SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING AND OPTIMIZING ORDER SCHEDULING - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method having a control component (10). The control component may be configured to monitor the moving components. The control component is configured to simultaneously adjust the scheduling of the multiple moving components when detecting at least one predefined event. The multiple moving components may be all the monitored components or a subgroup thereof, for example at least 10, at least 20, at least 50, or at least 1000 or more. The control component is configured to monitor the moving components with a monitoring frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min) and adjust the scheduling of the multiple moving components (20) when detecting at least one predefined event. Alternatively or additionally, the control component may be configured to monitor the moving components and adjust the scheduling of the multiple moving components with an adjustment frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for managing and optimizing order scheduling for, for example, logistics vehicles in a manufacturing / production factory.

Background Art

[0002] For a long time, attempts have been made to control order scheduling, particularly vehicle scheduling in a manufacturing factory, for example, in the automotive industry. Order scheduling in such a manufacturing environment is difficult because unexpected events chain one after another, particularly causing delays and / or other adverse effects on the material flow. Therefore, optimized scheduling for timing, reliability, manufacturing, product flow, etc. is of utmost importance.

[0003] US7756631B2 relates to absolute optimal scheduling or calculates a near-optimal scheduling for a first plurality of resources m routed to a second plurality of resource destinations n depending on the count values of m and n. Three different algorithms are used. When the count is m≤6 and n≤8, the first algorithm is used to reach absolute optimal scheduling. An example of the first algorithm is depth-first branch-and-bound search. For a second count where the count value is more than the first count, m>6 and m≤50, and n>8 and n≤100, the second algorithm is used to calculate a near-optimal scheduling. An example of this second algorithm is local search. For a third count where the count exceeds the above, the third algorithm is used to calculate a near-optimal scheduling. Typically, the third algorithm is applied to m>50, n>100. An example of this third algorithm is swarming.

[0004] US20130159206A1 is directed to determining the scheduling of delivery vehicles in a supply chain network, which in one aspect may include generating a set of candidate routes for delivery vehicles to meet demand at a plurality of destination locations. Unmet demand at the plurality of destination locations resulting from completing delivery according to the generated set of candidate routes may be determined. A set of vehicle routes that minimizes the unmet demand across all of the plurality of destination locations is selected from the set of candidate routes by applying an optimization function.

[0005] US20130138330A1 describes a system and method for optimizing mass transit vehicle scheduling based on additional ton-mile cost information, in one embodiment, a start location and a plurality of customer locations associated with a warehouse and a plurality of customers are identified, respectively. Furthermore, a plurality of location pairs are identified using the start location and the plurality of customer locations. Then, mileage cost information and ton-mile cost information are dynamically calculated for each of the plurality of location pairs. Also, a set of mass transit vehicle routes between the start location and the plurality of customer locations is dynamically determined using the location pairs and the number of vehicles used. Furthermore, travel cost information is calculated in real time for each set of mass transit vehicle routes. Also, a set of optimized mass transit vehicle routes is determined in real time using the travel cost information.

[0006] US8706409B2 relates to a vehicle management system and associated processes that may consider energy consumption when selecting routes for a fleet of vehicles. In certain embodiments, a vehicle management system and associated processes are described that evaluate vehicle energy usage based on factors such as terrain and elevation, vehicle characteristics, driver characteristics, road conditions, traffic, speed limits, stop times, turn information, traffic information, and weather information. The features described herein may also be implemented for non-fleet vehicles, such as personal vehicle navigation systems.

[0007] US20180268371A1 considers a vehicle scheduling problem with pick-up and delivery, time windows, and location resource constraints. Locations provide a number of cumulative resources that are used by vehicles during work (e.g., forklifts) or throughout a visit (e.g., parking). This problem is very challenging from a computational perspective because the resource constraints add time dependencies between vehicles and scheduling sub-structures that are not considered in traditional vehicle scheduling problems. The main contribution of this disclosure is a branch-and-price check model that incorporates a branch-and-price algorithm that solves the underlying vehicle scheduling problem and a constraint programming sub-problem that checks the feasibility of the location resource constraints and adds a combinatorial no-good cut to the master problem if the location resource constraints are violated.

[0008] US20180129985A1 relates to a computer-implemented method, a computerized apparatus, and a computer program product for selecting a time window for a vehicle scheduling problem. A set of criteria for estimating the desirability of scheduling an appointment for a time interval and a set of time intervals for which an appointment may be scheduled are obtained. A new appointment for scheduling for the time interval is received. For each time interval of the set, a balanced score is calculated according to the set of criteria. Based on the balanced score, a time interval for scheduling the new appointment is selected.

[0009] US20210081894A1 is directed to a method for constrained vehicle scheduling, including representing variables in an embedded space. The variables are clustered such that cluster elements are compatible with each other. A constrained vehicle scheduling problem is solved at the cluster level. The constrained vehicle scheduling solution at the cluster level is expanded to the level of the variables. Each tour of the constrained vehicle scheduling solution expanded to the level of the variables is individually refined.

[0010] US20190101401A1 describes a transportation management service that can use an objective function to balance various measures when selecting a scheduling option that fulfills a set of customer trip requests. The objective function can provide a tradeoff between passenger experience and provider economics, taking into account measures such as passenger convenience, operational efficiency, and the ability to fulfill committed trips. The analysis can take into account not only planned or currently planned trips, but also trips currently in progress. One or more optimization processes can be applied that can vary the component values ​​or weights of the objective function in an attempt to improve the quality scores generated for each of the proposed scheduling solutions. A solution can be selected for implementation based at least in part on the resulting quality scores of the proposed scheduling solutions.

[0011] DE102014006699A1 relates to a method for allocating components of a factory to a navigation tree, a method, an allocation device and a parameterization and / or commissioning device for parameterization and / or commissioning of components of a factory, where it is proposed to create a computer-aided factory model for the factory in a mapping device, further components being represented by structural elements, the nodes allocated to them being placed in a navigation tree and each being computer tested for structural compatibility of the allocation with control and / or output elements for the components in the navigation tree. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and corresponding system for controlling, optimizing and / or managing order scheduling, especially in a manufacturing plant.

[0013] The term system may comprise an integrated component or multiple components that are aggregated, assembled, and / or connected, all or some of the components may be located locally and / or remotely.

[0014] A method corresponds to a system insofar as the steps of the method correspond to the features of the system as described and set forth herein below. In general, the following system descriptions also apply to the method in terms of the features of the method and vice versa.

[0015] In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling, planning, optimizing and / or managing intralogistics. Where features are described with respect to a system, the corresponding method features in the method category are also included and vice versa.

[0016] The term intralogistics is intended to comprise the process of transporting materials, especially with moving components, especially at a factory or warehouse site, and may also comprise infrastructure, such as, for example, routes, aisles, roads, wired and / or wireless communication systems, operator or user handhelds, gates, traffic lights, barriers, doors, nodes, induction loops, production material sources, loading stations, unloading stations, battery chargers, batteries, etc.

[0017] Order scheduling is the process of assigning orders to a fleet of moving components, e.g., transport units. A transport order may be described by pick-up and drop-off locations, the goods handled, and / or the nearest possible delivery time. Order scheduling may affect all parameters that affect the scheduling of an order. Non-limiting examples are the available moving components choices, their status, location, loading location and / or time, routing, etc.

[0018] The systems and methods for controlling intralogistics of the present invention may comprise a control component configured to monitor the moving components and / or infrastructure and, upon detection of at least one predefined event, to simultaneously coordinate scheduling of multiple moving components and / or infrastructure.

[0019] The control component may alternatively or additionally be configured to monitor the moving components and / or infrastructure with a monitoring frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min) and to coordinate scheduling of the plurality of moving components and / or infrastructure upon detecting at least one predefined event.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the control component may be configured to monitor the moving components and / or infrastructure and adjust the scheduling of the plurality of moving components and / or infrastructure with an adjustment frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min).

[0021] The control component may be an integration component or may comprise an optimization component for optimizing intralogistics and a management component for communicating with the movement components and / or infrastructure.

[0022] The systems and methods may provide for planning / optimizing the components. This may be provided by a single component or multiple sub-components. A control component may be configured to monitor the moving components.

[0023] The optimization component is intended to comprise an integrated or non-integrated component that may be configured to plan and / or organize order scheduling.

[0024] The management component may be configured, at least in part, to receive the status of the mobile components and / or the infrastructure. The management component may be further configured to communicate, at least in part, the status of the mobile components and / or the infrastructure to the optimization component.

[0025] The management component is intended to comprise an integrated or non-integrated component (e.g., in a control component that also integrates an optimization component, or in a control component) that can communicate with the mobile components, infrastructure, etc. that are being controlled or managed.

[0026] The system and method may provide a control / monitoring component, which may be provided by a single component or multiple sub-components. The control component may be configured to monitor the moving components.

[0027] Mobile components are intended to comprise anything capable of transporting and / or handling goods, such as, for example, transport units. Transport units may be vehicles, mobile robots, handheld devices for humans or preferably users, and / or drones. In some cases, containers to be moved may also be understood to be included. These may comprise one type of component, or often different types of components.

[0028] Infrastructure or infrastructure assets are intended to comprise any kind of infrastructure used for order scheduling, such as, for example, paths, inductive loops, wired or wireless communications, traffic lights, gates, doors, conveyors, etc.

[0029] The control component may also be provided and / or configured to simultaneously coordinate commands of multiple transport units upon detection of at least one predefined event. The multiple transport units may be all or a subgroup of the monitored components, e.g., at least 10, at least 20, at least 50, at least 100, at least 500, or at least 1000 or more. This is intended to show that the present invention is capable of simultaneously controlling and scheduling multiple or complex assemblies of moving components, infrastructure, etc.

[0030] Scheduling is intended to mean basic time management, specifically comprising a list of times when possible tasks, events or actions of a transport unit are intended to take place, or a list of chronological sequences of events when such things are intended to take place. The process of creating a schedule (determining how to sequence these tasks and how to allocate resources between the various possible tasks) is called scheduling. The output of scheduling is also called a schedule. This may also comprise routing or rerouting of the transport unit, i.e. choosing a different route to realize the schedule.

[0031] This may provide the advantage that by controlling, monitoring, and / or managing all components, e.g., infrastructure, other components, e.g., mobile components, may be freed up.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the control component may be configured to monitor the moving components at a monitoring frequency of at least once per second (1 / s) and to adjust scheduling of the plurality of moving components upon detection of at least one predefined event and / or any unexpected event.

[0033] The control component may alternatively or additionally be configured to monitor the moving components and coordinate scheduling of the plurality of moving components with a coordination frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min).

[0034] The present invention may be configured for controlling vehicles and / or infrastructure in a factory, such as a manufacturing plant.

[0035] The systems and methods may be configured to receive schedule information for each of the plurality of mobile components and / or infrastructure at least once per minute (1 / min). In particular, the systems and methods may be configured to receive schedule information for each of the plurality of mobile components (20) at least once per 60 seconds (1 / 60s), preferably at least once per 30 seconds (1 / 30s), more preferably at least once per 10 seconds (1 / 10s), even more preferably at least twice per second (2 / s), and most preferably once per second (1 / s).

[0036] Also, different priorities for controlling components or infrastructure may be arranged: thus, battery status may be a lower priority and less frequent than the location of mobile components.

[0037] The control component, in particular the optimization component, may further comprise a computation component configured to compute an adjustment of the scheduling of a plurality of movement components and / or infrastructure. The control and / or optimization component may further comprise a computation component configured to compute an adjustment of the scheduling of a plurality of movement components by computing a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0038] The control and / or optimization component may further comprise a computation component configured to calculate an adjustment to the scheduling of the multiple moving components by computing multiple option schedules and selecting the optimal and / or most efficient one with respect to various criteria (e.g., the shortest time possible for the schedule, or the schedule that results in the smallest delay, or the schedule that uses the fewest number of moving components).

[0039] The control and / or optimization component may further comprise a remote computation component configured to compute an adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of movement components by computing a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0040] The control and / or optimization component may further comprise a cloud-based computation component configured to compute an adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of movement components by computing a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0041] The control and / or optimization component may further comprise a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of movement components by calculating a plurality of option schedules, selecting one, and providing the selected schedule for the adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of movement components.

[0042] The frequency of intralogistics control and / or optimization may correspond to a frequency of at least once every 60 seconds (1 / 60s), preferably at least once every 30 seconds (1 / 30s), more preferably at least once every 10 seconds (1 / 10s), even more preferably at least twice a second (2 / s), and most preferably once a second (1 / s). This is understood to relate to the actual adjustment or re-adjustment of each intralogistics component by the system. However, any frequency performed by an intralogistics component may be higher.

[0043] The control and / or optimization component may further comprise a calculation component configured to calculate the adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple moving components by calculating multiple option schedules in parallel and selecting one. There may be at least 100 calculations per second, preferably at least 1,000, more preferably at least 100,000, or even more than 1 million calculations. The calculation frequency may be higher than the actual control and / or optimization frequency for the intralogistics components.

[0044] The frequency of receiving status data (e.g., information and / or feedback) from the intralogistics may correspond to at least 1,000 times per minute (1,000 / min), preferably 2,500 times per minute (2,500 / min), more preferably 5,000 times per minute (5,000 / min), and most preferably at least 10,000 times per minute (10,000 / min).

[0045] The frequency of adjustment and / or management may correspond to at least two times per minute (2 / min), preferably three times per minute (3 / min), more preferably five times per minute (5 / min), and most preferably at least ten times per minute (10 / min).

[0046] The frequency of adjustment and / or management may correspond to at least 1,000 times per minute (1,000 / min), preferably 2,500 times per minute (2,500 / min), more preferably 5,000 times per minute (5,000 / min), and most preferably at least 10,000 times per minute (10,000 / min).

[0047] The systems and methods may be configured to optimize, monitor, and / or coordinate a fleet having multiple vehicles.

[0048] The vehicle may comprise at least one of a forklift, a battery powered vehicle, a transport vehicle, a mobile robot, a human operated vehicle, a handheld for guiding and / or assisting a human and / or user of any of the above-mentioned devices, and the like.

[0049] The predefined events may comprise a late or early arrival of a moving component, an obstruction in the route, a defect, a loading station and / or a battery defect, a reservoir of any kind becoming empty early or unexpectedly.

[0050] The systems and methods may further comprise a map (e.g., comprising nodes and / or edges), where the nodes are references to locations within the factory, and the system is configured to detect vehicles in the vicinity of and / or passing through each node.

[0051] The nodes may be virtually placed in the factory at points of interest for scheduling. The nodes may be configured to be virtually relocated. The virtual relocation of the nodes may be based on machine learning.

[0052] The predefined events may comprise, for example, malfunction, battery charging, handling issues with the material being moved, incorrect material loaded, improper operation, and the like, the need for maintenance of the moving component.

[0053] The systems and methods may be configured to take into account the time to charge the batteries of the mobile components.

[0054] Additionally, the system may include an optimization component configured to control the moving components and coordinate their scheduling.

[0055] The control component may comprise a management component, which may be configured to communicate with the mobile component, for example via an interface.

[0056] The present invention is further described by the following numbered embodiments.

[0057] Below, system embodiments are described. These embodiments are abbreviated by the letter "S" followed by a number. These embodiments are meant whenever "system embodiments" are mentioned in this specification.

[0058] S1. A system for controlling intralogistics, comprising: A control component (10), a. the control component is configured to monitor the mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure; b. A system configured for simultaneously coordinating scheduling of a plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detection of at least one predefined event.

[0059] S2. A system for controlling intralogistics, comprising: A control component (10), a. the control component is configured to monitor the moving components (20) and / or infrastructure at a monitoring frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min); b. A system configured to coordinate scheduling of a plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detection of at least one predefined event.

[0060] S3. A system for controlling intralogistics, comprising: A control component (10), a. the control component is configured to monitor the mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure; b. A system configured for coordinating scheduling of a plurality of moving components (20) and / or infrastructure with a coordination frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min).

[0061] S4. A system combining at least two of any of the preceding system embodiments.

[0062] S5. A system according to any one of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) comprises an optimization component (10a) for optimizing intralogistics and a management component (10b) for communicating with the movement component (20) and / or the infrastructure.

[0063] S6. The system according to the previous system embodiment, wherein the management component (10b) is configured, at least in part, to receive the status of the mobile component (20) and / or the infrastructure.

[0064] S7. The system according to the previous system embodiment, wherein the management component (10b) is configured to communicate, at least in part, the status of the mobility component (20) and / or the infrastructure to the optimization component (10a).

[0065] S8. The system of any one of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the infrastructure comprises paths, pathways, roads, wired and / or wireless communication systems, operator or user handhelds, gates, traffic lights, barriers, doors, nodes, induction loops, production material sources, loading stations, unloading stations, battery chargers, and / or batteries.

[0066] S9. The system of any of the previous system embodiments, wherein the plurality of moving components (20) and / or infrastructure comprises at least 10 moving components, preferably at least 20 moving components, more preferably at least 50 moving components, even more preferably at least 100 moving components, even more preferably at least 500 components, and most preferably at least 1000 moving components.

[0067] S10. The system of any of the previous system embodiments, wherein the moving component comprises a vehicle (20).

[0068] S11. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the management component (10b) is configured to generate one or more action commands for the nodes (12), vehicles (20), mobile robots, manually operated vehicles, humans or preferably their handheld devices, drones, vessels, infrastructure assets such as routing units, doors, signals, etc.

[0069] S12. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the system is configured for controlling vehicles (20) and / or infrastructure in a factory.

[0070] S13. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the system is configured for controlling vehicles (20) and / or infrastructure in a manufacturing plant.

[0071] S14. A system as described in any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the system is configured to receive schedule information for each of the plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure at least once per minute (1 / min).

[0072] S15. A system as described in any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the system is configured to receive schedule information for each of the plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure at least once every 60 seconds (1 / 60s), preferably at least once every 30 seconds (1 / 30s), more preferably at least once every 10 seconds (1 / 10s), even more preferably at least twice every second (2 / s), and most preferably once every second (1 / s).

[0073] S16. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of moving components.

[0074] S17. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple movement components by calculating a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0075] S18. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple moving components by calculating a plurality of option schedules and selecting the fastest one.

[0076] S19. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, further comprising a computation component configured to compute an adjustment to the scheduling of a plurality of movement components by computing a plurality of option schedules in parallel and selecting one.

[0077] S20. The system of any of the two preceding system embodiments, further comprising a computation component configured to compute the scheduling adjustments at least 100 times per second, preferably at least 1,000 times, and more preferably at least 100,000 times, and even more preferably at least 1 million calculations per second, while computing the option schedule at least 100 times per second, preferably at least 1,000 times, and even more preferably at least 100,000 times, and even more than 1 million calculations per second.

[0078] S21. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple movement components by calculating multiple option schedules in parallel and selecting one.

[0079] S22. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a remote calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple moving components by calculating a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0080] S23. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a cloud-based computing component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple movement components by calculating a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0081] S24. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of moving components by calculating a plurality of option schedules, selecting one, and providing the selected schedule for the adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of moving components (20).

[0082] S25. A system according to any of the previous system embodiments, wherein the frequency of optimizing intralogistics corresponds to at least once every 60 seconds (1 / 60s), preferably at least once every 30 seconds (1 / 30s), more preferably at least once every 10 seconds (1 / 10s), even more preferably at least twice a second (2 / s), and most preferably once a second (1 / s).

[0083] S26. A system according to any of the previous system embodiments, wherein the frequency of receiving intralogistics status data is at least 1,000 times per minute (1,000 / min), preferably 2,500 times per minute (2,500 / min), more preferably 5,000 times per minute (5,000 / min), and most preferably at least 10,000 times per minute (10,000 / min).

[0084] S27. A system according to any of the previous system embodiments, wherein the frequency of management is at least once every 60 seconds (1 / 60s), preferably at least once every 30 seconds (1 / 30s), more preferably at least once every 10 seconds (1 / 10s), even more preferably at least twice a second (2 / s), and most preferably once a second (1 / s).

[0085] S28. A system according to any of the previous system embodiments, wherein the frequency of adjusting the mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure corresponds to at least 1,000 times per minute (1,000 / min), preferably 2,500 times per minute (2,500 / min), more preferably 5,000 times per minute (5,000 / min), and most preferably at least 10,000 times per minute (10,000 / min).

[0086] S29. The system of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the system is configured to monitor and coordinate a fleet having a plurality of vehicles.

[0087] S30. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one of a forklift, a battery-powered vehicle, a transport vehicle, a mobile robot, and a human-operated vehicle.

[0088] S31. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the predefined event comprises a delay or early arrival of the moving component (20).

[0089] S32. A system as described in any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the system further comprises nodes (12) that are references to locations within the factory and configured to detect when a vehicle is in the vicinity of and / or passing through each node (12).

[0090] S33. A system as described in any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the nodes (12) are virtually located at points within the factory that are of interest for scheduling.

[0091] S34. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the predefined event comprises a need for maintenance of the moving component (20).

[0092] S35. The system of any of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the predefined event comprises a need for maintenance of the moving component (20), e.g., malfunction, battery charging, handling issues with the material being moved, incorrect material loaded, improper operation, etc.

[0093] S36. A system as described in any of the previous system embodiments, wherein the system is configured to take into account the time to charge the battery of the mobile component (20).

[0094] S37. The system of any one of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) comprises an optimization component (10a) configured to control the mobile components (20) and coordinate their scheduling.

[0095] S38. The system according to any one of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) comprises a management component (10b) configured for communicating with the mobile component (20).

[0096] S39. The system of any one of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the control component (10) comprises a management component (10) configured for communicating with the mobile component (20) via an interface.

[0097] S40. The system of any one of the preceding system embodiments, wherein the system is configured to train the moving components with respect to the time and / or duration they take for a section of infrastructure.

[0098] Below, method embodiments are described. These embodiments are abbreviated by the letter "M" followed by a number. These embodiments are meant whenever "method embodiments" are mentioned in this specification.

[0099] M1. A method for scheduling intralogistics, comprising: i. monitoring moving components (20) and / or infrastructure; ii. simultaneously adjusting the scheduling of a plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detection of at least one predefined event; A method for providing the above.

[0100] M2. A method for scheduling intralogistics, comprising: i. monitoring moving components (20) and / or infrastructure at least once per minute (1 / min); ii. adjusting the scheduling of the plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detection of at least one predefined event; A method for providing the above.

[0101] M3. A method for scheduling intralogistics, comprising: i. monitoring moving components (20) and / or infrastructure; ii. coordinating the scheduling of the plurality of moving components (20) and / or infrastructure with a coordination frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min); A method for providing the above.

[0102] M4. A method combining at least two of any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0103] M5. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the infrastructure comprises paths, pathways, roads, wired and / or wireless communication systems, operator or user handhelds, gates, traffic lights, barriers, doors, nodes, induction loops, production material sources, loading stations, unloading stations, battery chargers, and / or batteries.

[0104] M6. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments, wherein the plurality of moving elements (20) is at least 10 moving elements, preferably at least 20 moving elements, more preferably at least 50 moving elements, even more preferably at least 100 moving elements, and most preferably at least 1000 moving elements.

[0105] M7. The method of any of the previous method embodiments, wherein the moving component comprises a vehicle (20).

[0106] M8. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method is configured for controlling a vehicle (20) in a factory.

[0107] M9. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method is configured for controlling a vehicle (20) in a manufacturing plant.

[0108] M10. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method is configured to receive schedule information for each of the plurality of moving components (20) at least once per minute (1 / min).

[0109] M11. A method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method is configured to receive schedule information for each of the plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure at least once every 60 seconds (1 / 60s), preferably at least once every 30 seconds (1 / 30s), more preferably at least once every 10 seconds (1 / 10s), even more preferably at least twice every second (2 / s), and most preferably once every second (1 / s).

[0110] M12. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment to the scheduling of the plurality of moving components.

[0111] M13. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of moving components by calculating a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0112] M14. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple moving components by calculating multiple option schedules and selecting the fastest one.

[0113] M15. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple movement components by calculating multiple option schedules in parallel and selecting one.

[0114] M16. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a remote calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple moving components by calculating a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0115] M17. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a cloud-based computing component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the multiple movement components by calculating a plurality of option schedules and selecting one.

[0116] M18. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) further comprises a calculation component configured to calculate an adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of moving components (20) by calculating a plurality of option schedules, selecting one, and providing the selected schedule for the adjustment of the scheduling of the plurality of moving components (20) and / or infrastructure.

[0117] M19. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, further comprising the step of calculating an adjustment to the scheduling of a plurality of moving components by calculating a plurality of option schedules in parallel and selecting one.

[0118] A method according to any of the previous two method embodiments, further comprising the step of calculating the scheduling adjustments at least 100 times, preferably at least 1,000 times, more preferably at least 100,000 times, and even more preferably 1 million or more calculations per M20.1 second.

[0119] M21. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments, wherein the monitoring frequency is at least 1,000 times per minute (1,000 / min), preferably 2,500 times per minute (2,500 / min), more preferably 5,000 times per minute (5,000 / min), and most preferably at least 10,000 times per minute (10,000 / min).

[0120] M22. The method according to any of the previous method embodiments, wherein the frequency of controlling the intralogistics corresponds to at least twice per second (2 / s), preferably once per second (1 / s), even more preferably once per ten seconds (1 / 10s), and most preferably at least once per thirty seconds (1 / 30s).

[0121] M23. A method according to any of the previous method embodiments, wherein the frequency of receiving intralogistics status information corresponds to at least 1,000 times per minute (1,000 / min), preferably 2,500 times per minute (2,500 / min), more preferably 5,000 times per minute (5,000 / min), and most preferably at least 10,000 times per minute (10,000 / min).

[0122] M24. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the method is configured to monitor and coordinate a fleet having a plurality of vehicles.

[0123] M25. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one of a forklift, a battery-powered vehicle, a transport vehicle, a mobile robot, and a human-operated vehicle.

[0124] M26. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the predefined event comprises a delay or early arrival of the moving component (20).

[0125] M27. A method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method further comprises nodes (12) that are references to locations within the factory and configured to detect when a vehicle is in the vicinity of and / or passing through a respective node (12).

[0126] M28. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the predefined event comprises a need for maintenance of the moving component (20).

[0127] M29. The method according to any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the predefined event comprises a need for maintenance of the moving component (20), e.g., malfunction, battery charging, handling issues with the material being moved, incorrect material loaded, improper operation, etc.

[0128] M30. The method of any of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the method is configured to take into account the time to charge the battery of the mobile component (20).

[0129] M31. The method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) comprises an optimization component (10a) configured for controlling the mobile components (20) and coordinating their scheduling.

[0130] M32. The method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) comprises a management component (10b) configured for communicating with the mobile component (20).

[0131] M33. The method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments, wherein the control component (10) comprises a management component (10) configured for communicating with the mobile component (20) via the interface.

[0132] M34. Sections with infrastructure components that are mobile The method of any one of the preceding method embodiments, further comprising training the software on the time and / or duration required for.

[0133] In the following, use embodiments are described. These embodiments are abbreviated by the letter "U" followed by a number. These embodiments are meant whenever "use embodiments" are mentioned in this specification.

[0134] U1. Use of a system according to any of the preceding system embodiments for controlling order scheduling in a manufacturing plant.

[0135] U2. Use of the method according to any of the preceding method embodiments for controlling order scheduling in a manufacturing plant.

[0136] Hereinafter, computer-related product embodiments will be described. These embodiments will be abbreviated by the letter "C" followed by a number. These embodiments are meant whenever "computer-related product embodiments" are mentioned in this specification.

[0137] C1. A computer-related product having a program configured to perform the method according to any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0138] C2. A computer-related product having a program trained to carry out the method according to any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0139] C3. A computer-related product having a program configured to be trained to perform the method according to any of the preceding method embodiments.

[0140] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention and which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0141] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system hardware architecture according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates generally an embodiment of a system and method according to the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic representation of a possible set-up of the system and method according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0142] It is noted that not all reference numbers are shown in all drawings. In some drawings, some of the reference numbers have been omitted for brevity and ease of illustration. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0143] 1 is a schematic diagram of a computing device 100. The computing device 100 includes a computing unit 35, a first data storage unit 30A, a second data storage unit 30B, and a third data storage unit 30C.

[0144] Computing device 100 may be a single computing device or an assembly of computing devices. Computing device 100 may be located locally or remotely, such as in a cloud solution.

[0145] Different data may be stored in different data storage units 30. Additional data storage may be provided and / or may be at least partially combined.

[0146] The computing unit 35 can access the first data storage unit 30A, the second data storage unit 30B, and the third data storage unit 30C via an internal communication channel 160, which may comprise a bus connection 160.

[0147] The computing unit 30 may be a single processor or multiple processors, and may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an APU (Accelerator Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an ASIP (Application Specific Instruction Set Processor), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The first data storage unit 30A may be single or multiple, and may be, but is not limited to, a volatile or non-volatile memory, such as, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a flash memory, a magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), or a parameter RAM (P-RAM).

[0148] The second data storage unit 30B may be single or multiple, and may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), flash memory, magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), or parameter RAM (P-RAM). The third data storage unit 30C may be single or multiple, and may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), flash memory, magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), or parameter RAM (P-RAM).

[0149] In general, the first data storage unit 30A (also referred to as encryption key storage unit 30A), the second data storage unit 30B (also referred to as data share storage unit 30B), and the third data storage unit 30C (also referred to as decryption key storage unit 30C) may be part of the same memory. That is, only one general-purpose data storage unit 30 may be provided per device and may be configured to store the respective encryption keys (so that the part of the data storage unit 30 that stores the encryption keys may be the encryption key storage unit 30A), the respective data element shares (so that the part of the data storage unit 30 that stores the data element shares may be the data share storage unit 30B), and the respective decryption keys (so that the part of the data storage unit 30 that stores the decryption keys may be the decryption key storage unit 30A).

[0150] In some embodiments, the third data storage unit 30C may be a secure memory device 30C that can automatically encrypt all of the stored data, e.g., a self-encrypting memory, a hardware-based full-disk encrypted memory, etc. Data may be decrypted from the memory components only upon successful authentication of the party that requires access to the third data storage unit 30C, which may be a user, a computing device, a processing unit, etc. In some embodiments, the third data storage unit 30C may be connected only to the computing unit 35, which may be configured to never output data received from the third data storage unit 30C. This may ensure secure storage and handling of the encryption key (i.e., private key) stored in the third data storage unit 30C.

[0151] In some embodiments, the second data storage unit 30B may not be provided, and instead the computing device 100 may be configured to receive the corresponding encrypted shares from the database 60. In some embodiments, the computing device 100 may include a second data storage unit 30B, and may be configured to receive the corresponding encrypted shares from the database 60.

[0152] Computing device 100 may include additional memory components 140, which may be single or multiple and may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as, but not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), flash memory, magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), or parameter RAM (P-RAM). Memory components 140 may be connected to other components of computing device 100 (such as computing component 35) via internal communication channels 160.

[0153] Further, the computing device 100 may comprise an external communication component 130. The external communication component 130 may be configured to facilitate transmission / reception of data to / from an external device (e.g., a backup device, a recovery device, a database). The external communication component 130 may comprise an antenna (e.g., a WIFI antenna, an NFC antenna, a 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G antenna, etc.), a USB port / plug, a LAN port / plug, a contact pad providing electrical connectivity, etc. The external communication component 130 may transmit and / or receive data based on a communication protocol that may comprise instructions for transmitting and / or receiving data. The instructions may be stored in the memory component 140 and executed by the computing unit 35 and / or the external communication component 130. The external communication component 130 may be connected to the internal communication component 160. Thus, data received by the external communication component 130 may be provided to the memory component 140, the computing unit 35, the first data storage unit 30A and / or the second data storage unit 30B and / or the third data storage unit 30C. Similarly, data stored in the memory component 140, the first data storage unit 30A and / or the second data storage unit 30B and / or the third data storage unit 30C, and / or data generated by the computing unit 35 may be provided to the external communication component 130 for transmission to an external device.

[0154] Computing device 100 may also include an input user interface 110 that may enable a user of computing device 100 to provide at least one input (e.g., a command) to computing device 100. For example, input user interface 110 may include a button, a keyboard, a trackpad, a mouse, a touch screen, a joystick, etc.

[0155] The computing device 100 may also include an output user interface 120 that may enable the computing device 100 to provide instructions to a user. For example, the output user interface 110 may be an LED, a display, a speaker, etc.

[0156] The output and input user interface 100 may be connected to internal components of the device 100 via an internal communication component 160 .

[0157] The processor may be single or multiple and may be, but is not limited to, a CPU, GPU, DSP, APU, or FPGA. The memory may be single or multiple and may be volatile or non-volatile, such as, but is not limited to, SDRAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, MRAM, F-RAM, or P-RAM.

[0158] The data processing device may comprise a data processing means, such as, for example, a processor unit, a hardware accelerator, and / or a microcontroller. The data processing device 20 may comprise memory components, such as, for example, a main memory (e.g., RAM), a cache memory (e.g., SRAM), and / or a secondary memory (e.g., HDD, SDD). The data processing device may comprise a bus configured to facilitate data exchange between components of the data processing device, such as, for example, communication between memory components and processing components. The data processing device may comprise a network interface card, which may be configured to connect the data processing device to a network, such as, for example, the Internet ... Output user interface, e.g. A screen or monitor configured to display visual data (e.g. displaying a questionnaire graphical user interface to a user); a speaker configured to communicate audio data (e.g., play the audio data to a user); Input user interface, e.g. A camera configured to capture visual data (e.g., capture an image and / or video of the user); a microphone configured to capture audio data (e.g., to record speech from a user); A keyboard configured to allow for the insertion of text and / or other keyboard commands (e.g., allowing a user to enter text data and / or other keyboard commands by typing on a keyboard), and / or a trackpad, mouse, touch screen, joystick, etc. configured to facilitate navigation through the questionnaire's various graphical user interfaces. The user interface may include:

[0159] The data processing device may be a processing unit configured to execute instructions of a program. The data processing device may be a system-on-chip comprising a processing unit, a memory component, and a bus. The data processing device may be a personal computer, a laptop, a pocket computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer. The data processing device may be a local and / or remote server. The data processing device may be a processing unit or a system-on-chip that may be interfaced with a personal computer, a laptop, a pocket computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, and / or a user interface (such as the user interfaces described above).

[0160] 2 shows a system or component arrangement according to the invention. A control component 10 is shown, which may consist of an optimization component 10a, a management component 10b and a storage component 10c. The latter in particular, as well as the other components, may be located remotely, for example in the cloud.

[0161] The optimization component 10a may monitor and adjust the scheduling and / or calculate the optimization. The management component 10b may be configured to communicate with a mobile component 20, such as a vehicle 20, via an interface. The interface may communicate with the vehicle 20 in a wired and / or wireless manner.

[0162] As mentioned above, the vehicle may comprise different types, for example a robot, a forklift, a human operated vehicle, etc. The latter may be configured to receive instructions from the control component 10 on a display, handheld, pc, etc., to be taken into account by an operator.

[0163] In the illustrated example, the nodes 12 may be present in any suitable number. They may be physically located and / or may be of a virtual nature, meaning that they are imaginary points or areas within the area in which the vehicles 20 travel. They are shown to detect the presence of the vehicles 20 and / or the timing of the vehicles 20 passing. If the passing times deviate from expected or pre-calculated times, the optimizer 10a may modify the scheduling of one or more of the vehicles 20 under its control.

[0164] Figure 3 shows the arrangement and communication between the components. An input 5 is shown which can be configured to provide one or more orders. The respective information is communicated to an optimization component 10a which itself can be configured to plan and / or optimize schedules, e.g. time-specific assignments and orders for moving components, e.g. transport units. This can be communicated from the optimization component 10a to a management component 10b.

[0165] The management component 10b may be configured to generate one or more action commands for the nodes 12, vehicles 20, mobile robots, manually operated vehicles, humans or preferably their handheld devices, drones, vessels, infrastructure assets (e.g., routing units, doors, signals, etc.) The action commands may comprise commands to drive, pick up, drop off, open gates, switch colors, etc.

[0166] The recipient of the command may then report status or events, such as battery status, location, errors, etc.

[0167] The management component 10b may be further configured to feed back the information to the optimization component 10a either directly or in a processed form.

[0168] Reference numbers and letters that appear in parentheses in the claims and identify features described in the embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings are provided to assist the reader as an illustration of the subject matter that is claimed, and the inclusion of such reference numbers and letters should not be construed as placing limitations on the scope of the claims.

[0169] The term "at least one of a first option and a second option" is intended to mean either the first option or the second option, or the first option and the second option.

[0170] Whenever relative terms such as "about," "substantially," or "approximately" are used in this specification, such terms should be interpreted as including the exact term, i.e., "substantially linear" should be interpreted as including "(exactly) linear."

[0171] Whenever steps are described above or in the appended claims, it should be noted that the order in which the steps are described in the document may be accidental. That is, unless expressly stated or clear to the skilled person, the order in which the steps are described may be accidental. That is, when the document describes, for example, that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) precedes step (B), but it is also possible that step (A) is performed (at least partially) simultaneously with step (B), or that step (B) precedes step (A). Furthermore, when it is said that a step (X) precedes another step (Z), this does not imply that there is no step between step (X) and (Z). That is, step (X) preceding step (Z) encompasses not only the situation in which step (X) is performed immediately before step (Z), but also the situation in which step (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), ..., and then step (Z) is performed. Where terms such as "after" or "before" are used, corresponding considerations apply.

Claims

1. 1. A system for controlling intralogistics, comprising: A control component (10) i. the control component is configured to manage mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure; ii. A system configured for simultaneously coordinating scheduling of multiple mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detecting at least one predefined event.

2. 1. A system for controlling intralogistics, comprising: A control component (10) i. the control component is configured to monitor the mobile component (20) and / or infrastructure at a monitoring frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min); ii. A system configured to coordinate scheduling of a plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detecting at least one predefined event.

3. 1. A system for controlling intralogistics, comprising: A control component (10) i. the control component is configured to monitor mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure; ii. A system configured to coordinate scheduling of a plurality of moving components (20) and / or infrastructure with a monitoring frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min).

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control component (10) comprises an optimization component (10a) for optimizing the intralogistics and a management component (10b) for communicating with the movement component (20) and / or the infrastructure.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the management component (10b) is configured to at least partially receive the status of the mobile components (20) and / or the infrastructure.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the management component (10b) is configured to communicate the state of the mobility component (20) and / or the infrastructure at least in part to the optimization component (10a).

7. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the infrastructure comprises at least one of a pathway, a walkway, a road, a wired and / or wireless communication system, an operator or user handheld, a gate, a traffic light, a barrier, a door, a node, an induction loop, a production material supply source, a loading station, an unloading station, a battery charger, and / or a battery.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of moving components (20) and / or infrastructure comprises at least 10 moving components, preferably at least 20 moving components, even more preferably at least 50 moving components, even more preferably at least 100 moving components, and most preferably at least 1000 moving components.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mobile component comprises a vehicle (20).

10. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the management component (10b) is configured to generate one or more action commands for nodes (12), vehicles (20), mobile robots, manually operated vehicles, humans or preferably their handheld devices, drones, ships, infrastructure assets such as routing units, doors, signals, etc.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is configured for controlling vehicles (20) and / or infrastructure in a factory.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system is configured for controlling vehicles (20) and / or infrastructure within a manufacturing plant.

13. 1. A method for scheduling intralogistics, comprising: i. monitoring moving components (20) and / or infrastructure; ii. simultaneously adjusting the scheduling of multiple mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detecting at least one predefined event; A method for providing the above.

14. 1. A method for scheduling intralogistics, comprising: i. monitoring moving components (20) and / or infrastructure at a frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min); ii. adjusting scheduling of a plurality of mobile components (20) and / or infrastructure upon detecting at least one predefined event; A method for providing the above.

15. 1. A method for scheduling intralogistics, comprising: i. monitoring moving components (20) and / or infrastructure; ii. Coordinating the scheduling of a plurality of moving components (20) and / or infrastructure with a coordination frequency of at least once per minute (1 / min); A method for providing the above.

16. A computer-related product for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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