Simplified wireless warehouse organisation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a warehouse organisation system comprising a storage area having a plurality of defined storage locations for storing and retrieving storage items, at least one mobile device that can be moved (from at least one storage starting point to the storage locations) and can be supplied with information relating to which storage location should be called upon next, and a plurality of, preferably active, ideally intermittently active, fully mobile, wireless transmitters with an individual identifier, wherein the signal thereof can be received by the mobile device and assigned, wherein the transmission power of each transmitter is designed such that its signal can be received by the mobile device only within a sub-region of the warehouse, wherein, of the transmitters, a respective at least one transmitter is assigned to a defined storage location and / or a storage item, characterised in that each transmitter is assigned a receiver and a signalling unit, and the mobile device is designed such that, as soon as it receives the signal of the storage item and / or storage location forming the target (via a corresponding signal to the receiver), it activates the associated signalling unit such that the storage or retrieval location to be controlled can be locally perceived, preferably via a light signal.

Description

[0001] SIMPLIFIED WIRELESS WAREHOUSE ORGANIZATION SYSTEM

[0002] The invention relates to a warehouse organization system. Preamble of the main claim:

[0003] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0004] Warehouse organization systems are widely known.

[0005] The classic warehouse organization systems use a network system that is usually based on a LAN.

[0006] Each smallest storage location to be addressed is connected via a cable to the server with which it communicates and which organizes the warehousing, usually with the help of a classic merchandise management system.

[0007] Such a warehouse organization system has numerous strengths, in particular a wide range of functions can be implemented.

[0008] The disadvantage of such a warehouse organization system is that it requires a fairly complex setup and that it usually also requires at least central administration, which is handled by a suitably trained employee via a PC.

[0009] Such warehouse management systems can still be very efficient if they are operated automatically, with the help of storage and retrieval machines or other robots that can be very quickly directed, for example via a local hall navigation system, to a storage location where an object is to be deposited or picked up. However, the efficiency of such warehouse management systems can also be improved precisely where, for whatever reason, full automation using storage and retrieval machines or other robots is not possible or not economical – but the required walking or manipulation distances to deposit or pick up an object at a specific storage location still have to be managed by humans.

[0010] For this purpose, systems have already been devised that locate individual employees on their walking routes and guide them as quickly as possible to the storage location where they are to drop off or pick up an item. However, such systems have only met with limited acceptance. This is because the existing guidance systems locate the employee, referred to below as the "picker", throughout their entire walking route. The data thus obtained is further processed in the server to generate the guidance signals. This gives the picker the uneasy feeling of being under Orwellian surveillance, even if the server perhaps does not carry out any data analysis that would allow conclusions to be drawn about the picker's individual performance.

[0011] Furthermore, the existing warehouse organization systems are still too cumbersome to set up, at least where either a particularly cost-effective warehouse or a spontaneous warehouse that can be operated as quickly as possible is required. There is a wide variety of needs for this. In the simplest case, such a spontaneously erected warehouse is needed because the existing warehouse is overloaded due to a peak in orders. In other cases, such a spontaneously erected warehouse is required where a crisis situation must be managed, for example in the event of a disaster or, sadly again relevant these days, in the event of war.

[0012] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide means with which a warehouse can be set up in the simplest possible way, in which the individual storage locations can be accessed by a picker as efficiently as possible.

[0014] THE INVENTIVE SOLUTION

[0015] The solution to this problem is a warehouse organization system with a storage area that includes a variety of defined storage locations for depositing and retrieving stored items.

[0016] The warehouse organization system also includes at least one mobile device, which is usually fully autonomous due to its own power source and wireless capability. This mobile device can be moved from at least one warehouse exit point to all storage locations within the warehouse area.

[0017] The mobile device can be fed with the information about which storage location should be visited next.

[0018] The warehouse organization system also includes a number of transmitters with individual identifiers. Their signals can be received by the mobile device and assigned based on the identifier. The transmission power of a transmitter is designed so that a signal from the mobile device can only be received within a specific area of ​​the warehouse. At least one transmitter is assigned to each defined storage location and / or to each stored item located there.

[0019] Each transmitter is assigned at least one receiver and one signalling device.

[0020] The mobile device is designed so that, as soon as it receives the signal from the transmitter at the target storage location and / or storage object, it activates the associated signaling device with the help of the receiver at the storage location or storage object. This device then transmits, for example, a light signal.

[0021] In this way, the picker, who has advanced within sight of the storage location to be reached from the stored item, is made aware of the exact location of the storage location or stored item he is going to reach. This saves him a considerable amount of time, particularly on the last part of the journey. At the same time, the reliability of his work is significantly increased. This is because the signaling virtually eliminates the possibility that the picker, after a long period of inattention, will pick up a product from the wrong storage location or remove the wrong storage item from the intended storage location when multiple items are occupied.

[0022] Typically, each transmitter does not transmit continuously, but rather intermittently, at specific time intervals. It usually transmits for only a short time, about 10 seconds. This saves power.

[0023] In certain cases, each transmitter is assigned a timer that shuts it off during specific periods, such as when the warehouse is closed for the night. Alternatively, the timer operates in such a way that during certain periods, such as when the warehouse is closed for the night, it only transmits at longer intervals than during normal operation. This further saves power.

[0024] With the help of the warehouse organization system according to the invention, a warehouse can be set up very efficiently and quickly.

[0025] The responsible picker typically carries the mobile device on their body, preferably as a back-of-the-hand device attached to the back of a glove or gauntlet. The mobile device typically features a scanner and ideally also a small screen. Sometimes a thumb-operated trigger is particularly useful for interacting with the back-of-the-hand device, e.g., to initiate a scan.

[0026] Then, for example, the responsible picker scans the information on the goods with their mobile device, usually in the form of a barcode or, more accurately, a QR code associated with the goods. The picker then scans, usually in a corresponding manner, the information attached to a tag belonging to the system according to the invention. The mobile device thereby establishes a data association between the goods and the tag.

[0027] The picker then goes to the designated storage location and places the goods and the tag there.

[0028] The data collected by the handheld device is usually stored centrally at regular intervals. When the stored goods are to be removed from storage, the handheld device either still has the information about the date the goods were stored, or it receives this information from the central server.

[0029] The handheld device then ideally generates a map of the warehouse, marking the storage location to be located and possibly also visualizing an optimal walking route. The picker, who is familiar with the warehouse layout, uses this map as a guide and begins to walk toward the storage location to be located. The handheld device is in receive mode and waits to receive the signal from the transmitter assigned to the storage location to be located.

[0030] As soon as the picker comes within sight of the storage location to be found, the signal from the transmitter at the storage location is strong enough to be received by the handheld device. As soon as the handheld device receives the signal from the transmitter at the storage location, it in turn sends a signal to the receiver assigned to the transmitter. The handheld device then activates the signaling device assigned to the transmitter at the storage location. If the signaling device is a lamp or an LED, for example, it will now start to light up. On the last part of the journey, the picker can immediately see which storage location is his current destination or which stock item at the storage location in question is his current destination. This eliminates the time-consuming search for the correct storage location shortly before the destination and the equally time-consuming check to see whether the storage location aimed at by the picker is really the correct storage location.

[0031] Optionally, a cell phone can even be used as a mobile device under certain circumstances - as long as it is equipped with the right app, although back-of-the-hand scanners are clearly preferred. Preferably, several people can work with several mobile devices in parallel. Ideally, within the framework of the inventive system, the data flow is organized in such a way that the data recorded during the day with several mobile devices working in parallel is synchronized later, usually after the shift. In this way, a spontaneous ad hoc warehouse can be set up very quickly. The inventive system makes it possible for many people to work in parallel, all of whom perform relatively simple tasks and can therefore be trained quickly.

[0032] A major advantage of the warehouse organization system according to the invention is that guidance to the desired storage location can be achieved through purely local communication between the mobile device and the respective transmitter, without any connection to a central server via which a movement image of the picker could be created. This significantly increases the acceptance of the warehouse system according to the invention. Furthermore, the warehouse organization system according to the invention requires very simple data processing, since the activation of the signaling device preferably depends solely on the mobile device first receiving a signal from the transmitter emitting from the intended storage location, which is purely distance-dependent.

[0033] PREFERRED FORMS OF EXECUTION

[0034] The warehouse organization system according to the invention can be further improved in various ways.

[0035] Ideally, the transmitters belonging to the warehouse organization system send Bluetooth signals that the mobile device can receive. Bluetooth technology has been tried and tested for years and is technically advanced, making it highly reliable. It is particularly advantageous if the Bluetooth signals sent by the transmitters have an average reception range of preferably less than 15 meters, and even better, less than 10 meters. If the transmitters come into contact with the handset too early, and the signaling system is then activated prematurely, this consumes too much battery power.

[0036] Ideally, the transmission power of the transmitters of the warehouse organization system according to the invention can be adjusted to an even lower transmission power, ideally to a range of less than 3 m. In this way, the warehouse organization system according to the invention can be adjusted accordingly before delivery to the customer, for example in cases where the warehouse organization system is operated in a small space rather than a warehouse, for example in a pharmacy with its familiar drawer pull-outs or in the hardware store of a DIY store, where hundreds of different screws are offered individually in small drawers.

[0037] Ideally the mobile device can identify whether it can receive a signal from at least one transmitter that is on the correct route to the current destination storage location and from whose transmitter no signal can yet be received. In this case the mobile device can temporarily activate the signaling device assigned to this transmitter so that it confirms the direction of travel. Of course the signaling device is activated so that its signal can be distinguished from the signal from a signaling device that signals that the correct storage location has been reached. If, for example, LEDs are used as signaling devices then the picker can be shown the way to the correct storage location by an LED that lights up in a certain color, such as white, until he gets close enough to it that an LED there lights up in a different color, such as green.

[0038] The same option can be implemented in the other direction instead or in addition. For this purpose, the mobile device is configured to receive a signal from at least one transmitter that is not on the correct route to the current destination storage location. The mobile device then temporarily activates the associated signaling device to warn of an incorrect direction of travel, particularly if the mobile device has previously received multiple signals from transmitters that are not on the correct route, but this has not yet led to its signaling.

[0039] Ideally, a transmitter, a receiver, and a signaling device are combined into one tag, preferably in a single housing. It is particularly advantageous if the housing is moisture-proof and / or shock-resistant, so that it can withstand multiple impacts onto a concrete floor from a height of at least 2.20 m without damage.

[0040] The tag typically houses a power source for the transmitter, receiver, and signaling device. Rechargeable batteries can be considered for this purpose. However, batteries are preferred as the power source because they have a lower self-discharge rate over long periods of use and are therefore more reliable, especially in warehouses with long storage or handling times.

[0041] Ideally, the tag has a battery status monitor that activates the tag's signaling system when the battery is about to reach or has already reached its depleted state. For example, the tag's LED will then flash continuously and / or in a specific color and / or at a specific frequency and / or a specific timing sequence. This signals, when the warehouse is inspected for inspection purposes or when restocking another storage location, that a new battery needs to be provided at a specific storage location.

[0042] As already mentioned, it is ideal if the signaling device consists of at least one LED, preferably a multi-coloured LED or if it consists of several LEDs emitting light in different spectral colours. In this way, not only can different information be transmitted via a single LED, but it also ensures that several pickers do not interfere with one another while working in the warehouse. If a picker is assigned the colour green, for example, they can ignore LEDs which shine in other colours such as yellow, pink, blue and violet and know, for example, that a red-emitting LED signals a fault condition which concerns all pickers.

[0043] Ideally, the signaling device activates the LED not in continuous operation, but rather in a flashing mode to indicate a storage location or other status. Flashing mode saves considerable power compared to continuous operation, which is important because the battery power available each day is limited.

[0044] Ideally, the signaling device can activate at least one LED with different flashing patterns. This includes different, consistent flashing frequencies, but also flashing patterns like "short, short, short, long," and the like. This makes it possible to signal various different information using a simple LED in a power-efficient manner.

[0045] The tag is preferably equipped with means that allow it to be attached to its assigned storage location without the need for tools and in such a way that it is at least essentially undetachable - for example by means of a magnet, a Velcro fastener, a ball locking bolt or a snap-in base or pocket attached thereto.

[0046] It is particularly advantageous if the tags are designed in such a way that a tag can exchange data stored in at least one of the tags by approaching or bringing it into contact with another tag, preferably immediately from tag to tag. This makes it much easier, for example, to replace tags which use a signalling device to indicate that their battery voltage will soon be insufficient. Any employee carrying a fresh tag, regardless of whether they have a mobile device available or not, can remedy the situation by transferring the data from the old tag to the new tag and then returning the old tag to the service point where it can be repaired.

[0047] It is particularly advantageous if each tag has an individual barcode or QR code, and the mobile device has a scanner that can read it. This way, two short scans are sufficient to link the stored goods and the corresponding tag.

[0048] In some cases it is desirable for the mobile device to be able to store the length of time the mobile device was on a specific day, ideally without storing any other movement data of the user of the mobile device or picker. In this way, useful information can be gained from practice to improve warehouse flow. If, for example, it is found that a picker repeatedly spends a long time in front of tags with frequently used stock products, while they spend a shorter time in front of tags with less frequently used stock products, then this is an indication that the more frequently used stock products need to be stored in a more accessible location, for example at chest height and not overhead, while the less frequently used store products should be stored there.

[0049] It's especially useful if the mobile device also has an LED and a controller that lights up the LED in the same way as the LED at the target storage location when the picker comes within range. This ensures that the picker always knows which LED color or LED flashing pattern to look for, even when the warehouse is at its peak and LEDs with certain colors or flashing patterns are visible everywhere.

[0050] Ideally, the mobile device has a display that shows a map of the warehouse area, at least when a new search is started. The next storage location to be searched for is entered on this map. Ideally, the route is also shown. This gives the user an initial orientation, allows them to begin their journey, and cover a good part of the way without having to rely on a signal. This saves energy and, particularly when several people are working in the warehouse at the same time, improves the working atmosphere because signals are not given everywhere from a distance even though the picker has not yet come close to the storage location in question.

[0051] In this context, it is advantageous if the mobile device only lights up at least one LED after the card is displayed, ideally up to 1.5 seconds later. This way, the picker is not distracted from looking at the card, but still has reliable information about which type of LED or LED flashing pattern to look for.

[0052] It is particularly advantageous if the mobile device triggers a retrieval process on site when the tag of the storage location to be searched for and / or the product to be searched for is approached. The idea here is that the mobile device, preferably at the moment it first receives a signal from the tag of the storage location to be searched for and / or the product to be searched for, sets in motion, for example, a drive assigned to the storage location. This drive moves the storage compartment to be searched for, for example, from the ceiling position to removal height or pushes open a pull-out or drawer far enough that the item can be easily removed.

[0053] It has proven advantageous if each tag has a casing consisting of two half-shells.

[0054] Ideally, one shell of the housing is transparent and allows the radiation from the LED inside, which is usually mounted on a circuit board, to pass outwards.

[0055] Preferably, the housing shell used is so opaque that the upper shell of the housing appears to be entirely or predominantly illuminated by the radiation from the LED inside, usually mounted on a circuit board. In many cases, it is advantageous if the upper shell forms at least one light guide that directly reaches the LED, collects the radiation emitted by the LED, and directs it to the upper shell.

[0056] MISCELLANEOUS

[0057] While the discussion so far has consistently focused on storage locations, the system according to the invention could also be used simply for location-finding purposes in general, such as a seat allocator in a large concert hall—perhaps even implemented on a visitor's cell phone using an app. Protection is also sought for a corresponding claim for use and for a storage organization method, as disclosed here.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A warehouse organization system comprising a storage area with a plurality of defined storage locations for storing and retrieving stored items, at least one mobile device (movable from at least one warehouse exit point to the storage locations) which can be supplied with information about which storage location is to be visited next, and a plurality of – preferably active, ideally intermittently active – fully mobile wireless transmitters with an individual identifier, whose signal can be received and assigned by the mobile device, wherein the transmission power of each transmitter is designed such that its signal can only be received by the mobile device within a sub-area of ​​the warehouse, wherein at least one transmitter is assigned to a defined storage location and / or a stored item, characterized in that each transmitter is assigned a receiver and a signaling device.and the mobile device is designed in such a way that, as soon as it receives the signal from the (by means of a corresponding signal to the, REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) The receiver receives the signaling device assigned to the target storage location and / or storage item, so that the destination drop-off or pick-up location becomes perceptible on site, preferably by a light signal.

2. Warehouse organization system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitters (preferably only during warehouse operating time or outside less densely) intermittently send Bluetooth signals which the mobile device can receive and evaluate.

3. Warehouse organization system, characterized in that the Bluetooth signals transmitted by the transmitters have a mean reception range of preferably less than 15 m, better less than 10 m, wherein the transmission power can preferably be reduced to adapt it to the structure of the respective warehouse, ideally down to ranges of less than 3 m.

4. Warehouse organization system, characterized in that the mobile device can identify whether it can receive a signal from at least one transmitter that is on the correct path to the current destination storage location and then activates its signaling device at least temporarily to confirm the direction of travel and / or whether it can receive a signal from at least one transmitter that is on the correct path to the current destination storage location and then activates its signaling device at least temporarily to warn of an incorrect direction of travel.

5. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sender, one receiver and REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) a signaling device is combined into one tag, preferably in a single housing.

6. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tag bears a barcode or preferably a QR code and the mobile device includes a scanner that can read the barcode or QR code.

7. Storage organization system, characterized in that the tag can be attached to the storage location without tools and in a captive manner by means of a magnet, a Velcro fastener, a ball locking bolt or a snap-in base attached thereto.

8. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tag is battery-operated.

9. Warehouse organization system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the day activates the signaling device when the battery is about to reach or has reached its exhausted state.

10. Warehouse organization system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tag has an electronic leak detection or time monitoring for the battery and activates the signaling device when there is a risk of battery leakage.

11. Warehouse organization system, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device is at least one LED, preferably a multi-color LED or several differently colored LEDs. REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device activates at least one LED to flash in order to signal a storage location or another condition. Different flashing patterns can be displayed via at least one LED. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device can activate at least one LED with different flashing patterns. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tags are designed such that a tag can exchange data stored in at least one of the tags by approaching or coming into contact with another tag, preferably directly from tag to tag.Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile device can store and retrieve the dwell time of the mobile device prior to a specific day. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile device also has at least one LED and a control that makes the LED light up in the same way as the LED of the searched storage location. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile device has a display on which, at least when a new one is started, the following information is displayed: REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) During the search, a map of the storage area is displayed, showing the next storage location to be searched for and preferably also the running route.

18. Warehouse organization system according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that the mobile device illuminates the said at least one LED only after the said card is displayed, ideally up to 1.5 seconds later.

19. Warehouse organization system, according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that the mobile device, upon approach, ideally immediately after the first approach to the day of the storage location to be visited and / or the product to be visited, triggers a provisioning process on site.

20. Warehouse organization system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tag has a housing consisting of two half-shells.

21. Storage organization system according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that a shell of the housing is transparent and allows the radiation of the LED inside it, which is usually mounted on a circuit board, to pass outwards.

22. Storage organization system according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized in that a shell of the housing is so opaque that the upper shell of the housing appears to glow as a whole or predominantly due to the radiation of the LED inside it, which is usually mounted on a circuit board. REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Storage organization system according to the preceding claims in that the upper shell forms at least one light guide which extends directly to the LED and collects the radiation emitted by the LED and directs it to the upper shell. REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)