Intralogistics system for monitoring location-specific intralogistics actions

Abstract

Intralogistics system (10) for monitoring a predetermined location-specific action, which is uniquely linked to a location (68) from a plurality of different locations (68) in the intralogistics system (10) and which is uniquely linked to a moving system entity (16) that is to perform the action, wherein the intralogistics system (10) comprises: a controller (12) that communicates a command (64) uniquely linked to the action to the mobile system entity (16) and that is configured for: a maintenance (26) of a system component (70) from a plurality of system components (70); and / or a tracking of a material flow control system (30); a reading device (24) that carries the movable system entity (16) and is connected to the controller (12) for data exchange; and a projector (14) which is set up to project location-specific codes (34) at the instigation of the controller (12) to several of the locations (68) within the intralogistics system (10); wherein the controller (12) is further configured to verify the execution of the action based on the order (64) and a received confirmation signal which is generated by the reader (24) and sent to the controller (12) as soon as the reader (24) has read one of the location-specific projected codes (34).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of intralogistics, and in particular to an intralogistics system capable of monitoring maintenance processes and controlling material flow. A person is guided by light to a predetermined location where a machine-readable, location-specific code is displayed for verification (by a higher-level control system) of an action to be performed there.

[0002] A picking guidance system using light for navigation through a warehouse and for finding a picking or storage location is known.

[0003] Document DE 10 2020 114 870 A1 describes, according to its summary, a communication system for a logistics system comprising several modules, wherein the communication system comprises several communication devices, each communication device being configured to send and receive optical signals, each module comprising such a communication device, wherein any two of the logistics system modules are configured to transfer an object to each other, wherein at least one of these two modules is configured as a self-propelled transport vehicle to travel to a designated transfer point for the transfer of the object, and wherein, in the event that the at least one first module configured as a transport vehicle has arrived at the designated transfer point, the communication device of this at least one first module configured as a transport vehicle is configured toto send an optical signal to the communication device of the second module, indicating that the at least one first module designed as a transport vehicle has arrived at the transfer point, wherein the communication device of the second module is designed to receive the optical signal from the communication device of the at least one first module designed as a transport vehicle.

[0004] Document US 8,423,431 B1 discloses a picking system with numerous stationary projectors for visual wayfinding (navigation). The projectors display 2D symbols (e.g., an arrow with a picker's name, a text description of the route, etc.) along a path onto the floor or walls of the system to guide the picker spatially through the system to a picking or delivery point. Upon arrival at the picking or delivery point, the location is illuminated for the picker, and information about the item to be handled (e.g., an image of the item, its outline, the item's name, etc.) may be displayed. The picker carries a communication device that is wirelessly connected to a higher-level control system to determine their current location (e.g., via triangulation).Based on this location information, the control system can select one of the projectors to provide the order picker with suitable information for locating the item and / or identifying the item to be handled. Additionally, one of the (location) projectors, such as a laser pointer, can be mounted on an order picking cart that the order picker carries while walking through the facility.

[0005] To effectively guide the person (i.e., navigate them through the system), it is therefore necessary to know their current position as accurately as possible. For this reason, the person carries a communication unit that continuously sends position data to the control unit, from which the person's position is calculated periodically at a high rate. This is labor- and resource-intensive. The constant recurring position determination is essential.

[0006] In document DE 10 2018 203 175 A1 (see there) Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) A mobile order picking cart is disclosed, comprising a frame-mounted autostereoscopic projector for order picking guidance (picking and / or putting down). The projector generates a (three-dimensional-appearing) image, such as an arrow, indicating a picking or putting-down location to the order picker. Thus, a pick-by-light or put-by-light order picking guidance system is disclosed. At the indicated location, one of several storage containers is arranged in rack levels below the projector. The order picker gains a sense of depth by seeing a stereoscopically displayed symbol (e.g., a number for a picking quantity, an arrow indicating the location, a photo of the item, an item name, or an item outline) at the location where the corresponding container is situated.In a stereoscopic presentation, two images (one for the left eye and one for the right eye) are created, which are combined in the viewer's brain to create a sense of depth.

[0007] Document EP 2 554 496 A1 discloses a visual navigation system in a picking system (rack storage). The order picker is guided through the warehouse to a specific rack location by a laser projector, which projects relevant navigation information (e.g., arrows or text) onto the floor. The laser projector is mounted on a movable platform in the warehouse ceiling.

[0008] Document DE 10 2016 005 691 A1 also discloses a picking guidance system using a stationary projection unit that illuminates the shelves of a storage rack to locate a picking point. The projection unit is capable of visually marking several shelves simultaneously. The image information that can be displayed by the projection unit includes: graphic content, various colors, numbers, letters, scrolling text, patterns, and / or images. The information can be displayed in a flashing fashion. The shelves can be highlighted with an index projection (a frame around the shelf or a flashing effect). Picking confirmation is carried out via a mobile wireless confirmation device or via gesture recognition. The confirmation device has a button that is pressed after a pick to signal the pick to a control system.This signal can also contain position data of the mobile device so that the control system knows which of the shelf projections can be switched off because the removal has taken place at the corresponding shelf.

[0009] Another problem area concerns the maintenance of components of an intralogistics system.

[0010] Maintenance orders are carried out by maintenance technicians who are supposed to go to the components to be serviced, inspect them, and replace them if necessary. The technician receives a list containing all the components to be serviced, either in printed form or as a file. The technician is expected to go to the components, scan their identifiers, and perform the inspection. In practice, however, it has been found that technicians often obtain copies of the component identifiers in advance and, at the time of the actual maintenance, only scan the identifier copy without actually inspecting the component. This saves the technicians the trip to the components and also makes the job much faster, because the maintenance is not actually carried out. Nevertheless, the system operator has to pay for the supposedly performed maintenance. Furthermore, the reliability of the system suffers because the maintenance was never actually performed.It would be desirable to create a system that prevents such work circumvention or avoidance and ensures that the technician can only perform maintenance at the location of the component to be serviced.

[0011] Another problem area concerns the tracking of material flow, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0012] Therefore, one of the tasks of the present disclosure is to create an improved intralogistics system.

[0013] This task is solved by an intralogistics system for monitoring a predetermined location-specific action (maintenance, tracking, order picking, etc.) that is uniquely linked to a (single) location from a multitude of different locations in the system and that is uniquely linked to a mobile system entity that is to perform the action, wherein the intralogistics system has: a controller that sends an order, uniquely linked to and corresponding with the action, to the mobile system entity (human, robot, AGV, etc.).) communicates and is configured for: maintenance of a system component from a multitude of system components; material flow control; and / or order picking guidance; a reader that carries the movable system entity and is connected to the controller for data exchange; and a projector that is configured to project location-specific codes, at the controller's instigation, to several locations within the intralogistics system, wherein (exactly) one of the codes is assigned to the order; wherein the controller is further configured to verify the execution of the action based on the order and a received confirmation signal that is generated by the reader and sent to the controller as soon as the reader has read one of the location-specific projected codes.

[0014] The location-specific code is projected onto a specific location that is uniquely linked to the action to be performed. This code can therefore only be read at the relevant location. This requires that the reading device be located at that location. The code cannot be printed in advance and read at a different location.

[0015] By reading the location-specific code, the controller receives direct feedback confirming that the reader is at the desired location. The code read by the reader is part of, or even constitutes, the confirmation signal. Based on this signal, the controller can verify whether the correct code (e.g., from the correct entity) was read. It can verify whether the correct reader read the correct code and whether the code was read at the correct time.

[0016] Preferably, the control system is set up to project only one of the codes at a time.

[0017] This ensures that, if multiple actions need to be performed, a desired sequence is maintained when carrying out the actions.

[0018] Alternatively, the control system can be set up to project several of the codes to the corresponding locations simultaneously.

[0019] In this case, a person or a machine can decide for itself, and thus determine the sequence of actions, which of the actions will be carried out first and which of the actions will be carried out last.

[0020] It is advantageous if the confirmation signal also includes: a component-specific identifier; an entity-specific identifier; and / or a reader-specific identifier.

[0021] The specific identifiers contain additional information that can be used for comparison purposes when verifying the correct execution of the action.

[0022] Preferably, the single code is projected (directly) to the location associated with the corresponding action.

[0023] The projection indicates the location where the action is to be performed. This is particularly advantageous in the case of maintenance, because the technician is guided by light to the component requiring service and can inspect it. The projection assists the technician in navigating the system and identifying the component to be serviced. Finally, the code can be used for feedback to the control system for verification purposes.

[0024] In particular, the projector is high-resolution in order to project the one code to the one location from a distance of at least 3 m, 4 m, 5 m or from a distance of more than 5 m.

[0025] The projector therefore has a wide coverage area. This means that the (steerable) projector can illuminate many different locations without being moved. In a particularly advantageous design, the projector is permanently mounted and therefore does not need to be movable, thus reducing costs. Control requirements are also reduced because the projector does not need to be moved. Nevertheless, due to its high resolution, the projector is able to display the location-specific code with sufficient clarity despite the large distance to the projection point. This is especially true if the code must be machine-readable and has a high information density.

[0026] Preferably, the intralogistics system has a data structure that defines one or more of the actions and includes, for each of the defined actions, a single location-specific code that uniquely describes a coordinate in the intralogistics system to which the single code is to be projected by the projector.

[0027] The data structure forms the basis for data comparison, which can be carried out as part of verification. The data structure enables a simple comparison of information that is expected to match.

[0028] In particular, the data structure for each of the actions also includes an order type, one of the entities, a system component and / or a time specification.

[0029] Furthermore, the codes can be machine-readable by the reading device and evaluated by the control system, preferably exclusively.

[0030] A picking person cannot evaluate the code themselves, which reduces the susceptibility to corruption.

[0031] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the codes are designed in one-dimensional or two-dimensional ways to uniquely represent a location coordinate in the form of a pattern.

[0032] The code is unreadable to a technician, which reduces the possibilities of tricking the system. However, the code is machine-readable and can contain a high density of information.

[0033] Furthermore, it is desirable that verification in the case of maintenance be carried out by having the reader read and send a system component identifier and have it checked by the controller; and / or by having the controller check whether the system component, which is also linked to the job, goes offline for a predetermined period of time after the code has been read.

[0034] Preferably, in the case of material flow control, verification is carried out by the reader, which is attached to a vehicle that is the moving entity, reading the one code at a waypoint that the vehicle must pass according to a pre-planned material flow control and onto which (or in its immediate vicinity) the one code is projected, the confirmation signal further comprising a vehicle-specific identifier, and preferably a timestamp corresponding to the reading of the one code, and the control system checking the pre-planned material flow control by comparing it against data resulting from an evaluation of the confirmation signal.

[0035] In particular, verification by the controller includes checking that the received read code matches the code associated with the corresponding action; and that, if the codes match, the controller issues a further confirmation signal to the corresponding moving system entity and causes that system entity to continue its current action, or, if the codes do not match, the controller issues a correction signal to the corresponding moving entity and causes that system entity to perform the predetermined action instead of its current action.

[0036] For effective material flow control, it is crucial that a pre-planned material flow is implemented as accurately as possible in reality, because any error leads to delays. Therefore, numerous stationary scanners are used to continuously read the material flow items and compare (and reconcile) this real-time data with the planned data, allowing for corrective action if necessary. Stationary scanners are expensive, require maintenance, and must be commissioned. It is therefore desirable to create a system that allows for a reduction in the number of scanners or even their complete elimination.

[0037] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an intralogistics system Fig. Figure 2 shows an example 1D code ( Fig. 2A) and an exemplary 2D code ( Fig. 2B). Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a DLP projector integrated into a car headlight. Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a data structure in tabular form. Fig. Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a reader. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a maintenance situation.

[0038] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of intralogistics, and in particular to (automated) monitoring of maintenance work and tracking of a material flow carried out, for example, by driverless transport vehicles (AGVs) in an intralogistics system (warehouse and / or picking system, e.g., in production logistics or in goods distribution logistics).

[0039] The term "intralogistics" encompasses the organization, control, execution, and optimization of internal material flows, information flows, and goods handling in industry and commerce. "Material flow" refers to all processes and their interconnections during the production, processing, and distribution of goods and items within specific, defined areas (e.g., goods receipt, storage, order picking, and / or goods issue). Material flow is controlled by a material flow computer (MFC), which monitors source-destination relationships and coordinates the sequence in which individual orders (transport orders) are processed.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an intralogistics system 10, which will subsequently be referred to simply as System 10 and which can be an example of a storage and order picking system. System 10 is typically housed in a building (e.g., a warehouse).

[0041] The system 10 comprises a (superior) control unit 12, at least one projector 14 and at least one mobile (system) entity 16, such as a (maintenance) technician 18, a (driverless transport) vehicle 20 and / or a picking person 22, each of which carries a reading device 24.

[0042] The technician 18 can, for example, carry a smartphone as the reader 24.

[0043] The reader 24 can be integrated into the vehicle 20, whereby the reader 24 and the vehicle 20 share required functional units, such as a transmitter / receiver unit 74 and / or a data storage device 81 (see Figure 1). Fig. 5) can share.

[0044] The control unit 12 of the Fig. 1 can be centrally or decentrally distributed. The control system 12 comprises a data processing system (not shown) including one or more processors (not shown) and one or more data storage devices (not shown) where one or more programs are stored that are executed by the processors to implement functions of the system 10.

[0045] Exemplary functions of the control system 12 include: performing and monitoring maintenance 26 of a system component 70 (e.g., a picking robot 28 or one of the vehicles 20), tracking a material flow 30, and / or executing a picking guide 32 (e.g., picking with pick-by-light (PbL) or putting with put-to-light (PtL)). "Tracking" refers to the real-time monitoring of moving objects (articles, load carriers, vehicles 20, etc.). Based on tracking data, it can be verified whether the predefined material flow 30 is being executed or proceeding as planned.

[0046] Each of the projectors 14 is configured to project a location-specific code 34, for example, onto a floor, a wall, or one of the system components. Location-specific means that the code 34 contains unique information about its respective projection location.

[0047] The projection is initiated by the controller 12, which transmits the corresponding control signals (not shown) via a (wireless and / or wired) communication network 36 (e.g., a bus system, WiFi network, and / or 5G network) to the projector(s) 14. Each of the projectors 14 is configured to generate projections in the form of visible light at several different (projection) locations within the system 10, even during the day. The projections can be generated simultaneously or sequentially by each of the projectors 14.

[0048] The projectors 14 are preferably installed in a fixed location (e.g., on a hall ceiling), but can also be mobile (e.g., via a rail-sled system) in order to cover large areas of the system 10 or the entire system 10 with just a few or even a single projector 14. The projectors 14 generally cover larger (functional) areas (e.g., a shelf arrangement 38 in a warehouse 40) of the system 10, so that each of the projectors 14 can project location-specific codes 34 to many different locations 68 (cf. Fig. 4), especially simultaneously. To achieve a large coverage, the distances between the projectors 14 and the (freely selectable) projection surfaces should be large, which requires a sufficiently high resolution of the projectors 14, especially because the location-specific codes 34 must be machine-readable.

[0049] Each of the Codes 34 can be a one-dimensional Code 34 (1D code, e.g. a barcode, cf. Fig. 2A) or a two-dimensional code 34 (2D code, e.g. a QR code, see below). Fig. 2B). The code 34 is, preferably exclusively, machine-readable by the reading devices 24 and electronically evaluated by the control unit 12. The code 34 is location-specific, i.e., each of the codes 34 is uniquely assigned to a (single) location within the system 10. In other words, this means that each location in the system 10 can be illuminated with a different code 34. The location information is contained in the code 34.

[0050] The projectors 14 can therefore be equipped with a steering and autofocusing system (not shown) to project the codes 34 to the desired location even from greater distances, e.g. more than 3m, 4m, 5m or more, in a way that can be read by machine.

[0051] Suitable projectors for the present applications 14 are, for example, “DLP” projectors from the company “Texas Instruments”, which are offered, for example, under the product name “DLP5531”. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates an example where a DLP projector is integrated into a car headlight to project information in text form onto the road for a driver.

[0052] The 1D and 2D codes 34 of the Fig. 2 represent optoelectronically readable information consisting of lines and / or dots of varying widths and gaps between them, with the highest possible contrast. The term optoelectronics, in its broadest sense, encompasses all products and processes that enable the conversion of electronically generated data and energy into light emission and vice versa. In contrast to the 1D codes 34, the data in the 2D code 34 is not encoded in only one direction, but rather as a surface spanning two dimensions. The advantage of the 2D code is a higher density of useful information. In this disclosure, the term "code" does not refer to a type of encryption, but rather to representations of data in the form of symbols. The data in the code 34 is read automatically using the reading devices 24, such as camera scanners.

[0053] System 10 may also (optionally) include: a goods receipt (GR) 42; a goods issue (GI) 44; the warehouse 40 with the racking arrangement 38 consisting of one or more racks 46; one or more workstations 48, such as a picking station 50, a packing station, etc.; and / or a conveyor system 52. These are functional areas and functional components of System 10.

[0054] The term conveying system 52 generally refers to technical systems for implementing material flow 30, i.e., conveying equipment, which essentially effect internal changes of location, i.e., transport, of (conveyed) goods. The conveying equipment comprises two groups (not shown): continuous conveyors and discontinuous conveyors. Continuous conveyors (e.g., roller conveyors, belt conveyors, chain conveyors, overhead conveyors, etc.) operate continuously and are mostly installed in a fixed location. Discontinuous conveyors, such as the vehicles 20 (mobile robots, flying drones, etc.), convey and transport the conveyed goods either freely, i.e., autonomously, or guided along tracked or forced routes (path between a source and a destination). The conveying equipment connects the WE 42, the WA 44, the warehouse 40, and / or the workstations 48 to each other in terms of material flow.The material flow control ensures that the goods are transported along the conveyor system 52 according to transport orders, which may be caused by picking orders.

[0055] In accordance with DIN 13312:2005-02, the term "navigation" is used below to refer to route finding (routing) along a driving course and position determination within that driving course. A path or route from any starting point to any destination point within the driving course is predefined by the control system 12 as part of the material flow 30. Verification that the planned path is actually being followed is carried out using location-specific codes 34, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0056] The location-specific code 34 is also used for maintenance purposes, in particular to ensure that technician 18 actually goes to and maintains a system component 70. Every component 70 of system 10 must be maintained during its (operating) life. Examples of system components 70 are the vehicles 20 or the picking robots 28. During maintenance, the system component may be inspected, lubricated, readjusted, or similar. Maintenance can include repairs, component replacements, modifications, commissioning, new installations (e.g., correct installation and positioning), and similar tasks.

[0057] The following section considers an example of a picking machine 28, which has a large number of (product) ejectors 54, which in turn represent components 70, in order to automatically separate products stored in the machine 28 according to a picking order, see also Fig. 6. One or all of the ejectors 54 require maintenance. In this case, these ejectors 54 represent, by way of example, the system components 70 to be maintained. It is understood that the automaton 28 itself could also be the component 70 to be maintained. Furthermore, it is understood that the component to be maintained can be any object within the system 10, even software installed in a device of the system 10.

[0058] The controller 12 also has a data structure 55, which is schematically represented in the block diagram of the Fig. 4 is shown. Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a tabular representation of the data structure 55, which consists of rows 56 (56-1, 56-2, ..., 56-i) and columns 58 (58-1, 58-2, ..., 58-j), each containing data fields 60. A row 56 of the data structure 55 can consist of one or more data fields 60 of different data field types 62. Each of the rows 56 represents an action to be performed within the system 10, such as component-specific maintenance 26, tracking of the material flow control 30, or possibly also order picking guidance 32. Each of the rows 56 also represents an order into which the action is converted by the controller 12. The data structure 55 of the Fig. 4 therefore represents multiple actions or orders.

[0059] The tasks can be processed sequentially or simultaneously. The location-specific codes 34 are projected accordingly, sequentially or simultaneously, to the corresponding locations 68.

[0060] Possible data field types 62 of data structure 55 are: an order number 64, a code number or code 34, an order type 66, the system entity 16, a location (i.e., a coordinate) 68 within system 10, a system component 70, and / or a time value 72. The time value 72 can contain information about when the associated code 34 is to be projected and / or for how long. The entity data field can contain information about the associated entity 16, such as an individual entity identifier 78, a reader 24 belonging to entity 16 or its reader identifier 78, and similar information, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0061] The following section examines the first line, 56-1, which exemplifies a (controller-initiated) maintenance action. Controller 12 generates the corresponding maintenance order ("Order #1"). Alternatively, this order can be generated manually by an operator of system 10. During automatic generation, controller 12 can, for example, access a database (not shown) containing information such as the actual usage time, inspection intervals, average lifespan, etc., for a component 70. If the actual usage time approaches the average lifespan, controller 12 can recognize this and automatically generate the corresponding maintenance order.

[0062] The first line, 56-1, represents this first order #1, the correct execution of which must be ensured by the controller 12. For example, in (maintenance) order #1, the fourth ejector 54 of the fourth picking robot 28 is to be serviced (e.g., inspected, possibly including a component replacement), which is to be carried out by a first technician 18 ("Technician #1"). Experience shows that a (any) technician 18 requires an average of 10 minutes for this maintenance; see the corresponding time value ("10 min"). The (location) coordinates of the fourth picking robot 28 (with respect to system 10) are stored in the data for location 68. (Location) coordinates (e.g., with respect to the fourth picking robot 28) may also be stored in the data for component 70. The controller 12 can use these coordinates to first select a suitable projector 14 that has a field of view in which the component 70 to be serviced is located.Secondly, the controller 12 can use these coordinates to instruct the corresponding projector 14 to project the associated location-specific code 34 in the (immediate) vicinity of the component 70 to be serviced. The location of the projection must clearly indicate which component 70 requires servicing, because the code 34 is not readable by the technician 18.

[0063] Technician 18 is thus visualized by the projection of the location 68 of component 70 as well as the component 70 itself, which is to be serviced. This facilitates technician 18's navigation through system 10 and the finding and identification of component 70, which is to be serviced. This situation is in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates where a code 34 for a first ejector 54-1 is projected in a uniquely identifiable way immediately in front of the first ejector 54-1 of a picking machine 28 (here: A-Frame).

[0064] As soon as the technician 18 arrives at location 68 of the component 70 to be serviced, the projected code 34 is read by an optoelectric sensor 73 of the reader 24, which the technician 18 carries with him. The reader 24, cf. Fig. 5 generates a signal corresponding to the read code 34 and sends this signal via a transmitting and receiving unit 74 over a (data) interface 76 to the controller 12 as confirmation (acknowledgment signal). This signal can contain an individual reader identifier 78 and / or an individual technician identifier 78, which is / are stored in a data memory 81 in the reader 24 and which may (also) be stored in the data field 60 of entity 16 for comparison purposes. This signal can also contain a timestamp (not shown) indicating when the corresponding code 34 was read.

[0065] The controller 12 receives the signal from the reader 24. Receiving the signal confirms to the controller 12 that the technician 18 has arrived at the component 70 requiring maintenance. The controller 12 electronically evaluates the signal to verify the (correct) execution of the controller-initiated action (here: maintenance order) based on the data for order #1 and the data from the received confirmation signal. Based on this information, the controller 12 can verify, by comparison, that the correct technician 18 is at the correct component 70 requiring maintenance.

[0066] Verification is performed during maintenance, for example: by reading a (component-specific) system component identifier, which is attached to component 70 in the form of an additional code, with the reader 24 and sending it to the controller 12; the controller 12 then checks this read identifier 78 against the component identifier 78 stored in data field 60 of component 70 in order #1 for a match; and / or by the controller 12 checking whether the system component 70, which is linked to order #1, goes offline for a predetermined period of time after the associated code 34 has been read. Typically, the technician 18 removes component 70, which means disconnecting the component from its power supply, causing it to go offline. This disconnection can be monitored by the controller 12 for verification purposes.

[0067] In case of discrepancies, the controller 12 can contact the relevant entity 16, in this case technician #1, and transmit corrective information, which is displayed to technician #1, e.g., visually (display device 80). Fig. 5) or communicated audibly (spoken text). For example, control unit 12 can cause corrective information to be displayed to technician 18, e.g., in the case that technician 18 is at the wrong location 68 and has therefore read an incorrect code 34, which is not assigned to this technician #1 but, for example, to another maintenance technician 18 or to one of the vehicles 20 (e.g., the one in line 56-2), informing technician #1 of the correct location 68.

[0068] After maintenance 26 of component 70 is completed, technician #1 can read the code 34, which (optionally) continues to be projected to location 68, again using reader 24 to inform controller 12 of the end of maintenance 26. Alternatively, technician 18 can use an (optional) input device 82 (see below). Fig. 5) of the reader 24. The control 12 can be used based on the associated time indication 72 (in Fig. The system uses a time interval of 4:10 minutes and the actual time elapsed between the two readings, which is tracked, to verify whether technician #1 actually performed the maintenance. This prevents, for example, technician #1 from simply reading code 34 twice in quick succession to falsely claim that maintenance 26 was performed, even though it did not. Controller 12 can therefore verify through feedback that maintenance 26 was indeed performed. Technician #1 cannot predict the specific code 34, which is unique to this maintenance 26, thus making the process fraud-proof.

[0069] The projection of the location-specific code 34 belonging to one of the orders 64 could also occur randomly. This means that the technician 18 will not see the corresponding code 34 displayed for all components 70 to be serviced. In this case, the technician 18 will also be notified of the relevant maintenance order via another medium, e.g., a visual display (coordinate, component type, etc.) on the display unit 80 of the reader. Therefore, in this case, the technician 18 can never be certain when and where (automated) confirmation of the correct execution of the maintenance 26 by the controller 12 will be requested. However, a system operator can be certain that the maintenance 26 was carried out correctly because the technician 18 cannot circumvent the controller 12 by, for example, reading pre-printed component identifiers 78 without actually having inspected the corresponding component 70.

[0070] The procedure described above in connection with maintenance 26 can also be applied analogously to a check of the material flow control 30.

[0071] The case of a review of the material flow control 30 is exemplified by the second line 56-2 of the data structure 55 of the Fig. Section 4 is described. The second line, 56-2, describes order #2, which defines material flow tracking in the second column, 58-2, as the action to be performed. Order #2 is linked to a vehicle 20, designated as AGV (autonomous guided vehicle) #3. According to the planned material flow, AGV #3 should be at intersection #2 of the conveyor system 52 at 2:35 PM. The controller generates a corresponding code #2, which is projected onto the ground at coordinate 68, corresponding to intersection #2, for a certain period of time. If AGV #3 passes intersection #2 at 2:35 PM as planned, the vehicle-integrated reader 24 can read the code #2 projected onto intersection #2 and send it, along with the identifier 78 of AGV #3 and a corresponding timestamp, to the controller 12 for further evaluation, i.e., verification.Based on the transmitted signal, control unit 12 can verify whether AGV #3 actually crossed the intersection at 2:35 PM and intervene if necessary. One possible correction is to adjust the planned material flow to the actual circumstances (e.g., AGV #3 crossed intersection #2 earlier or later). Another possible correction is to slow down or speed up AGV #3 to reach the next waypoint on its route in time, i.e., at the planned time.

[0072] The procedure described above can also be applied analogously to the picking guide 32, as shown below using the third line 56-3 of the data structure 55. Fig. 4 will be described using examples.

[0073] According to order #3, order picker #2, who is processing order #8, is to remove items from shelf #5. A corresponding location-specific code #3 is projected onto the corresponding coordinate or location 68 of shelf #5. In this case, there is no time indication 72 because it is not known in advance when order picker #2 will remove the item from shelf #5. As soon as order picker #2 reaches shelf #5, guided by the projected code #3, they scan the code #3. The corresponding signal, along with the corresponding reader ID 78 and / or the corresponding order picker ID, is sent to the controller 12. The controller 12 evaluates this signal and, based on the data resulting from the evaluation, checks whether order #8 is being processed correctly.If the picking person #2 has scanned an incorrect code 34 that belongs to a different compartment or picking order, the control unit 12 can intervene to correct the error in the manner described above.

[0074] Thus, various applications were described that are based on data structure 55, which is exemplified in the Fig. As described in section 5. It is understood that the data structure 55 does not necessarily have to be tabular. The data structure 56 can also be stored in a relational database.

[0075] The data structure 55 enables the controller 12 to verify various actions to be carried out in the system 10 by humans or machines in order to avoid errors and to ensure the correct execution of a planned action. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 10 (Intralogistics) systems 12 Control 14 projector 16 (System) entity, mobile 18 (maintenance) technicians 20 (transport) vehicles 22 order pickers 24-inch reader 26 Maintenance 28 Picking machine 30 Material flow / material flow control 32 Order picking guidance 34 Code 36 Communication network 38 Shelf arrangement 40 warehouses 42 Goods receipt (GR) 44 Goods issue (GI) 46 shelves 48 workstations 50 picking stations 52 Conveyor system 54 ejectors 55 Data structure 56th line Column 58 60 Data field 62 Data field type 64 Order number 66 Order type 68 Place 70 (System) Component 72 Time (indication) 73 optoelectric sensor 74 Transmit / Receive Unit 76 (Data) interface 78 identifier 80 Display unit 81 Data storage 82 Input device

Claims

[1] Intralogistics system (10) for monitoring a predetermined location-specific action, which is uniquely linked to a location (68) from a plurality of different locations (68) in the intralogistics system (10) and which is uniquely linked to a moving system entity (16) that is to perform the action, wherein the intralogistics system (10) comprises: a controller (12) that communicates a command (64) uniquely linked to the action to the mobile system entity (16) and that is configured for: a maintenance (26) of a system component (70) from a plurality of system components (70); and / or a tracking of a material flow control system (30); a reading device (24) that carries the movable system entity (16) and is connected to the controller (12) for data exchange; and a projector (14) which is set up to project location-specific codes (34) at the instigation of the controller (12) to several of the locations (68) within the intralogistics system (10); wherein the controller (12) is further configured to verify the execution of the action based on the order (64) and a received confirmation signal which is generated by the reader (24) and sent to the controller (12) as soon as the reader (24) has read one of the location-specific projected codes (34). [2] Intralogistics system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control (12) is configured to project only one of the codes (34) at a time. [3] Intralogistics system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control (12) is configured to project several of the codes (34) simultaneously to the corresponding locations (68). [4] Intralogistics system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the confirmation signal further comprises: a component-specific identifier (78); an entity-specific identifier (78); and / or a reader-specific identifier (78). [5] Intralogistics system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one code (34) is projected to the location (68) which is associated with the corresponding action. [6] Intralogistics system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the projector (14) is high resolution to project the one code (34) from a distance of at least 3m, 4m or 5m or from a distance of more than 5m to the one location (68). [7] Intralogistics system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a data structure (55) that defines one or more of the actions and that for each of the defined actions comprises a single location-specific code (34) that uniquely describes a coordinate (68) in the intralogistics system (10) to which the single code (34) is to be projected by the projector (14). [8] Intralogistics system (10) according to claim 7, wherein the data structure (55) further comprises for each of the actions an order type (66), one of the entities (16), a system component (70) and / or a time specification (72). [9] Intralogistics system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the codes (34) are, preferably exclusively, machine readable by the reading device (24) and evaluated by the control (12). [10] Intralogistics system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the codes (34) are designed in one dimension or two dimensions to uniquely represent a spatial coordinate in the form of a pattern. [11] Intralogistics system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the verification in the case of maintenance (26) is carried out by: Furthermore, a system component identifier (78) is read and sent by the reader (24) and checked by the controller (12); and / or The control (12) checks whether the system component (70), which is also linked to the order (64), goes offline for a predetermined period of time after the one code (34) has been read. [12] Intralogistics system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the verification in the case of material flow control (30) is carried out by the reader (24), which is attached to a vehicle (20), which is the moving entity (16), reads a code (34) at a waypoint which the vehicle (20) must pass according to a pre-planned material flow control (30) and onto which the code (34) is projected, the confirmation signal further comprises a vehicle-specific identifier (78), and preferably a timestamp corresponding to the reading of one code (34), and The control (12) checks the pre-planned material flow control (30) by comparing it against data resulting from an evaluation of the confirmation signal. [13] Intralogistics system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the verification by the controller (12) comprises checking that the received read code (34) matches the code (34) that is assigned to the corresponding action; and The controller (12), if the codes (34) match, issues a further confirmation signal to the corresponding movable system entity (16) and causes this system entity (16) to continue its current action, or The controller (12), if the codes (34) do not match, issues a correction signal to the corresponding movable system entity (16) and causes this system entity (16) to perform the predetermined action instead of its current action. [14] Intralogistics system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control system is configured for: the maintenance (26) of the system component (70) from the multitude of system components (70); the tracking of material flow control (30); and / or the execution of a picking guide (32).

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