Warehouse goods searching system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of warehouse management, and particularly relates to a warehouse cargo searching system, which comprises a voice input device used for acquiring searching information for target cargos; the controller is in communication connection with the voice input device; the path indication assembly is arranged in the cargo storage space and is in communication connection with the controller so as to indicate a search path in the cargo storage space; and the cargo position marking piece is arranged at the cargo storage position, is in communication connection with the controller and is used for marking the position of the target cargo. Thus, the voice input device is used for carrying out voice input searching on the searching information of the target goods, the input mode is simple and fast, the path indication assembly and the goods position marking piece are arranged, an operator is indicated on different planes, the operator moves along with the path indication assembly, and the searching efficiency is improved. The target cargo position can be determined by observing the indication position of the cargo position marking piece, the searching process is simple and convenient, and the cargo searching efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application discloses information in the field of warehouse management technology, specifically a warehouse goods retrieval system. Background Technology

[0002] A warehouse cargo locator is a system that uses information technology and automated equipment to locate and indicate the position of goods stored in a warehouse.

[0003] The process of searching for goods using the system is cumbersome, which makes the process time-consuming and laborious, affecting the efficiency of goods storage and retrieval. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a warehouse goods search system that can quickly input goods information and makes it easy to find the location of goods, thereby improving the efficiency of goods storage and retrieval.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A warehouse goods locating system includes:

[0007] A voice input device for obtaining search information for a target product;

[0008] The controller is communicatively connected to the voice input device;

[0009] A path indicator component is disposed in the cargo storage space and is communicatively connected to the controller to indicate the location of the search path in the cargo storage space;

[0010] A cargo location marker is installed at the cargo storage location and is communicatively connected to the controller to mark the target cargo.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes a manual input device communicatively connected to the controller for obtaining search information for the target cargo.

[0012] Optionally, multiple voice input devices are provided within the cargo storage space.

[0013] Optionally, the path indicating component is located on the top surface of the cargo storage space; and / or, the path indicating component is located on the ground surface of the cargo storage space.

[0014] Optionally, the path indicating component is an indicator light strip; and / or, the path indicating component is a continuously arranged indicator light.

[0015] Optionally, the goods storage location is provided in multiple layers, and each layer of the goods storage location is provided with a goods location marker.

[0016] Optionally, the cargo location indicator is an indicator light; and / or, the cargo location indicator is a speaker.

[0017] Optionally, it also includes a sound-generating component, which is communicatively connected to the voice input device and is capable of broadcasting the location information of the target cargo.

[0018] Optionally, the voice input device includes:

[0019] A microphone is used to collect voice information;

[0020] The voice recognition module is communicatively connected to the microphone and the controller. The voice recognition module is capable of recognizing the voice information and sending the recognized voice information to the controller.

[0021] Optionally, it also includes an information storage module for storing the location information of the goods. The information storage module is communicatively connected to the voice input device and the manual input device, enabling the voice input device and the manual input device to obtain the location information of the target goods.

[0022] The warehouse cargo retrieval system provided in this application utilizes a voice input device to search for target cargo information via voice input. The input method is simple and quick. It is equipped with a path indicator component and a cargo location marker, which provide guidance to the operator on different planes. The operator only needs to follow the path indicator component and observe the indicated position of the cargo location marker to quickly determine the location of the target cargo. The entire retrieval process is simple, convenient, time-saving, and labor-saving, thus improving cargo retrieval efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a warehouse goods retrieval system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1. Voice input device; 101. Microphone; 102. Voice recognition module; 2. Controller; 3. Path indicator component; 4. Cargo location marker; 5. Sound-generating component; 6. Manual input device; 7. Information storage module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] For warehouse goods retrieval systems, especially in the process of finding industrial spare parts, the traditional retrieval method involves manually searching paper materials or using input devices such as keyboards and mice. In this process, using devices such as keyboards and mice requires manually entering the name of the target goods, which is cumbersome and time-consuming. Moreover, after the search is completed, the location indication of the target goods is poor. Operators can only search in the warehouse based on the location of the target goods displayed by the system, relying on their familiarity and limited guidance devices. This operation wastes the operator's physical strength and time, resulting in low retrieval efficiency.

[0029] In response to the above problems, refer to Figure 1 This application provides a warehouse goods search system. This system is used in warehouse management to guide operators quickly and conveniently to the storage location or pending storage location of goods when retrieving them from warehouse shelves or placing them on shelves for storage. The goods search system includes a voice input device 1, a sound-generating component 5, a controller 2, a path indicator component 3, and a goods location marker 4.

[0030] The voice input device 1 is located at the warehouse entrance. As an example, the outer surface of the voice input device 1 is a rigid box structure, such as a round box or a rectangular box. This box structure is fixed in a conspicuous position on the wall, making it easy for operators to observe and locate the voice input device 1, enabling them to quickly input search information for the target goods.

[0031] The voice input device 1 includes a microphone 101 and a voice recognition module 102. The existing voice recognition module 102, microphone 101, and sound-emitting component 5 are encapsulated within a housing. The microphone 101 receives voice and feeds it back to the voice recognition module 102, which then recognizes and analyzes the received voice. Specifically, the operator uses the microphone 101 to input the search information (name of the target goods) via voice. The voice recognition module 102 is communicatively connected to the microphone 101 and also to the information storage module 7. This means the voice recognition module 102 can perform a full-field character search on the voice information collected by the microphone 101 within the information storage module 7. After successfully obtaining the location information of the target goods, the location information is sent to the sound-emitting component 5 and the controller 2. This enables the sound-emitting component 5 to broadcast the location information of the target goods, and the controller 2 to control the path indicator component 3 and the goods location marker 4 to display the location of the target goods.

[0032] In addition to interacting with the controller 2, the voice recognition module 102 also controls the sound-emitting component 5 to play response information corresponding to preset information contained in the voice message. The sound-emitting component 5 can not only broadcast the location information of the target goods, but also broadcast preset response information, such as simple conversational phrases, enhancing the interactivity between the operator and the search system, thereby improving the operator's search experience.

[0033] In addition to its broadcasting function, the voice recognition module 102 sets specific start and stop phrases for the search system. When an operator uses the search system to find goods, they first input the start phrase into the voice input device 1. Upon receiving the start phrase, the voice recognition module 102 recognizes it and starts the entire search system, searching for the target goods name subsequently entered by the operator. After the search is completed, the system automatically shuts down after a delay of, for example, 5 minutes, and the search action is automatically cleared. Alternatively, the operator can input the stop phrase into the voice input device 1. Upon receiving the stop phrase, the voice recognition module 102 shuts down the entire search system. This prevents the voice recognition module 102 from mistakenly identifying the need to search for goods when the operator is describing the goods normally outside of the search phase. This avoids accidental activation of the path indicator component 3 and the goods location marker 4, preventing misoperation and thus reducing the energy consumption of the search system.

[0034] Based on the above, the speech recognition module 102 of this application supports the recognition of 300-500 words with a response time of less than 10ms. The microphone 101 has a recording distance of approximately 10 meters. Simultaneously, the microphone 101 also has the function of processing and adjusting environmental noise during the recognition process. To avoid ambiguity, it avoids Chinese character characteristics in the speech database, allowing operators to start voice input from a distance from the microphone 101. Furthermore, it offers fast response speed and accurate search, improving the user experience. Of course, the speech recognition module 102 also supports multiple languages ​​such as Chinese, Japanese, and English to suit different usage environments.

[0035] The sound-emitting component 5 is, for example, a loudspeaker, which broadcasts the location information of the target goods and facilitates simple communication with the operator. Preferably, the sound-emitting component 5 employs a dual-speaker arrangement. The dual speakers provide a more stereo and fuller sound effect. When processing sound signals, the two speakers can effectively reduce or eliminate background noise, thereby improving the clarity and quality of the sound. This gives the sound-emitting component 5 strong noise resistance, ensuring that operators can clearly hear the target goods location information broadcast by the sound-emitting component 5 even in noisy environments such as factory workshops. Of course, in addition to loudspeakers, the sound-emitting component 5 of this application can also be other devices that broadcast the location information of the target goods. This allows operators to determine the approximate location of the target goods in the storage space based on the broadcast information and quickly reach the target goods location under the guidance of the path indicator component 3 and the goods location marker 4. In this way, while moving towards the target goods location, operators do not need to constantly observe the guidance path generated by the path indicator component 3, based on their general understanding of the location of each shelf in the warehouse, saving energy and increasing travel speed. Furthermore, in some cases, even if the path indicator component 3 is damaged and unable to indicate the path, the operator can still locate the goods based on the location information broadcast by the sound-emitting component 5.

[0036] Controller 2 is preferably a PLC controller. Specifically, after the voice recognition module 102 recognizes the input target goods name, it communicates with the PLC controller in real time using the industrial Modbus communication protocol. The industrial Modbus communication protocol is an application layer protocol widely used in the field of industrial automation to realize data communication between devices. This communication has advantages such as stable communication and high efficiency.

[0037] After the voice recognition module 102 successfully performs a full-field character search, it sends the corresponding string to the controller 2. Upon receiving the string from the voice recognition module 102, the controller 2 performs formula matching on the string. After successful selection, it executes the logic program to control the path indicator component 3 and the cargo location marker 4 to operate. The path indicator component 3 consists of an indicator light strip and / or continuously arranged indicator lights. The indicator light strip is preferably a flowing light strip, which is a long strip-shaped structure. The flowing light strip relies on its internal control device, clock, LED light strip, and driver. The control device is responsible for programming and controlling the brightness and color changes of the LED lights, and the clock is used to control the speed of the light changes. After the controller 2 issues a command, the indicator light strip starts sequentially with the location of the voice input device 1 as the starting point of the path and ends with the location of the target goods on the horizontal plane as the ending point of the path, forming an indicator path that is different from the lighting equipment in the warehouse. The operator can follow the indicated path to reach the location of the target goods conveniently and quickly. If the path indicator component 3 is an indicator light, the indicator light is set as a circular indicator light or an arrow-shaped indicator light. Multiple indicator lights need to be set and the distance between adjacent indicator lights should be close to facilitate the operator's observation and avoid the operator's misjudgment at turning and changing positions, which would cause the operator to deviate from the path.

[0038] Taking the indicator light strip as an example, the path indicator component 3, after the operator inputs the target goods name and locates the position, is controlled by the controller 2 to produce a state change different from when it is not in operation. This typically involves turning on the indicator light strip that is normally off, but it can also turn off the indicator light strip that is normally lit. The indicator light strip can be fixed to the ceiling and / or floor of the warehouse. When the indicator light strip is placed on the ceiling, it is fixed to the ceiling by adhesive or screws. The operator only needs to look up or observe the area diagonally upwards to accurately determine the direction of the indicator light strip, making observation convenient. Furthermore, the relatively high placement of the indicator light strip prevents damage to the strip from the movement of operators and auxiliary retrieval equipment, thus extending its lifespan.

[0039] If the indicator light strip is placed on the ground, close to or even flush with the shelf, it avoids obstructing the movement process by placing the indicator light strip in the middle of the path. The indicator light strip is set at a low position so that operators do not need to look up to see it, and it is also convenient for daily maintenance.

[0040] In addition to arranging indicator light strips on the top or ground as mentioned above, indicator light strips can also be arranged on both the top and ground. In this configuration, the indicator light strips not only have the function of indicating the path, but also have the function of lighting due to the large number of indicator light strips. When used in warehouses with low lighting requirements, the warehouse lighting equipment does not need to be turned on during the process of searching for goods. The indicator light strips can be used to indicate the path and provide lighting at the same time, saving the time and energy consumed when turning on the lighting equipment, improving the efficiency of goods searching and saving energy.

[0041] It should be noted that the "ground" and "ceiling" in this application are not limited to the ground and ceiling of a warehouse. For example, the ceiling can be an area at a relatively high height where it does not obstruct the movement of operators and equipment. For instance, if the warehouse ceiling is high, placing the indicator light strip on the ceiling would make it difficult for operators to observe and determine its direction. Therefore, in such an environment, the indicator light strip can be placed at a relatively high height using a hanging device, making it easier for operators to observe. Furthermore, the indicator light strip can be placed high on the shelves, eliminating the need for a separate hanging device. The "ground" refers to an area at a relatively low height, which can be laid on the floor surface or in the lower area of ​​the shelves.

[0042] In warehouse environments with high lighting intensity, or in warehouse environments where lighting equipment is not turned on when searching for goods, the path indicator component 3 includes multiple indicator light strips arranged in parallel to distinguish it from ambient lighting or to provide lighting functionality, allowing operators to clearly observe the direction of the indicator light strips. Similarly, the path indicator component 3 can also use indicator lights, with consecutively arranged indicator lights forming a path. Multiple consecutively arranged indicator lights forming a path can be arranged in parallel to form the final path. In this way, when an indicator light strip or indicator light becomes completely inoperable due to damage to part of the strip, the remaining indicator light strips can still provide path indication and lighting.

[0043] It should be noted that the warehouse has a large number of shelves arranged in an array. Indicator lights are placed at the top or bottom of each shelf. Operators follow the lit indicator lights to the end of the lit area and then search vertically for the goods location marker 4 on the shelf with that indicator light, facilitating quick and easy location of the target goods. Alternatively, to ensure accurate indication and reduce the number of indicator lights used, it is preferable to place indicator lights on the warehouse ceiling corresponding to the aisle between adjacent shelves. Operators follow the lit indicator lights to the end of the lit area and observe the goods location markers 4 on the shelves on both sides to determine the location of the target goods.

[0044] The goods location indicator 4 is an indicator light and / or a speaker. After receiving the information command sent by the voice recognition module 102, the controller 2 controls the indicator light and / or speaker to work. It is understood that since the indicator light strip is arranged on the ceiling or floor of the warehouse, it can only indicate the location of the target goods on a horizontal plane or on the surface it is laid on. However, in large warehouses, to maximize utilization efficiency, the goods storage areas, i.e., the shelves, are multi-layered, and each layer can be used to store goods. After the operator moves to the horizontal position of the target goods following the indicator light strip, the indicator light on the layer where the target goods are located illuminates vertically, distinguishing it from other indicator lights. The operator can quickly locate the target goods by using the illuminated indicator light, making the overall operation simple and convenient. Alternatively, the goods location indicator 4 can be a speaker that can play audio. The speaker can be used alone or in conjunction with the indicator light, allowing the operator to locate the target goods by light and / or sound sensing.

[0045] The storage area, i.e., the shelving, is not only multi-layered, but each layer also has at least one storage space (storage cabinet) for storing goods. The storage cabinets are used to store different goods, or multiple adjacent storage cabinets are used to store the same goods. Each storage cabinet needs to be equipped with at least one goods location marker 4. The goods location marker 4 is located below or above the storage cabinet, so that the operator can quickly locate the storage cabinet containing the target goods after locking the position of the goods location marker 4. When multiple storage cabinets store the same type of goods, after the target goods name is entered by the microphone 101, the sound-emitting component 5 will announce the location of the target goods in sequence or announce the location of one of the target goods. At the same time, all the goods location markers 4 on the storage cabinets storing the target goods will respond, so that the operator can select and retrieve the target goods according to the actual needs after arriving at the location of the target goods.

[0046] Furthermore, in certain situations, such as when the warehouse storage space is large and it takes a long time for operators to make a single trip, multiple voice input devices 1 are arranged in the warehouse. These multiple voice input devices 1 are roughly evenly distributed throughout the warehouse and installed on the shelves. When operators need to locate multiple target goods, they use the voice input device 1 at the warehouse entrance to find the location of the target goods. After determining the location and retrieving the target goods under the guidance of the path indicator component 3 and the goods location marker 4, they input the name of another target goods on a nearby voice input device 1. Using this voice input device 1 as the starting point, the path indicator component 3 displays the optimal path between this voice input device 1 and the location of the other target goods, enabling operators to quickly and efficiently reach the next target goods location and improving the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods.

[0047] In addition to the aforementioned voice input device 1, a manual input device 6 is also provided. The manual input device 6 includes a keyboard for manually inputting the name of the target goods, or a mouse for clicking and selecting the target goods, and a display screen for displaying the name of the target goods. It employs a dual input mode of manual input device 6 and voice input device 1, allowing operators to choose according to their needs. Even if the voice input device 1 malfunctions, the target goods can still be located using the manual input device 6. The manual input device 6 is communicatively connected to the information storage module 7. That is, by inputting the name of the target goods using the keyboard or mouse, a full-field character library search is performed on the name of the target goods. After successfully obtaining the location information of the target goods, the location information is sent to the controller 2. Based on this, the location information of the target goods is simultaneously sent to the sound-generating component 5, thus achieving the broadcasting of the target goods' location information using manual input.

[0048] Meanwhile, the voice input device 1 and the manual input device 6 are arranged in close proximity or on a single device. Specifically, a goods search device is provided that integrates the voice input device 1 and the manual input device 6. When selecting an input method, the operator does not need to change their location, achieving both voice and manual input modes from the same position.

[0049] To enable the aforementioned voice input device 1, sound-generating component 5, controller 2, path indicator component 3, cargo location marker 4, and manual input device 6 to work together, the cargo locator system is also equipped with an electrical cabinet and electrical components (terminals, air switches, switches, light strip controllers, switching power supplies, relays, cables, network cables, etc.). The electrical cabinet is used to house components such as controller 2. Controller 2 is connected to each component module via cables and network cables. All hardware is assembled inside the electrical cabinet to enable the coordinated use of each component module.

[0050] The working principle of this warehouse cargo locator system is described below in conjunction with the above structure.

[0051] When an operator needs to locate or retrieve goods, they move to the warehouse entrance and speak into microphone 101 to describe the activation phrase. Voice recognition module 102 receives the voice and performs voice recognition. If the recognition does not match the preset information, voice recognition module 102 will not continue to respond. If the recognition matches the preset information, voice recognition module 102 will continue to respond and emit sound through sound-emitting component 5 to notify the operator that the locator system has responded.

[0052] The operator continues to describe the name of the target goods aloud. The voice recognition module 102 receives the voice and performs voice recognition. After successful recognition, it sends a signal to the voice-emitting component 5 and the controller 2. The voice-emitting component 5 announces the location of the target goods. The controller 2 controls the path indicator component 3 and the goods location marker 4 to start. Then, the operator moves along the indicated path formed by the path indicator component 3. At the end of the indicated path, the operator searches for the activated goods location marker 4 and quickly locates the target goods location based on the goods location marker 4.

[0053] After retrieving the target goods, the operator returns to the warehouse entrance. After a period of time (e.g., 5 minutes), the system automatically shuts down and clears the search action. Alternatively, the operator can continue to verbally describe the closing statement, and the voice recognition module 102 receives the voice and performs voice recognition. If the recognition is successful, the search system is shut down.

[0054] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0055] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0056] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0057] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0058] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A warehouse inventory search system, characterized by, include: A voice input device for obtaining search information for a target product; The controller is communicatively connected to the voice input device; A path indicator component is disposed on the top surface and / or ground of the cargo storage space and is communicatively connected to the controller to indicate a search path in the cargo storage space; A cargo location marker is installed at the cargo storage location and is communicatively connected to the controller to indicate the location of the target cargo; The path indicator component is an indicator light strip and / or continuously arranged indicator lights, and is used to form an indicator path in the cargo storage space under the control of the controller, starting from the location of the voice input device as the path start point and ending at the location of the target cargo on the horizontal plane.

2. The warehouse item finding system of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a manual input device that is communicatively connected to the controller for obtaining search information for the target cargo.

3. The warehouse item finding system of claim 1, wherein, Multiple voice input devices are installed in the cargo storage space.

4. The warehouse goods locating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The goods storage location is provided in multiple layers, and each layer of the goods storage location is provided with a goods location marker.

5. The warehouse goods locating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cargo location indicator is an indicator light; and / or, the cargo location indicator is a speaker.

6. The warehouse item finding system of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a sound-generating component, which is communicatively connected to the voice input device, and the sound-generating component is capable of broadcasting the location information of the target cargo.

7. The warehouse goods locating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voice input device includes: A microphone is used to collect voice information; The voice recognition module is communicatively connected to the microphone and the controller. The voice recognition module is capable of recognizing the voice information and sending the recognized voice information to the controller.

8. The warehouse item finding system of claim 2, wherein, It also includes an information storage module for storing the location information of the goods. The information storage module is communicatively connected to the voice input device and the manual input device, enabling the voice input device and the manual input device to obtain the location information of the target goods.

9. The warehouse item finding system of claim 8, wherein, The manual input device is communicatively connected to the controller and / or the information storage module, and is used to input and query the name of the target goods via a keyboard, mouse or display screen.

10. The warehouse goods locating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The path indicator component includes a flowing light strip, which, through the cooperation of an internal control device, a clock, LED light strips and a driver, is instructed by the controller to form an indicator path that is different from the warehouse lighting equipment by changing brightness or color.

11. The warehouse goods locating system according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that, The path indicator component has multiple indicator light strips arranged side by side to clearly indicate the direction of travel even in environments with high lighting intensity or without lighting equipment, and can also provide lighting function at the same time.

12. The warehouse item finding system of claim 1, wherein, The path indicating component is arranged on the warehouse roof corresponding to the aisle between two adjacent shelves to form the final indicating path in that aisle.

13. The warehouse goods locating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The path indicator component is suspended in a relatively high area or at a high position on a shelf so that operators can easily observe its direction.

14. The warehouse item finding system of claim 1, wherein, The voice input device includes a voice recognition module, and the controller is a programmable logic controller. It uses the industrial Modbus communication protocol to realize data communication and logic control with the voice recognition module, information storage module, path indicator component and cargo location marker.

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