A processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores executable instructions, and the processor is capable of executing the executable instructions to implement the task processing method in the warehousing operation as described in any one of claims 1-8.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores executable instructions, which, when executed on the server, cause the server to perform the task processing method in the warehousing operation as described in any one of claims 1-8.

12. A warehousing system, characterized in that, include: Shelves are used to store goods; Multiple workstations are used to perform order picking tasks; Handling equipment for moving the goods from the shelf to the workstation; as well as The server as described in claim 10.

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