A method and apparatus for sorting articles

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of article sorting method and device, it is related to computer technical field.The specific embodiment of the method includes: obtaining target order to be handled and starting point;According to the multiple target articles included in target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target article respectively, determine to be sorted area;According to starting point, to-be-sorted area and preset route planning strategy, generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to target order;Wherein, sorting task indicates one or more target sorting articles, and the sorting route corresponding to target sorting article.This embodiment can flexibly determine to-be-sorted area based on the storage location coordinates of target article included in target order.And by obtaining real-time starting point, can start sorting task from any position, avoid the invalid sorting process of no task in prior art, greatly improve sorting efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computer technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for sorting items. Background Technology

[0002] In existing warehouse sorting processes, the warehouse typically receives an order, locates the items within that order, and then generates multiple sorting tasks based on the entire order. Each sorting task starts from the same fixed starting point, follows a pre-defined sorting route, and then transports the sorted items to a verification station for the next step. This sorting process not only fails to adapt to changes in the items as they are picked, but also leaves workers with no tasks while returning from the verification station to the starting point after picking. Therefore, the sorting efficiency is very low, and the flexibility is poor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for sorting items. Based on the storage coordinates of the target items included in the target order, the sorting area can be flexibly determined, so that each sorting task does not need to be sorted according to a set single sorting route. Moreover, by obtaining the starting point and generating sorting tasks based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy, sorting tasks can start from any position, avoiding the invalid sorting process without tasks in the prior art, and greatly improving sorting efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sorting items is provided.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for sorting items, comprising: obtaining a target order to be processed and a starting point; determining a sorting area based on a plurality of target items included in the target order and storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item; generating one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and a preset route planning strategy; wherein the sorting task indicates one or more target sorting items and a sorting route corresponding to the target sorting items.

[0006] Optionally, obtaining the target order to be processed and the starting point includes: in response to a sorting instruction received from a handheld device that indicates reverse sorting of items, obtaining the historical scanning records of the handheld device; determining the target historical scanning record that is closest to the current time from the historical scanning records; obtaining the verification station identifier from the target historical scanning record, and using the verification station position corresponding to the verification station identifier as the starting point.

[0007] Optionally, obtaining the target order to be processed and the starting position further includes: obtaining the target order to be processed and the starting position further includes: in response to the shelf identifier received from the handheld device, using the shelf position corresponding to the shelf identifier as the starting position.

[0008] Optionally, obtaining the target order to be processed and the starting point includes: obtaining multiple orders to be processed and the order wave corresponding to each order to be processed; sorting the multiple orders to be processed by time according to the order wave to generate a sorting result; and determining the target order from the multiple orders to be processed according to the sorting result.

[0009] Optionally, determining the sorting area based on the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item includes: determining the sorting area to which each target item belongs based on the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item; and calculating the sorting area based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the horizontal coordinate and the maximum and minimum values ​​of the vertical coordinate in each sorting area.

[0010] Optionally, generating one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy includes: inputting the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy into a pre-trained neural network model, solving for the sorting task according to preset constraints; wherein, the objective function of the neural network model is the shortest path; the preset constraints include at least one of the following: the execution time of the sorting task does not exceed a preset time, the number of sorting tasks corresponding to each order does not exceed a preset number, and the sorting task is preferentially determined for target orders with earlier order waves.

[0011] Optionally, the volume and weight of each target item are obtained; the step of generating one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy includes: generating one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, the volume and weight of the target items, and the preset route planning strategy.

[0012] Optionally, the method further includes: setting corresponding weights for each preset constraint; and solving the neural network model based on each preset constraint and its corresponding weight.

[0013] Optionally, the method further includes: determining a corresponding target sorting personnel for each sorting task; and sequentially sending the target sorting items in the sorting task to the handheld device of the target sorting personnel, so that the target sorting personnel can sort the target sorting items sequentially.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, according to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for sorting items is provided.

[0015] An item sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0016] The acquisition module is used to acquire the target order to be processed and its starting position;

[0017] The determination module is used to determine the sorting area based on the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item.

[0018] The generation module is used to generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy; wherein the sorting task indicates one or more target sorting items and the sorting route corresponding to the target sorting items.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, according to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device for sorting items is provided.

[0020] An electronic device for sorting items according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more programs, wherein when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement an item sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] To achieve the above objectives, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided.

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements a method for sorting items according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided.

[0024] A computer program product according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, it implements an item sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] One embodiment of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: Based on the storage coordinates of the target items included in the target order, the sorting area can be flexibly determined, so that each sorting task does not need to be sorted according to a set single sorting route. Moreover, by obtaining the starting point and generating sorting tasks based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy, sorting tasks can start from any position, avoiding the invalid sorting process without tasks in the prior art, and greatly improving sorting efficiency.

[0026] The further effects of the aforementioned unconventional alternative methods will be explained below in conjunction with specific implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention. Wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting task process in existing technology;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of the item sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention to a reverse sorting process;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main process of the item sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main process for obtaining target orders to be processed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the sorting area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main process for calculating the sorting area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the coordinates of each sorting area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination of the starting position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a specific process for generating a sorting task according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the display interface of an RF scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11This is a detailed flowchart illustrating the item sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the main modules of an item sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 This is an exemplary system architecture diagram in which embodiments of the present invention can be applied;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing terminal devices or servers of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present invention, including various details to aid understanding. These details should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0043] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0044] It should be noted that the collection, gathering, updating, analysis, processing, use, transmission, and storage of user personal information involved in this disclosed technical solution all comply with relevant laws and regulations, are used for legitimate purposes, and do not violate public order and good morals. Necessary measures are taken to prevent unauthorized access to user personal information data and to safeguard user personal information security, network security, and national security.

[0045] In existing technologies, common sorting tasks include... Figure 1 As shown, taking the fixed starting point at the bottom right corner as an example, the sorting personnel need to perform forward sorting from the fixed starting point at the bottom right corner according to the preset sorting route. Figure 1 (Solid line in the middle), and after sorting, the sorted items are transported to the verification station on the left for the next verification process. Then, the sorting personnel need to return from the verification station to the fixed starting point to perform another forward sorting task. Since the verification station and the fixed starting point are usually far apart, the sorting personnel need to spend a considerable amount of time returning from the verification station to the fixed starting point, and during the return process (… Figure 1In the dashed line (in the middle), the sorting personnel are not performing any sorting tasks, resulting in wasted time and reduced sorting efficiency. To address the problems in the prior art, this invention provides a method for sorting items, particularly applicable to the reverse sorting process after forward sorting, i.e., as shown in the example... Figure 2 As shown, after completing forward delivery (solid line), sorting personnel can directly receive new sorting tasks from the verification station (verification station 1) and proceed along the new sorting route (dashed line) from one verification station (verification station 1) to another verification station (verification station 4) after completing the sorting. It is understood that multiple verification stations are typically set up during the sorting process to accommodate the verification of large quantities of goods. Therefore, the item sorting method provided by this invention, when applied to reverse sorting processes, can effectively avoid wasting time on unassigned routes, thereby improving sorting efficiency.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main steps of an item sorting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the item sorting method of this invention mainly includes the following steps:

[0048] Step S301: Obtain the target order to be processed and its starting point;

[0049] Step S302: Determine the sorting area based on the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item;

[0050] Step S303: Generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy; wherein, the sorting task indicates one or more target sorting items and the sorting route corresponding to the target sorting items.

[0051] Here, the pending target orders refer to the orders that need to be sorted in the current sorting cycle. Due to the large number of orders, not all pending orders need to be sorted in the current sorting cycle. Instead, based on different user order times and delivery time requirements, all pending orders can be divided into sorting batches to determine the target orders to be sorted in each sorting cycle. In one optional embodiment, the process of obtaining the pending target orders in step S301 can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it includes:

[0052] Step S401: Obtain multiple pending orders and the order wave corresponding to each pending order;

[0053] Step S402: Sort multiple pending orders by time according to order wave and generate sorting results;

[0054] Step S403: Determine one or more target orders from the multiple pending orders based on the sorting results.

[0055] The order wave indicates the time when an order needs to be shipped out. Based on the shipping time, orders that need to be shipped out first can be prioritized as target orders for processing. For example, after determining the sorting results of multiple pending orders according to their shipping times, the top N pending orders can be selected as target orders based on a preset order processing quantity N.

[0056] Specifically, each pending order may correspond to one or more target items. Therefore, for a target order that may include multiple pending orders, there will also be multiple target items. Since each target item is stored on a different storage shelf, this embodiment of the invention first determines the sorting area based on the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item. This can significantly reduce the path planning range of the current sorting cycle, eliminating the need to plan the path for all pending orders across the entire warehouse area. For example, taking a target order that includes three pending orders: pending order 1 (item a and item b); pending order 2 (item a and item c); and pending order 3 (item a, item b, and item c), then the target items included in the target order are item a, item b, and item c. Figure 5 Using the black dots as examples, we will explain the shelf locations (storage coordinates) of items a, b, and c respectively. We find that items a, b, and c only exist in the left half of the first, second, and third rows of shelves. Therefore, it is not necessary to follow the... Figure 2 The sorting process uses an S-shaped pattern, requiring only the sorting route to be determined in the left half of the sorting area. This reduces unattended sorting and further improves sorting efficiency. Understandably, Figure 5 The sorting route is determined by the black spots (i.e., the storage coordinates corresponding to multiple target items). Therefore, the sorting area determined by each sorting band is different based on the different target orders, realizing flexible settings based on target orders.

[0057] In an optional embodiment, the item sorting method provided by the present invention can be as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it includes:

[0058] Step S601: Obtain multiple pending orders and the order wave corresponding to each pending order;

[0059] Step S602: Sort multiple pending orders by time according to order wave and generate sorting results;

[0060] Step S603: Select the top ten pending orders from the sorting results as target orders;

[0061] Step S604: Obtain the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage coordinates corresponding to each target item;

[0062] Step S605: Determine the sorting area to which each target item belongs based on the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item;

[0063] Step S606: Calculate the sorting area based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the horizontal coordinate and the maximum and minimum values ​​of the vertical coordinate in each sorting area.

[0064] Specifically, multiple pre-defined sorting areas were pre-divided for all the storage racks in the warehouse. For example, every three racks horizontally constituted a pre-defined sorting area. Figure 1 The shelves are divided into: Row A, Row B, Row C, Row D, etc., and each sorting area corresponds to four vertex coordinates, such as... Figure 7 As shown. From Figure 7 As can be seen, each sorting area corresponds to the coordinates of four vertices of the shelf, such as Ⅰ (7,12), Ⅱ (7,34), Ⅲ (69,34), and Ⅳ (69,12). Any location within the warehouse can be used as the zero point of these coordinates; this invention does not impose specific limitations on this. Different sorting area locations can be represented by these coordinate vertices. Therefore, by comparing the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item with multiple preset sorting areas, the sorting area to which each target item belongs can be determined.

[0065] Furthermore, in an optional embodiment, after obtaining the sorting area to which each target item belongs, the sorting area H can be calculated using the following formula (1):

[0066] Equation (1)

[0067] in, The x-coordinate represents the sorting area. The vertical coordinate of the sorting area can be obtained by multiplying the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the horizontal coordinate and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the vertical coordinate.

[0068] For the starting point, the preferred scheme is the real-time location coordinates of the sorting personnel. Specifically, each sorting personnel is equipped with a corresponding handheld device, which can report its own location coordinates at predetermined intervals as the sorting personnel's starting point. However, in practical applications, the location coordinates of the handheld device are often GPS coordinates, which cannot be unified with the storage location coordinates in the warehouse, and there may be poor signal conditions in the warehouse, making it impossible to accurately convert GPS coordinates into storage coordinates. Therefore, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the process of obtaining the starting point can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, it includes:

[0069] Step S801: In response to a sorting instruction received from the handheld device that indicates reverse sorting of items, acquire the historical scan records of the handheld device;

[0070] Step S802: Identify the target historical scan record that is closest to the current time from the historical scan records;

[0071] Step S803: Obtain the verification station identifier from the target historical scan record, and use the verification station position corresponding to the verification station identifier as the starting point.

[0072] Each historical scan record can be understood as the record data corresponding to one sorting process, including the starting point, sorted item identifier, verification station identifier, and timestamp information. It is understood that since each sorting process ultimately requires verification at the verification station, the end time of the verification at the verification station can be used as the timestamp information for each historical scan record. Multiple historical scan records are then sorted by time based on the timestamp information to obtain the target historical scan record closest to the current time. The verification station location in step S803 can be understood as the coordinate information of the verification station.

[0073] Through the above steps S801 to S803, after the sorting personnel send the sorting instruction for item reversal sorting through the handheld device, the corresponding verification station identifier can be automatically obtained based on the most recent target historical scan record. Thus, the starting point can be determined directly according to the verification station position corresponding to the verification station identifier, without the need for sorting personnel to perform other scanning operations. Moreover, reversal sorting can be performed directly from the most recent verification station position. That is, after the sorting personnel complete the previous sorting process, the next sorting process can be started in place, reducing unnecessary distance movement between two sorting processes.

[0074] In practice, there might be situations where sorting personnel forget to send the item reversal sorting instruction before reaching the shelf, or they might temporarily leave the warehouse during sorting and then return to a specific shelf. If the item reversal sorting instruction is still sent according to the above process, the sorting route will be planned directly based on the location of the verification station corresponding to the previous sorting, requiring the sorting personnel to walk back to that verification station location. This undoubtedly increases unnecessary back-and-forth movement for the sorting personnel. Therefore, in this situation, [the following approach is still recommended]. Figure 8 For example, the process of obtaining the starting site may also include:

[0075] Step S804: In response to the shelf identifier received from the handheld device, use the shelf location corresponding to the shelf identifier as the starting point.

[0076] As mentioned earlier, each shelf corresponds to four vertex coordinates. Therefore, after the sorting personnel scan the shelf code with a handheld device, they can directly obtain the shelf coordinates corresponding to the current shelf code (e.g., the center position coordinates corresponding to the four vertex coordinates) based on the four vertex coordinates corresponding to the shelf code.

[0077] Since sorting personnel only need to scan items during the sorting process and typically do not need to scan shelves, the shelf coordinates can be directly used as the starting point after receiving them. However, there is a possibility that sorting personnel may accidentally scan the wrong items. Therefore, in a further optional embodiment, after step S804, the following step is also included:

[0078] Step S805: Send a confirmation instruction to the handheld device indicating whether the shelf coordinates are used as the starting point;

[0079] In response to receiving a confirmation message indicating confirmation, step S806 is executed: using the shelf coordinates as the starting point;

[0080] Upon receiving a confirmation message indicating rejection, step S807 is executed: End the process.

[0081] Through the above steps S801 to S807, it is possible to use either the verification station as the starting point or the shelf coordinates as the starting point, ensuring that the item sorting method provided by the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to a variety of different application scenarios. It can not only start reverse sorting directly from the verification station position where the previous sorting ended, but also obtain the starting point in a timely and effective manner based on the shelf identifier when the sorting personnel change the starting position, avoiding the invalid sorting process without tasks in the prior art, and greatly improving sorting efficiency.

[0082] After obtaining the starting point and the sorting area, sorting tasks can be generated according to a preset route planning strategy. In one optional embodiment, the process of generating sorting tasks may include: inputting the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy into a pre-trained neural network model, and solving for the sorting task based on preset constraints. The objective function of the neural network model is to minimize the path; the preset constraints include at least one of the following: the execution time of the sorting task does not exceed a preset time; the number of sorting tasks corresponding to each order does not exceed a preset number; and sorting tasks are prioritized for target orders with earlier order waves.

[0083] The preset route planning strategy can be set according to the actual needs of warehousing. Typically, to ensure that multiple sorting personnel do not engage in duplicate sorting or cause sorting congestion, the sorting routes in each sorting task can be set up in an S-shape, i.e., ... Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 5, this helps to avoid situations where sorting routes become chaotic, leading to a decrease in sorting efficiency.

[0084] Specifically, the objective function of the neural network model can be represented by the following equation (2):

[0085] Equation (2)

[0086] in, Indicates the total length of the picking route; This represents the picking segment length of the i-th aisle (which may be the full aisle length or a portion of the aisle length). Indicates the spacing between each channel; Indicates the number of channels included in the area to be sorted; This indicates the distance from the starting point to the first passage. This indicates the distance from the last passage to the verification station.

[0087] By calculating the minimum value of equation (2), the length of the picking section corresponding to each channel can be obtained, thereby determining the picking route corresponding to the target sorting item.

[0088] In a further optional embodiment, a corresponding weight can be set for each preset constraint; and the neural network model can be solved based on each preset constraint and its corresponding weight. The importance of each preset constraint varies depending on the application scenario, therefore the weight corresponding to each preset constraint can be set according to actual needs, with a value range between 0 and 1. The present invention does not limit the specific value.

[0089] It should be noted that since a target order typically includes multiple orders to be sorted, there will be multiple sorting tasks. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the number of sorting tasks corresponding to each order to be sorted is limited. For example, taking the aforementioned three orders to be sorted as an example, they are: Order 1: 100 items a and 100 items b; Order 2: 30 items a; Order 3: 10 items a, 50 items b, and 100 items c. Since the actual number of items sorted in each sorting task is limited, and to simplify the sorting process, identical items can be sorted synchronously in one sorting task. Therefore, the possible sorting tasks include: Task 1: Sorting 140 items a and 50 items b; Task 2: Sorting 100 items b and 50 items c; Task 3: Sorting 50 items c. In other words, for item c in pending order 3, it is split into task 2 and task 3 for joint processing, rather than being completed in a single sorting task. That is, pending order 3 corresponds to two sorting tasks. This splitting and consolidation of items in pending orders can optimize the sorting process to some extent. However, if too many sorting tasks are split, it will lead to relatively cumbersome subsequent compounding work. Therefore, this invention limits the number of sorting tasks corresponding to each pending order to ensure that each pending order is not split into too many sorting tasks (for example, when there are too many types of items to sort, each item is split into a separate sorting task), thus minimizing the number of sorting tasks.

[0090] Furthermore, due to the limited capacity of the sorting cart, the volume and weight of each target item must be considered during the execution of a sorting task. Therefore, in a further optional embodiment, the item sorting method provided by the present invention is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, it includes:

[0091] Step S901: Obtain multiple pending orders and the order wave corresponding to each pending order;

[0092] Step S902: Sort multiple pending orders by time according to order wave and generate sorting results;

[0093] Step S903: Select the top ten pending orders from the sorting results as target orders;

[0094] Step S904: Obtain the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage coordinates corresponding to each target item;

[0095] Step S905: Determine the sorting area to which each target item belongs based on the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item;

[0096] Step S906: Calculate the sorting area based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the horizontal axis and the maximum and minimum values ​​of the vertical axis in each sorting area;

[0097] Step S907: Obtain the starting point and the volume and weight of each target item;

[0098] Step S908: Generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, the volume and weight of the target item, and the preset route planning strategy.

[0099] Since the ultimate goal of this invention is to complete the sorting of items, after the sorting task is generated, in an optional embodiment of this invention, the method further includes: determining a corresponding target sorting personnel for each sorting task; and sequentially sending the target sorting items in the sorting task to the handheld device of the target sorting personnel so that the target sorting personnel can sort the items sequentially according to the target sorting items.

[0100] The sorting personnel usually include multiple sorting personnel. Based on the sorting volume, idle time, and sorting area of ​​each sorting personnel, the target sorting personnel corresponding to each sorting task can be determined from multiple sorting personnel, so that multiple target sorting personnel can simultaneously sort the target orders of the current wave.

[0101] The most common handheld device is the RF scanner, a terminal device that can scan barcodes on items. The content it can display and its operation are limited. Specifically, the display interface of an RF scanner can be as follows: Figure 10 As shown. From Figure 10 As can be seen, the RF scanner cannot directly display the specific route, but it can display the target items to be sorted from top to bottom. The sorting personnel only need to sort the target items in the order shown, thus achieving the actual effect of sorting according to the sorting route.

[0102] The following is based on Figure 11 For example, the detailed process of item sorting provided in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail:

[0103] Step S1101: Obtain multiple pending orders and the order wave corresponding to each pending order;

[0104] Step S1102: Sort multiple pending orders by time according to order wave and generate sorting results;

[0105] Step S1103: Select the top ten pending orders from the sorting results as target orders;

[0106] Step S1104: Obtain the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage coordinates corresponding to each target item;

[0107] Step S1105: Determine the sorting area for each target item based on its corresponding storage location coordinates;

[0108] Step S1106: Calculate the sorting area based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the horizontal axis and the maximum and minimum values ​​of the vertical axis in each sorting area;

[0109] Step S1107: Obtain the starting point and the volume and weight of each target item;

[0110] Step S1108: Generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, the volume and weight of the target item, and the preset route planning strategy;

[0111] Step S1109: Identify the target sorting personnel and the handheld device corresponding to each sorting task from among multiple sorting personnel;

[0112] Step S1110: The target sorting items in the sorting task are sent sequentially to the handheld device of the target sorting personnel corresponding to the sorting task, so that the target sorting personnel can sort the target sorting items sequentially.

[0113] As can be seen from the item sorting method according to embodiments of the present invention, the sorting area can be flexibly determined based on the storage coordinates of the target items included in the target order, so that each sorting task does not need to be sorted according to a set single sorting route. Moreover, by obtaining the starting point and generating sorting tasks based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy, sorting tasks can start from any position, avoiding the invalid sorting process without tasks in the prior art, and greatly improving sorting efficiency.

[0114] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the main modules of an item sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] like Figure 12 As shown, the item sorting device 1200 of this embodiment includes:

[0116] The acquisition module 1201 is used to acquire the target order to be processed and the starting position;

[0117] The determining module 1202 is used to determine the sorting area based on the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item.

[0118] The generation module 1203 is used to generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy; wherein the sorting task indicates one or more target sorting items and the sorting route corresponding to the target sorting items.

[0119] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition module 1201 is further configured to acquire a plurality of pending orders and an order wave corresponding to each pending order; sort the plurality of pending orders by time according to the order wave to generate a sorting result; and determine the target order from the plurality of pending orders according to the sorting result.

[0120] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the determining module 1202 is further configured to determine the sorting area to which each target item belongs based on the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item; and calculate the sorting area based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the horizontal coordinate and the maximum and minimum values ​​of the vertical coordinate in each sorting area.

[0121] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the generation module 1203 is further configured to input the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy into a pre-trained neural network model, and solve the sorting task according to preset constraints; wherein, the objective function of the neural network model is the shortest path; the preset constraints include at least one of the following: the execution time of the sorting task does not exceed a preset time, the number of sorting tasks corresponding to each order to be sorted does not exceed a preset number, and the sorting task is preferentially determined for target orders with earlier order waves.

[0122] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the acquisition module 1201 is further configured to acquire the volume and weight corresponding to each of the target items; the generation module 1203 is further configured to generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, the volume and weight corresponding to the target items, and a preset route planning strategy.

[0123] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the generation module 1203 is further configured to set corresponding weights for each preset constraint and solve the neural network model based on each preset constraint and its corresponding weight.

[0124] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the item sorting device 1200 further includes a sending module, which is used to determine a corresponding target sorting personnel for each sorting task; and to send the target sorting items in the sorting task sequentially to the handheld device of the target sorting personnel, so that the target sorting personnel can sort the items sequentially according to the target sorting items.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the item sorting apparatus locates the items in an order and then generates multiple sorting tasks at once based on all orders. Each sorting task starts from the same fixed starting point, sorts items according to a set sorting route, and transports the items to a verification station for the next step after sorting. This sorting process not only cannot change the sorting tasks in real time based on changes in the items, but also has no task while the staff returns from the verification station to the starting point after picking. Therefore, the sorting efficiency is very low and the flexibility is poor.

[0126] Figure 13 An exemplary system architecture 1300 is shown, in which the method or apparatus for sorting items according to embodiments of the present invention can be applied.

[0127] like Figure 13 As shown, system architecture 1300 may include terminal devices 1301, 1302, and 1303, network 1304, and server 1305. Network 1304 is used as a medium to provide a communication link between terminal devices 1301, 1302, and 1303 and server 1305. Network 1304 may include various connection types, such as wired or wireless communication links or fiber optic cables, etc.

[0128] Users can use terminal devices 1301, 1302, and 1303 to interact with server 1305 via network 1304 to receive or send data. Various communication client applications can be installed on terminal devices 1301, 1302, and 1303, such as shopping applications, web browser applications, search applications, instant messaging tools, email clients, and social media platforms.

[0129] Terminal devices 1301, 1302, and 1303 can be various electronic devices with displays and web browsing capabilities, including but not limited to smartphones, tablets, RF scanners, laptops, and desktop computers.

[0130] Server 1305 can be a server that provides various services, such as a background management server that supports the starting points sent by users using terminal devices 1301, 1302, and 1303. The background management server can analyze and process the received starting point requests and other data, and feed back the processing results (such as accessing sorting tasks) to the terminal devices.

[0131] It should be noted that the item sorting method provided in this embodiment of the invention is generally executed by server 1305, and correspondingly, the item sorting device is generally set in server 1305.

[0132] It should be understood that Figure 13 The number of terminal devices, networks, and servers shown is merely illustrative. Depending on implementation needs, any number of terminal devices, networks, and servers can be included.

[0133] The following is for reference. Figure 14 It shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system 1400 suitable for implementing a terminal device of the present invention. Figure 14 The terminal device shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0134] like Figure 14 As shown, the computer system 1400 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1401, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 1402 or programs loaded from storage section 1408 into random access memory (RAM) 1403. The RAM 1403 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the system 1400. The CPU 1401, ROM 1402, and RAM 1403 are interconnected via a bus 1404. An input / output (I / O) first interface 1405 is also connected to the bus 1404.

[0135] The following components are connected to the I / O first interface 1405: an input section 1406 including a keyboard, mouse, etc.; an output section 1407 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; a storage section 1408 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1409 including a network first interface card such as a LAN card, modem, etc. The communication section 1409 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 1410 is also connected to the I / O first interface 1405 as needed. A removable medium 1411, such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 1410 as needed so that computer programs read from it can be installed into the storage section 1408 as needed.

[0136] In particular, according to the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments disclosed in this invention include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 1409, and / or installed from removable medium 1411. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit (CPU) 1401, it performs the functions defined above in the system of this invention.

[0137] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in this invention can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this invention, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media can also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0138] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0139] The modules described in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in software or hardware. The described modules can also be housed in a processor; for example, a processor can be described as including an acquisition module, a determination module, and a generation module. The names of these modules do not necessarily limit the module itself; for example, the acquisition module can also be described as "a module for acquiring the target order to be processed and its starting point".

[0140] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device described in the above embodiments; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the device. The computer-readable medium carries one or more programs that, when executed by the device, cause the device to include: acquiring a target order to be processed and a starting point; determining a sorting area based on multiple target items included in the target order and storage coordinates corresponding to each target item; and generating one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and a preset route planning strategy; wherein the sorting task indicates one or more target sorting items and a sorting route corresponding to the target sorting items.

[0141] According to the technical solution of the present invention, based on the storage coordinates of the target items included in the target order, the sorting area can be flexibly determined, so that each sorting task does not need to be sorted according to a set single sorting route. Moreover, by obtaining the starting point and generating sorting tasks based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy, sorting tasks can start from any position, avoiding the invalid sorting process without tasks in the prior art, and greatly improving sorting efficiency.

[0142] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for sorting items, characterized in that, include: Obtain the target order to be processed and its starting point; Based on the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item, the sorting area is determined; Based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy, one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order are generated; wherein, the sorting task indicates one or more target sorting items and the sorting route corresponding to the target sorting items.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the target order to be processed and the starting point includes: In response to a sorting instruction received from a handheld device that indicates the reverse sorting of items, the historical scan records of the handheld device are acquired; Identify the target historical scan record that is closest to the current time from the historical scan records; The verification station identifier is obtained from the target historical scan record, and the verification station position corresponding to the verification station identifier is used as the starting point.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the target order to be processed and the starting point also includes: In response to a shelf identifier received from a handheld device, the shelf location corresponding to the shelf identifier is used as the starting point.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the target order to be processed and the starting point also includes: Obtain multiple pending orders and the order wave corresponding to each pending order; The multiple pending orders are sorted by time according to the order wave, and a sorting result is generated. The target order is determined from the multiple pending orders based on the sorting results.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the sorting area based on multiple target items included in the target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item includes: Based on the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item, the sorting area to which each target item belongs is determined; The sorting areas are calculated based on the maximum and minimum values ​​of the horizontal coordinate and the maximum and minimum values ​​of the vertical coordinate in each sorting area.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of generating one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and a preset route planning strategy includes: The starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy are input into a pre-trained neural network model, and the sorting task is obtained by solving according to the preset constraints. The objective function of the neural network model is to minimize the path length. The preset constraints include at least one of the following: the execution time of the sorting task does not exceed a preset time, the number of sorting tasks corresponding to each order to be sorted does not exceed a preset number, and the sorting task is preferentially determined for target orders with earlier order waves.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the volume and weight of each of the target items; The step of generating one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and a preset route planning strategy includes: Based on the starting point, the sorting area, the volume and weight of the target item, and the preset route planning strategy, one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order are generated.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Set a corresponding weight for each of the preset constraints; The neural network model is solved based on each preset constraint and its corresponding weight.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: For each sorting task, a corresponding target sorting personnel shall be determined; The target sorting items in the sorting task are sent sequentially to the handheld device of the target sorting personnel, so that the target sorting personnel can sort them sequentially according to the target sorting items.

10. An item sorting device, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the target order to be processed and its starting position; The determination module is used to determine the sorting area based on the multiple target items included in the target order and the storage location coordinates corresponding to each target item. The generation module is used to generate one or more sorting tasks corresponding to the target order based on the starting point, the sorting area, and the preset route planning strategy; wherein the sorting task indicates one or more target sorting items and the sorting route corresponding to the target sorting items.

11. An electronic device for sorting items, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; Storage device for storing one or more programs. When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

12. A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

13. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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