STORAGE SYSTEM FOR OBJECTS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING OBJECTS IN A WAREHOUSE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage system for objects in a warehouse and a method for managing objects in such a warehouse.

[0002] Numerous items such as goods, semi-finished products, consumables, books, files, and the like are stored in suitable warehouses for later use, further processing, sale, or other purposes. Such a warehouse has at least one storage area where the items are arranged or stored in an orderly manner. Complex warehouses require a storage system in which each item occupies a clearly defined storage location where it can be unambiguously identified and located as needed.

[0003] One common approach is to equip the warehouse with numerous uniform storage locations, each of which can be individually identified. The problem with this method is that the objects stored within these locations can vary considerably in shape and size, while the assigned storage locations themselves are of a standard size. This results in insufficient utilization of the total available storage space.

[0004] Another difficulty lies in the fact that inventory levels can change constantly, necessitating the storage of different items in different locations. Individually adjusting storage space size to the specific item is therefore hardly possible, or at least fraught with difficulties. Identifying and, above all, locating individual items is complicated due to the constantly changing inventory. Order picking by the warehouse worker is time-consuming, as they must locate and assemble the required number of each item within the warehouse.

[0005] Devices and methods are known from WO 2020 / 210820 A1 and US 2008 / 0077511 A1, in which labeled inventory is detected using mobile robots. These robots are equipped with cameras for detecting the inventory and the labels. The robots are also equipped with lights that illuminate the inventory and the labels within the cameras' detection range.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating a storage system that enables space-saving storage and easy retrieval of individual objects.

[0007] This problem is solved by a storage system with the features of claim 1.

[0008] The invention further aims to provide a method for managing objects in a warehouse, which simplifies the storage of objects and their retrieval.

[0009] This problem is solved by a method having the features of claim 7.

[0010] According to the invention, a storage system for objects is provided in a warehouse, wherein the warehouse comprises at least one storage area for the objects. The storage system includes at least one assembly consisting of a control unit and several individually controlled light sources, a camera unit for detecting the light sources and the objects in the warehouse, and a central unit. The light sources are arranged along the storage area. The central unit is designed to identify objects detected by the camera unit and to recognize the illuminated light sources spatially associated with each object.

[0011] In the associated method according to the invention, objects are placed on the storage surface, detected by the camera unit, and identified in the central unit. The light sources arranged along the storage surface are illuminated by the control unit and detected by the camera unit. In the central unit, an individual object is then assigned to at least one light source that is located in the immediate vicinity of that object.

[0012] The storage system's at least one camera unit can detect the corresponding objects, which are then identified in the central unit. This allows a physical location to be easily assigned to each object detected by the camera unit. Based on this assignment, the corresponding object can then be easily identified by its associated illuminated light source. The shelves do not need to be divided into compartments. Instead, the storage system according to the invention individually assigns each object a storage location corresponding to its size, with a corresponding number of light sources. This allows the objects to be stored in an extremely space-saving manner at any desired location. The associated light sources enable the corresponding object to be easily located again through visually perceptible signaling.The storage system according to the invention, as well as the associated method, can be combined with all common existing storage and order picking systems, as well as with simple smartphone apps. Due to its easy retrofit capability, this system represents an ideal solution for quickly and easily supplementing or even replacing existing legacy systems.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the camera unit is also designed to detect empty spaces in the storage area, with the central unit being configured to identify empty spaces detected by the camera unit and to recognize the light sources spatially associated with each empty space. In the associated method, empty spaces in the storage area are detected by the camera unit and identified in the central unit. Furthermore, the central unit assigns an individual empty space to at least one light source located in the immediate vicinity of that empty space. Thus, according to the invention, not only the stored objects but also unoccupied empty spaces can be managed in the same way.

[0014] It may suffice to assign only a single light source located in its immediate vicinity to a single object, its storage location, and / or a single empty space. This could, for example, be the light source located in the center of the object, its storage location, or the empty space. It is also conceivable to assign a limited number of light sources, such as activating only one light source at each of the two edges of the storage location or empty space. Preferably, however, the central unit assigns an individual object or empty space to all those light sources located in its immediate spatial proximity. This ensures that the storage location assigned to the respective object or empty space is clearly and unambiguously visualized in its entirety, thus preventing any misassignments.

[0015] The light source(s) are used at least when an object is stored and its location and size are determined. In a further advantageous development, the light source(s) are also used to locate the object or empty space, by illuminating at least one of the assigned light sources when such an object or empty space is retrieved. This allows for simple inventory management or order picking support.

[0016] The light sources can be positioned in almost any position and at almost any distance from each other. In a preferred embodiment, however, the light sources are arranged at uniform intervals along the storage surface. This allows for flexible use of the available space for objects of varying sizes, without the positioning of the light sources being restricted to a specific grid or other limitations.

[0017] The light sources can be incandescent or neon lamps, illuminated displays, or the like. Preferably, the light sources are designed as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Both in terms of investment costs and maintenance (energy consumption, lifespan), clear and easily identifiable visibility is achieved with minimal effort. Monochromatic light output can suffice for this purpose. In a further advantageous development, light sources capable of emitting light in various colors are used, thus providing additional information, such as assignment to a specific order or assignment to the activity of an individual warehouse worker.

[0018] Additionally, it can be useful to include a display and / or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for supplementary information such as the number of objects or similar data, alongside the light sources. A single light source and the aforementioned display can also be combined into a single illuminated indicator. In any case, this opens up the possibility not only of identifying or locating the storage location of a specific object, but also of providing the warehouse worker with additional information, for example, how many of a particular object they need to pick for a specific order.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0020] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a storage system for objects 1 according to the invention. The storage system comprises a storage unit 2, which is shown here by way of example in the form of a shelf. Such shelves can be storage shelves, bookshelves, department store shelves, supermarket shelves, modular shelving systems, pallet racks, filing cabinets, or the like. Other storage configurations, such as pallet spaces, merchandise displays in self-service restaurants or shops, or the like, are also considered within the scope of the invention. More generally, the invention concerns storage in private or commercial settings.

[0021] The warehouse has at least one storage area 3, and in this case, several storage areas 3. Multiple objects 1, such as goods, articles, packaging units, books, files, or the like, in various shapes and sizes, are stored on these storage areas 3. During a dynamic warehousing process, different objects 1 are positioned at changing locations with varying space requirements on the storage areas 3. Furthermore, the warehouse, specifically the at least one storage area 3, may also contain one or more empty spaces 11 where no object 1 is located.

[0022] Along their user-visible front edge, the bearing surfaces are provided with a plurality of light sources 6 arranged in a row, which in this case are in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, other light sources 6 may also be suitable. The light sources 6, together with a control unit 5, form an assembly 4 within which they can be individually controlled by the control unit 5, i.e., switched on and off individually. The light sources can be monochrome. Optionally, light sources 6 capable of emitting light in various colors are used, whereby the light source 6 can be individually changed in its luminous color or adapted to the requirements via the control unit 5. In the illustrated embodiment, an assembly 4 consisting of a control unit 5 and several light sources 6 is present. Within the scope of the invention, however, the bearing system can also comprise several such assemblies 4.

[0023] The light sources 6 can be arranged at any desired, and optionally varying, distances from one another, in groups, or the like. In the preferred embodiment shown, the light sources 6 are arranged at uniform intervals from one another along each individual storage surface 3. In any case, it is achieved that the individual objects 1 placed on the storage surfaces 3 and / or unused storage space in the form of an empty space 11 can be assigned to a corresponding number of light sources 6.

[0024] In addition to the lighting, the storage system includes optional displays 9 and / or RFIDs 10 (Radio Frequency Identification Devices), shown here only schematically, for additional information as needed. For example, during order picking, the number of objects 1 of a specific type to be picked from storage area 3 can be displayed. The displays 9 are also controlled by the control unit 5.

[0025] The storage system also includes at least one camera unit 7 and a central computer unit 8. The control unit 5, the at least one camera unit 7, and the central unit 8 are combined in a communication network and communicate with each other via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, a camera unit 7 is provided which can capture all light sources 6 of an array 4, as well as the associated objects 1 and, if applicable, the associated empty spaces 11. Optionally, the camera unit 7 can also be designed to capture the information content of the displays 9 and / or the RFIDs 10, or at least a part thereof. Fig. 1 A single, stationary camera unit 7 is provided, which can capture all light sources 6 of a group 4, all associated objects 1, and all associated blank spaces 11, as well as displays 9 and RFIDs 10. However, a movable camera unit 7 may also be suitable, which sequentially scans the light sources 6, any information from the displays 9 and / or the RFIDs 10, the objects 1, and, if necessary, also the blank spaces 11, for example, in a matrix pattern. This can be a camera unit mechanically guided along fixed paths, but also a freely movable camera unit, for example, in the form of the camera of a mobile phone carried by the user, or the camera of a vehicle or aircraft, or in the form of a multicopter.The foregoing applies equally to a single camera unit 7 and to the possibility of using multiple camera units 7 within the storage system according to the invention. The camera unit 7 can also be implemented in an augmented reality or virtual reality solution within the framework of the method according to the invention.

[0027] Depending on the application, the central unit 8 can be a high-performance computer system with appropriate software, a smartphone with a suitable app, or a cloud service or application. Regardless of the specific application, the central unit 8 is designed to identify the objects 1 detected by the camera unit 7, to recognize the light sources 6 spatially assigned to the respective objects 1, and to establish the logical association of these light sources 6 with the respective objects 1.

[0028] In the associated process according to the invention, as briefly summarized, various objects 1 are placed on the storage area 3, detected by the camera unit 7, and identified in the central unit 8. The light sources 6 arranged along the storage area 3 are illuminated by the control unit 5 and also detected by the camera unit 7. In the central unit 8, an individual object 1 is then assigned to at least one light source 6 that is in the immediate vicinity of that object 1. Preferably, the assignment is not only to a single light source 6, but to several, and in particular to all, the light sources 6 that are in the immediate vicinity of that object 1.When an object 1 is retrieved from the storage system according to the invention, at least one of the associated light sources 6, and in particular the multiple associated light sources 6, illuminate to locate the object 1. Additionally, the display 9 can indicate how many of these objects 1 are to be retrieved from the storage 2.

[0029] In detail, the process according to the invention can proceed as follows: First, the objects 1 in question must be identified. These objects 1 are often identified and described using barcodes or similar system labeling methods, which is fed into the storage system and facilitates subsequent assignment to the correct position for personnel. However, according to the invention, the initial identification can also be carried out using the described storage system with the camera unit 7 in conjunction with suitable image recognition software, provided that the machine learning or deep learning data models necessary for object identification have been appropriately "trained" beforehand. The training of the objects 1 can take place directly during storage in the warehouse 2.

[0030] The next step is the commissioning of the storage system. In the first step, the system uses network communication to determine how many units 4, consisting of control unit 5 and light sources 6, are located in the same network. The central unit 8 then forms a cluster with the corresponding light sources 6 for each unit 4. During the initial run, all light sources 6 are cycled through once (switched on / off), possibly using color coding, and the results are reported to the central unit 8 in real time.

[0031] Meanwhile, the camera unit(s) 7 continuously detect all objects 1 within their respective fields of view. As soon as illuminated light sources 6 are detected in the immediate vicinity of a specific object 1, the respective object 1, and optionally its number, is logically linked and stored in the central unit 8 with at least one, and in particular with several or all, of the light sources 6 located in the immediate vicinity. In the example shown, according to Fig. 1It was recognized that certain light sources, designated 6', are located beneath a specific object 1'. A logically unambiguous assignment is established between the light sources 6' and the object 1' in the central unit 8. This allows the storage system to know the location of this specific object 1' within the entire cluster and to act as a guidance system for location queries / searches, indicating the storage location of the specific object 1'. The requested location of the specific object 1' can be visualized by one or more assigned light sources 6, which can be further supported by a specific color code if required. The same applies, of course, to every other object 1.

[0032] Of particular note in this context is the flexibility of the storage system according to the invention, in that different objects 1 with different shapes and sizes have different space requirements. Free storage space only needs to be allocated to the extent actually required by the respective object 1, without having to adhere to fixed, predetermined storage space sizes. The actual storage space occupied is taken into account, according to the invention, by the variable number of assigned light sources 6. If the inventory changes, the storage space allocation can also be adjusted as needed in terms of position and size, thus enabling maximum utilization of the storage capacity.

[0033] Overall, the invention offers numerous advantageous applications: The camera unit(s) 7 can detect objects 1 and empty spaces 11 at regular intervals. With each detection cycle, the quantities and locations of the objects 1 are confirmed or corrected within the system. This flexibility eliminates the need for a physical storage and organization system, as the current location of a specific object can be recorded and retrieved at any time. This flexibility opens up countless new application possibilities beyond traditional warehouse management, merchandise display systems, order picking, etc., also in new end-customer solutions and smart home applications for organizing and locating objects in private environments.

[0034] The system is also suitable for the simple and quick picking of objects 1. This only requires exporting the picking lists from the existing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system or the corresponding warehouse management software. The light sources 6 can generate light and, if necessary, color signals, which make it possible to locate and pick the desired objects 1 in the optimal way. Different light and color signals allow multiple pickers to work simultaneously and / or multiple picking operations to be carried out concurrently. Thanks to the color codes of the light sources 6 and / or the direct display of the number of objects 1 to be picked on the display 9, picking can be carried out without additional aids such as lists, scanners, or tablets.

[0035] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention can consist in the fact that the light sources 6 are not implemented as simple LEDs, but directly as illuminated displays 9 with alphanumeric display of individual digits or more complex information. This allows the number of products to be picked to be displayed directly and, if required, also in the corresponding color. Further information can also be displayed.

[0036] The warehouse system is also suitable for conducting continuous automated inventory. This only requires exporting the inventory data from the existing ERP system or corresponding warehouse management software. By comparing the object recognition data with the exported inventory data, discrepancies can be identified and reported to the user.

[0037] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention can consist of enabling order pickers to support the picking process via gesture control, thanks to the camera units integrated into the system. Such gesture control can also be used to forward or make necessary corrections to support the system in cases of self-detected discrepancies in inventory.

[0038] In an advantageous further development of the storage system or the process, RFID-based information from mobile camera units with RFID reading function can also be incorporated, for example, for identification and quantity calculation.

Claims

1. Storage system for objects (1) in a store (2), wherein the store (2) comprises at least one storage surface (3) for the objects (1), wherein the storage system has at least one grouping (4) made up of a control unit (5) and multiple individual lighting elements (6) actuated by the control unit (5), at least one fixed and / or mobile camera unit (7) for capturing the objects (1) in the store (2), and a central unit (8), and wherein the central unit (8) is designed to identify objects (1) captured by the camera unit (7), characterized in that the lighting elements (6) are arranged along the storage surface (3), in that the camera unit (7) is provided to capture the lighting elements (6) and the objects (1) in the store (2), and in that the central unit (8) is designed to detect the illuminating lighting elements (6) that are spatially assigned to the respective object (1).

2. Storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that the camera unit (7) is also provided to capture empty spaces (11) in the store (2), and in that the central unit (8) is designed to identify empty spaces (11) captured by the camera unit (7) and to detect the lighting elements (6) that are spatially assigned to the respective empty space (11).

3. Storage system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lighting elements (6) are arranged along the storage surface (3) at regular or arbitrary distances from one another.

4. Storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lighting elements (6) are preferably light-emitting diodes.

5. Storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that lighting elements (6) that are able to light up in different colours are used.

6. Storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in addition to the lighting elements (6), an indicator (9) and / or RFID (10) for additional information, such as the number of objects (1) or similar, is provided.

7. Method for managing objects (1) in a store (2) by means of a storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the store (2) comprises at least one storage surface (3) for the objects (1), wherein objects (1) are placed on the storage surface (3), captured by the camera unit (7) and identified in the central unit (8), characterized in that the method comprises the following method steps: - the lighting elements (6) arranged along the storage surface (3) are illuminated by means of the control unit (5) and captured by the camera unit (7); - in the central unit (8), an individual object (1) is assigned to at least one lighting element (6) located in immediate spatial proximity to this object (1).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that empty spaces (11) in the store (2) are captured by the camera unit (7) and identified in the central unit (8) and in that, in the central unit (8), an individual empty space (11) is assigned to at least one lighting element (6) located in immediate spatial proximity to this empty space (11).

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, in the central unit (8), an individual object (1) or empty space (11) is assigned to those lighting elements (6) located in immediate spatial proximity to this object (1) or to this empty space (11).

10. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, when an object (1) is retrieved, at least one of the assigned lighting elements (6) is illuminated for finding the object (1) or the empty space (11).